20 Holiday Destinations in India to Truly See The Country

This vast nation is known for its rich culture and beautiful natural surroundings. Indians are blessed to have so much choice of holiday destinations right within our own country which eliminates the need to obtain foreign travel documents as well as reduces expensive travel costs.

Though the trend has been lately to visit international destinations, India has so much diversity that finding new experiences need not be done abroad really.

From North to the South, East and the West, our list covers the cardinal points of where to start your Indian adventure.

Holiday Destinations in India: North India  

1. Leh

The town of Leh, in Ladakh, is admired for its spectacular beauty as well as a superabundance of places to see and things to do. Although this Northern region of the country can be inaccessible during winters, the summers here are cool and full of visitors from all over the world.

Be sure to go exploring the district by road or trekking and also make it a point to try some of the delicious local cuisine.

• Best time to visit: June to September
• Points of interest: Pangong Lake, Shanti Stupa, Tso Moriri Lake, Leh Palace, Khardung La Pass

2. Manali

One of the most popular hill station destinations in the country has got to be the beautiful town of Manali in the North of India; nestled between the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhars snow capped ranges, the extraordinary beauty of this region has been attracting lakhs of tourist each year.

With so much adventure awaiting you here, it is little wonder that the place has adapted to the demands of visitors, resulting in exceptional range of hotels, food and of course activities.

• Best time to visit: October to June
• Points of interest: Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, Hadimba Temple, Paragliding, Skiing, Vashisht Baths
• Where to Stay : Hotels in Manali

3. Himachal Pradesh

The beautiful hill station region of Himachal Pradesh is a unique and magical place to visit. With strong Tibetan and British influences from the areas past being evident in the architecture, culture and cuisine, it is like no other place in the nation.

Considered a home to the Dalai Lama, it is little wonder there are scores of temples and monasteries to explore all over. Another reason to visit is the magnificent natural beauty seen in the forests, lakes and surrounding hills.

• Best time to visit: October to June
• Points of interest: Dharamsala, Mcleodganj, Bhagsu Nag, Kangra, Bhagsu Falls, Namgyal Monastery

4. Gangtok

The name literally meaning hill-top, Gangtok is one of the most pleasant places to visit in India. Situated in the North East part of the sub-continent, this hill station is a well-known destination for adventure tourism but also offers a lot for the average visitor looking for a national holiday that feels international.

With hotels and restaurants catering to tourists, you can be sure to find something within your budget. Local food is inexpensive and absolutely delicious.

• Best time to visit: All year round
• Points of interest: MG Road, Nathu La Pass, Rumtek Monastery, Tsomgo Lake, Kanchenjunga, Reshi Hot Springs
• Where to Stay : Hotels in Gangtok

5. Shimla

At an altitude of over two thousand meters, the weather in Shimla is perfect during the summers and that is probably the reason it was the summer retreat for officers during the British Raj.

With so much history etched into the area, it is a great place to explore; colonial architecture, beautiful hills and valleys, dense green forests, temples as well as some great shopping makes this a perfect holiday destination.

• Best time to visit: October to June
• Points of interest: Ridge, Mall Road, Toy Train to Kalka, Jakhoo Temple, Christ Church
• Where to Stay : Hotels in Shimla 

6. Mathura

Revered as one of the most sacred parts of India, Mathura, about 150 kilometers from Delhi, is filled with visitors year  round, especially those on religious pilgrimage. The birthplace of Lord Krishna, this city is famous for the numerous temples dotting the area as well as its great food and old world charm.

• Best time to visit: All year round
• Points of interest: Govardhan Hill, Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple Complex, Dwarkadhish Temple
• Where to Stay : Hotels in Mathura 

7. Jaipur

The largest city in the state of Rajasthan, and the jewel of the sub-continent, Jaipur is a picture of regal beauty and majesty; opulent palaces, magnificent forts and picture perfect lakes make this epic city a tourists paradise.

Well known as the Pink City, this flamboyant district is also famous for its mouth-watering cuisine not to mention, handicrafts, museums, shopping and much more.

• Best time to visit: October to March
• Points of interest: Lake Palace, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Albert Hall Museum, Jaigarh Fort, Bapu Bazar
• Where to Stay : Hotels in Jaipur

8. Mount Abu

The cool and lush green surroundings of Mount Abu, Rajasthan only hill station, is abundant in natural as well as man made beauty.

Especially famous for the ancient Dilwara Temples built over a thousand years ago, the area is also home to one of the state’s most magnificent water bodies, the Nakki Lake; visit sunset point here or explore the local history and architecture.

• Best time to visit: October to March
• Points of interest: Dilwara Temples, Nakki Lake, Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, Achalgarh Village, Trevors Tank, Sunset point

9. Kashmir

With a view of the snow capped mountains in the background and lush green valleys, Kashmir has often been called Paradise on Earth. Abundant wildlife, historic monuments, handicrafts, great food and hospitable people make this a destination that will forever be etched into your memory.

Apart from the setting, Kashmir is also famous for adventure sports like paragliding, skiing, rafting, camping, trekking and much more.

• Best time to visit: June to September
• Points of interest: Pangong Lake, Khardung La Pass, Magnetic Hill, Rafting, Hall Of Fame Museum, Gol Market

10. Amritsar

This well connected, agricultural capital of the Punjab region is not only famous for its abundant produce that helps in a great way to feed the nation but also for its glorious past, natural beauty, temples and deliciously rich food.

The spiritual and cultural centre of the Sikhs, the legendary Punjabi hospitality can be felt at every place you go. If there is one thing you absolutely have to do while you are here, it is eating a lot!

• Best time to visit: All year round
• Points of interest: Golden Temple, Wagah Border, Guru Ke Mahal, Hall Bazaar, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum
• Where to Stay : Hotels in Amritsar

Holiday Destinations in India: South India  

1. Munnar

Located on the Mattupetti, Nallathanni and Periavaru river banks, Munnar is a tranquil hill station in the South of India.

Known primarily for its beautiful tea gardens, the lush hills of Munnar have become a major tourist destination for its natural beauty, flora and fauna, not to mention the plethora of fun activities and great food too. Trekking, paragliding, rock climbing, safaris and camping are just some of the awesome things to do here.

• Best time to visit: September to May
• Points of interest: Rose Garden, Echo Point, Mattupetty Dam, Attukad Waterfalls, Blossom Park, Chinnar Sanctuary
• Where to Stay :  Hotels in Munnar

2. Hampi

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site over thirty years ago, walking around Hampi is like stepping into a museum as there are over five hundred historic monuments and places of interest all over the city including ancient temples, magnificent palaces, monolithic statues, spectacular museums not to mention the natural splendor of this popular little city makes for a unique holiday experience in the South of India.

• Best time to visit: October to March
• Points of interest: Virupaksha Temple, Elephant Stables, Queen’s Bath, Lotus Palace, Daroji Bear Sanctuary, Monkey Temple, Hippie Island

3. Bangalore

Best known as the Garden City of India, the country’s very own Silicon Valley has evolved into a bustling metropolis with no end to the restaurants, pubs, clubs, parks, shopping centers dotting the entire city.

Bangalore is easy to get with good access by air, road and rail. The local parks and gardens are well maintained and offer you real sense of being amongst nature right in the heart of the city.

• Best time to go: All year round
• Points of interest: Bangalore Palace, Cubbon Park, Wonder La Water Park, Bannerghatta National Park, ISKCON Temple
• Where to Stay : Hotels Bangalore 

4. Tirupati

Tirupati is of great religious significance and as such sees a huge amount of pilgrimage traffic throughout the year but especially during festivals. Home to the wealthiest temple in the country, the place is also one of India’s oldest cities, rich in heritage, culture and ancient monuments.

With so many visitors, it is no wonder the Tirupati offers a great number of hotels and restaurants serving some delicious South Indian cuisine too.

• Best time to go: Year round
• Points of interest: Sri Venkateswara Temple, Swami Pushkarini Lake, TTD gardens, City Shopping

5. Gokarna

For an unconventional beach destination, visit Gokarna in the Karnataka region. Gaining popularity over the years for its seclusion and pristine shores, this is one place you have to visit before tourism takes over.

Surrounded by lush palm groves, the beach here is also home to local fisherfolk and the result is a plethora of great seafood, prepared traditionally all around the area.

• Best time to visit: All year round
• Points of interest: Om Beach, Mahabaleshwara Temple, Water Sports, Kudle Beach, Gokarna beach

Holiday Destinations in India: West India

1. Goa Tourism

Rich in Portuguese heritage, blessed with some of best beaches on the planet and also friendly to any budget you may have, is what makes Goa the most popular holiday destination on the Indian West coast.

Over a hundred kilometers of shoreline, with pristine blue water, the local food, architecture, culture and people are all very much what makes this place so appealing.

• Best time to visit: October to March
• Points of interest: Calangute Beach, Baga Beach, Water Sports, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Flea Markets
• Where to Stay : Hotels in Goa

2. Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is famous all over the country for its strawberries. A favorite weekend holiday destination for many Mumbaikars, as well as those from other districts and states, this captivating hill station is also abundant with natural beauty; lush dense forests, waterfalls, rolling hills and splendid valleys makes for a great getaway from the city.

Visit during strawberry season, starting October and April, to get a taste of the amazing local produce.

• Best time to visit: October to June
• Points of interest: Elephant’s Head point, Chinaman’s falls, Arthur’s seat, Panchgani, Venna Lake, Wilson Point
• Where to Stay : Hotels in Mahabaleshwar

3. Udaipur

With the serene Aravalli Hills all around and four beautiful lakes surrounding it, Udaipur is not called the Jewel of Rajasthan for nothing; the ultimate splendor of this regal city, natural beauty around, enchanting temples, breathtaking structures and delicious cuisine are just some of reasons Udaipur is such a tourist hotspot.

Host to many events and festivals, be sure to visit in March for the Udaipur Festival and experience the magic of this city.

• Best time to visit: October to April
• Points of interest: Lake Pichola, City Palace, Fateh Sagar Lake, Sajjangarh Palace, Vintage Car Museum
• Where to Stay : Hotels in Udaipur

Holiday Destinations in India: East India

1. Kolkata

The second largest city in the country, Kolkata is a 350 year old metropolis and the capital of the West Bengal region, the city is famous for its culture, art, music and literature. With dozens of festivals held each year, the city is always in some celebratory mood which is amazing for visitors.

Apart from being the intellectual center of India, Kolkata is also famous for its delicious cuisine, colonial architecture and manicured parks.

• Best time to visit: All year round
• Points of interest: Victoria Memorial, Fort William, Howrah Bridge, Belur Math, Birla Planetarium, Indian Museum
• Where to Stay : Hotels in Kolkata 

2. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Situated in the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a formation of over 300 land bodies, all covered in white sand shores and kissing clear blue waters.

The mainland has still got its old world charm with the colonial era leaving behind some magnificent feats of architecture. A great destination to have a secluded holiday.

• Best time to go: October to June
• Points of interest: Havelock Island, Scuba Diving, Cellular Jail, Snorkeling, Ross Island, Neil Island

So if you dream of travels, rich with experience, adventure and great food, then you are lucky to be in a Nation that has as much diversity at home as you can find anywhere else.