TOP 10 TRAVEL DESTINATIONS TO VISIT IN 2024

-by Jaya Pathak

Bored of your daily life- the same place, cuisine, and surroundings? Then why not to do something exciting and adventurous!! Festive season is also coming so just grab the opportunity. Plan a trip with your family and friends. Let’s slay the days with some stunning and exciting travel destinations. If you’re planning for a trip, take a look at the following travel destinations that you might consider visiting: –

1. Varanasi

The spiritual capital of India, the city of Mahadev, the dream destination of many, is indeed among the places you should plan to travel in 2024. The city is situated in Uttar Pradesh. The city is surrounded in the lap of river Ganges. It has been a place of keen interest of the pilgrims as it has one of the twelve “Jyotirlinga”—Kashi Vishwanath Temple In Varanasi. The “Dhamekh Stupa” located at Sarnath where Buddha preached his first discourse has been a captivating site for the Buddhists as well as the foreigners.

The city offers more than 80 ghats which are associated with certain meaning and deity. That’s why, Varanasi is also known as the “City of Ghats”. Some of the prominent ghats in Varanasi are Assi Ghat, DashaswamedhGhat, Manikarnika Ghat, Chet Singh Ghat, Tulsi Ghat, Harishchandra Ghat, Ahilya Ghat and many more. The city is known as “Mokshadaini” because it is believed that one who dies in Kashi, becomes free from the cycle of rebirth.

You can also witness the “Ganga Aarti” that happens at almost all the ghats but the Ganga aarti of Dashaswamedh Ghat and Assi Ghat is more famous and engaging than others. Apart from that, Varanasi is also known for its “Banarasi Sarees”. If you went to Varanasi and have not seen “Dev Deepawali” then what have you seen? Just pull out your spiritual side and enjoy the “Dev Deepawali”.

“Banaras Hindu University” also called “the capital of knowledge or Sarva Vidya ki Rajdhani” is located at Lanka which ranks 2^nd among the central universities in India. The university has an enormous as well beautiful campus.

2. Andaman and Nicobar Island

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a group of picturesque islands in the Indian Ocean, known for their stunning natural beauty, diverse marine life, and rich cultural heritage. They are a popular tourist destination for those seeking a tropical paradise.

The islands are famous for their pristine, white-sand beaches. “Radhanagar Beach” on Havelock Island is often ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia. The crystal-clear waters surrounding these islands are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. The underwater world is teeming with colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life, making it a haven for water sports enthusiasts.

The lush greenery, dense forests, and scenic landscapes of the islands provide excellent opportunities for hiking, trekking, and wildlife exploration.The islands have a rich historical background, with sites like Cellular Jail in Port Blair.

The islands offer a unique blend of Indian, Burmese, and Thai cuisine. It is home to unique species of plants and animals, including the famous Jarawa and Sentinelese tribes. The islands also host giant leatherback turtle nesting sites. The island offers tranquillity and serenity.

3. Goa

Goa is the most popular destination for beach holidays. The city is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, nature, wildlife, cuisine, water sports and rich history and heritage. Goa has been a popular destination among the youths as well as foreigners. You can enjoy the lush green beauty along with various adventurous activities such as white-water rafting, water skiing, parasailing, flyboarding, wakeboarding, knee boarding, scuba diving, wind surfing and many more.

The “Mango Festival” of Goa is an attractive fest for the mango lovers. Various types of mangoes are put into demonstrations. The literary and arts festival of Goa brings together renowned writersand poets on a broad scale. Goa Carnival is celebrated 40 days before Easter.

There are various beaches in Goa such as Baga Beach, Patnem beach, Miramar beach, Palolem beach, Calangute beach, Candolim beach, Arambol beach and many more. It also offers various captivating waterfalls such as Dudhsagar, Netravali,Kuskem, Arvalam,Bamanbudo, Harvalem, Hivremwaterfall and many more.

4. Manali

Known for the picturesque landscapes and natural beauty, it is located in the Kullu Valley. It is surrounded by stunning scenic beauty and pristine rivers. It appears more beautiful during winters as the region gets covered in snow.

There are several ancient temples and Buddhist monasteries in Manali that provide insight into spirituality such as Manu Temple(dedicated to Manu, the place is known for its architecture and serene surroundings), Hidimba Devi Temple(known for its architecture and unique setting dedicated to the demon goddess Hidimba), Himalayan Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple(known for the pagoda style structure and wall painting, located in the middle of the busy town).

The Great Himalayan National Parkis one of the best places to visit in Manali. It is also a UNESCO world heritage site. The place is known for its serenity and tranquillity. It is located around 50km away from Manali. You can also find numerous floras as well as faunas in the same. The Van Vihar Park is also a popular place to visit if you are a nature lover. The place is covered with green lush and tall Deodar trees.

While traveling throughHampta Pass, you can enjoy the stunning scenic beauty of the Kullu valley and Lahaul valley. It is located on the Pir Panjal range. It is nearly 15km away from Manali. Brighu Lake is counted among one the best trekking destinations in Manali. It is surrounded by evergreen tree forestand alpine meadows. The scenic and panoramic view of the place draws the attention of tourists.

5. Udaipur

Also known as the “city of lakes”, Udaipur is an exceptionally beautiful city full of serene lakes and majestic places. This place lies in the surroundings of Aravali range and is the southernmost section of Rajasthan.

The city was founded in 1559. It was also the capital of the Mewar kingdom under Maharaja Uday Singh II. Udaipur is also known as the ‘White City’ because of the usage of elite marbles in the forts of Udaipur.

The place has so many wonderful places to offer such as Rajput-era forts, majestic places, museums, galleries, etc. Lake Pichola, City Palace, Eklingji Temple, Ambrai Ghat, Vintage Car Museum, Bada Mahal, and Shilgram are among the must-see attractions in Udaipur. If you are planning a visit to this city, then you must see such wonderful places.

Trekking, paragliding, cycling tours and helicopter rides are among the exhilarating activities available in Udaipur. Sunset boat cruises on Lake Pichola, Goverdhan Sagar Lake, and Fateh Sagar Lake are calming places. The place has several areas of interest like Bagore ki Haveli Museum, City Palace of Udaipur, Lake Pichola, Shri Ekling Ji Templeand Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace.

6. Delhi

The capital city of India offers a rich blend of history, culture and modern attraction. It embraces the traditional as well as modern values. The capital city has a vibrant culture. Exploring the bustling markets, tasting the street food, witnessing the cultural heritage and of course the colourful festivals- the city has too much to offer.

Delhi is a shopping paradise that offers a wide range of experiences. From malls to bustling markets, you can find everything here. Some popular places to visit in Delhi are Connaught Place (famous for its diverse range of shops and markets as well as the marvellous architecture with colonnades and facades, located in the heart of New Delhi), Jama Masjid (one of the largest and renowned mosques in India is known for its historical and architectural landmark.

It is made up of red sandstone and white marble), Jantar Mantar(an astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historical and scientific significance), Lotus Temple (characterized by its distinctive lotus-shaped structure with 27 marble-clad petals is a prominent architectural site), Akshardham Temple (provides insights into various aspects of Indian history, culture and spirituality), Red Fort (the historic fort made up of red sandstone has a significant architectural masterpiece of Mughal era.

It is an iconic place where the Prime Minister of the country hoists the National Flag), Qutub Minar(a historical monument known for its Indo-Islamic architecture is also a UNESCO World Heritage site), Rashtrapati Bhawan (the official residence of the President of India is known for its architectural style with a blend of classical European and Indian designs), India Gate (it has a significant historical as well as cultural landmark).

7. Ooty

Next in this list is Ooty known by names like Ootacamand, Udegomondelom or Udhagar. This pretty place is situated in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiri district. The word Ooty is derived from the word “Oothecal-Mund”, meaning home in the mountains. Also known as the queen of hill stations, the town is known for its tea estates. The low temperature and absolute ethereal surroundings make it the best weekend destination in the months between April and June.

There are lush green forest reserves, scenarios mountains and grasslands all around making this an eye candy. The areas of interest in Ooty are Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Emerald Lake, Rose Garden, ooty Lake, Botanical Garden, Kalhatty Waterfalls, Kamraj Sagar DAM, Mudumalai National Park, Stone House, Pykara Waterfalls, Doddabetta peak, St. Stephen’s Church, the Tea Factory and the Tea Museum. The nearest railway station is Mettupalyam Railway Station (40 km) and the nearest airport is Coimbatore Airport which is at a distance of 88 km.

8. Pushkar

One of India’s oldest cities, Pushkar is located in Ajmer region of Rajasthan. Pushkar is a small but vibrant town in the state of Rajasthan, India, and it’s a unique travel destination known for its rich cultural and spiritual significance.

The sacred Pushkar Lake is central to the town’s identity. It’s believed to have been created by Lord Brahma and is surrounded by 52 bathing ghats. Pilgrims come to bathe in the holy waters, and the ghats are particularly active during the annual Pushkar Camel Fair.The peace and tranquility that the town offers captivate the visitors completely.

Some of the famous places to visit in Pushkar includes Pushkar Lake, Brahma’s Temple, Varah temple, Savitri Temple, Pushkar Camel Fair, Man Mahal, Rangji Temple, Desert Camp, Mahadeva Temple, Pushkar Bazaar, Merta City, Rose Garden, Kishangarh, Apteshwar Temple, Merta City.

Pushkar is home to numerous temples and ghats. The Brahma Temple is one of the very few dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe. Other important temples include the Varaha Temple, Savitri Temple, and Rangji Temple.

The annual Pushkar Camel Fair is one of the town’s biggest attractions. It’s a colorful and lively event that draws thousands of tourists and locals. You can witness camel races, cultural performances, and traditional Rajasthani music and dance.

Pushkar’s mix of spirituality, culture, and natural beauty makes it a compelling travel destination for those seeking a unique and authentic Indian experience. It’s particularly appealing to those interested in India’s rich religious traditions and traditional arts.

9. Kerela

Kerala, located in the southern part of India, is a renowned travel destination known for its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and unique experiences. Often referred to as “God’s Own Country,”Kerala is famous for its intricate network of backwaters, lagoons, and canals.

Munnar is a hill station that offers cool weather, beautiful landscapes, and opportunities for trekking and wildlife encounters. You can also visit tea museums and factories to learn about the tea-making process.

Kerala boasts beautiful beaches along its coastline. Kovalam, Varkala, and Marari Beach are some of the popular ones, offering opportunities for relaxation, water sports, and enjoying stunning sunsets.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and various species of birds. As Kerala is known as the “Land of Spices”,you can also explore spice plantations in places like Thekkady and Wayanad to learn about the cultivation and trade of spices like cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon.

10. Darjeeling

Situated in the foothills of lower Himalayas, Darjeeling is a scenic town with the mighty Kanchenjunga, world’s third tallest mountain, rising over. The railway designated by UNESCO is very popular among tourists. It provides the tourists a chance to experience the mountain and antique woods themselves. There are 86 tea farms in the city making it responsible from creating the Darjeeling Tea.

You must visit exciting places such as Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Peace Pagoda, Ghum Monastery, Rock Garden, Darjeeling Himalayan Mountaineering institute, Singalila, National Park, St, Andrew’s Church, Happy Valley Tea Estate, Tinchuley, Observatory Hill, Sandakphu Trek. The Nearest Railway Station in New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is 72.8km from the place and the nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport is 96 km from Darjeeling.