For a land mass that spans across diverse climates, India presents varied landscapes that are breathtaking, to say the least.

From parched and parched deserts to glacial mountain peaks, pristine white coastlines, lush vegetation and rich foliage, India is home to diverse scenes associated with various parts of the world. The Swiss Alps, the Sahara desert, the waters of the Caribbean and the Amazon jungle all have their South Asian cousins ​​in different regions of India.

The Himalayas

Featuring the majestic Himalayan mountain range stretching across the states of Himchal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh in the northwestern region of India to Sikkim in north-central Arunachal Pradesh. The mountain range found in India is known as the Lesser Himalayas with nothing short of spectacular vista of silent snow capped peaks. Mount Kanchendzonga and Nanda Devi are the two highest peaks in the region of India. Glacier bottoms with lush meadows and valleys leading to snow-capped peaks offer breathtaking scenery, breathtaking views that are not easily forgotten.

Backwaters – Kerala

Kerala’s world-renowned backwaters nestle between swaying tree banks and coastal communities. The refreshing sight of greenery, accompanied by birds, rich flora and busy locals are intriguing. Backwater cruises, among the weaving waterways, offer a more serene experience among calm waters and scenic riverbanks. These sights are a stark contrast to the bustling cities of other regions of India and are a welcome reprieve for any traveler who has been overwhelmed by the urban chaos unique to India.

Ganges River

India’s lifeline and the country’s religious and spiritual artery, the Ganges River, stretching for 2,500km, offers astonishing views along its fertile banks. Emerging from the mouth of a glacier high in the Himalayan mountains, flowing through mountain gorges at Devprayag and the confluence point of its other sacred sister rivers, the Yamuna and Saraswati, at Allahabad, where the festival takes place. The world’s largest religious site, Kumbh Mela, the waters of this revered river are sacred to many devout Hindus. The bow can be clearly seen in Varanasi, where the holiest spot on this river is believed to be. Ablutions, cremations and prayers for the living and the dead are common along the river ghats. Alluvial soil along the Indo-Gangetic plains leads to fertile crop fields, common sights in rural India, where the river continues on its way to its destination in the Bay of Bengal.

Konkan Coast – Mumbai, Goa, Mangalore

With the waves of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal lapping at its long shoreline, India’s coastal landscapes are the epitome of picture-perfect coastlines. With Goa’s beaches being perennial favorites for seaside tours, the neighboring coastline offers some of the best views imaginable. Starting in Mumbai and heading south to Mangalore, the Konkan coast is dotted with sleepy fishing villages, rice paddies, plantations and coastal dwellings sheltered by the Western Ghats in the background. The landscape along these 700 km of coastline can be enjoyed from the trip on the Konkan train or by private transport. While exploring the picturesque coastline, one must travel to the pristine beaches which are worthy rivals of the South Goa coast. Murud, Kashid and Srivardhan are some of the beautiful beaches to enjoy along this picturesque coastline.

Hillsstations – Ooty, Nilgiri

Buttressing the Deccan Plateau and running through the entire western coastal region of India, the Western Ghats are home to more than 1,000 species of flora and fauna. This lush abode of nature is also home to the popular hill stations of India such as Lonvala, Mahabaleshwar in the north and Ooty and Nilgiri which are found in the south of Tamil Nadu just to name a few of the ranges found within along this vast stretch of biosphere. Its cooler climates and verdant valleys, where tribal communities add a charming touch to the lush landscape, are popular tourist inclusions.

Thar Desert – Rajasthan

In the northwestern region of India, lies the Thar Desert that hugs the western border of Rajasthan. With picturesque Jaisalmer as its nearest airport, and the fortress city of Bikaner and the remote desert city of Barmer nearby, the arid sandy landscape of the Thar Desert is easily accessible. There are camel safaris and jeep rides available to enjoy views of sand dunes and mud houses of the natives with paintings of traditional designs. In this golden landscape of sand waves, desert craft centers, as well as picnic spots with lively nightly entertainment, provide delightful memories.

Cave Temples- Maharashtra, Badami, Mumbai

In a country full of magnificent temples, old and recently built, the cave temples stand out for their outstanding architecture and carved in the most primitive substance, rock and sandstone. There are numerous spectacular rock temples in many regions of India. The oldest cave temples in India are believed to be the Ellora caves in Maharashtra; more than 30 of them show the religious harmony of ancient times. These caves, whose construction began in the 5th century AD and continued until the 9th century, are dedicated to the three main religions of ancient times: Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. The Ajanta Caves, some distance from the Ellora Caves and listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are another fine example of cave temples overlooking a narrow river gorge. With a waterfall forming part of its steep horseshoe-shaped slope, these mural-filled caves are revered for masterpieces of Buddhist art. The picturesque Badami Caves were built early in the Chalukyan reign. Its graceful architecture and rich carvings are dedicated to Hindu deities, Jain saints and others used as Buddhist monasteries. Other notable cave temples set amongst the beautiful surroundings include the Elephanta and Kanheri caves in the Mumbai region. Joining a tour to visit these primitive sites is never wasted time.

National parks and wildlife sanctuaries

It seems only natural that a country blessed with such rich and diverse landscapes should have sites dedicated to protecting and preserving nature’s abundance of flora and fauna. The renowned Kaziranga National Park and Corbett National Park are home to a stunning landscape of natural beauty inhabited by a variety of wildlife. Savannah grasslands, deciduous forest ridges and vital riverbanks are dominant features in Corbett National Park in Uttar Pradesh and Uttrachanal. Kaziranga National Park in Assamis is characterized by its tall grasslands with patches of semi-evergreen forest and the significantly rich banks of the Brahmaputra River. Even within less rural areas like the Mumbai region, Sanjay Gandhi National Park celebrates the rich bird life and wildlife in the picturesque forests. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala is another fascinating river landscape, playing the role of the core of the diverse ecosystem that includes a multitude of flower, wildlife and bird species sheltered by tropical deciduous forests, grasslands and evergreens. The Desert National Park in Jaisalmer is another fine example of India’s contrasting landscapes.

waterfalls

The multitude of waterfalls found in almost all regions of India will captivate every visitor, especially trekkers and trekkers who deserve a reward. Several of the waterfalls in India are the viewing destinations at the end of the trekking trails. One of the tallest waterfalls in South Asia is the non-tiered Jog Falls in Karnataka, a spectacular group of towering cascades with uninterrupted sparkling white streams pounding against the rocky bottom. Abbey Falls, near Madikeri, is another popular tourist attraction. Surrounded by coffee and spice plantations, with a nearby bridge at one viewpoint, these roaring falls can be heard in the distance as they captivate those in their presence.

lakes

There are natural and man-made lakes found in all regions of India. While they enhance the picturesque setting, they are popular with travelers and locals alike. These grounds surrounding the lakes also offer great picnic spots, while boating is common on the calm waters. Dal Lake in Srinagar is famous for wooden houseboats, one of its major tourist attractions. Lake Pichola in Udaipur is the beautiful backdrop to the famous Lake Palace like its cousin Jai Mahal in Jaipur. Apart from recreation, the lakes also have religious significance for devotees. Pushkar Lake, also in Rajasthan, is revered as a holy place, surrounded by numerous temples and ghats that Hindus use for cleansing and bathing. Tulsi Lake, a freshwater lake found within Mumbai’s Borivali National Park, serves as a reservoir. Its strategic location near the catchment area of ​​the mountain ranges, Powai-Kanheri, enables the lake to supply part of the city of Mumbai with drinking water. Lakes in India serve a wide variety of purposes while still being a scenic part of the surroundings.