India is a land of many
paradoxes. There are people who strive hard to earn their bread and butter
here, and then there are people who have all the luxuries of life. There are
cultures which are forward thinking and open to changes, and then there are cultures
which strongly hold to their roots. There are places which are rugged and
barren, and there are places which are blessed with lush greenery and amazing
forests.
And each one of those paradoxes
of India is beautiful in its own right. You don’t need to go looking for beauty
in India. You come across it while exploring the land. But for those who want
to experience some of the most beautiful destinations of the country, here is a
list of 100 beautiful places in India that you cannot miss out on.
Himachal Pradesh
1. Khajjiar
This beautiful
place bears a very striking resemblance to Switzerland’s topography, the well-known romanticizing location. Khajjar is located at the foot of Dhauladkar , in the
lap of Himalayas and is 2000 meters above sea level.
A beautiful
panoramic view of the densely populated forests and the meadows and snowy peaks
of Himalayas can be captured. Summer months are the best to visit this place as
it wouldn’t be too cold and the hill station would be laden with beautiful
flowers which makes it one of the most beautiful places to visit in India.
2. Chandertal
Lake
The Chandertal
lake is situated between Lahaul and Spiti, the two Himalayan ranges and is at
an altitude of 4300 metres above sea level. It is also known as the ‘moon lake’ as it’s the source
of river Chandra and the crystal clear waters of chandertal will not miss
captivating you in its depth.
Sar Pass
Rohtang Pass
Suraj Tal Lake
The Suraj Tal Lake, also known as the lake of the sun god, close to the Baralacha la pass is the third highest lake in India and the 21st highest in the world. Beautifully clad mountain tops, glacier views, the extreme polar region conditions and pin drop silence greets you out here which is probably why you will hardly find any other soul around if you manage to trek to this lake.
Jammu and Kashmir
Dal Lake
Dal lake, the iconic destination of the Kashmir valley, also referred to as heaven on earth is one of the bollywood’s favorite shooting sights. The mughal gardens by the lake’s shore go back to jehangir’s reign and the shikaras, houseboats in the lake are the best way to embark upon the nature.
Pangong Lake
The Pangong lake is one of the beautiful places visit in India. Spread over an area of about 600 sq. km, the lake is shared by india and china and 60% of it lies in the neighbouring country. The alluring beauty of the lake and its natural scenic views make it seem like a landscape painted. Its enduring to see how the lake changes colors every season due to its salinity.
Tsomoriri Lake
Another jewel in the crown of Ladakh is the Tsomoriri Lake. [Did you know that it is also known as the 'Mountain Lake'?] The lake is situated in Changthang Plateau, one of the highest and widest plateaus in the world is a among the must visit places in India . The lake gets its name from the saltiness of it, and the fact that salt was extracted from it till 1959. You can spot some really rare species of birds here during the migratory season such as Black Necked Crane, Brown Headed Gull and Great Crested Grebe. The calmness of the lake is just pe Kashmir Valley
Kashmir valley is no doubt the most beautiful destinations in india. The heaven on earth tag is always linked to Kashmir for its evergreen landscapes and snow-filled mountains. A visit to Kashmir should definitely include seeing the Shalimar gardens, visit to Dal lake and the shikaras and gulmarg. Mountaineering and river rafting are good adventure activities in Kashmir.
Zanskar Valley
Zanskar valley is filled with small hamlets, less population and gorgeous views and with this range you have plenty of chances to start clicking perfect moments which makes it one of the most beautiful places to visit in India. One of the highlights of this is the zanskar river where you could opt for rafting and even go trekking in the months of January and February.
During the winter months, the chadar trek, set up on the frozen river comprises of a journey through frozen waterfalls, small sized caves[There are much bigger caves in Meghalaya] and an entire white landscape all around you.
Khardung La Pass
Khardung La Pass needs no introduction. It is widely, but incorrectly, believed to be the highest motorable pass in the world, located at a little over 17,000 feet above sea level. The pass is about 40 km from the town of Leh, and an important destination for those seeking adventure. Adventure seekers come here for a thrilling mountain biking experience and a road trip.
The views you get from this amazing mountain pass are just breathtaking. The pass also holds strategic importance for India’s defense strategy, for it serves as the route for military supplies and other essentials.
Nubra Valley
Located about 150 km from the town of Leh is the Nubra Valley. It is also referred to as the valley of flowers, because it is covered with some really beautiful flowers during the summer months. The beautiful flowers are kind of complemented by the largely rugged terrain of the valley, as is the case with the rest of Ladakh.
A trek through the valley is one of the easier treks in Ladakh, but not any less beautiful. During the summer months, you can spot the local shepherding their sheep with a smile on their face and a lively spirit.
Uttaranchal
Valley of Flowers
The Valley of Flowers is a national park located in the upper reaches of the Himalayas, in the state of Uttarakhand is a must visit place in India. The park is a true paradise for botanists and anybody else who loves the glory of nature. It stands true to its name, with several species of exotic flowers to be seen here.
While for the most part the valley remains covered with snow, during the summer months, it comes alive with a riot of colors which makes it one of the beautiful places in India. Expectedly, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But you need to cover a slightly difficult trek in order to feel the bliss of this national park.
Roopkund Lake
The Himalayan region is blessed with several gorgeous high altitude lakes. But the one which catches the maximum attention is the Roopkund Lake, gorgeous, and shrouded in mystery. The lake is situated at a height of about 5,000 meters above sea level in Uttaranchal’s Chamoli District. During the summer season, when the ice melts in the lake, you can see several hundred corpses floating in the lake.
The skeletons of the corpses have been well preserved because f the cold climatic conditions. Scientific evidence suggests that the corpses date back to around 12th century, but nobody knows the real story behind the mass deaths. Roopkund Lake is probably the only place on earth which continues to be beautiful despite the presence of about hundred skeletons.
Dodital Lake
A freshwater lake located at a height of little more than 3000 meters above sea level is the Dodital Lake. It is also known as the Dhudital Lake, named after Lord Ganesha and is among the must see places in India. It is believed that the lake is the abode of Lord Ganesha, and standing testimony to that fact is a temple dedicated to Him.
You need to cover a moderate trek from Uttarkashi in order to reach the lake. Don’t worry about the effort though. You will be refreshed at the sight of the lake.
Khatling Glacier
Situated the River Bhalingana’s source is the Khatling Glacier, a panoramic site that just takes your breath away. From the glacier, you can see snow capped peaks and several hanging glaciers in the vicinity. But the rewarding sight doesn’t come easy. You need to take a strenuous trek to reach the glacier, passing through dense forests and high mountain passes. The trek to Khatling Glacier could easily take around 2 weeks, but it is worth every effort you make.
Uttar Pradesh
Ghats in Varanasi
Varanasi is believed to be the oldest civilizations is among the must India. Situated on the banks of River Ganga, the city holds a sacred spot in Hinduism. Every year, lakhs converge on the ghats of Varanasi for performing the last rites of their relatives and dear ones. Despite the seemingly macabre surroundings, the ghats of Varanasi have a certain allure to them. You can feel the spirituality and the calmness that prevails here.
Rajasthan
Jodhpur
Jodhpur is beautiful in a paradoxical kind of way. Most of Jodhpur’s terrain is barren and rugged, which makes it a quintessential desert land. It is one of the largest cities of Rajasthan, offering tourists an opportunity for memorable desert safaris. One of the best safaris you can take in Jodhpur is a Bishnoi Village Safari.
It takes you up, close and personal to the lives of the Bishnois, an old clan of the land. If you visit the old part of the city, don’t miss the blue houses, which have earned it the tag of the “The Blue City.”
Desert of Jaisalmer
Camel Safari is one of the most memorable and delightful experiences you can have. It gives you an exclusive approach to discover colorful villages in Rajasthan. Travel through the crests and troughs of the naturally formed Sand Dunes on a camel back and experience the essence of life in the Jaisalmer region.Once the night falls, gather around a campfire and enjoy a luxurious treat of cultural performances like lambada dance by the locals.
Lake Pichola
One of the highlights of the beautiful city of Udaipur, Rajasthan is Lake Pichola. The lake overlooks the Lake Palace, making for a fantastic setting is a must see place in India. Lake Pichola, like other lakes in Udaipur, were built over dams in order to serve the water and irrigation needs of the people of the city.
The lake serves as the ideal spot for a romantic boat ride with your better half. During the migratory season, you can see some species of birds too by the lake, making it an even more beautiful site.
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