National Tourism Day 2024: Top 5 Must-Visit Tourist Destinations in India

Best Five Tourist Places of India 2024:  Amidst the ongoing conflict with the island nation Maldives, it is time to look into the marvellous tourist attractions in our own backyard. India offers a wide range of tourist experiences from food and culture to heritage sites, from trekking mountains to river rafting, and from scorching deserts to snowy paradises. We have a pretty long list of go-to places for tourism and adventure. Here, we provide you the top five best tourist places in India and each of these spots offers a unique experience to the visitors.

Lakshadweep

Despite looking like a few unimportant dots on an Indian map, the Lakshadweep archipelago is a brilliant jewel filled with emeralds and diamonds that adorns India's southwest frontier. It is one of the few wonders that has escaped the grasp of industry and advancement. The deep blue sea, the white beaches, and the lagoons that wash their shores with the surrounding coral reefs are all symbiotically related. 

Furthermore, when all of these are included, Lakshadweep is now the largest of India's territories rather than the smallest. The extended marine zone is more than 7,00,000 sq km, the 35 islands cover a total area of 32 sq km, and the lagoons that are protected by the coral reef cover only 700 sq km. There is only one inhabited island in each of the 12 atolls with 35 islands. The lagoons are never deeper than a few metres, making them shallow. The lagoons' waters are immaculate and clear, much like the sweet, pristine white sands on the beaches.

Time to visit:  Lakshadweep is cherished as a family and honeymoon resort because of its white sand beaches, plethora of picturesque beauty, and serene settings. September through May are the ideal months to visit Lakshadweep because of the favourable weather that makes these months ideal for water sports. It stays between 22°C to 36°C, making it ideal for activities like swimming, surfing, canoeing, snorkelling, scuba diving, water skiing, kayaking, and so on. The area becomes increasingly greener after the summer months when monsoon rains fall between June and August. December through February is Lakshadweep's busiest time of year.

Rann of Kutch, Gujarat

The vast, breathtaking Rann of Kutch in Gujarat is located inland from the sea and is made of cracked soil. It is India’s largest salt desert. The barrenness that stretches for miles is mesmerising and terrifying at the same time, with tiny pockets of water and shrub forests serving as the homes of pink flamingos and wild asses. It is the hub for Kutchi needlework, tie-dye, leatherwork, ceramics, bell metal craft, and the renowned Rogan painting by the last surviving expert family are tribal hamlets with cylindrical mud huts. This 4953-square-kilometre Wild Sanctuary is located some 200 kilometres to the east of the Rann. It is home to the last surviving populations of blue bulls, blackbuck, and chinkara, as well as the chestnut-coloured Indian wild ass.

Time to visit: Planning for a trip to the Great Rann is essential due to the drastic temperature swings. To see migratory birds, explore the grasslands, and take in the breathtaking scenery of the Great Rann, experts advise travelling during the dry season, which runs from November to February. The Rann Utsav is a carnival that takes place from December to February. Travellers can browse handicrafts, interact with camels, and sample regional delicacies like Kutchi, and Dabeli, which is packed with spicy potatoes, chutneys, and peanuts. Local artisans erect colourful tents for the festival.

Cherrapunji, Meghalaya

Cherrapunji, sometimes referred to as Sohra locally, located on the southern sides of the Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, is a location of breathtaking natural beauty, enhanced by the Monsoon clouds and the abundant rainfall that occurs for eight months of the year. There are a few Living Root Bridges, but the Double Decker Living Root Bridge, created by entangled roots, is the most amazing of them all. Explore prehistoric fossils in historic caves like Mawsmai, Arwah, and Krem Mawmluh and get an amazing feel. Cherrapunji is home to the stunning Nohkalikai Falls, the tallest one in India. 

Time to visit: Cherrapunji can be visited throughout the year. Most suggest avoiding the monsoon season but many daredevils visit at this time to enjoy the scenic beauties of waterfalls. The best time to visit this paradise is said to be the winter season for its captivating natural beauty. Also, there are many cultural dance festivals, which are a great way of exploring the diverse social norms of Meghalaya.

Ladakh

Ladakh, the Land of High Passes, is a recently established Union Territory in India that was formerly a part of Jammu & Kashmir. Its breathtaking scenery will astound you. It is genuinely amazing to see lakes, alpine meadows, snowy mountains, and chilly deserts, all together in one place. Ladakh tourism is a true delight for adventurers and those who love the outdoors. Ladakh is the location of some of the highest motorable passes, including Chang La (5360 m), Khardung La (5359 m), and Marsimik La (5582 m), as well as alpine lakes, such as Pangong Tso (4350 m) and Tso Moriri (4522 m). 

Leh, Nubra, and Zanskar are the three regions that makeup Ladakh, and each contains several sites worth visiting. The majority of visitors to Ladakh are adventurers, who are drawn to the region by the abundance of heart-pounding activities it offers. The Union Territory offers incredible and unparalleled treks, such as the well-known Frozen River Trek/Chadar Trek, making it one of the best places in India to go trekking. In addition, Ladakh offers options for motorbiking, mountain biking, white water rafting, and mountaineering.

Time to visit: Due to its high altitude, Ladakh experiences little to no rain between July and September. Therefore the ideal time to travel to Ladakh is Monsoon.

Hampi, Karnataka

Hampi is the World heritage-listed ruins of the former mediaeval Hindu kingdom of Vijayanagara. Due to their superb craftsmanship, the temples, monuments, and monolithic sculptures are a major draw for tourists visiting Hampi. The magnificence of the Vijayanagara Empire is reflected in the Hindu architectural style of Hampi. The untamed surroundings enhance this site's historic atmosphere. One of the most notable structures in Hampi is the Virupaksha Temple. It is said that in this temple, Lord Shiva married Mata Parvati. Other great sites of Hampi include the Lotus Palace, Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, and the Hazara Rama Temple. The Karnataka government hosts the annual Hampi Utsav, sometimes called Vijaya Utsav, in January as a cultural event. 

Time to visit: The best time to visit Hampi is during the winter season, from October to February. The weather is moderate during this time, except for the hottest afternoons. This makes it the perfect time for touring the World Heritage Site. Generally, summers should be avoided as in the summer, temperatures can rise to as high as 40 degrees.

Also Read: National Tourism Day 2024: History, Significance, and Theme