Ladakh and Mayurbhanj Named Among the World’s Greatest Places by Time Magazine

India is one of the most culturally and geographically diverse countries in the world. Here, no two states or cities are alike. Every few kilometres, the terrain changes, the locals speak a different language, follow different customs and traditions, and celebrate different festivals. The land is brimmed with many natural heritage sites and wonders of the world, which makes travelling across the length and breadth of the country an enriching experience. 

While every corner of the country is pretty and picturesque, some places are just surreal and seem like they are from another world! Two such places in India are Ladakh and Mayurbhanj, and recognising these places’ stunning natural beauty, Time Magazine has listed them in their list of ’The world’s 50 greatest places of 2023’.  

Let us know more about these places

• Ladakh 

The land of high passes and snow-capped mountains, Ladakh is one of nature’s most beautiful creations. Located in the Northernmost part of the Indian peninsula, Ladakh’s stunning landscape replete with rugged terrains, glaciers, shimmering glacial lakes, and ravishing valleys, is comparable to no other place in India.  

Apart from its beautiful landscape, Ladakh is known for being home to some of the highest mountain ranges in the world, including the Himalaya and the Karakoram ranges. The majestic monasteries and Gompas only add to the charm of this place. Here is a complete travel guide to Ladakh. 

Best places to visit in Ladakh

The Ladakh region is as pretty as a fairy tale land, and with awe inspiring beauty at every turn, picking the best places to visit in Ladakh is a challenging task. But we have picked a few places that are a must-visit for all. These are mesmerising to say the least and are sure to leave an everlasting impression on you.  

• Pangong Lake – The lake that changes its colour 

Located at an altitude of 4350 m, Pangong Lake is the highest salt water lake in the world. The deep blue waters, surrounded by picturesque mountains may seem like you are in a world of fantasy. Once a secluded spot, the lake gained immense popularity after it featured in the popular Bollywood movie, ‘Three Idiots.’ 

• Zanskar Valley – A place where serenity thrives 

Every guide to Ladakh would surely feature Zanskar valley as one of the must-visit places in the region. One of the less-crowded places in Ladakh, here you can spend a whole day doing nothing but enjoying the moments of peace.  

• Kargil – A historical site 

Your holiday to Ladakh would be incomplete without visiting Kargil. An iconic and historical spot, it is a popular attraction in the region and is located near the Srinagar-Leh highway.  An interesting thing about Kargil is that the international LOC (Line of Control) that divides India and Pakistan is just about 11 kms away from Kargil.  

• Khardung La Pass – The most scenic motorable pass 

Visit Khardung La Pass and feel proud to be present on the world's highest motorable road. It is a place that you must visit once in your life. This pass is a gateway to the Nubra and Shyok valleys.  

• Hemis National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary – The abode of the snow leopards 

Home of rare and exotic wildlife species like the Snow Leopards, Hemis has the most pristine wilderness you may have ever seen anywhere in the world.  

Best Things to do in Ladakh

From river rafting to trekking and mountaineering, there are plenty of fun things to do in Ladakh that will interest you and make your trip memorable. 

• Try the local delicacies, especially the momos made with Yak cheese and the hot butter tea. 
• Meet and interact with the monks at the various monasteries and you will surely benefit immensely from their words of wisdom. 
• Take part in the various culture festivals of the region.
• Satiate your hunger for adventure by going on a trekking expedition or enjoy the thrill of river rafting.
• Experience the gravity-defying phenomenon at the magnetic hill 

• Mayurbhanj

When you talk about tourism in India, Odisha’s name may hardly find its mention anywhere. But this Northern state is blessed with unparalleled beauty. One such place that deserves a special mention is Mayurbhanj. The largest district in Odisha by area, Mayurbhanj is also one of the most beautiful places in the state.  

Mother nature has endowed the city with lush green vegetation and unique flora and fauna that lures many travellers. The city has a fascinating history behind its name, which comes from the amalgamation of two words, i.e., Mayura meaning peacock and Bhanja, one of the two dynasties that ruled the place till 1949.  

Best places to visit in Mayurbhanj

• Jagannath Temple 

One of the oldest temples in India, the outer walls encircling the main sanctum of the temple are built in a way that it is a replica of the Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. One of the best places to visit in Mayurbhanj, what makes this temple unique is the small compartments where icons of several religions are kept and revered.  

• Similipal 

A small biosphere reserve, Similipal is a wildlife sanctuary and a national park that is an integral part of India’s Tiger Project. Since the region receives heavy rainfall every year, the reserve has both wet grounds and dry deciduous forest, and houses more than 1076 species of mammals, 231 bird species, and 29 types of reptiles. If you pick any tourist guide to Mayurbhanj, it will definitely feature Similipal as one of the must-visit places in the region.  

• Devkund 

Devkund is well-known for its waterfall that gushes down from a hill. The name Devkund, which translates to the ‘Bath of the Gods and Goddesses’ holds an important place in Hindu culture and in the hearts of the locals as they believe it is the bathing spot for the Gods and that just by touching the water, they receive the Almighty’s blessings.  

• Ramatirtha 

Ramtirthat is known for being the crocodile rearing centre and has recently gained immense popularity as one of the best tourist places in Mayurbhanj. Apart from breeding the crocodiles and being home to many of these deadly predators, Ramtirtha is known for its stunning natural landscape and Lord Rama's temple.  

Best time to visit Mayurbhanj

While you can visit this beautiful town in Odisha anytime of the year, the best time to visit Mayurbhanj is between September and February when the heat and humidity is at the lowest and the weather is pleasant.  

So, now that you know about Ladakh and Mayurbhanj, plan a holiday to these beautiful destinations and feel proud to have visited the two of the top 50 greatest places in the world.