‘A friend in need is a friend in deed.’ How often do you realize this saying? The answer would be almost each and every moment of your life!
When you are with your friends; especially the best ones, everything seems to be more vibrant, livelier and cheerful. When you are in their company, even the boring lectures or gatherings get exciting and equally engrossing for you.
Travelling with your best buddies; no matter what time of year it is or whichever location it is, unlimited amount of fun and excitement are always guaranteed with the best friends. Here is a list of 20 magnificent places in India, the beauty of which gets doubled if visited along with your best friends:
1. Pangong Lake, Ladakh
Image Credit: Amit Rawat – Flickr
Transporting you to an ethereal place, the Pangong Lake is located in Ladakh. This is a place where unblemished azure water is fringed by rugged mountains while cotton candy clouds float above. Feel the serenity and magic envelope you!
[Also find out other places to visit in Ladakh]
2. Rafting and Camping in Rishikesh
With bursting of vitality and eagerness, twenties is the best time to indulge in adventure sports. Ride the mystical waters of Ganges with rafting in Rishikesh, which is the most famous place for this adrenaline pumping sport. For, you get to raft upon fierce frothing water pouring through rocky terrains and green stretches. To experience the landscape of this mysterious place you can also go camping and undertake other adventure sports.
3. Living Root Bridges, Meghalaya
Image Credit: Ashwin Kumar – Flickr
What seems to appear straight out of a fantasy movie, the Living Root Bridges have to be seen to be believed! Some of these roots are more than hundred feet long and are strong enough to carry the weight of fifty people at one time. Located in Meghalaya, they are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4. Chadar – The Frozen River Trek
Image Credit: Christophe Roudet – Flickr
How often does one boast about walking on a frozen river in a dreamlike destination? Stamped as one of the most thrilling experiences for an adventure aficionado, the Chadar trek route connects villages in the Zanskar valley deep in the mountains with Chilling and the frozen Zanskar River.
Image Credit: Christophe Roudet – Flickr
Bringing back the vigour of younger days, the once-in-a-lifetime experience will make you come across breathtaking sights. It also gives you the much needed nudge to be physically fit before you even get there.
5. Andaman Islands, Scuba Diving Exploring the Coral Reefs
Image credit: Tim Proffitt-White
If the white sandy beaches and pristine blue beaches have excited you, be prepared to be awe stricken as you witness what the waters of Andaman hold for you! The rich reefs will surprise you with their varied offerings. Colourful fish, sunken ships, prismatic sea life and some steeply undulating hills of raven volcanic lava, makes for an unusual diving experience. Think of this experience as that of getting a view of heaven underwater while experiencing one of the most remote places in India.
6. Manali-Leh Road Trip
Image credit: Henrik Johansson
The ‘Mecca’ of all road trips in India, the Manali-Leh Highway has always been a favourite. Be it for the groups or solo travellers, this route outshines any other backpacking trips in India. All -you need to do: get geared up for some adventure, hit the road and reach nowhere! Passing mountains and villages, passing people who are going about their business in a more simple way what will get you appreciate both nature and simplicity.
7. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Image credit: Paul Bratcher
Let your imagination take flight as you look at nature in its entire splendor. Be treated to a spectacular view of the Solang Valley as you soar in the sky. In seconds you’ll have your adrenaline rush and you’ll be spellbound by the spectacular sight you’ll behold. Go for paragliding in Manali and you will find one of the best ways to disconnect from the world.
8. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
Image Credit: Anurag Agnihotri – Flickr
Imagine nothingness and then imagine it some more! Being one of the remote places in India and the largest salt desert in the world, the Rann of Kutch comes to life somewhere in October as the otherwise watered locale begins to dry up. Try making it to Kala Dungar (Black Hill) and experience a panoramic view from 458 meters above sea level.
9. Sandakphu, Darjeeling
Image Credit: Nicolas Mirguet – Flickr
Among the 5 highest peaks in the world, Sandakphu makes for a dreamy location. Surreal natural beauty and spectacular views define this place. It is here one can spot around 600 myriad orchid-varieties and a remarkable diversity in nature which is not found anywhere else in the world.
10. Ganapatipule Beach, Maharashtra
Image Credit: Hasnain Ali – Flickr
A hidden treasure of Maharashtra, we suggest that you visit Ganapatipule Beach before commercialization takes over. The ride on the way too is a delightful one. When at this sandy retreat, treat your eyes to 6km of unbridled clean sand flanked by greens of the cliff on one side and blues of the Arabian Sea on the other. Some hotels have opened up for accommodation. Those looking for a bit of entertainment can enjoy camel rides as well as water sports.
11. Tsomgo Lake, Sikkim
Image Credit: dacookieman
Lakes at high altitudes always make for fantastic viewing. That’s what Tsomgo Lake is too. The lake is situated at an altitude of more than 12,000 feet above sea level. The lake gets its water from the melting ice of the surrounding glaciers. About 40km from the capital city of Gangtok and 5km from the Chinese border, you need to take an arduous trek to the lake. Despite the hardships involved, the trek to the lake is truly worth it!
12. Tawang Town, Arunachal Pradesh
Image credits: rajkumar1220
Moving onto the North Eastern part of India, you will find one of the most serene and magnificent hill stations. Tawang, a sparsely populated hill town in Arunachal Pradesh also outshines other hill stations in India. Azure sky, lofty clouds, snow clad peaks and stunning views of the hills, mountains and the valleys make it a pristine hill station to visit in India. Additionally, one can even visit various popular hill stations near pune along with family and friends.
13. Caves of Meghalaya
Image credit: Seema Krishnakumar
An exhilarating adventure in Meghalaya include exploring the many caves, this beautiful terrain has to offer! Laced with magnificent caves like Krem Mawmluh, Krem Phyllut, Krem Liat Prah, Mawsynram, Mawsmai and Siju, this North-Eastern state also has some of the hidden marvels. Natural formations, scenic hills and the mesmerizing beauty of the valleys make for an interesting backdrop to explore the interesting flora and fauna of the region. Come Meghalaya, discover one of the most remote places in India.
14. Rajasthan, Dune Bashing
Don’t miss out on a quintessential rustic desert experience when in Rajasthan. The best regions of Rajasthan for a typical desert safari are Osian, Bikaner and Jaisalmer. You get to travel to some remote places of Rajasthan during the desert safari and explore some interesting ruins of the place. There is a story associated with the ruins and forts of Rajasthan, stories that captivate you from the word go.
15. Almora, Uttarakhand
Image credits: Allan Hopkins
Almora; the perfect meeting ground of culture, history, heritage and natural beauty, is located in the Kuamon region of Uttarakhand. Situated in one of the eastern corners of Uttarakhand, it is the home to some of the notable temples like Nanda Devi, Asht Bhairav, Rudreshwar Mahadev Temple and many more.
16. Havelock Island, Andaman
Image Credit: Sankara Subramanian
Havelock Island is one of the largest islands of Andaman and Nicobar, spread across an area of about 113.93 square kilometers. A trip here is riveting, with its lush greenery and azure waters. There are quite a few fantastic diving and snorkelling sites in Havelock, which make it a great place for avid divers.
17. Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh
This beautiful place bears a very striking resemblance to Switzerland’s topography, the well-known romanticizing location. Khajjar is located at the foot of Dhauladkar, in the lap of Himalayas and is 2000 meters above sea level.
18. Roopkund Trek, Himalayas
Image Source: Soham Sarkar – Flickr
Become one with nature and experience serenity with the Roopkund Trek, Himalayas. This trail provides an all-encompassing experience and visions of snow, ice, gushing streams, untouched forests, delightful stretches of meadows and scenic camping places. Need we say more?
19. Wagah Border
Get a feel of patriotism and nationality at a younger age. Head to Wagah Border which is on the only crossing road border of Punjab and Pakistan. Celebrate along with thousands the extravagant ceremony that occurs here every day before the sun sets.
20. Indian Ghost Town of Bhangarh, Rajasthan
The Indian Ghost Town of Bhangarh, Rajasthan is one of the scariest places in India to visit, in addition to being one of the most abandoned places in India. However, this tag has not perturbed visitors from making frequent trips to this ghost town.
Located near a famous forest in the area, this town is now slowly luring visitors from around the area, and country, to visit it. However, it should be noted that if you decide to visit the town after sunset, you will be not be allowed. In fact, there is a strict warning that it is out of bounds after the sun sets.
Chadar Trek is one of the best winter trek we can say in India.
ReplyDeleteI have done a few treks in India and I can say that Chadar Trek gives you a great experience of trekking.