2020 has been a hard year for travellers and adventure junkies. Since travelling internationally is still quite risky given the unprecedented situation that we have in hand, there is so much that India has to offer. Few countries in the world carve such a deep, long-lasting impression on travellers as our country does. India sits upon layers of history and we supposed no country on Earth is home to such marked contrasts in traditions, cultures, and dialects.
India overloads your senses with its cacophony of sounds, extreme contradictions, and vibrant colors. The richness of the land, exotic architecture and lush beauty of this country satisfy every bit of you with its beauty. A trip around India is full of unexpected twists and turns, however; one thing is certain that you won’t return home the same after this adventure.
So are you ready to see the country through a different lens and enjoy the chaos that shouts calmness in your ears? Here are the top 10 places to travel in India, in 2021 –
Rajasthan:
Broadly translated as “The land of Kings” Rajasthan has so much to offer from the remnants of the kings and queens of the past century. Between glittering palaces, lively festivals, and stately forts this state on the west side plays a starring role in your trips to India. Jaipur, also known as the Pink City imbibes the jewellery store galore, The lavish City Palace. Jaisalmer will remind you of the Arabian Nights fantasy with golden sand dunes, and historic mansions. Udaipur will ooze out the romance with its beautiful architecture and flower-lined streets. The beauty of Rajasthan is sure to captivate you.
Rishikesh:
This quaint little town nestled on the foothills of the Himalayas is a paradise for the spiritual-minded. However, do not limit Rishikesh’s diversity to its spiritual ablaze only, this town has a little of everything and is considered a traveller’s abode. If you are an off-the-beaten-path explorer, you will love everything that this town has to offer. The Beatles back in the 1960s had travelled to Rishikesh’s Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram which is now a popular tourist destination for fans to visit. The town offers a window to explore your spiritual self.
Varanasi:
One of the oldest continually inhabited states Varanasi is arguably the holiest place in the country. Witness the grandeur of the mighty Ganges while the spiritual practices and the famous Ganga Arti takes place along the banks of the sacred river. Pilgrims from around the country and world bathe. Mourne, and cremate their loved ones in plain view of a passerby. Find a piece of peace and take a sunrise boat ride and watch the fire burning high on the other side in the Hindu chanting ceremonies from the steep ghats. The streets and roads of this town twist and turns like a maze and legend has it that there is no accurate map of Varanasi still made (Google needs to hear this). Immerse yourself and experience Varanasi to its fullest.
Ajanta and Ellora Caves:
We believe Time travel is not yet a reality for people but this UNESCO World Heritage Site does a pretty good job at taking you back 1500 years through the intricate carvings and paintings that the Ajanta and Ellora Caves offer. The Ajanta Caves feature 30 Buddhist cave monuments cut into the rock for as long as 2nd Century BC. Around 100 km southwest is the Ellora Caves that has three dozen Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain carvings, the most famous of the caves is the Kailasa Cave devoted to Lord Shiva.
Mysore:
Mysore is an enchanting town in Karnataka. Considered to be the cultural capital of the state this city takes the Indian grandeur to the next level. With carved wooden doors, intricate paintings, and details on the mosaic floor, the Mysore Palace is considered to be the country’s finest Indo-Saracenic monument. Be sure to swing by it in the nights to see the majesty double up with the twinkling lights.
Coorg:
Famously called the Scotland of India, this eerie hilly town is a vibe. Settles in the western ghats, this hill station is green and verdant as far as you can see. The charm of Coorg reaches its peak when the downpour starts dripping down the coffee and tea plantations and all you have left is a beauty that needs to be experienced. An affluent hill station with green hills and streams cutting right through them.
Munnar:
This hill station in Kerala cannot be portrayed on a single canvas. Set 6000 feet in the Idukki district, Munnar is all about pristine valleys, exotic species of flora and fauna, mountains, wild sanctuaries, and an unending expanse of tea estates. This beautiful destination offers walks through forests covered in the aroma of spice scented cool air, mists, valleys, streams, and waterfalls.
Cherrapunji:
The wettest place on earth is a must-visit and worth experiencing. This undiscovered beauty is all about lush greenery, breathtaking landscapes, and waterfalls wherever you look closely. Explore your adventurous side with treks on the pristine hills. Meghalaya is popularly known for the maximum number of unexplored caves. Xplore the Seven Sister Falls and the vastness of the Nohkalikai falls from 200 Feet above will surely leave you in awe.
Wayanad:
With its green highlands, cool climate, and greenery this town is one of the best retreats in the country. Edakkal Caves in this hill town is famous for its pictorial writing. Sultan Bathery built in one of the earliest centuries of human civilization and the Ambukuthi Hills is sure to make you fall in love with nature and make you at peace. A major chunk of this picturesque land is waiting to be explored by people.
Ladakh:
You didn’t think we wouldn’t have Ladakh on the list, did you? Ladakh is situated in a location that is quite a rain shadow zone, however, the captivating beauty of this place will forever be etched in your heart. Adventure junkies around the globe spend months planning and travelling to this northern beauty to experience its serenity first hand. Bike rides to Ladakh from various parts of the country is a dream come true for adventure junkies.
These are the Top 10 Places in India that you must visit in 2021. Let us know how your experience was and add on to the list by commenting below.
