India is unlike any other country in terms of diversity. The majestic Himalayan peaks, the Thar Desert in the west, the hills in the northeast, the enormous coastline along the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, and Bay of Bengal, the Western Ghats, and the Deccan Plateau. Over five millennia, people and cultures have mixed, resulting in a plethora of languages, faiths, and traditions spread over the land. Based on their popularity as well as the distinctiveness of the travel experience, Skyscanner has compiled a list of the most beautiful sites to visit in India.
Jammu & Kashmir’s Srinagar and Gulmarg
‘If there is an earthly Paradise, it is this.’ Early in the morning, take a boat ride on Dal Lake in Srinagar, seeing the spectacular Pir Panjal Mountains and floating flower stalls. Take a stroll around the Mughal gardens of Shalimar and Nishant. In April, Srinagar’s Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden presents Asia’s largest Tulip Flower Show
Spiti, Himachal Pradesh’s Key Monastery
The multi-leveled monastery is a religious training center for Lamas, and it is built on a hillside. The bleak landscapes of Spiti are highlighted by this 11th century Tibetan Buddhist monastery. It’s famed for its stunning murals, Buddhist paintings, and antique weapons. The months of May through October are the best for visiting. The Monastery has a festival in June/July, which includes Chaam dances.
Uttarakhand’s Valley of Flowers National Park
The valley of flowers is a sight to behold, with carpets of orchids, poppies, primulas, marigolds, daisies, and anemones. In 2016, it received 10,000 visits as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 1931 three British mountaineers were returning from an expedition when they got lost and came across this beautiful valley. The 15-kilometer hike to the Valley passes through glaciers, rivers, and gorges. The greatest time to visit is from July to October when the flowers are in full bloom.
Gujarat’s Little Rann of Kutch
The Rann covers an astounding 5000 square kilometers of plain desert scenery. The length of land as far as the eye can view is blanketed with a golden glow at sunrise or sunset. It is submerged beneath water during the rainy season and arid throughout the summer. The elaborately carved five-story Adalaj Stepwell in Ahmedabad is another lovely location to explore near the Rann. It was built in 1498 by Queen Rudabai of the Vaghela dynasty and is a magnificent example of Indo-Islamic architecture and style.
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