While you may fancy the idea of having gelato by the Amalfi coast or relaxing on the white sand beaches of Bali, there are so many places to explore in India itself.So why not choose the best places to visit in India based on recommendations by travel experts?
India is a melting pot of rich history, towering mountains, breathtaking landscapes, heritage sights, and colonial-era spots that have stood the test of time. If you’re looking for India’s best untapped and offbeat destinations that promise a unique and immersive journey, our travel experts have got you covered.
Let’s explore these must-visit places you can add to your list, stat.
Best Places to Visit in India for a Short Vacation
You must have watched this year pass with very few public holidays, however, there are a lot of long consecutive weekends that feel nothing less than a miracle. If you’re looking to plan a vacation to the best places to visit in India, it’s not too late to do so.
Making the most of your days off is up to you. Whether you’re into adventure or relaxation, at least do it away from home at any one of these must-visit travel destinations in India, perfect for weekend getaways.
With that in mind, here are the 18 best places to get you started.
Karnataka: A Cool Summer Getaway and Stunning Views
With its cool weather, lush waterfalls, age-old temples, and mist-covered hills, Karnataka is a favorite.
If you are looking to visit the famous Sirsi markets, discover the biggest Tibetan Monastery, try the local cuisine, or even explore the coffee estates with a guided tour, the 8-day Karnataka tour packages are perfect for you.
1. Hubli – Yana, Karnataka
In Hubli, you can visit the Dharma Jalashay, the beautiful backwaters of the Dam before proceeding to Yana. It offers huge structures of Bhasma and is also known for being the holy place of Lord Shiva.
2. Mungod, Karnataka
Mungod features the country’s biggest Tibetan Monastery, Marikamba Temple, and shopping in Sirsi Market.
3. Rock Utsav, Karnataka
Here the idea of a typical Karnataka-style village life is portrayed through rock formations.
4. Kumta-Honnavar, Karnataka
Expect a guided tour of the serene rivers, nature trails, sprawling beaches, and deep blue sea as you explore the Mirjan Fort and Eco Beach.
5. Jenkalgudda & Kavdikere, Karnataka
Offered only through the Karnataka tour packages, here you can visit the Ghanta Ganpati, Kavdikere Lake in Yellapur, enjoy the sunset at Jenkalgudda, and take in the beauty of the Sahyadri Ranges.
Malabar Kabini: Coffee and Spice Plantations and Wildlife Sanctuaries
One of Kerala’s best-kept secrets, Malabar, Kabini, and Wayanad is a paradise of mist-covered hills, jungles, spices, wildlife reserves, and coffee plantations. Perfect for adventure enthusiasts, 7-day Kerala tour packages offer you a glimpse into nearby waterfalls, stunning architecture, or guided hikes to make the most of the lush woodland.
6. Kasargod, Kerala
The perfect remedy for desk job fatigue, exploring a city where life seems unchanged for a hundred years! At Kasargod, you can visit the Bekal Fort and Anand Ashram, drive to Shri Madiyan Koolam Temple, and take a trip on a houseboat on the Backwaters near Neeleshwar.
7. Kannur, Kerala
Kannur offers a visit to the St Angelo Fort, the Arakkal Museum, and the Kannur Lighthouse.
8. Wayanad, Kerala
A trip through paddy fields, ancient temples, hidden caves, and winding roads takes you to Wayanad. Well-known for its Lakidi viewpoint and Tushargir waterfall, you can also explore the Pookode Lake, and shop for coffee, tea, and spices. Here, guests can observe theBanasura Dam, the Nagarhole Sanctuary, and the Nagarhole National Park as part of the Kerala tour packages.
9. Nagarhole National Park, Kerala
Enter the Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary for a safari and experience a nature walk with a Naturalist.
Himachal: Apple Orchards and Colonial-era Temples
Known as the ‘Land of the Gods’, Himachal offers scenic beauty, oodles of charm, and lush views of the tea gardens and the mighty Himalayas.
Perfect for relaxation, here you can experience the famous Golden Temple, go on a guided tour of the tea estates, or even visit the famous Chamera Lake with the 11-day Himachal tour packages.
10. Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
Here, guests can enjoy an evening at the sunset point at Naddi. Dharamshala is also filled with Tibetan Buddhist pagodas and mysticism.
11. McLeod Gunj, Dharamshala
At MC’ Leod Gunj, you can see the home of Dalai Lama, Mini Tibet, the Tibetan Monastery, visit the War Memorial, a guided exploration of the Tea Estate & Kunal Patri. Guests can also visit the Chamunda Temple, Sidhbari Tapowan, and the Vajreshwari Temple at Kangra.
12. Chamba, Dalhousie
Enjoy a visit to the beautiful Laxmi Narayan Temple, the River Ravi, the Bhalai Mata Temple & Chamera Lake for boating.
13. Khajjiar, Dalhousie
You can explore the local markets and visit Khajjiar, known as the Mini Switzerland of India.
Kashmir: A Quiet Getaway in the Mountains
Looking to escape from the bustle of city life? This sleepy city seems straight out of a fairy tale with its iconic lakes, rustic cottages, and cozy nooks.
The Kashmir tour packages offer a vacation filled with little churches, blossoming tulips, frozen waterfalls, and the scent of pine and oak trees in the air.
14. Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Start your day by visiting the world’s second-largest Tulip Garden (only open till mid-April), a sunset Shikara ride on the Dal Lake, and the Hazratbal Dargah overlooking Negin Lake.
15. Yousmarg, Jammu and Kashmir
You can explore the surroundings of the Charar E Sharif Dargah, taste some local tea or even take a horse ride in the surrounding meadows.
16. Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir
Here guests can explore the Gondola, indulge in some snow activities, drive to the beautiful Drung waterfall, and even visit the Aharbal waterfall in Pahalgam. You can also drive to the Verinag Springs known as the birth of the river Sindh.
17. Aru, Jammu and Kashmir
Experience the Lidder River valley and stop to buy saffron and other dry fruits. Guests can also visit the village of Aru, the Martand Sun Temple near Anantnag, and enjoy the Kashmiri Kahwa.
You can also enjoy one of the most scenic drives to the picturesque town of Aru in the Aru Valley
18. Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir
Once in Pahalgam, you can visit Chandanwadi, from where the Amarnath Trek starts, and Betab Valley. Guests can head out to visit the floating market on the Dal Lake and experience all the local vendors have to offer.
Ready for These Beautiful Travelling Destinations in India?
If you are looking for an excuse to leave the office and travel, these beautiful destinations in India will allow you to explore, relax, or even WFA (work from anywhere) if you need to. Our team at Anubhav Vacations are professionals at custom curating the best travel packages whether you are looking for something chill, adventurous, or filled with history and culture.
Simply let us know which destinations appealed to you the most so that we can tailor the package to suit your needs. Make sure to plan in advance, so that your trip is affordable and fun.
