India is a land which is as vast as it is diverse and it possesses a large potential of tourism. India has it all; beautiful beaches, ancient temples, astonishing rainforests, majestic mountains, breathtaking deserts, bustling cities. The Indian peninsula is an allure for tourists across the world. The diversity of India is not only seen in its culture, language and heritage, but also in its natural beauty and the exotic places it offers.
The picturesque location such as the hill stations, pristine beaches, pilgrim destinations, expansive deserts, ancient ruins, snow-capped mountains and many more make up for exotic places in India that should be on every travellers bucket list.
While the opportunities are endless when it comes to exploring the most exotic destinations, we have listed some of these destinations for you to choose from for your next trip.
10 Best Exotic Places In India
From beaches to mountains, India is a land of some of the best tourist places. Listed below are some of the exotic places in India that should be on your itinerary.
1. Majuli, Assam
Majuli is a river island in Assam that is known for its lush greenery and freshwater that is pristine and pollution-free. The river island is located at a distance of 20 kms from the Jorhat city and is surrounded by the Brahmaputra river.
Majuli covers an area of 1250 sq. kms and is the largest river island in the world attracting tourists from around the globe. It is counted amongst the surreal places in India owing to the beautiful views, pleasant weather, and ethnic diversity. The inhabitants of the river island are the Tribals, and their culture is unique making them interesting and lovable by people who visit this place. Their festivals are also breathtaking, joyous and vibrant. The main festival celebrated here is Raas and is a treat to the eyes if one gets a chance to witness it.
Best time to visit: July to March
Ideal trip duration: 1-2 days
Must Read: 29 Best Adventure Destinations In India You Must Set Sail For
2. Rann Of Kutch, Gujarat
Located in the District of Kutch in Gujarat, the Great Rann of Kutch is a vast area of salt marshland. The area is so huge that it is considered as one of the largest salt deserts in thr world. This large stretch is located in the Thar Desert and is made up of salt marshes. This is one of the exotic places in India which is known for its beautiful landscapes and sunsets that are a treat to eyes.
The region is divided into two parts; Great Rann of Kutch and Little Rann of Kutch, both of which are massive deposits of salt in the desert. These salt deposits are famous for producing mirage that look very much real. The place is so surreal that once you visit this vast salt marshland, it would be hard to get the image out of your mind.’
Best time to visit: October to March
Ideal trip duration: 1-2 days
Suggested Read: 13 Treehouses In South India That’ll Bond You With Nature’s Mystique
3. Butterfly Beach, Goa
South of Palolem in the Canacona region of Goa lies a beautiful beach; Butterfly beach. Much like its name and what it denotes, the beach is also very pretty and is also referred to as Honeymoon beach. It is a small cove which is densely surrounded by trees making it a secluded, peaceful, and one of the most exotic places in India. The beach attracts a large number and a wide variety of butterflies, hence gaining the beach its name. The beach might be named so because of its shape, which resembles a butterfly. Eitherway, the beach is pretty perfect, beautiful, and the best place to spend quality time with your loved ones in the lap of nature. The beach welcomes you to a world that will leave you spellbound and with memories that you will cherish forever.
Best time to visit: November to March
Ideal trip duration: 6-7 hours
Suggested Read: 60 Best Family Holiday Destinations In India To Have A Gala Time
4. Pangong Lake, Ladakh
Pangong Lake situated near Leh-Ladakh in the Himalayas is a place that attracts tourists from around the world to witness its beauty. Located at a height of 4350 meters and spreading across 12 kilometers, the lake extends from India to Tibet and its beauty is breathtaking. The lake is high in saline content, but it still freezes up in the winter owing to the altitude it is situated on.
The lake is famous for its ability to change colors throughout the day. From azure to light blue, from green to grey, it does not retain its blue color throughout the day. This makes it one of the most exotic places that should not be missed. The serenity and crystal water along with the beautiful landscapes surrounding the rivers makes up for a sight that is nothing short of a tourist’s paradise.
Best time to visit: May to September
Ideal trip duration: 3-4 days
Suggested Read: 24 Cheapest Places In India Even A Broke Student Can Visit
5. Sundarbans, West Bengal
Sundarbans National Park is located in West Bengal, India and is known for playing host to world’s biggest mangrove forests. Not only it is a Tiger Reserve but also a Biosphere reserve that is known to provide an insight into nature’s inner circle and showing Royal Bengal Tigers, blaring rivers, and picturesque estuaries. Sundarbans National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site that is home to a large population of bengals Tigers, reptiles, and birds.
The charm of this place cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world. It never ceases to amaze owing to the fact that it is home to some of the most beautiful, dynamic, and breathtaking flora and fauna and still retains its simplicity and ecological balance. With over 64 varieties of mangroves and a large number of endangered species, the place is no less than an exotic place.
Best time to visit: September to March
Ideal trip duration: 1-2 days
Suggested Read: 21 Honeymoon Places In India In May That Bloom With Love & Fervent Charm
6. Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim
Located at a height of 17,100 feet above sea level and counted among the fifteen highest lakes in the world is the Gurudongmar Lake. It is one of the best places to visit in India if exotic location is on your mind. The scenic beauty and splendid landscapes attract tourists from across the globe.
Gurudongmar lake holds a religious significance and is a sacred lake for many. It is believed that the water is holy and it carries healing powers. You will find a lot of tourists carrying water with them upon their return from this sacred lake.
The astonishing views of Mount Siniolchu and Kanchenjunga make this lake a tourist attraction that is not to be missed. The crystal clear icy water of the lake and snow-capped mountains in the surroundings gives this lake a sight that feels right out of a fairy tale. Not only is it one of the most popular attractions in Sikkim, but also an exotic place to visit in India.
Best time to visit: November to June
Ideal trip duration: 2-3 hours
Suggested Read: 15 Best Places Of Indian Cultural Heritage You Must-Visit
7. Key Monastery, Spiti
Located at an altitude of 4,166 metres above the sea level, the Key Monastery is the most famous Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Lahaul and Spiti district. Also known as the Kye Monastery and Ki Monastery, it is located near the Spiti river and is believed to be founded by Dromton; student of teacher Atisha in the 11th Century.
Key Monastery is the largest monastery in the entire spiti region and is over 1000 years old. Monastery is also a religious training centre where 3000 lamas receive their education. Today, the monastery is visited by a large number of tourists from around the world who visit this monastery in search of inner peace, silence, and solitude.
Best time to visit: June to October
Ideal trip duration: 5-6 days
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8. Nohkalikai Waterfalls, Cherrapunjee
Nohkalikai waterfalls in Cherrapunji is the fourth highest waterfall in the world and is known for its magnificent beauty and grace. Plunging down 335 meters from a cliff, this waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state of Meghalaya and is one of the grand waterfalls in the country. The waterfall lies surrounded by the rainforests of Khasi hills and eventually falls into a blue lagoon making the whole experience serene.
It is one of the most popular places to visit in Meghalaya and is definitely an exotic destination to visit in India. The serene and picturesque view of the waterfall surrounded by lush green forests will put you in a state of trance and you would never want to leave from here.
Best time to visit: October to December; March to May
Ideal trip duration: 5-6 hours
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9. Dal Lake, Srinagar
Dal lake is deemed as the jewel of Srinagar and is a symbol of pristine beauty. The lake spreads across an area of 26 square kilometers but its beauty spreads across the country. From beautiful wooden houseboats to colorful shikaras, from floating markets to lush green gardens with beautiful flowers along the shore of the lake; the lake is an exotic destination in India that will hypnotize you once you set your foot here.
Dal lake is a famous tourist attraction in Srinagar that is known for its pristine beauty and serene landscape that surrounds the lake.
Best time to visit: May to November
Ideal trip duration: 4-5 hours
10. Hampi, Karnataka
Hampi is better known as the city of ruins that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historical delight is located in hills and valleys of Karnataka and is visited by tourists not only from different parts of the country but from around the world. With more than 500 ancient monuments, breathtaking temples, busy street markets, and enchanting ruins of Vijaynagar Empire, Hampi is every backpacker’s paradise. It is an open museum ruins of which are on display for the entire world to see; no wonder that it is the most exotic place in India.
Best time to visit: October to March
Ideal trip duration: 3-4 days
Further Read: 16 Most Beautiful Villages In India That You Must Visit
India is a country which is known for its cultural heritage, beautiful nature, enticing architecture, and broad diversity owing to which it attracts a large number of tourists from around the world. From lush green forests to large deserts, from backwaters to alluring beaches, there are many exotic places in India that should be on your travel list. Book a trip to India and explore these exotic destinations.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Exotic Places In India
What are some of the most beautiful places in India?
Valley of flowers, Rann of Kutch, Mandu, Hampi, Spiti are some of the most beautiful places in India.
What are some of the most peaceful places to visit in India?
Some of the most peaceful places in India are Nubra valley, Coorg, Khajjiar, Malana, and Auroville.
Which are the most popular hill stations in India?
There are many popular hill stations in India, some of which are Ooty, Mussoorie, Coorg, and Nainital.
Name some of the unexplored places in India.
Majuli, Ziro, Patan, Shojha, Tirthan Valley, Gokarna are some of the unexplored places in India.
What are some of the coolest places in India to visit in summers?
Some of the coolest places in India to visit during the summers are Sikkim, Rishikesh, Manali, Ladakh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Tawang.
Which place in India is called heaven on earth?
Srinagar in India is known as the heaven on earth.