“In religion, India is the only millionaire – the One land that all men desire to see, and having seen once, by even a glimpse, would not give that glimpse for all the shows of all the rest of the globe combined.” – Mark Twain
India is a land of many wonders, languages, scenic landscapes and beautiful people. There are so many things you can do here, that it would not compare to any experiences that you might have as you travel around the world. India holds many surprises, enchanting, exhilarating and energizing! And after a long and difficult period of mulling over the long and seemingly never-ending list of destination options that I had in hand, I finally came up with this list of astoundingly beautiful locations where you can just throw your head back and enjoy the sprinkles of happiness that Nature showers on you.
My dreams of roaming the world take a backseat when travel dreams in India come into picture, for there is so much to experience within India itself that the world will have to wait. Until at least half these places are covered. My travel to-do list grows by the day. As promised, here are 15 places that top my Indian travel list and what I see as I think of those places.
- Bekal Fort, Kerala
Standing atop those old walls, facing the Arabian Sea and feeling the waves crash against the rocks as the sun goes down, spraying salty water on you. Bliss.
- Chandertal Lake, Himachal Pradesh
Sitting at the edge, legs stretched out, just kissing the waters that gently lap against the earth, as the mountains loom around you. How could one not experience peace in such an atmosphere? 🙂
- Indira Point, Nicobar
Looking across the waters of the Indian Ocean and knowing that I have touched the southernmost tip of India. I would love to get into that lighthouse there and throw a glance in all directions! What an experience that would be!
- Sar Pass, Himachal Pradesh
Trekking up this pass, surrounded by snow covered mountains and breathing in the fresh mountain air, and gazing down upon the frozen Sar lake as the same mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop! Wow! 🙂
- Kudremukh, Karnataka
Meaning “Horse-Face” in Kannada, this mountain peak provides a wonderful view on the lush greenery and the picturesque outlines of the cloud-covered mountains in the distance. Just standing on the edge of the peak would give an immensely satisfying rush.
- Belum Caves, Andhra Pradesh
Eerily lit, yet, it fills you with wonder as you imagine yourself walking through the paths that are shadowed by low hanging rock ceilings.
- Matheran, Maharashtra
Hill stations in India are the best holiday retreats ever. Beautiful sceneries, clouds and cool breeze. All of it makes you breathe the fresh air in and never want to let go of the peace that shrouds you as you stand at the top and look down about the greenery.
- Munnar, Kerala
Another hill station, this time, in Kerala. A beautiful hill station in God’s Own Country, this place gives me visions of myself backpacking across those wonderful paths and taking in as much Nature as is physically, emotionally and mentally possible.
- Chitrakoot Falls, Chhattisgarh
Makes me want to stand at the head of the waterfall and wash my feet in the rushing water, though definitely not in the monsoon season, where the water gushes like crazy and the region is closed off because of the force.
- Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim
Sitting on one side of the lake, on blankets, with a picnic basket open by my side, a book in my hand or lilting music singing in my ears and looking across the wavy yet steely surface of the lake to the clouds dancing around the mountainous summit. What would I not give you experience this!
- Dandeli, Karnataka
Filled with promises of water sports and that of a proper wildlife experience, Dandeli has always been on my list. The swoosh of the water and the bellow of the elephant sound in my ears as I think of Dandeli. I am coming there soon, Dandeli! 😀
- Wagah Border, Punjab
The attraction of watching a rehearsed showdown between Indian and Pakistani security forces brings goosebumps to me. I want to experience firsthand what the pictures of these elicit in me.
- Jog Falls, Karnataka
As I watch upon the four different streams of water falling from a height and becoming one as they touch the water body below, it makes me want to feel the water at my fingertips and get drenched in the coolness as it comes crashing down below.
- Pangong Tso Lake, Jammu & Kashmir
Well… This lake has been on my mind ever since I watched Kareena Kapoor ride a scooter on the sands in 3 Idiots and Anushka Sharma take a dive in Jab Tak Hai Jaan. How wonderful it would be if I sat on the sands surrounding the lake, in the sunset, with pen and paper in hand and wrote about the greatness of the sceneries surrounding me!
- Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Goa
I have been to Goa twice. And both times, I could not make the time to go and watch this wonderful falls that fall at such a great speed and with such great hurry, that the fizz makes it look as white as milk. Hence the name “Dudhsagar” (Hindi for ‘Sea of Milk’). It is top on my list, for I want to watch the water come crashing down as the train chugs past it on the bridge that is in the foreground of this wonderful water body.
My list of places to visit in India is never-ending. But I have listed out a few that I have made a priority to visit. Hope you liked these places and hope you would experience them, too.
Until next time, keep smiling, be happy and keep traveling! 🙂
All pictures courtesy Google Search 😀
