On this 74th Indian Independence day, let’s look at some adventures and places in India that look like foreign travel destinations. From deserts to snow-clad mountains, to exotic beaches to ski slopes, surf waves, diving sites, cherry blossoms, alpine lakes, mud volcanoes to black sand beaches, India has a little bit of everything from the world.
When it comes to India, tourists especially foreigners think only about Taj Mahal, yoga retreats and spirituality. But India is much more than just Taj. India’s geographical area spans across the equator, tropics, sub-tropics, tundra and the colder Himalayan mountains. This gives rise to a lot of natural biodiversity across India. In addition to nature’s diversity, India also has varied cultures and diversity of people, foods, languages and traditions.
There are so many places to see in India that one lifetime is not enough. Many foreigners who come here in India, claim that India is a continent, not a country! This is my attempt to bringing together some of the best places in India that look like foreign dream destinations. I myself don’t like comparing any two places because every place is beautiful in its own way. But, I feel this is a better way of presenting the gems of my country – India.
Nature at places in India that look like foreign travel destinations
Rann of Kutch, Gujarat – Uyuni Salt Flats of Bolivia
The most unique part of India – the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat is a large flat salt desert. It resembles the salt flats of Uyuni in Bolivia, which are said to be the world’s largest mirror. The best time to visit the Rann of Kutch is during the winter from October to February. You can also camp in a tent at the edge of these salt flats during the Rann Utsav or the Festival at the White Rann.
Thar desert, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan – Sahara desert, Africa
The Great Indian Thar desert in the west of the state of Rajasthan will definitely give you a memorable experience. The deserts in India don’t have the pyramids like the Sahara, but there are other things to do here. You can go on a camel safari and end up the night by camping in the middle of the Sand dunes. Additionally, you can see the India Pakistan border and our old military posts around the dunes. The for perfect weather best time to visit is in winter- Oct to Feb.
Bhedaghat, Jabalpur or Gandikota – Grand Canyon, USA
There are two to three impressive river gorges in India that are almost identical to the Grand Canyon of the USA. In the north, in the state of Madhya Pardesh near Jabalpur, the Bhedaghat is the most beautiful gorge in India. The Narmada river has carved out a beautiful path through the shimmering mountains of marble rocks at Bhedaghat. The river further breaks into beautiful waterfalls called Dhaundar waterfall. There’s also one lesser-known river gorge near Jabalpur called Nidan Ghat.
In the south, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, we have another Grand Canyon called the Gandikota gorge. The beauty of the rocks carved by the equally impressive river is a beautiful sight that you must see if you are travelling around in Andhra Pradesh.
Tulip Garden, Srinagar, Kashmir – Tulip fields of the Netherlands
The Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden in Srinagar, Kashmir is located at the foothills Zabarwan mountains right next to the beautiful Dal Lake. If not the tulip fields of the Netherlands, you can still visit our own Tulip garden which is located in the centre of a paradise. The best time to visit for the tulips is March-end and early April. This is the time when our tulips are in full bloom. You can also visit the annual Tulip festival which happens here every year in April.
Gulmarg, Kashmir and Khajjar, Himachal Pradesh – Switzerland
The green pastures and snow-clad mountains of Switzerland cannot be compared to anything else in the world. But there are a few places which give us similar feelings of wanderlust. The green pastures of Switzerland are often compared to Khajjar in Himachal Pradesh. Khajjar is always referred to as the Switzerland of India. And if you go a bit more north, the snow-clad landscapes of Gulmarg, Kashmir, will again remind you of Switzerland.
Chitrakote Falls, Chattisgarh – Niagara Falls, Canada
The Chitrakote falls in the state of Chattisgarh, are the most beautiful falls in the monsoon – June to Sept. As the river floods in the rains, these waterfalls located on the river Indravati get larger. The result is something which looks just like the Niagara Falls of Ontario, Canada.
Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand – California Poppy Reserve, USA
The Valley of Flowers National Park in the state of Uttarakhand is well known for its endless medows and slopes full of various alpine flowers. The best time to visit Valley of Flowers National Park is from mid July to mid August. The flowers are in full bloom at this time of the year. Go just after the first monsoon rains to expreiance this piece of paradise in India. The flowering season may vary as per the weather conditions each year, so check whether the flowers have bloomed before leaving.
And there’s one more valley of flowers called Kas Pathar in Maharashtra near Satara.
Black Sand Beaches of Maharashtra – Reynisfjara or the black beach, Iceland
The black sand beaches of Iceland, particularly Reynisfjara are famous all around the world. But did you know that we have black sand beaches here in Maharashtra too? From Alibaug beach in Mumbai to Shrivardhan beach in Konkan, almost all the beaches in Maharashtra have black sands. Best time to visit them is winter – Oct to Feb.
Find the complete list of Black Sand beaches in Maharashtra here.
Manikaran Sahib hot springs, Himachal Pradesh – Noboribetsu, Japan
You must have heard a lot about the plethora of hot water springs in Japan and the Japanese Onsen culture. But there are some good hot springs in India too. The hot springs of Parvati river at Manikaran Sahib, in Himachal Pradesh, are the best spa for your body. The waters are hot and have medicinal properties which are said to cure several bone or muscles issues.
Mud Volcanoes of Andaman – Mud Volcanoes of Azerbaijan
This image shows a typical mud volcano, which throws up mud, slurries, gases and water. Several mud volcanoes can be found in Jarwa creek, Baratang, and in Diglipur in the Andaman Islands, India. These volcanoes are small and safe, interesting and fun to watch. If you are visiting the islands, try to visit one of them. In Andaman, they are creating some form of geothermal energy from these cute little volcanoes.
And by the way, Azerbaijan is a country in the Middle East, which is part of both Europe and Asia. It’s known for its mud volcanoes and medieval cities among many more things.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands – Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
The Andaman and Nicobar islands of India, are as beautiful as the islands of Thailand. Several Indian tourists flock to the beaches and coasts of Thailand every year. The Andamans are beautiful and have equally turquoise waters. But we lack in marketing our own destinations. Many of the Andaman and Nicobar islands are still unexplored.
Lakshwadeep islands – Maldives
Although Andaman islands have transformed into a tourist destination by the enterprising locals, Lakshadweep islands in India are still away from the limelight. It may lack tourist facilities, but the nature at these islands is equally beautiful. And why would you need touristy hotels, when you can stay at the local homestays, and learn their way of life?
Munnar Tea Gardens, Kerala – Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Munnar hills are located in God’s own country – Kerala. The hill station has around 50 tea gardens which have free entry. You can also visit the Tata Tea museum located on these hills. The best time to visit will in winter from Dec to Feb. For more fun activities, try cycling down the slopes around these gardens, or try your hand at harvesting the tea.
Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim – Jökulsárlón Lake, Iceland
Want to visit picturesque landscapes in a winter wonderland? The journey to Iceland is long and expensive. Instead, you can just visit our smallest state Sikkim, in India for a similar experience. The Lake Gurudongmar in Sikkim will surely remind you of some Icelandic Lakes.
Cherry Blossom Shillong, Meghalaya – Japan’s Cherry Blossom
Japan has marketed its cherry blossom so much that the whole country is now synonymous with these beautiful pink flowers and Mt Fuji. But did you know that we have cherry blossom here in India too? If you visit Shillong in mid- November you can see rows upon rows of beautiful pink blooming trees – The Himalayan Cherry Blossoms. We have so many natural wonders within India, but the locals cant really recognise what the tourists seek. Recently, to bring attention to these Indian Cherry blossoms, an International Cherry Blossom Festival Shillong is started in Shillong, Meghalaya. The surrounding mountain trails, hikes and trails are worth the adventure during this time.
Coorg, Karnataka – Scotland, UK
The scenic mountains and landscapes of the hill station Coorg in Karnataka remind us of the highlands and scenic beauty of Scotland. It is better to soak in the natural beauty of Coorg in India, rather than applying for a lengthy UK visa to visit Scotland. It is also known as Kodagu. The western ghats of India are the most scenic in the monsoon months from June to September.
Goa beaches – Caribbean beaches
Not so unknown, the beaches of Goa are the dream of every youngster in India. And just like the Caribbean beaches, there is so much to do, so many adventures in Goa. From various water sports and activities to climbing trekking or hiking to the top of the nearby forts, Goa has a lot to offer. And did I mention the most beautiful waterfall – Dudhsagar is in South Goa.
Floating market on Dal Lake, Kashmir – Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Thailand
The colourful floating market on Dal Lake in Kashmir, India with the backdrop of the Himalayan mountains will easily beat any floating market in this whole world. The vegetables and food sold on the waters of the Dal Lake are grown on the banks of the lake itself. They are usually cut just a few hours before selling. Even if you don’t buy your vegetables here, the market and its people, expertly manoeuvring the boats full of fresh produce through Dal Lake, will leave you in awe.
Adventures at places in India that look like foreign travel destinations
Paragliding at Bir Billing, India – Paragliding at Mont Blanc, France
If you cannot go to the world’s highest Paragliding site at Mont Blac in France, so what? You can always go to Bir Billing in Himachal Pradesh, India which is the world’s second-highest paragliding site. Needless to say, it is the paragliding capital of India, where numerous enthusiasts can learn paragliding or just go for a tandem ride with an instructor. For the best experience go here between March to June. But if you want to witness the surrounding scenery covered in snow, come to Bir Billing in winter months from November to January.
There’s one more place for paragliding near Kamshet, in Maharashtra, India.
Insider tip: The paragliding rates and charges are much much cheaper at Bir Billing in India, in comparison to Mont Blac, France.
Scuba diving in Andaman – Scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef, Australia
The Andaman islands as mentioned above are extremely underrated. If you ask about the aquatic life, the islands are home to some of the most amazing species. There are 560 different species of corals found around the Andaman islands. The colours and diversity underwater will surely surprise you and leave you spellbound.
River rafting in the Ganges at Rishikesh – River rafting in Colorado, USA
Colorado River in the US is the most loved by thrill-seekers around the world. And the Ganga river in India is much better known as the most sacred river in India. But in Rishikesh, you can attempt the adventure of manoeuvring the rapids of Ganga river with your squad. In Manali, you can go white water rafting on the freezing Beas river. And in Maharastra, you can play in the rapids of Kolad river.
Hot air balloon rides in Jaipur – Hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia, Turkey
The one and only hot air balloon option in India is located in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Imagine going high above the Jaipur skyline and watching the castle, its walls, fields and lakes, and the tiny buildings in the city all at your feet! Cappadocia’s hot air balloon ride may be beautiful. But the views over Jaipur city are equally amazing.
Skiing at Auli, Uttarakhand – Skiing in Alaska or Canada
The Ski slopes of Uttarakhand and Sikkim in India are underestimated. Internationally, Alaska, Canada or Switzerland are well known for their silky adventurous ski slopes. But one of the best things to do in India, which should be on your list is Skiing in Auli, Uttarakhand. You can even learn skiing here at one of the skiing schools.
Boat ride on waters of Alappuzha, Kerala – Boat rides in Venice, Italy
The travel lovers and wanderlusters like me often dream of sailing in a boat across the many pretty canals of Venice, Italy. But the boat rides on the rivers in Alappuzha, Kerala in India will beat the crowded touristy canals of Venice any given day. The river is lined with trees and nature, rather than the medieval buildings. And if you go for a ride early in the morning, seeing the sunrise from these boats will be the most beautiful experience.
Igloo Hotel, Manali – Snow Castle, Finland
If like me you always dreamed of snow castles and igloos, the wait is over now. You can book your nights stay at India’s first-ever Igloo Hotel in Manali. Can you imagine staying warm inside the walls made of snow and ice? The igloo hotel may not be as good as the Snow Castle in Kemi, Finland. But it is something to start with, for a country like India. Do I need to say the best time to visit here is in winter?
Sky dining in Bangalore – Sky Dining in Dubai
This out of the world fine dining experience in the sky is not just available in Dubai. At India’s Fly Dining restaurant, you can get the best sky dining experience. Fly dining restaurants are spread across India in many cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, Goa, Noida, Delhi, Agra, Chandigarh, Surat, Jaipur, Hyderabad, and Port Blair. If you are living in one of these cities, you should experience this soon.
Rann of Kutch, Thar desert, Bhedaghat, Gandikota, Tulip Garden in Kashmir, Gulmarg in Kashmir, Khajjar in Himachal Pradesh, Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand, Chitrakote falls in Chattisgarh, Black Sand beaches of Maharashtra, Andaman and Nicobar islands, Lakshadweep islands, Munnar tea gardens, Gurudongmar Lake of Sikkim, and many more.
Paragliding at Bir Billing, Scuba diving in Andaman and Nicobar, River rafting in Rishikesh, Hot air balloon ride in Jaipur, Skiing in Uttarakhand, boat rides in Alappuzha, Kerala.
So, these are some places in India that look like foreign travel destinations. Comment below to tell me whether you like this blog post or if you want to add something to our list!
