India is a melting pot of cultures. The diversity of the country also extends to its geography. These two key factors have contributed to the ever-growing Indian tourism industry. While traveling to India (or anywhere else, for that matter), always book accommodation, transportations, etc, online. This will ensure the best deal like cheap air tickets to Chennai.
This article covers 4 Indian states in four different corners of Incredible India. One state is hand-picked from each direction, starting from the north, and eventually moving to the south. While there are some well-known destinations like Mumbai, Goa, there are others that are blessed with all the right things that make them ideal tourist destinations. Check them out:
Himachal Pradesh- North
Welcome to the ‘Land of Gods.’ Until the 19thcentury, Himachal Pradesh was primarily frequented by pilgrims because it was a spiritual hotspot. Fast forward to 1980s and 1990s experienced a boom in tourism in the state, leading to high investment in the Infrastructure. Today, Himachal Pradesh is “Destination for All Seasons and All Reasons”, like the Indian city of Jaipur. You can book online for cheap flight tickets to Jaipur, Himachal Pradesh, and other destinations.
Where to go?
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- Spiti Valley: Dive into the divine vistas of pristine lakes, prepossessing mountains and a picturesque landscape, overall. The ancient monasteries here are the epitome of tranquility. While at Spiti you may encounter vivid religious paintings, and sighting mystifying creatures like the snow leopard, and Himalayan blue Sheep. Some of the famous fair include Lossar (February) Dechhang (December to January) and Ladarcha Fair (July/August).
- Manali: Backpacker’s paradise or Manali is a world-renowned destination situated in Northern India. Try extreme sports in Solang Valley. Some of the must-visit historical temples include Hidimba Devi Temple, Himalayan Nyinmapa Tibetan Buddhist Monastery, and Manu Temple. Get up-close with wildlife at the Manali Sanctuary, and much more.
- Dharamshala: Cedar-clad city of Dharamshala is home to the spiritual leader Dalai Lama, as well as the Tibetan government-in-exile. Must-visits include Tsuglagkhang Complex Dalai Lama Temple that houses important Tibetan libraries, museums, stupas and cafes. St. John in the wilderness is an interesting place to explore. For trekking or a picnic, definitely try ‘’
- Chamba: The beauty and charm of this valley is a topic of famous Himachali folk songs. Some tourist attractions include Bhuri Singh Museum, Chamunda Devi Temple, Church of Scotland, and Akhand Chandi Palace.
Arunachal Pradesh- East
The name ‘Arunachal Pradesh’ aptly defines the state, as it translates to ‘the land of dawn-lit mountains.’ There are other sobriquets that do justice to the state, like ‘Paradise of the Botanists’ and ‘Orchid State of India.’ It is blessed with a plethora of fauna and flora, mainly because the tree cover in the state is as high as 77%.
Where to go?
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- Tawang: The Tawang monastery was founded to fulfill the wishes of the 5thDalai Lama, Nagwang Lobsang Gyatso. It is the largest monastery in India. The highlight of the high-altitude drivable roads of Sela Pass are vistas of 101 lakes (of spiritual importance to Buddhists), and Paradise Lake (that freezes during winters) Other must-visit attractions include Nuranang Waterfalls, Madhuri Lake and the Tawang War Memorial
- Itanagar: Photographers, nature enthusiasts, history nerds, and soul-searchers from all across the globe are attracted to Itanagar because of the extraordinary sights of ‘Dawn-Lit Mountains.’ Trekking, exploring local history, and rich culture, shopping hubs, and a lot more is offered by Arunachal Pradesh’s Capital.
- Ziro: UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ziro is a peaceful yet exciting town. The landscape is made up of rolling hills, dense forests, and farms that employ farming styles unlike you’ve ever seen. Other places of interest include Fish Farms, Putu Shiva Linga at Kardo, Tapyo Salt, and Talley Valley.
- Bomdilla: Tourist attractions in Bomdila include Orchid research and development, Tibetan monasteries, craft center, and ethnographic museums. For an exquisite shopping experience, check out the shopping centers flooded with paintings, Tibetan carpets and ‘Thangka’
Gujarat- West
Gujarat is amongst the most visited state in the country, and the only place in the world that serves as a habitat for Asiatic Lions. Do visit the alcohol-free state of Gujarat for countless landmarks and places of interest like museums, religious sites, national parks, and clay deserts. It is a coastal state like Goa, and as happening, too. To book Toronto to Goa Flights (and other destinations), use online portals.
Where to go?
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- Gandhinagar: Akshardham is steel-less structure constructed according to ‘Vastu Shastra’, out of 6000 tons of pink sandstone. It also contains a Hall of Harmony that exhibits world religions side-by-side, and other interesting illustrations. Dandi Kutir is another popular attraction. It is the sole and the largest museum in the world, dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Also visit Indroda National Park, Mahudi Jain Temple, and the Adalaj Stepwell.
- Kutch: The perfect concoction of archaeological sites (Dholavira: Indus Valley Civilization ruins), eco-tourism, palaces, sea, beaches (attracting beautiful migratory birds) and world’s largest salt desert (Great Rann of Kutch)
Tamil Nadu- South
India’s largest tourism industry is based in Tamil Nadu. A state with some of the most impressive temples in the country, architecturally. It has a cultural history gathered over the duration of 4000 years.
Where to go?
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- Kanyakumari:It is the southernmost spot of India. A rocky mainland on the confluence of three water bodies, namely Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, and the Bay of Bengal. It is unique in many ways. It has the world’s only ocean from where you can experience sunrise and sunset. It is also the only Indian destination to witness sunset and moonrise, simultaneously.
- Kanchipuram: Kanchipuram is called a city of 1000 temples (though, only 126 are in existence, today) It is one of the seven holiest cities, according to Hinduism. It is believed that salvation can be achieved by paying a visit to the city. One thing is for sure that your travel experience here is going to be liberating. Kanchipuram produces fine quality silk that is world-famous. The River Vegavahi is a sacred entity for Buddhists, Hindus, and Jains alike. Famous tourist attractions include Kanchi Kudil, Kamakshi Amman Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, Sri Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple, and Perargnar Anna Memorial House.
- Ooty: Also known as the queen of hill stations, Ooty is situated in the Western Ghats at 2240 meters above sea-level. Coffee and Tea Plantations, Eucalyptus, Pine and other trees embellish the ranges of this captivating hill station. Famous local places of interest include Government Botanical Garden, The Tea Factory and The Tea Museum, Ooty Boat House, St. Stephen’s Church, Doddabetta (the highest mountain in Nilgiri), Ketti Valley View Point, Kalhatti Falls, Ooty Lake, and a lot more.
India is one of those countries where every city is going to introduce you to something very unique to that particular area. India is a place packed with cultures, languages, traditions, and fascinating destinations that are very different from each other. Traveling to the aforementioned places is sure to give you a flavor of their own. Start by exploring the extreme points in India, both geographically and recreationally, and gradually cover everything in between. For the best travel deals, like cheap air tickets to Chennai and other destinations, book online.