Presented below is a list of the top 10 travel destinations in India for the year 2024, along with recommendations on activities to undertake and the best time to visit:
1. Leh-Ladakh (Jammu & Kashmir)
- What to Do
- Sightseeing: Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley.
- Monasteries: Hemis, Thiksey, and Diskit.
- Adventure sports such as trekking, biking, and rafting can be enjoyed.
- Best Time to Visit: May to September. The weather is nice and the roads are accessible to travel.
2. Rishikesh (Uttarakhand)
- Things To Do:
- White-water rafting in the Ganges River.
- Yoga and meditation at the serene ashrams.
- Visit the famous Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula.
- Best Time to Visit: During October to March, when the weather is cool and ideal for outdoor activities.
3. Jaipur (Rajasthan)
- What to Do:
- Explore historic forts: Amber Fort, Nahargarh, Jaigarh.
- City Palace and Hawa Mahal sightseeing
- Shopping in local bazaars like Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar
- Best Time to Visit: November to February, since the weather becomes cool and pleasant for sightseeing.
4. **Goa **
- **Things To Do:
- Sunbathing on pretty beaches like Baga, Anjuna, and Palolem.
- Visit the Portuguese colonial architecture in Old Goa.
- Water sports like parasailing, jet skiing, and windsurfing.
- Best Time to Go: November to March, during the cooler months when the beaches are less crowded.
5. Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
What to Do:
Feel the spiritual ambiance of ghats and Ganga Aarti.
Early morning boat ride along the Ganges.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Sarnath are must-visit places.
Best Time to Visit: October to March is considered a good time, as one avoids extreme heat and enjoys pleasant weather.
6. Mysore (Karnataka)
- Things to Do:
- A visit to the magnificent Mysore Palace and the Chamundeshwari Temple.
- Brindavan Gardens and Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary.
- Mysore silk and sandalwood are local purchases.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March is considered the best time for visiting due to its cool and rather pleasant weather, apt for sightseeing.
7. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- What to Do:
- Relish the scenic beaches at Havelock and Neil Islands.
- Go for snorkeling or scuba diving through the coral reefs.
- A visit to Cellular Jail and Corbyn’s Cove Beach.
- Best Time to Visit: Between October and May for all beach activities and water sports.
8. Udaipur (Rajasthan)
- Things to Do:
- Take a cruise along the length and breadth of Lake Pichola and visit Jag Mandir and the City Palace.
- Spend some time around Saheliyon ki Bari and in the vintage car museum.
- Take a closer look at the famous Jagdish Temple.
- Best Time to Visit: Between October and March when the weather is cool and pleasant for outdoor exploration.
9. Darjeeling (West Bengal)
- Things to Do:
- Go for the ride of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway better known as the Toy Train.
- The sublimely beautiful view of sunrise over Kanchenjunga from Tiger Hill.
- Explore the Tea gardens and Monasteries.
- Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to December for clear skies and pleasant weather.
10. Kerala (Alleppey, Munnar, Kochi)
- What to Do:
- Take a houseboat ride through the backwaters at Alleppey.
- Explore the tea plantations and go trekking in Munnar.
- See historical places such as Fort Kochi, Chinese Fishing Nets, Mattancherry Palace, and many more.
Best time to Visit: October to March is the best time when the climate is cool and apt for beach holidays, backwater cruises, and sightseeing.
Indeed, the blend of rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, adventure, and spiritual experience in these places makes them the ideal spots for travel in 2024.