Here is a list of places for you to visit this holiday season in India. CrazyPundit has come up with the most desirable places and the most fascinating locations of all times. This time it is not top 10 but top 25 to broaden your options on travelling. Check it out:
Top famous travel hot spots in India
1.) Munnar
Munnar is famous for its sprawling tea plantations and is surrounded by serene hills. It attracts adventure travelers hungry for paragliding, treks to Anaimudi (South India’s highest peak) and hikes originating at the confluence of three mountain streams.
There is a stone Christ Church, built by the British in 1910. It is famous for its renowned works of stained glass. The Eravikulam National Park, about 10 miles is a home the flora and fauna present there. It also includes the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (ibex), ruddy mongoose and 120 bird species.
Places of Interest
- Rajamalai (Eravikulam) National Park
- Tea Gardens
- Kolukkumalai Tea Estate
2.) Manali
Hindus believe that Manu survived a great flood that destroyed the rest of the world. He then recreated mankind in this Kullu Valley town. The towering peaks and verdant terrain of Manali attracts adventure travelers, with heli-skiing, hiking, mountaineering and river rafting – cool sports to enjoy during your vacation.
The four-story, wooden Hidimba Devi Temple located in the middle of a nearby deciduous forest is another fascinating site in Manali. Tourists also like to take a medicinal soak in the hot springs burbling from the ground which is a 30-minute walk from town
Place of Interest
- Manikaran Gurudwara
- Hadimba Devi Mandir
- River Beas
3.) Hampi
Hampi is the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is actually a religious hub, housing the Virupaksha, Lakshmi Narasimha, Hemakuta Hill, Big Shivlinga and Vithala temples. The architectural ruins of Hampi are notified as UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you are a rock climbing enthusiasts you will definitely adore Hampi. It is considered as the bouldering capital of India. The city is rich with rocky landscape and is dotted with ancient temple ruins that will bring you a unique climbing experience.
4.) Goa
Goa is known as the place where Indian culture intertwines with Portuguese influences left over from a 500-year occupation. The beaches have long served as a magnet for serene hedonists.
The tourist-centric scene is prevalent in the north with an international flair that is now skewing more hip than hippie. The south is famous for its unspoiled sand and an escape from large resorts. Temples, mosques and wildlife sanctuaries provide diversions from the beach.
Places of Interest
- Old Goa
- Dudhsagar Falls
- Anjuna Market
5.) Udaipur
Udaipur is also known as the Venice of the East. It boasts of several sparkling lakes against a backdrop of the Aravail hills. Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir, islands in Fateh Sagar Lake and the site of Udaipur Solar Observatory and Nehru Garden are hot tourists spots.
Other famous palaces include the magical Lake Palace which is now a luxurious five-star hotel and the massive City Palace on Pichola’s east bank, featuring epic courtyards and stunning paintings.
Place of Interest
- Jain Temple – Ranakpur
- Shilpgram
- City Palace of Udaipur
6.) Gangtok
Gangtok, the capital of the state of Sikkim is an attractive tourist destination. It reflects a unique ambience with a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Gangtok also bustles like any other thriving town with is stupas and monasteries. Some of the key places to visit include Rumtek Monastery, Do-Drul Chorten, Enchey Monastery, Tashi View Point and the local bazaar, Lal Bazaar.
Places of Interest
- Deer Park
- Phurchachu Hot Springs
- Nathula Pass
7.) Bangalore
Bangalore is known as both the “Garden City” and “The Silicon Valley of India,” Bangalore (officially “Bengaluru”) is the technical hub of India with the highest concentration of IT companies in the country. Besides there are a plenty of gardens, museums, natural features, palaces and temples to fill your vacation with. Visit Vidhana Soudha, Cubbon Park and the Ulsoor Lake of Bangalore for its beautiful locales and boating facilities. Bangalore is also a major centre of Indian classical music and dance along with cutting-edge nightlife.
Places of Interest
- ISKCON Sri Radha Krishna-Chandra Temple
- Lalbagh Botanical Garden
- Bannerghatta National Park
8.) DharamShala
Dharamsala is a spiritual home to the largest Tibetan temple outside of Tibet. It is famous for its religious iconography. It is the monastery of the Dalai Lama, who holds public lectures a few times a year. You may also enjoy the picturesque stroll to Bhagsu Waterfall or climb the hill to Triund to bask in the stunning views of the Himalayas.
Places of Interest
- Tsuglag Khang
- Kangra Valley
- Triund Dharamshala
9.) Jaipur
Jaipur is named as the Pink City because of its glorious stucco buildings that lines its wide street. Enjoy the City Palace, Hawa Mahal, and Amber and Jaigarh forts. And if you want to shop for souvenirs, head to one of the bazaars, and pick up a pair of camel-leather slippers.
Places of Interest
- Amber (Amer) Fort and Palace
- Jantar Mantar – Jaipur
- Palace of Wind (Hawa Mahal)
10.) Leh
Leh is situated near the eastern parts of Jammu and Kashmir on the crossroads of the historic “Silk Route” from Sinkiang to West Asia and to the plains of India. It is rich in monasteries like Shey, Hemis, Alchi, Thikse and Lamayuru where you may visit to nurture your spiritual needs. The landscape of Leh is open to a number of adventure activities including mountaineering, white-water rafting and trekking along the Markha Valley.
Places of Interest
- Tibetan Market
- Phyang Monastery
- Leh Royal Palace
11.) Havelock Islands
Havelock Island is famous for scuba diving and snorkeling, the most popular sport of the Andaman Islands. The glass-bottomed boats provide a similar up-close marine life experience. Other popular landlubbing activities include jungle treks and camping. Finally, energize with fresh coconut milk and succulent, just-caught seafood, which dominates every meal.
Places of Interest
- Radhanagar Beach
- Barren Island Volcano
- Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
12.) Wayanad
Wayanad is the most ideal destination for both intense outdoor adventure and calming restoration. You can climb the foothills of Brahmagiri to reach the ancient Thirunelli Temple, hike to the overwhelmingly stunning Meenmutty Falls or just explore Edakkal Caves, rich with prehistoric paintings. Wayanad is famous for its Ayurvedic healing spas, a perfect place for restoring your pleasantly exhausted body after a tiring day of exploring.
Places of Interest
- Chembra Peak
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
- Edakkal Caves
13.) Mysore
The kings of the Wodeyar dynasty set the bar high for the southern cultural capital of Mysore. It has ornate palaces and the famous Gothic St. Philomena’s Church with its 175-foot spires pack a visual punch. The local institution endorses Carnatic classical music and dance. A prominent 11th-century temple sits is located on the top of 1,000 steps on the city’s outskirts. The lively Dussehra festival is held for 10 days in October/November and is a pleasant watch.
Places of Interest
- Somnathpur Temples
- Mysore Zoo – Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens
- Maharajah’s Palace (Amba Vilas)
14.) Mount Abu
Mount Abu is situated in the lush green, forested hills on the highest peak in the Aravali range. It is known as the summer capital of Rajasthan. The cool and soothing climate makes it an ideal place for recreation. There is a number of Jain temples including the Dilwara Temple, a complex carved of white marble. You may also visit the nearby Achalgarh fort which has a numerous temples of its own.
Places of Interest
- Dilwara Jain Temples
- Sunset Point Mount Abu
- Nakki Lake
15.) Matheran
Matheran dwells in scenic beauty. It is easily accessible via scenic rail from Mumbai. It is a refuge in the Sahyadri Hills that is free of motor vehicles and affords nearly three dozen lookouts over the Western Ghats and the region’s village-dotted plains. Porcupine Point is an ideal spot for gorgeous sunsets, especially at the aptly named Panorama Point.
Places of Interest
- Charlotte Lake
- Rambaug Point
- Paymasters Park
16.) Amritsar
Amritsar is a commercial and cultural hub situated in the heart of Punjab. The city is the spiritual and cultural centre of the Sikhs and is home to the Harmandir Sahib, popularly known as the Golden Temple. It is the same place where Indian and Pakistani soldiers marched-off nightly at the Wagha Border and is the site of Jallian Wala Bagh Amritsar Massacre in 1919.
Places of Interest
- Darbar Sahib
- Jallianwala Bagh
- Harmandir Sahib
17.) Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is the pinnacle of greenery as it is the only evergreen forest in the world. The landscape is abounding with lush hills, valleys and lookout points such as Lodwick Point, Arthur’s Seat and Babington Point. It is famous for the four-legged tour of the gorgeous Venna Lake area and savor juicy native strawberries, mulberries and corn.
Places of Interest
- Venna Lake
- Wilson Point (Sunrise Point)
- Mahabaleshwar Temple
18.) Shimla
The capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla, is surrounded by snow capped Himalayan peaks and green pastures. You may enjoy the heritage walk through Shimla’s Victorian-era architecture, labyrinthine bazaars and lengthy pedestrian shopping mall. Shimla was a retreat destination for Mahatma Gandhi, who frequented a Georgian mansion in Shimla’s suburbs from the mid-1930s to ’40s.
Places of Interest
- Kalka – Shimla Railway
- Kinnaur
- Jakhu Temple
19.) Tirupati
Tirupati is known as the holy city that draws tourists and religious pilgrims alike. The Ancient Lord Venkateswara Temple that is known for its elabourate Dravidian style and gold-plated cupola is located here. Prayers are offered daily as it sits high in the Tirumala hills. The lush countryside contains numerous waterfalls too. Tirupati is also home to a rare, naturally-occurring pre-Jurassic stone arch that is 25 feet long and 10 feet high.
Places of Interest
- Tirumala Temple
- Talakona Waterfall
- Tirupati Temple
20.) Kashmir
Kashmir is known for its rich history and political controversy. It is a hub of cultural and natural phenomenon. Indulge in its exquisitely spiced native cuisines and festive teas and slowly walk off your meal along the rugged trekking routes to the north. It is also famous for its houseboats in Srinagar and its pilgrimage sites and religious shrines which dot the region. Its native craftsmanship makes for excellent souvenirs. Do not forget to shop for those!
Places of Interest
- Dal Lake
- Mughal Gardens
- Jame Mosque
21.) Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is famous for its endangered animal called the grizzled giant squirrel. It is a popular lakeside resort town and is a magnet for nature lovers. It is perched on the woodsy southern crest of the Palani Hills, nearly 7,000 feet above sea level. If you wander along the peaceful slopes you will be lucky enough to see the rare birds, exotic flowers and the grizzled giant squirrels
Places of Interest
- Kodaikanal Lake
- Coakers Walk
- Berijam Lake
22.) Kolkata
Kolkata is the former British colonial stronghold with over two millennia of habitation abundant in ornate, architecturally diverse buildings, ranging from crumbing ruins to Victorian treasures. It is famous for its lively festivals, vibrant artistic community, clamorous markets and packed temples.
Places of Interest
- Victoria Memorial Hall
- Mother House
- Kalighat Kali Temple
23.) Coorg
Coorg is famous for its misty hills, lush teakwood and sandalwood forests and acres of tea and coffee plantations. It is roughly known as the Scotland of India. It is a postcard-perfect region of scattered villages and hamlets. They form the epitome of old-world charm. Kodagu is ideal for outdoor activities such as trekking, angling and white-water rafting, and major festivals like Keil Poldu (worship of weapons), Cauvery Shankaramana (return of the river goddess) and the Huttari (harvest) festival attracts tourists from all over India.
Places of Interest
- Omkareshwara Temple
- Brahmagiri Hill
- Iruppu Falls
24.) Rishikesh
Rishikesh is the holy city situated in the base of the Himalayas. It holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the local Hindus. Its sacred rivers and mountains create a soothing atmosphere for meditation. It is also ideal for reflective hikes and rafting. The Beatles got in touch with their Eastern spiritual side here and wrote several songs during a 1968 stint at a local ashram
Places of Interest
- Laxman Jhula
- Swarg Ashram
- Neelkanth Mahadev
25.) Haridwar
The breath taking city of Haridwar is considered as the “Gateway to God”. It is abundant with temples and serves as a magnet for religious pilgrims across the globe. Tourists are always mesmerized by the city’s aura of intense spirituality. If you are in Haridwar do not forget to visit the famous Har ki Pauri and the Chandi Devi Temple
Places of Interest
- Har ki Pauri
- Chandi Devi Temple
- Mansa Devi Temple
These were some of the many hot spots in India for your smooth vacation. Take your pick and enjoy the rich heritage of India.
Akshay Agarwal
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