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Tourist Places in India

India is a land of beautiful places, some are beautiful hill stations, some are located amidst green valleys and streams, and some are located beside beautiful sea beaches. Brief information is provided below about some of the best tourist places in India that will help you choose the right place as per your interests and love for natural beauty.

The list of tourist places in India:

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1) Munnar, Kerala

Munnar is a hill station in Kerala located in the Western Ghats at an altitude of 1600 metres above the sea level. It is also known as the Kashmir of South India. During the British rule in India, it was the summer resort of the British Govt. in South India.

It is home to sprawling tea plantations, green valleys, winding lanes, and landscape with various shades of greenery and viewpoints. The highest peak of South India namely Anamudi with a height of 2695 metres is located in Eravikulam National Park adjacent to the Munar. Neelakurinji, a flower that blooms once in every twelve year and carpets the valley with blue colour, is also found in Munar. Besides this, it is situated on the banks of three rivers namely Nallathanni, Periavaru, and Madupetti.

Places to visit in and around Munar:

• Tea plantations
• Tea Museum
• Safari tour in Eravikulam National Park
• Shikara ride in Kundala
• Atukkad Waterfall
• Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

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2) Darjeeling, West Bengal

Darjeeling is a city in the North of West Bengal, India. It is a picturesque hill station nestled at the foothills of Himalayas and is also known as the ‘Queen of the Hills.’ This hill station is known for its scenic beauty, tea plantations, ancient forests, traditional houses and view of the Kanchenjunga, which is the third-highest mountain peak in the world.

One of the major highlights of Darjeeling is the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. It is also called a toy train due to its small size. It runs on a 2 feet narrow gauge through the hilly terrain from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling. At Batasia Loop, which is a spiral railway track, it takes a 360 degrees turn. The other attractions include Buddhist monasteries, churches, temples, waterfalls, etc.

Places to visit in and around Darjeeling:

• Nightingale Park
• Darjeeling Ropeway
• Batasia Loop
• Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
• Darjeeling Rock Garden (Barbotey Garden)
• Singalila National Park
• Darjeeling Peace Pagoda
• Sandakphu Trek
• Padmaja Naidu Himalayan
• Happy Valley Tea Estate
• Darjeeling Observatory Hill
• Ghoom Monastery

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3) Goa

Goa is the smallest state of India that is located on the west coast of India. It is a world-famous tourist destination that is known for its sea beaches, nightlife, delicious seafood, natural beauty and pleasant climatic conditions. It is spread over 3702 sq. km. and is divided into two districts North Goa and South Goa. Its capital is Panaji.

The relaxed and carefree lifestyle in Goa attracts lots of international tourists. Festivals like New Year Celebration, Sunburn Goa and Goa Carnival are celebrated throughout the year in the city. The trendy bars, beach cottages, cafe and clubs, discotheques, casino cruise and low-priced alcohol make the nightlife of Goa very happening and enriching.

Places to visit in Goa:

• Baga Beach
• Calangute Beach
• Fort Aguada
• Dudhsagar Waterfalls
• Chapora Fort
• Candolim Beach
• Bom Jesus Basilica
• Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
• Anjuna Flea Market
• Galgibaga Beach

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4) Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh

It is a beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh, which is known for its picturesque natural landscapes, pine-covered valleys, flower-decorated meadows, rivers, magnificent mountains and the view of snow-capped peaks of Dhauladhar Range.

Dalhousie is located at an elevation of 1970 metres from the sea level. It got its name from the British governor-general Lord Dalhousie who established this town in 1850 as a summer retreat for Britishers during the British rule in India.

So, you can see many churches at this place such as St. Patrick’s Church, which is the largest church in Dalhousie, and St. Francis Church that is famous for its Belgium glass façade and stonework.

Places to visit in Dalhousie:

• Khajjiar
• Mall road
• Bakrota Hills
• Bhulwani Mata
• Bhalei Mata
• Francis Church
• Panchpula
• Chamera Lake
• Garam Sadak
• Subash Baoli
• Sach Pass

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5) Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Manali is one of the most-visited hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. It is located at an altitude of 1926 metres above the sea level, in the vicinity of Beas River and between the Pir Panjal mountain range and Dhauladhar ranges.

A visit to Manali is a complete package of nature, adventure, food, sports and ancient heritage including spirituality. The valleys are carpeted with forests of oak, fir, pine and deodar. Apart from snow and valley, the gushing waterfalls, sprawling meadows, terrace farming, fruit orchids, and Buddhist monasteries enhance the natural beauty of the city.

The Manali is also famous for its ancient heritage. It has impressive architecture and famous temples such as Hadimba, Manu and Shiv Temple. Besides this, the hill station also offers various adventurous options such as trekking, paragliding, trekking, river rafting, etc.

Places to visit in and around Manali:

• Hadimba Temple
• Manu Temple
• Solang Valley
• Rohtang Pass
• Pandoh Dam
• Raghunath Temple
• Jagganathi Devi Temple
• Jana Waterfall
• Rahala Falls
• Great Himalayan National Park
• Manikarn

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6) Gangtok, Sikkim

Gangtok is a popular hill station in India, located at the eastern Himalayan range at a height of 1650 metres above the sea level. It is the capital of Sikkim and the meaning of its name is hilltop.

The hill station is a heaven for Buddhists and is known for neatness as according to the Zen philosophy the spirituality can only make its way through cleanliness.

Besides this, the city is surrounded by thick forests of poplar, oak, elm, and coniferous trees. It is also home to orchids, which are also displayed in the flower shows held in the city. There are also two streams in Gangtok; Roro Chu on east and Ranikhola on the west.

The snow-capped view of Mount Kanchenjunga, scenic surroundings and unique culture and tradition and local food such as momos and kinema make Gangtok a must-visit tourist place in India. It is also a perfect place for people with a spiritual bent of mind as it is home to various famous monasteries such as Enchey and Rumtek.

Places to visit in and around Gangtok:

• Himalayan Zoological Park
• Enchey Monastery
• Rumtek Monastery
• Phensang Monastery
• Nathu La Pass
• Saramsa Garden
• Ganesh Tok (temple)
• Hanuma Tok
• Tsomgo Lake
• Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple
• Seven Sister’s Waterfalls
• Kanchenjunga Falls
• Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden

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7) Mount Abu, Rajasthan

It is the only hill station in Rajasthan and is a part of Sirohi district of Rajasthan. It is situated in the Aravalli hills near the border of Rajasthan and Gujrat. The pleasant climate and lush green surroundings of this town make it one of the major tourist destinations in Rajasthan.

One of the main highlights of this place is Dilwara temples which is an excellent example of architecture from ancient India. These temples were intentionally made plain from the outside so that they look simple and don’t attract the plunders.

The highest point at Mount Abu is Guru Shikhar. It houses Guru Dattatreya temple which is believed to be an incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva in one. The lakes and viewpoints such as sunset point, honeymoon point, and boating at Nakki Lake make your visit more exciting and rewarding.

Places to visit in and around Mount Abu:

• Dilwara Jain Temples
• Adhar Devi Temple
• Guru Shikhar Peak
• Achaleshwar Mahadev
• Gaumukh Temple
• Rishikesh Temple
• Nakki Lake
• Sunset Point
• Toad Rock
• Trevor’s tank ( Trevor’s crocodile park)
• Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple
• Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary

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8) Nainital, Uttarakhand

Nainital is a beautiful hill station in Uttarakhand at the foothills of the Kumaon Himalayan mountains ranges. It is located at an altitude of 1938 metres from the sea level. The town is named after eye-shaped Naini Lake around which it is established.

Nainital is also known as Lake District of India as it houses many lakes and each lake has a unique name. Nainital was founded by a British Sugar Trader P. Baron in 1841. Thereafter, Britishers used to come here during summers.

The town is bordered by seven hills that are called Sapta-Shring and include Naina, Ayarpata, Deopata, Handi-Bandi, Alma, Lariya-Kanta and Shar-ka-Danda. Besides lakes, the old Nainital area houses colonial relics including their bungalows, churches and old Christian cemetery. For trekking, there are narrow lanes through pine, oak and deodar forests.

Places to visit in and around Nainital:

• Naini Lake
• Bhimtal Lake
• Khurpa Tal
• Naina Peak
• Tiffin Top
• Nainital Zoo
• Governor’s House
• St John Wilderness Church
• Hanuman Garhi
• Naina Devi Temple
• Neem Karoli Baba Ashram
• Pangot
• Jeolikot

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9) Taj Mahal, Agra

Taj is one of the world-famous tourist destinations in India, which is also counted among the Seven Wonders of the World. It is located on the bank of river Yamuna in Agra, Uttara Pradesh. Taj Mahal was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. He made this monument in the memory of his wife Mumtaj Mahal after her death. It is not only a tourist destination but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Taj Mahal is known of its Islamic design, and Mughal architecture and is made of white marble decorated with semi-precious stones like jade, lazuli, lapis, etc., and decorated with floral patterns. Minarets, onion-shaped domes, arches, and black inscription are some of the architectural features of this monument.

Taj Mahal was constructed in 16 years (1632 AD to 1648 AD) with the help of around 22000 workers or artisans. However, the main architect of the Taj Mahal was Ustad-Ahmad Lahori.

Places to see in and around Taj Mahal:

• Agra Fort
• Fatehpur Sikri
• Ram Bagh
• Mehtab Bagh
• Itmad-ud-Daulah Tomb
• Akbar’s Tomb
• Mankameshwar Temple

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10) Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

Mussoorie is a popular hill station in the district of Dehradun, Uttarakhand. It is located at an altitude of 7000 feet above the sea level and is also known as ‘the Queen of the Hills.’

On the west and east of the city, you can see the picturesque peaks of Srikantha, Bandar Poonch, the Gangotri group and the Chaukhamba. To the south, you can see the majestic Doon valley and on the North Himalayas are present.

The city was established as a hill station by captain Young in 1825. It is famous as a romantic town, couples often come here for their honeymoon to spend time amidst peaceful scenic locations. The bungalows, mall road, gardens laid on the small hills are liked by the tourists. The main highlights of the city include Camel’s Back Road, which is a 3 km long road famous for a nature walk with the view of Himalayas; Lal Tibba, the highest point or peak in the Mussoorie; Gun Hill, which is the second-highest peak of Mussoorie, offers a wonderful 360 degrees view of the Himalayas and Doon Valley, and the oldest Christian church, St. Mary’s is located at the mall road.

Places to visit in and around Mussoorie:

• Lal Tibba
• Gun Hill
• Lake Mist
• Kempty Falls
• Benog Wildlife Sanctuary
• Jwala Devi Temple Mussoorie
• Camel’s Back Road
• Bhatta Falls
• Jabarkhet Nature Reserve
• Mussoorie Heritage Centre

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11) Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Jaisalmer is a desert city in Rajasthan. The meaning of Jaisalmer is ‘the Hill Fort of Jaisal’ and it is also known as the Golden city. It is close to the India-Pakistan border and located in the Thar Desert. It often attracts the art lovers, culture enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

It houses the famous Jaisalmer Fort, which offers the aerial view of the desert. The highlights of Jaisalmer include camel safari which is a relaxing ride on the sand, and thrilling activities such as quad biking, dune bashing and parasailing.

There are many Jain temples in the Jaisalmer Fort built by the Jain communities and are devoted to the 16^th Shantinath (16th Tirthankara) and Parshvanath (23^rd Tirthankara). The city also houses some ancient libraries that contain rare manuscripts and artefacts related to Jainism. To the north of the city, you can see traditional huge Havelis (mansions) made of golden honey sandstone. Besides this, Jaisalmer is also a perfect place to organize events. Many Bollywood movies were shot at this place.

Places to visit in and around Jaisalmer:

• Jaisalmer Fort
• Desert Safari
• Badal Palace
• Kuldhara Village
• Gadisar Lake
• Patwon ki haveli
• Bada Bagh
• Tazia Tower
• Shantinath Temple
• Desert Culture Centre and Museum
• Jaisalmer Government Museum
• Jaisalmer War Museum
• Amar Sager Lake
• Nathmal Ki Haveli
• Mandir Palace
• Tanot Mata Temple
• Windmill Park
• Akal Wood Fossil Park

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12) Jaipur, Rajasthan

Jaipur is a famous tourist destination in India that attracts both Indian and foreign travellers. It is the capital city of Rajasthan and is known as the pink city. The city was established in the 18 century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh and was also named after him.

Jaipur is the part of the Golden Triangle Tour of tourists, which is the most travelled tourist route consisting of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. The popularity of the city is due to the lots of historical places such as forts and palaces. The main attractions include Amer Fort, City Palace, Jal Mahal, Hawa Mahal, Birla Temple, etc. These great structures reflect the Rajputana architecture, traditions, and their prosperous lifestyle.

Places to see in or around Rajasthan:

• City Palace
• Amer Fort
• Hawa Mahal
• Albert Hall Museum
• Sambhar Lake
• Nahargarh
• Jal Mahal
• Rambagh Palace
• Jantar Mantar Observatory
• Birla Temple
• Govind Dev Ji Temple
• Galta Monkey Temple
• Jaigarh Fort
• Bhangarh Fort

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13) Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands is one of the union territories in India. It comprises 572 islands that are categorized into five categories that include Little Andaman, Great Andaman, Ritchie’s Archipelago, Sentinel Islands, and East Volcano Islands. Port Blair is the capital of this beautiful tourist destination and Bengali is the most widely spoken language of these islands.

Each island is unique and has its own features. The North Sentinel Island is home to the Sentinelese, which is an uncontacted tribe. The largest sea turtle species like Green turtle, Hawksbill can be seen nesting at the beaches. Dugong, which is a sea cow and the state animal of A & N Islands can be seen grazing on seagrass in the coastal waters of islands. The rare Pandanus tree is very common here, its fruit (Nicobar Breadfruit) is widely eaten in these islands. Besides natural beauty, there are lots of water activities to enjoy in the Islands such as banana boat rides, jet-skiing, underwater walking, scuba diving, sport fishing and snorkelling.

Places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands:

• Havelock Island
• Radhanagar Beach
• Cellular Jail
• Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
• Viper Island
• Neil Island
• Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex
• Mount Harriet National Park
• Barren Island Volcano
• Wandoor Beach
• Samudrika Naval Marine Museum
• Limestone Caves Andaman
• Mud Volcanoes

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14) Ooty, Tamil Nadu

Ooty is one of the popular hill stations in the Tamil Nadu state of India. It is also known as Ootacamund, Udhagi or Udagamandalam. It is situated at an altitude of 7347 feet above the sea level and was established by the Britishers in the 19^th centuries.

Ooty is also famous as ‘Queen of Hills.’ Nilgiri Mountain railways is one of the main highlights of Ooty. It is one of the toy trains in the hilly terrain in India, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ooty is famous for its picturesque locations such as sprawling tea estates, green forests, lofty mountains, and grasslands. Besides natural beauty, it also houses Raj-era bungalows, St. Stephen’s church to offer prayers, and Ooty boat house which is known as Ooty Lake and is famous for boat rides. There are also pubs and bars in the town to enjoy and explore the nightlife. To explore the history and culture of the city, tourists can visit the Government Museum.

Best place to visit in or around Ooty:

• Ooty Botanical Garden
• Dolphin’s Nose viewpoint
• Toda Huts (Bamboo huts of local tribe)
• Doddabetta Peak ( highest peak in Nilgiri)
• Pykara waterfall and lake
• Tea Museum
• Wax World Museum
• Catherine Waterfall
• Emerald Lake
• Mariamman Temple

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15) Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Shimla is one of the highly-visited hill stations in Himachal Pradesh, India. It is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, spread over an area of 25 sq. km. and is located at an altitude of 7,238 feet above the sea level. During the colonial rule in India, it was the summer capital of Britishers. It houses many buildings built during the colonial rule.

The natural beauty of Shimla comprises pine, oak and deodar trees and the view of snow-capped mountain peaks. There are also many famous temples in Shimla such as Jakhoo temple, Mansa Devi temple, Tara Devi temple and Kali Bari temple. The city also has various options for trekking and walking uphill amidst the oak and pine trees.

The Kalka Shimla mountain railway, which is a toy train that travels from Kalka to Shimla, is one of the main attractions of this city. It also has a naturally formed Ice Skating rink. The Christ church which is located at the mall road is the second-oldest church in the northern region of India. Snowfall often occurs here during winters near Christmas and New Year celebration. New married couples often come here for their honeymoon.

Places to visit in and around Shimla:

• Christ Church
• Jakhu Temple
• Mall Road
• Himachal State Museum
• Himalayan Bird Park
• Bantony Castle
• Annandale
• Scandal Point
• Chadwick Falls
• Chail
• Kufri
• Mashobra

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16) Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh

Dharamshala is located in the Kangra valley in Himachal Pradesh, at an altitude of 1475 metres above the sea level. The hill station is surrounded by a thick forest of deodar cedar trees and offers a scenic view of snow-capped peaks of Dhauladhar Mountain Range.

The city is divided into two parts; upper division and lower division based on their altitude. The lower-division is Dharamshala and the upper-division that is at a distance of 3 km is called Mcleodganj.

The Buddhist leader Dalai Lama came here in 1959 and stayed here with his followers. So, the city has various famous monasteries and exhibits strong Tibetan culture that attract Buddhists from all over the world. There are various shops to buy Tibetan artwork and crafts and food stalls or outlets that serve Tibetan cuisines such as momos, thenthu, etc.

The other attractions include St. Jhon’s Church that was built in 1852 in a neo-gothic style of architecture and the famous cricket stadium, which is built on the hilly terrain and hosts international cricket matches.

Places to visit in and around Dharamshala:

• Library of Tibetan Works and Achieves
• Dharamshala Cricket Stadium
• War Memorial
• Gyuto Monastery
• Tea Garden
• Dal Lake
• Bhagsu Falls
• Bhagsu Nath temple
• Tibet museum
• Kangra art museum
• Triund
• Jwala Devi Temple
• Aghanjar Mahadev Temple
• Namgyal Monastery
• Dalai Lama Temple (Tsuglagkhang)

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17) Coorg, Tamil Nadu

Coorg, which is also called Kodagu, is a beautiful hill station in the land of Tamil Nadu. It is popularly known as the Scotland of India as well as Kashmir of South India. It is situated at an altitude of 3500 feet above the sea level and is famous for the cultivation and production of coffee and tea. The smell of tranquilizing coffee and the scenic surroundings lift the senses up to the level of the sky.

This hill station offers you various beautiful locations to explore such as Raja’s Seat, which is a hilltop that offers panoramic views, Irrupu Falls and Abbey Falls and Omkareshwara temple and more. Apart from natural beauty, it also houses Madikeri Fort in which one can see a temple, a museum, and a prison.

Places to visit in or around Coorg:

• Namdroling Monastery
• Gaddige Raja’s Tomb
• Anne’s Church
• Kopatty Hills Trek
• Nagarhole National Park
• Harangi Dam
• Nalknad Palace
• Clock Tower
• Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
• Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary

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18) Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is a Union Territory of India located in the northernmost part of India. It is a global tourist destination that attracts tourists from all parts of the world. It is also known as the “Paradise on Earth“.

Jammu and Kashmir’s natural beauty comprises snow-covered mountain peaks, glaciers, grand monasteries, blue lakes, streams, rivers, green meadows and pine trees. Jammu is situated on the banks of the Tapi River. It is dotted with many famous temples such as Vaishno Devi. Kashmir valley is famous for its Mughal-era gardens and lakes such as Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Dal Lake.

Besides natural beauty and spirituality, the hill station offers various options for adventurous activities such as skiing, golf, river rafting, paragliding, camping, shikara ride, and more.

Places to visit in and around Jammu and Kashmir:

• Dal Lake
• Vaishno Devi Mandir
• Patnitop
• Gulmurg
• Amarnath Cave
• Pahalgam
• Sonamarg
• Sanasar
• Nubra Valley

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19) Ladakh

Ladakh is one of the union territories in India located in the northern most part of India. It is a mountainous region that is home to rugged valleys, mountains, winding roads, lakes, splendid monasteries, highest passes, and crystal clear skies. It is home to 20 highest passes, so it is also popularly known as the Land of High Passes. It is the only place in India where double-hump camels are found. Leh is a part or a town in Ladakh.

It is the only cold desert of India located adjacent to the Pangong Lake; the highest saltwater lake of the world. On the east, it shares its border with Tibet; on the South, Lahaul and Spiti is located; to the West, Kashmir valley is located and on the North Karakoram pass can be seen. Some of the highlights of this region include Magnetic Hill, Pangong Lake and Khardung la that offers the highest mountain roads in the world.

Places to visit in and around Ladakh:

• Zanskar Valley
• Nubra Valley
• Spituk Gompa
• Magnetic Hill
• Shanti Stupa
• Leh Palace
• Hemis Monastery
• Hemis National Park
• Khardung La Pass
• Changthang Wildlife

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20) Ranikhet, Uttarakhand

Ranikhet is a charming hill station located 50 km far from Almora district in the northern part of Uttarakhand. It is situated in the Kumaon Hills at an altitude of 1829 meters above the sea level. The distance between Ranikhet and Nainital is around 60 km.

The hill station is famous for the view of snow-capped Nanda Devi peak, mountainous climbs, golf course, trekking ranges, ancient temples and shrines and thick forests of oak, deodar and pine trees. Snowfall occurs in the winters and summers are not very hot.

Ranikhet, which means Queen’s Land, is an all-season tourist destination for the lovers of natural beauty. It was established by the Britishers for their troops during colonial rule in India.

Still, Ranikhet is a cantonment township that serves as the headquarters of the Indian Army’s Kumaon Regiment. The Kumaon Regiment Centre Museum is also located here that houses a collection of weapons, photos, etc., related to the grandeur of the Indian army and their achievements.

Places to visit in or around Ranikhet:

• Bhalu Dam
• Haidakhan Temple
• Mankameshwar Temple
• Jhula Devi Temple
• Rama Mandir
• Kalika Sharine devoted to goddess kali
• Chaubatia Gardens

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21) Udaipur, Rajasthan

Udaipur, which is also known as the city of lakes, is a famous city and a popular tourist destination in Rajasthan, India. The city is surrounded by Aravalli hills that separate it from the Thar Desert.

Udaipur is famous for its lakes, palaces, forts, temples, gardens, and other historical structures of old days with mesmerizing architecture. Over time, most of the palaces are converted into heritage hotels where tourists can stay with all comforts of modern times and can experience a strong Rajasthani culture.

It is also referred to as the Venice of the East owing to the presence of beautiful lakes. Udaipur’s one of the highlights is the boat ride in the Lake Pichola, which is the second-largest man-made freshwater (sweet water) lake.

Colonel James Tod, a Britishers during the colonial rule in India, has described the Udaipur as ‘the most romantic place in the Indian sub-continent’.

Places to see in or around Udaipur:

• Lake Palace
• City Palace
• Sheesh Mahal
• Jagdish Temple
• Monsoon Palace
• Vintage Car Museum
• Fateh Sagar Lake
• Maharaja Pratap Memorial
• Udaipur Solar Observatory
• Hathi Pole (local Market)

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22) Lonavala, Maharashtra

Lonavala is a famous hill station located at the Mumbai-Pune highway at a distance of 110 km from Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is situated amidst the sylvan hills in the Western Ghats. Lonavala is also called the jewel of the Sahyadri Mountains. It offers a panoramic view of the Sahyadri ranges.

It is a perfect tourist destination for those who want to spend time in a calm and peaceful environment. Tourist from all over the world come here specifically during monsoon.

Its name is derived from two words ‘Len’ and ‘Avali’ that means “the resting place of stones.” The main attractions of this place include Ryewood Park, Valvan Dam, Lonavala Bhushi Lake, Tungarli Lake, Karla Cave, Bhaja Caves, and Lohagad Fort.

Lohagad Fort was the battleground of the Maratha warrior, Shivaji. Karla Cave is a historic Buddhist site of 2-3^rd century. The Tungari Lake, which looks crystal clear during monsoons is also located here.

Places to visit in or around Lonavala:

• Walvan Dam
• Khandala
• Lonavala Lake
• Kaivalyadhama Yoga Hospital
• Tiger’s Leap
• Rajmachi Fort
• Tikona Fort
• Celebrity Wax Museum
• Amrutanjan Point
• Bushi Dam built on the Indrayani River
• Rajmachi (houses Shrivardhan and Manoranjan)
• Imagica Adlabs (amusement and water park)
• Ryewood Park

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23) Auli, Uttarakhand

Auli is a popular hill station in the Garhwal region of the state of Uttarakhand, India at an altitude of 2505 meters above the sea level. It is known for its snowy slopes that make it a popular skiing destination or ski resort. It is also known as the skiing capital of India. Winter sports are often organized here to further promote skiing.

The hill station offers you all that a tourist can expect from a hill station such as snowy slopes, view of Himalayan peaks, cable cars, romantic vistas, wooden huts, adventure activities, and more. The tourists can view mountains of Nanda Devi, Mana Parvat, and Kamat anywhere from the Auli.

It has the longest ropeway (cable car) of Asia, which is up to 4 km long and offers panoramic views of the mountains and forests. One of the world’s highest man-made lake is also located here.

The first South Asian Winter Games were organized in Auli in 2011. The host of this event, the French and Austrian experts described Auli as the best ski resorts in the world.

The Auli has become a popular hill station within a short span of time owing to its snowy slopes covered with Oak and Deodar trees and best natural conditions for skiing that make it skier’s paradise. 10 to 20 km long stretches of snowy slopes for skiing are very common here. In the months of February and March, the town organizes National Winter Games that attract skiing lovers from all over the world.

Places to visit in and around Auli:

• Joshimath
• Auli Artificial Lake
• Auli Ropeway
• Gurso Bugyal ( 3 km trek from Auli)
• Kwani Bugyal
• Chattrakund ( a small lake in Josimath)
• Chenab Lake
• Vishnuprayag
• Kwani Bugyal
• Saildhar Tapowan
• Nanda Devi National Park
• Rudraprayag
• Nandaprayag
• Narsingh Temple
• Vridh Badri Temple
• Vanshinarayan Kalpeshwar

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24) Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra

Mahabaleshwar is a hill station in the Western Ghats in Satara district of Maharashtra. It is located at an altitude of 1372 meters above the sea level and is known for its rivers, magnificent cascades, majestic peaks and beautiful strawberry farms. There are many locations that offer spectacular views of the surrounding valleys, hills and woods.

It produces 85% of the total strawberry production in the country. Mahabaleshwar is also famous for the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi.

The other attractions in Mahabaleshwar include ancient temples, boarding schools, trimmed green forests, waterfalls, sloppy hills and valleys, and boating in the Venna Lake.

Mahabaleshwar is home to three villages; Malcom Peth, Old Mahabaleshwar and Shindola village. It is also called the queen of hill stations in Maharashtra. It is one of the best places to see near Mumbai and Pune. A large number of visitors come here at weekends from nearby cities.

Places to visit in and around Mahabaleshwar:

• Mahabaleshwar temple
• Mapro’s Garden
• Panch Ganga Temple
• Krishna Bai Temple
• Pratapgarh Fort
• Dhobi waterfall
• Lingmala Waterfall
• Elephant’s Head Point
• Venna Lake
• Arthur’s seat
• Wilson Point

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25) Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu

Kanyakumari is a beautiful coastal town in India in the state of Tamil Nadu. Formerly, it was known as Cape Comorin. It is the southernmost point of India and is also the point where three oceans meet that includes the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. This confluence of seas is called Triveni Sangam where tourists can be seen taking bath.

It is surrounded by lively sea coasts lined with coconut trees and paddy fields with the view of sunrise and sunset over the waters that attract everyone. Its beauty comprises beautiful patches of hills, undulating valleys and multi-coloured sand.

The main highlight of this place is for 3000 years old Kanyakumari temple, which is devoted to goddess Kanya Kumari. It is also known as the Bhagvaty Amman Temple or the Kumari Amman temple. The other highlights include Vivekananda Rock Memorial surrounded on all sides by the Laccadive Sea, so tourists have to take a boat or ferry ride to reach there. A towering statue of famous Tamil poet and saint Thiruvalluvar that stands at a height of 133 feet is also located here. Padmanabhapuram Palace, the Vattakotai Fort and the Gandhi Memorial are a few more places to visit.

Famous places to visit in or around Kanyakumari:

• Vivekananda Rock Memorial
• Kanyakumari Wax Museum
• Sothavilai Beach
• Vattakottai Fort
• Gandhi Memorial
• Thiruvalluvar Statue
• Padmanabhapuram Palace
• Thanumalayan Temple
• Sunset view point
• Thirparappu Falls
• Courtallam Falls
• Our Lady of Ransom Church
• Jain Temple
• Adi Keshava Perumal Temple
• Tsunami Monument
• Thengapattinam Beach
• Observation Tower
• Mathur Aqueduct ( hanging trough bridge)

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26) Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Rishikesh is a popular tourist destination in India located at the foothills of the Himalayas on the banks of the sacred river Ganges. It is not only a tourist place but also the most preferred yoga destination in India. A large number of foreign visitors come here to learn yoga. So, it is also known as “the yoga capital of the world.”

It is a peaceful and beautiful town blessed with natural beauty and spiritual atmosphere, as it is home to various ancient temples and yoga ashrams and two iron suspension bridges namely Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula.

It is also a perfect destination for adventurous activities such as White Water River rafting on the water of the river Ganges, mountain biking, trekking, bungee jumping, rock climbing, kayaking, etc.

The Uttarakhand Tourism organizes an International Yoga Week in the city every year in the month of February. It also has Raja Ji National Park for nature and wildlife lovers. The 133 years old Kailas Ashram Brahmavidya Peetham that promote Vedantic studies is also located here.

Rishikesh is also the starting point for the Char Dham Pilgrimage in which the Hindu pilgrims visit four holy destinations in Uttarakhand that include Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. So, Rishikesh is for all types of tourists whether they are seeking a spiritual atmosphere, natural beauty, or adventurous activities.

Places to visit in or around Rishikesh:

• Bharat Mandir
• Lakshman Mandir
• Shatrughna Mandir
• Ram Jhula
• Lakshman Jhula
• Tapovan
• Haridwar
• Geeta Bhawan
• Kunjapuri Temple
• Neelkanth Mahadev
• Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas
• Parmarth Niketan
• Vashishta Gufa Rishikesh

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27) Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep is a famous tourist spot in India. Formerly, it was known as the Laccadives. It is located in the Arabian Sea around 300 km far from Kochi, Kerala. Lakshadweep is a group of 36 islands that is known for its striking beaches and lush green landscape. Out of 36 islands, in only 10 people are living.

The meaning of Lakshadweep is ‘a hundred thousand islands’. It is the smallest union territory of India with an area of 32 sq. km. Its land mainly comprises 12 atolls, 3 reefs and five submerged banks and islands. Some islands are developed for water sports and diving and some are developed to relax and unwind.

Lakshadweep became a union territory of India on 1 November 1956. Its state animal is the butterfly fish, the state bird is the sooty tern and state tree is bread fruit, and its capital is Kavaratti.

Places to visit in or around Lakshadweep:

• Kadmat Island famous for local delicious food
• Minicoy Island famous for boating
• Kavaratti Island offers a mesmerizing sunset view
• Pitti Bird Sanctuary for bird watching
• Thinnakara Island is home beautiful lagoons
• Amini Beach for scuba diving
• Bangaram Atoll (teardrop-shaped island)

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28) Lahul and Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Lahul and Spiti is a popular tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh, India. It consists of Lahul and Spiti which were two independent districts before they were merged to form one district, Lahul and Spiti in 1960. It is bordered by magnificent Himalayan hills and is known for cold barren lands, rivers, alpine lakes, and strong Buddhist culture and history. It is connected to the Manali by Rohtang Pass.

Lahul and Spiti are connected to each other through a mountain pass, Kunzum La. Both the valleys look different from each other. Spiti is a barren land, whereas, in Lahul you can see plants and other vegetation. The villages in Lahul comprises vibrant landscapes decorated with alpine flowers, thick willows and fields of peas, potatoes, buckwheat and barley. Spiti is home to high altitude, remote villages.

Spiti is famous for splendid monasteries, Tabo Monastery is the most famous monastery as well as a World Heritage Site. Kibber village in Spiti has the highest motorable village in the world and Hakkim in Spiti is the highest post office in the world. It also has a well-preserved mummy in Gue and Pin Valley National Park for wildlife lovers.

Kaylong is the headquarters of the Lahul and Spiti Valley and is the most preferred spot to start the tour to explore this town. Spiti offers more spots for tourists such as Chandratal (Moon Lake) a famous lake, a beautiful town Udaipur (Udaipur of Himachal Pradesh) located on the banks of the Chandrabhaga River and is famous for the ancient Marikula Mata Temple and the cultivation of apricot, walnut, and pine forests. Besides this, there are many exotic wildlife animals in this region such as snow leopard, Tibetan Wild Fox, Ibex, etc.

Places to visit in or around Lahul and Spiti:

• Kunzum Pass
• Dhankar Gompa
• Dhankar Lake
• Kye Monastery
• Dhankar Fort
• Kaza
• Tabo Cave
• Langza Village
• Kungri Monastery
• Suraj Tal
• Udaipur of Himachal

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29) Almora, Uttarakhand

Almora is a population hill station located in the state of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 1638 metres above the sea level. It is spread over a long ridge on Kashyap hill and looks like a horseshoe. The town is surrounded by thick pine and oak trees and offers panoramic views of snow-covered peaks of Himalayas.

The unique handicrafts and delicious food items of Almora are also very much cherished by tourists. The famous temples of this town include Chitai Golu Devta Temple and Nanda Devi temple and 800 years old Katarmal sun temple, Jageshwar and Kasar Devi.

The 200 years old Lala Bazar (Market) is famous for shopping where you can buy Angora clothes (made from the fur of Angora rabbit) and famous copper vessels of Almora.

Places to visit in or around Almora:

• Jageshwar
• Kasar Devi
• Simtola
• Kalimat
• Deer Park
• Govind Ballabh Pant Public Museum
• Lakhudiyar Rock Painting
• Bright End Corner
• Dwarahat Village

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30) Pondicherry (Puducherry), Tamil Nadu

Pondicherry, which is one of the union territories of India, is an exotic beach-side tourist destination on the east coast of Tamil Nadu, India. Formerly, it was the largest French colony in India. As of now, it is also known as the French Riviera of the East or French town of India. Here, you can see French-style houses, churches, shops, restaurants, café, etc. Besides this, the combination of Tamil and French architecture and food is one of the best things to experience.

The picturesque beaches offer various water activities such as scuba diving, scuba jumping, surfing, etc. Courses are also available to learn these activities.

Auroville and Sri Aurobindo Ashram are the main attractions of this town. People come here to meditate and seek spirituality. It also houses famous temples Villianur Thirukameeswarar temple and Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar. Apart from water sports, and spiritual spots, the city also offers amazing nightlife through its state of the art club and options for beach parties with music and cocktails.

The town comprises four districts Karaikal, Puducherry, Mahe, and Yanam. It shares borders with Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. On the MG Road and Mission Road, you can take a bike on rent to see explore the city.

Places to visit in or around Pondicherry:

• Paradise Beach
• Aurobindo Ashram
• Auroville Ashram
• Promenade Beach
• Serenity Beach
• Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
• Arikamedu
• Chunnambar Boat House
• Botanical Garden, Pondicherry
• Light House, Pondicherry
• Jawahar Toy Museum
• Raj Niwas
• French War Memorial
• Gokilambal Thirukameswar Temple
• Ousteri Wetland and National Park
• Sri Karneshwar Nataraja Temple

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