With my embarking journey in India, I celebrate #WorldTourismDay by sharing my special list of “Top 20 places to see in India”. They all are from my travels across India where I have rejoiced either the restaurant or accommodation or surrounding or tempting food, Etc. 27th September celebrates the UNWTO World Tourism Day, and this is my bit to the special day. The purpose to celebrate the day is to foster awareness among the international community of travellers of the importance of responsible tourism and its social, cultural, political, and economic value. As every traveller would suggest, discover your own country, there are hidden gems around you. Here is my list for India through the eyes of Woman traveller! I would be adding regular places here to this list! So keep coming here!
1. Maple Pine Farm, Shillong
A cabin in woods handpicked by a Canadian family who settled here after falling in love the breathtaking views of Shillong. With pet pony-Irra, dogs, solar windmills, homemade pancakes, a rendezvous experience. Walk up to scared forest in evening.
2. Bara Bazzar, Shillong
Bara Bazzar is the oldest market & traditional market of entire northeast. Walk up to a vegetable vendor & see different vegetables & fruit which you might have not seen. Pick up fresh blueberries. Visit a meat area as well.
3. Riwai Village, Shillong
Unique phenomena of living root bridge can be experienced here. The combination of rubber tree, betel nut trunks to grow this root bridges, a 300-year-old sight is a must try. Do take a plunge in natural water to see how you rejuvenate.
4. Mawsmai Cave, Shillong
Another natural phenomenon can leave you with breath taking moment. Limestone caves in various shapes are a visual treat to eye. A must see are fossils hidden within the rock. A guide is must as the caves can get confusing.
5. Nohkalikai Falls, Cherrapunji, Meghalaya
Nohkalikai Falls has story behind it. Do read before you visit the falls. Rainwater collected on a small plateau , has the tallest plunge , with a height of about 1115 feet. The plunge has green colour water. Nohkalikai Falls is one of the best places to visit in Cherrapunji. Watch the sunset around here.
6. The Habitat, Shillong, Meghalaya
City located boutique hotel, with very warm staff to go for an extra mile. Coffee and their rare collection of library books is what you need after long walk in nearby market. The traditional attire of tribal pictures is showcased here in lobby.
7. Babylon Inn, Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
Being more of business hotel, you can definitely stay here if you are on office visit. Breakfast & Lunch buffet is quite filling for your long day. Walk around hotel to see the chestnut design being old property of Raipur.
8. Surang Tila, Sirpur, Chhattisgarh
A good road to drive 100ksm from Raipur to see the historic monument which boats about baleshwar mahadev temple, beautiful carved stone figurines, pyramid style up a flight of stairs made of white stone about 35 feet high. Hunt for sculptures here!
9. Buddha Vihar, Sirpur, Chhattisgarh.
A Budh Vihar may be a temple seed residence, comparable to the monasteries within the west. You will see the sculptures of Shiv and Parvati, Panchtantra tale. The carvings at this vihar is spectacular. Walk even to see female Vihara, where bangles were found.
10. Balesvara Mahadeva Complex Sirpur, Chhattisgarh.
The temple complex has been excavated in 2003.It has Shiva temple. All pillars were made with dolomite which is one of the hardest stone and also most difficult to carve. Temple is built by Mahashivgupt Balarjun.
11. Ruins of Ancient Market, Mahasamund, Chhattisgarh
One of the oldest & largest market excavated. Well planned with parallel roads, divided as per type of goods sold. Bodhi tree where Buddha is believed to have come and meditated was the show stopper of the place.
12. Laxman Temple Sirpur, Chhattisgarh
A must visit celebration at Laxman Temple is Sirpur Dance festival every year. Music & art brings various great performers like Pt. Birju Maharaj as well. Locals enjoy this free show and local food is being served to experience as well.
13. Delhi Haat, New Delhi
Delhi Haat is a combination of traditional craft from all over the country. Artisans come to sell their good themself so can bet on great pricing. It also has section called Foods of India. If you are foodie, do not miss to try the Thukpa here.
14. Kunzum Travel Cafe, Hauz Khas, Delhi
Do not miss this cafe, if you are travel aficionado. Pay how much you want for your coffee. Best place to sit and relax in crowd. See the books around. Call for Ajay Jain the owner for his story on the cafe and his travel.
15. Shankar Market, New Delhi.
Walk with your camera in hand to see these old buildings turned into colorful visuals because of graffiti. Don’t miss to see national bird Peacock dancing to glory, Sahdus acting as DJs & famous “Maine Pyar Kiya”, Bollywood movie in these graffiti.
16. Kota Railway Station Area, Kota, Rajasthan.
Kota Railways Station has hot snacks to eat during lunch time. Get down from your trains and try Pyaaz (onion) Pakoda . During summer, drink up a full glass of Chass.
17. Kamla Pandey Home Stay, Munsyari, Uttarakhand
A well empowered Lady Padma runs this quaint home stay in Kumaon region. Sip your morning tea with the snow clad peaks visible right from the window of your homestay .Go bird watching & meet local around this area.
18. Munsyari, Uttarakhand
There more than 350 species of Birds in Kumaon region. Walk up outside your home stay and go bird watching. Identify the birds as most places have bird book around the home stay. If you are trekking lover than you can go for trekking form here. Nanda Devi base camp trek, Milam glacier trek, Ralam glacier treks Namik glacier treks are one the best treks of Kumaon.
19. Gaj Pass, Himachal Pradesh
Mighty Dhauladhar Himalayan ranges in the backdrop, complete with snow clad peaks, gorgeous terrain and others make Gaj Pass trek so memorable. Drink enough water & sleep well.
- Also Read: TOP TREKS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH
20. Daragaon Home Stay Pelling, Sikkim
Homestay located in Darap village where one can experience nature at closet. Meals are prepared from freshly grown organic vegetables. A quaint & lush green surrounding will make you rejuvenate for your chaotic city life.
