India has many beautiful tourist places that boast of scenic nature, lovely desserts, snowy valleys and grand architecture. India is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. In this article, we list 15 beautiful places in India that every tourist must Visit.

 

India is a beautiful place adorned with verdant greenery, lovely beaches, sprawling deserts, scenic valleys, mesmerizing lakes, huge national parks and historical monuments. Let us look at the must-visit beautiful places for tourists.

Beautiful places to visit in India #1: Kullu Manali, Himachal Pradesh

 

Kullu-Manali in Himachal Pradesh is one of the most beautiful tourist places in India and is visited by a large number of people. Kullu-Manali is on the foothills of the Himalayas. Its snow-capped peaks make it a perfect tourist destination for honeymooners, nature enthusiasts and adventurists. Kullu-Manali is often considered a single place due to their proximity to each other. You must visit the Great Himalayan National Park, Sultanpur Palace, Bijli Mahadev Temple, Bhrigu Valley and Parvati Valley in Kullu. Among things to do in Manali and places to visit are Tibetan monasteries, the Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley and Hadimba Devi Temple. The Great Himalayan National Park is surrounded by the Himalayas ranges and is lined by deodar and oak trees. Kullu-Manali is also known for adventure sports such as trekking, angling, rafting and mountaineering. Kullu-Manali has many beautiful places like the Solang Valley, the Rohtang Pass, Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa and Vashist hot water springs. The slopes of the Rohtang Pass and the Solang Valley attract tourists for skiing, paragliding, zorbing and mountain biking. Due to snowfall, Rohtang Pass is open only between May and November.

How to reach Kullu Manali

By air: The nearest airport is the Bhuntar (Kullu) Airport, about 50 km from Manali and 10 km from Kullu. Domestic flights connect Bhuntar to Delhi and Chandigarh.

By rail: Manali is not directly approachable by rail and the nearest railway stations are Chandigarh (around 300 km) and Kalka (285 km).

By road: Roads connect Manali to Chandigarh (305 km), and Dehradun (227 km). So, you can take a bus or taxi easily.

Beautiful places to visit in India #2: Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh

 

Dharamshala, one of India’s most beautiful places, is popular among both tourists and spiritual pursuers. Dharamshala has a stunning lake, monasteries, temples, sparkling waterfalls and forts and museums. Along with Dharamshala, tourists also visit upper Dharamshala or McLeodganj, which is about 5 km from Dharamshala. McLeodganj is the residence of his holiness, the Dalai Lama, and is set amidst lush greenery and majestic hills. Dharamshala to McLeod Ganj can be reached through a skyway in ten minutes. The skyway has mono cable, detachable 18 gondolas and the capacity of ferrying 1,000 persons per hour. As the home for Tibetan Buddhists, Dharamshala is a place of peace and bliss. Worth visiting are the Dalai Lama Temple (Tsuglagkhang Monastery), Namgyal Monastery and Gyuto Tantric Monastery Temple. You must also visit the Kangra Fort, the Kangra Museum and the Dharamshala Cricket Stadium amidst the greens of the Himalayan range. Besides being a spiritual centre, the delightful landscapes filled with the mountain range, conifer, pine and deodar forests and lush tea gardens, make Dharamshala the best place to relax and soak in nature.

How to reach Dharamshala

By air: The closest airport is the Gaggal Airport at a distance of 15 km from Dharamshala.

By rail: The closest station to Dharamsala is Pathankot (88 km away).

By road: Dharamshala is connected to Delhi and other parts of North India via state-operated buses and private operators. Pathankot is about 88 km and Shimla is 240 km away.

Beautiful places to visit in India #3: Taj Mahal, Agra

Few have not heard of the Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal in Agra is considered one of the most beautiful places in the world. The exquisite marble mausoleum, a symbol of love, is an architectural masterpiece. Taj Mahal is an example of the perfect balance of symmetry and different architectural elements. The Taj Mahal is located on the bank of River Yamuna. Built between 1631 and 1648 by Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz, the Taj Mahal is a World Heritage Site of UNESCO and is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Housed inside a serene Mughal Garden, the monument stands on a raised marble platform. The grand white marble monument is a combination of Persian, Central Asian and Islamic architecture styles. The four sides of the Taj Mahal show perfect symmetry and feature remarkable vaulted arches decorated with verses from the Quran in calligraphy with inlaid jasper. This beautiful architectural marvel is one of the most frequented places in India by domestic as well as foreign tourists.

How to reach Taj Mahal

By air: Agra Airport  Kheria Air Force Station is a military airbase and public airport) is located about 13 km from Agra city.

By rail: Agra is located on the main railway line of the Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Chennai routes and thus, has good connectivity to these metros.

By road: Agra is connected to Delhi by the 200-km-long NH2. The six-lane Yamuna Expressway links Greater Noida to Agra.

Beautiful places to visit in India #4: Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand

The Valley of Flowers National Park in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand is a must-visit World Heritage Site. The spectacular Valley of Flowers is located 20 km northwest of the Nanda Devi and is an important biodiversity site. The national park is a paradise of alpine forests, floral carpets, exotic wildlife, rare bird species, medicinal plants and gushing waterfalls. The beautiful valleys are situated in the western part of the Himalayas at an elevation of 3,658 metres above sea level. The designated park has more than 650 species of flowers including orchids, blue poppy, lilies, calendula, geranium, marigold, Himalayan rose daisies, river anemone, zinnia and petunia and birds and animals like the musk deer and the red fox. In this beautiful place of India, you can also see rare flowers like the Brahma kamal, the yellow cobra lily, Jacquemont’s cobra lily, the elegant slipper orchid and the Himalayan marsh orchid. The valley is reachable between June and October and the best time to visit is from July to mid-August when it is in full bloom. Apart from the valley, lush forests along with the Pushpawati river, snow-clad mountains, cliffs, glaciers and cascading waterfalls make this place a stunning tourist attraction.

How to reach the Valley of Flowers

By air: The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, 158 km away. From there, hire a cab or bus to get to Govindghat. From there, it is a 16-km trek on foot to get to the Valley of Flowers.

By rail: Rishikesh is the nearest railway station. Taxis and buses are available from here to reach Govindghat.

By road: Motorable roads exist only till Govindghat. Then, it is a 16-km trek on foot, to get to the Valley of Flowers.

Most beautiful places in the world #5: Srinagar, Jammu &Kashmir

Srinagar, the city of lakes, is considered one of the most beautiful places in India and is one of the most enthralling tourist places that is often hailed as ‘heaven on Earth’. The capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar attracts tourists with its beautiful Himalayan backdrop, glittering lakes surrounded by houseboats and Shikaras and the majestic Mughal architecture. Whether you visit Srinagar in summer or winter, you will be delighted with its beauty, glorious sunsets, floating markets, gardens and Kashmiri cuisine. On a trip to Srinagar, Dal Lake is a must-visit for its charming beauty. The Shikaras (wooden boats) on the calm waters give a view of the Mughal gardens. Designed in the Persian architectural style, the Shalimar Bagh Garden is spread over 31 acres and has a canal flowing through the garden paved with stones and trees. Situated at an elevation of 1,585 metres above sea level, Srinagar is also famous for its Kashmiri apples and apple orchards. Among the tourist places in Kashmir worth visiting is the beautiful Tulip Garden, in Srinagar, spread over 30 acres, with around 15 lakhs tulips of 68 varieties. The best time to visit the garden is during March and April.

How to reach Srinagar

By air: The Sheikh-ul-Alam Airport in Srinagar is an international airport.

By rail: The nearest railway stations are the Jammu Tawi (271 km from Srinagar) and the Udhampur Railway Station (200 km from Srinagar)

By road: Srinagar is well-connected by road to cities like Jammu, Delhi and Chandigarh.

Beautiful places in India to visit #6: Sundarbans, West Bengal

One of the most beautiful places to visit near Kolkata is Sundarbans National Park; around109 km from Kolkata. It is known for its wide range of fauna, including 260 bird species, the Bengal tiger and other threatened species such as the estuarine crocodile. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sundarbans is home to more than 180 species of trees and plants. The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world located in the Ganges River delta between Bangladesh and West Bengal. Sundarbans is only accessible via boats to Sajnekhali Island, the entrance to the national park. You can take a wildlife boat safari in the Sundarbans National Park since the tiger reserve has islands, waterways, creeks and canals. The national park also has other enclosures, such as crocodile and turtle farms, wildlife museums and watchtowers. The forest has around 30,000 spotted deer and around 400 Royal Bengal tigers. You can also see Olive Ridley Turtles, King Crabs and Batagur Baska. One of the best places to visit around Sundarbans Tiger Reserve is the Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary, which is home to exotic birds such as Caspian Tern, Spotted Billed Pelican, Paradise Flycatcher and the rare winter bird, Asian Dowitchers.

How to reach Sundarbans Mangrove

By air: Netaji Subhash International Airport at Dumdum, Kolkata, is 112 km away from the National Park.

By rail or road: Sundarbans can be reached only by riverine waterways. From Kolkata, there are suburban trains to Canning (48 km from Sundarbans Park) and road transport to Namkhana, Raidighi, Sonakhali and Najat from where motor launch services are available for Sundarbans.

India’s beautiful places to visit #7: Nubra Valley, Ladakh

The scenic Nubra Valley in Ladakh is known for its ancient gompas, hot sulphur springs, high-altitude dunes, double-humped Bactrian camels and a fusion of mountains, rivers and deserts. It is located 140 km from Leh and is in a high-altitude cold desert. Located along the northern border of India, below the Siachen glacier, Nubra Valley stands at the intersection of the Shyok and the Nubra river (Siachen River) that cuts through the Ladakh and Karakoram range of mountains. The lovely valley is connected to Leh with Khardung La, one of the highest motorable passes in the world. Nubra Valley is amongst the top tourist attractions in Ladakh where the Diskit Monastery and Hunder Village are a must-visit. Hunder Village has cold deserts where tourists can enjoy camping and ride on Bactrian camels (double-humped camels). The Diskit Monastery is the oldest and largest in the region and has a 32-metre-tall statue of Maitreya Buddha. The hot spring at Panamik Village is one of the best places to visit. The water has medicinal properties due to its high sulphur content. For adventure lovers, it is the best destination in Ladakh for trekking, mountain biking and motorbiking. Nubra is also the gateway to the Siachen glacier, the highest and coldest battlefield in the world, standing at an altitude of almost 6,000 metres. The best time to visit the Nubra Valley trek is between June and mid-October when the average temperature ranges between 20 to 30°C in the daytime. July and August are the ideal months for the Nubra Valley trek as during these months the Manali-Leh and the Srinagar-Leh highways are open for private vehicles.

How to reach Nubra Valley

By air: Leh Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport is around 161 km and is the closest airport to Nubra Valley-Ladakh.

By road: Nubra can be reached by bus or jeep from Leh. You have to cross Khardung La or K-Top and require an inner line permit to enter.

India’s beautiful places to visit #8: Mawlynnong, Meghalaya

Mawlynnong village in Meghalaya is hailed as ‘God’s Own Garden’ and has been repeatedly voted as Asia’s cleanest village. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in India. From gorgeous waterfalls and root bridges to the picturesque view, it attracts large numbers of tourists all year round. The Living Root Bridges in Mawlynnong have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hanging on a river, the bridges were formed by the aerial roots of a massive rubber tree tangling with one another. The Sky View is a vantage point made of bamboo with a viewing tower of 85 ft. From the top, you can enjoy the lovely views of the entire village. Mawlynnong waterfalls are a delight to watch. Lush forests and blooming orchids surround the Mawlynnong waterfall. Another attraction in Mawlynnong village is the Church of Epiphany, a 100-year-old structure with an old-world charm.

How to reach Mawlynnong

By air: The best way to reach Mawlynnong is to fly to the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati which is the nearest airport. Then take the cabs and reach Shillong in 3 hours.

By road: Mawlynnong is located approximately 100 km from Shillong and 92 km from Cherrapunjee. You can reach Mawlynnong from these two cities if you travel by road.

India’s beautiful places to visit #9: Backwaters of Alleppey, Kerala

One of the beautiful tourist places to visit in Kerala is the Alleppey backwater, 53 km from Cochin. Coconut palms, vast paddy fields and Chinese nets attract tourists from around the world. The calm life in the lagoons, stirred only by the chirruping of migratory birds, makes it an ethereal world. Alleppey (or Alappuzha) has bright green backwaters, palm-fringed lakes, lush paddy fields, colourful lagoons and a 150-year-old lighthouse. Half-day, full-day and overnight boat cruises are also available. One of the must-visit places in Alleppey is Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala. The scenic rice fields are magical, to say the least. Pathiramanal Island and Alleppey Beach are perfect getaways for romantic couples. Alleppey Beach is one of the best beaches in South India and is a confluence of lagoons, rivers and backwaters. The Mannarasala Temple and St Mary’s Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church are also worth visiting. Krishna Puram Palace is popularly known as Pathinarukettu. This majestic palace was built by the erstwhile Travancore king, Marthanda Varma, and is famous for its Kerala-style architecture. Another interesting tourist place to visit in Alleppey is the Revi Karuna Karan Memorial Museum, a magnificent building fronted by Greco-Roman columns that have a collection of crystal, porcelain, antiques and artwork.

How to reach the backwaters of Alleppey

By air: The Cochin International Airport, located around 78 km away, is the nearest airport to Alleppey.

By rail: The Alleppey Railway Station is about 4 km away from the city centre and connects Alleppey to other major cities like Trivandrum, Cochin, Chennai, etc.

By road: National Highway 66 passes through the city, connecting it to other major cities like Coimbatore, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kollam and Trivandrum via state-run KSRTC buses.

Beautiful places in India to visit #10: Beaches of Goa

The setting sun, golden sand and swinging palm trees make Goa, one of India’s most beautiful places to visit. With a 100-km-long coastline, there are many places to visit in Goa, offering beautiful views and serenity. Besides water sports, river cruises, forts and churches dating back to the Portuguese era and lively nightclubs, Goa has much more to offer. About 35 beaches, churches, forts, old colonial heritage Portuguese buildings and delectable cuisine make Goa the perfect spot for every tourist. Most beaches are divided into north and south Goa beaches. You can relax at the quieter beaches of Bogmalo or Varca, Sinquerim, Anjuna, Calangute and Butterfly beach. The serene surroundings of Majorda Beach help de-stress. The crescent-shaped and palm-fringed Palolem Beach has lovely views and white sand. Hidden away from the busy beaches in the north of the state, Agonda is for those who want some seclusion. The natural beauty of Goa includes waterfalls, green forests, fabulous beaches and sunshine. Head to the Dudhsagar Fall for a visual treat. Dudhsagar Falls, with an average altitude of 100 metres, is one of the country’s largest waterfalls.

How to reach Goa

By air: The nearest international airport is located at Dabolim, almost 29 km from Panaji. This international airport is well connected with domestic cities.

By rail: The main railway station is known as Madgaon and Vasco-da-Gama. Both are well linked with other major parts of the country.

By road: Goa has its bus service that connects major cities in India. The nearest main bus stand is the Kadamba bus stand of Panaji.

By sea: You can take a cruise ship from Mumbai to reach Goa, in approximately 15 hours.

Beautiful places in India to visit #11: Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Rishikesh in Uttarakhand is amongst the most beautiful places in India. The serene landscapes, the untouched ecosystem and the gurgling of the river Ganges make Rishikesh a place worth visiting. Set against the backdrop of the Himalayas, with the pristine Ganga flowing through it, Rishikesh is one of the major tourist and pilgrimage centres of India where people from across the world come in search of peace. Rishikesh is also hailed as the ‘yoga capital of the world’. Legends related to Rishikesh believe that the place is mentioned in the ancient text of Skanda Purana and in the epic of Ramayana as the place where Lord Rama comes for penance after killing Ravana. The picturesque city appears suspended between the riverside promenades, acres of forests and lofty mountains. Most of the temples here – Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Raghunath Temple and the 13-storey Trimbakeshwar Temple – have interesting tales to tell. The twin Ram and Lakshman Jhulas are architectural achievements as they are suspended over 750 ft. over the Ganges. Rishikesh is also popular among adventure enthusiasts. If you are looking for things to do in Rishikesh, the region is famous for white-water river rafting that takes you through breathtaking landscapes of mountains and greenery and clear waters. The river rafting levels range from mild to wild. The holy Ganges is worshipped at various ghats in Rishikesh among which the Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan and Triveni Ghat are experiences to cherish. Hundreds of lit diyas float across the sacred river and illuminate the area. The reflected light of diyas, the sounds of the bells and people chanting holy mantras make it a memorable spiritual experience.

How to reach Rishikesh

By air: The nearest airport to reach Rishikesh is the Jolly Grant airport, Dehradun, which is around 35 km from the city. There are taxi services and buses available from the airport that can be taken to reach Rishikesh from Dehradun.

By rail: Rishikesh station is not well connected but Haridwar (25 km away from Rishikesh) is well-connected to many of the major Indian cities.

By road: Rishikesh is well connected to all the major roads and national highways and can be easily reached from all parts of the country.

Beautiful places in India to visit #12: Yumthang Valley, Sikkim

The Yumthang Valley in North Sikkim is located 140 km north of Gangtok and is one of the most beautiful places in India. Famous as the ‘Valley of Flowers’, this is a rare and exotic location with hot springs, rivers, yaks and a lush green meadow. Yumthang is home to a spectacular mix of flora and fauna, which makes the place appear like a white wonderland during the winters. Situated at an elevation of 3,564 metres, this stunning valley is a paradise for nature lovers as it houses the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary with over 24 species of rhododendron flowers (the state flower), blooming from late February to mid-June. During the summer, Yumthang Valley blossoms with Himalayan flowers like the primrose, iris, cinquefoil, lousewort, poppy and cobra lily. As you enjoy the view of the flowers, walk along the pedestrian path that leads to hot springs in the Teesta River. With tree-covered green slopes, flowing rivers and blossoming Himalayan flowers, the valley is surreal. Yumthang Valley is closed to tourists in winter, between December and March.

How to reach Yumthang Valley

As Yumthang Valley is situated close to the China border, it is under army control. A protected area permit is required to visit Yumthang from Gangtok Tourism Office. Yumthang valley is located at a distance of about 120 km from Gangtok in Sikkim.

By air: Bagdogra Airport (Siliguri) is the closest; it takes around 4 hours to reach Yumthang Valley  from here.

By rail: The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri, West Bengal. All major trains going towards Guwahati pass through New Jalpaiguri. Gangtok is around 148 km from New Jalpaiguri by road.

By road: The best way to reach Yumthang is to travel to Lachung from Gangtok, which is about 125 km, by vehicle. It is not feasible to travel to Yumthang directly from Gangtok in a day, as the region is prone to fog. From Lachung, the drive to Yumthang takes just an hour.

India’s beautiful place to visit #13: Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

The desert city of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan is also called the Golden City due to the colour of its famous yellow sandstone. Jaisalmer is one of the last big towns of Rajasthan near the India-Pakistan border and is in the heart of the Thar Desert. One of the largest fortifications on earth, Jaisalmer Fort is the only living fort in Rajasthan. Home to nearly 3,000 people, Jaisalmer Fort has homestays, cafes and temples. In this UNESCO heritage site, a tourist can discover vibrant villages, forts, palaces and Havelis and enjoy dune bashing, jeep rides and camel safaris. The Sam and Khuri Dunes are the top two dune areas where most desert camps and resorts are located. One of the best things to do in Jaisalmer is to visit Gadisar Lake and watch the sunset against the haze of the desert reflected in the water and spot migratory birds. Other Jaisalmer places to visit include Gadara Lake, the Desert National Park, Kuldhara and Patwon ki Haveli.

How to reach Jaisalmer

Jodhpur is the nearest airport, about 300 km from Jaisalmer. From there, one can take the train. Jaisalmer is connected well via railways to all major cities. The city is well connected to the rest of the cities in Rajasthan.

Beautiful places in India to visit #14: Varanasi Ghats, Uttar Pradesh

Varanasi is a beautiful north Indian city in the state of Uttar Pradesh that dates back to the 11th century BC. It is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. It is a popular tourist spot for devotees, situated on the western bank of the sacred River Ganga. Varanasi has close to 2,000 temples, making it the spiritual capital of India. With around 70 bathing banks, rituals related to life, death and everything in between are performed on the ghats of Varanasi. Also known as the City of Temples, this holy town attracts a large number of pilgrims for a dip in the river Ganges. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the most famous tourist attraction in Varanasi. The Dasaswamedh Ghat is one of the most popular places to visit in Varanasi. Every night devotees perform the Ganga Aarti, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The divine ambience created by lit diyas, chanting of hymns and blowing of the conch shells is soul-stirring. The Assi Ghat is another must-visit place that has a Shiva lingam beneath a sacred fig tree. An early morning boat ride is one of the best experiences in Varanasi that takes you through the different ghats near the bank of Ganga, giving a panoramic view of the region and the river.

How to reach Varanasi

By air: Varanasi airport is well connected with all the major cities of the country.

By rail: Varanasi railway station and Kashi railway station, are the main railway stations.

By road: Uttar Pradesh state buses as well as the private bus services are all well connected with Varanasi. There are frequent buses from Varanasi to Allahabad (120 km), Gorakhpur (165 km) and other places.

The most beautiful places in India to visit #15: Havelock Island, Andaman

Havelock Island is a part of Ritchie’s Archipelago in the Andamans. The white sand beaches of this island are fringed with rain-fed forests, making them a beautiful destination to visit in India. The fascinating coral reefs make it the most stunning island in India. Known for its azure sea and exotic marine life, this little paradise in Andaman is popular for scuba diving. This eco-tourism spot covers 113 sq km and is situated 57 km from Port Blair, the capital city. This place to visit in