Top destinations in India

By, Sri Lankan Traveller

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Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Andaman and the Nicobar Islands, more than 1,000 kilometers east of the Indian mainland, have a very different feel than the rest of India, as crowded, hectic cities give way to pristine tropical islands with white-sand beaches and rainforest. Travelers can either fly or sail to Port Blair, the islands’ chief settlement, and from there it’s a matter of ferries and speedboats to see the outlying islands.

Goa

Goa is a definite break from the traditional feel of India, as in lieu of temples and cultural charms Goa is more famous for beaches crowded with European backpackers and drug-fueled all-night raves. As one would expect, Goa is a bit of an acquired taste. But for travelers looking for a Southeast-Asian style beach holiday in an even more exotic locale, it’s a good option. Unlike many of the other destinations on this list, Goa is an entire Indian state. But it is the smallest state and it is very easy to move around within the state.

Amritsar, Punjab

Amritsar, in Punjab and only a few kilometers from the Pakistani city of Lahore, is in the heart of Sikh country. It s Golden Temple – Harimandir Sahib – is the holiest site in the Sikh religion and each year it receives even more visitors than the Taj Mahal! People of all faith are welcome to visit the temple to mingle with the worshipping Sikhs and take in the atmosphere. One cool way to experience the Golden Temple is to spend the night at its dorm accommodations. Available free of charge to pilgrims and tourists, the temple offers basic accommodations in about as serene a setting as it gets.

Kerala

Kerala is another entry on this list that’s a whole state, as most travelers who visit don’t confine themselves to just one city or town. Instead the real exploration takes place in the backwaters – a network of rivers and canals – that wind their way through the state. Here house boats make their way on the gentle waters and past the tea fields and spice plantations that line the green, picturesque hills, and offer tourists an altogether uniquely Kerala experience.

Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

Ranthambore breaks up the desert scenery of Rajasthan with a marshy forest whose abandoned temples and dense tree cover provide the perfect hiding grounds for Bengal tigers. The last place in Rajasthan with wild tigers, tourists – albeit too many – come to the park to take short four-hour safaris in the hopes of seeing a tiger in its natural habitat. Though the sheer numbers of tourists take a lot away from the experience, there’s no denying that the scenery is spectacular.

Darjeeling, West Bengal

Darjeeling, of The Darjeeling Limited fame, is a hill station situated in the foothills of the Himalayas at an elevation of 6,700 feet. It was founded by the British when they colonized India to serve as a summertime escape from the stifling heat of nearby Calcutta (now Kolkata). Though the Brits are long gone, they’ve left their colonial-era architecture and a heap of tea plantations in their place. The classic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is the best way to reach the town, as it offers some pretty excellent views of the snow-capped Himalayas in the distance.