With geography as vast and varied such as ours, it is hard not to find a beautiful place in India. We have the snow-capped Himalayas in the North, the beautiful stretches of dunes in the West, the picturesque lands and hills in the East, and a coastline of over 7,500 km in the South. Here are the top 20 places that must be on our list for 2020.
1. Udaipur – The Romantic City Of Lakes
Lakecity of Udaipur is called the Venice of the east.named after Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar, Udaipur is a perfect blend of history, nature, and modernity. Udaipur has as many as five lakes and lakeside restaurants that are never seen before scenic pleasure. To add, Udaipur is surrounded by Aravali hills, which adds to the beauty of the landscape. Fateh Sagar Lake in the city witnesses the highest footfall for all the right reasons. Once you are Udaipur, look for Baro Masi and Upre, both lakeside rooftop restaurants. The best time to travel is anytime except during the peak summer, so avoid March to June.
How to reach:
- Via Air: Udaipur has its airport, which indeed is well connected to different parts of the country.
- Via Rail: The city’s railway station is actually among the most well-connected railheads in the city
- Via Road: One can easily find buses for reaching the city by road, from cities like Jaisalmer, Jaipur, and Delhi.
Tourist hotspots: Lake Pichola, Jagdish Temple, City Palace, Jag Mandir, Gangaur Ghat, and Bagore ki Haweli
Must try: Frangipani by the Lake
2. Sikkim – Home Of Ancient Buddhist Monasteries
The best time to visit Sikkim would be from March to June and September to December. Land in Sikkim and feel the flux of Buddhism and natural beauty all around. Hot and steaming Noodle-based dishes such as thukpa, chow mein, thenthuk, fakthu, gyathuk, and wonton will make you feel the warmth even more.
How to Reach:
- Via Air: Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal (124 km from Gangtok) is the nearest airport.
- Via Rail: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station in Siliguri (148 km from Gangtok) is the nearest railhead.
- Via Road: Sikkim is well-connected to Darjeeling (West Bengal) by road.
Tourist hotspots: Nathu La, Hanuman Tok, Rumtek Monastery, Khecheopalri Lake, Tsomgo Lake, Phodong Monastery, & Teesta River in Gangtok, Yumthang Valley, Buddha Park of Ravangla, Kanchenjunga Falls, Lingdum Monastery, and Singshore Bridge
3. Goa – The Official Party Hub
When you imagine a beach and India in common thought, Goa is sure to top the list. Sunsets, beach shacks, and unique Portuguese goa vibe is something you cannot get enough of. The best time to visit is from November to February. You should not miss the Goan new year, which will blow you away with all the parties, live music, and the best of the crowd.
How to reach:
- Via Air: Dabolim International Airport is the primary airport in Goa.
- Via Rail: Madgaon Railway Station and Thivim Railway Station.
- Via Road: Margao Bus Terminal, Kadamba Bus Terminal, and Mapusa Bus Terminal
Tourist hotspots: Beaches like Vagator, Calangute, Anjuna, Colva, & Benaulim, Fort Aguada, Church of Mae De Deus, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Temple of Bodgeshwar, Dudhsagar Waterfalls, St Xavier’s Church, Grand Island (for watersports), Deltin Royale Casino and clubs like Cafe Mambos, Titos, LPK (Love Passion Karma), SinQ, & Club Cubana.
Must try: Guru bar at Anjuna which offers traditional Goan vibes with some live music.
4. Mcleodganj – Heaven Amidst The Hills
A ready to go weekend place for all the NCR travel fanatics, Mcleodganj has unending freshness in its atmosphere. Experience the Himalayas in all its beauty, relaxing in the lap of Dhauladhar ranges. No one shies away from camping once in Mcleod. September to June is the time when you wish you could be in Mcleodganj. If you are into Japanese food, “Lung Ta Japanese Restaurant” is a must-try.
How to reach:
- Via Air: Kangra Airport, Gaggal (18 km away)
- Via Rail: Pathankot Railway Station (89 km away)
- Via Road: Take a government or private bus from Delhi, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, etc.
Tourist hotspots: Triund trek, Kangra Fort, Bhagsunath Temple, Bhagsu Falls, Namgyal Monastery, Dalai Lama Temple complex, HPCA Stadium, Tea plantations of Kangra valley
5. Srinagar – The Gem Of Kashmir
Think about Kashmir, and all your vocabulary seems minuscule. It’s a paradise on earth. For once you witness the dal lake and do what you may, its scenic pleasure never seems to leave you. If only one person could define the beauty of Kashmir was Amir Khusrau.
How to reach:
- Via Air: Srinagar Airport
- Via Rail: Udhampur Railway Station (229 km from Srinagar).
Tourist Hotspot: Dal Lake (boating in shikaras & night stays in houseboats), Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Tomb of Zin-ul-Abidin, Jama Masjid, Hazratbal Mosque, and Shankaracharya Hill, Pari mahal, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden.
6. Andaman – The Beach Haven
No pollution, and solitude watersports away from day to day hustle paints a rough sketch of Andamans. Visit this archipelago this year and make the best of your holiday season. Andamans offer mangrove laced creeks, and crystal clear seas are the delight of a nature lover. Plan your visit between November and April, and enjoy the tropical climate. Famous beaches include Radhanagar Beach, Corbyn’s Cove, Wandoor Beach, and Merk Bay Beach. It offers a host of water sports like Banana boat rides, snorkeling, parasailing, jet-skiing, undersea walking, speed boating, scuba diving, and sportfishing.
How to reach:
- Via Air: Vir Savarkar Airport, Port Blair
- Via Sea: board a cruise from Port Blair to Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam.
Tourist hotspots: Cellular Jail National Memorial, Radhanagar Beach, Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex in Port Blair, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Chidiya Tapu, and watersports like scuba diving, snorkeling, & parasailing
7. Leh-Ladakh – The Biker’s Paradise
Since the last decade taking a bike ride to Leh Ladakh is a new fad among the Indian youth. Some avid bikers make it an annual ritual. Rugged Himalayan routes, winding breathtaking turns are all perfect for giving you that adrenaline boost. If you have not been there already, this new decade is the one for you to make the most of. The average temperature varies between 15-degree Celsius (Min.) and 28-degree Celsius(Max.). A plethora of filing stations is not something you should expect in the Himalayas. Make sure to mark in advance the fueling stations you are bound to cross during your ride.
How to reach:
- Via Air: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh
- Via Rail: Jammu Tawi Railway Station (700 km from Ladakh). From here, hire a cab or board a JKSRTC for Ladakh.
- Via Road: The Idea of a bike ride or SUV ride is ingrained with a trip to Leh. You can rent a bike or car from Delhi, Chandigarh, and Manali at around INR 2000 per day.
Tourist hotspots: Zanskar Valley, Pangong Tso Lake, Khardung-La Pass, Spituk Gompa, Hemis National Park, Nubra Valley, Shanti Stupa, and Magnetic Hill.
8. Coorg – Walk Amidst The Coffee Plantations
Located amidst imposing mountains in Karnataka, Coorg is the place to be for all nature lovers. Coorg, officially known as Kodagu, is well known for its breathtakingly exotic scenery and lush greenery. Madikeri is the region’s center point with all transportation for getting around starting from here. The best time to visit Coorg is from October to March.
How to reach:
- Via Air: The nearest airport is Mangalore (156 km away)
- Via Rail: Mysore Junction (106 km away)
- Via Road: 238 km from Bengaluru (5-6 hours ride)
Tourist hotspots: Abbey Falls, Nalknad Palace, Barapole River, Brahmagiri Peak, Iruppu Falls, Namdroling Monastery, Nagarhole National Park, Microlight flight at Chelavara, ziplining, and angling in River Kaveri.
9. Kerala – The God’s Own Country
Kerala, by far, offers a unique experience with its lush green landscape and mesmerizing backwaters. To all the nature lovers out there. A trip to God’s own country is a must. Best to visit Kerala ranges from November to January or July-August. You must include the Onam festival from 22 august to 2 September in your trip to experience the best of Kerala culture.
How to reach:
- Via Air: Kerala has three main airports – Calicut International Airport, Cochin International Airport, and Trivandrum International Airport.
- Via Rail: Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station, Ernakulam Junction railway station. These stations are well connected with all major towns.
Tourist hotspots: Kannur, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, Wayanad, Kovalam, Thrissur, Munnar, Thekkady, Kochi, Alleppey
10. Kasol – The Trekker’s Paradise
Parvati valley is heaven’s gateway. A trip to Kasol-Tosh-Malana in 2020 will rejuvenate you to the core. Sitting in the shade of deodar trees valley, Kasol is a dome of peace and tranquility. Sit beside the rivulets listening to your favorite music, enjoying breakfast in 2020. Recommended time to visit October to June.
How to reach:
- Via Air: Bhuntar Domestic Airport (31 km away)
- Via Road: The government or private buses from Delhi, Chandigarh, etc
Tourist hotspots: Kheerganga peak, Malana village, Parvati river, Manikaran Sahib gurudwara, Jari, Bhuntar, and more.
11. Kutch – The Most Beautiful Stretch Of White Desert
Kutch is one of its kind of place in India. Kutch is probably one of the most beautiful yet surreal places. With the vast expanses of white salt desert in the Rann of Kutch area, this is a fantastic experience to witness. The place comes to life during the winters when the Rann Festival is held during December-February everywhere in which there are huge camp settlements with cultural programs. Best time to visit lies between November to February.
How to reach:
- Via Air: Bhuj Airport (69 km away)
- Via Rail: Bhuj Railway Station (50 km away)
Tourist hotspots: Prag Mahal, Kalo Dungar, Kutch Museum, Archaeological Museum, Mandvi Beach, White Desert, Aina Mahal, and more.
12. Assam – Home Of One Horned Rhinos
Queen among the seven sisters states, Assam is the state every Indian should visit once in a lifetime. With wildlife, local culture, tribes, and their habitat, Assam has so much to offer that it is a wonderland for travel enthusiasts. Nestled in the colossal mountains and deep valley of Himalaya, Assam is an unexplored treasure trove. The best time to visit Assam is from October to April.
How to reach:
- Via Air: Dibrugarh Airport (40 km away)
- Via Rail: New Tinsukia Railway Station is the closest railway point.
Tourist hotspots: Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Kamakhya Temple, Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra, Assam State Museum, and more.
13. Shimla – The Queen Of Northern Hills
A perfect destination to spend some lovely moments amidst the snow-clad mountains Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, is a major tourist attraction of India. Known as the Summer Capital of the British, Shimla attracts honeymooners and adventure lovers alike. Kufri is another popular tourist destination in Shimla visited mainly by adventure enthusiasts. Kufri is a famous skiing and trekking destination, and the winter sports festival held here in February attracts a huge number of tourists every year. Cafe Sol and 45 Central must try a cafe once you are in Shimla.
How to reach:
- Via Air: Jubbarhatti nearest airport (25 kms).
- Via Rail: The magnificent toy train from Kalka to Shimla.
- Via Road: Many state-run and private buses run from the nearby cities of Delhi, Chandigarh, Manali, and Kullu that are well connected to Shimla via road.
Tourist hotspots : Kufri, Mall Road, Chadwick Falls, Jakhu Temple, Annandale, Christ Church, Scandal Point, and more.
14. Tirthan Valley – The Adventure Hub Of Himachal
If you wish to visit the mountains in solitude, Tirthan valley is the place to be.the valley is lush green with breathtaking views of mountain ranges. You can do a variety of things while at Tirthan like Trekking, Fishing, Camping, River Crossing, Rock Climbing, and Bird Watching. The best time to visit the valley is from March to June and October to November.
How to reach:
- Via Air: Bhuntar airport is around 48 km from Tirthan valley
- Via Rail: Ambala railway station (188 km away)
- Via Road: You can opt for a car or bus ride from Delhi, Chandigarh.
Tourist hotspots: Great Himalayan National Park, Jalori Pass, Raghupur Fort, Saryolsar, Gushaini, Sojha, and more.
15. Manali – The Snowy Paradise
Manali suits the needs of every kind of travel mindset. A family is looking for some bonding time, a couple for some peace, solo travelers for some solitude, or a group of friends seeking an adventure. Manali is amidst the mountain slopes, with a lingering scent of pines and freshness.manali witnesses one of the highest footfalls among the hill stations. However, the surrounding areas are still relatively untouched. The best time to visit Manali ranges from October to February.
How to reach:
- Via Air: Kullu-Manali airport at a distance of 52 km is the nearest airport to Manali.
- Via Rail: Joginder Nagar (160 km) is the nearest railway station.
- Via Road: Take a bus or cab from Delhi, Chandigarh or Pathankot
Tourist hotspots: Bhrigu Lake, Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Hidimba Devi Temple, Manu Temple, Great Himalayan National Park, Jogini Falls, and Tibetan Monastery.
16. Auli – A Perfect Place For Ski Lovers
Auli is surrounded by the mighty Himalayas, making it one of the most scenic hill stations. If you are visiting Auli in winter, then you’ll witness snow everywhere. But if you’re in summer, then the hills and neighboring mountains get covered with lush green conifers. Auli is best visited in either phase. But if you are into skiing, then plan your trip between December to February. It doesn’t matter if you are a solo traveler, adventurer or traveling with family, the pleasant environment of Auli entertain everybody.
How to reach:
- Via Air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
- Via Rail: Haridwar railway station, which is the nearest railway head from Auli.
- Via Road: Reach Joshimath. From here, you can opt for a taxi or bus for Auli.
Tourist hotspots: Kuari Pass Trek, Vishnuprayag, Kalpeshwar, Sri Hemkunt Sahib, Gorson Bugyal, Pangarchulla Peak, and more.
17. Valley Of Flowers – Rich In Flora And Fauna
Valley of Flowers National Park is one of the most popular hill stations in Uttarakhand, situated at an altitude of approximately 3,500 meters. This national park was tagged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 due to the abundance of a variety of flora. This valley is undoubtedly one of the most vibrant and alluring places located in the West Himalaya. It is particularly famous for its alpine trees and a wide range of endemic flowers, which add a magical feel to this valley. The best time to visit is from July to September.
How to reach:
- Via Air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun is the Nearest Airport to Valley of Flowers
- Via Rail: Haridwar Junction Railway Station is the nearest railway station from Valley of Flowers
- Via Road: The Valley of Flowers if majorly accessed via roads and trekking routes. Govindghat on Badrinath Highway serves as a base camp for trekkers coming here.
Tourist hotspots: Govindghat, the National Park, Hemkund Sahib, Nanda Devi National Park, and Pushpawati River.
18. Jaisalmer – For The Best Desert Safari Ever
Located a few kilometers away from Indo-Pak border, The Golden City of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer is one of the best spots to visit in Rajasthan along with udaipur. The western part of Rajasthan lies in the Thar Desert region, where you can experience dunes along with the ever-colorful culture of the state. Jaisalmer is where you can spend your time indulging in exciting activities such as dune bashing, camel safari, and desert camping. Being the lap of a desert, it is best visited from October to February.
How to reach:
- Via Air: Jodhpur Airport is the nearest airport from Jaisalmer. Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Udaipur are connected to this airport.
- Via Train: Jaisalmer railway station
- Via Road: One can easily reach Jaisalmer by road via buses or cabs.
Tourist hotspots: Jaisalmer Fort, Bada Bagh, Folklore Museum,Sam Sand Dunes and Desert Cultural Centre.
19. Kolkata – A City Of Charm, Culture And Creative Minds
Famously known as the City of Joy, Kolkata is, in every sense, the artistic, cultural, and intellectual capital of the country. Kolkata’s streets are vivid, hectic, chaotic, and yet, brimming with life and creativity. Formerly the capital of the British empire before the government was shifted to Delhi, Kolkata, has a distinct tinge of its royal past lingering in every nook and cranny of the city.best visited between November to February.
How to reach:
- Via Air: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is situated at Dumdum, 15 km from the main city.
- Via Rail: Howrah and Sealdah are the two main railway junctions in Kolkata that connect the city to several major cities in the country.
Tourist hotspots: Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Indian Museum, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Eden Gardens Cricket Stadium, Kalighat Kali Temple, Birla Industrial & Technological Museum, Birla Planetarium, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
20. Varanasi – The Spiritual Capital Of India
Varanasi must be on your list because it is all the chaos and love of India all in one place. It is the cultural capital of India. Don’t come here to party. It’s not the city for that. Eat street food, drink lassis, and feel from within the centuries-old traditions of India. Varanasi is best visited from October to February.
How to reach:
- Via Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport of Varanasi.
- Via Rail: Kashi Railway Station and Varanasi Junction.
- Via Road: State-run and private buses regularly ply between Varanasi and nearby cities.
Tourist hotspots: Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manmandir Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and Durga Temple.
