India, the geographically rich and diverse country is home to snowcapped mountains, lush green valleys, lakes, scenic beaches, and large desserts. Natural wonders and enchanting places welcome tourists from all over the world. While every state in India has a tourist attraction to boast of, there are a few places that are a must visit when you are in the land rich in history and culture.
Here is the list of the 6 states in India that showcase the country’s geographical diversity:
Kashmir
The scenic valley of Kashmir is rightly known as the “Heaven on Earth”. The northernmost state is famous for its beauty and is home to a number of tourist hubs like Jammu, Pahalgam, Srinagar, and more. A number of tourists visit Jammu every year as a part of a pilgrimage tour to Vaishno Devi temple. The place is in natural splendor and is filled with snow when the winter arrives. Gulmarg, located in Kashmir Valley is a haven for adventure lovers and has a popular ski resort and a golf course.
Tourists can also visit the Kashmir Valley which is located near the Pir Panjal Range and is known for its stunning views. If you want to experience out-of-the-world moments, a visit to the Dal Lake in Srinagar is a must.
Andaman
An archipelago located in the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Islands has about 325 islands, all of which are of various sizes and shapes. The isolated islands are a traveler’s delight and are home to some of the best and most pristine beaches the country has to offer. Though a popular destination for honeymoon couples, the islands also offer a number of adventure activities like scuba diving, sea-walking, and a boat ride across the sea.
Some of the islands you can visit here are Ross Island, Havelock Island, Neil Island, Port Blaire, and Diglipur. Places like Diglipur are known for limestone caves and beautiful corals and tourists can also go for jet skiing and speedboat rides.
Uttarakhand
Also known as Devbhumi, Uttarakhand is located in the Himalayan region and houses a good number of Hindu shrines. The popular shrines are Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri. The state is also known for its stunning hill stations and the most popular ones are Almora, Mussoorie, Auli, and Nainital.
Tourists can also visit the Nanda Devi National Reserve, and the Valley of Flowers National Park, which is popular for the alpine flowers that grow here. Both parks are part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The place also has a good number of trekking trails, and one can enjoy skiing here at Auli. Nainital, also a hill station located in Uttarakhand is popular for the Naini Lake. Dehradun is another place you must visit when you are in the state.
Leh-Ladakh
A visit to India is incomplete without a visit to Leh-Ladakh. Located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Leh-Ladakh is a natural wonder located at an altitude of more than 4000 meters above sea level.
The place is beautiful and is surrounded by mountains and Buddhist monasteries and is a favored destination for those who love adventure or spirituality. Some of the must-visit attractions are Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, Shanti Stupa, the Khardung La Mountain Pass, and Magnetic Hill. Ladakh is also called the land of dreams. And, it’s filled with snow peaks, trekking trails, and mesmerizing gushing streams.
Kerala
The “God’s own country”, Kerala has the overflow of the natural beauty located in the Southern region of India. The state boasts exotic hill stations, stunning backwaters, and beautiful beaches, all of which make it a must-visit destination. The state is known for its enchanting beauty. And one has to visit the tea-covered slopes of Munnar, which is an amazing hill town.
Alleppey is also a destination that is popular for its backwaters. The state also has two famous beaches, namely the Kovalam and Varkala beaches. Tourists can also enjoy a ride or opt for an overnight stay in the backwaters. If you are into spirituality, the state also has amazing yoga and spa centers that will help you with detoxifying. A perfect destination to visit for a blissful and soul-quenching holiday!
Read: Exploring the surreal Village Backwaters in Kollam
Rajasthan
Known to be the largest state in India, Rajasthan is home to the Great Indian Thar Desert. The state is rich in culture and has a good number of tourist spots one can visit. With historic forts, majestic palaces, and ancient temples, one can also explore the site of the Indus Valley Civilization located in Kalibanga. Other places that are worth a visit here are Mount Abu and the Ranthambore National Tiger Reserve.
The above-mentioned are a few of the places that are a must-visit when you are in the diverse land of India. There are many other places that are worth your time and effort. These just serve as a starting point for your first-time visit to India. I hope you have a wonderful and memorable holiday!
