Sprawling tea plantations
surround the serene hills of Munnar, which attract adventure travelers hungry
for paragliding, treks to Anaimudi (South India’s highest peak) and hikes
originating at the confluence of three mountain streams.
The stone Christ Church,
built by the British in 1910, is adorned with renowned works of stained glass,
and Eravikulam National Park, about 10 miles away, is home to equally colorful
wildlife, including the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (ibex), ruddy mongoose and 120
bird species.
Places of Interest
Rajamalai (Eravikulam)
National Park
Tea Gardens
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate
2. Manali
In Hinduism, Manu was said
to have survived a great flood that destroyed the rest of the world. He then
recreated mankind in this Kullu Valley town. What a rush, huh? No wonder the
towering peaks and verdant terrain of Manali attracts adventure travelers, with
heli-skiing, hiking, mountaineering and river rafting the favored active
pursuits.
Come down from your
endorphin high by breathing deeply at the four-story, wooden Hidimba Devi
Temple, which sits in the middle of a nearby deciduous forest, or take a
medicinal soak in the hot springs burbling from the ground a 30-minute walk
from town.
Place of Interest
Manikaran Gurudwara
Hadimba Devi Mandir
The former capital of the
Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi remains an essential religious hub, housing the
Virupaksha, Lakshmi Narasimha, Hemakuta Hill, Big Shivlinga and Vithala
temples. The architectural ruins of Hampi are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Rock-climbing enthusiasts will adore Hampi, considered the bouldering capital
of India, and the city’s rocky landscape, dotted with ancient temple ruins,
makes for a unique climbing experience
4. Goa
East meets West in this
sun-soaked state, where Indian culture intertwines with Portuguese influences
left over from a 500-year occupation. The beaches have long served as a magnet
for serene hedonists.
To the north, the tourist-centric scene is prevalent, with an international
flair that is now skewing more hip than hippie. Travel south for stretches of
unspoiled sand and an escape from large resorts. Temples, mosques and wildlife
sanctuaries provide diversions from the beach.
Places of Interest
Old Goa
Dudhsagar Falls
Anjuna Market
5. Udaipur
Udaipur, known as the
Venice of the East, boasts several sparkling lakes against a backdrop of the
Aravail hills. Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir, islands in Fateh Sagar Lake, are the
site of Udaipur Solar Observatory and Nehru Garden.
Famous palaces include the magical Lake Palace, now a luxurious five-star
hotel, and the massive City Palace on Pichola’s east bank, featuring epic
courtyards and stunning paintings.
Place of Interest
Jain Temple – Ranakpur
Shilpgram
City Palace of Udaipur
6. Gangtok
The capital of the state
of Sikkim, Gangtok is an attractive tourist destination, reflecting a unique
ambience which derives from its happy blend of tradition and modernity.
Alongside the deeply felt presence of stupas and monasteries, Gangtok also
bustles like any other thriving town. Some of the key places to visit include
Rumtek Monastery, Do-Drul Chorten, Enchey Monastery, Tashi View Point and the
local bazaar, Lal Bazaar.
Places of Interest
Deer Park
Phurchachu Hot Springs
Nathula Pass
7. Bangalore
Known as both the “Garden
City” and “The Silicon Valley of India,” Bangalore (officially “Bengaluru”) is
a techie’s paradise, boasting the highest concentration of IT companies in the
country. When you’re done geeking out, there are plenty of gardens, museums,
natural features, palaces and temples to fill your dance card. Visit Vidhana
Soudha, Cubbon Park and the Ulsoor Lake of Bangalore, well known for its
beautiful locales and boating facilities. Bangalore is also a major centre of
Indian classical music and dance, and of vivid, cutting-edge nightlife.
Places of Interest
ISKCON Sri Radha
Krishna-Chandra Temple
Lalbagh Botanical Garden
Bannerghatta National Park
8. DharamShala
Serenely spiritual
Dharamsala is home to the largest Tibetan temple outside of Tibet. It’s known
for its religious iconography and is the monastery of the Dalai Lama, who holds
public lectures a few times a year. Once you’ve restored your spiritual energy,
enjoy a picturesque stroll to Bhagsu Waterfall or climb the hill to Triund to bask
in stunning views of the Himalayas.
Places of Interest
Tsuglag Khang
Kangra Valley
Triund Dharamshala
9. Jaipur
If you take one look at
the glorious stucco buildings that line Jaipur’s wide streets, you’ll
understand why this is nicknamed “The Pink City.” Spend your days exploring
City Palace, Hawa Mahal, and Amber and Jaigarh forts. And if you’re looking for
a unique souvenir, head to one of the bazaars, where you can pick up a pair of
camel-leather slippers.
Places of Interest
Amber (Amer) Fort and Palace
Jantar Mantar – Jaipur
Palace of Wind (Hawa
Mahal)
10. Leh
The Ladakh capital city of
Leh lies near the eastern parts of Jammu and Kashmir, on the crossroads of the
historic “Silk Route” from Sinkiang to West Asia and to the plains of India.
The humbling monasteries of Shey, Hemis, Alchi, Thikse and Lamayuru will nurture
your spiritual needs, and the landscape of Leh provides for a number of
adventure activities including mountaineering, white-water rafting and trekking
along the Markha Valley.
Places of Interest
Tibetan Market
Phyang Monastery
Leh Royal Palace
