16 destinations in India which are as good as the best in the world

When the news of Coronavirus started spreading way back in January little did we know that we will have to indefinitely cancel our travel plans to all the amazing destinations that we so wanted to visit.

Since March when the lockdown was first enforced travel enthusiasts have been left confined to our homes but unlock 5 which started in October 2020 has brought back some refreshing news as many states including Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal, Rajasthan, Uttaranchal, Sikkim and many more. While it is still advisable to avoid crowded areas and ensure increased usage of masks & sanitizers; it is indeed a welcome that travelling is now allowed.

However we are some months away when we can start with international trips so here we bring you some amazing destinations within our own Incredible India which will give you vacation goals and satiate your wish for a international trip.

We live in a country with diversity of seasons, cultures, and languages. If we explore India we can find many astonishing places which are no less than popular foreign destinations. India is home to many heritage places in the world and attracts many tourism from across the globe. We Indians are more prone to making wish lists that includes only foreign countries like Paris, Switzerland, California, Bali, Thailand, Cape Town, and many more. After the pandemic stuck globally, the tourism has seen substantial fall and many tourists who wish to plan tour abroad are unable to do so. In such times Wander Womaniya articulated a blog helping you to make plans to have a foreign like experience in India.

So let's see some Indian destinations which are as beautiful as some of the very best in the world:

Popular for skiing, Gulmarg is heart of India for adventurous winter sports. Covered with lofty mountains of snow, it is located in Pir Panjal range of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is surrounded with alluring meadows of flowers, evergreen forest valleys, and deep ravines. World’s second highest Gondola ride is in Gulmarg.

Switzerland is known for its jaw dropping views, glamorous snow sports and everyone’s dream destination. The sparkling Alps with pristine pines gives a picturesque look to the whole place. The bounty of Swiss beauty is known in world and very popular couples destination for honeymoon.

Chitrakote Falls emerges from Indravati River. It is one of the widest falls of India and often compared with Niagara Falls because of its horse shoe structure. A small Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva known as ‘Parvati Cave’ is located at the side of the Chitrakote Falls. The beauty of these falls enhances during the monsoons and it makes a perfect spot for all the photographers out there.

Niagara Falls are situated in Ontario, Canada and is popular because of this dreamy massive falls. These falls are connected to USA via Rainbow Bridge thus, making a tourist attraction for many Americans too. The Niagara River’s site on the western shore overlooks the Horseshoe Falls thus, making cascades most expensive site. To enjoy the view behind the falls there are elevators for visitors to lower, wetter vantage point. There is also a Skylon Tower with an observation deck which 520-ft. high along with the Cliffside Park that features a promenade.

The house boats in Alappuzha are the major attraction along with fantastic picture worthy view. It is popular for its boat races, beaches, backwater holiday, marine products and coir. Referred to as Venice of east, this place enjoyed quite an important maritime history of Kerala. Vijaya Beach Park’s entertainment facilities adds on to the attraction of beaches.

Venice is considered to be one of the romantic places all across the world. The most attractive feature about the place is that instead of relying on roads, it depends on canals and series of waterways. Famous for range of Byzantine mosaics, the astounding St. Mark’s Basilica, and the campanile bell. Piazza San Marco is another unmistakable area in the central square of Venice one mustn’t miss.

Lakshadweep means “one hundred thousand islands” in Malayalam and these magnificent islands were formerly known as Laccadive Islands. It has only 36 islands and is home to some exquisite and exotic beaches in India. The charm of Lakshadweep lies in the remoteness and beaten tracks don’t attract hordes of merrymakers to the shore. Agatti, Kadmat, Bangaram, Kalpeni, and Minicoy are the some of the islands one must visit.

Maldives is known for beaches with white sand and turquoise water beaches. It is known as the tropical heaven for honeymooners because of the alluring vibes & phytoplanktons. The small huts around the waterbodies, you will find all the blogs about are very pretty and cozy. Maldives is very famous for diving and it is so mesmerizing to see underwater creatures which are adorable. Fun fact: There are 1193 coral islands for you to explore and some hidden peace in the nature.

Valley of flowers National Park in Chamoli district near Badrinath (Uttarakhand) is an incredibly beautiful trek route. It is World Heritage Site and was discovered in 1931, popular for wild untamed blooms, medical herbs and is surrounded by white peaks. This impeccable place is best to laze around and relax your mind.

The Antelope Valley is located in northern Los Angeles, California. Enchanted with poppy flower trails along with wide variety of other flowers. It is the UNESCO World Heritage site and is spread across 34 square miles. The best time to visit is during July and September when fields are in full bloom. The hiking paths are lovely and it gives you feeling of divine journey.

The Salt marshlands situated in Thar Desert appears to be white land looks very astounding. Sunsets are so peaceful here that you just wish to keep glaring at it. The massive salt deposits looks like a mirage and there seems to be an optical images as good as real, according to many stories shared by the pilgrims. This place is considered to be one of the world’s largest salt desert.

Bonneville salt flats are spread across for 3000 acres, located at Utah Nevada border. The best view of the flats is at I-80, which is about 10 miles from Wendover. The whole are is totally flat with no vegetation and it appears to be covered with snow. The sky looks magical at night with millions of twinkling stars.

Visiting Coorg is a refreshing experience. Popularly knowns as Scotland of India bless you with misty landscapes, this south Indian destination has enriching culture which is another reason why tourists are attracted here. For add on to the exotic experience, home stays are recommended. Sipping the filter coffee and enjoying the luscious green hills, one can ask nothing else but to be lost here.

Scotland is the mini heaven on earth, luscious green highlands and pristine water bodies. Located on northwestern Europe is one of the most important country in the continent. The dazzling scotch whiskies to appetizing English cuisines, you can experience all here. When you think about Scotland you think, the chequered kilts and bagpipes comes to our mind (Ross playing bagpipes comes to mind? Wink wink…).

Puducherry, also known as Pondicherry was formerly a French Colony and is perfect amalgamation with Indian culture and traditional sensibilities. French Quarter of Pondicherry are dotted with amazing mustard-yellow color colonial structures with bougainvillea laden walls, the streets are also known as White Town. The place has charm of its own from fancy boutique to cozy cafes can wrap you in the magical fairyland. Arikamedu brings out vintage vibes, dreamy Paradise Beach at Bay of Bengal, fascinating Auroville (very popular among foreign tourists for its simplistic lifestyle and meditation center called Matrimandir) and great architecture of Aurobindo Ashram are must visit places. The town in whole brings out French Aura and gives you a lovely feeling.

Burano in Italy has brightly colored fishermen houses which gives picture worthy backdrop. This place has various places to explore from 17th century bell tower of Saint Martino Church, also great for taking pictures. Via Galuppi Street side has various brilliant pastry shops, restaurants, sovereign shops, and bars. The boating ride experience is just wonderful and most enjoyable.

The most photographed monument of India is Jal Mahal. It is situated in Jaipur in the center of Man Sagar Lake. The most fascinating feature about this wonderful architecture is only one story visible above water level where & four floors are underwater. The monument is blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture. At night the beauty enhances with lighting and mirror reflection in the lake

Trakai Island Castle is located in Lithuania amidst Lake Galve. It is exceptionally beautiful with rich history, explore the rooms and chapel then take an amazing boat ride for better experience. This fairytale castle is most visited site in Lithuania and is absolutely worth the time and money. The view at night is mind blowing and fascinating.

Dal Lake is the highlight of Srinagar, and also one of the largest lake in Jammu and Kashmir. It is spread over 15 kms, displays the mirror reflection of snow-dusted peaks of Pir Panjal Mountains along with adorable shikaras (house boats) floating around. The floating market is known as Raad, where vendors sell saffron, endearing handicrafts, edibles, and even ice cream in a tow to the tourists.

Floating Market is one thing you shouldn’t miss while in Bangkok. It is so famous that it has its own billboards and marketing because of that it is known as the ‘Venice of East’ also. The laden is filled with colorful veggies and fruits, spices, delectable Thai street food, the major tourists attraction is the women with their woven hats. It gives a very appealing look to the whole place with blend of culture and colors

The intriguing red sandstones gives a rustic look to Gandikota situated in Andhra Pradesh. The look resembles with Grand Canyon of Arizona, thus got its name as Grand Canyon of India. River Pennar cutting the Erramala Hills provides an exotic view. The other highlight is the Gandikota Fort, which brings out the unsung history of place with its ruins and Jails. The view from the fort gives an aesthetic look to this place.

Grand Canyon layered with bands of red rocks reveals great geological history. In the landscape of desert, the water brings out the most astonishing site. Dive in to the cascade beauty of red stones and glimmering sky which astounds you with every turn you take. Millions of people visit this wonderful site every year, there are many movies that are shot at this exotic location.

Andaman and Nicobar islands are the Union Territory of India, which comprises of 572 islands, out of which 37 are actually inhabited and few are open to tourists. This place is a little paradise on earth with its colonial history, virgin beaches, and blue seas. The most popular islands among tourists are Havelock and Neil Islands because of palm trees shore, white pearly sand, and some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving spots. The gateway to archipelago and connecting to various islands is Port Blair, the capital city of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Port Blair once known as Kaala Paani because of cellular prison where freedom fighters were imprisoned during the colonial era. This place serves perfect mix of adventure and peacefulness because of mind-blowing beaches and fun water sports like scuba diving, parasailing, and snorkeling, etc.

Phi Phi islands are only 40 kms away from Phuket and consists of six islands. With various glamourous and vibrant parties to pristine water, this place is an amazing place to spend weekend when in Thailand. These islands gained its popularity when Hollywood flick ‘The Beach’ was shot in Ko Phi Phi Le Island. This island serves edible bird nests at ‘The Viking Cave’ and is gaining a lot traction amongst the tourists.

Known as the "Golden City", Jaisalmer is distinguished by its yellow sandstone architecture. Sam Desert is very famous among tourists for both came & desert safaris.

Rajasthan is the royal state of country as it houses many royal families and heritage forts. Filled with culture, architecture, and traditions, this colorful state is also known for its magnificent deserts. The most popular amongst tourists are deserts of Jaisalmer as you can enjoy night in the middle of desert and also for desert safari on bikes or on Camels. The endless desert and mild winds with shining sun, makes sand look like gold which is breathtaking especially during sunsets.

Dubai has a lot to offer but it is one of the best destinations in the world to experience the middle eastern desert safari. Dune Bashing is basically a form of off-roading done on sand dunes, usually in big 4X4 vehicles like the Toyota Land Cruiser or Fortuner. It basically involves driving at varying speeds over sand dunes and maneuvering the car in such a way as to maintain balance while going up the dune and coming down.

Pangong lake is an high altitude lake famous for its changing colors as per different times of the day. Needless to say it is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. It spreads across both Ladakh (India) & Tibet (Under Chinese occupation). While a destination wedding might not be a great idea at Pangong due to low oxygen and temperatures, its definitely a must visit.

Unlike Pangong, Lake Como has long been a popular tourist spot. It has a whole town situated at the bank of this lake and if you can recall where did Ranveer & Deepika got married? Yes it was at resort on Lake Como.

It is situated in Lombardy region, which is an upscale resort area known for its dramatic scenery, set against the foothills of the Alps.

Munnar is known as ‘Kashmir of South India,’ and it is perfect place to relax and sooth yourself. You can find different shades of green here because it is popular for its tea estates, craggy peaks and misty blanket. Atukkad Waterfalls are breathtaking and mesmerizing. Admire pretty cozy sunsets at Pothamedu view point or Top Station.

Cameron Highlands is one marvelous hill station in Pahang, Malaysia. This place serves some feet sweeping views, colonial bungalows, few hidden waterfalls, and expansive plantations. It is very popular for BOH tea plantations & Kea strawberry farm. The valley gives you postcard worthy sceneries and can be defined as mini paradise on Earth. What about a serene weekend at Butterfly Farm or Lavender Garden?

Spiti & Lahaul valley are largely unhabituated parts of the state of Himachal Pradesh. The landscape looks strikingly similar to that of Ladakh or even the famous Atacama cold desert of Chile. The entire valley used to remain largely cut off from other parts of India due to excessive snowfall during winters however recently BRO (Border Roads Organization of India ) has successfully completed one of the longest tunnel (Atal Rohatang Tunnel) from Rohtang to Lahaul to allow tourists, locals and army to be able to access the region.

Chile's Atacama Desert is a desert plateau in South America covering a 1,600 km strip of land on the Pacific coast, west of the Andes Mountains. It looks very similar to the Spiti valley if you compare the pictures. It is the oldest desert on Earth and has experienced semiarid conditions for roughly the past 150 million years. temperatures in the Atacama are comparatively mild throughout the year. The average temperature in the desert is about 63 degrees F (18 degrees C).

We ate Wander Womaniya have started our domestic trips to many of these amazing destinations and many more. Join us to explore Incredible India Women only trips , customized trips, staycations, workcations , solo vacations and much more. Checkout upcoming Women Travel Groups by Wander Womaniya