The Best Things To Experience In Each Of The 29 States Of INDIA!!!

Take a Gondola Ride from Gulmarg to Kungdoor(Phase 1) and Kungdoor to Aparwath(Phase 2). The scenes get as beautiful as they can, with white blankets of snow and coniferous greenery. The sight of Army Bunkers in Aparwath is one to behold.

Camping at the Pangong-Tso Lake is a fantastic experience, you have to stay at the adventurous camps set up right next to the lake with lovely views round the clock. Sunrise in the morning, the deep blue shade of the lake throughout the day, and stargazing once the night sets in!!!

A Shikara ride in the Dal Lake in Srinagar is possibly the best way to engulf yourself in J&K's panorama and its aura, it is possibly the silence of atmosphere that surrounds you with serene and pristine thoughts.

Himachal Pradesh:

Spend some time in the high mountain passes of Himachal Pradesh, with the Bara-Lacha La pass connecting the Lahaul district in Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh district in Jammu and Kashmir. Get lost in the sights of the lovely view from the Bara-Lacha La Pass and live the moment!!!

Go Paragliding at the Bir-Billing valley and get some perfect thrill for the 15-20 minutes when you are in air, with snow on one side, a valley below you and mountains surrounding the entire paragliding site.

Get yourself a shiny black Royal Enfield and ride from Manali to Leh where the road goes from Good to Broken to Slushy to no road at all. You will ride through the Rohtang Pass, make sure you enjoy the brilliant views all around. There will be river crossings, enjoy your view and your ride, acclimatise and ensure everything is in place before your ride. This will be the best road trip of your Life.

Find solace in the Hadimba Devi temple in Manali and the Dalai Lama Temple Complex in Dharamsala. The Hadimba Devi temple is one of its kind and is located amidst a coniferous forest, it is still one of the most positive places that I have ever been to! Dharamsala is the abode of his highness, the holy Dalai Lama.

Punjab:

There is a small village called Attari, near Amritsar which shares the international border with Wagah in Pakistan. There is a border retreat ceremony performed here every evening, prior to sunset where Indian BSF personnel and Pakistani Rangers perform. The flag lowering has been a tradition since 1959 and is performed everyday. You must witness the flag retreat and the Pyramid stone that demarcates the Indo-Pak International border.

Visit the Harmandir Sahib or the Golden Temple as it is commonly known in Amritsar. One of the most peaceful places I have ever been to, Harmandir Sahib is an epitome of inner peace and ensures that you will find some enigma attached to the impeccable architecture engulfed in golden foil! Do visit the Jallianwala Bagh Memorial, located right next to the Golden Temple Complex. It was here, General Dyer's men shot several Indians who had gathered to protest. Look for the Bullet shots and the well into which Indians jumped, to save themselves.

Ditch the fine-dining restaurants for Dhabas that have been around for quite long in Amritsar. Kesar da Dhaba serves delectable and authentic Punjabi cuisine and will fill you with all the goodness of fresh white butter on top of an Indian Main-Course and Lassi topped with Malai. Food does make one happy and at Kesar da Dhaba you will only double your happiness.

Pinjore Gardens and Rock Gardens in Chandigarh are beautiful places to visit. Some lovely flower gardens and fountains all around is what that you will find in Pinjore Gardens. While at Rock Gardens, do not forget to observe the intricate rock patterns that have been crafted out of stones to create stunning figurines.

Haryana:

The Kalka-Shimla rail route is one of the UNESCO world heritage sites in mountain railway. As you move along the 96km route, the outside scenery gets only more picturesque. A small toy-train is what will take you on this scenic route.

Sukhna Lake located in Chandigarh is a naturally formed water reservoir which is fed mainly by water from the rainfall in the nearby areas. The sunrise and sunset time gets really beautiful at the Sukhna Lake. Make sure that you savour the local street food, served in stalls near the Lake.

Uttar Pradesh:

One of the Seven Wonders Of The Modern World, the majestic mausoleum, Taj Mahal needs no introduction. Intricately carved with several geometric and floral patterns, that reflect traditional Mughal architecture, The Taj Mahal is indeed a wonder. Milky White Marble of this architectural marvel is best seen on a full moon night, where the monument appears in a silvery shade.

Get lost in the festivities of the most colourful festival celebrated in India, Holi, at Vrindavan. Don't miss an opportunity to celebrate this festival with the lord at the temple complex. There is a procession at Mathura, the next day and this is one event that shouldn't be missed.

Madhya Pradesh:

Experience a sighting of the Royal Bengal Tiger in its natural habitat, in the Tiger Reserves here. Madhya Pradesh is home to Pench, Kanha and Bandhavgarh tiger reserves. Do not go with a preset mind to spot a tiger, but to enjoy the forest in itself. The forest at Kanha simply cannot be described by words. Learn about the various stories of how a Tiger marks its territory, how it hunts and many other incidents your local guide will tell you about.

Take a serene boat ride in Bheda Ghat, which is at a distance of 20km from Jabalpur. Witness the meandering waterbody surrounded by marble covered rocks. A sight to behold, this is one of the most beautiful things to do while in Madhya Pradesh.

Sikkim:

The Nathu-La pass connects Sikkim to the Tibet autonomous region. Snowy and a drive under tough conditions will take you to Nathu-La. Enroute you will come across the Tsango Lake and the Baba Mandir. Legend has it that Major Harbhajan Singh, an ex officer of the Indian Army, posted in Sikkim died at the Nathu-La pass while on duty, but still protects the soldiers of the Indian Army in the testing conditions of the North-East borders. A shrine was built in remembrance of this soldier, known as Baba Mandir. Tsango Lake has views that you cannot afford to miss!

Yumthang Valley of flowers in Sikkim is one of the most under-rated valleys in India. With Hot Springs, Green Meadows and Yaks all around the place, it looks as beautiful as it sounds, if not more! And at the periphery of this valley, lay the snow-capped Himalayan ranges!!!

Arunachal Pradesh:

A bike ride from Guwahati to Tawang is under-rated. The route gets very scenic as you cross Tezpur. Be sure to take the route via Tezpur, because you will cross the Bomdila pass, while on this route, and riding through Bomdila is an experience in itself.

Visit the Ziro Valley for impeccable sights, and if possible go there when the Ziro Festival Of Music is going on. You will taste the local culture, and also beautiful views of the valley!

TIP: Visiting Arunachal Pradesh requires an Inner Line Permit(ILP), which needs to be taken before your entry into the state.

Nagaland:

Trek to the Japfu Peak and be amazed by the views of Dzukou valley. One of the most beautiful sights of India, the Dzukou valley is home to Lilies, Rhododendrons and many other exotic flowers. It is also called the valley of flowers in the North-East. The best time to see Dzukou in its full bloom would be June to November.

The land of the Nagas, is best experienced by soaking in their local culture. The Hornbill festival, sees several local tribes who come from all parts of Nagaland to display the culture of their respective tribes. Who knows, you might get lucky to witness some people of the Konyak(Head-hunter) tribe as well!!!

Assam:

Spot the one horned rhino which is exclusive to South Asia, at the Kaziranga National Park. Besides the Rhino, one can spot several other wild animals in this estuarine reserve forest.

Visit the Majuli Island, the largest river island in the world. Majuli was naturally created by the ever changing path of the Brahmaputra River. The concept of a river island makes it a place to definitely visit in Assam.

Meghalaya:

Mawlynnong is Asia's cleanest village, and it gets really beautiful in the rainy season. The tiny walkways along the entire village is something to experience and note the tininess of the village. Stay in one of the home-stays to experience the local lifestyle of the Khasi tribe.

Living root bridges are exclusive to Meghalaya in the entire world. Entwined by the locals today, so that their successors are benefitted 30 years down the lane, reflects the nature of the people of Meghalaya. The Nongriat Double decker living root bridge is the most noted because of its double deck structure! Visiting the rainbow falls from here is a short hike of 2km, and you can touch a rainbow that passes through the falls. Enchanting experience!!!

Dawki village is located at the Indo-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya. The border is classified as an open border which falls in the Umngot river. Crystal clear waters of the river is a sight you must not miss. The boat ride is simply astonishing, providing views of the surrounding mountains.

Mizoram:

Visit the City of Lights, Aizawl and witness the dipping sun from the Durtlang Hill's viewpoint. Simultaneously you will see the entire city in focus of coloured lights, the entire place looks mesmerising under the flow of the city lights!!!

Soak in the atmosphere around the Vantawng falls, it is nestled amongst the thick virgin forests of Serchhip. Mizoram is one of the greenest states of India, and to enjoy it, you must visit this gem, located near Thenzawl.

Manipur:

The Loktak Lake in Imphal is a freshwater lake and is home to the only floating National park in the world. The Keibul Lamjao National park is home to a wide variety of animals. It is also the only place in the world where an endangered type of deer called Sangai, resides.

Shop at the Khwairamband Bazaar, an example of the fact that the North-East is a place where women are the main family members. The entire market has shops that are only owned by the local women, and as I have said, the entire North-East India is a Women-Empowered place.

Tripura:

The Jampui hills are one of the best kept secrets of India. A walk with the local tribal guides along the village trail, is the best experience of Tripura. The wooden hut settlements and the lush green paddy fields are the most important attraction of this village walk.

Take a boat ride to Neer Mahal, with the approach made of deep blue waters of the Rudrasagar Lake. The serene surroundings will completely leave you in another zone. Do visit the Andar Mahal inside the palace compound, which was the residence of the Royal family members.

West Bengal:

Witness what possibly is the best sunrise experience in India at the Tiger Hill in Darjeeling. Offering a wide range panoramic view of the Khanchendzonga peak and Mount Everest, the Tiger Hill is the highest point in Darjeeling. When the Sun rises and falls on the mighty Khanchendzonga peak, the entire mountain turns into a shade of shimmery yellow and looks like a mountain made of Gold!!!

Explore Sunderbans and its beauty, get blown away by the panoramic marshy view of the mangrove forest, and if you are lucky, you may spot a Royal Bengal Tiger in its home, Literally!!!

Mirik is an uncelebrated hero of West Bengal, where some lovely landscapes and natural beauty will leave you wanting for more. It is much more beautiful than anything which tries to explain it!!!

Rajasthan:

The land of the royals, the land of palatial architecture, the fortress of Rajputana culture and heritage, a trip to Rajasthan is incomplete without staying in the palaces or forts that Rajasthan calls its own!!! Stay in one of the erstwhile Palaces or Havelis, which have now been transformed into stunning hotel properties. There are several options ranging from Rs.5000/- to Rs. 70,000 for a night. My pick would be the Jagmandir Island Palace, which is not too costly, while it gives you that feel of living in the Rajput era.

Get lost in the festivities of Pushkar Fair or Pushkar Ka Mela as it is called locally. Generally falling on dates in the last week of October to Mid-November, Pushkar fair sees a colourful aura of culture. Celebrated to mark the start of Kartik month as per Hindu calendar, Pushkar is one of the most colourful and culturally rich fête of India, where men trade livestock and also several acts of entertainment are performed.

Sand, sand and more sand. The Thar desert houses some of the beautiful sand dunes, to be explored with a local guide. Stay in the midst of the desert, and fall in love with the night sky at its uninterrupted best, with absolutely no pollution and high visibility. Plan a trip on dates where a Geminid or an Orionid meteor shower is said to happen, and it will be one of the best experiences of your life!!!

Gujarat:

The White Rann of Kutch comes to its full bloom during the Rann Utsav that is held every year to welcome travellers from all over the world. Even more beautiful during full moon days, this "marshy salt flat" area transforms into a white salt desert once the monsoon recedes. Dip in a but of Kutchhi village culture and stay in the Swiss tents anytime during this 4 month long fest, and you would have experienced one of the most beautiful places in India!

Plan a trip to the Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, which is one of the best breeding grounds for migratory birds. Visit this lake on a chilly winter morning for a breathtaking experience, where the silence of the lake with several migratory birds like Flamingos, Pelicans, Egrets, Siberian Cranes and a lot more!!!

Maharashtra:

There are several forts in and around the Pune-Lonavala region. Built and safeguarded by the Maratha warriors, these forts provide absolutely impeccable views of the Sahyadri mountains. Trekking to one of these forts is going to be one experience that you will never forget!

Spend a day in the commercial capital of the nation, Mumbai!!! Catch a glimpse of the fast paced life, in a city that never sleeps! You may visit Heritage sites like the Gateway Of India or the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and simply adore the architecture. Or you may choose to try a few things that Mumbai is home to, like travelling in the local trains between the suburbs and old Bombay. Mumbai has several experiences forming an array of interests depending on personal liking!

The bio-diversity of the Kaas plateau is something that you must see. Offering breathtaking views of a variety of floral species, the Kaas plateau is Maharashtra's very own Valley of Flowers.

Jharkhand:

Jharkhand is not such a popular destination, but it has some places worth experiencing at least once! The Chottanagpur plateau is incredibly beautiful, loaded with waterfalls, lush green forests and importance to tribal roots and cult. The highlands are equally beautiful and must be explored to the fullest. Spread across the outer borders of Ranchi, Dhanbad, Bokaro and Jamshedpur, this place is a hidden gem in Jharkhand.

A visit to the town, Jhumri Telaiya can turn out to be a fascinating experience. Freshwater islands and the nearby villages are really scenic and this place is completely unexplored. Telaiya Dam, constructed over the Damodar river offers some impeccable views of the places around.

Uttarakhand:

Stay in the lesser known hill station of Naukuchiatal. Located in the Nainital district, but around 30km from Nainital town, it serves as a completely untouched version representing Uttarakhand in a sense of its own! Visit places like SaatTal (Seven Interconnected Lakes) to make your stay even more beautiful.

Dhanaulti is another unspoilt destination, in Uttarakhand. As beautiful as it can get, Dhanaulti lies amidst Deodhar trees, fruit orchards and tall coniferous vegetation. It is unexplored, but due to its proximity from Delhi, visitors have just started to pour in.

Another stay that can be featured in this list is staying in one of the riverside properties inside the Jim Corbett Forest Reserve. It is a surreal experience to stay by the river, where the resort lies just on the banks of Kosi River and you can enjoy pretty much everything on the riverside. Spotting a Tiger in the wild, would be the cherry on top of the cake! I stayed at Corbett Riverside Resort, and it is the most beautiful resort I have ever stayed in!!!

Telangana:

The newest and youngest state of India, reels in the royalty of the Nizams and the Nawabs of the 18th Century. It is such a diversity that gives India its several flavours, within a single palate! The land of Biryani boasts of a lot of attractions besides the Biryani itself. The Falaknuma Palace, now converted into a five-star hotel was the residence of the Nizam of Hyderabad. Old City boasts of the iconic Charminar and the majestic Golconda fort, whereas the modern Ramoji Film City is number one on the list of the largest film studios in the world.

Drive down to the Pakhal Lake in Warangal district, to experience some mountain terrain and forest valleys. A man-made reservoir will greet you in the form of this impressively serene lake, with Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary teeming with animals, on its banks. It is surreal!!!

Andhra Pradesh:

There is a tiny hamlet named Lambasingi, nestled in the Araku Range near Visakhapatnam. It is often referred to as the Kashmir of South India owing to its beauty and the presence of apple orchards. Temperatures sometimes fall to -2 degrees Celsius in the winter months, and it had even snowed once here!

The Konaseema region in East Godavari and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh is another hidden gem. It consists of the Delta region of River Godavari and comprises of 4 towns, Palakollu, Razole, Kolluru and Ravulapalem. Completely set away from the hustle bustle of Urban Pandemonium, the beauty of this place is not to be missed!

Odisha:

Raghurajpur, in Odisha has been demarcated as a traditional art and craft village. The entire village is full of artists who create the "Pattachitras" or scroll paintings, traditionally done on palm leaves. It is an experience to visit this village, and see how the painting is meticulously done!

The briny humid air of the largest brackish water lake in India, Chilika has a mysterious silence to it. Home to the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins, Chilika is also a birdwatcher's paradise, with several species of migratory birds and cannot be missed when in Odisha.

Kerala:

Kerala is called God's Own Country for a reason, it is a paradise that has serenity written all over. The backwaters of Kerala and the nearby villages provide a countryside feel and staying in a houseboat when in Kerala is one thing you cannot skip. Lake Wembanad is where the houseboats circuit, and it remains as one of the most beautiful things to do in India!

Munroe Island is one of the most unexplored parts of Kerala, skip the regular Alleppey for Munroe Islands, and you will return with a treasure of stories to tell!

In the hill station of Munnar, there is a secret thing to do, besides witnessing the acts of Kathakali and Kalaripayattu. Near the Wonder valley amusement park, there is an agency that runs a Jeep drive to the nearby spots. If you are in Munnar, go there and take a ride, for they will take you to places with literally no human interaction at all. Sreenarayanapuram Ripple Falls and a specific viewpoint is a sight that is beautiful beyond imagination.

Tamil Nadu:

A coracle ride in the Cauvery river along the Hogenakkal Waterfalls is clearly the best experience in Tamil Nadu. The Rock formations along the river boundaries are revered to be unique, ancient and one of its kind in India. Often called the Niagara falls of India, Hogenakkal lives up to its name and is one of the most beautiful in the country!

Periyar Wildlife sanctuary has a bizarre Safari tour. You are taken in an open top boat for a ride in the Periyar river where you can spot wildlife along the banks of the river. It turns out to be an interesting experience!

Karnataka:

Nestled amongst thick forests of Karnataka, there is a small town called Dandeli. There are several home-stays ranging from Old European styled Chalets to hut accommodations which are excellent places to experience a stay. Choose from a wide range of activities which include Water Rafting, Nature Camping, jungle Trails or Kayaking. It is a place which many don't know of, so Dandeli promises to be a treat!!!

Some 20km from the city of Mysuru, lies a less known gem of a sanctuary. Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary near Srirangapatna is home to several exotic and most colourful birds. A group of 6 islets on the river Kaveri form this Bird Sanctuary that is truly a birdwatcher's paradise!

Goa:

Dudhsagar Waterfalls, in the Sonaulim area on the outskirts of Goa, is a beautful place, and a waterfall that is on the Mandovi River. Classified as one of India's tallest waterfalls, the experience of Dudhsagar begins with the journey from Goa itself. Earlier there was a route from Dudhsagar railway station and one had to hike for about a kilometer along the tracks to get to the falls, this also walking through and passing a tunnel, which is very exciting to say the least. Currently the only access is through a Goan Village called Molem. It is a beautiful experience to get to the falls, and spend some time.

Grab a crisp beer and forget everything to sink in the high, that Goa has to offer, just chill in one of the many shacks, and party away, leaving aside all worries, Goa is the ultimate party destination in India. Hire a scooter and whizz through the beautiful landscapes while going to the Aguada fort, or the Vagator beach, Goa is simply mesmerizing.

There are many cafes and pubs in Goa, that also must not be missed.

Chattisgarh:

Jagdalpur is a quaint city in the tribal Bastar district of Chattisgarh. Chitrakote and Teerathgarh Falls are the most beautiful waterfalls in this area. It is also a surreal experience to walk through the teak and bamboo forests of the Kanger valley national park. If you are lucky, a tiger maybe nearby and give you a beautiful sighting! Chattisgarh is beautiful, and one of the least explored states in terms of travel.

The Bungee jumping activity at Jagdalpur is something that must not be missed. It is one of the most peculiar Bungee jumping spots in the country, since it is located over a hill-top, and the view is the some of the best.

Other places to visit include the Kotsumar caves, and a lot of local temples that have ancient relics, and stories to go by them.

Chattisgarh may seem like a place where there is too little to do, but a traveller always finds ways to explore to a heart's content, and this state will not disappoint!

Bihar:

Around 3 hours from the capital city of Patna, there is a village called Begusarai, which is home to the beautiful Kanwar Lake Sanctuary, which is thronged with migratory birds creating a very unique sight. The lake is unique in its own way, since it is the largest freshwater Ox-Bow wetland in Asia.

Barabar caves is of the most unexplored places in this region, boasting of the most well preserved rock cut caves, this place is enthralling and will pick your brains with its architecture, being crafted at a tome when most of the modern tools weren't even available. The location itself is a thing of beauty, surrounded by lush greenery and small ponds that just elevate the whole place.

Besides this, Bihar calls itself home to the most ancient archaeological sites that have been explored and excavated, finding out the worlds oldest university, Nalanda, and various other places which gave India its own Stonehenge and Petra, in the form of Bodh Gaya, Vaishali and Kumhrar