Top 10 Best Holiday Destinations in India: Below is a random list of all the places in India that are worth packing your bags and visiting. Some on the list are states and some are smaller places in different states. India is a rich country and there is much to explore from the mountains in the North to the deserts of the West, the hill stations of the East and the beaches in the South.
1. Munnar, Kerela
Munnar is located at the convergence of three mountain streams – Nallathanni, Mudrapuzha and Kundala. The beautiful hill station is 1,600 meters above sea level that is filled with tea plantations, winding lanes, picture book towns and holiday facilities. The most beautiful part about Munnar blooms only once in 12 years and the next Neelakurinji blooming is in 2018. This beautiful flower named Neelakurinji fills up the hills with its mesmerizing purple blue color.
If you plan a trip to Munnar, the first place to go is the Eravikulam National Park. This Park is known for its endangered inhabitant – the Nilgiri Tahr. It is a brilliant place to take a trek and get a glance of rare species of birds, animals and butterflies.
Best time to visit: June to September
2. Goa
Everyone has either been to Goa while others dream about being there some day. It’s a brilliant idea, Goa is a place of true democracy. The tiny state is divided into North and South, the North of Goa is mostly for party goers while the South is for calmer people. But you can manage to do both in all of Goa.
The beaches in North Goa that are a must to visit are Baga, Arambol, Ashvem, and Candolim. The South in comparison has much cleaner and beautiful beaches like Palolem, Agonda, and Butterfly beach.
It’s not just the beaches that need to be visited but also the Dudhsagar waterfalls, the fifth largest in the country. Also for bird lovers, the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is ideal for bird watching and catching glimpses of rare birds. Goa also has a tourist attraction to bathe with elephants at Dharbandora
Best time to visit: October to January
3. Leh, Jammu and Kashmir
Leh is a place of pure bliss and for anyone who wants to get away from civilization and the hi-tech life we are all used to living in, Leh is the place to be. The scenic view of mountains is the beginning of all the things Leh has to offer.
The food in Leh is exquisite and unlike the rest of the food found in India. The Indo-Tibetan food lets you go on a mouthgasm trip with dishes like Momos, Thukpa, Sku, and Pava (a local bread.)
Best time to visit: June to September
4. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
If you’re looking for a perfect honeymoon or holiday destination, Kodaikanal is the place to go in the South. The hill station is 7,200 ft above sea level and popularly known as the princes of hill stations.
Kodaikanal is a peacemaking trip, a place you want to go to let go of all your worries and woes. The scenic view cleanses the negativity in your mind while the weather allows you to stay cool. The wooded forests are a nice place for a quiet walk among nature while the waterfalls are a good place for an unusual bath.
Best time to visit: June to September. September is the best month of the whole year to be in Kodaikanal.
5. Jaipur
Jaipur also known as the Pink City is the largest city in the Royal state of Rajasthan. The city is a place to be if you want to feel connected to our country’s culture and rich heritage.
The royal residences that remain as they were years ago are one of the biggest attractions to visit. Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort and Nahargarh Fort are a few that are a must to which to venture out. The Jai Mahal Palace, Rambagh Palace Hotel and Alsisar Haveli are some of the palaces in Jaipur that attract quite a crowd.
Best time to visit: November to February
6. Nainital, Uttarakhand
Nainital, the Lake City is located in the lap of Uttarakhand and is surrounded by a breathtaking view of hills. The city is the most visited hill station in North India.
Snow View is one of the most popular tourist places in Nainital. The name Snow View is apt, as you take a cable car to reach the place you are greeted by the Himalayan mountain range. For all the shopaholics the Tibetan Market is the place to satisfy all your shopping dreams. Food in Nainital is also incredible, Sonam’s Fast Food is located in the Tibetan Alley and the food joint fills the alley with the marvelous smell of hot steamy Momos.
Best time to visit: March to June
7. Panchgani, Maharashtra
In the state of Maharashtra is a beautiful hill station called Panchgani. Panchgani is defined as five hills giving a picturesque scenic view. It has the view of mountains on one side with coastal plains on the other side.
Some of the places to visit in Panchgani are Mount Malcolm, Wilson Point, Panchganga Mandir, Venna Lake, Table Land, Lingmala Falls, Sydney Point, and Dhom Dam. This hill station is known for its unpolluted air giving you a break from carbon dioxide and a healthy dose of oxygen.
8. Shillong, Meghalaya
The capital of Meghalaya is Shillong and it is mesmerizing for its crystal clear lakes and waterfalls. One of the note worthy stories of the city is back in 1897, the city was wiped out by an earthquake. But the people didn’t let it get them down instead, they rebuilt the city from scratch with sheer determination.
The city was also renamed by the British as the ‘Scotland of the East’ keeping up with the name with its lush green mountains and pine forests. Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, Umiam lake, and Lady Hydari Park and the places to visit. Also, Shillong is one of the few places in India where you can find cherry blossom trees. The beautiful pink flowering trees blossom during the Autumn season and the city has also dedicated a festival during the month of November from 14th to 17th.
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
9. Gokarna, Karnataka
Gokarna is located on the coast in the State of Karnataka and has some very attractive beaches. Gokarna is at the convergence of two rivers, the two rivers come together to form a shape that looks similar to a cow’s ear. Gokarna is directly translated to cow’s ear.
Gokarna was initially famous for a holy pilgrimage place but now has been attracting a lot of tourists from all over the world. Gokarna Beach, Half Moon Beach, Paradise Beach, Kudle beach and Om beach are the five main seaside attractions.
Best time to visit: October to March
10. Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep is one of the best tropical island systems in the world and spread across 36 islands. The islands are surrounded by a beautiful lagoon.
Places to visit are Kavaratti island which is the most developed. Minicoy Island which is isolated from all the other islands. Agatti Island that is famous for scuba diving and the only island with an airport. Kadmat Island has one of the most beautiful beaches with a fine lagoon of even depth and secluded tourist huts. Saving the best for last is Bangaram a tear drop shaped island with beautiful creamy sand.
Best time to visit: October to Mid May
