Not many places feature such a fantastic fusion of natural beauty and cultural richness as India’s North Eastern region does. Verdant mountain ranges overlooking majestic Buddhist stupas and monasteries, meandering paths through spectacular dense forests, glacial lakes, and a fabulous climate – this relatively isolated part of the country is truly a treat to the senses. Visit once and it’ll surely tempt you to come back for more. Here are some of the region’s fascinating tourist destinations.

Gangtok

From serene monasteries to buzzing street markets and from the placid glacial lake Tsongmo (Changu) to the beautiful river Teesta – Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, awaits you with a dream-world of sights; both natural and man-made.

Plus, delightful cuisines, ample shopping options, and salubrious weather make this little mountain town a perfect holiday destination for just about anyone.

Not to miss Attractions: Rumtek Monastery, Do Drul Chorten, Tashi Viewpoint, and the beautiful Gurodongmar Lake.

Darjeeling

Fondly billed as the “Queen of Hills”, Darjeeling is nestled in the foothills of Himalaya, at an elevation of 2,042.2 m above sea level.

Admire breathtaking views of the snow-clad mountains, try enthralling adventures or take guided tours to the world-famous tea plantations –  this captivating hill station in the Indian state of West Bengal promises you a memorable holiday.

Not-to-miss Attractions:  Tiger Hill, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Zoo, Chowrasta, and Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary

Shillong

If solitude in the lap of nature is what you’re looking for, Shillong is the place to be.

Imagine strolling through lush green landscapes, and camping beside a beautiful waterfall while sampling delicious local cuisines. Fondly known as the Scotland of the East, this place will also becharm you with its ancient churches and cobblestone streets.

Not-to-Miss Attractions: The Sohpetbneng Peak, Shillong Peak, the Crinoline Falls, and the Elephant Falls.

Kaziranga National Park

Love wildlife? Visit Kaziranga National Park and take your love for nature to a new height. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is undisturbed by human presence and is a great place to see exotic wildlife in their natural habitat.

Though the great Indian one horned rhinos are the major draw for tourists, several other animal species like elephants, panthers and beers can also be spotted here. Home to a large population of migratory and native birds, the park is a haven for birding enthusiasts too.

Not-to-miss Attractions: The place is famous for its one horned rhinos and delightful birding opportunities.

India is a famous holiday destination and is visited by millions of foreign tourists every year. It is important for tourists to learn as much as possible about this intriguing country. India is located in the south of the Asian continent, and borders the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. As far as flight connectivity is concerned, Air India and Jet Airways are the two major international carriers which connect key global cities with top Indian gateways such as Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, and Bangalore.

India’s capital city is New Delhi, which is also a major tourist destination and boasts attractions such as [sg_popup id="8"]the Red Fort[/sg_popup] and [sg_popup id="4"]India Gate[/sg_popup]. Along with New Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan, Goa, Kochi, Darjeeling, and Mysore are some of India’s top rated travel destinations. When it comes to key attractions in the country, [sg_popup id="6"]Taj Mahal[/sg_popup], [sg_popup id="7"]Jim Corbett National Park[/sg_popup], [sg_popup id="5"]Gateway of India[/sg_popup], the [sg_popup id="9"]Golden Temple[/sg_popup], and [sg_popup id="3"]Ajanta Caves[/sg_popup] are usually listed among the most famous tourist sites in the country.

Of course, every tourist would like to know about the weather conditions in the country before going ahead with his flight bookings. So here it goes. India has the best weather during the winter months of November to March. If it is the affordability you are looking for, plan a holiday tour to India during the month of April or October. You would do well to avoid flying to India during the summer and monsoon seasons, which is usually the period between May and August. You can also plan your holiday in the country around the major festivals celebrated here. Diwali (October-November), Holi (March), and Ganesh Chaturthi (August-September) are some of the most colourful Indian festivals you will find anywhere in the world.

Your holiday in India is incomplete unless you enjoy at least few of the country’s most delectable dishes. Butter chicken is an exceptionally popular dish and you must enjoy it while in India. Indian curries and kebabs are equally popular among tourists. For sub regional flavours, order for Rajasthani or South Indian platter. But make sure you eat at popular restaurants. You can judge the popularity of the place by the size of the crowd eating there. Also, avoid the street side fare. While the locals may find it delicious, it could lead to health hazards like diarrhoea. Talking about health, it is strongly advised that tourists avoid drinking tap water in India. Also, carry a strong mosquito-repellent with you as mosquito-borne diseases are common throughout the country.

Here are few more tips for you to remember. Dress conservatively and avoid public display of affection in any part of India. Locals may find it offensive. Always insist on travelling by meter, be it auto or taxi. Tourists must follow basic precautionary measures and be cautious about their surroundings in unknown places.

Jaisalmer is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Rajasthan. Situated near the Thar Desert, it is known for its yellow stone architecture and has earned the epithet, “Golden City”. There are various tourist attractions in Jaisalmer that will amaze you. Let’s have a look at 3 of the top attractions in Jaisalmer – India.

Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer Fort, constructed by Rao Jaisal in the 12th Century is a colossal affair of yellow sandstone, various gateways, Havelis, temples and the main palace building or the Raj Mahal.  The fort glitters like gold due to the effect of the sunlight on its yellow sandstone walls. Thus, it has been very aptly billed as ‘Sonar Quila’ or the Golden Fort.  Situated on the Trikuta Hill, it is one of the most visited attractions in Rajasthan. The entry tickets to the fort are reasonably priced. Keep aside a day to explore the fort at a leisurely pace.

Gadi Sagar Lake

The Gadi Sagar Lake is an artificial lake constructed in the 14th century as a water conservation point. Situated just a kilometre away from the Jaisalmer Fort, it attracts tourists as well as locals in hordes. Various temples, including the famed Krishna temple at Tilon Gate dot the banks of the lake. Between the months of November and February, various migratory birds arrive in the area and gather around the lake. Boating facilities are available.

Silk Route Art Gallery

Silk Route Art Gallery is the best place to go for shopping. The place boasts some of the finest collections of handmade bags, belts, patchworks, clothes, antiques, shawls and other accessories. The quality of every item, including shawls, bed sheets and antique items is unique and of excellent quality. You can indulge in a wonderful shopping experience and carry various souvenirs back home.

Often referred to as the ‘Queen of Hill stations’, Ooty lies nestled in the Nilgiri Hills, Tamil Nadu. Embellished with tall pines, green mountains, and overall picturesque landscape, this beautiful hill station is also home to colonial era bungalows, and some beautiful nature parks.

Ooty by Satheeshkumar K/ CC BY

Located far from the city rush, Ooty offers a pleasant climate throughout the year that attracts leisure tourists as well as honeymooners. To reach Ooty, India by air, you can take a flight to Coimbatore Airport ( which is nearly 90 kilometres from Ooty. This destination offers a wide range of attractions for the nature lovers. Here is our pick of the top three of such attractions.

Botanical Garden

One of the most famous attractions in Ooty, The Botanical Garden boasts over 650 species of flowers and trees. Spread across an area of 22 hectares, this huge garden is located in the heart of the city. The major highlight of this garden is the fossil tree that is believed to be 20 million years old. You can also explore the Toda tribe settlement towards the upper area of the garden and get an insight of their culture and lifestyle.

Upper Bhavani Lake

It would not be wrong to call Upper Bhavani Lake as one of the most tranquil tourist spots of Ooty. This place should top your not to be missed list when you plan a trip to Ooty. The lake is an amazing attraction for nature lovers, photo fanatics, or the ones simply seeking solitude. Upper Bhavani Lake is greenish blue in colour and is said to have the clearest waters one can find in Ooty. This spot is not known to many people, and probably that is the reason behind its serene and pristine qualities.

Doddabetta Peak

At a height of 2,623 metres, Doddabetta Peak is the highest point on the Nilgiris. The peak offers breathtaking views of the green landscapes and blue-tinged mountain scenery. For more spectacular panoramic views, you can use the telescope facility offered atop the hill. Doddabetta Peak is nearly 10 kilometres from the city centre and is one of the favourite haunts of nature buffs.

India is famous for its numerous beautiful lakes, rivers and other inland water-bodies that are to be found all over the country. From Kashmir in the north to Kerala in the south and from Assam in the east to Rajasthan in the west, the country is home to various water bodies and attracts nature-lovers from all around the world.  Take a look at the top five lakes in India.

Wular Lake

Wular Lake, the largest freshwater lake in India and one of the largest in Asia, is located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Nestled amidst beautiful mountains, Wular Lake boasts jaw dropping natural beauty. Besides scenic beauty, the lake plays a significant role in maintaining the natural habitat for avian, aquatic, and overall wildlife. A large number of people living around the shores of the lake earn their livelihood by fishing in the lake.

Loktak Lake

Loktak Lake, located in Manipur, is known as the largest freshwater lake in the north-eastern part of India. It is called the floating lake because of a series of floating phumdis (islands) in the lake. The whole lake looks surreal and attracts many tourists from all around the world. The lake is an important part of Manipur as it is used for various important activities such as generation of hydro-power, drinking, irrigation, and maintenance of the natural habitat. It is also a refuge to the highly endangered Sangai, the state animal of Manipur.

Dal Lake

Kashmir Valley, known throughout the world as the most beautiful place on earth, is home to the Dal Lake. It is counted amongst the most famous lakes in India and is one of the most important attractions.

From the shikaras and houseboats to the floating gardens, Dal Lake has a distinct essence of the native culture and traditions. The lake is situated in Srinagar, known as the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir.

Gurudongmar Lake

Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world. Situated in the north-eastern part of the Kanchenjunga region in Sikkim, it is said to be one of the most beautiful lakes on earth. There are many other lakes here but this one is the biggest and the most striking one. Many of these lakes, apart from being thriving tourist destinations, are also used as places of worship by the locals. The other lakes worth visiting include Khecheopalri Lake also known as the wishing lake and the Tsomgo Lake or frozen Lake.

Chilka Lake

Chilka Lake, the largest coastal lake in India, is a saltwater lake situated in Orissa. It is Asia’s largest inland salt water lagoon. The brackish waters of the lake are more saline than freshwater but lesser than seawater.

Chilka is labelled as the queen of natural scenery in the state. People can enjoy ferry rides on the lake and also view Irrawaddy dolphins and various species of migratory birds. Because of its beauty and appeal, it is also known as the Swiss-lake of Asia.

The different cities of Rajasthan speak of a rich and royal past of India, aptly giving it the title of a princely state. Almost every part of Rajasthan has a unique style of arts and architecture which make it one of the most diverse places in the world in terms of culture.

In this article we have listed three of most popular destinations in Rajasthan.

Jaipur

With various attractions such as forts, temples, gardens, historical monuments, and museums, Jaipur is a popular tourist destination among tourists visiting India. Apart from sightseeing there are numerous other exciting things about Jaipur, such as delicious food, lively shopping, lessons in art and crafts, and puppet shows.

Ajmer, where the Dargah (shrine) of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is situated, is just a couple of hours away from Jaipur.

Udaipur

Udaipur is full of opulent old palaces, many of which have been transformed into lavish five-star hotels that treat guests like royalty. This beautiful city is located in the foothills of the Aravalli range and its major attractions include market places, forts, temples and the high vantage points which offer an eagle’s view of the city. Be at these viewpoints during sunrise/sunset to behold the mesmerizing sight of the city against the backdrop of an orange sky.

Jodhpur

Jodhpur, also known as the Sun City, is one of the most popular travel destinations of Rajasthan. The city was founded by Rao Jodha Singh of Marwar and was named after him. Its location in the heart of Rajasthan makes it a very important tourist destination. The city is famous for various hill forts and palaces that attract lots of tourists.

Bird watching is a popular pursuit among tourists in India. The country has a number of places where birding enthusiasts can observe a wide range of colourful bids.

Kaziranga National Park by Subharnab Majumdar/ CC BY

Kaziranga National Park, Assam

Kaziranga National Park in Assam is mostly known for its population of one-horned rhinoceros but Kaziranga is also a lovely location for bird watching. There are a number of local and migratory birds that can be seen at the park. Some of the birds found here are Pale-capped Pigeon, Bengal Florican, and Swamp Francolin.

Panna National Park by Brian Gratwicke/ CC BY

Panna National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Panna National Park is located just 46 kilometres from Khajuraho in Madhya radesh. In Panna, you can see about 300 species of birds including nearly sixty five aquatic ones. Honey Buzzard White Necked Stork, King Vulture, Blossom Headed Parakeet, Slaty Headed Scimitar Babbler, Paradise Flycatcher and Bareheaded Goose are some of the many birds that you’ll find here.

Lava and Neora Valley, West Bengal

A walk along the Algarah Road in Lava is known as India’s best ‘birding-mile’. The beautiful hill station of Lava is located in the eastern part of the Himalayas in Darjeeling, West Bengal. It is a hotspot for biodiversity and the misty coniferous forests are home to some of the most fascinating birds. When in Lava and Neora, one can expect to find birds such as the Rusty-bellied Short-wing and the Satyr Tragon.

Bharatpur Sanctuary by Priyambada Nath/ CC BY

Bharatpur Sanctuary, Rajasthan

Bharatpur Sanctuary is a World Heritage Site. It covers an enormous area and holds more than 350 species of birds. Around one in every three birds in Bharatpur is a migratory one, including famous Siberian Cranes and Pelicans. This wide-ranging variety of avian species has made Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary a favourite destination among nature buffs and wildlife photographers.