India is a place that has an abundance of everything. Be it the different cultures, traditions, religions or even beautiful sights, India’s richness is paralleled by none. Hence, it is no surprise why this beautiful country is known all over the world as Incredible India.
Heavenly Places in India [photo credit: flickr.com]Being so diverse in all perspectives, India does not disappoint in terms of gorgeous places that are worth a visit. There are a lot of locations and monuments that are known to people in every corner. However, India is also gifted with places that not many know about. These places redefine beauty in unique ways, and inadvertently feel unrealistic. While the list of such surreal locations is quite long, here a few of them that rank right up there with the best.
1. Nubra Valley, Ladakh
Nubra Valley, Ladakh [photo credit: t3rmin4t0r via photopincc]The Nubra Valley is popularly known as ‘ Moon Land’. This is because, during the winter season, its surface resembles the moon and reaching this place is as difficult as the moon itself. The Valley shows a different face in every season. The summers are characterized by lush green meadows flooded with pink and yellow roses. This offers a sight to behold. Situated at a height of 10,000 feet, it can only be visited with a valid permit.
Best Time to Visit – To enjoy the valley in all its glory, it is advisable to avoid the winters. The best months to visit Nubra Valley are June to September.
2. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
Rann of Kutch, Gujarat [photo credit: Gujarat Tourist Guide via photopincc]This is the western-most part of the state of Gujarat. It is bordered by Pakistan on the other side. The Rann of Kutch is the largest white salt desert in the world. It is very famous for two things – offering an unhindered view of the horizon, and the fairytale view of shiny surfaces on a full moon night. The Rann Utsav Festival in this area is very popular all over the globe and is a huge crowd-puller.
Best Time to Visit – Any time apart from the summer months of May to July, is a good time to visit this white desert. The best however, is the winter season.
3. Pangong Lake, Ladakh
Pangong Lake, Ladakh [photo credit: Fulvio’s photos via photopincc]Pangong Lake is one of the biggest attractions of Ladakh. It is a combination of pure water which changes colour every season, rugged mountains and a cover of clouds above. Unsurprisingly, it gives the impression of what heaven would look like on earth. Pangong Lake is very huge and shares it’s boundary with China and Tibet. The lake is one of the most scenic spots in not only India, but all over the world.
Best Time to Visit – This location is one for the summer months of June to September. The winters are too cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing point.
4. Valley Of Flowers, Uttarakhand
Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand [photo credit: sidibousaid60 via photopincc]One of the most beautiful places worth visiting, the Valley of Flowers is a well-known National Park. It is home to breathtaking alpine flowers which are spread over acres of space. The valley also houses many endangered and rare animals. Because of all this, it is greatly protected by local authorities. It can be easily reached from major cities like Delhi, as it has great road connectivity.
Best Time to Visit – This valley is beautiful throughout the year. The beautiful sight of unlimited flowers, however, can be enjoyed the most in the months of July to September.
5. Roopkund Lake, Uttarakhand
Roopkund Lake, Uttarakhand [photo credit: flickr. com]Undoubtedly one of the most surreal locations of India, the Roopkund Lake lies in the heart of snow-covered mountains. This lake is renowned as a very mysterious place ever since skeletons surfaced here in the year 1942. While it may sound spooky, the lake is one of the most splendid sight to look at. Getting here is a task in itself, but it is definitely worth the effort.
Best Time to Visit – Surrounded by snow all year round, this place is cold all the time. However, the winters are unbearable, and hence must be avoided.
6. Key Monastery in Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Key Monastery in Spiti Valley [photo credit: Nivedita Ravishankar via photopincc]The Key Monastery is found in one of the most sparsely populated areas of India. This region, located at a height of nearly 15,000 feet, is literally a desert on the mountains. It is one of the biggest monasteries in India and can be reached by a combination of roads and adventurous trekking. A prime example of untouched natural beauty and mind blowing architecture, this one is a definite must for all wanderlust people.
Best Time to Visit – The months from May to October are the best, as the temperature is just about right for a pleasurable experience.
Stunned? Well, I am quite sure you are. With limitless beauty and sights that make one’s eyes pop out, these places are definitely surreal. Also, they are all so unique and different from each other. This in turn, ends up offering something for everybody’s taste.
With such abundant natural beauty on offer, where are you headed first?
