India, known for its Color and Culture not only excites you with its Historical Monuments but has many breathtaking Natural Scenic Attractions too. From the exquisite scenic delights of the snowy locales to the sun kissed beaches, and the backwaters, India does not fall short in giving an experience of a lifetime to its visitors. Here is a short compilation of the top eight must visit destinations in India for nature lovers.
1. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
It is a golden paradise for newlywed honeymoon couples, widely known as the lover’s paradise. If you have ever dreamed of playing in the snow making a snowman and have been influenced by the famous comics that revolve around the snow and ice, Manali is the place for you. On one side of the country is those lush green forests and meadows, this is another face of the same country that offers you to explore some woody forests, snowy mountains & beas river with pristine water. One of the famous point is the Great Himalayan National Park situated near Kullu, offers large amount of adventure, trekking and wildlife experiences. Rohtang Pass in Manali is one breathtaking experience, a must visit places during summer for a day long trekking.
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Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh
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It is a beautiful hill station surrounded by meadows and forests. It is known as Mini Switzerland due to its topographical resemblance to Switzerland. If you love those beautiful panoramic views of mountains, Khajjiar is a must place to visit as it is situated at the base of Dauladhar mountains. Khajjiar lake is another treat to your eyes that is shaped as a saucer, located in beautiful grassy landscape with those amazing cedar trees surrounding it. The Kalatop Khajjiar Santuary is a beautiful spot in this wonderful place, filled with dense trees fit for a perfect trekking. Long walks in thick pine forests, walk around the lakes, trekking through landscapes, horse riding, paragliding are some exciting activities here.
Read More: Dachigam National Park, Jammu & Kashmir
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Darjeeling, West Bengal
Darjeeling, when we hear it, all that we visualize is, those lush green tea gardens, Kanchenjunga Peaks and some amazing panoramic views of foggy mountains. Yet, there’s a lot to explore in this small town that will steal your heart to an extent that you will fall in love with the place. Singalila National Park is a high altitude national park of West Bengal providing a great variety of flora and fauna with beautiful scenery on adventurous jeep rides. Well, if you are passionate about your love for nature, one of the things in your bucket list will surely be the sunrise and sunset, hop in and get on to the Tiger Hill, which is one of the highest point in Darjeeling, a must visit place.
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Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
It is a fairyland that provides the scenic views of glorious mountains and waterfalls. To get some peace of mind do visit, Happy valley, Lal Tibba, Kempty falls and explore some outstanding beauty of planet Earth. A visit to Benog Wildlife Santuary offers wide range of fauna and medicinal plants with great importance acting as a blessing for nature lovers across the country and world. A walk on Camel’s Back road is another experience that not only will give you a peace of mind but also gives the best views of sunrise and sunset, as a nature lover, this is the best treat anyone can get for themselves.
Read More: Tips For An Eco-Conscious Traveler
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Coorg/Kodagu, Karnataka
Coorg known as the Scotland of India has some unique serenity and gives you the best feeling in the world if you are a true nature lover. From tea gardens to waterfalls, from coffee plantations to some river rafting and how can you forget the romantic walk through the valleys of Coorg. If you’re looking for a place to sit back and relax, away from the pollution and closer to the nature, then yes, you’re at the exact right place. Some of the best places to cover when you visit this Scotland of India are Talakaveri, Abbey Water falls, Buddisht Monestry in Kushal Nagar, Nagarhole National Park- a tiger reserve, Irrupu falls, Dubare Elephant Camp, Raja’s seat.
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Munnar, Kerala
If you’re looking for a delightful experience with your loved ones, Munnar is a paradise where you would want to step in and explore. This place is a merge of 3 mountains, namely Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, 1600 m above sea level. If you’re a true nature lover, you will surely be excited about getting some hands-on experience of plucking the tea leaves and feel the fragrance that you get from these fresh tea plantations. When we talk about fragrance, how can we forget the famous sandal wood, about 40Kms from Munnar, is a place called Marayoor, which is the only place in Kerala with natural growth of Sandalwood trees. Eravikulam National park, the very first national park of Kerala, is home to the Nilgiri Thar is one of the most desired destination in South India after Munnar.
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Wayanad, Kerala
Forest that reminds you of comics that we have read during our childhood. Edakkal caves are one of the breathtaking beauties of nature, if you are a nature lover who likes history, Edakkal caves is a must place to visit, you will experience some carving speaks of civilized people that will surely amaze you. As a nature lover, our excitement towards visiting different waterfalls is never ending, Soochippara waterfall is one such place that you cannot miss. Banasura Sagar Dam, Kanthanpara waterfalls, Pookot Lake, Pakshipathalam, Wayanad/Muthanga National Park are some of the best places to visit if you’re in Wayanad.
Read More: Indian Biologist Sets Record By Mapping 1128 Bird Species In A Year
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Alleppey, Kerala
‘Venice of the east’, Alleppey some of the most amazing and breathtaking views and is well known for its lagoons, backwaters and beaches. A stay in boat house overnight will give you a divine experience, which is unforgettable as these boat houses are surrounded by the greenery that will take you to another world all together and if you’re someone who likes capturing nature, visiting Alleppey during summer is an ideal time. Kuttanad backwaters, St. Mary’s Forane church, Krishnapuram Palace, Alleppey Beach, Marari Beach, Indira Gandhi National Park are some the places that you can visit in and around Alleppey.
The list does not end here. There is so much more in India to explore and experience if you are a nature lover. Whether you plan to cruise the backwaters or trek the Himalayas, the reminiscences of your holiday in India will remain forever.
This is a guest post by Rohit, a travel enthusiast who loves to explore the varied destinations of the country. His stories can be read on Trans India Travels.
