I’ve been to India three times now and it still leaves me speechless. Every street hums with life, every corner bursts with color, and the food… well, let’s just say I’ve ruined Indian restaurants back home for myself forever. This country is sensory overload in the best possible way. From towering Himalayan peaks to palm-lined beaches in Kerala, these are the most beautiful places to visit in India. Here are 12 spots that show exactly why this country is impossible to forget once you’ve experienced it.
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#1 tip to save money on your trip to India
Let’s first cover some quick tips that will save you time and money on your Indian adventure.
- FLYING: If you haven’t already, I HIGHLY recommend signing up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going). Last fall, I flew to Delhi for just $400 roundtrip thanks to their email alerts. The premium and elite version are even better!
- Food: Save by eating at local vegetarian restaurants and street food stalls. A filling thali (complete meal with rice, breads, and multiple dishes) costs ₹80-150 ($1-2), while street food like pani puri or vada pav runs under ₹50. Small restaurants called ‘dhabas’ offer authentic food at local prices.
- Transport: Get a Metro card in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore. For intercity travel, book trains through IRCTC well in advance – they offer huge discounts on early bookings. Between using local transport and avoiding tourist taxis, this has saved me thousands of rupees on each trip. For shorter trips, auto-rickshaws with meters are your best bet.
India is famous for being incredibly budget-friendly, but tourist traps can still be expensive. If you follow the strategies above, you can explore this vast and varied country for even less. Now, without further ado, let’s jump into the best places to visit in India:
My Favorite Scenic Places in India at a Glance
Curious about the most breathtaking bucket list for India? Here’s a quick look at my absolute favorite scenic spots. Click any location below to jump to that section in the guide.
- Best Valley in Bloom: Yumthang Valley, Sikkim
- Top Himalayan Summit Challenge: Stok Kangri, Ladakh
- Most Surreal Desert-Meets-Snow Scene: Nubra Valley, Ladakh
- Tallest Waterfall View: Nohkalikai Falls, Cherrapunji
- Best Trekking and Spiritual Escape: Nanda Devi, Uttarakhand
- Most Epic Glacier Drive: Drang Drung Glacier, Near Kargil
- Best Tropical Island Vibe: Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Prettiest Mini Switzerland Scene: Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh
- Most Magical Lakeside Camp: Chandertal Lake, Himachal Pradesh
- Best Romantic Houseboat Spot: Dal Lake, Kashmir
- Top River Island for Culture & Birds: Majuli Island, Assam
- Most Surreal Salt Desert: Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
Here’s how I’d do it: Fly into Delhi or Mumbai, hop to the north for Ladakh or Uttarakhand, then dip down into the northeast or out to the islands for a total switch in scenery. No matter how you slice it, these spots show just how diverse—and jaw-droppingly beautiful—India truly is.
1. Yumthang Valley, Sikkim
- 📍 Location: North Sikkim, India
- 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🌸, peaceful escapes 🌿, scenic drives 🚗
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, visiting Zero Point, photographing wildflower meadows
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Late February to June for blooming season 🌼
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Yarlam Resort – Quiet hillside retreat near Lachung with valley views
Yumthang Valley feels like something straight out of a fantasy novel. Tucked deep in North Sikkim, this high-altitude meadow comes alive with color in spring. Hillsides are blanketed in wildflowers, with purples, pinks, and yellows stretching as far as the eye can see. The crisp mountain air and the soft sound of the river nearby make it feel incredibly peaceful.
Base yourself in Lachung, then take the winding drive into the valley. Every turn opens up new scenery, from grazing yaks to distant white-capped peaks. If you visit in early spring, you’ll catch the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary in full bloom. It’s honestly one of the most underrated floral displays in India.
Head further to Zero Point, where the road stops and snowy terrain takes over. It’s quiet, dramatic, and totally refreshing. Whether you’re hiking or just soaking it all in, Yumthang is the kind of place that sticks with you.
2. Stok Kangri, Ladakh
- 📍 Location: Leh District, Ladakh
- 🏆 Best For: High-altitude trekkers 🧗, mountain lovers 🏔️, thrill seekers 🔥
- 📸 Top Experiences: Trekking to base camp, sunrise views from the summit, spotting Himalayan wildlife
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September for clear trails and safe ascents ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Grand Dragon Ladakh – Comfortable base in Leh with acclimatization-friendly amenities
Stok Kangri is a mountain that brings serious adventure. This 20,000-foot peak towers over the Zanskar Range and calls to trekkers ready for a high-altitude challenge. While it used to be a non-technical climb, the terrain and altitude make it ideal for experienced hikers who want to push their limits.
Most treks begin in Leh, giving you time to acclimate before heading toward base camp. As you climb higher, the air thins but the views expand. Snow-dusted ridges, deep valleys, and far-off peaks create a surreal backdrop. If you’re lucky, you might even spot blue sheep or marmots along the trail.
The summit push usually begins in the dark so you reach the top by sunrise. Watching golden light spill across Ladakh from that height is unforgettable. It’s exhausting, rewarding, and absolutely worth every step. Stok Kangri is for those who want the Himalayas at their most raw.
3. Nubra Valley, Ladakh
- 📍 Location: Northern Ladakh, India
- 🏆 Best For: Offbeat explorers 🐪, mountain scenery lovers 🏞️, cultural travelers 🛕
- 📸 Top Experiences: Riding Bactrian camels in Hunder, crossing Khardung La Pass, visiting Diskit Monastery
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September for open roads and festivals ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Stone Hedge Hotel – Peaceful boutique stay surrounded by valley views
Nubra Valley feels like a different planet. After crossing the dramatic Khardung La Pass, one of the world’s highest motorable roads, you’ll descend into a surprising mix of green oases, sweeping dunes, and jagged peaks. The contrast of desert and snow in one place is wild.
One of the most unique experiences is riding Bactrian camels through the cold desert in Hunder. With double humps and slow, loping strides, these camels add a surreal touch to the already strange landscape. Nearby, the white-sand dunes shift with the wind and make for great photo ops at sunset.
Don’t skip Diskit Monastery, which watches over the valley with a massive golden Maitreya Buddha. It’s peaceful, spiritual, and offers sweeping views. Nubra blends natural beauty and Tibetan-Buddhist culture in a way few places can. It’s quiet, remote, and makes you want to stay just a little longer.
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Their free version is great, but Premium is where the real magic happens. I recommend doing the 14-day free trial. And right now, you can get 25% off Premium or Elite with my code: JON25.
Seriously, it’s the best travel decision I’ve ever made (in 8+ years).
4. Nohkalikai Falls, Cherrapunji
- 📍 Location: Cherrapunji, Meghalaya
- 🏆 Best For: Waterfall chasers 💧, monsoon lovers 🌧️, nature photographers 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Viewing the falls from the main platform, hiking nearby trails, exploring local legends
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: July to September for peak waterfall flow 🌿
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Polo Orchid Resort – Cliffside hotel with panoramic waterfall and valley views
Nohkalikai Falls is both breathtaking and haunting. Plunging over 1,100 feet into a deep blue pool, it’s the tallest plunge waterfall in India and a must-see when visiting Cherrapunji, one of the wettest places on Earth. Before you see it, you’ll hear the sound of water crashing down a sheer cliff surrounded by dense forest.
The view from the main platform is unreal, especially during monsoon when the falls are at full force. Mist rises from the base and catches the sunlight, creating rainbows that float over the gorge. You can also hike along nearby trails for different angles and quieter viewpoints.
Locals will tell you the tragic legend of Ka Likai, a woman whose heartbreak gave the falls its name. The story adds depth to the already emotional atmosphere. It’s not just about the views, Nohkalikai leaves you feeling something deeper, something you didn’t expect from a waterfall.
5. Nanda Devi, Uttarakhand
- 📍 Location: Chamoli District, Uttarakhand
- 🏆 Best For: Trekking enthusiasts 🥾, wildlife lovers 🐾, spiritual travelers 🕉️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Trekking through Nanda Devi National Park, spotting Himalayan wildlife, admiring the peak from Auli
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to October for hiking and clear mountain views 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Blue Poppy Resorts Auli – Scenic eco-cottages with snow peak views
Nanda Devi rises with quiet power in the Garhwal Himalayas, and seeing it in person is something you don’t forget. At over 25,000 feet, it’s one of India’s highest peaks and holds deep spiritual and ecological significance. The mountain is surrounded by Nanda Devi National Park, a protected area full of raw, untouched terrain.
Trekking here means passing through alpine forests, wildflower-covered meadows, and glacier-fed rivers. Wildlife sightings can be rare but thrilling. Keep an eye out for species like the Himalayan musk deer or even a distant snow leopard. The landscape constantly shifts, and every turn opens to a new view.
You don’t have to be deep in the park to feel its magic. Even from Auli, the sight of Nanda Devi catching the morning light is enough to give you chills.
6. Drang Drung Glacier, Near Kargil
- 📍 Location: Zanskar Region, Ladakh
- 🏆 Best For: Glacier views ❄️, offbeat adventurers 🚙, road trippers 🗺️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Viewing the glacier from Pensi La Pass, road trip through Zanskar Valley, photographing mountain scenery
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to early September for accessible roads and clear skies 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel D’Zojila – Comfortable mountain-view stay in Kargil, ideal for acclimatization
Drang Drung Glacier is one of the most surreal natural wonders in Ladakh. It stretches out like a frozen river tucked between jagged peaks, and you can see it without needing to hike for hours. The best viewpoint is from Pensi La Pass, which connects the Zanskar Valley to the rest of the region.
Reaching this glacier involves a rugged drive, but it’s a journey worth every mile. The road winds through barren mountains, rushing rivers, and wide open valleys that feel completely untouched. Along the way, you’ll pass prayer flags fluttering in the wind and villages that seem to stand still in time.
At the top of the pass, the glacier comes into view with no warning. It feels raw, powerful, and completely peaceful. The area stays quiet, with very few visitors around, so you’ll have plenty of space to just take it all in at your own pace.
7. Andaman And Nicobar Islands
- 📍 Location: Bay of Bengal, Southeast India
- 🏆 Best For: Beach lovers 🏖️, scuba divers 🤿, honeymooners 💕
- 📸 Top Experiences: Relaxing on Radhanagar Beach, snorkeling in Havelock Island, visiting Cellular Jail in Port Blair
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to April for calm seas and beach weather 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Seashell Havelock – Beachfront resort with ocean views and dive center
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands feel like another world entirely. Turquoise water, white-sand beaches, and coral reefs surround this remote archipelago, making it one of India’s dreamiest coastal destinations. If you’re flying in from the mainland, the vibe shift is instant. All of a sudden, everything is slower, softer, and wrapped in sea breeze.
Havelock Island is a favorite for good reason. You can snorkel or dive among bright coral reefs, or just chill on Radhanagar Beach, which is often called one of the best beaches in Asia. The sunsets here turn the ocean gold and the palm trees into silhouettes.
History buffs should spend time in Port Blair, where the Cellular Jail tells powerful stories from India’s past. You’ll also find local markets, seafood joints, and ferries to nearby islands. Whether you want adventure or total peace, this place gives you both.
- Read next: Breathtaking Islands to Visit
8. Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh
- 📍 Location: Chamba District, Himachal Pradesh
- 🏆 Best For: Hill station fans 🏞️, families on vacation 👨👩👧👦, peaceful nature walks 🌲
- 📸 Top Experiences: Strolling the meadow, horse riding near the lake, visiting the 12th-century Khajji Nag Temple
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to June or September to November for clear skies and cool air 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Mini Swiss – Cozy mid-range stay close to the open meadow
Khajjiar is often called the “Mini Switzerland of India,” and once you see the rolling green meadow surrounded by thick pine forests, you’ll understand why. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, kick off your shoes, and just lie in the grass while clouds float overhead. The vibe here is relaxed, simple, and scenic.
In the middle of the meadow sits a small natural lake, and around it you’ll find locals offering pony rides or zorbing for kids. It’s fun, laid-back, and never too crowded. Just a short walk away, the Khajji Nag Temple adds a cultural layer to the visit, with wooden carvings and serpent motifs dating back centuries.
Khajjiar works whether you’re stopping by for a picnic or staying a few days to unwind. It’s great for nature walks, casual adventures, and reconnecting with quiet mountain life without going too remote. Definitely one of the nicest spots in Himachal Pradesh.
- Read next: Best East Coast Lakes for Vacation
9. Chandertal Lake, Himachal Pradesh
- 📍 Location: Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
- 🏆 Best For: Stargazers 🌌, trekkers 🥾, remote nature lovers 🏔️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Camping by the lake, photographing sunrise reflections, trekking in Spiti’s high-altitude terrain
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Mid-June to early October for open access and mild conditions ❄️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Moonlake Camps Chandertal – Swiss‑cottage style tents with attached bathrooms
Chandertal Lake, also known as the “Moon Lake,” sits high up in the Spiti Valley and feels like a place untouched by time. The lake’s crescent shape and changing colors make it an unreal sight, especially when it shifts from deep blue to emerald green under the shifting light.
Getting here involves a bumpy, narrow ride through dramatic Himalayan terrain, but once you arrive, the silence and scenery make the effort feel small. Most travelers camp overnight nearby, since there aren’t any hotels this deep in the valley. The reward? Crystal-clear night skies filled with stars you won’t see in cities.
Mornings are cold but magical. As the sun rises, the lake mirrors the snow-dusted peaks around it. Whether you’re here for the peace, the photos, or the journey itself, Chandertal delivers a rare kind of stillness you’ll carry with you long after you leave.
10. Dal Lake, Kashmir
- 📍 Location: Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
- 🏆 Best For: Romantic escapes 💕, cultural experiences 🛶, peaceful scenery 🏞️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Riding a shikara, staying on a houseboat, visiting Mughal gardens by the lake
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to October for colorful gardens and calm weather 🌸
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Peacock Houseboats – Traditional floating stay with handcrafted interiors and lake views
Dal Lake is the heart of Srinagar and one of the most iconic spots in Kashmir. The still water reflects the surrounding mountains and sky, and it’s dotted with colorful shikaras that glide across the surface like floating taxis. Just hopping on one feels like entering a dream world.
The lake is also famous for its houseboats, where you can sleep surrounded by water and wake up to the sounds of soft ripples and distant calls to prayer. Some are over a century old, with carved wood interiors and warm Kashmiri hospitality. It’s unlike any hotel experience on land.
Nearby, you can explore the Mughal gardens, including Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, which are especially beautiful during spring. Floating markets pop up in the mornings, selling vegetables and flowers right from the boats. Dal Lake isn’t just scenic, it’s a whole way of life.
- Read Next: 12 Beautiful Spots to See in Jammu & Kashmir
11. Majuli Island, Assam
- 📍 Location: Brahmaputra River, Assam
- 🏆 Best For: Culture lovers 🎭, slow travelers 🚣, river island vibes 🌿
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting Satras, watching mask-making, birdwatching in wetlands
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to March for cooler weather and dry conditions 🍃
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Niribili Homestay – Charming homestay in Majuli with private parking
Majuli Island sits quietly on the Brahmaputra River, but its cultural heartbeat is strong. Recognized as the world’s largest river island, Majuli is home to a vibrant blend of art, spirituality, and natural beauty. Getting there means taking a short ferry from Jorhat, and the ride sets the tone for a slower, simpler experience.
The island is famous for its Satras, monastic centers that preserve neo-Vaishnavite traditions through music, dance, and storytelling. You can watch local artists craft masks used in performances or witness young monks practicing age-old rituals in peaceful courtyards.
Beyond the cultural side, Majuli is a dream for birdwatchers. Wetlands and rice paddies attract migratory birds, and quiet walks reveal unexpected beauty at every turn. Life here moves at its own rhythm. It’s the kind of place where you unplug, explore gently, and learn by simply observing.
- Read Next: 12 Fairytale-Like Places in Rajasthan
12. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
- 📍 Location: Kutch District, Gujarat
- 🏆 Best For: Cultural festivals 🎪, desert landscapes 🏜️, night photography 🌕
- 📸 Top Experiences: Attending Rann Utsav, walking on the salt flats, visiting the Wild Ass Sanctuary
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to February for the Rann Utsav and full moon views 🌙
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Rann Resort Dholavira – a resort offering comfortable rooms, complimentary breakfast, and bonfire evenings
The Rann of Kutch is one of India’s most surreal landscapes, a massive stretch of white salt flats that glow under the sun and shimmer under the moon. Walking on the cracked, endless ground feels like stepping into another world, especially during the Rann Utsav, a cultural festival that transforms the desert into a village of tents, lights, music, and dance.
Plan your visit around a full moon night. The salt reflects the moonlight, lighting up the entire desert in a soft glow that doesn’t feel real. It’s quiet, open, and completely unlike anywhere else in the country.
Beyond the salt flats, explore the Wild Ass Sanctuary in the Little Rann, where you might spot desert foxes, migratory birds, and of course, the endangered Indian wild ass. Between the silence of the landscape and the color of the culture, the Rann offers a travel experience that sticks with you. It’s a top destination in Gujarat for sure!
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