Discover 190 curated photography spots, scenic landscapes, and offbeat travel destinations.
Kalyani Nagar, Pune
A serene Italianate palace built in 1892, landmark of India's Freedom Movement where Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi were interned during the Quit India movement. Surrounded by manicured lawns and memorials.
Southern Tip, Agatti Island, Lakshadweep 682553
Agatti Airport (AGX) features one of the world's most photogenic aviation approaches. The 1,204-meter asphalt strip occupies a narrow sand spit flanked on both sides by crystal-clear aquamarine lagoon shallows and coral reefs. Landing here offers passengers a panoramic vista of azure sea shades, passing sea turtles, and coral patches.
Western Coast Road, Agatti Island, Lakshadweep 682553
Stretching along the western shore of Agatti, this pristine beach features super-fine white coral sand that remains cool under the tropical sun. The warm, crystal-clear lagoon waters are waist-deep for hundreds of meters out, making it an idyllic swimming, kayaking, and sunset-watching haven lined with swaying coconut trees.
Hailey Road, Near Connaught Place, New Delhi 110001
Believed to have been initially commissioned by Maharaja Agrasen and rebuilt in the 14th century during the Tughlaq era, Agrasen Ki Baoli is a 60-meter long by 15-meter wide stepped water reservoir. Featuring three tiers of arched stone niches and 108 dramatic red-sandstone steps descending into the cool earth, it offers an astonishing contrast to the surrounding modern high-rises.
Ahilya Fort, Maheshwar, Khargone District, Madhya Pradesh 451224
Perched on a high rocky cliff above the Narmada River, Ahilya Fort was the seat of Queen Devi Ahilyabai Holkar from 1765 to 1795. Inside the fort is the Rajwada palace, preserving Ahilyabai's throne room (Gaddi), sacred palanquins, and personal shrines. The ramparts lead to the Ahilyeshwar temple complex, featuring intricate sandstone brackets and stone filigree screens.
Lenapur, ~100 km from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
A UNESCO World Heritage marvel comprising 30 rock-hewn Buddhist cave monuments carved into a horseshoe gorge, housing ancient fresco paintings and sculptures that represent the pinnacle of Indian classical art.
Punnamada / Finishing Point, Alappuzha
An interconnected maze of palm-fringed canals, emerald rivers, and mirror-still lagoons where traditional converted rice barges (kettuvallams) glide past village settlements and water lily fields. The scenic host of the celebrated annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race on Punnamada Lake.
Coastal Road, Amini Island, Lakshadweep 682558
Amini is an oval island with a distinctive shape, surrounded by shallow coral reef flats on all sides. Famous for its friendly village pathways, dense coconut palms, and artisanal stone carvers, the shores offer picturesque walks where traditional wooden country crafts (odams) are docked.
Mahabaleshwar, Satara district
The Queen of all points in Mahabaleshwar, perched at 1,340 metres with dramatic drop-offs into the Savitri valley on one side and the dense Jor valley on the other.
Assi Ghat, Varanasi, Varanasi district
Varanasis most beloved cultural ghat at the confluence of the Assi and Ganges rivers. Host to the enchanting Subah-e-Banaras programme, a morning cultural festival of classical music, yoga, and meditation at dawn on the ghat.
Chalakudy taluk, Thrissur district
Affectionately hailed as the 'Niagara of India', this majestic 80-foot-tall and 330-foot-wide waterfall cascades dramatically over three rocky tiers on the Chalakudy River. Surrounded by lush rainforests of the Western Ghats, it is one of the most cinematic waterfalls in Asia.
Hidden Gem
Northern Shore, Bangaram Island, Lakshadweep 682553
On moonless nights during calm winter and spring months, the beaches of Bangaram become a fairy-tale spectacle of nature. Tiny bioluminescent dinoflagellates emit a brilliant electric-blue neon glow whenever agitated by gentle lapping waves or footsteps in the wet sand, creating an ethereal star-lit galaxy underfoot.
Bangaram Island Atoll, Lakshadweep 682553
Bangaram is an uninhabited teardrop island surrounded by one of the largest and most radiant coral lagoons on earth. The waters shift through endless shades of crystalline turquoise, aquamarine, and deep sapphire. Visitors can walk along pristine white sandbanks that emerge and vanish with the tides, totally disconnected from modern urban life.
Vrindavan, Mathura district
The supreme abode of Lord Krishnas devotional worship. Vrindavans 5500 plus ancient temples resonate with bhajans year-round. The Banke Bihari Temple sacred black idol draws millions, while Prem Mandirs ornate white marble carvings illuminate the town at night with dazzling light shows.
Hidden Gem
Near Dilli Darwaza, Farrukhnagar, Gurugram, Haryana 122506
Constructed during the reign of Mughal Emperor Farrukhsiyar by local chieftain Ghaus Ali Shah, this octagonal stepwell is a masterpiece of hydraulic architecture. Stone staircases lead down into a deep reservoir bordered by arched resting chambers, pillared dressing pavilions, and decorative water inlets.
Baratang Limestone Caves, Baratang Island and Mangrove Creeks, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
The Limestone Caves of Baratang are natural geological wonders formed over millions of years by continuous mineral-rich water erosion. Reached via a thrilling speed boat voyage through dense mangrove creeks followed by a scenic 1.2 km forest trek, the caves display astonishing hanging stalactites and rising stalagmites in bizarre shapes.
Rewa Kund Group, Mandu, Dhar District, Madhya Pradesh 454010
Constructed in 1509 by the last independent ruler of Malwa, Baz Bahadur Palace features a spacious central courtyard with an open bathing pool, surrounded by pillared halls, arched colonnades, and project balconies. Just outside lies Rewa Kund, a sacred masonry reservoir engineered to channel holy spring water from the Narmada to supply the palace.
Bekal, Kasaragod district
The largest and most impeccably preserved fort in Kerala, spreading over 40 coastal acres. Built in dark laterite stone in the shape of a keyhole by Shivappa Nayaka of Keladi in 1650, its massive battlements, observation tower, and water tank jut right into the roaring Arabian Sea waves.
15 km northeast of Pahalgam, Anantnag District, Kashmir
Originally known as Hajan Valley, this postcard paradise was renamed after the iconic 1983 Bollywood film 'Betaab' shot here. Located 15 km from Pahalgam, the emerald meadow features willow-lined walking paths, wooden footbridges crossing glacier streams, and panoramic mountain backdrops.
Bhakra, Bilaspur district
One of the highest straight gravity dams in the world (741 ft / 226 m), famously described by Jawaharlal Nehru as the 'New Temple of Resurgent India'. Impounds the vast Gobind Sagar reservoir with dramatic gorge views.
Bhedaghat Ghats, Jabalpur District, Madhya Pradesh 482003
Bhedaghat is globally famed for its 3-kilometer sheer marble canyon where the emerald Narmada river glides between 100-foot glistening white and pastel limestone cliffs. The rock walls change color dramatically from creamy ivory to pale pink, ochre, and black veins. Boating through the narrow gorge — especially during full moon nights when the marble illuminates silver — is an unforgettable experience.
Bhimbetka, Ratapani Sanctuary, Raisen District, Madhya Pradesh 464990
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, Bhimbetka contains over 750 rock shelters nestled within the craggy sandstone bluffs of the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary. Discovered by V.S. Wakankar in 1957, the vibrant rock paintings in red, white, and ochre mineral pigments span the Upper Paleolithic through Medieval eras, illustrating bison hunts, horse riders, tribal rituals, and communal dancing.
~18 km from Kawardha
The 11th-century Nagara-style temple complex nicknamed the Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh, its stone walls covered in intricate sculpture amid the Maikal hills.
Begumpura, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
The striking 17th-century marble mausoleum commissioned by Prince Azam Shah in memory of his mother Dilras Banu Begum, celebrated for its symmetry and architectural resemblance to the Taj Mahal.
Cellular Jail National Memorial, Port Blair and South Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Known as Kala Pani, the Cellular Jail was constructed by the British colonial administration between 1896 and 1906 to exile heroic Indian political prisoners and revolutionaries. Built with seven radial wings around a central watchtower, it now stands as a deeply revered national memorial museum and host to the stirring sound and light show.
Hidden Gem
South Coast, Diu 362520
Framed by rugged limestone hills and turquoise waters, Chakratirth Beach is an intimate coastal cove in central Diu famous for its sunset vistas and mythological significance. According to local lore, Lord Krishna dispatched his Sudarshan Chakra here to vanquish the demon Jalandhar, leaving holy footprints preserved in the shoreline stone. The scenic hill offers landscaped gardens and seaside paths.
Hidden Gem
Chandratal, Lahaul and Spiti district
A breathtaking crescent-shaped glacial lake at 14,100 ft in the trans-Himalayas. One of India's Ramsar wetland sites, its crystal waters reflect changing shades of turquoise, blue, and emerald against barren Himalayan peaks.
Town Square, Orchha, Niwari District, Madhya Pradesh 472246
Constructed in 1558–1573 by Madhukar Shah for Queen Ganeshi Bai, Chaturbhuj ('Four-Armed Vishnu') is an architectural wonder that resembles a soaring European cathedral blended with a fortress. Rising 105 meters above an elevated stone base, its cavernous vaulted sanctuary, soaring central shikhara, and rooftop panoramic walkways command the finest views in Orchha.
Hidden Gem
Chaubatia, ~10 km South of Ranikhet, Almora District, Uttarakhand
Sprawling across 265 acres at 1,800m altitude, Chaubatia is famous for state-run apple, apricot, peach, and plum orchards alongside a research center and panoramic views of snow-clad peaks.
Fort, South Mumbai
An architectural tour de force and UNESCO World Heritage site, this 1887 Victorian Gothic revival masterpiece features ornate stone domes, stained glass, gargoyles, and grand vaulted arches.
Chidiya Tapu (Bird Island & Sunset Point), Port Blair and South Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Known as the Bird Island of Andaman, Chidiya Tapu is a lush evergreen peninsula renowned for its spectacular crimson sunsets across the Bay of Bengal. Home to ancient driftwood shores, a biological park, and endemic bird species like the Andaman coucal and woodpecker, it is also the trailhead for trekking to Munda Pahar.
Hidden Gem
Chitkul, Kinnaur district
The last inhabited village along the old Indo-Tibetan trade route at 11,320 ft in the Sangla Valley. Known for its traditional wooden slate-roofed houses, the turquoise Baspa River, and views of snow-draped border ranges.
Chitrakote, ~38 km W of Jagdalpur, Bastar
India's widest waterfall — a 300-metre horseshoe on the Indravati river that thunders milky-white in the monsoon and glows amber at sunset. Boats take visitors close to the base.
Hussainabad, Lucknow, Lucknow district
Built in 1838 by Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah, known as the Palace of Lights for its spectacular illumination during Muharram. Features intricate Belgian glass chandeliers, gilded lanterns, and a central marble hall adorned with calligraphic panels and Mughal floral patterns.
Moti Daman Waterfront, Daman 396220
Constructed atop the northwestern bastion of Moti Daman Fort, the Daman Lighthouse has guided seafarers into the mouth of the Daman Ganga river for generations. The adjacent waterfront promenade offers views of colorful wooden fishing dhows anchored along the docks, crashing tides at the rivermouth, and unhindered ocean sunsets.
Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi, Varanasi district
The most celebrated ghat in Varanasi. Every evening at sunset, seven priests perform the resplendent Ganga Aarti using giant camphor flames, conches, and incense to electrifying music, one of Indias most awe-inspiring spectacles.
Daulatabad, ~15 km from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
An ingenious medieval hill fortress rising 200 metres on a conical hill, engineered with impregnable defense systems, a moat, rock-cut passages, the subterranean dark maze (Andhari), and Chand Minar.
Dhani Nallah Mangrove Nature Walkway, Rangat and Middle Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Spanning 713 metres through a dense tangle of diverse mangrove species, the Dhani Nallah boardwalk is the longest of its kind in India. The elevated wooden walkway terminates at the sweeping Dhani Nallah beach, a prime nesting beach for Olive Ridley and Hawksbill sea turtles.
Satpura National Park, Pachmarhi, Narmadapuram District, Madhya Pradesh 461881
Standing at an elevation of 1,352 meters (4,429 feet), Mount Dhoopgarh is the crowning summit of the Satpura Range and the highest point in all of Madhya Pradesh. Accessible by 4x4 Gypsy along a scenic mountain road, the summit features designated viewing pavilions where crowds gather to witness breathtaking sunrises rising over jagged green ridges and fiery sunsets dipping into the Mahadeo hills.
Bhedaghat, Jabalpur District, Madhya Pradesh 482003
Dhuandhar (meaning 'Smoke Cascade') is the most iconic waterfall in Central India. The vast, powerful Narmada narrows suddenly and plunges 30 meters over jagged marble bedrock. The force of the roaring torrent produces an eternal cloud of water spray that resembles thick white smoke, visible and audible from kilometers away. A scenic cable car ropeway crosses above the gorge.
Eastern tip of Diu Island, Diu 362520
Constructed by the Portuguese in 1535 following a treaty with Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujarat, Diu Fort is an imposing limestone sea fortress jutting into the Gulf of Khambhat. Encircled by a deep sea-water moat, the citadel houses monumental stone ramparts, centuries-old bronze and iron artillery cannons overlooking crashing waves, a Venetian-style lighthouse, and historic chapels.
Hidden Gem
Fort Area, Moti Daman, Daman 396220
The Dominican Monastery in Moti Daman was established in 1567 as a premier headquarters for theological studies in the Portuguese Estado da Índia. Though damaged over centuries of maritime conflicts, its majestic stone arches, carved floral keystones, and remnants of the main chapel's towering walls still evoke a profound sense of antiquity and architectural grandeur.
Durgiana Temple (Lakshmi Narayan Mandir), Amritsar and Majha Heartland, Punjab, India
Also known as the Silver Temple, Durgiana Mandir is an ornate Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Durga and Lord Vishnu. Architecturally reminiscent of the Golden Temple with its sanctum set amidst a sacred water reservoir and embossed silver doors, it dates to the 16th century and was rebuilt in the 1920s.
Elephant Beach & Coral Reef, Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Elephant Beach is Havelock's premier marine adventure hub. Famous for its shallow live coral reefs teeming with parrotfish and clownfish, visitors reach the beach either via a picturesque 20-minute speed boat ride or an enchanting 1.8 km trek through tropical rainforest.
Gharapuri Island, Mumbai Harbour
UNESCO World Heritage rock-cut cave temples dating to the 5th-7th centuries on Elephanta Island, renowned for the colossal 20-foot three-headed Maheshamurti sculpture of Lord Shiva.
Verul, ~30 km from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
A breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage complex of 34 caves (Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain). Cave 16 houses the Kailasa Temple — the largest monolithic rock excavation in the world, carved top-down from a single cliff.
Hidden Gem
Elysee Palace & Gardens, Kapurthala and French Heritage, Punjab, India
Constructed in 1862, Elysee Palace is a magnificent heritage mansion featuring a classic French facade with sweeping stone staircases, ornate colonnades, and sprawling heritage grounds. It serves as one of the finest surviving private villas of the Kapurthala royal era.
Rajamalai, Munnar, Idukki district
Kerala's premier national park along the crest of the Western Ghats, sheltering the largest surviving wild population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (mountain goat). Home to rolling shola grasslands, mountain streams, and South India's highest peak, Anamudi (2,695 m).
Fort Kochi, Ernakulam district
The historic maritime heart of Kochi where massive cantilevered Chinese fishing nets (Cheena Vala) frame the entrance to the harbour. Walking through the narrow streets reveals Portuguese-era St. Francis Church (Vasco da Gama's original burial place) and breezy coastal promenades.
Said-ul-Azaib Village, Near Saket, New Delhi 110030
Developed by Delhi Tourism on a rugged 20-acre rocky terrain in the village of Said-ul-Azaib, the Garden of Five Senses is an imaginative landscape park designed by architect Pradeep Sachdeva. It features the Khas Bagh Mughal-style formal garden with meandering water channels, stainless-steel wind chimes, terracotta ceramic pots, aromatic herb gardens, and stone sculptures.
Apollo Bunder, Colaba, South Mumbai
Mumbai's most recognizable basalt arch monument overlooking the Arabian Sea, built to commemorate the 1911 royal landing. A breezy gathering spot where sea ferries depart for Elephanta Caves.
Ghoghla Coast, Diu 362540
Situated in the Ghoghla village enclave across the tidal channel on the mainland side of Diu, Ghoghla Beach is one of India's prestigious internationally certified Blue Flag beaches. It offers miles of tranquil, immaculate golden coastline with gentle tides, eco-friendly beach lounges, clean promenades, and calm conditions ideal for swimming and barefoot beachcombing.
Gobind Sagar, Bilaspur district
A massive 168 sq km emerald reservoir created by the historic Bhakra Dam on the Sutlej River. A vibrant hub for kayaking, jet skiing, speed boating, and angling, ringed by the rugged Shiwalik foothills.
Gobindgarh Fort & Toshakhana, Amritsar and Majha Heartland, Punjab, India
Constructed in brick and lime with deep defensive moats, Gobindgarh Fort was fortified in the early 1800s by Maharaja Ranjit Singh to protect Amritsar. The citadel famously housed the Koh-i-Noor diamond in its Toshakhana (royal treasury) and features the historic Phansi Ghar and ancient Sikh coin mint.
Sanchi Hilltop, Raisen District, Madhya Pradesh 464661
The Great Stupa at Sanchi is one of the oldest stone structures in India and a masterpiece of Buddhist architecture. Commissioned by Emperor Ashoka to enshrine the relics of the Buddha, it features a massive hemispherical sandstone dome surrounded by a circumambulatory terrace (medhi) and crowned by a three-tiered umbrella (chhatravali) representing the Three Jewels of Buddhism.
Gurdwara Sri Tarn Taran Sahib, Harike Wetland and Tarn Taran Borderland, Punjab, India
Established in 1590 by the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev, Gurdwara Sri Tarn Taran Sahib is famed for having the largest sacred water tank (sarovar) of all Sikh shrines. With its gleaming golden dome and majestic three-storeyed minar built by Kanwar Nau Nihal Singh, it is a sublime architectural and spiritual beacon.
Gopachal Parvat, Gwalior Fort, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh 474008
Standing 100 meters above the city on a 3-km isolated sandstone ridge, Gwalior Fort was called the 'Pearl of Indian Forts' by Mughal Emperor Babur. The masterpiece within is Raja Man Singh Tomar's 15th-century Man Mandir Palace, with facade turrets adorned with vibrant turquoise, yellow, and green glazed ceramic tiles depicting ducks, elephants, and plantain trees.
Dhungri, Old Manali, Kullu district
A four-tiered pagoda-style wooden temple built in 1553 CE, nestled in the ancient deodar cedar forest of Dhungri. Dedicated to Hadimba Devi, wife of Bhima, with intricate mythological woodcarvings and brass motifs.
Handi Khoh Viewpoint, Pachmarhi, Narmadapuram District, Madhya Pradesh 461881
Handi Khoh is Pachmarhi's most dramatic geological ravine — a 300-foot sheer vertical canyon shaped like an earthenware pot ('handi'). Shrouded in dense canopy that blocks sunlight from reaching the canyon floor, local legend relates that it was formerly a toxic lake inhabited by a giant demon serpent until Lord Shiva destroyed it.
Harike Pattan Wetland & Bird Sanctuary, Harike Wetland and Tarn Taran Borderland, Punjab, India
Formed at the confluence of the Beas and Satluj rivers, Harike Pattan is one of northern India's premier biodiversity hotspots. Spanning 41 sq km, the Ramsar wetland hosts upwards of 200,000 migratory waterfowl each winter alongside rare Indus river dolphins, smooth-coated otters, and freshwater turtles.
Badi Choupad, Pink City, Jaipur
Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, this iconic five-story pink sandstone structure features 953 intricate carved jharokhas (windows) designed for royal women to observe street festivals undetected.
Royal Enclave, Mandu, Dhar District, Madhya Pradesh 454010
Hindola Mahal ('Swinging Palace') served as the royal audience hall of the Malwa Sultans. It owes its name to the massive, steeply sloping outer buttress walls leaning at a 77-degree angle, which create a dramatic optical illusion of a swaying structure. Inside, five colossal pointed arches span the main hall under a towering vaulted stone timber-styled roof.
Village Centre, Mandu, Dhar District, Madhya Pradesh 454010
Completed in 1440 CE, Hoshang Shah's tomb is India's earliest monument built entirely of white marble. Set on a square plinth in a tranquil courtyard, its well-proportioned dome, fine latticework, and corner chhatris so impressed Emperor Shah Jahan that he sent his imperial architects (including Ustad Ahmad Lahori) to Mandu to study it before designing the Taj Mahal.
Dharamshala, Kangra district
One of the world's most photogenic cricket grounds at 4,780 ft above sea level, with the jagged snow-clad Dhauladhar mountain range towering immediately behind the grandstands.
Mathura Road, Nizamuddin East, New Delhi 110013
Commissioned in 1565 CE by Empress Bega Begum and designed by Persian master architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, Humayun's Tomb was the first garden tomb on the Indian subcontinent. Set in the center of an immense 30-acre Persian Charbagh (quadripartite garden) with running water channels, its high double-domed marble silhouette and red-sandstone arched pavilions set the golden standard for Mughal imperial design.
Kartavya Path, India Gate, New Delhi 110001
Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1931, India Gate is a 42-meter-tall monumental triumphal arch honoring 84,000 soldiers of the British Indian Army who gave their lives in World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. The monument is surrounded by lush lawns, reflective fountain basins, the National War Memorial, and the ceremonial tree-lined Kartavya Path.
Cheshma Shahi, Siraj Bagh, Srinagar, Kashmir
Nestled in the foothills of the Zabarwan range overlooking Dal Lake, this breathtaking 75-acre botanical terrace holds the World Book of Records title for Asia's largest tulip garden. Opening every spring from late March to mid-April, it erupts into a sea of 1.7 million tulips in over 70 vibrant varieties.
Jagatjit Palace (Sainik School), Kapurthala and French Heritage, Punjab, India
Commissioned by Maharaja Jagatjit Singh and designed by French architect M. Marcel, Jagatjit Palace is an architectural marvel of Beaux-Arts style. Featuring a mansard roof, plaster-of-paris ceilings, imported French furniture, and classical Italian marble statuary, it now houses the prestigious Sainik School Kapurthala.
Orchha Fort Complex, Niwari District, Madhya Pradesh 472246
Erected in the early 17th century by Raja Bir Singh Deo to commemorate the one-night visit of his ally Emperor Jahangir, this palace represents the zenith of Bundela-Mughal architectural synthesis. Built around a vast square courtyard, the multi-storey palace features 236 rooms, stone trellis jaalis, hanging balconies, and domes crowned with turquoise tiles overlooking the Betwa forest reserve.
Royal Enclave, Jahaz Mahal Complex, Mandu, Dhar District, Madhya Pradesh 454010
Constructed in the 15th century by Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din Khilji to house his court and royal retinue, Jahaz Mahal is a 110-meter-long architectural masterpiece built on a narrow strip of land between two artificial lakes — Kapur Talao and Munja Talao. Viewed from afar during monsoon when the lakes are brimming, the palace appears to sail like a gigantic vessel across the water.
Near Khan Sarwar, Narnaul, Mahendragarh District, Haryana 123001
Constructed in 1591 CE by Shah Quli Khan—governor of Narnaul under Emperor Akbar—Jal Mahal stands gracefully in the center of an immense square water reservoir known as Khan Sarwar. Connected to the shore by a scenic 16-arched causeway, the stone palace features scalloped chattris, arched verandas, and panoramic reflections over the water.
Hidden Gem
Jal Mahal & Baradari of Batala, Gurdaspur, Batala and Pathankot Foothills, Punjab, India
Constructed in the 16th century during the reign of Emperor Akbar and later refurbished by Maharaja Sher Singh, the Jal Mahal in Batala is an elegant octagonal palace pavilion floating in the middle of a reservoir tank. Connected by a causeway, its arches and domed roofs reflect in the placid water.
Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial, Amritsar and Majha Heartland, Punjab, India
A deeply solemn historical landmark located a short stroll from the Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh commemorates the unarmed peaceful citizens martyred in the 13 April 1919 Baisakhi massacre. The public park preserves the Martyrs Well, bullet marks in high brick walls, and the eternal Amar Jyoti flame.
Jang-e-Azadi Memorial Kartarpur, Jalandhar and Doaba Cultural Belt, Punjab, India
Constructed over 25 acres along the Grand Trunk Road, the Jang-e-Azadi Memorial is a world-class architectural and cultural tribute to the martyrs of the Indian freedom movement from the Punjab region. Its signature circular memorial hall and laser show narrate heroic sagas from the Anglo-Sikh wars to 1947.
Jatayu Nature Park Road, Chadayamangalam, Kollam border
Home to the world's largest functional bird sculpture, perched 1,000 feet above sea level on a rocky hill. The monumental 200-foot-long sculpture honours the mythical demi-god Jatayu who fought to save Sita, and is reachable via a scenic state-of-the-art cable car ropeway.
Jolly Buoy Island Coral Sanctuary, Cinque and Rutland Marine Archipelago, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Jolly Buoy Island is a strictly conserved no-plastic ecological wonder. Renowned for astonishing water clarity where live coral colonies, giant clams, clownfish, and sea anemones can be admired right through the glass-bottom boats and snorkeling excursions.
Hidden Gem
Kaas, ~25 km from Satara
A UNESCO World Natural Heritage volcanic plateau that bursts into millions of colourful endemic wildflowers and orchids every autumn post-monsoon, transforming the red soil into a purple and yellow canvas.
Kadmat Beach Resort, Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep 682556
Kadmat Island is celebrated for its elongated beaches where the land is never more than a few hundred meters wide. The tourist beach resort offers coconut palm thatched huts, hammocks, and sun decks overlooking the endless western lagoon. Sunsets over the barrier reef breakers are spectacular.
Kalapathar Beach, Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Named after the adjacent Black Stone village, Kalapathar Beach is celebrated for its unique geological charm where jet-black volcanic boulders dot blinding white sands against intense turquoise water. Lined with lush tropical woodlands and fallen driftwood, it offers a tranquil escape from crowds.
Hidden Gem
Kalpa, Kinnaur district
A tranquil Kinnauri village surrounded by apple orchards at 9,711 ft, renowned for front-row dawn views of the sacred Kinnaur Kailash peak (6,050 m). Features the ancient Hu-Bu-Lan-Kar monastery and traditional timber houses.
Kalpeni Lagoon, Kalpeni Island, Lakshadweep 682557
Kalpeni's immense coral lagoon is celebrated as one of the most radiant in the Indian Ocean. Enclosing the main island together with the uninhabited islets of Tilakkam, Kodithala, and Cheriyam, the lagoon provides calm, shallow turquoise water where visitors can kayak, pedal-boat, snorkel over live staghorn coral, or wade to nearby sandbars.
South Point, Kalpeni Island, Lakshadweep 682557
Commissioned in 1976, the Kalpeni Lighthouse rises 37 meters on the southern tip of the island. Climbing the spiral stairs leads to an open balcony offering an unmatched bird's-eye view of Kalpeni's emerald lagoon, the coral boulder debris bank, dense coconut canopies, and the three outer uninhabited islets.
Western Group of Temples, Sevagram, Khajuraho, Chhatarpur District, Madhya Pradesh 471606
Erected around 1030 CE by King Vidyadhara, Kandariya Mahadeva ('the Great God of the Cave') is the largest and most magnificent temple in the UNESCO Western Group. Its dramatic architectural profile mimics Mount Kailash with 84 miniature shikhara spires ascending toward the 31-meter central peak, adorned with over 870 intricately carved figures of apsaras, celestial musicians, and divine couples.
~27 km from Jagdalpur, Bastar
A biodiverse belt of dense sal forest, subterranean caves and hidden waterfalls sheltering wild buffalo, the state bird Bastar myna and rich tribal life.
Kangra town, Kangra district
One of the oldest documented forts in India, dating back over 3,500 years to the ancient Katoch dynasty. Sits dramatically upon a 400-foot promontory flanked by the Banganga and Majhi rivers with massive stone gateways.
Karmatang Beach (Turtle Nesting Ground), Mayabunder and Northern Shores, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Known as the Turtle Paradise of Andaman, Karmatang Beach is a major nesting and breeding ground for giant sea turtles including Olive Ridley, Green Sea, and Leatherback turtles. Maintained with eco-friendly bamboo shelters and a forest turtle hatchery, its sweeping sands are framed by verdant coastal vegetation.
NH-44, Near Uchana, Karnal, Haryana 132001
Centrally located on the Grand Trunk Road midway between Delhi and Chandigarh, Karna Lake is steeped in Mahabharata folklore. According to legend, warrior king Karna bathed in its waters and gave away his protective armor to Lord Indra. The 17-acre tourist complex features pedal-boating, landscaped island gardens, and waterfront restaurants.
South Point, Kavaratti Island, Lakshadweep 682555
Standing tall on the southern promontory of Kavaratti Island, this operational lighthouse serves as a vital navigational beacon for ships traversing Arabian Sea routes. Visitors who climb the spiral stairs to the lantern balcony are rewarded with a panoramic view of the entire island, contrasting the green canopy of coconut groves with the coral reef breakers.
West Beach Road, Kavaratti Island, Lakshadweep 682555
Kavaratti's western beach overlooks a magnificent lagoon that stretches over a kilometer into the ocean before meeting the protective reef. Glass-bottom boats allow visitors of all ages to observe vivid sea anemones, giant clams, and clownfish without getting wet, while the tree-shaded shore offers a tranquil evening escape.
Hidden Gem
Kawardha, Kabirdham district
An aristocratic 1930s royal residence designed by Maharaja Dharamraj Singh in the foothills of the Maikal Mountain range. Built from Italian marble and carved pink stone with stately colonial verandas, manicured grounds, and royal courtyards.
Key village, Spiti Valley, Lahaul and Spiti district
The largest and oldest Buddhist monastery in Spiti Valley, perched atop a conical pyramid hill at 13,668 ft overlooking the Spiti River. Houses ancient murals, thangkas, and a library of sacred Buddhist scriptures dating back over a thousand years.
Khari Baoli Road, Near Fatehpuri Masjid, Old Delhi 110006
Operating since the reign of Shah Jahan in the 17th century, Khari Baoli is recognized as Asia's largest wholesale spice market. The labyrinthine historic corridors are packed with gunny sacks brimming with saffron, dried chilies, star anise, cardamom, and exotic herbs. The rooftop of Gadodia Market offers a bird's-eye view over Old Delhi's bustling bazaar life.
Konark, Puri district
A 13th-century UNESCO World Heritage architectural triumph conceived as a colossal chariot for the Sun God Surya, complete with 24 exquisitely carved stone wheels and 7 galloping horses. Renowned worldwide for its monumental scale, intricate chlorite sculptures, and geometrical precision.
Hidden Gem
Khidrapur, Shirol taluka, Kolhapur district
An extraordinary 12th-century Silahara dynasty temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the banks of the Krishna River. Renowned for its unique Swarga Mandap (Heaven Hall) — an open-to-the-sky circular pavilion with 48 intricately carved pillars, and a sanctum housing both Shiva and Vishnu.
Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram district
Kerala's most famous coastal destination, comprising three adjacent crescent beaches separated by rocky headlands. The southernmost Lighthouse Beach is renowned for its 35-metre-tall striped stone lighthouse offering sweeping panoramic views over the turquoise Arabian Sea and palm groves.
Hidden Gem
MG Road, Krishnapura, Indore, Madhya Pradesh 452002
Built in the late 19th century in memory of the Holkar royalty, the Krishnapura Chhatris are majestic stone cenotaphs displaying Maratha shikhara architecture combined with Rajput domes and Mughal arched brackets. Surrounded by garden pathways along the Khan river, their stone plinths are embellished with exquisite carvings of soldiers, deities, and horses.
Kavanattinkara, Kumarakom, Kottayam district
Spread over 14 lush acres on the eastern shore of Vembanad Lake, this renowned bird sanctuary is a favourite haunt for ornithologists. It shelters resident birds like waterfowl, cormorants, egrets, and darters, as well as migratory visitors including Siberian cranes.
Tapovan, Rishikesh, Dehradun district
Iconic iron suspension footbridges spanning the turquoise Ganges, offering sweeping vistas of riverside ashrams, mountain temples, and passing river rafts. Surrounded by traditional cafes, yoga centers, and sacred ghats.
Nai Duniya, Revenue Colony, Indore, Madhya Pradesh 452007
Set within 28 acres of gardens along the Khan river, Lal Bagh Palace was built between 1886 and 1921 by the Holkar rulers Tukojirao II and Shivaji Rao. Famous for its massive cast-iron entrance gates modeled on Buckingham Palace, the interiors showcase Italian marble floors, Belgian crystal chandeliers, Persian carpets, and opulent neoclassical ballroom frescoes.
Hidden Gem
Lalitgiri, Cuttack district
The earliest established Buddhist monastery in Odisha's celebrated Diamond Triangle, flourishing continuously from the 3rd century BCE to the 10th century CE. Excavations revealed a massive apsidal chaitya, four monastic complexes, and a stone Mahastupa enclosing sacred gold and silver relic caskets.
Sirpur, ~35 km from Mahasamund
One of India's finest 7th-century brick temples, its ornate doorway and tower marking Sirpur's golden age on the banks of the Mahanadi.
Laxmanpur Beach (Sunset Beach), Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep), Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Laxmanpur Beach No. 1 is situated on the western tip of Neil Island. Known for its wide expanse of white crushed-shell sand and calm shallow seas, it forms a natural peninsula pointing into the sunset, where evening skies turn vibrant shades of violet, orange, and crimson.
Lodhi Road, Lutyens' Delhi, New Delhi 110003
Originally known as Lady Willingdon Park when landscaped in 1936, Lodhi Gardens covers 90 manicured acres around the dramatic stone tombs of Delhi's 15th-century Afghan rulers. The centerpiece is the imposing Bara Gumbad (Big Dome) gateway constructed in 1494 CE, flanked by its attached three-domed mosque with exquisite plaster carvings and the facing Shisha Gumbad (Glazed Dome).
Blocks 1 to 24, Lodhi Colony, New Delhi 110003
Curated by the St+art India Foundation, the residential government quarters of Lodhi Colony have been transformed into India's first open-air public art district. Renowned international and Indian street artists have painted over 50 towering murals across symmetrical building facades, exploring themes of biodiversity, climate action, cultural heritage, and human coexistence.
Lotus Temple Road, Bahapur, Kalkaji, New Delhi 110019
Designed by Iranian-Canadian architect Fariborz Sahba and consecrated in 1986, the Lotus Temple is one of seven continental Bahá'í Houses of Worship worldwide. Constructed with 27 free-standing petals composed of pure white Greek Pentelikon marble arranged in clusters of three, the lotus floats serenely over nine ponds and 26 acres of manicured gardens, open to all humanity for silent reflection.
Daman Ganga River, near Silvassa 396230
Constructed jointly by Gujarat and the Union Territory across the Daman Ganga river, Madhuban Dam is a massive engineering feat that gave rise to a vast, shimmering reservoir flanked by emerald hill ranges. The observation points offer views of surging spillways during the monsoon and serene glassy waters surrounded by dense teak woodlands in the winter.
Ghadi Chowk, Raipur
The state's oldest museum, holding rare tribal art, ancient sculptures, coins and natural-history galleries that trace Chhattisgarh's layered past.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum, Ludhiana and Satluj Heartland, Punjab, India
Spanning over 4 acres along GT Road, the Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum pays tribute to the gallant armed forces of India. Marked by a monumental bronze statue of the Maharaja on horseback, the museum showcases fighter jets, Vijayanta tanks, historic armaments, and the Hall of Gallantry.
Narmada Riverfront, Maheshwar, Khargone District, Madhya Pradesh 451224
The ghats of Maheshwar are widely considered among the most serene and photogenic riverfronts in India. Broad sandstone steps cascade into the tranquil Narmada beneath the towering stone chhatris of the Holkar rulers and the intricately sculpted Ahilyeshwar and Kaleshwar temples. Evening boat rides during sunset provide a magical panorama of golden light reflected in the holy water.
~75 km from Ambikapur, Surguja
A cool pine-clad plateau nicknamed the Shimla of Chhattisgarh, dotted with Tibetan settlements, monasteries, the quaking 'Jaljali' marsh and open grassland views.
Malampuzha, Palakkad district
The largest reservoir in Kerala, built across the Malampuzha River framed against the rugged Western Ghats hills. The extensive grounds feature landscaped Japanese gardens, dancing fountains, Kerala's first passenger passenger ropeway, and the famous colossal Yakshi sculpture crafted by artist Kanayi Kunhiraman.
Hidden Gem
Safapora, Ganderbal District, Kashmir (30 km from Srinagar)
Revered as the deepest lake in the Kashmir Valley (43 feet deep), Manasbal is renowned for its crystalline waters carpeted with floating pink lotus blossoms throughout July and August. On its shoreline sits the ruins of a 10th-century stone temple built during the reign of King Sankaravarman and Jaroka Bagh garden.
South Point, Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep 682559
Constructed by the British in 1885, the Minicoy Lighthouse is one of the oldest and grandest lighthouses in the Indian Ocean. Reaching a height of nearly 50 meters, the brilliant white cylindrical tower monitors the vital international shipping lane of the Nine Degree Channel. Visitors can climb to the top for magnificent views spanning the lagoon, coconut groves, and sea.
Minicoy Island Lagoon, Lakshadweep 682559
Minicoy Island curves gracefully like a crescent around an expansive 30 sq km calm lagoon. The barrier reef protects the inner waters from Arabian Sea swells, keeping the lagoon calm and clear. The island is also known for traditional 'Jahadhoni' colorful snake boat regattas and vibrant coral formations.
Moorish Mosque (Jama Masjid), Kapurthala and French Heritage, Punjab, India
Consecrated in 1930 by Maharaja Jagatjit Singh for his Muslim subjects, the Moorish Mosque is an extraordinary testament to religious harmony. Designed by French architect Monsieur M. Mantout after the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakesh, it features intricate red-sandstone jalis, Horseshoe arches, and glazed green and red tile work.
Moti Daman, Daman 396220
Commenced in 1559 following the Portuguese conquest of Daman, Moti Daman Fort is an immense military citadel sprawling across more than 30,000 square meters. Protected by massive stone walls, ten formidable bastions, and a moat connecting to the Daman Ganga river, the fort contains within its walls centuries-old government secretariats, colonial mansions, and majestic historic cathedrals.
Hidden Gem
Mount Manipur National Park (Mount Harriet), Port Blair and South Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Renamed Mount Manipur National Park in honour of Anglo-Manipur war heroes, this 383-metre peak is the highest in South Andaman. The park offers dense tropical jungle treks, endemic butterflies and birds, and the historic viewpoint looking out toward North Bay Lighthouse, immortalised on the reverse of the older ₹20 Indian rupee banknote.
Hidden Gem
Mughal Serai Nurmahal, Jalandhar and Doaba Cultural Belt, Punjab, India
Commissioned in 1618 by Mughal Empress Nur Jahan who spent her childhood here, Serai Nurmahal is one of the most magnificent surviving roadside inns along the historic Grand Trunk Road. Its massive double-storeyed western gateway is intricately carved with elephants, horses, and floral bas-relief panels.
Old Town, Bhubaneswar, Khordha district
Hailed as the 'Gem of Odisha Architecture', this 10th-century Kalinga monument dedicated to Lord Shiva features an iconic arched torana (gateway) adorned with intricate miniature carvings of smiling women, peacocks, and floral motifs. Marked as the culmination point of early Kalinga style.
Munsiyari, Pithoragarh district
Known as the 'Little Kashmir of Uttarakhand', Munsiyari sits at 7,200 feet in eastern Kumaon near the Gori Ganga River. Famous for the closest, most dramatic panoramic view of the five towering Panchachuli peaks ('the five cooking hearths of the Pandavas').
Murud, Raigad district
An unbreached 15th-century oval fortress rising dramatically out of the Arabian Sea waters, built by the Siddis with 19 rounded bastions and intact ancient bronze and iron cannons.
Hidden Gem
Naggar, Kullu district
An architectural gem built in 1460 CE by Raja Sidh Singh, overlooking the Beas River. Constructed in the traditional Kathkuni style (interlocking wood and stone) that withstands major earthquakes, now also featuring an art museum.
Delvada Road, near Diu Fort, Diu 362520
Located just outside the Diu city walls, Naida Caves form an otherworldly subterranean labyrinth created by a blend of ancient geological sea-water erosion and Portuguese sandstone quarrying. Dramatic openings in the rock ceiling allow shafts of golden sunlight to pierce the cavernous chambers, illuminating hanging banyan tree roots and intricate step-like rock tunnels.
Hidden Gem
Sector 5, Panchkula, Haryana 134109
Spanning 7 acres in Sector 5 of Panchkula, the National Cactus and Succulent Botanical Garden houses over 3,500 species of rare and endangered desert flora from across the globe. Founded by botanist Dr. J.S. Sarkaria, it features colossal columnar cacti, medicinally valuable succulent species, and landscaped glasshouses.
Natural Coral Rock Bridge (Howrah Bridge), Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep), Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Locally nicknamed the Howrah Bridge by early Bengali settlers, this natural rock formation at Laxmanpur Beach No. 2 is an extraordinary geological landmark. Accessible only during low tide across live reef flats, the arch stands framed by tidal pools filled with starfish, sea cucumbers, and colourful sea anemones.
Hidden Gem
North Cinque Island & Sandbar, Cinque and Rutland Marine Archipelago, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Cinque Island is an uninhabited dreamscape formed by North and South Cinque islands connected by a spectacular sandbar. Famous among professional divers for underwater coral gardens, sea turtles, black coral, and visibility reaching up to 30 metres, it is an untouched ecological sanctuary.
Kanchana Ghat, Betwa River, Orchha, Niwari District, Madhya Pradesh 472246
Clustered along Kanchana Ghat on the banks of the Betwa River, these 14 royal cenotaphs (chhatris) commemorate the Bundela rulers of Orchha. Built in the Panchayatan temple style on elevated plinths with soaring tiered spires, their silhouettes against the sunset sky reflected in the crystal-clear river waters create one of the most immortal photographic vistas of Madhya Pradesh.
Orchha Fort Island, Betwa River, Niwari District, Madhya Pradesh 472246
Constructed on an island formed by the Betwa and Jamni rivers by Rudra Pratap Singh and completed by Madhukar Shah, the Orchha Fort complex is a monumental Bundela fortified citadel. Inside, the Raja Mahal is famous for its simple exterior giving way to rooms adorned with vibrant Bundela frescoes depicting Rama's coronation, Krishna Leela, and royal hunting scenes.
Palakkad town centre, Palakkad district
A remarkably preserved 18th-century square granite fortress built in 1766 by Hyder Ali of Mysore to guard the strategic Palakkad Gap through the Western Ghats. Surrounded by an intact, wide water moat, massive granite bastions, and sprawling green landscaped lawns with an ancient Hanuman temple inside.
Thekkady, Kumily, Idukki district
One of India's premier tiger and elephant reserves, established around an 1895 artificial lake in the Cardamom Hills. The highlight is a silent two-hour boat safari across Periyar Lake offering sightings of wild elephants, bison (gaur), sambar deer, and otters on the shoreline.
Hidden Gem
Pul Kanjari Historic Serai & Canal, Amritsar and Majha Heartland, Punjab, India
Located just 500 metres from the international border, Pul Kanjari was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh as an exquisite country retreat between Amritsar and Lahore. It features a historic pool (baoli), a Gurdwara, an ancient Shiva temple with surviving frescoes, and a 1971 war memorial tower.
Sector 24, Naya Raipur
An open-air cultural park recreating Chhattisgarh's tribal life, art and architecture through life-size dioramas, sculptures and a tribal museum.
Qila Mubarak & Qila Androon, Patiala and Malwa Royal Dynasty, Punjab, India
Standing majestically in the heart of Patiala, Qila Mubarak is a rare and monumental example of Sikh palace architecture infused with Mughal motifs. Constructed under Baba Ala Singh, the fortress complex contains Qila Androon with royal painted chambers, intricate jharokhas, and underground cool-air tunnels.
Qila Mubarak Bathinda (Razia Sultan Fort), Bathinda and Southwestern Forts, Punjab, India
Dating back to the Kushana period (roughly 90–110 CE), Qila Mubarak Bathinda is one of India's oldest surviving brick forts. Constructed with ancient thin burnt bricks, it was here that Delhi's first female monarch Empress Razia Sultan was defeated and incarcerated in 1240, and Guru Gobind Singh later visited in 1705.
Barsana, Mathura district
Barsana, birthplace of Radha, is one of Brajs holiest pilgrimage towns. The hilltop Shri Radha Rani Ladliji Temple commands sweeping views, while the famous Lathmar Holi festival, where women playfully beat men with bamboo sticks, draws international visitors every spring.
Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7), Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Acclaimed by Time Magazine and travel experts as Asia's Best Beach and certified Blue Flag, Radhanagar Beach is a magnificent 2 km crescent of flawless white sand bordered by native mahua and padauk rainforest trees. The gentle slope and lack of sharp coral make it an extraordinary natural swimming haven.
Rajarani Colony, Old Town, Bhubaneswar
An 11th-century architectural marvel constructed entirely of warm yellowish-red sandstone locally known as Rajaraniya. Standing within impeccably manicured lawns, it is famous for its curvilinear spire and sensuous stone sculptures of nayikas, musicians, and guardian deities, without any presiding idol.
Hidden Gem
Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Mehrauli, New Delhi 110030
Hidden deep inside the Mehrauli Archaeological Park forest, Rajon Ki Baoli is arguably Delhi's most architecturally picturesque stepwell. Commissioned in 1506 CE by nobleman Daulat Khan during the reign of Sikandar Lodi for use by masons (raaj), it features four descending subterranean tiers of arched pillared arcades, ornate plaster medallions, and an adjoining open-air mosque.
MG Road, Rajwada Circle, Indore, Madhya Pradesh 452002
Constructed in 1747 by Malhar Rao Holkar, Rajwada is the historic seven-storey royal palace of Indore. The lower three storeys are crafted from dark dressed stone, while the upper four storeys are constructed entirely of timber. Facing a bustling central square and the statue of Devi Ahilyabai, it features a grand gateway, wooden jharokhas, and a landscaped inner courtyard.
Ram Ghat, Kshipra Riverbank, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh 456006
Ram Ghat is the most ancient bathing ghat in Ujjain, believed to be the spot where Lord Rama performed pitru-tarpan for his father King Dasharatha. It serves as the primary holy bathing site during the 12-yearly Simhastha Kumbh Mela. Every evening, the riverbank lights up with brass lamps, blowing conches, and floating marigold blossoms for the Kshipra Maha Aarti.
2 km east of Kushinagar town, Kushinagar district
The ancient brick stupa marking the very spot where Gautama Buddhas mortal remains were cremated following his Mahaparinirvana, one of the most profoundly sacred sites in the Buddhist world. Surrounded by a serene grove, visited by pilgrims from across Asia at dawn.
Ken River Basin, Panna-Chhatarpur border, Madhya Pradesh 471105
Raneh Falls is a natural spectacle formed where the river Ken plunges into a 5-kilometer long, 30-meter deep canyon. The gorge exposes an extraordinary spectrum of crystalline igneous rocks — green dolomite, pink and red jasper, volcanic basalt, and grey granite. During the monsoon, countless roaring cascades merge into a massive wall of water.
Southern Precipice, Mandu, Dhar District, Madhya Pradesh 454010
Perched on the southern edge of the 365-meter precipice of the plateau, Rani Roopmati's Pavilion was originally an army observation post. The poet Sultan Baz Bahadur added domed chhatris so that his beloved consort, the Hindu queen Roopmati, could gaze upon the sacred silvery thread of the Narmada flowing across the Nimar plains before taking her morning meal.
Rewalsar, Mandi district
A revered lotus-shaped lake sacred to three faiths — Buddhists (Padmasambhava lotus lake), Hindus (Rishi Lomas cave), and Sikhs (Gurudwara commemorating Guru Gobind Singh's visit). Surrounded by Tibetan monasteries and giant Padmasambhava statue.
Near Rewari Railway Station, Rewari, Haryana 123401
Built in 1893 on the historic Delhi-Rewari-Bikaner metre gauge network, the Rewari Steam Locomotive Shed is the only operational steam shed left in India. Preserved as a living national heritage museum, it houses working steam giants including the legendary 1855 'Fairy Queen'—the world's oldest regular operational steam engine—vintage railway saloons, and original turn-tables.
Rohtang La, Kullu-Lahaul border
Legendary mountain pass at 13,054 ft on the Pir Panjal range, offering polar snowfields, hanging glaciers, and jaw-dropping vistas into the Lahaul Valley and Chandra river gorge. Requires online NGT green permit.
Ross and Smith Islands (Twin Sandbar Islands), Diglipur and North Andaman Peaks, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Ross and Smith Islands are twin paradise islands joined by a breathtaking natural white sand spit that emerges during low tide and gets submerged at high tide. With dazzling turquoise water on both sides of the sandbar, pristine coral gardens, and virgin rainforest, it is one of the most stunning sights in the Indian Ocean.
Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep), Port Blair and South Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Ross Island served as the administrative headquarters of the Andaman penal colony from 1858 until 1941. Today, this captivating open-air heritage island features crumbling British colonial ballrooms, hospitals, and churches embraced by massive roots of wild ficus trees, inhabited by spotted deer and peacocks.
Chhatri Road, Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh 473551
Erected by the Scindia Maharajas of Gwalior, these ornate cenotaphs (Chhatris) honor Madho Rao Scindia and the dowager Maharani Sakhya Raje Scindia. Crafted in fine white marble with inlay work reminiscent of the Taj Mahal, the monuments blend Hindu shikhara towers with Mughal pavilion arches, fronted by fountains and formal charbagh water gardens.
Junction of Sri Aurobindo Marg and Lodhi Road, New Delhi 110003
Built in 1754 CE for Nawab Safdarjung, Prime Minister of the Mughal Empire under Ahmad Shah Bahadur, this grand sandstone and marble mausoleum represents the final monumental flowering of Mughal architectural style. Set in a 300-meter square walled Charbagh garden with ornamental water canals, the central pavilion rises with decorated arches and a lofty fluted marble dome.
Ram Ki Paidi, Nayaghat, Ayodhya, Faizabad district
The sacred Sarayu river ghats of Ayodhya. Ram Ki Paidi is a beautiful series of stepped stone bathing ghats illuminated at dusk by thousands of floating earthen lamps. The evening Saryu Aarti rivals Varanasis Ganga Aarti in spiritual atmosphere and visual splendor.
Hidden Gem
Jaunpur city, Jaunpur district
Jaunpurs magnificent 16th-century Akbari Shahi Pul, a 13-arched sandstone bridge crossing the Gomti still in daily use. Nearby, the 1408 Atala Mosque with its distinctive pylon propylon represents the unique Sharqi style of architecture, a distinct pre-Mughal Indo-Islamic school.
Shaniwar Peth, Pune
The grand 18th-century palace-fortress seat of the Peshwa rulers of the Maratha Empire, famed for its massive spiked Dilli Darwaza gate, stone foundations, and evening sound-and-light show.
Sheesh Mahal & Medal Gallery, Patiala and Malwa Royal Dynasty, Punjab, India
Built in the mid-19th century by Maharaja Narinder Singh, Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) sits behind an artificial lake with a striking Lakshman Jhula style suspension bridge. The palace is celebrated for Kangra and Rajasthani style wall frescoes illustrating classical poetry, alongside a museum holding rare royal decorations.
Near Harsh Ka Tila, Thanesar, Kurukshetra, Haryana 136118
Sheikh Chilli's Tomb is often celebrated as the 'Taj of Haryana' for its elegant Persian-Mughal architecture. Built by Mughal Prince Dara Shikoh in memory of his Sufi mentor Abd-ur-Rahim (Sheikh Chilli), the complex features octagonal white-marble mausoleums, an expansive terraced courtyard madrasa, and an ASI archaeological museum housing Harappan relics.
The Ridge, Shimla, Shimla district
The heart of colonial Shimla — an open pedestrian ridge promenade offering 180-degree Himalayan vistas, flanked by the neo-Gothic Christ Church (1857), Gaiety Heritage Theatre, and vibrant artisan boutiques on the Mall Road.
Hidden Gem
Sirpur, ~35 km from Mahasamund
An expansive archaeological town of Hindu temples, Buddhist viharas, a Jain shrine and river ghats — capital of the Sharabhapuriya and Panduvamshi kings.
Sissu, Lahaul Valley, Himachal Pradesh
A magnificent 50m waterfall cascading down sheer cliff faces into Chandra River, set against poplars, willow groves, and snow-capped peaks right past the North Portal.
Hidden Gem
Sitapur Beach (Sunrise Beach), Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep), Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Situated on the eastern tip of Neil Island (Beach No. 5), Sitapur Beach is famous as the island's prime sunrise point. Surrounded by dense vegetation and dramatic limestone cliffs, the beach faces the open sea with energetic surf and serene coastal caves.
Solang Nullah, Kullu district
A high-altitude alpine bowl at 8,400 ft beneath snow-capped peaks — offering skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiles in winter, and paragliding, zorbing, and ropeway rides in summer.
East Fort, Thiruvananthapuram
An ancient, monumental Hindu temple built in an intricate fusion of Chera and Dravidian architectural styles. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the 'Anantha Shayana' posture (eternal cosmic slumber on the serpent Shesha), featuring a grand 16th-century 100-foot gopuram and carved stone pillared corridors.
Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), Amritsar and Majha Heartland, Punjab, India
Sri Harmandir Sahib, globally renowned as the Golden Temple, is the spiritual heartbeat of Sikhism. Built with gilded copper plates and surrounded by the sacred Amrit Sarovar, the gurdwara features four open entrances symbolising openness to all humankind and hosts Guru Ka Langar, serving tens of thousands daily.
Cantonment, Kannur
A massive triangular stone bastion overlooking Mopila Bay and the Arabian Sea, constructed in 1505 by the first Portuguese Viceroy Don Francisco de Almeida and later fortified by the Dutch. Features laterite ramparts, historic cannon emplacements, and an ancient chapel.
St. Mary's Cathedral (Jalandhar Cantt), Jalandhar and Doaba Cultural Belt, Punjab, India
Rebuilt in 1989 on the site of an 1847 church, St. Mary\'s Cathedral in Jalandhar Cantonment is hailed as an architectural masterpiece. Designed with sweeping arched towers, lush gardens, and Indian cultural motifs, it was personally blessed by Pope John Paul II.
Hidden Gem
Sujanpur Tira, Hamirpur district
An 18th-century hill fortress of the Katoch rulers overlooking the Beas River, founded by Raja Abhay Chand. Famed for its sprawling Chaugan grounds hosting the state's most vibrant Holi festival, Murli Manohar temple, and Kangra miniature paintings.
Govardhan Village, Gangapur-Savargaon Road, Nashik
India's pioneering winery nestled against rolling hills and lake Gangapur, offering guided vineyard tours, barrel-cellar wine tastings, and rooftop vineyard sunset dining.
Gurgaon-Farrukhnagar Road, Sultanpur, Gurugram, Haryana 122505
Sultanpur National Park is a world-renowned birding haven recognized as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. Centered around a natural shallow freshwater lake fringed by Acacia trees and marshes, it welcomes flamingos, Siberian cranes, bar-headed geese, and pelicans every winter, with four dedicated watchtowers providing supreme birding panoramas.
Bharat Scouts and Guides Marg, Nizamuddin, New Delhi 110013
Painstakingly restored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, Sunder Nursery (originally Azim Bagh) is a 90-acre heritage ecological paradise featuring fifteen conserved 16th-century Mughal monuments, sandstone water canals, rare bonsai gardens, and birding wetlands. Selected by Time Magazine among the World's 100 Greatest Places, it also hosts a celebrated weekend organic farmer's market.
Keetham, Agra district
A large freshwater lake sanctuary 20 km from Agra protecting over 165 bird species including Sarus cranes (worlds tallest flying birds), painted storks, bar-headed geese, and migratory waterfowl. Also houses a Bear Rescue Centre run by Wildlife SOS.
Surajkund Road, Lakewood City, Faridabad, Haryana 121009
Surajkund ('Lake of the Sun') is a remarkable semicircular stepped stone masonry reservoir built around the 10th century by King Suraj Pal of the Tomar dynasty. Shaped like an amphitheater to catch runoff from the Aravalli hills, its stepped tiers once led to an ancient Sun temple. Every February, it hosts the world-famous Surajkund International Crafts Mela.
Taj Ganj, Agra, Agra district
The worlds greatest monument to love, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1631 and 1648. Crafted from pristine Makrana marble inlaid with precious gemstones, the Taj glows from rose-pink at dawn to milk-white at noon to golden at dusk.
NH 12, Kohefiza, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462001
Literally translating to 'The Crown of Mosques', Taj-ul-Masajid is one of the largest mosques in Asia. Commissioned during the reign of Nawab Shah Jahan Begum, its grand pink stone facade is flanked by two 18-storey octagonal minarets crowned with gold-plated spikes. The sprawling marble-domed hypostyle prayer hall and central courtyard accommodate tens of thousands of worshippers.
Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, Sri Anandpur Sahib and Shivalik Foothills, Punjab, India
Perched dramatically on a hillock overlooking the town of Anandpur Sahib, Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib is the birthplace of the Khalsa. Here on Baisakhi day in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh created the Order of the Khalsa and initiated the Panj Pyare. The sanctum preserves original historic weapons of the Guru.
Hidden Gem
Balod, ~60 km from Durg
A vast century-old reservoir at the confluence of the Tandula and Sukha rivers, ringed by low forested hills — misty at dawn and golden at sunset, with migratory birds in winter.
Temi Tarku, South Sikkim
Established in 1969 by the last Chogyal of Sikkim, Temi Tea Estate is celebrated internationally for producing some of the world's finest organic orthodox black tea. Sloping gently over 440 acres along Tendong Hill, the plantation bursts into pink Japanese cherry blossoms every November.
Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow, Lucknow district
The evocative ruins of the British Residency complex, site of the famous 87-day Siege of Lucknow in 1857. The crumbling colonnaded buildings, cannonball-scarred walls, and on-site museum powerfully preserve the memory of the Uprising.
Thinnakara Island, Bangaram Lagoon, Lakshadweep 682553
Located across the shared lagoon from Bangaram, Thinnakara is an uninhabited crescent island fringed with towering coconut palms and pure white coral beaches. Without permanent roads or vehicles, it offers absolute solitude where travelers can unwind in beachfront eco-tents and walk along shifting sand spits.
Thoseghar village, ~20 km from Satara
A thunderous series of cascades dropping up to 200 metres into a lush forested ravine near Satara, equipped with viewing platforms and misty rainforest walkways.
Tansen Nagar, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh 474002
This tranquil garden complex houses the monumental tomb of 16th-century Sufi saint Mohammad Ghaus alongside the simple pavilion of Mian Tansen, one of Emperor Akbar's celebrated 'Nine Jewels' and the father of classical Dhrupad music. The main mausoleum is adorned with pierced hexagonal stone lattice screens (jalis). Every November, the annual Tansen Samaroh music festival is held here.
Sanchi Monument Complex, Raisen District, Madhya Pradesh 464661
Added to the Great Stupa in the 1st century BCE under the Satavahana dynasty, the four ceremonial Torana gateways face the cardinal directions. Each gateway comprises two square pillars supporting three architraves with curved ends, carved with microscopic narrative relief depicting the Buddha's life, miracles, Jataka folk tales, and the famous sensual salabhanjika (tree-nymph) brackets.
Sangam Nose, Prayagraj, Prayagraj district
The world-famous confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the invisible Saraswati rivers, the most sacred pilgrimage point in Hinduism. Site of the Kumbh Mela, the largest human gathering on Earth. The spectacular meeting of the two differently coloured rivers is visible from boats.
Khandagiri, Bhubaneswar
Partly natural and partly rock-hewn caves dating to the 2nd century BCE under King Kharavela of the Chedi dynasty. Udayagiri ('Sunrise Hill') has 18 caves including the famous multi-storeyed Ranigumpha (Queen's Cave) and the Hathigumpha inscription, while Khandagiri ('Broken Hill') features 15 ancient Jain hermit cells.
VIP Road, Shamla Hills, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462002
Constructed in the 11th century by Paramara King Raja Bhoj across the Kolans river, Bhojtal (Upper Lake) spans over 31 sq km and serves as Bhopal's picturesque centerpiece. Flanked by Kamla Park, the serene VIP Road promenade, and a regal statue of Raja Bhoj, the lake offers sunset sailing, paddle boating, and tranquil views of evening twilight.
Adjacent to Statue of Unity, Kevadia, Gujarat
Stretching across 250 acres along the banks of the Narmada near the Statue of Unity, the Valley of Flowers showcases colorful rolling terraces planted with more than 300 varieties of exotic flowers, ornamental shrubs, and bamboo groves, set against the backdrop of the Vindhya and Satpura ranges.
Dadra Village, Dadra and Nagar Haveli 396193
Spanning over 7 hectares in Dadra village at the entrance of the union territory, Vanganga Lake Garden is a picturesque landscaped retreat designed in traditional Japanese garden aesthetics. A calm central lake surrounds an island connected by rustic timber bridges, bordered by towering weeping willows, illuminated musical fountains, paddle-boats, and paved walking tracks.
North Cliff, Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram district
A dramatic geological marvel where soaring red laterite cliffs plunge directly into the Arabian Sea beach below. Known as Papanasam ('destroyer of sins'), the beach has natural mineral springs, peaceful golden sands, and a cliff-edge walking path lined with cafes and artisan shops.
Virasat-e-Khalsa Heritage Museum, Sri Anandpur Sahib and Shivalik Foothills, Punjab, India
Designed by celebrated international architect Moshe Safdie, Virasat-e-Khalsa is one of the most visited museum complexes in Asia. Spanning two soaring concrete-and-sandstone complexes linked by a pedestrian suspension bridge over a scenic canyon, its immersive experiential galleries celebrate Punjab\'s history, culture, and Sikh heritage.
Budhapara, Raipur
Raipur's iconic city lake with a towering Swami Vivekananda statue at its centre, musical fountains and a breezy promenade that comes alive at dusk.
Wandoor Beach & Marine Sanctuary, Port Blair and South Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Located on the southwestern coast of South Andaman, Wandoor Beach features wide stretches of golden sand littered with gigantic weathered tree trunks and framed by tropical forest. It serves as the embarkation jetty for boats departing to Jolly Buoy and Red Skin islands within the marine national park.
Ambala-Shimla Highway, Pinjore, Panchkula, Haryana 134102
Built in the 17th century by architect-general Fidai Khan during Emperor Aurangzeb's reign and later restored by the Maharaja of Patiala, Yadavindra Gardens in Pinjore is laid out across seven cascading terraced levels. The garden features historic pavilions like Shish Mahal and Hawa Mahal, hundreds of fountains, cypress tree avenues, and colorful evening illuminations.