Planning a Trip to or Within India? Don't Miss Out on These Must Visit Tourist Destinations in India (2019)

Starting from the mighty Himalayas as the crown, to meandering rivers crisscrossing its heartland, the entangling groves of Sunder-bans, the great Thar and the rushing season at the south, that's how blessed India is by Mother Nature. Even more, the country's vast diversity, cultural integrity, and heritage are what makes India a perfect example of a complete tourist paradise.

With all things set, here is the list of the must-visit destinations in India that you definitely won’t like to miss.

Lying at an altitude of 1600 m, Munnar is a must-go for anyone who loves to rest in the lap of nature and relax. Anyone who loves the serene aura of lush green valleys, or the mesmerizing aroma that surrounds the tea plantations and the exotic flora found here, is in for an experience of a lifetime.

With Cochin airport just over a hundred kilometres away, Munnar is easily accessible all along the year. Some of the places to be visited around Munnar include Atukkad waterfalls. If all you’re looking for is to spend some peaceful time with your other half or have a picnic with your family. And if you’re looking for a fun adventure place, visit the echo point.

Known for its brilliant beaches, scrumptious food, and Portuguese heritage, Goa has something for everyone. Be it the obvious dip in the ocean, the scintillating party vibes or the churches and many monuments, you will be surprised by the feels you will find here. Connected will almost every major city by trains and airways, Goa is a great option be it summers or winters, but the best season to visit is autumn.

With beaches like Baga and Calangute being the more famous and crowded beaches, there are many unexplored beaches in south Goa that are worth a shot. Being a Portuguese colony, Goa boasts of beautiful architecture from the colonial era with many churches and old-style buildings, especially attracting history lovers and many other curious minds as well.

November to February is considered the best time to visit Goa as the weather is almost perfect and most of the water sports like boat ride, jet ski, parasailing, etc. are also open in this season.

Picturesque and tranquil, Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a group of around 572 undulating and many unexplored islands in the Bay of Bengal. These are covered with dense evergreen forests and endless varieties of exotic flora and fauna which, along the years, is making these islands a tourist hotspot.

Along with the natural musings, these islands also boast historically significant monuments and landmarks such as the Cellular jail, Hopetown, and Mount Harriett.

These islands are visited by tourists all along the year as they experience no intense climatic conditions and are suitable for all kind of touring activities including the likes of trekking, snorkelling, and other sea and diving related sports. Swaraj deep is a picturesque natural paradise with white sandy beaches fringed with deep green floral canopy, and equally mesmerising is the small islet of Shaheed dweep with its silver sandy beaches and beautiful forests.

The nearest airport is Port Blair, which is connected to all major cities all around the year.

Often called the adventure capital of the country, Leh Ladakh is the destination that has three highest mountain passes in the world. With the Tibetan and Buddhist culture running through its heart, this city has maintained its cultural identity all the while, absorbing the tourist run as well. Ladakh is a terrain of rugged mountains, bare valleys stripped of any type of vegetation and transparent water bodies that almost without exception, blow the minds away.

Everything about Ladakh is exhilarating. Nothing here is cliché when it comes to a tropical destination. Explore the centuries-old monasteries or have a trip on yak back, meditate or just stare until oblivion into the immense stretch of natural bliss.

This ancient wild place stands apart from the bustling cities and the crowded suburbs. Safari, trekking, camping, mountain biking, rock climbing, and hiking, as well as shopping in the Tibetan markets, are the numerous activities that await you in this place of glistening snow and mountains preserved in their rawest form possible!

A road trip to Ladakh is a trip that turns that adrenaline level up a zillion times because of its geographic position and roads and turns that are going to make your heart tripping, all along with the trip!

The easiest way to visit Ladakh is by air. The nearest airport is K.B. Rimpochee Airport in Leh. This airport is connected through many national and international flights. You can find quite a few taxis outside the airport, which can help you reach your required destination.

But unlike many other destinations in India, Ladakh is not an all-year-round destination. The best time is from march end till the middle of August as the temperature is most moderate during this period and all major routes are open.

Known as the Venice of the east, Udaipur boasts several sparkling lakes against a backdrop of the Aravali hills. The famous lake palace located in the middle of Lake Pichola is one of the most beautiful attractions you will find in this jewel of a city. The beautiful city palace and Sajjangarh (monsoon palace) add to the architectural grandeur and beauty of this city.

The ten days shilpgram festival which starts from 21 Dec to 30 Dec pulls in a large number of visitors interested in art and crafts. With all the royal buildings and monuments, you feel a sense of belonging to an era that is long gone.

Many Havelis also form a part of the architectural beauty of this city with the most famous being the colossal Bagor ki haveli. Udaipur is connected with every major city by means of road and air.

The best time to visit Udaipur is the autumn and winter season as the temperature is not too high and most of the attractions are open.

Famously called as the “French Riviera” of the east, Pondicherry was a French colony and is a perfect amalgamation of traditional Indian sensibilities and French architectural excellence. Dotted with charming mustard yellow colonial structures with Bougainville laden walls, this union territory is indeed a dreamy escape and probably brings together the best of both worlds.

Topped with authentic french bakeries, bohemian stores, and cobblestoned paths, this place makes a delightful deal for an evening stroll or a bicycle ride!

The ancient temples of Hampi, the monolithic sculptures and monuments and the Hindu style of architecture found here attract thousands of history and heritage seekers. Indeed, Hampi gives you the feel of being transported back to the age when these ruins were standing tall.

Ever heard of Purandara Festival? That is what Hampi is famous for! It’s an annual festival which is held in January and February in the Vittal temple for celebrating the birth anniversary of Purandar, the medieval poet and composer,

October to March is the best time of the year to visit this destination as all the factors are in your favour (including festivals!).

There is no railway station here, but there is one about 13 km away to which trains can be easily accessed. Road connectivity is also excellent, and you can very well travel by car to visit Hampi

Lying in the middle of the Heritage arch, the city of Nawabs is a unique mix of ancient and the modern. It is home to extraordinary monuments portraying a fascinating blend of ancient, colonial and oriental architecture. As the whole world knows, literature, cuisines, performing arts and “tehzeeb” make this city stand apart.

Be it the lips smacking kebabs or the delicious biryani; no foodie can go dissatisfied from this city. Lucknow is primarily known for its charm, nazakat (elegance) and nafasat (refinement) - which are deep-rooted in this city’s soul since time immemorial.

Bara Imambara and Baradari Qaiserbagh are among the famous places to visit to get the vibe that this city emanates.

Lucknow has its own domestic airport and is well connected by air, rail, and roads with the rest of the country. Winter and autumn are the best seasons to visit as the city is at it’s finest in this period.

The Yoga capital of the world, Rishikesh is an unimaginably sweet blend of spiritual and adrenaline rush one can possibly explore. As it lies on the banks of holy Ganga, this place is a hub of sadhus(saints) and is dotted with innumerable ashrams practicing spirituality, yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda.

In the last few years, Rishikesh has emerged as a must-go adventure sports spot with white-water rafting, bungee jumping, flying fox and mountain biking being some of them. Rishikesh also serves as a gateway to many Himalayan treks and is used as a popular camping site which can also itself be the part of the attraction.

This city is ideal to visit all around the year, but the best time is from March to June with its serene atmosphere soothing the usual stressed urban veins.

Set at an altitude of 2000 m, Shimla is the capital and the largest city of Himachal Pradesh. Set amidst mesmerising hills and mystical woods, Shimla was so loved even by the British, that they made it their summer capital. And till today’s date, it hasn’t lost any of its old-world charms, with beautiful colonial structures and unique shopping experience at its mall road!

This mystical destination offers a truly romantic scenario if explored with the wish. Shimla experiences beautiful weather all along the year but the July to September time span is most loved by tourists as this charming little town offers the best moments in its own secret ways.

Shimla is well-connected by roads as well as airport service, and there is always the option of the “Toy Train” which runs from Kalka and slithers through uncountable tunnels and bridges.