15 Best Places to visit in India post Covid-19
The Covid-19 pandemic changed the world as we know it. Lockdowns were imposed to control the outbreak. Several businesses and industries suffered due to it. This included travel and tourism. However, these restrictions have been eased in recent times. People are eager to travel and go on vacations after being in isolation for so long. Luckily, India offers a large selection of beautiful locations. Here is a list of the best places to visit in India post-Covid-19. Sites like MakeMyTrip and GoIbibo allow you to book cheap and easy flights to these locations. To know more about how to save money while travelling, click here.
Goa
Goa is probably the most popular tourist spot in the country. Lying on the country’s western coast, the place is known for its beautiful stretch of beaches. It was formerly a Portuguese colony and has preserved a lot of the culture. The nightlife is exciting with the local discos and bars. The local cuisine is exquisite. The architecture here is also recognized as a part of world heritage. The beaches, flea markets and carnivals all add to the appeal of Goa. The best time to visit Goa is between November and February due to the pleasant and mild weather conditions. It is one of the best travel spots on offer in India.
Manali
Hill stations are always popular with tourists. They provide a natural scenic beauty that is unrivalled. Manali is a hill station located in Himachal. Nestled in the Beas river valley, it is known for its picturesque snow-capped mountains and pleasant climate. It also has a rich cultural heritage. Due to many Tibetan refugees, Manali has become famous for its Buddhist monasteries as well. In short, it is a serene place that attracts nature lovers and solace seekers of all kinds. The best time to visit Manali is in the winter season, between October and February. This is when you can witness the peaks in their snow-capped glory.
Srinagar
There is a justifiable reason that Srinagar is often termed as ‘Heaven on Earth’. Located on the banks of the river Jhelum in Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar is one of the most beautiful destinations in India. It is famous for the rowboats known as Shikaras on the Dal lake. It is also home to some of the best Mughal age gardens, such as Shalimar Bagh. Kashmir is also renowned for its fabrics and delicacies. Kashmiri shawls, apples, dried fruits and cuisine are famous around the world.
However, on the downside, Kashmir is also subject to severe communal tensions. Although top tourist spots such as Srinagar are safe, it is best to check up on the local situation before planning your trip. The best time to visit Srinagar is from April to October because of the pleasant weather. Also, winters make travelling to Srinagar harder due to the snow on the roads.
Darjeeling
Eastern India is known for its mesmerizing and beautiful locations. The hill station of Darjeeling epitomizes this. Located at 2000+ feet above sea level, Darjeeling experiences a pleasant climate all year round. It is famous worldwide for its tea and delectable cuisine. Known as the Queen of the Himalayas, Darjeeling certainly lives up to this name. It is also home to the longest cable car ropeway in Asia. Monasteries, botanical gardens and lush tea estates, Darjeeling has it all. It is popular with tourists throughout the year, but the best time to visit is between April and June to get respite from the summer heat.
Shimla
Continuing with the theme of hill stations, Shimla is another one of the best travel spots in the country. Similar to Darjeeling, its height above sea level gives it a pleasant year-round climate. It was known as the Summer Capital of the British Empire. As a result of this prominent colonial presence, Shimla has retained a lot of the British heritage in its architecture. This can be seen predominantly in the famous pedestrian-friendly Mall Road. It is also well connected with nearby regions, which has made it even more popular with tourists. The period between March and June is ideal for visiting Shimla. The weather is at its best, and it allows tourists to engage in outdoor activities.
Agra
It is no surprise that the home of the most popular Indian monument made this list. The Taj Mahal is recognized as one of the seven wonders of the world. It is a precious memento of love and attracts massive amounts of tourists every month throughout the year. Apart from its architectural heritage, Agra also offers a wide variety of delicious local cuisine and sweets. It is one of the most populated cities in India and is well connected to the neighbouring metropolitan regions. History and Architecture fanatics, as well as foodies, are sure to have a good time here.
Kolkata
Kolkata is India’s second-largest city. It is the coastal hub of constant activity and existence. The culture runs deep in the streets and the people of this city. Every individual you encounter here reflects the rich culture and vibrancy of Kolkata. It is known as the City of Joy for a reason. The marketplaces are vivid and brimming with colour. The cuisine is famous around the country. Sweets from Kolkata are always in high demand. Being a coastal city, it also offers several seaside locations such as the Ghats. The combination of art, culture, cuisine and the well-natured population makes Kolkata a joy to visit. Summers are often hot and humid in Kolkata, so October to March is the ideal time to plan your trip.
Kasol
Located in Himachal Pradesh, Kasol has been rapidly gaining popularity amongst trekkers and nature lovers. It is situated on the banks of the river Parvati. Kasol has a lot of trekking trails which has made it popular with outdoor enthusiasts. A large number of Israeli immigrants inhabits it. The Hebrew influence can be seen in the cuisine and the local flea markets. Therefore, the place is brimming with culture. Experiencing this culture is a breath of fresh air for tourists. The best time to visit this scenic paradise is from October to June.
Dharamsala
Home to Dalai Lama, Dharamsala is a place of heavenly beauty. It is located in the Kangra region. Therefore, the place is a blend of Tibetan and Kangra cultures. The Tibetan influence can be seen in the marketplaces and architecture. However, this takes a backseat to the natural scenic beauty of the place. The picturesque scenery alone makes it one of the best places to visit in India. Summers are pleasant in Dharamsala, whereas winters are cold. Therefore March to June is ideal for visiting.
Andaman
The Andaman and Nicobar islands are located around 1400 km from the east coast of India. It can be best described as a mini paradise in the Indian Ocean. It consists of a total of 572 islands. However, only a handful are inhabited and open for tourism. Havelock Island is the most popular one.
Port Blair is the travel hub that connects the various islands through ferries. These islands provide a calm and serene escape from everyday life. The best time to visit Andaman is from October to May.
Mussoorie
Mussoorie is one of the most popular hill stations in India. It is in the vicinity of Dehradun, which is another popular tourist spot. The Shivalik range as a backdrop enhances the scenic beauty. Also known as the Queen of the Hills, Mussoorie is located at 7000 feet above sea level. Therefore, the climate is always pleasant. The main attractions include Mall Road and Gun Hill. The ropeway leading up to Gun Hill is also iconic. Summertime is ideal for visiting Mussoorie as it provides respite from the heat.
Mysore
Mysore is heaven for history and architecture buffs. It is known as the City of Palaces. Located in Karnataka, it is the home of the Mysore Palace, a World Heritage site. From ancient architecture to textiles, everything reflects the rich history of the city. Although summers aren’t hot here, the best time to visit is still from October to February.
Jim Corbett National Park
The Jim Corbett National Park is one of the oldest national parks in the country. Named after the famous hunter and naturalist, it is home to the most significant tigers than any park in the country. It has multiple resorts established by the riverside and is famous for its wildlife safaris. The Park also attracts bird watchers as it is home to over 650 species of rare birds. As a result, tourists are constantly pouring in. Jim Corbett National Park remains closed during the monsoon season between July and October. Therefore, keep this in mind when planning a trip.
Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park is one of the most famous national parks in Asia. It is home to the largest population of one-horned rhinos. Located in the state of Assam, it is recognized as a World Heritage site. Since the park lies on the plains of the river Brahmaputra, it attracts even more flora and fauna. Several rare birds, such as the black-nested stork and the ferruginous duck, migrate north. It is also one of the largest tiger reserves in the country. As a result, the park provides a haven for a variety of species. These species also add to the appeal of the park for tourists. The best time to visit the park is from November to April.
Gir National Park
Located in Gujarat, Gir National Park is the last remaining home of the Asiatic Lion. This initiative to preserve this species was started by the Nawab of Junagadh to protect the lions from going extinct. The unique perspective of protecting a particular species helps attract many tourists to the park. However, the park houses hundreds of other species of mammals, birds and insects as well. Some of the notable species found here are the spotted deer, leopard, chausingha and chinkara. The best time to visit Gir National park is in the winter, from November to March.
