Undoubtedly India is one of the most colourful lands to ever exist. It blends everything together, from seas to deserts and mountains, you can find it all here. While there are numerous places to visit here and many more that are discovered everyday, there are a few locations that would always remain a traveler’s favourite. Here I put down a list of the top 10 destinations that would and should always be visited.
The clichéd title of ‘sun, sand & sea’ still holds true for this place. Endless blue seas with intermittent moss covered rocks, swaying palms and lines of shacks serving the best of cuisines. There are, of course, lots you can do in Goa – whether it’s sun soaking or a tour through the various sights & sounds. The place has a curious mish-mash of it all – churches, throbbing pubs, vibrant carnivals & festivals and temples dedicated to loads of Gods & Goddesses.
The site of many a Bollywood movies Ooty is simply marvelous. Abounding in natural beauty and so many interesting attractions, this site in South India is obviously a tad crowded. Nevertheless, the views and experience make it totally worth it! From gushing waterfalls, flower-decked gardens, busy lakes with picnicking families and wildlife parks with rare animals. Probably what makes it even more special, is the miles of rolling tea estates amidst misty clouds. Totally worth it!
Now this place needs no introduction. Agra is home to the eternal monument of love, the Taj Mahal built by an Indian emperor in memory of his wife. Agra is also the land of the Mughals who gave the country some of its finest monuments. The Agra Fort with its numerous palaces within, the marble memorials and tombs, the brilliant architecture of Fatehpur Sikri and the well-laid out gardens are popular tourist spots. Of course, among all this, one thing surpasses all views – that of the pristine white Taj Mahal shining bright like a beacon on a full moon night. Simply splendid.
Snowy hills, skiing competitions, quaint markets with smiley Tibetans – there’s not much that can beat these sights. Shimla was once the stronghold of the British and the summer capital of India. Visit it and you’ll know why. The hills are lined with oak and pine trees and thick forests abound in picnic spots. There are a number of British style structures here too, such as the Viceregal Lodge and the State Museum & Library. What tourists really visit in Shimla is The Mall, which is the busiest area of the city with its churches, shopping stalls and food joints.
The most colorful city of Rajasthan, Jaipur is a fine blend of everything traditional and modern. The stronghold of the valiant Mewar rulers, they have left their marks here. The beautifully done monuments, palaces and gardens are a fine example of their architecture and craftsmanship. The Hawa Mahal with its hundreds of windows, creamy City Palace and various Havelis with intricate designs are simply surreal. Hear tales of the brave Rajputs, savour some delicious cuisine and watch a traditional puppet show or two – it’s bound to keep you coming back.
Queen of Hill Stations, Darjeeling is like a city from the old Victorian times, complete with cobbled roads, cottages with rose trellis and unending tea estates. With the increase in tourism, the city is mostly crowded whenever you go. But that cannot take away from it its charm. With a huge Tibetan settlement, there are plenty of monasteries in Darjeeling with showcase elaborate designs and architecture. A rather popular place here is the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, which was founded by Tenzing Norgay, the first person to conquer Mount Everest. Of course, tea aficionados have much to do here, what with the lush tea estates here that produce some of the finest teas in the world.
This is the land for those who want a holiday mixed with therapies. Kovalam is located in South India and is known for its distinctly crescent-shaped beach, palm groves and an old lighthouse. But what it is most famous for is the ayurvedic massage, which beckons travelers from far & wide. Managed by professionals and experts, there are a host of therapies, including back spas, full body treatments and foot spas. Truly rejuvenating!
One of the most striking lands in Rajasthan, Udaipur is rightly the most romantic city in India. While there really is a lot to do here, probably tourists come here most for the views of the beautiful Lake Pichola and the Lake Palace located in the middle of it. Udaipur is great for those who wish to walk the trail through history, through the mazelike markets and picture perfect gardens. Another striking offering here is the rare Classic Vintage Car Collection belonging to the Mewar royal family.
9. Haridwar
Land of the holy, Haridwar is also known as Gateway to the Ganges. No matter when you visit, you are sure to find thousands of people engaged in various activities – offering prayers to the Ganga river, Sun God, yoga on the ghats or simply chit chatting. The most enduring image here is the view of the Ganga Aarti that happens every evening when thousands of lamps are lit and set afloat on the Ganga river, turning it almost ethereal! Of course, what most people visit it for is the Maha Kumbha Mela that happens once every 12 years & Ardha Kumbha that happens every 6 years. It is then that you can see lakhs of devotees arriving here to cleanse their souls and offer prayers.
Land of Lord Jagannatha (Lord of Universe), Puri is visited for its Jagannatha Temple with idols of Jagannatha, Balabhadra and their sister Subhadhra. Tourists visit this holy land to take part in the annual Ratha Yatra or Pulling of the Chariots on which sit these 3 gods and take them around town. Puri is also famous for its beach, which is said to be one of the finest in India – crystal clear and pristine. Of course, whenever here, you must not forget to partake the holy Prasad, which is 56 varieties of different foods prepared for the lord!
