Top 8 Indian Destinations Offering an International Feel

There is no doubt about the fact that everyone needs a rejuvenating holiday once in a while. But, the million-dollar question is how to ensure your safety during travelling amidst the pandemic. The simple answer can be focusing on only domestic tours. Many of us dream of a foreign holiday, but there are many obstacles in planning an international tour amid the current scenario. But, why worry when you can have an international experience in your home country itself? Yes, you heard that right! Well-known for its diverse traditions, cultures and natural beauty, India never ceases to amaze us. Be it golden-coloured sandy deserts, snow-clad peaks, azure blue picturesque beaches, lush-green forests and serene lakes, there are some of the most spectacular places to visit in India that look similar to the international places you might have looked on the internet or in travel magazines. So, before you go ahead and book an international tour, let us take you through some of the most breathtaking tourist places in India, which look similar to those exotic foreign locations and can easily give them a run for their money. Below-mentioned are 8 gorgeous places to visit in India, which are a perfect replacement for the ‘dreamy’ international getaways.

Snow-clad peaks in Gulmarg in Jammu & Kashmir and Switzerland’s Swiss Alps:

 The scene of snowy peaks in Gulmarg is no less than that of snow-clad mountains in Switzerland. An absolute paradise for those seeking respite from heat waves, Gulmarg is one of the best and quintessential places to visit in India. Giving us similar feelings of wanderlust as the Swiss Alps, this mountain resort offers a host of adventurous activities in winter like skiing and sledging. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Gulmarg for experiencing the Swiss Alps ‘feels’ right here in India!

Khajjiar in Himachal Pradesh and Pastures of Switzerland:

Also known as ‘Mini Switzerland’, picturesque landscapes of Khajjiar are well-known for bearing striking similarities to Swiss Alpine gardens. One of the most-visited destinations in India, Khajjiar boasts of striking meadows coupled with an alpine climate, thereby bringing you closer to nature. From scenic landscapes to rolling grasslands to snow-clad Himalayan peaks to rolling hills, Khajjiar offers travellers a perfect experience of summertime Switzerland in our very own country!

The Chitrakote Falls of Chhattisgarh and Niagara Falls of Canada:

Undoubtedly, Niagara Falls in Canada is one of the most beautiful natural wonders across the world and is visited by scores of travellers around the year. So, if you are one of those, who want to have this awe-inspiring experience, but don’t have the budget, time or much-needed leaves to visit this natural wonder, then fret not! We have got you sorted. Our incredible India has its own ‘Niagara Falls’, which is the Chitrakote Falls of Chhattisgarh. Absolutely gorgeous and appealing, this horseshoe-shaped falls is known to be the widest across the country and is one of the most magnetic and appealing places to visit in India.

Dunes of Thar in Rajasthan and Sandy Desert of Dubai:

The Great Indian Thar Desert bears a striking resemblance to the Desert of Dubai. One of the most snap-worthy panoramic places to visit in India, the incredible Thar Desert offers myriad experiences to travellers, which include camping, parasailing, exploring endless dunes, paragliding, fort trips, camel riding, jeep safari and sandboarding. So, why go to Dubai, when you can have it all in our very own arid land, the Thar Desert!

Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Phi Phi Islands of Thailand:

Many people head to Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands for picturesque beaches, azure blue waters, verdant greenery and adventurous activities. But, the majority are not aware that all these experiences can be part of a domestic tour that too at a lower cost! With beautiful turquoise waters, diverse adrenaline-rush activities, scenic vistas, lush greenery and romantic resorts, India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands have the same magnetism and charm as Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands.

Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand and Antelope Valley in California:

Absolutely an awe-inspiring place to visit in India, Uttarakhand’s Valley of Flowers needs no introduction. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Valley of Flowers bears stark similarities to the Antelope Valley located in California. Well-known for diverse alpine flora, pristine air, scenic meadows and shrubs and mesmerising views, this place is a perfect substitute for the Antelope Valley. So, without further ado, plan a trip to this majestic destination in India and get ready for an absolute mesmerising experience.

Gurudongmar Lake in Sikkim and Jokulsarlon Lake in Iceland:

 Looking forward to experiencing the beauty of Iceland’s Jokulsarlon Lake in India? If yes, then head to the Gurudongmar Lake in Sikkim. Nestled in the midst of snow-capped mountains, this beautiful lake’s crystal-clear waters, picturesque vistas, lush greenery and frozen realms during the winter season remind many of the breathtaking Jokulsarlon Lake. One of the most captivating places to visit in India, Gurudongmar Lake leaves visitors awestruck by its beauty.

Rann of Kutch in Gujarat and Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah:

 One of the most striking places to visit in India, the Great Rann of Kutch is amongst the largest salt deserts across the world. Quite famous for its natural magnificence and a cultural extravaganza named Rann Utsav, this salt desert offers equally remarkable and memorable sights as Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. Offering diverse experiences, this tourist place in India is also famous for spectacular landscapes, night photography, village tours, wildlife spotting, cultural events and camping. Offering a mesmerising experience, the Great Rann of Kutch leaves visitors amazed and awestruck!

Intrigued, right? Now that you know about the different destinations in India wherein you can look forward to experiencing foreign vibes without drilling a hole in your pocket or enduring a long journey, it is time to explore your innate traveller. So, book your tickets and get ready to explore ‘the world’ without even stepping out of India!

Also, do let us know what do you think of these destinations? Have you travelled to any of them? Any other places you would like to add to the list? We would love to hear from you. Make sure to tell us in the comments below.

About Mahindra Holidays

Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited (MHRIL), India’s leading player in the leisure hospitality industry, offers quality family holidays as also stated by Club Mahindra Resort Reviews, primarily through vacation ownership memberships. While Club Mahindra Membership Fees gives you an opportunity to explore your holidays across the world, the other brands offered by the company are – Club Mahindra Resorts Fundays and Svaastha Spa. As on Mar 31, 2019, MHRIL has 100+ resorts across India and abroad and its subsidiary, Holiday Club Resorts Oy, Finland, a leading vacation ownership company in Europe has 33 resorts across Finland, Sweden and Spain. Visit us at www.clubmahindra.com