“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta

So we bring you a list of places you can travel to in the upcoming year and collect multitude of new memories and experiences. 

1. Sawai Madhopur

Forts, temples, gardens and a national park with possible sightings of a tiger – that is Sawai Madhopur for you! The home to Ranthambore national park is a beautiful city. Named after Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I of Jaipur, who built the city, Sawai Madhpur offers you a nice short retreat. 

2. Khajuraho

The beautiful temples of Khajuraho depict the sexual history of our country in vivid details. Spread over 6 square kilometres, the complex has 20 temples, both small and gigantic. These temples were built together but are representative of two religions – Hinduism and Jainism. These temples reflect the symbolism and expressiveness of ancient Indian art. And these erotic carvings are among the finest temple art in the world. 

3. Gulmarg

Gulmarg translates to a “Meadow of Flowers”. Located near to Srinagar, this beautiful town is a hill station you must visit. Ideal to go in summers and in winters, Gulmarg offers you unparalleled experiences. You can go hiking, take a cable car ride and also try your hand at skiing here. 

4. Varanasi

Varanasi is the city sacred to Hindus and Buddhists both. It is the city with high religious significance. But it is also a vibrant town bustling with young tourists wanting to explore the city. Varanasi is one of the most blindingly colourful, unrelentingly chaotic and unapologetically indiscreet places on earth. 

5. Pondicherry

Pondicherry is your very own French town in India. With influences from Dutch, Portuguese, British and French settlements, Pondicherry offers a myriad of experiences. Pondy’s vibe is a mixture of faded colonial-era ville, bohemian-chic and a  New Age-Old World hangout. 

6. Almora

With the alluring grandeur of natural beauty, Almora is a must visit for any nature enthusiast. Dotted with some colonial-era buildings,  community-based weaving enterprises and well established trekking trails, Almora is a picturesque town. Shop, people-watch or just take a stroll through the streets. 

7. Darjeeling

Darjeeling – the tea capital of India is a town like no other. Once a summer retreat of the British Raj, Darjeeling still has the charm of a hillside town intact. The ‘Toy Train’ is an experience in itself and it also offers you colonial-era architecture, Buddhist monasteries, and a chance to spot snow leopards and red pandas at the nearby zoo. The cherry on the top is the view of the majestic Mt Kanchenjunga from Darjeeling. 

8. Hampi

Hampi is the ruins of the once magnificent Vijayanagara Empire. A UNESCO world heritage site, it is charismatic even in its ruined state. It has an old-world charm about it that draws tourists from all strata of life. While the traditional visit to the ruins and the Hampi bazaar are a must do, cross the river. The new hangouts are across the river and offer a completely different experience. Relax and enjoy your time amidst the ruins of a lost empire. 

9. Pushkar

This town is unlike any other in Rajasthan. Housing one of the few Brahma temples in the world, Pushkar is a city that every Hindu devotee must visit once in a lifetime. With 52 bathing ghats and numerous temples, the entire city hums with the sound of prayers and chants. It has quite a mystical quality about it that attracts both – curious tourists, and devout Hindus. Visit this place and come back entranced. 

10. Kutch (Kachchh)

This colorful and culturally rich land has a beautiful handcrafted feel to it. Notable mud architecture, medley of craft traditions and exquisite apparels of the locals make Kutch an enigmatic town. Kutch is a refreshingly rural and pristine landscape that offers you a glimpse into the lives of Indian tribals and their artwork and skills. Do buy a ghagra choli with detailed mirrorwork or an exquisitely embroidered Kediyu ( A flowing jacket worn by men). 

11. Matheran

Matheran is one of the most popular hill stations in Maharashtra. Scenic beauty, panoramic views of the city, 38 peaks to trek to – there’s nothing you can’t do in Matheran. What makes it so special is that here, no vehicles are allowed in the city. There’s a car parking facility at the border of the city where you leave your cars and then explore this town on foot. A nice weekend retreat from Mumbai, explore Matheran anew. 

12. Amritsar

Home to Sikhism’s holiest shrine, the spectacular Golden Temple, one of India’s most serene and humbling sights, Amritsar is also a foodie’s paradise. The old city, the area surrounding the Golden Temple is full of narrow bazaars and chaotic streets. The new city is a testament to the development in the area with gleaming malls and high-end restaurants. Shopping and eating are the best things to do in this city. Wagah-border, around 32 kms from the main city, is a must visit. 

13. Ooty

The tiny hill station in the state of Tamil Nadu is a perfect place to enjoy the serenity of a calm town, away from the hustle-bustle of a metropolitan. The city will drench you in the holiday spirit. It will whisk you away to a dream land where you can relax all day in the middle of lush green gardens or on the banks of a calm lake. 

14. Bikaner

Bikaner gives you the unexplored, real Rajasthan. It is where you see the colourful city merge with the barren desert in a beautiful manner. The imposing palaces, beautiful and richly sculptured temples of red and yellow sand stones display some of the finest creations of Rajput civilization. It is not very popular yet but it offers you something extra, an edge over any other city if Rajasthan. You have to visit it to explore it. 

15. Coorg

Dubbed as the ‘Scotland of India’, Coorg is a peaceful hill station abundant with gardens and brimming with scenic beauty. Coorg is a paradise for adventure seekers and ideal for a family vacation at the same time. 

16. Kochi (Cochin)

A major port, Kochi has been drawing traders and merchants for more than 600 years. It’s the perfect city to start the exploration of the beautiful Kerala, and an apt representation of what all the state has to offer. It’s a delightful place to spend some time and nap in some of India’s finest homestays and heritage accommodation. Enjoy the serenity of Kerala with the backwaters and have a forget all about real life. 

17. Shillong

The capital city of Meghalaya is rightly called the “Abode of Clouds”. It has rapidly developed and may look like any modern town of India, but it retains some of its colonial-era charm in certain pockets. One cannot miss the elephant falls and the butterfly museum while visiting Shillong. 

18. Lakshadweep

As stunning as it is isolated, Lakshadweep is a group of 36 little islands. The 4200 sq km of pristine archipelago lagoons, unspoiled coral reefs and warm waters are a magnet for sea enthusiasts and divers alike. This is a perfect destination when you want to be adventurous but in isolation! 

19. Diu

This tiny island, connected to mainland by a bridge, is rich with Portugese influence. It’s like a mix of Goa and Pondicherry. If you need a beer somewhere close to Gujarat, Diu is the place to be as alcohol is legal here. Ride a scooter on the beach and feel the wind in you hair. 

20. Mysore

Mysore is the royal city of Karnataka, know for it’s glittering royal heritage and magnificent monuments and buildings. Apart from it’s grand architecture, Mysore is also a great place to shop for premium silk, sandalwood and incense. Also, the Bandipur National Park is a huge attraction. 

So let’s ditch the obvious Agra, Jaipur, Goa this coming year and explore some of new places.