Indian Safari

Anyone who loves to travel knows that India’s beauty lies in its diversity. Our country is an exciting melting pot of different and alluring landscapes, cultures, languages and gourmet delights. No two states are exactly the same, which can make it challenging to plan a trip. You literally might want to go everywhere!


  Munnar in Kerala


This idyllic hill station, nestled in the Western Ghats, was once a favourite of the British. Verdant green and rolling hills, beautiful tea plantations, and charming towns make Munnar one of the peaceful and beautiful places in India

  • Best time to visit – October to November 
  • Ideal duration – 3 days
  • How to reach – 
    • By Air: Fly to Cochin International Airport (104 km from Munnar) and then take a cab. 
    • By Train: Take a train to reach the Cochin railway station (125 km from Munnar) and take a cab. 
    • By Road: You will get private or state-run buses to Munnar from all important cities in Kerala. 


  Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand 


If you are in love with the vibrant colours of nature, this valley should feature on your list of beautiful tourist places in India. Peppered with exotic and rare Himalayan flowers, it attracts trekkers and photographers in droves. This national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason.  

  • Best time to visit – July to September 
  • Ideal duration – 1 day of stay, but the trek from Haridwar takes about 6 days. 
  • How to reach – 
    • By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is at 284 km, from where you can hire a cab till Joshimath (11 hours). Gobindghat is another hour from here. From Gobindghat, you have to trek for 13 km to reach the Ghangaria base camp. 
    • By Train: Rishikesh railway station is 273 km from Gobindghat, and you can take a taxi or bus from the station.
    • By Road: You can get a bus or taxi from Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, Srinagar, Pauri, or Chamoli. 


  Dudhsagar Falls in Goa


If you wish to witness the true power of waterfalls, do give this one a shot. The gushing water of this 4-tiered majestic fall,on the Mandovi River,creates a magical mist and gives it a milky white appearance. This waterfall promises hikers and trekkers an exhilarating experience.   

  • Best time to visit – November to February 
  • Ideal duration – 1 day
  • How to reach – 
    • By Air: The nearest airport is in Dabolim. From there, you can take a cab to the Mollem Village. Then, hire a jeep to reach the falls. 
    • By Train: First reach Madgaon railway station in Goa and then board a passenger train to reach Kullem. You can then start trekking. 
    • By Road: Take a cab to reach the Mollem Village first and then take a jeep. 


            Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh


Gorgeous blue lakes, passes with amazing views, verdant greenery and tranquil monasteries make Tawang one of the best places to explore in India. The 400-year-old Tawang Monastery or Golden Namgyal Lhatse (second largest in the world) is a special attraction here. At a height of about 3048 m above sea level, Tawang boasts snowfall in November and December especially. 

  • Best time to visit – March to October
  • Ideal duration – 5 days
  • How to reach – 
    • By Air: Fly to Salonibari Airport in Tezpur (323 km from Tawang) and then hire a Sumo to drive to Tawang. 
    • By Train: Tezpur railway station is 333 km from Tawang and you can hire a car from there.
    • By Road: You can take a car to reach Tezpur from Guwahati and then hire a Bolero or Sumo to reach Tawang. 


   Nubra Valley in Ladakh

The barren rugged view of this valley, which lies between Kashmir and Tibet, will take your breath away. You can feast your eyes on charming monasteries, the Nubra and Shyok rivers, Bactrian camels, and sand dunes. A photographer’s delight, the valley is home to people of the Balti culture in Turtuk.  

  • Best time to visit – June to August
  • Ideal duration – 2 days
  • How to reach – 
    • By Air: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is the nearest airport (162 km), from where you can take a bus or taxi. 
    • By Train: Or, you can travel by train to the Leh railway station from Jammu or Kashmir, and then take a taxi or bus. 
    • By Road: You can take a taxi from Leh to reach the valley (160 km away)

  

   Sundarbans Mangrove in West Bengal


Essentially a delta that has come into being due to the confluence of Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghna Rivers, Sundarbans is among the wonderful places nature lovers can visit. Even if you are not lucky enough to sight the Royal Bengal Tiger, a boat ride amidst the mangroves will enchant you. Estuarine crocodiles and various birds are easy to spot. 

  • Best time to visit – September to March
  • Ideal duration – 2-3 days 
  • How to reach – 
    • By Air: Fly to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata and then take a train to Canning or drive to Sonakhali, Namkhana or Raidighi. From Canning, you can go to Godkhali Port to avail a jetty ride. Launch services are available at Sonakhali, Namkhana or Raidighi. 
    • By Train: Catch a suburban train from Kolkata to Canning and then board a bus or auto to reach Godkhali Port. From there, it will take a jetty ride to reach Sundarbans. 


   Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan


Spread across 1334 sq.km, this sprawling national park attracts wildlife enthusiasts from all over. You can hope to come across leopards, tigers and marsh crocodiles, and soak in the beauty of PadamTalao Lake, dotted with water lilies. History buffs will be entranced by the Ranthambore Fort and the Ganesh Mandir. 

  • Best time to visit – April to June 
  • Ideal duration – 2 days 
  • How to reach – 
    • By Air: Jaipur International Airport is 182 km away. Once you reach, hire a cab to reach the park. 
    • By Train: Sawai Madhopur railway station is 14 km from the park and you can take a cab to cover the distance. 
    • By Road: You can take a private or state bus or a cab to reach the park from Jaipur, Jodhpur, Agra or Delhi. 


   

    Varanasi Ghats in Uttar Pradesh 


Find spiritual bliss in one of the oldest cities in the world, Varanasi. The Ghats here overlook the holy River Ganga and draw countless Hindu pilgrims every year. Funeral rites conducted at the Ghats are believed to offer Nirvana to souls. The uniquely charming atmosphere combines age-old beliefs, evening prayers with lamps and the scent of incense and camphor.   

  • Best time to visit – September end to March 
  • Ideal duration – 2 – 3 days 
  • How to reach – 
    • By Air: Varanasi Airport is easy to reach from Mumbai, Delhi and other major cities. You can hire a cab then. 
    • By Rail: Varanasi railway station can be reached easily from Delhi, Mumbai and other major cities. You can then take a cab. 
    • By Road: You can board a private, state-run or luxury bus from Lucknow to reach Varanasi. 


  Dawki in Meghalaya


The quaint town of Dawki not only connects India and Bangladesh, but is also counted among the clean and beautiful places in India which are plastic-free. It is nestled in the green Jaintia Hills and is particularly famous for the Umngot River, which is crystal clear and breathtaking. The suspension bridge over the river is an attraction too. 

  • Best time to visit – February to early March
  • Ideal duration – 1- 2 days 
  • How to reach – 
    • By Air: The nearest airport is Guwahati Airport (196 km away), from where you can take a cab. 
    • By Train: You can hire a cab after reaching Guwahati railway station, which is 173 km from Dawki. 
    • By Road: You can take a cab from Guwahati to reach Dawki. 

    Bhedaghat in Madhya Pradesh


Are you passionate about unique terrains? A visit to Bhedhaghat is a must then, owing to the craggy Marble Rocks you can witness here. Overlooking the River Narmada, this town’s allure lies in the boat rides it offers in between the marble mountains that reach up to 100 feet in height.  

  • Best time to visit – September to March
  • Ideal duration – 1- 2 days 
  • How to reach – 
    • By Air: Jabalpur Airport is 33 km away and you can take a cab from there. 
    • By Train: Jabalpur railway station is 42 km away and you can hire a cab from there. 
    • By Road: You can take a state-run bus or shared auto from Jabalpur.  


  Rann of Kutch in Gujarat



Widely known as the salt desert or salt marsh of India, the Rann has an unusual barren beauty, especially on a moonlit night. If you wish to enjoy the lively colours, sounds and scents of the RannUtsav, plan your trip in November. 

  • Best time to visit – November to February
  • Ideal duration – 3 days 
  • How to reach – 
    • By Air: The nearest airport is in Bhuj (80 km away) and can be reached from major cities. After you land, hire a cab or auto. 
    • By Train: You can take a direct train from Mumbai to reach Bhuj (82 km from Rann) and then hire an auto or cab.
    • By Road: Take a cab or auto from Bhuj. 



   Andaman and Nicobar Islands


Among the most beautiful places in India for couples during winter, Andaman and Nicobar Islands rank high for its serenity, coral reefs, seafood joints, and are perfect for those who love to swim, snorkel or dive and explore marine life. Gorgeous blue-green waters, verdant forests and unforgettable sunsets add to the romance. 

  • Best time to visit – October to May
  • Ideal duration – 5 days 
  • How to reach – 
    • By Air: You can get direct flights from Kolkata, Vizag and Chennai to the Veer Savarkar Airport in Port Blair. Then, hire a cab. 


   Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir


Admire nature in all its glory in Gulmarg, a hill station in the Baramulla district. With the PirPanjal Range in its backdrop, Gulmarg is great for indulging in skiing, golfing, gondola rides, and leisurely pony rides. 

  • Best time to visit – March to June
  • Ideal duration – 2 days 
  • How to reach – 
    • By Air: Gulmarg is 57 km from Srinagar Airport and you can take a cab to cover the distance. The airport is well-connected to major cities. 
    • By Train: You can take a bus or taxi from the Jammu Tawi railway station, which is 316 km away. 
    • By Road: You can board a local bus or hire a jeep to travel from Srinagar (50 km away).

   Sand dunes in Jaisalmer


The colour of gold, sand dunes in Jaisalmer are gently undulating, almost barren and promise you an experience of a lifetime. A lazy camel ride over the crests and troughs can make for exclusive memories. You can enjoy vibrant cultural programs, bonfires, jeep safaris or stare at the clear night sky. 

  • Best time to visit – October to February
  • Ideal duration – 1 day for the dunes and 4 days for other sightseeing
  • How to reach – 
    • By Air: Jaisalmer Airport is 15 km from Jaisalmer city. Once you reach the city, hire a SUV or jeep to reach the dunes at around 40 km. 
    • By Train: You can get a direct train from Jodhpur, Jaipur or Delhi to reach Jaisalmer. Then take a jeep or SUV.
    • By Road: You can board a bus from Jaipur or Jodhpur to reach Jaisalmer. Then take a jeep to reach the dunes. 



   Dal Lake in Srinagar


The serene Dal Lake is one of the most beautiful places in India to visit before you die. Also known as the Lake of Flowers or Srinagar’s Jewel, it is 1775 m above sea level, and a shikara ride on the lake can lift your spirits instantly. 

  • Best time to visit – May to November 
  • Ideal duration – 1 day (in a houseboat if possible)
  • How to reach – 
    • By Air: You can reach Srinagar International Airport (22 km from Dal Lake) and then take a cab. Or, you can hire a cab to reach Lal Chowk and then board a bus. 
    • By Train: The nearest railway station is in Jammu (272 km from Srinagar). You can take a bus or taxi from there. 
    • By Road: Take a taxi or bus from Jammu. Srinagar can also be reached via road from Delhi or Chandigarh.  


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