Places To Visit Before Turning 30

Known For : Taj Mahal Agra Fort Taj Mahotsav

Home to one of the 7 wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal, Agra is a sneak peek into the architectural history with other UNESCO World Heritage Sites as Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. History, architecture, romance all together create the magic of Agra and hence makes for a must-visit for anyone living in or visiting India.

Best Time: October to March

20 Agra Attractions

Known For : Amer Fort Hawa Mahal City Palace, Jaipur

Jaipur is a vibrant amalgamation of the old and the new. Also called the Pink City, The capital of the royal state of Rajasthan, Jaipur has been ruled by Rajput kingdoms for many centuries and developed as a planned city in the 17th century AD. Along with Delhi and Agra, Jaipur forms the Golden Triangle, one of the most famous tourist circuits of the country.

Best Time: November to March

75 Jaipur Attractions

Known For : Nilgiri Mountain Railway Ooty Lake Emerald Lake, Ooty

The Blue Mountains have always been shrouded in mysticism, and Ooty is no exception to that. For every mountain lover, the very idea of travelling to the city known as the Queen of the Hills holds an allure like no other. Once regarded as the summer headquarters of the East India Company (and for a very good reason), Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam, is a hill station in Tamil Nadu which serves as a very popular tourist destination for anyone looking for a picturesque place to relax and unwind.

Best Time: Throughout the year

43 Ooty Attractions

Known For : Radhanagar Beach Cellular Jail Scuba Diving In Andaman

Replete with picturesque shimmering beaches, lagoons of turquoise blue waters and a bit of history, Andaman & Nicobar Islands is a little slice of paradise tucked around 1,400 km away from the east coast of India. The union territory comprises a total of 572 islands, only 37 of which are inhabited and a few are open to the tourists. Port Blair, the capital city of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, is the gateway to the archipelago and is connected with various islands via multiple daily ferries.

Best Time: October to Jun

81 Andaman Attractions

Known For : Triveni Ghat Rafting in Rishikesh Lakshman Jhula

Located in the foothills of the Himalayas along the convergence of Ganga and Chandrabhaga River, Rishikesh (also called as Hrishikesh) is known for its adventure activities, ancient temples, popular cafes and as the "Yoga Capital of the World". With whitewater rafting industry growing and varied camping and cafe spots springing up, Rishikesh has grown immensely as a favourite, catering to people with different needs.

Best Time: Throughout the year

54 Rishikesh Attractions

Known For : Solang Valley Hadimba Devi Temple Manali Mall Road

Nestled in between the snow-capped slopes of the Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges, Manali is one of the most popular hill stations in the country. With jaw-dropping views, lush green forests, sprawling meadows carpeted with flowers, gushing blue streams, a perpetual fairy-tale like mist lingering in the air, and a persistent fragrance of pines and freshness -  Manali has been blessed with extraordinary scenic beauty. From museums to temples, from quaint little hippie villages to bustling upscale streets, river adventures to trekking trails, Manali has every reason to be the tourist magnet it is, all year round.

Best Time: October to June

53 Manali Attractions

Known For : Pangong Lake Khardung La Nubra Valley

A land like no other with a superabundance of attractions to visit and fabulous landscapes, amazing people and culture, Ladakh is truly a heaven on Earth. Bounded by two of the world's mightiest mountain ranges, the Great Himalaya and the Karakoram, it lies athwart two other, the Ladakh range and the Zanskar range. Ladakh is mystical in all the spheres it covers, from nature, geography, sceneries to the modest cultures that it fosters.

Best Time: April - Mid-July

70 Ladakh Attractions

Known For : Eravikulam National Park Mattupetty Dam Kolukkumalai Tea Estate

The idyllic hill station Munnar - famous for its tea estates, exotic lush greenery and craggy peaks, is located in the Western Ghats, in the state of Kerala. It serves as the commercial centre for some of the world’s largest tea estates. In addition, Munnar has many protected areas which are home to endemic and highly endangered species like the Nilgiri Thar and the Neelakurinji.

Best Time: September to May

54 Munnar Attractions

Known For : Jungle Safari in Corbett National Park Corbett Waterfall River Rafting in Corbett National Park

Corbett National Park, set amidst the foothills of Himalayas, houses a variety of flora and fauna including rare ones such as tigers and is a treat for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. The oldest National Park in India, Jim Corbett National Park was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park and is home to the critically endangered species of the Royal Bengal Tiger. It was the first place where Project Tiger was launched in 1973. Located in Uttarakhand and along the banks of Ramaganga River, it is home to around more than 480 species of flora and fauna.

Best Time: Mid October to Mid June

19 Jim Corbett Attractions

Known For : Kanyakumari Beach Vivekananda Rock Memorial Thanumalayan Temple - Sthanumalayan Kovil

Located at the southernmost tip of the Indian peninsula, Kanyakumari is a coastal town in the state of Tamil Nadu. Earlier known as Cape Comorin, Kanyakumari is surrounded by mountains and bordered by vibrant sea shores, lined with paddy fields and coconut trees, and also boasts of aesthetic elevated patches of hills with undulating valleys and plains in between the sea and the mountainous terrain. Ever since ancient times, Kanyakumari has been one of the major centres of religion, art and culture.

Best Time: October to February

28 Kanyakumari Attractions

Known For : Edakkal Caves Banasura Sagar Dam Chembra Peak

Replete with waterfalls, historical caves, comfortable resorts and homestays, Wayanad in Kerala is famous for its spice plantations and wildlife. Walking through the sprawling spice plantations, trekking to the pre-historic caves and experiencing a resort holiday are one of the many things you can do to get a taste of Wayanad.

Best Time: Throughout the year

46 Wayanad Attractions

Known For : Calangute Beach Baga Beach Dudhsagar Falls

Lying on the west coast, Goa is one of the smallest states in India known for its brilliant beaches, scrumptious food and Portuguese heritage. Panjim, the capital city located in the centre is well-connected with an international airport and roads and trains run from North to South part of Goa. With a coastline stretching for over 100 kilometres, Goa has numerous beaches that attract millions of visitors. While Baga and Calangute are more popular among the Indian family crowd, Anjuna and Arambol draw a lot of foreign tourists.

Best Time: October to March

198 Goa Attractions

Known For : Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Ganga Aarti, Varanasi Assi Ghat

World's oldest living city, Varanasi enchants and surprises its visitors in the same breath. Also known as Kashi (City of Life) and Benaras, this spiritual capital of India is one of Hinduism's seven holy cities. The old city of Varanasi sits along the western banks of the Ganges, spread across a labyrinth of alleys called galis which are too narrow for the traffic to pass through - be prepared to walk on foot and encounter some holy cows! There are temples at almost every turn in Varanasi, but the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the most visited and the oldest of the lot (Benaras is known as the city of Lord Shiva for a reason, and rightfully so).

Best Time: October to March

43 Varanasi Attractions

Known For : Virupaksha Temple, Hampi Vithala Temple Lotus Palace

Hampi, the city of ruins, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated in the shadowed depth of hills and valleys in the state of Karnataka, this place is a historical delight for travellers. Surrounded by 500 ancient monuments, beautiful temples, bustling street markets, bastions, treasury building and captivating remains of Vijayanagar Empire, Hampi is a backpacker's delight. Hampi is an open museum with 100+ locations to explore and a favourite way to see the city from the perspective of its history.

Best Time: October to March

31 Hampi Attractions

Known For : Jaisalmer Fort Desert Safari in Jaisalmer Gadisar Lake

Best Time: October to March

39 Jaisalmer Attractions

Known For : Abbey Falls Mandalpatti Raja's Seat

Located amidst imposing mountains in Karnataka with a perpetually misty landscape, Coorg is the place to be for all nature lovers.  This popular coffee producing hill station is not only popular for its beautiful green hills and the streams cutting right through them. It also stands as a popular destination because of its culture and people. The Kodavas, a local clan specialising in martial arts, are especially notable for their keen hospitality.

Best Time: October to March

37 Coorg Attractions

Known For : Houseboats in Alleppey Alleppey Beach Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Swamy Temple

Officially called Alappuzha, Alleppey is a city in the South Indian state of Kerala. Bordering the Laccadive Sea, it is known for its wide network of interlinking, palm-fringed canals called backwaters and rejuvenating Ayurvedic resorts. Allepey is also popular for its Houseboat cruises that pass through the serene backwaters, where you can catch glimpses of green paddy fields, choir making activities, beautiful avifauna and witness the life of locals in Kerala. Towards the shore lies the Alleppey beach in the Arabian Sea, a beautiful example of the gems you’d find along the Malabar Coast.

Best Time: June to March

39 Alleppey Attractions

Known For : Dal Lake Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden

Famously known as ‘Heaven on Earth’, Srinagar is located in the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir, on the banks of river Jhelum. As picturesque as the most stunning painting to ever be painted, Srinagar is known for the stationary houseboats and colourful Shikararas on Dal Lake. The gondola-type rowboats, Shikaras are used by the tourists to see attractions like the Floating Vegetable Market, and the Mir Bahris – a lively community of people who live on the lake itself.

Best Time: April to October

56 Srinagar Attractions

Known For : Rann of Kutch Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary Dholavira

Virtually an island that resembles the shape of a tortoise, Kutch is an erstwhile princely state of India holding onto its grandeur nature from the past. Kutch is probably one of the most beautiful, yet surreal places in India. With the vast expanses of white salt desert in the Rann of Kutch area, this is an amazing experience to witness. One would be able to see just stretches of pure white land as far as the eyesight goes. The place comes to life during the winters when the Rann Festival is held during December-February everywhere in which there are huge camp settlements with cultural programs, functions and adventure activities like hot-air ballooning.

Best Time: July to March

20 Kutch Attractions

Home to the largest population of the one-horned rhino on earth, Kaziranga National Park is one of India’s national treasures in terms of flora and fauna. Located in the state of Assam in North-Eastern India, its total area is shared by the districts of Nagaon, Golaghat and Karbi Anglong placing it roughly at the centre of the state. Approximately around five hours by road from Guwahati, Kaziranga National Park stands tall as the epitome of successful wildlife conservation in India. In 1985, it was awarded the status of a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Best Time: October to June

Known For : Piazza del Duomo Florence Duomo Florence Piazza della Signoria

Florence is the capital city of Tuscany and the Metropolitan City of Florence. This city is endowed with rich historical and cultural heritage. Located between Piedmont and the Coastal Regions of South Carolina, this is the largest city in the North-east part of South Carolina. The Arno river flows through this city. The township in Florence was initially established as a terminal for railroads. The city boasts of wonderful theatrical performances, ballet company, and many such art and heritage and simultaneously preserves the comfort of a close-knit townships with parks and streets lined with trees.

Best Time: Throughout the year

44 Florence Attractions

Peru is a counry in South America. More than anything else, it's known for its lush Amazon rainforests as well as the ancient city of Machu Pichu. The country offers a lot of trekking opportunities for adrenaline junkies or those who wish to revel in the beauty of nature. Peru is also known for its variety of festivals that are celebrated with a lot of pomp and joy and which can last for days. The population is culturally diverse, just like the landscapes.

China's 'Wonder of the World', the Great Wall of China is not just China's but one of the world's top most visited attractions. The Great Wall of China doesn't really need much of an introduction. Though the entire length of the great wall is not easy to discern, the beginning of it's construction dates back to 5th - 8th century BCE. Most of the wall that stands today, and is widely regarded as the 'great wall', was built during the reign of the Qing dynasty to defend the region against Mongol insurgents. The wall in it's entirety is 21196 km long.

Known For : Tanah Lot Uluwatu Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Bali, Indonesia’s most famous island, is located to the west of Java in the Lesser Sunda Islands. It is world-renowned for its scenic rice terraces, fragrant cuisine, stunning beaches and a galore of culture and tradition. With its elaborate temples, endless coastline, some of the world's best coral reefs, waterfalls and retreats, Bali combines leisure and adventure, spiritual awakening and hard-partying all into one island that people from all over the world come to lose themselves in.

Best Time: April, May, June and September

300 Bali Attractions

Known For : At the Top Burj Khalifa Global Village Dubai Dubai Fountain

A city of many faces, Dubai is one of the most popular tourist destinations around the globe. Home to the tallest tower in the world, the Burj Khalifa, this global city is mainly known for its lavish architecture, incredible skylines and a plethora of tourist attractions that break records to be the tallest, longest and biggest. Dubai is also known for its adventure opportunities when it comes to Desert Safari, Sky-diving, Reef and wreck diving, kite surfing, wakeboarding, etc.

Best Time: November to April

126 Dubai Attractions

Renowned as world's most famous and most visited tourist destination, France is nestled in Western Europe holding some of the greatest treasure troves. The country is an irresistible assortment of picture perfect landscapes, cultural foible, remarkable fashion sense, historical bequest and of course gastronomic adventures. Basking in the glory of Mother Nature, France offers distinct geographical features from rolling countryside and majestic mountains to stunning white sand beaches and sun-drenched vineyards.

Known For : Tokyo Sky Tree Shibuya Meiji Shrine

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is in every sense- a mix. This city is known for its technological prowess, its quirky pop culture, and its simultaneous attachment to tradition. With every area having something different to offer, it is truly the best place for any tourist seeking variety and adventure. Nestled in South-Eastern Japan, Tokyo boasts not only of towering sky-scrapers, immaculate roads and architecture, but also of forests, traditional shrines and cherry blossoms in the spring.

Best Time: October to November, March to May

14 Tokyo Attractions

Encompassing the world's largest coral reefs, Turks and Caicos makes for the most delightful beach destination. Located off the southeastern tip of the Bahamas, it houses a total of 40 islands out of which only eight are inhabited. Offering the most exciting water sports, nature spectacles, adventure trails, bedazzling coastlines, mysterious caves and reserves, the British Territory is a splendid must-visit destination. Diving or snorkelling is an experience to undertake in the crystal blue waters of the Turks and Caicos. The most flanked attraction of all would be the Iguana Island which is home to endangered rock iguanas.

Arizona is an eclectic southwestern US state. Known for the Sonoran desert in Scottsdale, and the Ghost town in Jerome, it also bears a UNESCO World Heritage site that certainly needs no introduction- The Grand Canyon. The state is full of thrill and adventure with its kayaking, white water rafting, hot air ballooning, and hiking trails. The horseshoe bend of Arizona flanked with untouched beauty cannot be skipped. The island is a treat for Mexican food fanatics!

Running from California's North Border to San Diego, the Pacific Coast Highway is a place to take a long drive and pass through a couple of destinations in the United States. Crossing San Francisco, Santa Cruz, San Jose, Big Sur and other such destinations, you can view a portion of US with a drive along the coastal highway. The splendid views, the scenic drive and the incredible road trip across the Pacific coast are bound to be memorable!