Breathtakingly Beautiful Places In India

[Aamna Ali]

Siju - Dim caves and high Bridges

Source - bpblog

Kailash Manasarovar

Hemis National Park - Extreme weather and wildlife
The rough terrain of this trek in Ladakh is only the first of many challenges one faces here. The temperature is below -20 degrees and the place also has a higher than average number of snow leopards. On the bright side, you probably won't feel it if one of those leopards bites off a frozen toe anyway!

Source - perfectchannel



12. Gurez Valley
Gurez or Gurais, as it is also known, is located 120 km from Srinagar, right below the Line of Control. It is also highly avalanche prone, once experiencing 80 avalanches in 3 days. This turbulent zone's danger is offset by the sheer beauty around though.

Dras- The 2nd coldest habitable area in the world
Also known as the 'Gateway to Ladakh', this town in J&K is famous for being one of the spots attacked during the Kargil war and being a generally high militancy area. It is also however, the second coldest inhabitable area in the world. So if you're lucky enough to not get shot down by a military incursion, you still have to contend with hypothermia: not exactly great odds.

Khardung La - Highest road, lowest oxygen
The world's highest motorable road is located in Ladakh and is a 3 hour drive up from Leh. The winding roads, high altitude and direct sunlight come together to give most people's stomachs a run for their money.

Interior Assam - Lumding to Haflong railway
The region between Lumding and Haflong are equal parts amazing and terrifying.

Pamban Bridge
This route that connects Rameshwaram to central India is actually a train route over the sea! If that wasn't amazing enough however, it also has a mechanism that allows ships to pass underneath, at one time requiring 12 people to manually pull levers that change the ascent. This bridge is also a 100 years old.

 

[Aamna Ali]

Kasol
With several lovely options to stay at absolute base prices and easy access via the HRTC bus service, Kasol is one of the quickest and cheapest getaways.

Pondicherry

Kodaikanal

Goa -

Alleppey -
You can rent a room in a house boat and lose yourself in the midst of the Amazonian wilderness for an absolutely nominal price. Strike up a conversation with some of the local fishermen and they'll even lend you their own OG kayaks so you can go exploring on your own for a meagre 100INR. That's a steal!

Ooty -
Chocolate and more chocolate. Every kind of cocoa butter goodness is available here, made locally and sold at rates lower than the Delhi Winter temperature! The hills are lovely, there's the Fernhills palace to explore and Kodi's just a few stops away.

Itanagar -
Apart from the difficult ride up, Itanagr offers you all the peace of mind the North East is famous for. There's gushing rivers and lush greens, all the while helped out by the forthcoming locals who will sort you out with homestays and warm food for nominal pricing.

Darjeeling -
Spend some time in the quaint little hotels and lodges that are sprawled around Darjeeling and that won't burn a hole in your pocket. The people are warm and are bound to win you over with their world famous chai.

Mcleodganj - Cheap treks for bountiful returns

 

[Umair Nawaz]

15. Drang Drung Glacier, Near Kargil
It takes about 2 days to get here from the Srinagar airport.

Thats concordia not yr india.

concordia - Google Search

 

[Orakzai]

india is a big country no doubt it has some astonishing places.

 

[Pakistani shaheens]

We should be proud of our South Asia, it's more beautiful than any other places of the world...
I hope we all resolve disputes among us for the sake of better future for our next generations and this beautiful place South Asia.

 

[itachiii]

Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura
The Northeastern states of India, especially these four states, have been out of mainstream national consciousness. There is rarely any news about them in the mainstream media. I spent some 14 days in these 4 states, just riding around or staying put in some city, to more more about them. These are beautiful places with wonderful cultures and they definitely deserve more attention than they get.

11. Shillong to Cherrapunji
This is one stretch that anyone who loves riding has to experience. While riding on most hilly terrains, you have mountains on one side and a valley on the other side. This route is different as you tend to ride on top of the mountains.

12. Ranchi to Jabalpur

This stretch takes two days with a halt in Ambikapur, but thankfully I did it, otherwise I would have never known just how beautiful Chattisgarh is. It was a lovely surprise, especially the part some 80 Kms before Jabalpur. It's the kind of place where movies should be shot in.

13. Rameshwaram
I crossed the Pamban bridge and reached Rameshwaram and I thought I had seen it all. But then I reached this place on my way to Dhanushkodi from Rameshwaram. Just one look at the picture and you'll understand why it is one of the most memorable points in my trip.

14. Kovalam Beach, Trivandrum

The water here is just so blue. It will invigorate anyone who looks upon it. If not for the blue, then just take your motorcycle to Kovalam for a lovely photo.

15. Wandering aimlessly in Leh
Finally when you are in Leh, take your motorcycle and wander aimlessly. Wherever you go, you can be sure that it is going to be beautiful. This picture was taken somewhere near Leh, where I went off-road for a bit, some 20 Kms after Leh on the Leh - Manali highway. This is my most favourite picture from this trip.

i envy the life of this bikes owner...

 

[Donatello]

Beautiful. No doubt Kashmir on both sides is majestic.

 

[Aamna Ali]

Camp
in the Thar Desert.
Your 20's are the best time to cut loose and take a walk on the adventurous side. Step out of your comfort zone, say goodbye to hotel rooms and stay in the dunes of Thar desert.

river rafting in Rishikesh.
This is the adventure sport for the masses. Even if you haven't done it before, with a short briefing from some friendly rafting instructors, you'll be taking on the rapids of the Ganga in no time!



Backpack across the North-East.
First, it’s budget friendly. Second, backpacking is the best way to experience the mesmerizing sights of the Seven Sisters. Third, get out there. Now.

Start off on a trek to Dudhsagar Falls.
Instead of taking the normal route to Dudhsagar Falls, how about trekking up to it? This trail brings along some exciting adventures which you should definitely try before you're 30 and out of air.



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forests of Bandipur.
Bandipur is a Tiger Reserve in Mysore, Karnataka. The best part about it is that you can hire a jeep to take you through the preserve and chances of Tiger sightings are really high!

Living Root Bridges of Mawlynnong.
Yes, these bridges are actually made out of living roots branching out from gigantic trees. They are quite a sight to behold!

Ride a bike from Manali to Leh.
The journey is a paradise for true blue bikers. Offering one of the best routes to ride in the world, this majestic highway stretches for over 475 Km.

scuba diving in the Andamans.
With its silver sands and clear, turquoise waters, the Andamans are heaven for water babies. Go for a scuba tour & swim along the vibrant fish & corals.

Corbett National Park
As far as Wildlife Sanctuaries go, Corbett is like training wheels. And since it's just a day away from Delhi, it is a must visit destination to get away from all the hustle & bustle of the city.

Coorg, the Scotland of India.
It's called the Scotland of India for a reason. You'll be greeted with vast green stretches and scenic vistas everywhere you look.

 

[Aamna Ali]

Yak Safari in Ladakh.
Okay, so you may have gotten used to the idea of a horse or elephant safari. For an offbeatexperience, how about something as unique as ayak safari in Ladakh?

Valley of flowers.
Located in the hills of Uttaranchal, the Valley of Flowers is a vast stretch of vibrant flowers such asBrahmakamal, Blue Poppy and the Cobra Lily spread across the valley.

skiing in Auli.
Learning to ski in your younger days comes along with a lot of advantages. Auli is a sought after skiing destination in the snow capped peaks of Uttaranchal.

paragliding in Solang.
Experience the thrill as you breeze by and enjoy the panoramic sight of green mountains, valleys, expansive sky and snow-capped ranges.

Spitti Valley
Having a quarter life crisis? Make your way to the super scenic Spitti Valley, perched high up on the ethereal Himalayan mountains. Get your peace of mind here!

 

[itachiii]

Thats concordia not yr india.

concordia - Google Search

It is drang drung mountain glacier - j&K, India.

Drang-Drung Glacier, Information about Drang-Drung Glacier

official website of J&k tourism dept.

Drang-Drung Glacier

 

[Aamna Ali]

Tarkarli, Maharashtra
Frankly, almost any beach on the Konkan coast could have qualified for this spot. Tarkarli, in Sindhudurg district in Maharashtra, with its pristine waters, long and narrow beaches with Shuru trees in the background, managed to earn some extra points. It's one of the most peaceful and non-commercialized beaches in India.

Lambasingi, Andhra Pradesh
The very fact that Lambasingi, in Vishakhapatnam district in Andhra Pradesh, is one of those rare places in South India that boasts of snowfall makes this village an amazing place. Throughout the year, the temperature there ranges from 0°C to 10°C, earning it the nickname, 'Kashmir of South India'. Better go there before the others do.

Osian, Rajasthan
Osian village in Jodhpur district in Rajasthan is a delight for those who love historical architecture and the fact that you get to see all of it in an oasis in the Thar Desert makes it a double whammy. The 8th to 11th century temples there make this village a must-visit destination.

Keibul Lamjao on Loktak Lake, Manipur
Keibul Lamjao, in Bishnupur district in Manipur is the world's only floating park and it's also home to the endangered Sangai deer. The floating garden on Loktak Lake is a result of decomposing plant material, locally called phumdis. You have to see it to believe it.

Gavi, Kerala
We usually associate trekking with mountains and hills. But this is one wildlife trek you wouldn't want to miss. Located in Pathanamthitta district in Kerala, on the highway connecting Kollam and Madurai, Gavi is part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. It is said that the only two gopher trees in India can be found in Gavi.

Kasar Devi/Crank's Ridge, Uttarakhand
If you're interested in the hippie-way of life but are tired of the huge number of tourists in Himachal Pradesh, you need to make it a point to visit Kasar Devi village near Almora in Uttarakhand. Crank's Ridge, or Hippie Hill as the locals call it, on the way to Kasar Devi temple is also a historical place for hippies. Legends like Allen Ginsberg, Bob Dylan and Cat Stevens are some of the few people who visited this place during the peak of the Hippie movement in the sixties.

Lonar Crater, Maharashtra
Located in Buldana district in Maharashtra, the Lonar Crater Lake was formed around 570,000 years ago due to a meteor impact. Owing to its high concentration of carbonate salts it's categorized as a saline soda lake. So, it's a soda lake formed by a crater. Enough said.

Krem Mawmluh & Krem Ri Blai, Meghalaya
Cave exploration hasn't taken off in a big way in India, which is really surprising considering there are so many options to do so in this country. Krem Mawmluh and Krem Ri Blai, in Mehgalaya, are natural horizontal and vertical caves respectively. Make it a point to visit them at least once in your life.

Killar-Kishtwar Highway, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir
You cannot be a true traveler until you go on an exciting road trip. Speaking of which, the one trail you need to experience is the treacherous but life-changing ride from Himachal Pradesh to Jammu & Kashmir through the Killar-Kishtwar Highway. Not for the faint hearted, this scenic mountain pass is even more fun if you're traveling with fellow bikers. Just keep yourself updated on news about landslides and roadblocks.

 

[Aamna Ali]

Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh
Ziro is a town in the Lower Subansiri district in Arunachal Pradesh and it has been hosting the Ziro Festival of Music for the past three years. But here's the thing - the quaint little town is so attractive, that even without a crowd pulling event, it would find a spot on this list.

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Haflong, Assam
North-East India is dotted with hill stations but surprisingly, Haflong is the only one in Assam. The center of the Dima Hasao district, Haflong is known for its cool climate, local liquor and an overwhelming love of pork. The Haflong Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the entire North-east. Not visiting this hill town would be a huge mistake.

Auli, Uttarakhand
We Indians usually tend to associate snow with places like Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir or Sikkim but did you know Uttarakhand actually has one of the most exciting ski destinations? The picturesque town of Auli hosts the National Championships of Snow Skiing and right next to the Clifftop Hotel, the town also has the world's highest artificial lake.

Nuranang Falls, Arunachal Pradesh
Located about 2 km away from the town of Jang on the road connecting Tawang and Bomdila in Arunachal Pradesh, Nuranang Falls is one the most attractive ones in Northeast India. After a song from the 1997 Bollywood film Koyla was filmed here, the place attracted more tourists.

 

[Aamna Ali]

Lake of Skeletons - Roopkund Lake, Chamoli, Uttarakhand
At a height of 16,500 feet, in the middle of the most uninhabitable part of the Himalayas lies the secluded Roopkund Lake, covered in snow and surrounded by rock-strewn glaciers. More popularly known as Skeleton Lake or Mystery Lake, the spine-chilling attraction of this lake is the 600 odd human skeletons that were discovered here. These date back to the 9th CE and are clearly visible at the bottom of the shallow lake when the snow melts. The locals believe that this entourage had earned the fury of the local deity, Latu, who sent a terrible hailstorm their way, which eventually killed them.

Jatinga, Assam
The idyllic village of Jatinga is snugly nestled amongst the Borail Hills of Assam. Every monsoon, this scenic village witnesses an uncanny phenomenon. Between September and October, especially during dark and foggy nights, hundreds of migratory birds fly full speed towards trees and buildings, crashing to death. This 'mass bird suicide' was first brought to global attention by famous naturalist E.P. Gee in the 1960s. Ever since, it has remained one of the world's unsolved mysteries.

Magnetic Hill, Ladakh
At an altitude of 11000 feet above sea level, Magnetic Hill is one of the must-see things on the way to Leh. It is known to have magnetic power that can pull a car towards itself even when the ignition is off. It is a thrilling experience, but in reality, it is only an optical illusion caused by gravity hill. Magnetic Hill is one of the world's recognized gravity hills.

Malana, Himachal Pradesh
Located in the north-east of the Kullu Valley, Malana is also known as the 'Little Greece of India', because the locals believe that they are descendants of Alexander-the-Great himself! This ancient village is cut off from the rest of the world, and they follow an indigenous political system. There are only about a hundred houses in this village, but it is home to Malana Cream, the finest quality and most potent charas ever produced.

Mawlynnong, Meghalaya
Mawlynnong Village in Cherrapunji is popularly called 'God's Own Garden.' It has won international accolades for being Asia's Cleanest Village. It is a community-based effort for promoting eco-tourism. It is interesting to note that this village has a 100% literacy rate and most villagers speak English fluently. Mawlynnong boasts of other amazing sights like waterfalls, Living Roots Bridge and a Balancing Rock.

Nohkalikai Falls, Meghalaya
At a height of 1115 feet, the Nohkalikai Falls near Cherrapunji is India's highest plunge waterfall. Fed naturally by rainwater, this waterfall is named after the tragic tale of a woman called Ka Likai. After the death of her husband, Ka Likai remarried. But her new husband was extremely jealous of her love for her daughter. He murderd the daughter, and to hide the evidence, cooked up her remains into a meal. Kali Kai searched high and low for her daughter but cannot find her. Her husband offers her the meal, as she is exhausted. After eating, she discovers to her horror, the daughter's fingers lying in basket filled with betel-nuts. Grieved and anguished, she throws herself off the cliff, giving the waterfall its name, 'Nohkalikai' meaning 'Fall of Ka Likai.'

World's largest River Island - Majuli, Assam
Located on the mighty Bramaputra, Majuli, the world's largest river island, is a celebration of the creations of God and man. The scenic beauty of this island is the closest one can feel to the heavens. Majuli is also a popular cultural hotspot for various schools of thought that propagate the teachings of Srimanta Shankardev.

World's Highest Tea Estate - Kolukkumalai, Tamil Nadu
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is an hour and half long drive from Munnar. Towering at a height of 8000 feet above sea level, this tea estate rises above the plains of Tamil Nadu, heralded by beautiful rugged mountains on all sides. It's hard to decide which is more breath-taking: the scenic landscape or the flavourful teas produced here.

World's Widest Banyan Tree - Botanical Garden, Howrah
Near Kolkata, at the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Botanical Garden, Howrah, lies another living proof nature's powerful glory. The 1250 year old Great Banyan Tree, with a canopy covering an area of 4 acres, is considered the widest tree in the world. After being struck by lightning, the tree was diseased. The trunk had to be removed in 1925. It continues to live without its main trunk, and has 3300 aerial roots reaching down to the ground. What appears to be a forest is actually one single tree. In his mind's eye, I'm sure this what Frost saw when he said, 'Lovely, dark and deep...'

 

[ranjeet]

@Aamna Ali are you working for tourism India?

 

[Aamna Ali]

@Aamna Ali are you working for tourism India?

Nope! I dont work yet. I am doing my masters in multimedia journalism from Jamia Millia Islamia,Delhi

Before you get lost in the beauty of Switzerland,

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Find your piece of paradise in Kashmir.

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2. Before you get drenched at the Niagara Falls,

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Get drenched at the Chitrakoot Falls in Chhattisgarh.

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3. Before you surf the sands of the Sahara,

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Tame the dunes of the Thar.

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4. Before you visit the Bonneville Salt Flats in America,

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Visit the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.

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5. Before you take a trip to Madagascar,

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Take a trip to the Andamans.