20 India’s Best Holiday Locations to Add to Your Travel Bucket List

1. Goa

Starting with Goa makes complete sense as it is one of the most visited tourist places in the country. This sun-soaked state has a perfect blend of Portuguese inclined culture with the traditional Indian mindset. Take a stroll on the un-spoilt sand beaches, a tour of the best wildlife sanctuaries, and discover international luxuries at best prices. The best time to visit Goa is from November to March.

Places to See

• Calangute Beach
• Baga Beach
• Aguada Fort Candolim Fort
• Goa Carnival
• Amthane Dam
• St. Francis Church

2. Munnar

Get up close and personal with acres and acres of tea plantations, greenery, and amazingly beautiful hills. If you are interested in Paragliding, this place is a must-see. It is an awesome getaway for the ones in love with peace and tranquility. Munnar is one of the most famous and visited destination of God’s own country- Kerala.

Best Time to Visit: September to November

Places to See:

• Tea Gardens
• Eravikulam National Park
• Stone Christ Church
• Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
• Anamudi ranges
• Mattupetty Lake
• Elephant Lake

3. Udaipur

The ‘Venice of East’ calls you to its sparkling lakes, majestic hills and sacred temples with ancient history. Come to this city for stunning courtyards and paintings of the City Palace. Known for its Rajput era forts, many of these plush palaces are now converted into luxury hotels, which give tourists an opportunity to stay in the palaces and enjoy the royal luxury. While summers in Udaipur are too hot, the winters are chilly as well.

Best Time to Visit: September to March

Places to See:

• City Palace of Udaipur
• Shilpgram
• Jain Temple – Ranakpur

4. Dharamshala

Visit this serene place where astounding natural beauty meets with the tranquility of Tibetan monks and their spiritual lifestyle. You’ll be swept away by the stunning views of the Himalayas and the Bhagsu waterfall. Surrounded by the dense coniferous forest, it is the center of the Tibetan exile world. In winters the temperature dips below minus one degree.

Best Time to Visit: February to July

Places to See:

• Dal Lake
• Bhanusunag falls
• The Dalai Lama temple complex
• Triund Dharamshala
• Kangra Valley
• Dharamshala war memorial
• Tsuglag Khang

5. Leh

Lying in the east of Jammu and Kashmir, Leh is the capital city of Ladakh and home to many humbling monasteries like Hemis, Alchi, Lamayuru, and Shey that can quench human’s thirst for spirituality in their own unique way. Many adventurous activities can be done in Leh, including trekking, white water rafting, and mountaineering.

Best Time to Visit: April to June

Places to See:

• Losar festival
• Matho Nagrang Festival
• Leh Palace
• Magnetic Hill
• Sangam Valley
• Tsarap Chu River
• Zanskar Valley

6. Manali

Manali is a treat to the eyes with its verdant terrain and the towering peaks. For trek adventurers, it’s a paradise. Hiking, heli-skiing, mountaineering, along with river rafting makes it a favored tourist destination. A lot of stories are prevalent with the origin of this place, the most famous being that the sole survivor after the destruction of the world, Manu recreated the world from the valley of Kullu. This place is good to beat the summer heat and awesome when it is snowy.

Best Time to Visit: March to June

Places to See:

• Solang valley
• Rohtang Pass
• Vashist temple
• Arjun Gufa
• Pin Valley National Park
• Pandoh Dam

7. Gangtok

Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim and a very famous tourist destination due to the presence of many monasteries and stupas. Located at a height of 5500 feet, ‘the tourist city’ of Sikkim is wreathed with clouds. It offers a feel of a simplistic lifestyle, blended perfectly with the tradition and the perfect amount of required modernity. It has all the amenities any tourist would need.

Best Time to Visit: October to June

Places to See:

• Nathu La Pass
• Tashiding Monastery
• Tashi Viewpoint
• Kabi Longstok
• Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology
• Singhik Viewpoint

8. Andaman & Nicobar Islands

For a close marine-life experience, do not forget to visit the majestic Andaman and Nicobar islands. Whether you choose to retire in a luxury resort or go for a Jungle trek, this group of islands is sure to make your travel worthwhile. Cherish scrumptious seafood and delicious coconut-based delicacies while relaxing on the white- sandy beaches and crystal clear blue waters.

Best Time to Visit: December to March

Places to See:

• Havelock island
• Neil island
• Port Blair
• Little Andaman
• Chiriya Tapu
• Diglipur
• Long Island
• Ross Island

9. Mount Abu

Popularly known as the only oasis in the otherwise deserted land of Rajasthan, Mount Abu is a famous hills station located at a height of 1219mtrs above sea level. Popular for its scenic views, Dilwara Jain temples, and lush green forests, the small hill station Mount Abu witnesses over three million national and international tourists every year.

Best Time to Visit: August and September

Places to see:

• Sunset Point
• Achalgarh
• GuruShikhar
• Adhar Devo
• Trevor’s Crocodile Park
• Mount Abu Wildlife sanctuary
• Gaumukh

10. Varanasi

When in India, visit the oldest living city in the world, Varanasi, which also happens to be the capital of the state of Uttar Pradesh. Also known as Kashi and Banaras, the city is the most famous and worshipped place for Hindu pilgrims. The legend says that due to the power of this place, any sacred ritual performed here reaps a thousand times more rewards than any other place. The city is also famous for its silk, ‘paan’ and the countless temples that it has. Varanasi has also produced great and admired saints like Gautam Buddha, Shankaracharya, Kabir, Ramanuja and many more.

Best Time to Visit: November to February

Places to See:

• Kashi Vishvanath Temple
• Panchganga Ghat
• Dasaswamedha Ghat
• Gyan Kupa
• St. Mary’s Church
• Sarnath

11. Kashmir

Many may show apprehensions of the political scenario, but Kashmir, which is rightly known as the ‘heaven on earth’ pulls tourists every year in the lap of alpine peaks, giant lakes, apple groves and simplistic beauty that offers a sight of a lifetime. Kashmir valley will introduce you to free-minded Kashmiris who live a simple lifestyle and mostly make their living from tourists. Snow-capped mountains, enchanting shikaras, and mouth-watering Kashmiri cuisine will make you fall in love with it.

Best Time to Visit: March to October

Places to See:

• Khanqah Shah I-Hamadan
• Mughal gardens
• Shankaracharya hill
• Dal lake
• Gulmarg
• Nishat Garden
• Manasbal Lake

12. Kodaikanal

Known as the princess of hill stations, Kodaikanal is a very famous tourist destination in India. Situated 7200 feet above the sea level, it offers a captivating view of wooded forests, rolling hills, and splashing waterfalls. It’s the perfect place for trekking, horse riding, and other adventure sports activities.

Best Time to Visit: November to February

Places to See:

• Coakers Walk
• KurinjiAndavar Temple
• Physical Observatory
• Kukkal Caves
• Pillar Rocks
• Dolphin’s Nose
• Vembadi Peak
• Palani Hills
• Shenbaganur Museum

13. Kolkata

It is the second biggest city of India and also popularly known as India’s intellectual and cultural capital. The land of Rasogullas has happy people rooted deep in their culture accepting modernity at a superficial level, only to survive in the contemporary world. Visit it to see the remains of the British architecture where once the royalty lived, while it was British India’s capital.

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Places to See:

• Victoria Memorial
• Kalighat Temple
• Belur Math
• Tagore’s House
• 6 Ballygunge Place
• Kewpies
• Bhojpuri Manna 6

14. Shimla

Visit the snow-capped mountain city of Himachal Pradesh that draws national and international tourists in large numbers every year to witness the virgin beauty of this majestic hill station. Shimla still boasts of Victorian-era architecture and the classic beauty of buildings built during the British times. The capital city of Himachal Pradesh will charm you with its serene beauty and tranquility.

Best Time to Visit: March to June and October to February

Places to See:

• Jakhoo
• Christ Church
• Kalka-Shimla Railway
• The Ridge
• Rashtrapati Nivas
• Summer Hill
• Mall Road
• Baijnath temple
• Kinnaur Kailash

15. Coorg

Coorg welcomes you with its misty hills, sandalwood and teak forests, acres of coffee and tea plantations, and a host of adventure activities. Often dubbed as the “Scotland of India”, Coorg is the perfect place to visit almost all round the year.

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Places to See:

• Tadiandamol Trek
• Omkareshwara Temple
• Raja’s Seat
• Abbi Falls
• Talacauvery & Bhagamandala
• Cauvery Nisargadhama
• Dubare Reserve Forest & Elephant Camp

16. New Delhi

The capital of India, New Delhi has a long history dated back to the seventeenth century and has an architecture that will mesmerize you with its detailing. Delhi is a perfect mix of modernism and cosmopolitan culture. The vibrancy of Delhi will charm you.

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Places to See:

• Qutb Minar
• The Red Fort
• Lotus Temple
• Chandni Chowk

17. Amritsar

Amritsar is mainly known for the golden temple. This is the holy shrine of one of the strongest communities of the world- the Sikhs. The city offers exemplary vivacity of the Sikh culture and various picturesque architectures. While in Amritsar, don’t forget to hog on the scrumptious vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine, mix with the enthusiastic locals to know more about the history of this place.

Best Time to Visit: November to March

Places to See:

• Harmandir Sahib
• Jallianwala Bagh
• Durgiana Temple
• Summer Palace

18. Ashtamudi Kollam Backwaters- Kerala

While Kerala calls you for its scenic lush green forest, and majestic Kathakali dances, luxury houseboats, world-famous Ayurvedic massages, and delectable cuisine; the backwaters of Kerala offer an experience to cherish. Brackish lagoons and beautiful lakes parallel to the coast of the Arabian Sea, Kerala backwaters are a must-have experience.

Best Time to Visit: September to March

19. Kutch

Kutch is popularly known as “India’s Wild West” for its sheer geographic phenomenon and rustic beauty. It offers majestic ancient temples, century-old palaces, and flamingos with the world-famous ‘Rann of Kutch’. Visit Kutch for its natural beauty, endless white sand, and loveable hospitality.

Best time to visit: October to March

Places to See:

• Nirona village
• Dholavira
• Great Rann of Kutch
• Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary
• Narayan Sarovar sanctuary

20. Kanyakumari

If you want to see the spectacular phenomena of a majestically beautiful sunrise and sunset, Kanyakumari is your place to be. The city is also the place of convergence of three sea bodies- Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. The serene beaches, the full-moon nights, and the simplicity of the people make it a perfect destination to visit.

Places to See:

• Vivekanand Rock Memorial
• Padmanabhapuram palace
• Olakaruvi falls
• Kanyakumari Temple

It’s very hard to pick the best amongst the numerous exotic places of India. There are mostly places that have a perennial charm, but having said that, India is also full of places waiting to be discovered by tourists and appreciated for their beauty and tranquility. So, put on your shoes, and let your instincts drive you to the amazing discovery of India.