30 Places in India You Must See Before You Turn 30

Most of us have that ever-increasing bucket list of places to visit all over the world. What about places to visit in India? For people inching closer to the landmark thirtieth birthday, we’ve put together a list of 30 awesome places in India to tick off your bucket list before you turn 30!

1. Varkala

 

This beautiful coastal town lies just 45km north of Trivandrum. With its sheer red cliffs and sandy beach, this “Goa of Kerala” is perfect for a relaxed trip. Chill at the cool cafes, laze on the beach, get a surfing lesson and catch an amazing sunset. We promise you, it’ll give you that #TravelWaaliFeeling!

2. Chandratal​

Named for its moon-like shape, this high-altitude lake in Himachal is well worth the effort of reaching it! Truly one of India’s most beautiful lakes, Chandratal is a paradise for trekkers and needs to be on your list of places to visit before you turn 30! The deep blue lake surrounded by snow clad peaks will be a sight you’ll remember forever.

3. Gokarna

An unconventional beach town on India’s western coast, Gokarna makes for an idyllic getaway. This more hipster version of Goa has four beautiful beaches - Om Beach, Half Moon Beach, Kudle Beach and Paradise Beach. Relax at the beach shacks, explore the temples, or try some water sports. You can also opt to go for a beach trek!

4. Leh

 

Getting Leh’d has to be something to cross off your to-do list before turning 30! Terrible puns aside, Leh is definitely one of the most spectacular places in India. Ride a camel or an ATV, walk on a frozen lake, trek into the hills - there is adventure everywhere. With its ancient monasteries, quaint villages and friendly people, Leh Ladakh is a must-visit for any traveller.

5. Tosh

The place for backpackers and nature lovers - the village of Tosh in Himachal’s Parvati Valley is definitely a place to visit before you turn 30. Travellers visit from across the world for the pristine Himalayan landscapes and the famous brownies! Tosh is also a favoured haunt of trekkers.

Read More: 10 Off-beat Places to Visit in 2020

6.  Hampi

This ancient riverside town is a haven for history buffs and backpackers! Explore the beautiful, intricate temples of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, especially if you like architecture. But do also catch the stunning sunset at Matanga Hill, visit Hanuman’s birthplace at Anjaneya Hill and take a coracle ride to Hippie Island!

7. Kumarakom

 

This is the perfect spot for a do-nothing holiday where you can spend your time gazing at the enchanting backwaters around you. If you feel energetic, there are massages to be had and a bird sanctuary to be explored, but nothing beats lotus-eating!

8. Chadar Trek

What could be more adventurous than a trek on a frozen river? The Chadar trek is one of the most unique things you can do. Imagine walking the frozen Zanskar by day, and sleeping in tents at night, in Ladakh’s freezing winter temperatures! This is definitely one of those must-do things before 30 for true-blue adventurers.

9.  Cherrapunjee

High among Meghalaya’s verdant hills, Cherrapunjee has a lot more going for it than the title “second-wettest place on Earth”! Trek to the unique Living Root bridges, go caving and take a boat ride on the crystal-clear Dawki river. From the gorgeous misty views to magnificent waterfalls like Nohkalikai and Dainthlen, Cherrapunji is a must-see.

10. Shimla

 

The former British summer capital, Shimla today is North India’s favourite weekend getaway. This still-charming heritage town must be on your list of places to visit. When you are done exploring historic sights like the Viceregal Lodge and Christ Church and the pedestrian-only Mall Road, head out to nearby spots like Kufri, Naldehra or Chail for more scenic beauty.

11. Valley of Flowers

Imagine standing in a verdant valley surrounded by mountains, a veritable carpet of beautiful flowers at your feet! This fairyland in the high Himalayas of Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district lies covered in snow during winter, and bursts into colours come warmer weather. A trek to the Valley of Flowers should be on the bucket list of every nature-loving adventurer!

12.  Kaza

This high-altitude town (12,500 feet) is the largest in the Spiti Valley. With Kaza as base, travellers can trek or take jeep safaris to the ancient monasteries of Ki and Dhankar, the pristine Dhankar lake, and more. Kaza is also one of the best places in India for stargazing!

13. Vagamon

 

This tiny hill station in Kerala is a charming addition to your must-visit-before-30 list. Enjoy never-ending views of green hills and ravines, and get lost in the misty meandering lanes. Hike up to a waterfall, go rock climbing or try paragliding. There are many trekking opportunities here too.

14.  Narkanda

The ski resort town of Narkanda lies enveloped in fir forests just 65km away from Shimla. With its fantastic views of snowy Himalayan peaks and the numerous trekking opportunities offered by the forests here, Narkanda is popular with young travellers looking for a secluded break.

Read More: Where to Go Scuba Diving in India

15.  Dambuk

Producing some of India’s best oranges, this secluded village in Arunachal’s lush Lower Dibang Valley hosts a unique Orange Festival each December. At this festival, apart from indulging in the local oranges, you can enjoy music and dance performances and sample local cuisine. For adventure lovers, there are fun things like zip lining, ATV rides, dirt biking, rafting and more.

16. Jaisalmer

 

Warm, vibrant Jaisalmer has a lot to offer the offbeat traveller. Explore one of the world’s only “living forts”, ride a camel, visit the Longewala battle site, or just chill at a rooftop cafe. For a truly memorable experience, take a desert safari and spend a night on the dunes under the starry desert sky!

17.  Manali

India’s most popular honeymoon and backpacking town, Manali and its surroundings are one of Himachal’s most scenic sights. Adrenaline freaks will be spoilt for choice here with options like rafting, paragliding, biking, fishing, skiing, kayaking etc. Whether you visit with friends, your partner or as a solo traveller, Manali is bound to enchant.

18.  Ziro Valley

Picturesque, pristine and secluded - that’s Ziro Valley in four words! This beautiful pastoral tribal region in Arunachal Pradesh with its rice fields and forested hills will take your breath away. If you’re planning a visit, best to go in September to enjoy the unique Ziro Music Festival!

19. Kasol

 

This laid-back Himachal village is one of India’s most popular backpacker destinations. While the party scene here is amazing, solitude-seekers needn’t worry as there are still plenty of places to find seclusion. Hit up Kasol for its mix of rave parties, quirky cafes, scenic treks and picturesque scenery!

20. Varanasi

Kashi, Varanasi, Banaras - call it what you like, Shiva’s city is a must-see! Explore the revered Kashi Vishwanath, Sankat Mochan and Tulsi Manas temples and the Buddhist site at Sarnath. Spend time at the Ghats, watch the mesmeric Ganga Aarti and take a sunrise boat ride on the river. Of course, you can’t leave Varanasi without sampling the famous street food!

21.  Amarnath

If you are a Shiva devotee, do add the traditional Amarnath trek to your list of things to do before you’re 30. The trek from Baltal to the holy Amarnath cave covers a distance of 14km one way. This strenuous trek can only be attempted by people with good fitness levels. However, the views on the way and the feeling of accomplishment at the end will be worth the pain!

22. Tirthan Valley

 

Himachal’s best-kept secret, Tirthan Valley is the gateway to the Great Himalayan National Park. Dotted with tiny villages, beautiful temples, sparkling rivers and verdant hiking trails, this valley is a nature lover’s dream come true. Don’t wait to visit untouched Tirthan for too long!

23. Darjeeling

The Queen of Hill Stations, Darjeeling is nearly synonymous with tea in India! On a Darjeeling trip you can explore local tea estates, visit ancient Buddhist monasteries, watch the sunrise over the Kanchenjunga, and ride the famous Toy Train.

24.  Lachen

An adventurous six-hour-drive from Gangtok brings you to this picturesque Sikkimese mountain village. Visit this still-unspoiled place for its natural beauty, with its dramatic snow-capped backdrop. From Lachen, adventure lovers can explore the mystical Gurudongmar Lake as well as the scenic Tsopta Valley.

25.  Havelock

 

One of the most beautiful spots in India, Havelock island in Andaman should be right at the top of your list of places to visit. Indulge your romantic side with a memorable sunset at pristine Radhanagar Beach, or feed your adventurous soul with a round of scuba diving!

26. Vythiri

Mist-shrouded hills, lush plantations of coffee and spices, waterfalls and wildlife safaris - Vythiri offers a rainforest escape, away from the urban madness. Stay in a cottage, or even in a quirky treehouse, tucked away in the jungle!

27. Kumbhalgarh 

This 15th-century hill fort near Udaipur is one of Rajasthan’s grandest sights and makes a great road trip. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its 36-km-long wall is the second largest in the world, next only to the Great Wall of China!

28. Sandakphu

 

Picture-perfect Sandakphu in West Bengal is a trekker’s delight. From the top of Sandakphu peak at 12,000 feet, you can actually see four of the world’s five tallest mountains! Very few spots in the world can make a claim like this, making the Sandakphu Trek definitely one of the things you must have on your “30 before 30” list!

29. Bandipur

If you love nature, wildlife or photography, Karnataka’s Bandipur Tiger Reserve is an ideal place to visit. All activities here are designed with an eco-tourism approach, from stays in designated areas to wildlife safaris by gypsy or bus. It is an easy weekend trip from Bangalore.

30. Goa

This destination cannot be left out of a 30 before 30 list under any circumstances! You already know about Goa’s awesome beaches, but we also recommend spicing up your Goa trip with fun activities. Visit the picturesque Dudhsagar Falls, go dolphin spotting, or on a forest trek. Try water sports like parasailing or flyboarding, or pick a snorkelling or scuba diving experience. Enjoy a hot air balloon ride or a luxury yacht party. Discover a new Goa every time you visit!

Which of these “30 before 30” destinations will you pick first? Let us know!

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