India, well-known for its variety of customs, civilizations, and natural beauty, never fails to amaze us. Some of the most breathtaking spots to visit in India resemble the foreign locations you may have looked at online or in travel publications, whether they are golden-colored sandy deserts, snow-capped peaks, azure blue gorgeous beaches, lush-green woods, or tranquil lakes.
Therefore, before you schedule a trip abroad, allow us to show you some of India’s most stunning tourist destinations, which resemble those far-off exotic places and can compete with them. The following 18 Indian destinations offer an international feel.
Top 18 Indian Places That Look Like International Destinations
01. Shillong — Scotland
Scotland and Shillong have a lot in common. The town is located in the stunning state of Meghalaya (English translation ‘the abode of the clouds’) and is considered the wettest place on earth, with around 11,000 millimetres of rain received every year.
Shillong, the capital of the Meghalayan hill state, is frequently referred to as the Scotland of the East for a good cause. People are reminded of the Scottish Highlands by its undulating hills and winding roads, as well as by its chilly climate and traces of Christian culture. Like its European equivalent, the Indian hill city is home to lakes and waterfalls that sparkle in the sunlight.
When to Go: October to May
Near Airport: Airport at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi (114 km)
Near Railway Station: Guwahati (95.4 km)
02. Gulmarg — Swiss Alps
Gulmarg, one of India’s most well-known winter vacation spots, will instantly transport you to the Swiss Alps with its lofty peaks, the blanket of snow, quaint homes, and myriad snow sports. The fun things to do in this mountain resort include gondola rides, heli-skiing, ice hockey, skiing, snowball fights, snowboarding, ice skating, snow treks, and camping.
Gulmarg, the most visited destination in the northern Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir is renowned for the mesmerizing snow-covered hills that go on for miles. The hills are covered with snow during winter and host several winter sports events including Winter Festival in January.
When to Go: December–January.
Near Airport: Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport (57 km).
Near Railway Station: Srinagar (58.8 km); Jammu Tavi (318 km).
03. Nainital — Windermere
Nainital is the picture-perfect place to go for a vacation, owing to its lovely lake, waterfall, and Neelkanth peak. The picturesque hill station in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand resembles Windermere (located in Cumbria, a county in northwest England).
In particular, the eye-shaped Nani Lake resembles the shape of Windermere Lake. It is best to book hotels and trains at least one month in advance because Nainital receives hundreds of visitors each month. While here, go lake boating, hiking in the hills, and shopping on Mall Road.
When to Go: October–May
Near Airport: Pantnagar Airport (69.8 km)
Near Railway Station: Kathgodam (36 km)
04. India Gate — Arch de Triomphe
India Gate, comparable to Paris’s Arch de Triomphe, is arguably Delhi’s most well-known landmark. Along with paying respects to the Indian service members who lost their lives in World War I, you can stroll down Rajpath, unwind on the verdant lawns, and go boating on the lakes. Many foods and snack vendors set up shop here in the evenings, making them ideal for outings with friends and family.
When to Go: October–November, and March–April.
Near Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (13.6 km).
Near Railway Station: New Delhi Railway Station (5.5 km).
05. Valley of Flowers — Antelope Valley
When it resembles the Antelope Valley in California, US, in the spring, the breathtaking Valley of Flowers in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand comes alive during the monsoon season. Numerous flower and medicinal plant species, many of which are unique to the Valley of Flowers, number in the hundreds. Observing a color blend into another while perched on a vantage point is a truly memorable experience.
When to Go: June–September
Near Airport: Jolly Grant Airport (285 km)
Near Railway Station: Dehradun (310 km)
06. Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden — Keukenhof Tulip Garden
The India Gandhi Memorial Garden in Srinagar and the Keukenhof Garden in Amsterdam are both well-known for their extensive collections of tulips. The tulip garden in Srinagar, the largest in Asia, spans 30 acres. On its seven terraces, in addition to tulips, you can see daffodils, hyacinths, and ranunculus, which together form an unforgettable rainbow.
The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is the largest approximately 700 varieties of tulips. The park offers a wide variety of entertainment options with its musical fountains and electric light shows.
When to Go: March–April, during the International Tulip Festival.
Near Airport: Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport (19.7 km).
Near Railway Station: Srinagar (17 km); Jammu Tawi (270 km).
07. Jal Mahal — Trakai Castle
Many castles perched on bodies of water, but few are as well-known as Trakai Castle in Lithuania. On an island in Lake Galve, this castle from the fourteenth century exudes the grandeur of the Romanesque and Gothic styles.
Our very own Jal Mahal, one of Jaipur’s must-see attractions, matches it a bit for a bit. This lavish Rajput masterpiece was built in Man Sagar Lake, with three of its four floors submerged and just one above the water. Seeing it all lit up at night is undoubtedly a memorable experience.
When to Go: October–March
Near Airport: Jaipur International Airport (18.9 km)
Near Railway Station: Jaipur (9.9 km)
08. Qutub Minar — Leaning Tower
The Qutub Minar in Delhi certainly matches the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy. The most recognized landmark in India’s capital, this 72-meter-high tower is rumored to have been built by the first Sultan of Delhi, Qutb-ud-din Aybak. But one thing is certain — it’s magical at night when it’s beautifully lit.
It was built as a victory tower and minaret over the ruins of Lal Kot, the first Muslim settlement in Delhi. This 586 AD structure was created as a victory tower and minaret over the ruins of Lal Kot, the first Muslim settlement in Delhi.
When to Go: March–April, and October–November.
Near Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (13.8 km).
Near Railway Station: New Delhi Railway Station (14.8 km).
09. Gurudongmar Lake — Jökulsárlón Lake
In Iceland is the site of Jökulsárlón, which means “jökul glacier lagoon,” and is located just south of Skaftafell Nature Reserve. The beautiful scenery here includes mountain peaks, glaciers, and icebergs.
One of the highest lakes on earth, Gurudongmar Lake, is located in Sikkim at 17800 feet. Many compare it to Iceland’s Jökulsárlón Lake because of its clear waters, lack of vegetation for most of the year, and high, snow-capped peaks. Gurudongmar Lake retains some of its water even in temperatures as low as -20°C, which is credited to Padmasambhava, a Buddhist deity.
When to Go: October–early December and April–May
Near Airport: Bagdogra International Airport (268 km)
Near Railway Station: Siliguri Junction (256 km)
10. Kumbhalgarh Fort — similar to the Great Wall of China
How many of us are aware of the Kumbhalgarh Fort in India, a gem similar to the Great Wall of China that we have all seen, digitally or in person? Its second-longest masonry walls in the world, 36 km long, along with its fortified towers, winding roads, and hilly terrain, made it virtually impregnable. Richly decorated temples, durbar halls, palace buildings, and imposing gates can be found inside.
When to Go: October–March
Near Airport: Maharana Pratap Airport (102 km)
Near Railway Station: Udaipur (89.9 km)
11. Chitrakoot Falls — Niagara Falls
The widest waterfall in the world, Niagara Falls on the US-Canada border, is among the most popular tourist attractions. Visit Chitrakoot Falls to see a similarly breathtaking location in India.
The largest in the nation, this horseshoe falls in Chhattisgarh on the Indravati River are 300 meters wide. It is known as the Niagara Falls of India due to the quantity of water that thunders down the hills during the rainy season.
When to Go: July–September
Near Airport: Swami Vivekananda Airport (285 km)
Near Railway Station: Jagdalpur (40 km), Raipur (278 km)
12. Rann of Kutch — Bonneville Salt Flats
There are salt flats in many places worldwide, but the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, USA, is one of the most famous. Considered among the flattest places on earth, The US Bonneville Salt Flats must be well known to those with an unquenchable “need for speed.”
These salt plains in Utah are where land vehicles break speed records. It is truly amazing to see a vast area of white land surrounded by hills, which takes on a magical quality at night. The well-known Rann of Kutch in Gujarat offers an equally breathtaking sight and benefits of a cultural extravaganza.
When to Go: October–March, during Rann Utsav.
Near Airport: Bhuj airport.
Near Railway Station: Bhuj.
13. Gandikota Hills — Grand Canyon
The spectacular and massive nature of the Gandikota Hills, a mountainous region in Karnataka, is similar to the Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA. The deep canyon carved by the Mula River looks like it’s been taken out of a Hollywood film set. The area’s resemblance to the Grand Canyon has seen dubbed “the Valley of Death” by locals.
The difference is that no river protects this natural wonder from erosion. But with the efforts put in place, including multiple conservation projects, the magnificent view will remain for many years.
When to Go: October–March.
Near Airport: Kadapa Airport (76.8 km), Tirupati Airport (221 km).
Near Railway Station: Kadapa (94.4 km), Tirupati (228 km).
14. Rajabai Tower — Big Ben
If Big Ben is in London, Rajabai Tower is in Mumbai. It was built between 1869 and 1878 for 5 lakh and was based on the renowned clock tower in the English capital. Like the other nearby structures, it was constructed using a mix of Gothic and Venetian architectural elements and features amazing stained-glass windows. Numerous sculptures of notable Indians from the 19th century are displayed on its facade.
When to Go: October–May.
Near Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (25 km).
Near Railway Station: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (1.8 km), Mumbai Central (6.9 km).
15. Alappuzha — Venice
You will love the backwaters and boat tours of Alappuzha if you enjoy Venice’s canals and gondola rides. The frontiers of Vembanad Lake are where this Keralan resort town, also known as Alleppey, is situated. You’ll want to stay forever when you experience the swaying palms, peaceful silence, native wildlife, and cool breeze. Naturally, staying on a houseboat while visiting Alappuzha is a must!
When to Go: October–May.
Near Airport: Cochin International Airport (82.8 km).
Near Railway Station: Alappuzha.
16. Munnar — Cameron Highlands
Both Munnar and the Malaysian resort town of Cameron Highlands are known for their verdant hills, endless tea plantations, misty mornings, and cool climates. Similar to how the British residents of Malaysia sought refuge from the heat in the Cameron Highlands, so did those of South India’s Munnar. Along with numerous waterfalls, lakes, and peaks, the Indian hill town is home to endemic plants and animals.
When to Go: October–May
Near Airport: Cochin International Airport (107 km)
Near Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction (126 km)
17. Andaman and Nicobar — Mauritius
Many people travel to Mauritius yearly to unwind on its white, sandy beaches, splash around in its pristine waters, stay in opulent resorts, and observe its marine life up close, but the cost is frequently quite high.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are comparable locations to do this at significantly lower costs. Like other unspoiled shores, it has Radhanagar, Corbyn’s Cove, and Laxmanpur in particular, as well as distinct islets like Havelock, Little Andaman, Neil, and Viper that provide a wealth of unforgettable experiences.
When to Go: October–May.
Near Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport.
18. Coorg — Scotland
Coorg is referred to as the Scotland of India, while Meghalaya is known as the Scotland of the East! Due to its mountains, chilly climate, and foggy surroundings, the latter earned its nickname because it reminded Scotland of Scots working with the imperial government in South India. So, Meghalaya or Coorg, which one is more closely resembles Scotland? You’ll have to go to both of them to find out for yourself!
When to Go: October–May.
Near Airport: Kempegowda International Airport (289 km from Madikeri).
Near Railway Station: Mysuru (117 km from Madikeri).
Conclusion:
We have discussed Top Indian Destinations Offering an International Feel of beauty and the charm of beautiful places all around the nation. Some points on the main attractions that stand out in each area may be noted here.
The first point is that the land in India is extremely diverse, and there are bound to be spectacular sites in every region, town, and city. One can conveniently get away by travel or stay at home and look at real nature in its natural state without any hindrance whatsoever.
The second point is that the land of India has a lot of natural beauty which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. It also has rich culture and heritage full of resourcefulness. One can always experience peace and happiness at any place in India.
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