Travel while you’re still young. Lose yourself to find your own self. Live like there’s no tomorrow. And whatever you’ll explore today will last a lifetime with you. So, here’s a list of 10 best tourist places in India before you turn 30. What are you waiting for? It’s time to pack your bags and set on a journey to scratch off a few destinations from your bucket list.
Traveling with your best buddies; no matter what time of year it is or whichever location it is, an unlimited amount of fun and excitement is always guaranteed with the best friends.
1. Kashmir – Captivating Natural Beauty
One of the most incredible places in India, Kashmir is a place of beautiful simplicity and pristine natural beauty. Kashmir is painted with a unique culture that keeps you intrigued throughout your journey, from Srinagar to Sonamarg and Gulmarg till Pahalgam.
Kashmir has a variety of terrains ranging from lakes, snow-capped mountains, coniferous kissed hills to glacier-fed rivers. On one hand, Kashmir is covered with wild untouched terrain and on the other, there are fields of saffron and orchards of apples awaiting their full bloom. They have a variety of flowers that are a show in themselves. They wait, as photographers after photographers attempt to do justice to them.
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How To Reach Kashmir:
By Air:
To fly into Kashmir, take the Srinagar Airport (15 km away), which is well connected to prime Indian cities. Air India, GoAir, IndiGo and Jet Airways operate regular flights for Delhi, Goa, Jammu, Leh Mumbai, and Bangalore. After reaching the airport, visitors can hire taxis to reach various cities and towns of Kashmir.
By Rail:
Jammu Tawi Railway Station, situated at a distance of about 330 km, is the nearest railhead serving the beautiful valley of Kashmir. New Delhi-Jammu Tawi Rajdhani Express, Jammu Mail and Jammu Tawi Express are some of the prominent trains operating from Delhi. From outside the railway station, one can hire private taxis or take state or private buses to reach various places in Kashmir.
By Road:
The state of Kashmir is well connected by a network of state and private buses with several nearby cities and towns. National Highway 1-A connects Srinagar with Jammu. Also, the popular Jawahar Tunnel connecting Jammu with the valley of Kashmir also falls on the way. A number of J&K State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC), luxury and private deluxe buses ply frequently to and from the state. These buses are extremely comfy and cost-effective.
2. Jaislamer – Rajputana Magnificence
The Golden City of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan is simply unmatched. It was the part of the famous Silk Route during the days of yore. The splendid Jaisalmer Fort stands proudly on its land and narrates the stories of the valor and chivalry of the Rajput rulers. Jaisalmer still retains its medieval charm, which is evident in its colorful narrow streets, splendid forts and palaces of Rajasthan, opulent havelis and bazaars.
The otherwise barren land of Jaisalmer comes alive once every year during winters. It is the time when the festivities of Desert Festival slowly start engulfing the Desert City. During the festival in Jaisalmer, the city displays the wealth of its culture and traditions to the rest of the world. The festival expresses the people’s zeal for life and is a colorful extravaganza of fun, frolic, laughter, and adventure.
How To Reach Jaisalmer:
By Air:
The Golden City currently does not have an airport that civilian flights land at and therefore is not directly accessible by air. The nearest airport is Jodhpur Airport, which is well connected to the other major airports in the country. Reaching Jaisalmer directly from Jodhpur airport involves getting a cab from the airport itself. Travelers can either get a private or prepaid cab. The nearest international airport is Delhi which is connected to most of the countries in the world.
By Rail:
Jaisalmer is well connected to most of the cities by train and there are multiple options for travelers traveling from anywhere in India. There are direct trains going to Jaisalmer or passing through Jaisalmer from cities like Jodhpur, Jaipur, Delhi, Mumbai, and even Kolkata among many others. There are three trains that travel daily between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, for those looking to travel within Rajasthan. There are also 4 trains that travel from Delhi straight to Jaisalmer, with two leaving every day and one being a superfast train.
By Road:
There are two options when going to Jaisalmer by road, one is by bus and the other is to drive yourself. Bus services to Jaisalmer are available from all major cities in Rajasthan like Jodhpur and Jaipur. There are no direct buses from Delhi but you can switch buses in Jaipur and continue your journey from there to reach Jaisalmer from Delhi. The distance from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer by road can be covered in 6 to 7 hours. It may take up to 15 hours to travel from Delhi to Jaisalmer via cab.
3. Aurangabad – ‘Ajanta & Ellora’ Caves
The city, originally known as Khadki, was founded by Malik Ambar in 1610. Its name was changed by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who built the Bibi Ka Maqbara tomb near the city as an imitation of the Taj Mahal in Agra.
When in Aurangabad, do not give a miss to the lifetime opportunity of adding to your wardrobe, a traditional and exquisite collection of fine hand-woven Himroo and Paithani silk, an exotic specialty of Aurangabad.
The city’s one of its kind cultural fiesta of Ellora Ajanta Festival showcasing the talent of a number of dancers and musicians across the country in the backdrop of illuminated 1400 years old caves adds to the charm of this historic city and provides one more reason to art lovers for a visit to Aurangabad.
How To Reach Aurangabad:
By Air:
The Aurangabad Airport has connecting flights to all major parts of the country. Direct flights to Aurangabad are available. Buses and cabs are available from the airport to all major tourist places in Aurangabad.
By Rail:
Aurangabad is well-connected with the railway network. Trains to Aurangabad are available from all major railway stations across the country. Some important Aurangabad trains are Jan Shatabdi Express, Dikshabhumi Express, and Ajanta Express. Aurangabad train timetable allows one to become familiar with the train timings.
By Road:
One can opt for an Aurangabad visit by bus for convenience. This is the most economical for individual tourists. The government, as well as private buses, operate daily services in the city. Aurangabad bus stand is situated in the center of the city. Tickets for the Aurangabad trip by buses can be booked online as well as directly. Homestay and budget hotels are located near bus stands. If you’re wondering how to reach Aurangabad, this is a good way of going about it.
4. Meghalaya – Man-made Artistic Splendors
Meghalaya, the state of India, located in the northeastern part of the country. It is bounded by the Indian state of Assam to the north and northeast and by Bangladesh to the south and southwest. The state capital is the hill town of Shillong, located in east-central Meghalaya.
Also known as the ‘abode of clouds’, Meghalaya is a hidden gem nestled in the lap of pine-covered Khasi and Garo Hills in the Eastern Himalayas. Meghalaya—Alaya (“abode”) and Megha (“of the clouds”)—occupies a mountainous plateau of great scenic beauty. It became a state in 1972. Area 8,660 square miles (22,429 square km). Pop. (2011) 2,964,007.
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How To Reach Meghalaya:
By Air:
Major airport from Meghalaya is located in Guwahati (Assam) at a distance of 159 km (Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport). The airport is well- connected to international cities of Tura and Bangkok along with Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Calcutta. Traveling to Meghalaya by flight is a unique experience in itself. There is no direct bus connection from Guwahati Airport to Meghalaya, but you can hire a cab to reach your destination.
By Rail:
If you are planning to travel to Meghalaya by train, the nearest railway station from Meghalaya is located in Guwahati (Assam). It lies at a distance of 180 km. Guwahati Junction is connected to New Delhi, Amritsar, Jammu and Kashmir, and Bangalore. To reach Meghalaya from Guwahati you can opt for buses or can hire a cab.
By Road:
Meghalaya is well-connected to major cities through roads. The roads are mostly smooth and well-frequented with traffic. Many travelers find monsoon as the best month for traveling to Meghalaya for the love towards unlimited rain. However, it will be ideal if you could take precautions while driving in heavy monsoon season. Some of the roads get slowed down due to heavy rain.
5. Hampi – Brilliantly Carved Monuments
Hampi is one of the finest historical sites of ancient age in the world. It was the initial capital city of the famous historical Vijayanagara Empire located on the bank of Tungabhadra River about 11 km away from Hospet City. Hampi is a small location covered an area of 25 sq. km. and it is totally bounded by mountains (Anjaneya, Malyavanta and Matanga Hills) by the three sites and the rest one site is bordered by Tungabhadra River.
A city immersed in the glorious past of the Vijayanagara Empire dating back to the period between the 14th and 16th centuries, Hampi is one of the most incredible places to visit in India. Ruins of this ancient city with its number of strikingly beautiful monuments, temples and palaces still tell you the tales of grandeur and magnificence of the Vijayanagara rulers.
How To Reach Hampi:
By Air:
The nearest air link to Hampi is the Belgaum airport which is located at a distance of 270 km. Bangalore airport, on the other hand, is 300 km from Hampi. Direct flights to the airports operate from major cities of the country like Delhi and Mumbai. After reaching the airport, travelers can take a bus or taxi to reach Hampi.
By Rail:
There is no railway station in Hampi. Hospet which is 13 km from Hampi is the nearest railhead. Different cities of the country are connected to this railhead which makes it easy to reach Hampi. 10 daily trains and 5 special trains run to the station from different places of the country. After reaching the Hospet railway station, travelers can take a taxi or bus to reach Hampi.
By Road:
Hampi is well-connected to Bangalore and other major cities of Karnataka via roadways. KSRTC buses operate on a regular basis from Hospet to Hampi. To get Hampi by road, there are many options that the tourists can choose from. These include buses, taxis or car rental. All the options offer a great option to reach the destination in a comfortable way.
6. Andaman & Nicobar – Array of Water Sports
Situated on the ancient trade route between India and Myanmar, the Andamans were visited by the navy of the English East India Company in 1789, and in 1872 they were linked administratively by the British to the Nicobar Islands. The two sets of islands became a union territory of the Republic of India in 1956. The territory has for more than a century been recognized for its indigenous communities, which have ardently avoided extensive interaction with ethnic outsiders.
Known for their picturesque beauty with pristine beaches, azure waters and verdant forests, Andaman & Nicobar are a group of more than 500 shimmering islands tucked in an infinite expanse of the Bay of Bengal. Relatively unexplored, these islands have that enigmatic charm to them that lures thousands of tourists every year. Packed with an array of interesting activities, a holiday in Andaman & Nicobar is sure to be one of the best vacations in India. Asia’s best beach, ‘Radhanagar Beach’ on the ‘Havelock Island’ is a paradise for honeymoon couples who can be seen here immersed in romantic walks holding each other’s hands and witnessing the beautiful sunset.
How To Reach Andaman & Nicobar:
By Air:
One of the easiest ways to travel to Andaman is by flight. This tourist destination houses its own airport at Port Blair which has good connectivity with Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Bangalore. While the flights from Delhi and Mumbai take 5 hours, travelers from Chennai and Kolkata can reach in just 2 hours.
7. Sikkim – Breathtaking Natural Vistas
The British East India Company got the city of Darjeeling from Sikkim in 1835. Occurrences between the British and Sikkim prompted the extension in 1849 of the submontane locales and the ensuing military annihilation of Sikkim.
Sikkim is the only State in India where a large portion of the general population has their origins from other nations i.e. Nepal. The other significant ethnic groups in Sikkim are Lepcha and Bhutia.
One of the most breathtakingly beautiful places in India, Sikkim is a glittering gem of the North-East Himalayas. With its enchanting snow-capped mountains, quaint little villages, pristine lakes, and vibrant Buddhist monasteries, Sikkim is one of the best destinations in India to spend a peaceful and laid back holiday amidst extreme tranquillity and solitude.
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How To Reach Sikkim:
By Air:
The nearest accessible airport to Sikkim is in Bagdogra which is approximately 124 km from Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. Bagdogra airport has both public and private transport options for the onward journey. 50 meters away from the terminal building, the local taxi stand has both shared and private jeeps for Darjeeling, Siliguri, Gangtok, etc.
By Rail:
Sikkim does not have a proper train network. The nearest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) which is about 6-7kms from Siliguri and 130 km from Gangtok. Very few selective trains pass through Siliguri, which is approximately 114 km from Gangtok. Onward journey from Siliguri or New Jalpaiguri railway station is possible by road.
By Road:
Siliguri is more or less the main gateway to Sikkim. National Highway 31A connects Gangtok to Siliguri. The scenic lush green forests on the banks of river Teesta on one side and the Eastern Himalayan range on the other side make the drive worthwhile. As stated earlier, public vehicles including buses, shared jeeps and auto-rickshaws are available from Siliguri to Gangtok, Kalimpong, Kurseong, etc. at frequent intervals.
8. Sunderbans – Enigmatic Wilderness
The name Sundarbans is thought to be derived from sundry or Sundari (Heritiera fomes), the name of the large mangrove trees that are most plentiful in the area. The forestland transitions into a low-lying mangrove swamp approaching the coast, which itself consists of sand dunes and mudflats. Mangrove forests constitute about two-fifths of the Sundarbans region’s overall surface area, with water covering roughly half of that area.
How To Reach Sunderbans:
By Air:
The nearest airport from the Sunderbans National Park is the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, which located in Kolkata, the capital of the state of West Bengal. The airport is located at a distance of 120 km from the starting point of the Sunderbans safari at Godkhali Port. Further, you can hire a taxi or cab to reach the Godkhali from Kolkata airport, which will take around 3 hours by road.
By Rail:
The nearest major railway station is the Sealdah Railway Station and the nearest local railway station is Canning Railway Station. The Sealdah Railway Station is one of the prime Railway Junction in West Bengal and located on the main route of the northeast railway zone and connected to the various cities of India by the regular trains.
By Road:
The Sunderbans visitors, who want to travel by road, can either take the public transport from Kolkata to Canning and further Canning to Godkhali or hire the private taxi or cab to reach directly to Godkhali from Kolkata. It is better to hire a cab or a taxi as public transport is very crowded. The road distance from Kolkata to Godkhali and Canning is around 120 km and 64 km respectively. At Godkhali, you can get into the boat to further explore the forest.
9. Rann of Kutch – Rustic Village Life Experience
The Rann of Kutch, a unique region in Gujarat, is one of the largest salt deserts in the world. This remarkable place with its surreal landscapes is a photographer’s delight and has in recent years grown popular as a destination for offbeat travel. If you want to know the best time to visit the Rann of Kutch, read on to learn why you should visit the Rann during the Rann Utsav, the great Rann Festival held annually.
What adds to the charm of this memorable trip is a stay in traditional ‘Bhungas’ or cylindrical shaped huts with conical roofs in the enchanting ‘Hodka Village’ nearby. Providing you a feel of rustic village life, these huts are beautifully decorated with traditional mirror work patterns and delicate latticework. During the night, enjoy a bonfire and watch a folk dance performance under the moonlit sky relishing on the tasty and spicy home-made Kutch delicacies.
How To Reach Kutch:
By Air:
The nearest airport to Kutch is in the city of Bhuj, which is around 80 km from the Rann desert. Bhuj airport is well connected to cities all over India. Flights run from and to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, etc.
By Rail:
The city does not have a dedicated railway station of its own. However, Bhuj city has a railway station with trains coming from many major cities like Mumbai, Ahmedabad, etc. You will have to arrange a vehicle or take a cab to reach Kutch from Bhuj.
By Road:
This is the only actual option to reach Kutch. You can take your own vehicle or hire a cab from Bhuj to reach Kutch. Consequently, you can also travel with your own vehicle from Ahmedabad (400 km away) or Rajkot (300km away) to reach Kutch directly.
10. Leh-Ladakh – Unmatched Trekking Options
Ladakh is also a dream destination for intrepid travelers and adventure freaks across India and different corners of the world. Ladakh (“land of high passes”) is a region in northern India. It is located between the Kunlun mountain range in the north and the main Himalayas to the south. Ladakh is well-known for its remote mountain scenery. It is inhabited by a mix of Indo-Aryan and Tibetan people.
How To Reach Leh-Ladakh:
By Air:
The nearest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport located in Leh. This airport is connected with many international airports in India like Delhi. It also receives flights from Srinagar, Jammu, Chandigarh and other common destinations in India
By Rail:
The nearest railway station to Ladakh is in Tawi, which is 700 km away from Ladakh. This railway station receives trains from many important destinations like Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, and others. From the station, you can find cabs to reach Ladakh.
By Road:
There are government and private buses from Srinagar and Manali. If you are choosing Srinagar, you will pass through Zoji La Pass to reach Ladakh and you will scale Rohtang Pass to reach Ladakh from Manali.
By Bike:
Most tourists visit Ladakh on a bike. The place has the world’s top three highest mountain passes that can be scaled on a vehicle. Biking along with the mountain passes and stopping for a steaming cup of tea is the iconic activity of this place. If you are planning to travel to Leh via bike, you can choose one of two routes.
- Leh – Srinagar Highway
- Leh – Manali Highway
SO, THIS IS THE 10 BEST TOURIST PLACES IN INDIA.