15 Destinations in India that take us to villages where the Border begins

1. Wagah Border near Amritsar

Wagah border near Amritsar is about on Indo-Pak border, and a renowned attraction for its colorful beating retreat border ceremony, the pomp, and pageantry of the Beating Retreat is a must-watch. Both the Indian and Pakistani forces make a most charming spectacle. Every day both the countries by default in the evening do the flag-lowering ceremony.

2. Drass, Kargil

Drass has become an important halting place for travelers getting to Leh and Kargil. Kargil is situated on the LoC (Line of Control between Indian controlled and Pakistani controlled areas of Kashmir). Kargil War Memorial, a war memorial dedicated to martyrs is around 50 km before Kargil. It is definitely the foremost visible and popular war memorial in entire India. One can have wonderful views of War at Tiger Hill, Mushko Valley, and Tololing from here.

3. Chitkul near Sangla

Chitkul is located in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh along the old Tibet trade route. A steep rundown from the Charang Pass paves way for Chitkul and the Baspa River nearby. Chitkul has endowed 180-degree views of the Himalayas and hence it is one of the main attractions. This is the last village of India to the side of the Tibet border. The checkpoint may be a 1.5 km walk from where one arrives. Travelers can often be seen dining at Hindustan ka akhri dhaba (India's last food joint) too. The soldiers are happy to offer a cup of tea for a few travelers who actually make it up to the checkpoint. Steer a conversation with a local to induce more about the village.

4. Turtuk Village in Ladakh

Turtuk could be a stunning 80 km drive from Nubra Valley village. Turtuk came under India in 1971. Lying peacefully along the Shyok river, on the Gilgit-Baltistan border. Turtuk is one of the gateways to the Siachen Glacier and residential to ethnically different communities that speak Balti and Urdu along with Kashmiri. Take a stroll through the village and catch up with locals over a warm cup of chai to listen to interesting stories about life on either side of the border.

5. Nelong Valley near Gangotri, Uttarakhand

Nelong (30 km from Harsil) is a picturesque Valley near the India-China border near the Gangotri area, which was closed for civilians post the 1962 war and now has been re-opened for travelers from 2015 and since then it has become one among the recent spots for the adventure buffs. It's a cold desert valley at 11000 ft and home to handsomely snow leopard and the Himalayan blue sheep. The valley offers a view of the Tibetan Plateau. Travelers visiting the valley will see the wooden bridge once used for trade between India and China. Nelong is a superb diversion for pilgrim travelers arriving at Harsil / Gangotri for visiting Gangotri Temple and Gaumukh Glacier.

6. Jhulaghat, Uttarakhand

Divided by a natural river Kali, Jhulaghat lies on the Indian side. This village on the Indo-Nepal border is known after a hanging bridge on the Kali River. One can enter Nepal through this bridge. Jhulaghat is equally frequented by religious and adventurous travelers. The little market here deals in the Nepali goods market.

7. Nathu La in East Sikkim

Nathu La is a pass within the East Sikkim that connects with Tibet. Nathu La was re-opened in 2006 after the 1962 war and is a major traveler attraction for Indian travelers to Sikkim. The area is endowed with stunning mountain views and a beautiful Changu Lake, the route is additionally opened for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. One is able to travel right up to the border checkpoint and greet the soldiers. Indian citizens with a valid permit pass can visit the Pass.

8. Bum La near Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh

Bum La Pass is an Indo-Tibetan border at 37 km from Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh (renowned for its ancient monastery). the area is most beautiful and renowned for its exceptional snow clad views and his holiness Dalai Lama used this route to cross over from Tibet to India. Bum La pass was opened in 2006 after the 1962 war. Maintained by the Indian Army, Bumla Pass is a must-visit for those who want to visualize how Indian soldiers protect the borders within the harshest of climes. On designated dates, cultural programs also are organized by both countries, which may be enjoyed by the locals and travelers. A special permit is required for visiting the pass and may be obtained from the Office of the Deputy Commissioner in Tawang.

9. Dharchula, Uttrakhand

A picturesque village is located on the Indo-Nepal border, Dharchula is surrounded by the snow-clad peaks. The town is famous for Mansarovar lake, it is a pilgrim center and lots of devotees come to the place to take a holy bath in the cold waters. Dharchula is a small and remote place and it's located along an ancient trade route.

10. Alipurduar , West Bengal

Situated on the bank of Kaljani River on the foothills of the Himalayas, Alipurduar is a gateway to Bhutan. Known for its forest, wildlife, timber, and scenic beauty, it's the last scenic spot in India before your reach Phuentsholing. It's a northeast corner of the state bordering Bangladesh at the south, Assam at East, Bhutan at North.

11. Longewala, Jaisalmer

Who won't remember the historic Border movie, based on the Battle of Longewala? The Mata Tanot Temple located near Longewala is the last point up to where civilians are permitted to travel, beyond which they require a special permit. Locals and travelers believe that the temple have special powers that during the war, none of the bombs were able to land on this temple.

12. Moreh, Manipur

Moreh town actually lies on the Indo-Burmese border. A land bridge is connected from Moreh to Myanmar. Located before the India-Myanmar border, Moreh is where you shop till you drop. Moreh also features a strikingly similar culture and lifestyle to the bordering nation's Tamu town, which lies only 5 kilometers across the border.

13. Malda, West Bengal

The Mango City of India lies near to the Bangladesh border. Besides mangoes that have put Malda on the globe map, curry leaves are also grown in plenty and have a tangy aroma. Don't forget to relish the Mangoes if you are in Malda.

14. Lakhpat, Kutch

Lakhpat Village in Gujarat is also now called as 'ghost town'. The town lies amidst the searing dryness of the Kutch region and lies not too far from the Pakistan border. There is even a tomb of a Sufi saint and a Gurdwara which is part of Sikh folklore. The entire land is full of a salt layer at the top of the soil which gives a sparkling white color to the entire area. This village is surrounded by an old fort wall which is 7 KM long.

15. Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu

Deeply rooted in history and mythology, Dhanushkodi is far from civilization and therefore the mainland. The last town before the Sri Lankan borders begin, flanked by the Bay of Bengal on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other, Dhanushkodi is a strip of land that's only a kilometer wide. The town was ghosted after it had been deemed unfit for living after a devastating cyclone in 1964. It is 20 km from Sri Lanka.