India with its unique geographical features can rival many foreign destinations. Let us travel from North to South to discover some of the locales that are as beautiful as their international counterparts
Travelling to foreign locations with spectacular landscapes and picturesque visuals is a dream for many globetrotters. While international travel is ambitious, it also puts a dent in our pockets and requires a longer vacation. As Indians, we are blessed with several tourist places with diverse geography and rich cultures within the country that are no less than any overseas destination. Here are some of the examples that testify to India’s treasure trove of tourism.
Paradise on earth
Known for its chocolates, watches, and scenic beauty, Switzerland is a sought-after destination for many when planning a holiday. However, the Swiss landscapes of snow-clad mountains, rolling flower beds, serene lakes, and quaint meadows are some views that can also be found in Kashmir, at a much lower budget. Apart from staying at the luxurious houseboats, riding a Shikara on the Dal Lake and visiting the gardens to witness colourful blossoms, adventure enthusiasts can go skiing in Gulmarg known for its soft snow that is perfect for the sport. With its feathery, high-altitude snow and one of the highest cable cars, skiing in Gulmarg is as thrilling as skiing in the Alps. Visit Kashmir during the months of March to August to experience two seasons- Spring (March to early May) and Summer (early May to late August). However, if you plan to ski in Gulmarg, January to March would be a more suitable period for you.
Soak in the flower power
Pristine trekking trails passing through a valley of diverse flowers against the backdrop of majestic mountains; This description of the Antelope Valley in the USA also goes for our very own Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand. A national park encompassing 87 square kilometres, The Valley of Flowers is home to over 600 exotic species of eye-catchy flowers like orchids, poppies, primulas, marigolds, daisies, and anemones that together create a scene out of a fairytale. Along with the flowers, the park shelters a range of wildlife including leopards, Asiatic black bears, musk deer, blue sheep, and many rare birds making it an ideal destination for wildlife exploration and bird watching. Kumar Gaurav, head of operation and marketing at a travel company in Uttarakhand, shares, “The park is only accessible on foot to conserve its delicate ecosystem. Covered with snow on other months, the park is open only from June to October for visitors with mid-July to mid-September being the best months to witness the most blossoms.”
The great Indian desert
If you are looking for an otherworldly experience for your next vacation, a desert safari is the best option for you. Even though the glorious Thar desert is much smaller than the vast Sahara Desert, it offers equally exciting experiences. According to Alisher Khan, a tour operator in Rajasthan, visitors can participate in a range of desert activities at Thar. He shares, “Exploring the dunes like a local on a camel safari, feeling the thrill and excitement of jeep safari and quad biking, and showing off your skills while sandboarding are some of the activities tourists can enjoy at Thar. Another popular choice is stargazing as the undisturbed expanse of the desert and minimal light pollution offer clear views of the night sky. Moreover, the cultural richness of the desert can be explored on the local village tours offered by resident travel companies.” Plan your visit during the winter months of October to February to avoid the extremely hot summers of the desert.
Sipping on nature’s allure
It doesn’t matter if you are a tea person or a coffee person, rows of mountains covered with manicured tea plantations is a refreshing sight that will leave anyone mesmerised. Such views can be found at the Tea Gardens of Cameron Highlands in Malaysia and Munnar Tea Plantations in Kerala, the latter being a perfect option for budget travellers looking for unique experiences on their itinerary. Manoj Kummar, CEO of a travel company in Munnar, informs, “Catering to people looking for experiential travel, many tea factories in Munnar offer tours that follow the journey of tea from the plants to cups. Such tours include a trip to tea plantations, interaction with the local tea pluckers, and a visit to a tea factory to taste the various flavours of tea.” To witness the natural beauty of Munnar, tourists can also visit Eravikulam National Park, Lakkom Waterfalls, Viripara Waterfalls, and Anakulam elephant village. The winter months of October to February are considered the best time to visit Munnar because of the low temperatures and numerous outdoor activities. So, embrace our country’s natural bounty and plan your next trip to these enchanting Indian destinations that rival foreign locales and save yourself from spending a fortune.