It's the National Tourism Day and like every year, India is celebrating it with more plans to attract travellers from around the world. There are hills to be climbed, forests to be explored and beaches to be enjoyed in India. For others who like more adventurous journey, some thrilling experience in Himalayas would definitely make them a better traveller. On the occasion of National Tourism Day, Onmanorama hand-picks few dream destinations in India most of the travellers must have in their buckets list.
1. Kashmir Circuit
Pahalgam, Sonmarg, Gulmarg, Srinagar
Main attractions: Dal Lake, Nagin Lake, Mughal Garden, Betab Valley, Strawberry Field
How to reach: Just 14 km from Srinagar airport, 130 km from Udhampur railway station
2. Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj, Tibetan pocket, Dhauladhar mountains, Dal Lake, Deodar thickets, the residence of Buddhist spiritual leader the Dalai Lama. February is the best month to visit the place. McLeod Ganj, which is 9 km from Dharamsala, has locations known for adventure tourism as well.
Chief attractions: Tughlaq Khan complex, Dal Lake, Naddi village, Kangra fort, Bhangsunath temple
How to reach: Gaggal airport near Kangra is 12 km from Dharamsala. Pathankot railway station is 90 km away. Tourist and private buses run from Delhi.
3. Kulu, Manali
Twin valleys (40 km apart), known for both scenic beauty and adventure tourism.
Chief attractions: Hidimba temple, museum of local culture and folktales, Nyingmapa Gompa monastery, Vashishth hot-water springs
How to reach: Chandigarh is 250 km away
4. Dehradun
Ideal for honeymooners, family tourists and backpackers, the place also has the famed Doon School, the Forest Research Institute and Indian Military Academy.
Chief attractions: Shikhar falls, Gachchupani cave, Khalanga war memorial and Sahastradhara sulphur springs
How to reach: Linked by railway station and airport
5. Varanasi
An ancient spiritual city known for its temples, ghats, narrow alleyways and the evening-time invocatory arati.
Chief attractions: Vishwanath temple, Dashashwamedh ghat
How to reach: Varanasi has both railway station and airport
