51. Vembanad Lake Source: http://www.karmakerala.com A highlight of the state of Kerala is the Vembanad Lake. It is India’s longest ...
51. Vembanad Lake
Source: http://www.karmakerala.com
A highlight of the state of Kerala is the Vembanad Lake. It is India’s longest and every year, it plays host to the coveted Nehru Trophy Boat Race. There are several resorts nestled on the banks of the lake, which are ideal for a romantic holiday in Kerala. You can spend your time here fishing, taking a relaxing boat ride, or even birdwatching. During the migratory season, the region is frequented by a quite a few different species of birds.52. Bekal Fort
Source: http://www.indiatourism4u.in
If you thought Kerala is only about natural beauty, the Bekal Fort will make you change your opinion. Spread across a sprawling 40 acres of land, the fort is the largest in the region. A large part of the fort is in dilapidated condition since the waves from the sea continually hit against the walls of the fort. However, despite that, it is a beautiful fort which tells you a lot about the old times. Unlike other forts in several parts of the country, the Bekal Fort was not an administrative centre. There are no palaces or halls within the fort. Instead, it was exclusively used to store ammunition and for defense purposes. A visit to the fort is somewhat a mystical experience, as you explore the abandoned passages of it. Do not miss the views of the town you get from the fort. They are mesmerizing, especially on an overcast day.53. Golkonda Fort
Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/arawatclicks
If you interested in history, you must visit the Golkonda Fort in Andhra Pradesh. The fort dates back to the 13th century and was built during the reign of the Chalukayas. Spread across an area of 11 km, the fort is actually made up of four distinct forts. With massive gateways, intricate architecture and amazing gardens, the Golkonda Fort is a sight. A walk through the gardens of the fort takes you back in time when the royal class would have spent time in the beautiful surroundings.54. Hampi
http://www.worldguides.blogspot.com
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important religious centre of the state of Karnataka is Hampi. The place was once an important part of the famed Vijayanagar Empire. There are some beautiful ruins to explore in Hampi, apart from several beautiful temples to pay a visit too. If you are the adventurous kind, you can spot a few waterfalls too here during the monsoon season. The laidback environment of Hampi makes it ideal for a relaxing holiday away from the madness.55. Mysore Palace
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org
You just cannot leave out Mysore when talking about beautiful places in India. The city is known for its royal palaces which date back to British times. One of the most important palaces of Mysore is the Mysore Palace. Also called the Amba Vilas Palace, it was originally constructed in the 14th century. However, several reconstructions were ordered in consequent years, the current version dating back to 1897. It is a Rajput style palace with elements of Muslim architecture and an unmistakable grandeur about it.56. Kurinjal Peak
http://www.wildtrekker.blogspot.com
Located about 20 km from Kudremukh in Karnataka is the Kurinjal Peak, which is almost the same height as the Kudrenukh Peak itself. A part of Kudremukh National Park, the trek to the top of the peak takes you through evergreen forests. The region is blessed with plenty of flora and fauna. You can spot several animals during the trek, which include herds of elephants, Indian Bison and more. When taking the Kurinjal Peak Trek, don’t miss out on a visit to Hanman Gundi which is known for its stunning waterfalls. There is also Bhagavati Nature Camp, which is an ideal camping location.57. Hawa Mahal
http://www.focuztours.wordpress.com
Rajasthan has several palaces dating back to the royal times. One of the most prominent of the lot is the Hawa Mahal, located in the capital city of Jaipur. The palace was constructed in the form of Lord Krishna’s crown. The façade of the palace has 953 very small windows, and hence the name Hawa Mahal, literally translating to “Palace of Winds.” According to old scriptures, the palace was constructed to serve as a viewing spot for royal ladies who had to follow a strict purdah system. The windows decorated with latticework and the crown like façade is simply magnificent.58. Umaid Bhawan
Source: http://www.inmagine.com
One of the highlights of Jodhpur is the Umaid Bhawan, an opulent palace which has now been converted into a plush hotel. Several parts of the palace are still open to the public, which give you a glimpse into the royal times. The construction of the palace was ordered in 1923 by Maharaja Umaid Singh in order to provide families with work and income during a time of drought and famine. The manicured lawns and the intricate architecture make the palace a sight to behold.59. Jaisalmer Fort
Source: fotopedia.com
Located
in the city of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan is the Jaisalmer Fort, one of the
largest forts in the world. The fort sits as a symbol of pride amidst
the beautiful golden sands of the Thar Desert. There are quite a few
Jain temples within the fort’s premises, apart from a Royal Palace,
massive gateways and other highlights. The best way to visit the fort is
to take a safari atop a beautifully decorated camel or elephant. In
fact, a visit to Jaisalmer isn’t complete without a quintessential
desert safari atop a camel.60. Chittorgarh Fort
Source: dntexist.com
Located
close to Ajmer, Rajasthan is the Chittorgarh Fort, the largest of the
country. The fort sits atop a hill and spreads across a sprawling 280
hectares of land. With its many beautiful palaces, temples and gateways,
the fort attracts thousands of tourists every year. The seemingly
abandoned surroundings add to the charm of the fort. Chittorgarh Fort
also stands a symbol of national pride and honor. According to
historical evidence, more than 13,000 men, women and children laid down
their loves between the 10th and the 16th century in order to protect
the city from enemies. That and much more make it one of the iconic
monuments of Rajasthan.61. Fateh Prakash Palace
Source: commons.wikimedia.org/
Udaipur is a city of lakes and many beautiful palaces, the most opulent of which is the Fateh Prakash Palace. The palace was built by Maharana Fateh Singh, ruler of Mewar, and was specifically reserved for royal functions only. A tour of the palace gives you an insight into royal artifacts, miniature paintings and Mewar armory, taking you to the times gone by. If you have the moolah, you can even organize celebrations or conferences in this opulent palace, thus being an important of the history of Rajasthan.62. Calangute Beach
The mother of all beaches in Goa is the Calangute Beach. While some complain of the beach being overcrowded during the peak season, nothing can take away from the beauty of the beach. If you are looking for some lone time under the sun, visit Calangute sometime in the months of February to April, when the beach is relatively less crowded. If you are more interested in seeing eye-candy, visit the beach during Christmas and New Year.
[Check out some of the must stay beach resorts in goa]
63. Basilica of Bom Jesus
Source: arquitectosportuguesesnomundo.blogspot.com
An iconic building of the state of Goa is the Basilica of Bom Jesus. This magnificent church is located in the old part of the state and houses the remains of St. Francis Xavier. It is considered to be one of the best examples of baroque style construction in the country. You cannot miss the understated elegance of the church, and the relative calmness of the design itself. When in Goa, it is a must-visit.64. Vivekanand Rock Memorial
Source: http://bharatdiscovery.org/
Located about 500 meters off the southernmost tip of India in Kanyakumari is the Vivekanand Rock Memorial. The memorial was built in 1970 in order to honor spiritual leader Swami Vivekanand who once visited the land. The memorial is built on a rock. It is believed that Swami Vivekanand attained enlightenment while meditating on the rock. It is considered to be a sacred place by the Hindus. The calm and tranquility that surrounds the memorial puts you at ease. There is even a meditation hall here where you can meditate.65. Pamban Bridge
Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/digital_journey/
Connecting Rameswaram to rest of the parts of the country is Pamban Bridge. It is the second longest sea bridge of the country, and the first one to come up. Built in 1912, this 2.3 km bridge was first opened to railway traffic in 1914. The bridge can be raised to allow ships to pass underneath. If you are looking for beautiful train journeys in India, consider taking the one through Pamban Bridge. It stands for its understated elegance.66. Auroville
Source: en.wikipedia.org
Auroville, which literally translates to “City of Dawn”, is an experimental township in Tamil Nadu. As part of the ongoing experiment, the residents of Auroville have account numbers connected to a central database instead of the usual currency. Each month, the residents of the township are encouraged to contribute to the central fund. People of Auroville who are in need are given a monthly amount out of this central fund to meet their basic needs. Set up to meet the vision of united humanity, Auroville is a beautiful part of the world to be in. Despite people from several different castes and religions residing here, you can feel the peace and the harmony. Of course, the beautiful surroundings of the township make it an out of the world experience.67. Gold Temple Vellore
Source: hawaiidermatology.com
A gorgeous sight in the city of Vellore is the Gold Temple, also known as the Mahalakshmi temple. The temple is located in Sripuram Park, which lies at the foot of a hill range in Malaikodi. The temple has a coating of real gold, with intricate carvings and gold sculptures on the inside too. According to records, a whopping 1500 kg gold was used to build the temple. While some may term that as wasteful expenditure, nothing can take away from the fact that the temple is a stunning sight. It is frequented by lakhs of tourists round the year who come here to seek blessings or just to see this architectural marvel.68. Taj Mahal
Source: http://indiaaria.blogspot.in/
Taj Mahal is the icon of India and the epitome of love around the world. This magnificent monument was built by Shah Jahan in the loving memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The white marble and the intricate carvings of the monument have mesmerized many around the world. Quite rightly, the monument finds a place in the Seven Wonders of the World. It is believed that Shah Jahan ordered that the hands of all the laborers who built the monument be severed so that they can never build a monument so beautiful ever again.69. Buland Darwaza
Mumbai has the Gateway of India, Delhi has the India Gate, and Uttar Pradesh has the Buland Darwaza. The “gate” is located in Fatehpur Sikri, about 40 km away from the city of Agra. The iconic monument was built by Akbar in 1601 AD in order to celebrate his victory on Gujarat. The red sandstone and the carvings on the monument make it s quintessential Mughal masterpiece.
70. Kibber Monastery
Source: http://www.thinkingparticle.com
A trip to Kibber Monastery is almost like a trip to another world. Kibber Monastery lies close to the town of Kibber, which has about 80 odd homes only. The stone structure of the monastery blends well with the khaki colored rocks in the background, while the snow capped peaks in the distance make it stand out. The monastery is understated, and some might even miss it if they don’t pay enough attention. But if you can brave the tough trek to it, you will be greeted with some magnificent views of the Himalayas and Spiti Valley.71. Shanti Stupa
72. Gurez Valley
http://www.swatizutshi.wordpress.com
Gurez Valley is a largely unexplored part of Kashmir, partly due to it being a sensitive region. It is located very close to the Line of Control and hence, it is heavily guarded. In fact, it is only recently that the valley has been opened to tourists. It is a fertile valley with high mountains on either side. You can feast your eyes here with some gorgeous greenery and some really close views of the Himalayas. The fresh mountain air of the valley replenishes your mind, body and soul.73. Key Monastery
Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ameeth
Key Monastery is an iconic fort monastery located in Spiti Valley in Himachal. The architectural style of the monastery is referred to as Pasada, which symbolizes the multi-storey construction of the monastery. It is one of the largest in Spiti Valley. While there is nothing spectacular about the monastery, the fact that it is constructed at such a great height makes it magnificent. The top of the monastery offers some scintillating views of the Himalayas and the Spiti Valley.74. Sheshnag Lake
Located in the trekking trail of Amarnath Cave is the Sheshnag Lake, another beautiful part of the Kashmir. It is an oligotrophic lake, which means it does not support too much plant or animal life, and yet, it has abundant oxygen if you go deeper in the lake. About a kilometer in length, the lake is nestled between towering mountain peaks. The best way to reach the lake is through a trek, which gives you a chance to experience the beauty of the region in all its splendor. For those who cannot handle strenuous activities though, you can always take a pony ride from Chadanwari, which is about 7 km away.
75. Victoria Memorial
Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lobodrl/5742287081/
An icon of the city of Kolkata is the Victoria Memorial. This majestic structure stands testimony to the colonial past of the city. The building was designed by Sir William Emerson and is one of the most beautiful structures of modern India. The memorial houses a museum which has several artifacts belonging to the British times. The Royal Gallery here has original oil paintings of the time of Queen Victoria, which take you to the times gone by. Visit the memorial and you will be charmed by the grandeur and the understated elegance o the building.76. Haji Ali Dargah
Source: exploremumbai.in
One of the most important landmarks of the city of Mumbai is Haji Ali Dargah. Located off the coast of Worli, the dargah was constructed way back in 1431. It was built in the memory of Sayyed Peer Haji Ali. It is believed that Sayyed Peer Haji Ali gave up all his material possessions before taking a trip to Mecca. You can expect a swarm of people here on Thursdays and Fridays as they seek the blessings of the revered saint. With sea on both the sides, it is a beautiful and a pious spot.77. Marine Drive
Source: http://www.relax.com.sg
One of the most beautiful places in India for a romantic drive is the Marine Drive. It is a 3 km long stretch overlooking the sea. You can expect a lot of people at any time of the day, watching the sea, and spending some moments together with their loved ones or all alone. If you are tired of the chaos of Mumbai, the Marine Drive is the best place to be to get away from it all.78. Gateway of India
Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/66281151@N07/7448865284/
An iconic landmark of the city of Mumbai is the Gateway of India. The structure is often referred to as “Taj Mahal of India.” It was built during the British times and must have served as the landing point for people coming by boat to Mumbai. Overlooking the shore and the iconic Taj Hotel, it has come under attack by terrorists quite a few times. However, that hasn’t deterred people from visiting this beautiful landmark of Mumbai.79. Ajanta and Ellora Caves
Source: http://getxcitefun.blogspot.in/
A little away from the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra are the Ajanta and Ellora Caves. These are not natural caves, which makes them so magnificent in the first place. Evidence suggests that the caves were carved out of huge mountain rocks almost 2,000 years ago. The caves have some intricately carved sculptures, mostly belonging to Buddhism and Jainism religions. The fact that the caves were carved out by Buddhist monks without any sophisticated tools make them worth a visit. They give you a peek into the rich cultural diversity of the country.80. Akshardham, Gujarat-
81. Jama Masjid
Source: stylowi.blip.pl
Jama Masjid in Ahmedabad, Gujarat dates back to the 15th century, which in itself is magnificent. The mosque was built during Ahmed Shah’s reign and was one of the largest ones built during that period in the country. The mosque has the tombs of Ahmed Shah, his wives, his son and grandson. Walking through the deserted corridors of the mosque take you to the old times, during the rule of the kings and the queens. The structure is well preserved and definitely qualifies as one of the most beautiful places in India.82. Lakshmi Vilas Palace
Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jmboyer
Four times the size of Buckingham Palace is the Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodra, Gujarat. The palace is an epitome of grandeur and luxury, and still serves as the residence of the royal family. The interiors of the building are inspired from European architecture, and the highlight of it is the opulent Darbar Hall, which plays host to musical concerts every now and then. There are a lot of artifacts in the palace belonging to the ancient times, which include armory, bronze sculptures and more. The palace also once had its own zoo. However, all that remains of the zoo today is a pond with crocodiles. You can also see a train engine at the entrance of the palace. The engine is part of the train which was ordered by the Maharaja to take his children from school to the main palace building and back. Talk of opulence!83. Lotus Temple
Source: colorcoat-online.com
Another architecture masterpiece of India is the Lotus Temple, also known as the Bahai House of Worship. The temple gets its name from its shape which resembles that of a lotus flower. Since it is a Bahai temple, don’t expect beautiful idols or priests singing hymns in the premises. In fact, what you see is a large hall where you can sit and chant your prayers, irrespective of your religion. True to a place of worship, the atmosphere of the temple is calm and relaxed, ideal for meditation and spending a few moments with yourself.84. Akshardham Temple
Source: http://www.ktrmurali.wordpress.com
It is the newest of all architecture marvels of India in the list, but that takes nothing away from its glory. The temple was opened to public in 2005, and even since, it has served a major source of tourist attraction in the capital city of India. The temple is dedicated to traditional Hindu culture, spirituality and architecture. Apart from the spiritual aspect of it, you can enjoy a film here on pilgrimage by Swaminarayan, take a boat ride through 10,000 years of history of India, and watch a musical fountain show too.85. India Gate
Source: fotopedia.com
An iconic monument of Delhi is the India Gate, constructed in order to pay homage to the Indian soldiers who lost their lives during World War I. The monument was designed by Sir Edward Lutyens and is in the middle of the city. While you may not find anything special about the architecture of it, it still makes for a wonderful sight. It is also one of the few places in Delhi where you can take a stroll at 1 in the night and the police won’t take you away for questioning.86. Qutub Minar
Source: http://www.yinduabc.com
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is Delhi’s tallest minaret, with a height of about 240 feet. The monument was built in order to surpass the beauty of Minaret of Jam in Afghanistan, way back in 1052 CE. The monument has several ruins and relics dating back to centuries ago, which together constitute the Qutub Complex. In the olden days, you could climb the stairs and reach the top of the minaret for an awesome view of the surrounding areas. Unfortunately, that has been disallowed to protect the monument. However, despite that, it continues to be an icon of Delhi’s landscape.87. Red Fort
The Red Fort was built by Shahjahan in the 17th century in what is now Old Delhi, or the Walled City. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and another architecture icon of India’s capital. Originally, River Yamuna flew by the fort and replenished the moats which surround the walls of the fort. However, land was reclaimed from the river for construction purposes in modern India. It may not look like a architectural marvel today, but the fact that it has remained strong and stood the test of times for over 3 centuries is testimony to the brilliance of the architecture.
88. Mawkdok Dympep Valley
Meghalaya is a largely unexplored territory of India, but there are some beautiful places in this part of the country which simply take your breath away. One of these is Mawkdok Dympep Valley, located between Shillong and Cherrapunji. It is a V shaped valley with lush greenery and tranquil surroundings. During the cold months, a shallow mist covers the valley, making it look even more beautiful. The best way to take in the panoramic views of the valley is to climb atop the designated viewing point here. Keep your camera ready, for you just can’t miss to capture the beauty of the valley in your lens.
89. Living Root Bridges
90. Tawang Monastery
Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ezee123/
The largest monastery of India is the Tawan Monastery, located in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. The monastery was built in the 17th century and is home to around 450 monks. The name of the monastery translates to “Horse Chosen.” According to folklore, after Merang Lama could not decide on a suitable site for the monastery, he decided to seek diving intervention. Merang Lama’s horse then rode all the way to a hilltop, which is the current location of the monastery. Situated at a height of about 3300 meters above sea level, the monastery houses 400 year old scriptures and several other artifacts of importance to the Buddhist religion.91. Corbett National Park
92. Tsongmo Lake
Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dacookieman/4304262038/
Located in the eastern part of Sikkim, at an altitude of about 12,400 feet is the Tsongmo Lake. You pass this lake while trekking to Nathu La Pass, which lies at the Ind0-China border. Like other lakes of the Himalayan region, this one too is just gorgeous to say the least. You somehow fall in love with it from the moment you set your eyes on it. And unlike other lakes of the region, this one involves a relatively easier trek.93. Yumthang Valley
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org
Located in the northern part of Sikkim is the Yumthang Valley. It is a beautiful land where you can often see locals grazing their sheep. Situated at an altitude of about 14,000 feet, the valley is blessed with more than 20 species of beautiful rhododendrons during the summer season. A beautiful stream of river flows through the valley, adding to the charm of the place. While the valley remains closed in the winter months because of heavy snowfall, it is pure delight during the summer months. The best way to reach the valley is to reach Lachung and then take an early morning trip to the valley. Don’t risk travelling late in the day, because the sun sets really quickly in this part of the country, and it gets foggy too.94. Neermahal
95. Ujjayanta Palace
Source: http://www.andhramania.com/
Another beautiful palace in the state of Tripura is the Ujjayanta Palace. The palace, located in the capital city of Agartala, was built by Maharaja Radha Manikya in 1901. The palace originally built by the king was located about 10 km away from the city of Agartala. However, after it was left in shambles by a strong earthquake, it was rebuilt in the center of the city in 1897. The palace covers an area of about 1 square kilometer and it is an important part of Tripura’s history and culture. While the architectural style of the palace is not too rich, it still makes for a wonderful visit.96. Baratang Island
Baratang Island is one of the main islands of Andaman and Nicobar. Of all the beautiful places in India, this one of probably the most eclectic. The island is known for its mud volcanoes, and it is the only region in India where mud volcanoes are found. The volcanoes are active and are known to erupt sporadically. The island is also known for its marine life, much like the rest of Andaman and Nicobar. There are quite a few diving spots in the island where you can go explore the rich marine life of the region. Andaman islands are home to some really exotic marine life including rare sea turtles and species of fish.
97. Trimbakheswar Temple
98. Markha Valley
Located between Zanskar Valley and the town of Leh is Markha Valley. With the peaks of Stok Kangri and Matho in the background, you can expect some scintillating views in the valley. A large part of the valley has barren and rugged landscape, which makes it an adventurous trek in Ladakh. The valley is also inhabited by some really rare species of animals such as blue sheep and Ibex. If you are lucky, you can even spot the snow leopard in the valley. The best time for a trek through this gorgeous valley would be between the months of May and September, when the temperatures are relatively comfortable.
99. Manali
100 Beautiful Places In India - Part 1
Posts
