from Polka Café / Maanasi Radhakrishnan
1. Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu
© Buffalo Trip Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu
Image credit: Buffalo Trip
It's quite hard to believe that Mannar is actually in India. The pristine waters, crystal clear skies juxtaposed with the greenery of the island near by paints the perfect picture. For crowd free beaches and marine life that boasts of dolphins, sea turtles and whales, Mannar is definitely an underrated place!
2. Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh
© Travel With A Couple Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh
Image credit: Travel With A Couple
These mountains reach out to you in the most subtle of ways. This is nature at its best. When you get to spot the Dhauladhar ranges at its finest, it really is the perfect picture. Camp under the billions of stars when at Triund to be taken on a spectacular journey like no other.
3. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
© Bp Blogspot Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Image credit: Bp Blogspot
If monastery hopping appeals to you, the beautiful offbeat hill town of Tawang is calling out to you. Of the many monasteries that are at close proximity to each other, the one that stands out is Dalai Lama's birthplace. The months of March to September finds you amidst cool summer, not too laden with snow.
4. Shettihalli, Karnataka
© Team BHP Shettihalli, Karnataka
Image credit: Team BHP
The chapel in all its Gothic architecture-inspired beauty stands immersed within the waters of the Hemavathi River in the town of Shettihalli in southern Karnataka. Only one third of the chapel is visible from the shore and to truly get a feel of this beauty, you would want to get into a boat and circle the structure. This way you can get up close and feel the derelict walls and the history that comes with it.
5. Majuli, Assam
The chapel in all its Gothic architecture-inspired beauty stands immersed within the waters of the Hemavathi River in the town of Shettihalli in southern Karnataka. Only one third of the chapel is visible from the shore and to truly get a feel of this beauty, you would want to get into a boat and circle the structure. This way you can get up close and feel the derelict walls and the history that comes with it.
5. Majuli, Assam
© Iguim.com Majuli, Assam
Image credit: Iguim.com
Majuli is the beautiful and unexplored cultural capital of Assam with festivities right through the year. Definitely a visit for those who find the World's Largest Fresh Water Island intriguing. Located on the River Brahmaputra, it is only 20 kilometers away from Jorhat.
6. Banaras, Uttar Pradesh
© Just Varanasi Banaras, Uttar Pradesh
Image credit: Just Varanasi
A spiritual journey through the beautiful ghats, which allures you with the many prayers said across them, the aartis, and not to forget the aura of divinity. Boat rides along the calm banks while taking mental pictures of the serenity all around is something you don't want to miss out on.
7. Champaner – Pavagadh, Gujarat
© tripoto Champaner – Pavagadh, Gujarat
Image credit: tripoto
The historical appeal of the Champaner will blow your mind away without a doubt. The Pavagadh hills are believed to be a chunk of the Himalayas carried by Hanuman during the Ramayana. The historical ruins of this town are set right in the lap of the Pavagadh hills.
8. Bishnupur, West Bengal
© India Mike Bishnupur, West Bengal
Image credit: India Mike
Here's one for the historians, the archaeologists and the architects. Standing tall in the emerald fields of Bishnupur in all its elegance are the terracotta temples that date all the way back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The shrines, the carvings and the weavers are just a few of the things that make this region truly stand out.
9. Binsar and Almora, Uttarakhand
© Ghumakkar.com Binsar and Almora, Uttarakhand
Image credit: Ghumakkar.com
Adventure - Check. Jungles - Check. Wildlife - Check. Heights - Check. Peace - Check. This is what the Binsar and Almora wildlife sanctuary has to offer. So for any wildlife enthusiast out there, this one's a must see. A trip that you will not forget is waiting for you!
10. Patan, Gujarat
© Souvernir Journeys Patan, Gujarat
Image credit: Souvernir Journeys
Patan is one of the less visited places in Gujarat, and we fail to understand how. The Rani ka Vav quite literally defines all this region has to offer and more. It's old world charm, encapsulated by walls with intricate detail, make it a lovely vacation spot.
11. Siju Caves, Meghalaya
© 365hops Siju Caves, Meghalaya
Image credit: 365hops
Afraid of heights, insects, darkness or tight spaces? Would you like to get over them? If yes, then head on down to the deepest, longest cave that the whole of South Asia has to offer you! If not, yeah, you probably should give this one a skip that is if your fears are more important than a truly life changing experience!
12. Churu, Rajasthan
© Tripoto Churu, Rajasthan
Image credit: Tripoto
The grand Hawa Mahal with 1111 doors and windows are bordered by Churu's colourful havelis. This Rajasthani town is filled with homes that have been in existence since the 1830s. The Ker sangri and the papamungodi are two dishes you must try.
13. Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh
© Thinking Particle Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Image credit: Thinking Particle
The Tirthan Valley comes with promises of adventure, sports, fishing and exploration. If adventure junkie you are not, but admirer of nature you are, this is just the right place for you. The pine studded landscape of the Valley is bound to captivate you with its sheer elegance.
14. Narara Marine National Park, Gujarat
© Visit India Narara Marine National Park, Gujarat
Image credit: Visit India
Narara Marine National Park and Sanctuary is an inter-tidal zone that lies off the coast of the Gulf of Kutch. The entire stretch is submerged during high tides, but when the tide ebbs the receding water reveals the unusual marine life that exists here. From yellow sea sponges, octopuses to crabs, there's a lot to uncover.
15. Nubra Valley, Jammu & Kashmir
© Wikimedia Nubra Valley, Jammu & Kashmir
Image credit: Wikimedia
This timeless beauty looks like it's been ripped off a page of the most advanced art books of all time. The intricate creaks look like strokes of a true genius at work. Definitely one of those places you have to see, it's impossible to look at a picture of the Nubra Valley and think it is real. Mesmerising is this ethereal beauty.
16. Kasol, Himachal Pradesh
© The Land Out There Kasol, Himachal Pradesh
Image credit: The Land Out There
Solo travel to Kasol and discover things you didn't know about yourself and neither did you about India. The experience is unforgettable with the valleys and the greenery all around. Unleash that undying explorer within you and make your first pit stop at Kasol.
17. Halebid, Karnataka
© i1.trakearth.com Halebid, Karnataka
Image credit: i1.trakearth.com
The Hoysala architecture makes Halebid a famous city. The temples, shrines and pieces of architecture stand out like no other. The city, known much for its spiritual acclaim houses many Jain temples and also the temples of Belur, Shantaleswara, Kedareswara and Hoysaleswara.
If you're here, make it a point to visit Hampi as well.
18. Bhedaghat, Madhya Pradesh
© From Periphery Bhedaghat, Madhya Pradesh
Image credit: From Periphery
The Marble Rocks of Bhedaghat is a marvel that no one should ever miss out on. You could indulge on a boat ride down a moonlit night along the Narmada river cradled in the marble gorges of the Bhedaghat. Sailing through life's solemn mains, taking photos with your eyes and building everlasting memories is what you could just catch a glimpse of in Bhedaghat.
19. Kamshet, Maharashtra
© Tripp.in Kamshet, Maharashtra
Image credit: Tripp.in
Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high there's a place called Kamshet! Okay, maybe not over the rainbow, but you get what I mean! Let the idyllic surroundings grow on you as you explore the little villages and visit the Pavana lake, the Shinde wadi hills and the Bhedsa caves. Home to various flying and paragliding schools is Kamshet which should ideally be visited between September and April. If you want to tick paragliding off the bucket list, Kamshet is a must visit!
20. Unakoti, Tripura
© Esamskriti Unakoti, Tripura
Image credit:Esamskriti
The Unakoti Hill celebrates Shiva and it hosts an ancient Shaivite place of worship. It is the prime tourist spot of the Tripura District in the Kailashahar Subdivision of Tripura. The pilgrimage in this region dates all the way back to the 7th and 9th centuries. For the carvings, murals and waterfalls, do not miss out on this spectacle.
No, you don't have to be a millionaire and neither do you have to backpack across Europe to witness mother nature at her best. True beauty is right around the corner, all you have to do is look for it. Solo travel or travel with friends or family and explore the beauty that India has to offer.
Which of these beautiful places have you been to? Tell us in the comments below!
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