India’s top 10 must-travel destinations for 2023
India is a diverse country with some of the most richly varied topography, history, culture, food, and other characteristics in the entire globe. The country draws tourists from all over the world. As soon as the new year begins, we begin to streamline our resolutions, with travel typically at the top of the list.
To help you with your travel plans, UnCrushed Leaves has curated India’s top 10 must-travel destinations for 2023
10 must-travel places in India in 2023
1. Srinagar – Kashmir, Himalayas
When one thinks of Kashmir, no one can overlook the charm of its heart, Srinagar. Srinagar stands aesthetically on the banks of the River Jhelum, surrounded by the towering Himalayas, which are made much more impressive when it snows. Walking through these streets reminds one of the bygone times and gives one a vintage sensation of a city that is both new and old.
Best time to visit – The best time to visit Srinagar is from April to October when the weather is mild and ideal for sightseeing. Whether you decide to travel to Srinagar in the summer, autumn, or winter, you will be awed by the incredible landscape and its pristine beauty.
Srinagar tourist attractions – Nishat Bagh, the floating market at the Dal Lake, Pari Mahal’s mystique, Hazratbal Dargah, famous Tulip Garden
2. Kumbhalgarh – Rajasthan, Desert
Kumbhalgarh, a Mewar fortress town that is modest, charming, and simply magnificent, is around 85 kilometers from Udaipur. Surrounded by magnificent Aravalli hills, Kumbhalgarh has tourists from Udaipur taking day trips to this picturesque location. It might surprise you to discover that the desert state of Rajasthan contains vast areas of lush green flora in Kumbhalgarh. Kumbhalgarh is a fascinating destination to explore because of its renowned hill fort, as well as its several dense animal reserves and century-old temples.
Best time to visit
Winter is a fantastic time to travel, especially between December and March when it’s more likely that you’ll see wild creatures. Summertime in Rajasthan is hot and dry, therefore a trip during this time is not recommended. Even during the rainy season, one can go since the monsoon spreads its enchanted allure over the dense vegetation, making the sanctuary glisten with greenery.
Kumbhalgarh tourist attractions – Kumbhalgarh Fort, Badal Mahal, Vedi Temple, Palace of Clouds, Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Neelkanth Mahadeo Temple
3. Hampi – Karnataka, Monuments
Hampi, the city of ruins, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travelers who enjoy history will love traveling to this place hidden in the Karnataka state’s deepest valleys and hills. Hampi is a backpacker’s paradise because of the 500 antique sites, stunning temples, lively street markets, bastions, treasury buildings, and fascinating Vijayanagar Empire remains that surround it. Given that Hampi is a popular approach to viewing the ancient city from the perspective of its history and offers more than 100 spots to explore, you may consider it an open museum.
Best time to visit
From October to March, the weather at Hampi, Karnataka is quite mild, making outdoor sightseeing very pleasant. This is the peak travel season at Hampi.
Hampi tourist attractions
Lotus Mahal, Shree Vijaya Vitthala Gudi, Elephant Stables, Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Sree Virupaksha Temple, Hazara Raama Temple.
4. Lachung – Sikkim, Mountains
Sikkim is blessed with ethereal vistas, beautiful foggy mountains, and valleys that leave you wondering if you’ve arrived in paradise. Sikkim is home to some of nature’s most vibrant brushstrokes. Lachung, the picture-perfect village in North Sikkim encapsulates the best of what Sikkim has to offer. Lachung was described as the “most picturesque village of Sikkim” by Joseph Dalton Hooker in “The Himalayan Journal.” Lachung Valley is the greatest example of pure and wild nature in all its grandeur. The tall, magnificent Himalayas covered in snow, sparkling mountain streams and waterfalls, abundant fruit orchards, and flowing blue rivers complete this beautiful picture.
Best time to visit
The best months to visit Lachung are the summer months of April to June and the autumnal month of October to observe snowfall. During these months, the weather is at its most comfortable, and you can clearly see mountain ranges.
Lachung tourist attractions – Lachen, Yumthang Valley, Lachung Monastery, Seven Sisters Waterfalls, Zero Point, Bhim Nala Falls, Mt. Katao, Chopta Valley, Green Lake, Thangu Valley
5. Coonoor – Tamil Nadu, Mountains
Coonoor is one of the three beautiful Nilgiri hill stations. This gorgeous place in Tamil Nadu is the second largest hill station of the Western Ghats. It is just 19 km from Ooty. This picturesque destination is ideal for a fast weekend escape in the hills. Coonoor is the perfect place to have a panoramic view of the Nilgiri Hills and Catherine Falls. It is a lovely location because of the lush vegetation, the manicured hills, the Colonial culture, and the breathtaking scenery. In the mountains overlooking Coonoor, several historic villas and guesthouses are ideal for a getaway or a weekend away. Long, leisurely walks are perfect in the lovely Nilgiris, and the tea plantations provide the perfect backdrop.
Best time to visit
The ideal time to visit Coonoor is during the winter season, from October to March when the weather is primarily cool and pleasant. Those that enjoy the outdoors and adventure travel during this time of year.
Coonoor tourist attractions – Dolphin’s Nose, Sim’s Park, Ketti Valley, Hidden Valley, Rallia Dam, Wellington Lake, Lamb’s Rock, Droog Fort,
6. Kumarakom – Kerala, Backwaters
On the shores of Vembanad Lake, Kerala’s largest lake, 16 kilometers from Kottayam, Kumarakom is a collection of numerous small artificial islands that have been reclaimed from the lake. It is well-known for paddy fields, fishing, the network of backwaters, tasty local cuisine, traditional Kettuvalloms (rice barges), houseboats, luxury resorts, and affordable accommodations. This area’s 14-acre Kumarakom bird sanctuary, a favorite stop for migratory birds, is a haven for ornithologists.
Best time to visit
The ideal time to visit Kumarakom is from September to March. It gets a little warm during the summer months of April to June, with rare highs of 35 ° C. or more. In Kumarakom, monsoons are stunning, and it’s the ideal season to enjoy bird watching in the Kumarakom bird sanctuary. However, backwater cruising is not permitted during monsoons.
Kumarakom tourist attractions – Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Backwaters, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall, Bay Island Driftwood Museum, Vagamon, Kumarakom Beach
7. Pench – Madhya Pradesh, Wildlife
The hugely popular classic “The Jungle Book” was inspired by Pench National Park; which features the gorgeous Pench river meandering through the lush vegetation and a variety of wildlife can be viewed in the rocky landscape. It is housed in the Seoni and Chhindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh. On the boat tours, one can experience a variety of activities in addition to the wildlife safari, such as getting a peek at tribal life and passing by some well-known local temples and dams.
Best time to visit
February to June is the best time to spot wildlife. As they venture outside more frequently throughout the summer to drink water, the odds of seeing animals rise. The months of October through February are great too because the climate is still very comfortable.
Pench tourist attractions – Jeep Safari, Flora and Fauna, Turia Zone, Karmajhiri Zone, Wolf Sanctuary, Kohka Lake, Pachmarhi
8. Cola Beach – Goa, Beach
There are very few people who are aware of Cola, a beautifully gorgeous hidden beach in South Goa. Being so far away, this seems like a private beach. Palm trees, dense foliage, and uneven terrain continue to obscure it. Cola beach’s best feature is the blue lagoon. This is what sets Cola apart from the other Goa beaches. A small creek emerges from the dense forest and merges with the Arabian Sea just here; it also produces a freshwater lagoon.
Best time to visit
The ideal time to visit Cola beach is between November and February because the weather is notably better during that time.
Cola beach tourist attractions – Emerald Lagoon, Cabo de Rama Fort, Kakolem Beach, Agonda
9. Dhanaulti – Uttarakhand, Mountain
Dhanaulti, one of Uttarakhand’s top tourist spots, is quickly establishing itself as a jewel because of its tranquil, laid-back vibe. Dhanaulti sits 2,250 meters above sea level and is far from traffic, crowded markets, and pollution. This place is surrounded by dense, pristine woods of deodar, oak, and rhododendron trees and serves as the starting point for a variety of treks into the Himalayas, including routes to the Surkanda Devi Temple, Chandrabadni, and Kunjapuri. Many adventure resorts in this area provide activities like zip-lining and rappelling. Dhanaulti also boasts several well-known skating rinks, active in the winter months. The small town is completely covered with snow throughout the winter, making for the ideal getaway.
Best time to visit
Although Dhanaulti welcomes travelers all year long, the summer season, from June to September, is the best time to go. In Dhanaulti, the summers are gentler and the temperature ranges from 15 to 22 degrees Celsius. Visit between November and February to take in views of the snow-covered hills if you appreciate snow and need a break from the heat.
Dhanaulti tourist attractions – Surkanda Devi Temple, Kaudia Forest, Apple Orchard Resort, Dhanaulti Adventure Park, Dashavatar Temple, Dhanaulti Eco Park
10. Mawlynnong – Meghalaya, Forest Mountain
Mawlynnong, popularly known as God’s own Garden, is a small village in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya that is located about 90 kilometers from Shillong. It is undoubtedly one of the most well-liked tourist spots in the Indian state. Mawlynnong was named the cleanest village in Asia in 2003 by Discovery India. Mawlynnong Village is a community-based ecotourism project where everyone worked together to create and preserve the village’s cleanliness. Its lush green valleys, crystal clear river, a plethora of blooming orchids hanging from the trees, and immaculate roads make it one of the most stunning natural beauty spots in the state.
Best time to visit
Mawlynnong has beautiful weather all year long. However, monsoon is thought to be the finest season to go because the village becomes luxuriantly green and gorgeous, which gives off an otherworldly sense.
Mawlynnong tourist attractions – Balancing Rock Of Mawlynnong, Living Root Bridge, Dawki river, Bophill Falls, Umgrem Falls, Sky view, Mawlynnong Waterfall, Riwai village
Hopefully, this will make it simpler for you to create a bucket list of destinations to see in India in 2023. Have a good trip wherever you decide to go and may your New Year be filled with happy travel experiences and memories with your loved ones.
Looking to travel and experience the culture, food, and nature, or soak in adventure; explore curated Journeys with UnCrushedLeaves now.