It is rightly said that one should ‘Spend on Experience, not things.’ Indian youth is doing just that. The joy of finding new places, trying new things, exploring new cultures and coming back with a box full of memories is too precious than some branded jeans. India is a diversified country with places very much unlike each other. You can trek in the highest of mountains in the Himalayas, walk on the hottest sands in Rajasthan, take a dive in the exotic beaches of Goa and see a century of a bridge made up of living roots of ancient trees in Assam. India has all you need to get away from your boring life and job with deadlines. We have compiled a list of most loved places in India, have a look and get your traveller cap on.

1. Meghalaya

The name literally translates to ‘The Abode of Clouds’, is home to Mawsynram and Cherrapunji, two of the wettest places on earth. Meghalaya is a part of northeast holiday package of seven sisters and its 70 percent landmass is covered in forest and boast a rich biodiversity of exotic birds and rare animals. You can visit the 2 national parks and 3 wildlife sanctuaries here and explore the flora and fauna in the region, especially the living root bridges in the valley around Mawsynram. If you are thinking of trekking, you can make your way to the double-decker bridge in Cherrapunji, which has around 3.5k stairs. The sight over the bridge is one you cannot miss during your trip. You can take a trek to Laitlum hills in Shillong and go through admiring the beautiful vistas of the region. Once you reach the top you’ll be presented with a bird’s eye view of Shillong’s natural beauty. You can visit the beautiful waterfalls, explore the beautiful limestone caves of Mawsmai, and enjoy boating in Umiam lake.

2. Goa

Goa is a blend of Portuguese culture, beautiful beaches and a pinch of spirituality. You can easily see the fusion of Portuguese and Indian architecture in the Catholics build during the colonial rule during the 16th and 17th century. The beaches have their own flavour and the traveller can choose one from another on the type of activities they feel like doing there. If you want to have a tranquil experience, Baga beach is the way to go, it’s less crowded and you can enjoy scuba diving and dance parties with barbecues. If you are with your friends, or backpacking on a hippie trip, Anjuna Beach is your first stop, you can enjoy jet skiing and paragliding here and check out the famous Anjuna flea market. If you’re visiting Panjim, you cannot help but admire the beauty of our lady of immaculate conception church standing in the city centre. There is no one thing that makes Goa a desirable getaway but it’s the blend of several cultures.

3. Ladakh

Lofty mountains, beautiful valleys, colourful flags, enchanting monasteries, and many more things comprise this snow-clad haven, Ladakh. Perched in the mighty Himalayas, Ladakh is something of an alien location to visit and a Ladakh trip is in every adventure riders list. Influenced by Tibetan culture which can be seen in its food, music, and attire, it is very much an unlikely place in India. Ladakh has amazing lakes like Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri, where you can clearly see the riverbed in the pristine water. You can make your way to Nubra valley while passing through the highest motorable pass, Khardung La, and watch the snow-clad mountains and the scenic beauty of the place. If lucky, you might chance upon to see snowfall too. You can visit the Dras war memorial of soldiers of Kargil war on Srinagar- Leh highway.

4. Andaman

The beautiful archipelago in the Bay of Bengal is a romantic getaway for young couples. There are a huge number of activities and places to visit during your Honeymoon in Andaman. You can relax by the shores of the crystal clear waters of its numerous beaches, or go for a scuba diving tour with your partner in Havelock, which can be reached by ferry, and the nightlife of the place is another experience to have where you can have a great time and enjoy various cuisines including the local delicious seafood .you can relax at the cafes in port Blair while exploring the capital and opt to visit the cellular jail and enjoy the light show depicting the story of Kala Pani. There are a lot of places like Chidiya tapu, museum and Samudrika and much more. You can try adventure sports like snorkelling, parasailing, and shop at the local markets of Aberdeen Bazaar for local wooden and shell jewellery for you better half as a souvenir for the trip.

5. Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh, also known as ‘The abode of snow’ is located on the western Himalayas in the northern part of the country. A trekkers haven, the state attracts tourist from all over the world. You can take your picks from several trekkers options, going from easy to challenging. You will come across beautiful meadows with scenic views of lofty mountains and lush green valleys on your way through the thick forests with views of walnut, pine and oak trees. Himachal also has a gift of beautiful lakes on high elevations, which give a panoramic beauty of mighty Himalayas. Some famous lakes are Prashant lake in Mandi and Suraj Tal lake in Lahaul Spiti. You can take part in various adventure activities like paragliding and skydiving. Shimla is a very popular skiing destination. Hill stations like Manali and Kasauli are the must place visit places. end your journey in a spiritual way by heading to Dharamshala where lots of beautiful monasteries and Tibetan culture will leave you mesmerized.

6. Uttarakhand

The northern Himalayan state of Uttarakhand is an epitome of nature enigmas embedded with wonderful scenic beauty and religious temples and shrines for pilgrims. The state regularly attracts tourists from both India and foreign countries visiting to embark on Himalayan Tours. You can raft in the white waters of Ganges and peek into the panoramic beauty from Mussoorie, go for a trek in the laps of Himalayas and visit the Beatles ashram in Rishikesh. The delightful views of Nainital with boating in the famous Naini lake makes up for a perfect selfie moment. Uttarakhand embodies the dual pleasure of adventure and spiritual significance with various yoga centres in Rishikesh to find peace and tranquillity at the end of a trip filled with adventure.

7. Karnataka

Karnataka is a southwestern state in India, which has some great tourist spots to explore. You can go on a wildlife safari through the deciduous forest and see the endangered species like Tigers, Indian elephants, and jackals. Bandipur national park and visit the Hindu and Jain temples of World Heritage Site, Pattadakal, the eclectic blend of northern and southern architecture will leave you speechless. On the east central, the ruins of Hampi, a prosperous city during the medieval era with 4100 hectares of space comprising temples, shrines and memorials will take you to the ancient times of Hindu kingdom in southern India.

Make your way to Coorg, officially Kodagu is a hill station which offers picturesque views of mountains, with water stream and a cup of coffee from its world-famous plantation.

8. Assam

Assam is a northeastern state nestled in the southeastern part of Himalayas, along with the Brahmaputra and Barak river valleys. Like the rest of seven sisters, Assam is rich with lush green forests with Kaziranga National Park, which has the rare great one-horned rhinoceros, and Manas National Park which houses some of the endangered species like Assam roofed turtle, Pygmy hog and golden langur. Both of them part of the world UNESCO heritage sites. Kamakhya temple in Guwahati is a major attraction and while you are here, you can enjoy the river cruise in Brahmaputra river. You can head to Dibrugarh to visit the famous tea plantation which supplies the best tea from all over the world. While here, don’t miss to visit, Majuli, the largest island in Asia lies between the Brahmaputra, is spread over 880 square km and has stretched paddy fields with lush fields. The island performs numerous Assamese cultural festivals and acts as a retreat from outside world for the travellers.