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Best Places to Visit in North India in December

Ladakh, the erstwhile Buddhist kingdom is spectacularly jagged. Arid mountains, dramatically crowned rocky outcrops, picturesque gompas, meditational mani walls and multi hued flags are few of the many sites that exemplify the beauty of Ladakh. The well balanced traditional society of Ladakh has much to offer the West in terms of ecological awareness.

Ladakh is a magnificent and an unexplored wonderland of the Himalayas. It is one place that is considered as a heaven by everyone who is on a lookout to satiate their indomitable love for adventure. Besides trekking in Ladakh, you can indulge in a series of adventure sports such as biking, water rafting, safaris, etc. Also known as the ‘Land of Passes, Ladakh forms an alluring part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir in India. 

Situated at an elevation of 2750 - 7672 meters above sea level, Ladakh is indeed blessed with incredible topography that comprises of hilly terrains, high altitude peaks and the lush green grasslands. Adventure fanatics from across the globe visit Ladakh as there are plethora of trek trails and trekking options available here.

Set amidst snow capped hills, Ladakh is the center of Tibetan Buddhist culture. It is dotted with a number of colorful monasteries. Some of the popular tourist hotspots in Ladakh include Alchi and Nubra Valley. Apart from this, Ladakh is also a land that is popular for the rich heritage and culture. It is home to the rare wildlife including the Tibetan antelope, ibex and yak.

Still unadulterated by modernity, Ladakh is where you’ll experience life coming to a standstill when you directly communicate with the nature and serenity around.

Jaisalmer holds a major place in the tourism landscape of Rajasthan. Located in the northwestern part of the Indian State, it is popularly called as the golden city because of its bounteous golden sand dunes and castles built with golden honey sandstones. Discover regal luxury with our Jaipur resort and Jaisalmer tour packages.

The city is adorned with a number of lagoons, ornamental Jain places of worship, and lavish havelis. This is however one side of the coin. Jaisalmer is also known for its offbeat desert safari experience. The city offers pleasant stays in the middle of the vast spread Thar desert and loads of adventure activities to give you a completely unforgettable experience. The city is also packed with colorful handicraft marketplaces that will take you back in the timeline to offer you an experience of Indian culture and heritage.

Jaisalmer is home to some of the most sought after attractions of the nation like the majestic Jaisalmer Fort, full of live desert national park, ancient Kuldhara Village, beautifully designed Jain temples, surreal Gadisar Lake, rustic Sam Sand Dunes, artistic Tazia Tower and Badal Palace, intricately designed Patwon ki Haveli, glorious bada bagh, and many more significant places of tourist attractions.

In the course of your visit to the city of Jaisalmer, you can indulge in a number of desert experiences which are not only adventurous but also filled with fun. Heading out on a safari tour on a jeep or camel and traversing your way through the sands is certainly a great experience. The desert camps have also got loads of other fun for you. You will be spending amazing evening hours at the campsite witnessing the traditional performances of music and dance. The campsites are also known to offer the best ever authentic Rajasthani dishes to delight your taste buds.

Jaisalmer remains hot all through the year. It experiences very hot summer days from the month of April to the month of July, rainy season from the month of July to the month of August, and milder winter days from the month of December to the month of March.

Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, India’s largest state, was built by Sawaji Jai SIngh in the 18th century. Located 268 Km away from New Delhi, it is a major tourist destination that forms an important part of the famous Golden Triangle tourist circuit. Explore the vibrant charm of Jaipur with our affordable Jaipur tour packages.

The chaotic, colourful streets of Jaipur present a recurrent pattern of new and old. The city, encircled by besieged walls and rugged hills, is full of well-preserved historical buildings and royal heritage. It forms a part of the Golden Triangle Tourist Circuit, with its wide roads dotted with majestic statues and its impressive palaces.

The City Palace is an iconic landmark that lies at the heart of the city, still housing the royal family. The Jantar Mantar is another famous attraction, with its vast collection of ancient astronomical instruments. While here, prepare to get bedazzled by the architectural brilliance of the Hawa Mahal and the grandeur of Jaipur’s star attraction, the Amber Fort.

On the outskirts of Jaipur lies the Aravalli hills, which presents ample trekking opportunities at Chouri Ghat and Bhuteshwar Nath. You can also take part in cycling tours and check out some of the seasonal waterfalls around here. Nahargarh and Jhalana provide wildlife photography and jungle safari opportunities. ATV rides and zip-lining are some of the other activities you can try out in Jaipur.

Jaipur has a hot semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters that are short lived. The monsoon season runs from July to August, providing yearly precipitation of more than 63 cm. The average temperature here lies around 25.1 degrees Celsius and on rare occasions, it can fall below freezing point in winter.

The historical and ancient city of Jodhpur is situated in the Thar Desert, in the northwest Indian state of Rajasthan. This is a 15th Century city built around the majestic Mehrangarh Fort. This city is also known as the “Blue City” due to the uniformly painted houses in light blue colour.

The city of Jodhpur is popular for its rugged natural beauty. Its rocky landscape and desert plantations along with ancient ruins of the historical forts and palaces create an adventurous and a mesmerising ambience for visitors. The city looks magical at night, with the forts lighting up the horizon and performers adding to the cultural vibrance of the city.

The main attraction of this city is its majestic forts and palaces. The entire city is built around the imposing structure of the Mehrangarh Fort. The Umaid Bhavan Palace is the epitome of royal magnificence and another stunning attraction that you can check out when you are visiting. The other architectural marvels include the Jaswant Thada, the Ghanta Ghar or the Clock Tower, the Mandore Gardens, the Rao Jodha Rock Park, Phool Mahal – located within the Mehrangarh Fort, the Chand Baori and Osian Temples and Toorji ka Jhalra, to mention a few.

The beautiful city of Jodhpur is thriving with life and adventures. You can enjoy activities such as Overlander Safaris, where you get to meet the locals in the rural regions and learn about the intricacies of their unique culture and lifestyle. The cultural performances at the Desert camps are experiences you can’t miss when you’re in Jodhpur. The true essence of Rajasthani folk music and dance is on full display during these performances. Trying out the unique cuisines and famous street food in Jodhpur is also bound to be a memorable experience when you are in the city.

Jodhpur experiences semi-arid and fairly warm temperatures all throughout the year, which makes it ideal for winter travels. The city is also known as the “Sun City” due to its sunny weather prevailing throughout the year. The weather experiences a sharp fluctuation with days that are hot and dry and cold nights. Rainfall is sparse. The weather is most pleasant from October to March, which is also the best time to enjoy and explore this marvellous city.

Pushkar is an essential pilgrimage in India for the Hindu and Sikh faith holders due to the presence of 100’s of stunning temples including the only ‘Lord Brahma Temple’ in the world, and several gurudwaras. It is located amidst the western Aravalli Range on the shore of the natural Pushkar Lake, around 10 kilometres from the city of Ajmer in Rajasthan. And since Pushkar is a part of the torrid desert state, it has particularly warm summers and cool, pleasant winters with moderate rainfall in the monsoons. Experience the grandeur of Jaipur's palaces and beyond with our Rajasthan packages, offering a seamless blend of history and luxury.

Pushkar is believed to have been an ancient city as it has found mentions in many Hindu mythologies and other important Indian scriptures. Hence, the colourful and different history of this Temple Town has garnered attention from domestic and international tourists, many of whom are also devouts. But that’s not all; there is still much more to this tranquil town than meets the eye. 

In the present day and age, it has become a popular weekend getaway for people, especially the youth living in nearby cities like -Jaipur, Ajmer, Delhi etc. for its many offerings of recreational activities like - boating on the lake, camel safaris, camping and hikes, cable-car rides, shopping for local handicrafts, among more. Along with the alluring points of interest like - the Rose Garden, Mertha, Pushkar Bazaar, Varaha Ghat etc. that are worth exploring during a short rendezvous. Moreover, It has primarily been famed for its annual ‘Pushkar Mela’ which is a Cattle Fair organized during the month of ‘Karthik’ (October/November) for five days. It is the biggest and grandest celebration in the town where thousands of locals and tourists gather to savour rides, folk performance, shows, and the most important event of all - the trading of numerous cattle, horses and camels from distinct parts of the country. The two prominent Hindu festivals - Holi and Diwali are also celebrated with much penchant and glee, making it one of the unmissable sightings. 

The tourism in Pushkar is thriving, which has led to the residents, along with many high-end brands and industries developing a commercial aspect. Because of this, one can find an array of hotels and resorts, quaint cafes and eateries serving international cuisines, and other modern facilities. All ranging from modestly priced for the budgeted guests to the 5-star luxurious ones for the big spenders. Thus, Pushkar is that one city that welcomes one and all with open arms and offers an experience unlike any other. And although the city brims with trotters all year long, it is the time during October till March that fits best for one to plan a short excursion to fully take in the beauty, merrymaking and the ambient surroundings. 

Kashmir, known as an epitome for Paradise on Earth, is indeed what it is poetically described. A lot of artists, writers and poets have taken inspiration from the natural beauty of Kashmir and when you visit here, you will understand that the beauty of this place is indeed life-changing. You will never see something so tranquil and breathtakingly pure and beautiful like Jammu and Kashmir

Though disputed for acquisition by three countries-India, Pakistan and China, this place has managed to maintain its charm despite of political instability and natural calamities. The locals here are very friendly and this mountainous region is a magnificent gift from nature.

Tourists flock here for adventure, including trekking, mountaineering, skiing, relaxing on lake houseboats, mountain biking, hiking or just to have a sheer romance with nature. Jammu and Kashmir, a heaven on earth will make you feel like you are in a wonderland of miracles from nature which will rejuvenate your mind and soul and help you find a new soul within yourself. This is a place which you can visit with your family, friends or parents as there is a wide range of tourism options from which you can choose according to your travel preferences.

Nestled amongst the aesthetic natural bounties, Bir is a small village in Himachal Pradesh which is also known as the paragliding capital of India. A place so pristine, this village adds extra glitters and jitters to the beauty of Himachal. Bir is located at an elevation of 5,000 feet amidst the serene landscapes, snow-capped hills, and artistic temples. Home to a Tibetan colony, this place holds a rich culture featuring the Deer Park Institute, a centre for Indian tradition wisdom patronage by Dalai Lama, widening the horizons of your knowledge about traditions. 

Not just a visual treat, Bir is famous for enthralling activities including trekking, paragliding, mountain biking, and hand gliding, giving you savour the adrenaline rush you’ve been looking for. For the ones looking for a thrill-filled vacation to challenge your inner adventurer, Bir won’t disappoint you at all. Bir has something for everyone; head to the Bir Road market to quench your shopping cravings, leisure walk along the lake, enjoy few hours at the Himalayan Film school, explore the cafes that serve divine local Tibetan dishes, and watch the tranquilising sight as the sun sets in the sky gleaming with different hues. 

The summer season of Bir, starting from April to June, turns this beautiful land into heaven as the snow melts making the weather pleasant. This is considered the best time for paragliding bringing flocks of people from all over the globe. Magnifying the elegance of Bir, the monsoon showers flourish the flora and fauna of the place turning the place into heaven. The light to heavy showers make it an offseason for paragliding, therefore, if you want to explore Bir and indulge in activities other than paragliding then this season is perfectly fine.

The temperature in winters, starting from December to March, drop down to sub-zero as it starts to snow in the upper regions covering it in 5-6 feet ice sheet. If you wish to winter trek then you can visit Bir in this season, but make sure you are well prepared.

Rishikesh is a tehsil located in Uttarakhand’s Tehri Garhwal region right on the banks of the holiest of Indian rivers, the Ganges. This ancient city has several mythological and religious legends associated with Lord Vishnu, Lord Bharat, and various prominent sages and is said to have been established in the 9th-century AD by Adi Shankaracharya.

The scenic beauty of Rishikesh is due to its location at the foothills of the lofty Garhwal Himalayas is accentuated by the mighty Ganges cutting right through the city. The picturesque city looks suspended between the stunning riverside promenades, acres of forests, lush mountains, and clear blue skies lending it a surreal appearance.

The city is synonymous with its grand temples, rituals, architectural marvels and yoga ashrams. Every temple here, be it the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Raghunath Temple, or the 13-storey Trimbakeshwar Temple, has its own beautiful legend that attracts people from all over the world. The twin Ram & Lakshman Jhulas are outstanding architectural feats in themselves. These suspension bridges span for over 750 ft. over the Ganges. There are numerous ashrams here that lead people into the spiritual world of ancient forms of yoga, meditation, and vipasana to cleanse their soul and de-stress.

Rishikesh has its share of offbeat and adventure activities too. If you are not enjoying the adrenaline rush of white water rafting available up to grade 6, you can spend time enjoying amazing experiences like cliff jumping, kayaking, body surfing, etc. There are picturesque waterfalls here like Patna fall and Neer Garhi fall, etc. that are perfect to escape into the raw wilderness of nature. If you are the spiritual kind, you can’t miss attending the jaw-dropping spectacle of the Maha Aarti.

The summer months (March-June) here are extremely hot & humid with temperatures reaching up to 36°C. Winter months (October-February) are cold and sunny with temperatures dipping to a low of 6°C, making them the best months to visit. Monsoon months (June-September) see a lot of rains accompanied by humidity.

An abode of clouds, the rolling hills around the town and the hill station of one of the smallest states of India, Meghalaya. With the best places to visit in Shillong, it is geography synonymous to heaven, is the painting hung on your drawing-room wall, a collage of memories yet to be lived.

This prepossessing land is a beauty that floats on high over vales and hills, where the tall pine trees are seen fluttering and dancing in the breeze, and the clouds find a space along the margins of a hill unfolding the enchanting blue sky. The mystique land perched on an escarpment is more than enough to leave your imagination spell-bound.

The capital city of the state Meghalaya - a perfect blend of old charm and fresh essence, this bliss of solitude carries a number of things like falls, parks, peaks, landscapes and museums to keep a traveller’s head tossing in sprightly dance.

With the best places to visit in Shillong, this surprising holiday destination will make you forget to stop the shutters of your cam. The god’s honest harvest is ready to find a space among the favourites in your travel diary.

If you are looking for a serene and calm location to harmonize your soul, then Dalhousie would be an ideal place. The galore of luscious meadows with a mesmerizing blend of fir and pine trees would enlighten your body and mind for a memorable experience. This stunning hill station is ideal for family vacations and romantic honeymoons, and even foreign tourists prefer to visit this impeccable location.

There are many eminent places in Dalhousie, which should be a must-visit on your list. You would certainly feel like in fairyland by witnessing nature’s imperious form in many parts of this stunning hill station. Khajjiar is a popular spot in Dalhousie, and its astonishing beauty gives it the title of “ Switzerland of India.” This glorious place would certainly take your breath away with its lush greenery and alluring atmosphere. Along with the spell bounding meadows, Khajjiar is also renowned for its divine temples.

For all the adventurous freaks, activities like Paragliding, Zorbing, and trekking are regularly organized in different locations of Dalhousie. You should also witness the astonishing site of Satdhara Falls for a rejuvenating experience. With incredible therapeutic properties, the waterfalls are quite efficient against several ailments. This place is also ideal for trekking, with a soul-stirring experience of witnessing nature’s imperious form.

For an enthralling excursion trip with friends and family, Panch Pulla should be your ideal destination. Astonishing view of waterfalls, exuberating picnic spots and an adventurous trek awaits you at this spot! For people who are intrigued by the menacing wildlife, Kalatop wildlife sanctuary is home to incredible creatures like Leopard, Himalayan Black Marten, Bear, and jackal. Witnessing such beautiful creatures would certainly send chills through your spines! Thus Dalhousie is one place in Himachal which is ideal for every travel aficionado.

Among the most popular hill stations in India, Shimla holds a distinct place owing to its unique charm. Located at a distance of 342 km from the national capital, Delhi, Shimla is a great choice for a weekend getaway from Delhi and Chandigarh since there are so many places to visit in Shimla. Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, and all it possesses and all it offers helps it easily justify its reputation and position as the capital city of a beautiful state, widely known for adventure activities and natural wonders. Laden with beautiful, dense forests of Pine, Oak, and Deodar, Shimla is refreshing in its very existence. 

The picturesqueness of this beautiful hill station makes it an apt destination for photographers looking for perfect frames and nature enthusiasts who want explore the nature in its pristine form. It is quite interesting that despite being home to a large population, the biosphere of Shimla is still in an excellent form. Shimla exhibits a very relaxing mood to those who visit it in search of tranquility.

Due to the plenty of activity options available here, Shimla is emerging as a popular destination for offbeat travel as well. People from all over India and beyond visit Shimla to experience an adventure which makes it a major hotspot for adventure activities in northern India. It is also home to some beautiful places with spectacular views, and some truly magnificent specimens of architecture can be found in Shimla.

Shimla houses some beautiful Hindu temples, located at apt locations, offering spectacular views of the beautiful hill station and the nearby hills with a thick covering of green forests. Some of the most revered temples in Shimla are Jakhoo Temple, Tara Devi Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, etc. These temples are located at short distances from the city center, so if you prefer, you can trek up to these temples through the woods. Shimla has a plethora of interesting places to visit and explore. As Shimla once served as the Summer Capital of British India, some captivating buildings with brilliant neo-Gothic architecture exist here.

Some of the most remarkable ones among those are the Institute of Advance Learning, Gorton Castle, Bantony Castle, and Christ Church. You can spend an evening shopping from the Mall Road and enjoying some interesting cultural activities on the Ridge. Splendid views of the city can be enjoyed and captured in your camera from the Ridge after sunset. Shimla also has also some interesting places in store for wildlife lovers. Himalayan Bird Park is a delight for wildlife lovers, exhibiting some exotic and native unique bird species. Another great option for nature lovers and photographers in Shimla is Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary.

Shimla is not the kind of place that would ever let you feel bored while you are there since there are many interesting things to do in Shimla. Small things feel extraordinary in its beautiful setting. Be it a lazy walk on the Mall Road or shopping low-cost wooden articles and woolen clothes from Lakkar Bazar; be it picking one of the many restaurants serving toothsome food or trying pastries at bakery shops on the Mall Road, everything has a ‘feel good’ factor about it here. Moreover, the popularity of Shimla as a travel destination for an offbeat experience is on the rise. Earlier, Shimla was more popular among people travelling with families as a summer getaway, but with the popularisation of adventure activities, it is earning a reputation among adventure lovers.

Due to its proximity from major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh, people from these cities prefer to travel to Shimla to indulge into adventure activities over travelling to destinations farther than it. Among the most popular activities in Shimla are camping, trekking, ice skating, paragliding, river rafting and heli skiing. If you want to experience light and easy activities in Shimla, there are some nice easy trek options here that take you to amazing spots through lush green Pine and Oak forests. And, if you crave thrill, Shimla is surrounded by some prominent Himalayan mountain ranges which is the reason why there are some breathtaking trails for trekking in and around Shimla. You can also experience the unique fun of ice skating here. Mountain biking can also be enjoyed in Shimla if you are up for something different.

Being the capital city of Himachal, there are abundant stay options in Shimla. You can find a good accommodation at a ridiculously low price and you can also find luxury hotels and resorts at scenic locations. Furthermore, there are some excellent campsites in Shimla where you can enjoy camping in the woods under a beautiful starlit sky. So, it does not matter whether you are a budget traveller or you prefer extravaganza; if you want to just relax in a comfortable accommodation laced with all modern amenities or you want an outdoor camping experience, Shimla has the most appropriate options to offer.

Shimla looks beautiful during all the seasons and can be visited during any time of the year. However, if you are interested in indulging in activities like camping, trekking and rafting in Shimla, the best time to visit is between March to June when the climate is pleasant. Most tourists visit Shimla during summer to find refuge in the cold hills of Shimla. But, visiting Shimla during winters is altogether a different experience. It is an ideal destination to spend a cold, lazy vacation at. If you get lucky, you may get to witness snowfall here between December to February, which is an experience, the memories of which you will always want to keep intact.

Nestled in the mighty Himalayas, Manali has an abundance of spectacular valleys filled with forests of oak, fir, deodar and pine. It is a full package of nature, food, adventure sports and ancient heritages. Splashing river Beas flows proudly amidst the valley. A lot of gushing waterfalls like Jogni falls and Rahala fall flush out of haphazardly placed rocks. You can also catch sights of sprawling meadows, terraced farming and fruit orchards. All these sights adds up to making the town look breathtakingly beautiful. 

Manali also shares a piece of history, giving it ancient heritages which has splendid architecture and stunning views. Religious devotees come here to pay their tribute to the temples like Hadimba, Manu and Shiv temple. Whereas history lovers go to old forts like Naggar and Kuthar. These places have remarkable architecture against the backdrop of mountains which is worth a visit. 

Having said enough about the terrains of Manali, it is a hub for adventure sports. The location gives a wide range of adventurous activities like paragliding, camping, trekking and river rafting to feed the adrenaline hunger of the adventure seekers. It also has rustic villages and backcountries, which calls for the hippie experiences. Places like Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass are often visited by these junkies. Backpackers love to visit here to get the plateful meal of thrill, nature, wildlife and tranquillity. 

All this grace makes up Manali for a romantic honeymoon with a subtle blend of adventure. Newly wedded couples choose this place to begin the new life of their love amidst the fresh meadows and white streams of water. Striding around the mall road at night is also a very pleasing option where they together can try on distinct local cuisines. However, the regional cuisines are majorly influenced by Punjabi and Tibetan tadka, but that ends up making it tastier. Mall road also leaves options for buying unique stuff like singing bowl, woollen clothing, Dorje, prayer wheels and other souvenirs. These lit roads at night and gleaming valleys in the morning give picture-perfect backdrops for their honeymoon photos. Even photography enthusiasts can capture these frames along with flora and fauna of the city.

Manali is no less than a box full of an array of sweets. You can dig in it and collect as many gems as you want. And by gems, it means ‘memories’. Wait no longer and pack all that you need for a fun-filled trip. Grab your laptop to book your tickets and head off to this lovely place to have some experiences to cherish throughout your life.

Amritsar is the holiest city for Sikhs not only in India but all over the world. The name of the city is derived from the holy pool that surrounds the famous Golden Temple of this city, which means “the holy pool of nectar”.

Reaching Amritsar is very convenient because it is one of the main cities in Punjab and is directly connected to the National Highway that connects it with other cities like Ambala, Chandigarh, Delhi and Patiala.

The airport in Amritsar is the Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport that is 11km away from the main city and is frequented by domestic as well as international flights. One can also visit Amritsar via trains as the Amritsar Railway Station is connected to almost all major cities in the country including Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai and Delhi.

A visit to the city of Amritsar is incomplete without a visit to the famous Golden Temple. This temple is also known as Harmandir Sahib. It was founded by the 4th Sikh Guru in 1604. Sikhs from all over the world visit the temple, as it is considered the ultimate pilgrimage destination for the community. Apart from this, the Jallianwala Bagh shrine is also a popular tourist attraction. One can also visit the Akal Takht.

The famous Wagah Border ceremony can also be witnessed when you are in Amritsar, as the border between India and Pakistan runs through the area. For animal lovers, the Harike Wetland Sanctuary is an exciting place to visit, while the Amritsar Heritage Walk will give you incredible insight into the colourful history of the city.

One of the most attractive features of the city is its food, with local stalls selling delicacies that are on par with any good restaurant in the country. The best time to visit Amritsar is between November and March when you can avoid the scorching summers and the wet monsoons.

Experience a serene vacation exploring the exquisiteness of nature with a vacation in the picturesque Dharamshala. Situated at an average altitude of 1,475 meters above sea level, Dharamshala lies on the scenic stretch of land of Kangra Valley making tourists spellbound for its spectacular beauty. Often cited as the ‘Little Lhasa of India’, Dharamshala is popularly known as the holy residence of the exiled Tibetan monk Dalai Lama.

With the backdrop of the breathtaking Dhauladhar ranges, Dharamshala is the one of the most tranquil destinations which you will find in North India, the perfect amalgamation of natural beauty and culture. Surrounded by thick deodar cedar trees and the snow capped peaks which decorate the landscape, the quaint city is visited by thousands of tourists to beat the summer blues and explore the best places to visit in Dharamshala.

The city of Dharamshala is divided into two parts, the lower division is the Dharamsala town whereas the upper division is known as Mcleodganj. Blessed with spectacular scenes of nature, the calm and serene hill stations proudly boasts strong Buddhist influences with many quaint old monasteries located here. There are a lot of other attractions in Dharamshala like the charming St. John Church, headquarters of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Dal Lake, etc. that draws tourists from different parts of the country.

Dharamshala remains a distinct tourist destination in India attracting large crowds not only nationally but also internationally who come here to discover the striking Tibetan hub in India. For most ardent travelers, Dharamshala is a popular name on their travel wish lists due to its magnificent beauty and charming splendor of the landscape. So start packing up your bags and go to Dharamshala to behold one of the most scenic hill stations in India. If you are still wondering what makes it so charming, then check out the best places to visit in Dharamshala that attracts thousands of tourists every year.

The ancient city of Haridwar in Uttarakhand has been a major Hindu pilgrimage site for centuries. Located where the sacred River Ganga emerges from the base of the Himalayas, it’s considered one of the 7 Sapta Puri. The Kumbh Mela, which is held every 12 years, is also celebrated here. The sacred city of Haridwar offers a colourful and fascinating blend of culture and offers the best tourist places in Haridwar. Being one of the seven holiest cities in India, Haridwar often bustles with devotees. It propitious location near the holy River Ganga has made it gain more popularity.

With the passage of time, it has become more than just a religious city, where people thronged to perform immersion of the ashes or took a dip in the water to wash away their sins. It has in fact evolved into Yoga, cultural and spiritual centre and has also become a prime hub for learning Sanskrit language The modern day, Haridwar is the reflection of the culture of India and thus offer much to its visitors. Here is the list of best 12 places that one must see in this holy city.

While religion plays an important role in Haridwar – many visitors are pilgrims and devotees – there’s more to this holy city. The cuisine is excellent and food lovers eager to try authentic Indian fare will find their palates satiated many times over. Travelers in search of yoga ashrams and centers hoping to improve their physical and mental health won’t be left wanting either. If you’re eager to experience the tourist places in Haridwar, read on to know the best time to visit, how to get here and where to stay.

Located in the district of Nainital, Corbett National Park is a perfect place for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Named after the renowned British-Indian hunter and tracker-turned-conservationist, the tourist places in Corbett National Park have a mystical status when it comes to wildlife holidays in India. This oldest national park in India is home to abundant flora and fauna and promises to offer quintessential experiences through its safari. The popularity of Corbett national Park is due to the presence of Royal Bengal Tiger in abundance and the captivating landscape for the delight of nature lovers.

Not only wildlife, the park has a good population of bird species and is quite known for fishing and angling as well. Also, with so many wildlife resorts, it’s loved by luxury travellers. Situated on the foothills of Himalayas, this ‘Paradise of Tigers’ is the key to escape from the vivid city lights and constant traffic roar. A Jim Corbett tour will take you on an adventure through lush green hills, reverie belts, water holes and 521 sq km of abounding animal and plant kingdom.

For better administration and tourist flow, Jim Corbett has been divided into six tourism zones, that attract thousands of foreign and Indian visitors every year. When we speak about the tourist places in Corbett, Dhikala zone is the largest and is highly recommended for wildlife enthusiasts as it is home for many animals, primarily tigers. Bijrani zone is also very popular among tourists and is easily accessible from Ramnagar, so is Jhirna. Durga Devi, another prominent zone is known for bird watching. Even though Sitabani zone doesn’t fall under the Corbett Tiger Reserve area, it’s an ideal place to be visited and is adored by nature lovers due to its serene ambience.

Ranthambore is an absolute paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. It is widely recognized for its National Park and Tiger Reserve, but these are not the only places that make Ranthambhore a popular tourist destination. The unquestionably mesmerizing locales, palaces, and royal ruins make Ranthambhore more than just a popular wildlife habitat.

So don’t just adore the enthralling locales or feast your eyes on to the beautiful escapades of Ranthambhore but indulge in many other interesting activities that are an absolute value for your money and time. You can opt for a safari ride that is the most adventurous activity and gives you a chance to witness the wild species roaming freely in the jungle. Bird watching tour should also be something that you must try as Ranthambhore boasts of having over 330 species of birds.

Some of the must-visit places at Ranthambore are Ranthambore Fort, which is touted as the most popular landmarks in Rajasthan. This fort was built by the Chauhan rulers in 944 AD and replicates that era in the best possible way.

You can visit this amazing fort for a jaw-dropping experience! Surwal lake is another masterpiece ideal for people who prefer a calm and tranquil ambiance to seek solace. The glorious view of the rare accumulation of wild animals here would certainly take your breath away.

Jogi Mahal is another iconic place in Ranthambore situated near the Padam lake. It is known for its incredible architecture and sculptures. It was initially made available for the visitors to reside, but off-lately Jogi Mahal is available just for sightseeing. This place also boasts of one of the biggest Banyan Trees in the country.

Along with the wildlife, the culture and traditions of Ranthambore also hold a massive significance. Rejoice yourself with the incredible art and craft of the rural women working under the great initiative of Village Women Craft. Also, treat yourself with the exclusive dishes of Rajasthan such as Dal Bati churma, Ker Sangri, and Mawa kachori for a taste that would refuse to leave your taste buds while you’re in Ranthambore!

Auli is a hill station located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand state in India. It has rightly derived its name Auli - meaning meadows, from the characteristics of its topography. The hill station is located on slopes and has far stretching meadows that look stunning to the eyes. Auli is fondly referred to as a place where nature comes alive in all its glory and splendour. It is rich in natural resources and offers a stunning landscape of the surrounding hills.

The hill station has a plethora of wildflowers and trees like deodars, oaks, coniferous and pine forests. The slopes here that are as high as 9000 feet above sea level offer stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks; like that of Nanda Devi, Kamet, Dunagiri and Mana Parvat. There are a number of attractions here at the hill station. The most famous one amongst tourists is the ropeway.

It is the highest and the longest one not just in India but the whole of Asia and it offers magnificent views of the Himalayan peaks. Auli’s artificial lake is another attraction which is one of the world’s highest man-made lakes. Similarly, Chattrakund and Chenab lake are also two other lakes worth visiting in Auli. Auli is also known as the skiing capital of India which explains how well the activity can truly be enjoyed here.

The winter months offer this thrilling experience and invite enthusiasts from across the globe. Other activities in Auli include trekking to nearby hills like Guarso and Kwani Bugyal. There is also a great scope for camping in and around Auli.  The cherry on top is the weather in Auli. The hill station being located on a slope is high in altitude but is also surrounded by dense vegetation of deodars and oaks. This controls the pace of the wind blowing here and thus, giving Auli a pleasant environment.