“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.”
This World Tourism Day, let’s pledge to broaden our world a little and discover India like never before. With PM Modi urging citizens to explore at least 15 tourist destinations within India by 2022, it’s time to bring alive our inner traveller.
Why is World Tourism Day celebrated?
Established by The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), World Tourism Day is celebrated to promote sustainable, responsible and universally accessible tourism. Tourism is one of the major drivers of economic growth and benefits both the tourists and the destinations they visit.
India has so much to offer as a tourist destination and to help you take the #15DestinationChallenge, we have curated a list of must-visit Indian destinations that you can cover by 2022. So, let the challenge begin…
Havelock Island
Hidden in the azures of Andamans, Havelock Island has Asia’s best beaches, ocean-swimming elephants and hidden waterfalls. Find peace in swimming, snorkelling or just watching the sunset.
How to Reach: The best way to reach Havelock is by a flight to Port Blair and further by an air-conditioned catamaran ferry.
Top Attractions: Neil Island, Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, Barren Island, Long Island, Kala Pathar Beach
Best Time to Visit: December-February
Tawang
The birthplace of the Dalai Lama, Tawang is a vibrant mix of Indo-Chinese culture. Hike at the Gorichen Peak, take a bus ride through the Sela Pass or meditate at the Taktsang Gompa.
How to Reach: Nearest airport from Tawang is located in Tezpur (Salonibari Airport) at a distance of 387 km. Nearest railway station from Tawang is Rangapara Railway Station, at a distance of 383 km.
Top Attractions: Tawang Monastery, Nuranang Falls, Jaswant Garh, Peng Teng Tso Lake, Urgelling Gompa, Taktsang Gompa
Best Time to Visit: March-June & Sept-Oct
Pushkar
Learn to paint, get your palm read and enjoy traditional meals on your backpacking-breather. Here, travellers must visit the only Brahma temple in the world!
How to Reach: The nearest airport to Pushkar is in Jaipur, which is 140 kilometres away. The nearest railway station is the Ajmer railway station, a 30-minute drive to Pushkar.
Top Attractions: Pushkar Lake, Brahma’s Temple, Varaha Temple, Savitri Temple, Man Mahal, Pushkar Camel Fair
Best Time to Visit: Nov-March
Alleppey
Alleppey’s backwaters promise a retreat like no other. Swaying coconut trees, green paddy fields, flocks of ducks and the quiet hum of your houseboat cutting through a sea of lilies: welcome to the slow life!
How to Reach: Cochin International Airport, located at a distance of 75 kilometres is the nearest airport to Alleppey. The Alleppey Railway Station is the nearest and is well connected to Cochin and Trivandrum.
Top Attractions: Kuttanad Backwaters, St. Mary’s Forane Church, Krishnapuram Palace, Alleppey Beach, Karumadi, Marari Beach
Best Time to Visit: Nov-Feb
Ziro Valley
Tucked in the mountains of Arunachal Pradesh lies the Ziro Valley. Come for the very popular Ziro Music Festival and stay for the Apatani tribe’s hospitality, paddy fields and bamboo trees.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is at Jorhat, Assam which is 98 km away. The railway stations from Ziro is at Naharlagun (100 km).
Top Attractions: Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Meghna Cave Temple, Kile Pakho, Tarin Fish farm, Shiv Linga, Dolo Mando – Trekking
Best Time to Visit: March- Oct
Meghalaya
The ‘Abode of Clouds’ is much more than Cherrapunjee’s abundant rainfall. Travel through the living root bridges, natural blue pools and painting-like Khasi villages to know real happiness.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is located in Guwahati (Assam) at a distance of 159 km (Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport). Guwahati Junction is the nearest railhead at a distance of 180 km.
Top Attractions: Nohkalikai Waterfalls, Double Decker Living Root Bridge, Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, Mawlynnong Village, Laitlum Canyon
Best Time to Visit: Oct-June
Planning a trip? Book with us:
Book FlightsAmritsar
Eat, pray and shop in the timeless Holy city of Amritsar. Experience bliss at the Golden Temple, explore Amritsar’s rich culinary heritage at the many dhabas and shop for handicrafts at the Hall Bazaar.
How to Reach: Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport is the nearest airport located about 11 km away from the city centre. Amritsar Railway Station is the main station in the city and is well connected to almost all major cities in India.
Top Attractions: Wagah Border Crossing, Golden Temple, Hall Bazaar, Jallianwala Bagh, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum, Kesar Da Dhaba
Best Time to Visit: Nov-March
Rann of Kutch
On Western India’s edge lies a shimmering, pure white desert. Be it the Great Rann’s surreal landscapes or the Little Rann with its rich wildlife, India’s largest salt marsh will take your breath away!
How to Reach: The nearest airport to Kutch is in Bhuj, around 80 km from the Rann desert.
Top Attractions: Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, Dholavira, Kutch Museum, Mandvi Beach, Aina Mahal
Best Time to Visit: Oct-Feb
Coonoor
Nilgiri’s little hamlet has fantastic climate and picture-perfect tea plantations. Hike in the mountains or catch the sunrise in any of Coonoor’s fantastic heritage hotels.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Coimbatore which around 100 km away. Coonoor railway station, a part of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway serves this city.
Top Attractions: Sim’s Park, Catherine Falls, Droog Fort, Heritage Train, Rallia Dam, Dolphin’s Nose, Lady Canning’s Seat
Best Time to Visit: Oct-March
Darjeeling
Choo Choo! The 140-year old Darjeeling toy train goes past, leaving emerald-green mountains in its wake. Enjoy the strong brew and don’t forget to close your mouth at the sight of the Khangchendzonga!
How to Reach: The nearest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra which is approximately 95 km away from the city. The nearest railway station is at New Jalpaiguri (62 km away)
Top Attractions: Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, Peace Pagoda, Ghoom Monastery, Nightingale Park
Best Time to Visit: April-June & Oct-Dec
Gokarna
What do ancient temples, mythological stories and ravishing sandy beaches have in common? Inner peace. And it’s all yours in Gokarna.
How to Reach: Nearest airport to Gokarna is Dabolim airport in Goa. The nearest railway station is Gokarna Road located at a distance of 8 km from the city.
Top Attractions: Maha Ganapati Temple, Mahabaleshwar Temple, Koti Tirtha, Mirjan Fort, Half Moon Beach, Kudle Beach
Best Time to Visit: Oct-March
Varanasi
Intense, colourful and chaotic, Varanasi is a state of mind. Visit the historic temples, walk the ghats or take a dawn boat ride on the Ganges to truly experience the tangled, ancient city.
How to Reach: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport or Varanasi Airport is the nearest one. The two main railheads in Varanasi are the Varanasi railway junction and Kashi railway station.
Top Attractions: Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Durga Temple, Man Mandir Observatory, Sarnath, Chunar Fort
Best Time to Visit: Nov-Feb
Parashar Lake
High above in the Dhauladhar range lies a blue lake seeped in mythology. Next to the lake is a 14th-century temple built in honour of sage Parashar, blessed by superb mountain views.
How to Reach: The nearest airport to Mandi is the Kullu Airport at Bhuntar.
Top Attractions: Pagoda Temple, Parashar Lake trek from Baghi
Best Time to Visit: Dec- April
Lavasa
One of the first planned cities of India, Lavasa is a paradise. Go trekking, hiking, take a luxury cruise on the Warasgaon Lake or relax with an ayurvedic massage: let happiness find you!
How to Reach: Pune Airport, located around 65 km away is the nearest airport to Lavasa. Pune Railway Station is the closest railhead.
Top Attractions: Temghar Dam, Panshet Dam, Ghangad Fort, Lakeshore Watersports, Tikona Fort, Devkund Waterfall
Best Time to Visit: Sep and March
Orchha
Stop time in the sleepy town of Orchha. Be it the island-bound Orchha Fort, Dinman Hardaul’s Palace or the Satdhara, the vibe of the historic city will enthral you no matter where you look!
How to Reach: The nearest airport to Orchha is Khajuraho Airport, around 170 km from the city. The nearest Railway Station is Jhansi Railway Station which is approximately 25 minutes drive from the city centre
Top Attractions: Orchha Fort, Chhatris, Ram Raja Temple, Betwa River and Kanchana Ghat, Dinman Hardaul Palace, Phool Bagh
Best Time to Visit: Oct-March
Thrilled enough? Wait no longer and start planning your India tour for an amazing experience with friends and family.
