Europe is that dream destination which so many of us look forward to visiting. Whether it is Bollywood songs shot in the Alps, GOT scenes from Croatia and Iceland, a Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara style road trip through Spain, or our colonial heritage which reminds us of England, Portugal, France or even Denmark....Europe is larger than life but part of all our lives!
But it is no secret that a trip to Europe is costly. Even backpacking through the continent can burn a hole in your pocket, and a family trip cost might be too steep to consider! If that's the case, here are 10 stunning places in India, which exude Europe vibes and are sure to transport you to your dream destination!
1. Khajjiar/Switzerland
Known as the 'Mini Switzerland' of India, Khajjiar bears a striking resemblance to the alpine meadows of Switzerland. The resemblance lies in its stunning landscape, which includes lush green meadows, dense forests, and a beautiful lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It's a wonderful place to enjoy nature, go for walks, and indulge in various outdoor activities.
What To See: Khajjiar Lake, Khajji Nag Temple, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, Dalhousie. At the lake, there are activities like Zorbing and Horse Riding
How to Reach: Nearest airport -Gaggal (120 km), Nearest Railway Station: Pathankot (95km), Nearest Town- Dalhousie(25 km). From the nearest airport or Railway Station, take a cab or bus to reach Khajjiar
2. Pondicherry/France
Pondicherry, a former French colony, lies on the East Coast of India, and still retains its French charm and heritage. The streets of the "White Town" lined with colonial-era buildings, brightly colored houses with French-style facades, and numerous French-style villas showcase their distinct influence of France. It's cafe's offer mouth-watering French cuisine, the streets retain their French names, and its layout includes wide tree-lined avenues and boulevards, reminiscent of typical French urban planning.
What To See: Promenade(Rock) Beach, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville, French Quarter (White Town), Paradise Beach, Pondicherry Museum
How to Reach: Nearest Airport: Chennai(150 km), Nearest Railway Station: Pondicherry(2 km). However, the road journey on East Coast Road from Chennai to Pondicherry is very scenic and the most (personally) recommended way to reach here.
3. Goa/Portugal
Goa is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant parties. But this former Portuguese Colony exudes a colonial charm that is unparalleled. Its beautiful churches and cathedrals have a Portuguese influence, and Fontainhas or the Latin Quarters of Goa is one of the best kept secrets of Goa which is hiding in plain sight.
What To See: Beaches-Baga, Anjuna, Calangute, Palolem, Agonda; Old Goa: magnificent churches and cathedrals including Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, and Church of St. Cajetan. Dudhsagar Falls is a must visit natural attraction. Forts: Aguada Fort, Chapora Fort, Fort Tiracol
How to Reach: Nearest Airport: Goa-Dabolim or Goa-Mopa, Nearest Railway Station: Vasco da Gama, Madgaon, Karmali
4. Udaipur/Venice
Udaipur, popularly known as "Venice of the East", is a stunning resemblance of Venice in terms of its beautiful lake system, waterfront palaces and buildings, mesmerizing boat rides and architectural aesthetics. Udaipur is a jewel in the crown of Rajasthan which is not to be missed.
What To See: City Palace, Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir and Lake Palace, Saheliyon ki Bari, Sajjangarh Palace
How to Reach: Nearest Airport: Udaipur, Nearest Railway Station: Udaipur
5. Coorg/Scotland
Coorg is known as the "Scotland of India". Both Coorg and Scotland are renowned for their breathtaking landscapes. Coorg offers lush green hills, coffee plantations, and misty valleys, while Scotland is famous for its rugged highlands, serene lochs (lakes), and picturesque glens (valleys). Both places offer various outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Coorg provides opportunities for trekking, river rafting, and wildlife spotting, while Scotland offers activities like hiking, golfing, and water sports.
What To See: Raja's Seat, Abbey Falls, Talakaveri, Namdroling Monastery (Golden Temple), Dubare Elephant Camp, Iruppu Falls, Bhagamandala, Madikeri Fort
How to Reach: Nearest Airport: Mangalore(160 km), Bangalore(230 km). Nearest Railway Station: Mysore Junction (117 km) and Kannur Railway Station (113 km)
6. Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim/Iceland
Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim is a pristine glacial lake, offering stunning landscapes which can be likened to Iceland's beauty. Just like the lakes in Iceland, Gurudongmar is a glacial lake, surrounded by majestic mountain ranges, nestled in a remote location. Travellers must brave extreme weather conditions to witness beauty of this stature.
What To See: The lake is stunning, and completely frozen in winters. It holds a lot of spiritual significance. It is believed that Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, visited this lake during his journey, and a small gurudwara (Sikh temple) stands near the lake in his memory. Yumthang Valley, which is Sikkim's Valley of Flowers can be combined with a trip to Gurudongmar Lake
How to Reach: Can be reached from Gangtok by road(189 km). Nearest airport for Gangtok: Bagdogra, Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri
7. India Gate, Delhi/Arc de Triomphe, France
India Gate and Arc de Triomphe are war memorials dedicated to soldiers who lost their lives during wars. India Gate was built to honor the Indian soldiers who died in World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War, while Arc de Triomphe commemorates French soldiers who fought and died in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Both monuments are grand arches and are known for their impressive architectural designs. They have a similar triumphal arch style with intricate carvings and inscriptions.
Apart from the striking similarity of these monuments, places like Connaught Place, Lodhi Garden, and the entire area of Lutyens' Delhi exudes a colonial charm, and gives travelers a chance to experience a slice of Europe.
What To See: India Gate, Qutab Minar, Humayun's Tomb, Red Fort, Khan Market, Hauz Khas Village, Lodhi Garden, Chandni Chowk(Old Delhi), Lotus Temple, Jama Masjid
How To Reach: Delhi has its own airport and a number of Railway Stations-New Delhi, Old Delhi, Sarai Rohilla, Delhi Cantt, Anand Vihar. There are also major bus terminals (ISBT)at Kashmere Gate and Anand VIhar. It is well connected by road, rail and air.
8. Nashik/Tuscany
Nashik is fondly called the "Wine Capital of India". Starting with Sula Vineyads, Nashik has evolved into a haven for wine production. It's rolling vineyards, surrounded by small hills will remind you of the landscape of Tuscany in Italy, which is famous for producing some of the finest wine.
What To See: Trimbakeshwar Temple, Sula Vineyards, Pandavleni Caves, Kalaram Temple, Anjaneri Hills, Someshwar Temple, Panchvati
How to Reach: Nearest Airport: Nashik. Nearest Railway Station: Nashik Road.
9. Rajabai Tower, Mumbai/Big Ben, London
Rajabai Tower and Big Ben are famous clock towers known for their large and prominent clocks. Both towers feature a blend of architectural styles. Rajabai Tower is built in a fusion of Venetian and Gothic styles, while Big Ben, part of the Palace of Westminster, is designed in a neo-gothic style.
Even beyond the similar clock to,wers, parts of the city retain the colonial charm. The Colaba area in South Mumbai has some buildings with colonial architecture like the iconic Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. The famous Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), formerly known as Victoria Terminus, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features a blend of Victorian Gothic and Indian architectural styles.
What To See: Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Elephanta Caves, Juhu Beach, Colaba Causeway, Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Haji Ali Dargah
How to Reach: Nearest Airport: Mumbai. Nearest Railway Station: CSMT, Mumbai Central and others.
10. Gulmarg/Swiss Alps
The snow covered valleys of Gulmarg have featured in many movies, and their beauty is unparalleled. The ski slopes of Gulmarg are sure to remind you of the pristine slopes of the Swiss Alps. Both Gulmarg and Switzerland are renowned for their breathtaking landscapes, and winter sports. Gulmarg offers snow-capped mountains, lush meadows, and beautiful valleys, while Switzerland is famous for its majestic Alps, pristine lakes, and charming villages.
What To See: Gulmarg Gondola, Apharwat Peak, Alpather Lake, Khilanmarg, Baba Reshi Shrine. Indulge in skiing and snowboarding in winters.
How to Reach: Nearest Airport: Srinagar(56km). Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi(290 km)
Live your European dream in India on a budget, and discover some stunning gems of this country ! Do you know of other locations in India which ooze European charm ? Do let us know in the comments, or write about your travel experiences on Tripoto
' fill='%23359391'%3e %3cpath d='M46.1538462%2c43.5714286 L41.5%2c50 L36.8461538%2c43.5714286 L36.8670256%2c43.5714286 C36.3173077%2c42.7142857 36%2c41.6851429 36%2c40.5714286 C36%2c37.4854286 38.4535641%2c35 41.5%2c35 C44.5464359%2c35 47%2c37.4854286 47%2c40.5714286 C47%2c41.6851429 46.6826923%2c42.7142857 46.1329744%2c43.5714286 L46.1538462%2c43.5714286 Z M41.4294872%2c39 C40.6150641%2c39 39.9487179%2c39.675 39.9487179%2c40.5 C39.9487179%2c41.325 40.6150641%2c42 41.4294872%2c42 C42.2439103%2c42 42.9102564%2c41.325 42.9102564%2c40.5 C42.9102564%2c39.675 42.2439103%2c39 41.4294872%2c39 L41.4294872%2c39 Z' id='Location-white'%3e%3c/path%3e %3c/g%3e %3c/svg%3e)
