From the mighty Himalayas to the sprawling Thar Desert, from the backwaters of Kerala to the colourful streets of Delhi, India is a land of bountiful contrasts. One of the most compelling features which drive tourists from across the globe to leave the comfort of their homes and plan a trip to India is its extreme natural beauty. The mesmerising landscapes and serenity promise to deliver a feeling that is full of solace and happiness.
Here is a list of 12 destinations, which top the list of all the foreigners and must not be left unexplored by the natives –
Kasol, Himachal Pradesh
With the most scenic landscapes and tranquil environs, Kasol has to top the list. The ratio of the Israeli population is so high that the hamlet is also sometimes referred to as “Mini Israel”. There are a number of trekking trails, places for nature walks and cafes to spend some quality time. Visit this destination to experience an altogether different environment. After all, Kasol is all about creams and cafes 😉.
Best time to Visit: March to October
Backpackers stay in Kasol: Cirrus Somewhere in Parvati Valley
By Yoel Ben-Avraham
Munsiyari, Uttarakhand
Far away from the crowded streets is the beautiful hamlet of Munsiyari. Tucked in the Himalayas, this destination offers splendid vistas of the snow-capped mountains. Foreigners visit this destination to adore the beauty of nature and spend some peaceful time. Also, there are many homestays where you can stay and savour some lip-smacking Kumaoni delicacies.
Best time to Visit: March, April, May, October, November
Backpackers stay in Munsiyari: Munsiyari Homestay
official facebook page Munsiyari, UK
Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
Nestled in the beautiful Kangra Valley, Dharamshala must not be left unexplored. The flawless beauty of this pristine destination remains unmatched and untainted. It has a large Tibetan population and is also known as Little Lhasa as it is the centre of the Tibetan government in exile. Enjoy sightseeing or indulge in meditating in the Tushita Meditation Centre.
Best time to Visit: March to July
Backpackers stay in Dharamshala: Youth Hostel Dharamshala
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Right from the mind-blowing landscapes to the man-made marvels like Laxman Jhula, and from adrenaline pumping activities like rafting, bungee jumping to serene banks of the Ganges, Rishikesh has a lot to offer. Popularly known as the “yoga capital of the world”, it is flocked by thousands of foreigners who come here to learn yoga and spend some peaceful time in the ashrams.The Beatles visited Rishikesh in the late 1960s, which further added to its popularity.
Best time to Visit: October to March
Backpackers stay in Rishikesh: Zostel Rishikesh
By 3.0
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi is one of the oldest cities and the cultural capital of the world. This city is most famous for three things — Ganges, ghats and temples. The liveliness in the environment, beautifully decorated temples, the high-spirited locals and peaceful ghats entice foreigners to visit this destination. There are many places to visit and things to do in Varanasi for people of all interests.
Best time to Visit: November to February
Backpackers stay in Varanasi: Stops Hostel Varanasi
Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Less visited by the locals and more by the foreigners, Agra contributes a lot towards the tourism industry of the country. Taj Mahal — one of the seven wonders of the world is not the stand-alone attraction of the city. There are many fascinating tombs, mausoleums and a sprawling fort that are a part of the legacy of the Mughal Empire here.
Best time to Visit: October to March
Backpackers stay in Agra: Zostel Agra
Kovalam, Kerala
Kovalam, located in “god’s own country”, is one of the most beautiful beach destinations across the world. The scenic beauty and the peaceful environs of this pristine land attract visitors from all parts of the world. This place is also a sheer delight for those who love seafood. Enjoy a dip in the clean waters of the sea, indulge in sunbathing and walk bare feet on the sandy beaches for a lifetime experience.
Best time to Visit: October to March
Backpackers stay in Kovalam: Kovalam Backpackers Hostel
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Jaisalmer, the golden city, is the best place to get an insight into the rich cultural heritage of the country. On a trip to this mesmerising destination, visit the 800-year-old Jaisalmer Fort, sleep under the open sky, go for a walk in the tiny lanes, enjoy a jeep safari on the dunes, wear a traditional outfit and gorge on the local delicacies. The colourful age-old heritage is still alive in this destination, which is the main reason it is flooded by non-natives.
Best time to Visit: November to March
Backpackers stay in Jaisalmer: Jaisalmer Backpackers Hostel
Hampi, Karnataka
Hampi is a unique village in which, on one side you will find buildings, while on the other it is a laidback village giving an insight into its glorious past. Adore the architectural marvels of this region and interact with the backpackers who have come to this place from all over the world. The cerulean sky, age-old architectural marvels and the mighty Tungabhadra River make it a paradise for photographers.
Best time to Visit: October to March
Backpackers stay in Hampi: Shanthi Guesthouse
Auroville, Tamil Nadu
Auroville is not a place where people come for one day, visit the attractions and leave. Rather, it is a place where people come to stay in peace, rejuvenate and find out what they actually want in life. It is estimated that 60% of the current population in Auroville is non-Indian. A large number of projects from schools to organic farming have been started by the international community giving employment to 4,000 to 5,000 people.
Best time to Visit: October and November
Backpackers Hostels in Auroville: Reve Guesthouse
Goa
Last but not the least, Goa is among the most visited tourist destinations in the country. Goa is all about sandy beaches, palm-fringed coastline, effervescent nightlife and lip-smacking seafood. The Portuguese influence can be seen in the churches, food and lifestyle of the locals. Also, with activities like diving, jet skiing, sailing, scuba diving at Sail Rock, parasailing and windsurfing, it is definitely a paradise for adventure enthusiasts.
Best time to Visit: November to February
Backpackers Hostels in Goa: Backpacker Panda
Plan a trip to India and get to see the most exotic destinations, be a part of the most colourful festivals, admire the most vibrant cultures and interact with the cheerful locals.
If you haven’t explored any of the above-mentioned destinations and are planning an international vacation, we would like to suggest — let’s admire the beauty of our homeland first.
Let’s explore our Incredible India!!
