National Tourism Day: How about ‘holidaying abroad’ in India?

Team Udayavani, Jan 25, 2024, 10:57 AM IST

(Photo - Wikipedia)

India is a kaleidoscope of cultures that includes umpteen variations in food, clothing, language, music and religious beliefs. This colourful spread has been shaped by the long history and unique geography of this land.

Not just in culture, our nation is also rich in nature. Believe it or not, there are many places in India that will give you the feel of holidaying abroad.

We all don’t have the privilege of experiencing all the wonders of the world. Sometimes it’s work pressure or sometimes it’s a matter of money which won’t let you travel across the 7 seas. Moreover, international travel never comes easy. You’ll have to arrange for a visa, get currency exchanged and not to mention, a huge amount of time when you are spending so much.

But no worries! You can experience the essence of some of the world’s nicest places even in India. No, it’s not a matter of imagination. We really have twin-landscapes in various parts of the world.

So, let’s try exploring beautiful destinations in India itself.

Here is the list of sensational getaways closer home:

*Lakshadweep: Maldives

curlytales

Lakshadweep, a hundred thousand islands is the smallest Union Territory of India comprising 36 islands.

The blue waters, rich marine life, beautiful landscape, coral reefs, scenic beauty and enchanting environment is captivating and enthralling like Maldives. However, the entry is restricted and a permit by Lakshadweep Administration is required.

* Western Ghats: Desi Amazon Forest

Forest light at the Western Ghats in Karnataka in India is a photograph by Vishwanath Bhat (Pixels)

A solid taste of the rich Amazon Forest can be experienced in our very own country. Yes our very own Western ghats have a dense forest cover enriched with all kinds of mysterious wildlife and thick lush greens. The Western Ghats, is a mountain range that covers an area of 160,000 km² in a stretch of 1,600 km parallel to the western coast of the Indian peninsula, traversing the states of Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

*Tulips in Srinagar: Tulips in Amsterdam

(tourmyindia)

Located in the foothills of the Zabarwan mountain range, Asia’s largest Tulip garden in Srinagar’s Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden. India’s iconic tulip garden is nothing less beautiful than the tulips in Amsterdam.

*Kashmir: Switzerland

(DNA)

The beautiful crown of India, Kashmir is popularly known as the mini Switzerland in India. This is largely due to the snow-clad mountains, pine trees, the pleasant weather all year round and abundance of mountains, lakes, landscapes, gardens and valleys. If we only look at the pictures without any people in it, it would be tough to distinguish between the two.

*Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

Wikipedia

Because of the tropical climate, tourists visit the islands all through the year. Port Blair, the capital city, is also the gateway to the pristine islands that inhabit 270 species of birds and are sprawling with dense flora and fauna.

Equivalent to the Phi Phi Islands (pictured) in Thailand, this Indian counterpart is known for its picturesque locations and water sports like scuba diving and snorkeling, among others.

*Thar Desert, Rajasthan: Sahara Desert, Africa

Wikipedia

Thar desert also known as the Great Indian Desert is as beautiful as the Sahara desert. This splendid territory that borders Pakistan is a must go place to watch the sun go down against the myriad shades of brown dunes and enjoy camel safaris. December to January is the best time to visit.

*Chitrakote Falls, Chhattisgarh: Niagara Falls

tripoto

Chitrakote Falls thia waterfall in Bastar district is 95 feet (29 meters) in height and the widest waterfall in the country is often called the Niagara Falls (pictured) of India

If you wish to visit the waterfall in its full glory, then the months between July and October are ideal. This is when the monsoons swell the Indravati River, which is where the waterfall is located.

*Alappuzha, Kerala: Venice, Italy

cruiseland.in

Alleppey is a popular destination in Kerala that takes you on an enchanting journey through the backwaters. You can enjoy fishing, coir-making and prawn farming when on-board a houseboat, known as “kettuvallam.”

The city resembles Venice and one feels the same pleasure as being in Venice. The best time to visit is during the winter months of November to February.

They also host the snake boat races every year during August, which draw tourists and locals in large numbers.