12 Travel Destinations in 12 Months | Explore India

While travel restrictions are gradually getting lifted, everyone is searching for travel destinations to relax and rejoice after almost a year of pandemic life. As health experts suggest avoiding vacationing abroad and spending holidays in your home country, we have made a list of 12 travel destinations in India for the 12 months, suggested by different travel bloggers worldwide, encompassing all kinds of places. You will find places with historical interest, a paradise for backpackers, an offbeat mountain village, a couple of bustling metro cities, a prominent national park, and a tropical beach town. It covers the Tibetan highland in the north to the seabeach in the south, the arid desert in the west to the east’s foggy hills. Let’s explore India, one of the most geographically diverse countries in the world, in 2021.

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Jaipur in January

Suggested by Ellis from Backpack Adventures

Jaipur is the capital and largest city in Rajasthan that has lots to offer for anyone who visits. It’s not for nothing that it is part of the so-called Golden triangle. The three cities are famous for their rich and royal cultural heritage and their historical importance.  

Jaipur’s royal history goes back to the 18th century when the first maharaja started constructing the city palace. The city palace is still one of the top attractions of Jaipur. With courtyards, pavilions, gardens and lavish rooms, it’s a world of its own. It’s now a museum well worth a visit. To see Not only the rooms but also the collections of art, jewellery and military items. 

Jaipur is also known as the pink city because of its terra cotta pink-painted buildings. The most famous is the Hawa Mahal. The palace of winds has over 900 windows with intricate and delicate latticework that allowed the royal ladies to observe life outside the palace.

Jaipur itself can occupy you for a day or two, but there are some exciting day trips too. The surrounding Aravalli hills have several forts and palaces too. The beautiful Amer fort is even more beautiful than Jaipur’s city palace and should not be missed.

Nowadays, it is in the heart of the city’s bustling bazaar. One of the best places to buy beautiful souvenirs like Anokhi block printed textiles, miniature paintings, jewellery and leatherware. The bazaar is also a great place to try street food. 

The best time to visit Jaipur is from November to February when the weather is great and pleasant temperatures. Diwali is a charming time in Jaipur when the city is decorated with lights.  

Editor’s Tip: Watch out for the Jaipur Literature Festival dates, which is the world’s largest free literary festival.

Bangalore in February

Suggested by Lotte from Phenomenal Globe Travel Blog

Bangalore is the third-largest city in India, home to over 8.5 million people. While Bangalore is primarily known as the IT capital of India, it’s also an excellent tourist destination with lots of sights and activities. From interesting museums, beautiful botanical gardens to impressive historic buildings, Bangalore is one of the places in India that can’t miss on your India itinerary.

Some of the must-see sights in Bangalore are:

• Bannerghatta Biological Park: this park was founded in 1974 and is a must when visiting Bangalore with kids. There are over 70 different kinds of animals, and you can go on a wildlife safari.
• Wonder La: for adrenaline junkies the Wonder La amusement park should be the first item on their Bangalore itinerary. Here you can enjoy over 60 thrilling rides and go for a dip on the large pool.
• Lalbagh Botanical Gardens: this is a lovely place for an afternoon stroll and to get away from the hustle and bustle of Bangalore.

There are many festivals held in Bangalore, such as Habba and Diwali when people all over Bangalore are bursting crackers. However, the Karaga Festival is the oldest and most important festival in Bangalore.

Regarding the best time to visit Bangalore, generally, this is October to February. Temperatures are comfortable, and the days are mostly sunny. Give yourself at least two days (though three is better) to explore Bangalore. A nice place to stay in the Radisson Bengaluru City Center Hotel and a good restaurant to taste authentic Indian food is Gufha.  

Jodhpur in March

Suggested by James from Travel Collecting

Jodhpur also famed as Blue City in Rajasthan is dominated by the incredible Mehrangarh Fort, which sits atop a large rocky outcrop in the middle of the city and looks especially magical when lit up at night.  A former royal residence, today it is a museum, and you can easily spend hours wandering through the rooms and marvelling at the art and architecture.  In the grounds are the Chokelao Gardens, ornate gardens nestled inside the fortress walls.  You can take a zip line from the Mehrangarh Fort towers across Ranisar Lake, a stepped reservoir at the base of the fort, into the surrounding Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park and then back to the fort. 

Afterwards, you can head down in among the blue houses and shop till you drop at the markets in the old town, ending up at the Clock Tower.  Also worth visiting (or staying at) is the Umaid Bhawan Palace.  Half of the palace is a luxury hotel, and the other half is the residence of the current maharaja!  Jodhpur is well known for namkeens (savoury snacks) – Chandra Vilas Namkeen is a famous place to get them.

A day trip to nearby Bishnoi Villages, where you can see various handicrafts being made, is also recommended.  It is also possible to take a camel safari into the surrounding desert from Jodhpur. 

You will need at the very least two days to visit Jodhpur, though four or more is recommended, especially if you plan to do some day-trips. 

The best time to visit Jodhpur is winter (October – March) as this is a desert town and it can be unbearably hot in the summer.

Editor’s Tip: If you never celebrated Holi in Jodhpur, don’t miss it this year.

Yuksom in April

Suggested by Jade from Jade and Greg Travel

Yuksom was the ancient capital of Sikkim. Nowadays it is more popular as a base town for Dzongri and Goechala trek among hikers. But if you want to explore a place beyond Sikkim’s popular destinations, you should go to Yuksom in April. And let us tell you a secret, April is the best time to see Rhododendron in full bloom in Sikkim.

Sikkim is a state in India known for its biodiversity. The stunning Kangchendzonga National Park occupies 35% of the whole region. Sikkim values its natural heritage and has managed to develop while keeping environmentally conscious by banning plastic bottles and polystyrene and focusing on sustainable organic agriculture.

Apart from the sweeping mountain views, you can also explore Buddhist monasteries and eco-tourism homestays in Yuksom.

• Dubdi Monastery – A beautiful ancient monastery on the top of a large hill, built in the 1600s by three Tibetan refugee monks.
• Norbugang Park – Coronation throne of the Namgyal Dynasty. Where the three monks crowned the King of Sikkim.
• Tashi Tenka – Ruins of the old palace from the 1600s with spectacular views of the Himalayas.

You can go for hiking to nearby villages, or you can make a day trip to the nearby town of Pelling while visiting Khecheopalri Lake and Kanchenjunga Falls on the way. Lake Khecheopalri is a sacred lake for both the Buddhists and the Hindus, who come to make wishes and pray. This serene site is surrounded by prayer flags and people chanting.

The best time to visit Yuksom is between the month of March-May and October-November. You need to stay at least 2-3 nights in Yuksom to cover all popular tourist attractions.

Traditional Inn / Mamma’s Kitchen /  Yak Restaurant are nice places to taste local foods. Do not forget to order some momos and try traditional yak cheese!

Be aware that Sikkim is rustic, so do not go expecting 5-star hotels! You will get a few basic hotel or homestays to stay in Yuksom like Ejam Residency and Limboo Homestay

Editor’s Tip: Keep an eye on Sikkim Tourism Website for the dates of Rhododendron Festival. It usually held in April.

Parvati Valley in May

Suggested by Samantha from Intentional Detours

One place in India that you should undoubtedly visit in 2021 is Parvati Valley. This fairytale valley is located in Himachal Pradesh and is the perfect combination of snowcapped peaks and lush forests. Parvati is a destination popular with both Indian and foreign tourists and tends to be a destination that travellers spend a lot of time in.

Once you see how beautiful and relaxing this magical valley is, you’ll quickly realize just why it’s so hard to leave. Parvati is comprised of numerous villages, with the Kasol being the “capital” of sorts. Kasol is where most will begin their Parvati adventure, and also is the place where you’ll go to restock on essential goods or to catch local buses or taxis.

Parvati Valley is home to numerous moderate treks that can be completed by people of all ability levels. The easiest of these treks is the short and flat walk from Kasol to Chalal through the forest. Chalal is a small village without any cars, and from there you can reach a much more remote village: Rashol.

While reaching Rashol is no easy feat – it can only be accessed through a very steep 3-hour trek– the views and serenity you experience there, make it all worth it.

Grahan Village is another must-visit hamlet in the valley. Grahan is situated way up in the forest and is yet another car-free locale. With no cell phone service to speak of, Grahan is the perfect place to relax and unwind for a few days.

Pulga Village, which is a good two hours from Kasol, is another Parvati-favorite. It’s home to what’s known as the “fairy forest” – a lush, emerald green expanse that truly lives up to its name. And for those looking for a really unique experience, a visit to Malana Village is another can’t-miss. Malana is a secluded village only reachable through a treacherous road and is world-famous for its Malana Cream hashish. Keep in mind that while it’s possible to pass through, the Malanese are not very accepting of outsiders, so be sure not to touch any of their temples while visiting as it can cost you a hefty fine.

The best time to visit Parvati Valley is from April-early July and then again from September-late October. The monsoon descends upon the valley in July-August, and don’t underestimate that: it can rain for days on end!

While many come to Parvati for a short stay, to really experience everything this beautiful area offers, you should plan your trip for no less than 7 days. You can also combine your Parvati Valley trip with a visit to Manali, which is approximately two hours from Kasol.

Parvati has numerous cafes to choose from, and while they all serve delicious food, don’t miss out on the local delicacy that is Siddu. Siddu is a popular Himachali dish and a partially cooked, thick doughy dish paired with meat or vegetables. It’s absolutely delicious!

Cherrapunjee in June

Editor’s suggestion

Cherrapunjee is used to be the wettest place on earth until Mawsynram took the crown recently. But, that does not reduce the beauty of this old town on the lap of East Khasi Hill in Meghalaya. The rolling cloud, the gushing waterfalls, the green highlands and the hidden root bridges all make Cherrapunjee a dream destination during monsoon.

Cherrapunjee or Sohra, the original name of the place, is situated at an altitude of 1430 metres from sea level. Sohra holds two Guinness world records of receiving the maximum amount of rainfall in a single year. You will get two things here in abundance – water streams and forests.

There are many places to see nearby Cherrapunjee. In fact, the road trip from Shillong to Cherrapunjee is one of the most scenic routes in India. You will see some of the best waterfalls and valley views from the road itself. While in Cherrapunjee, you must visit Nohkalikai Falls, Kynrem Falls, Seven Sister Waterfalls, Thangkarang park, Mawasmai Cave, Arwah Cave and Dainthlen Waterfall.

To visit the Double-decker living root bridge, one needs to go for a complete day hike from Cherrapunjee. From Cherrapunjee, destinations like Shillong, Mawsynram, Mawlynong and Dawki can also be covered as day trips.

It would be best to stay at least 2 days in Cherrapunjee and another day hiking to living root bridge where you can stay in Nongriat village. Although you will get a clear view of the valleys and Bangladesh plains in winter, you will miss the charm of the waterfalls and the blanket of clouds covering the valleys, making Cherrapunjee different from other destinations in India.

There are quite a few homestays and hotels in Cherrapunjee town while the best place to stay is Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort which is nearly 15 kilometres from the town. Finally, do not forget to try traditional Khasi delicacies during your visit to Cherrapunjee.

Leh in July

Suggested by Džangir from Dr Jam Travels

Leh is the capital city of the Ladakh region in the North of India. It lies above 3500 meters. One can arrive here by flight or by road. You can drive from Manali in the south or from Srinagar in the west. This road is scenic with deep gorges of the Ind river, beautiful views, and the second coldest town in the World, Dras.

This region is a bit different than the rest of India. Because of high altitude temperatures are lower and there is less vegetation. While it is bordering Tibet people and culture is influenced by it. You can find it in food (momo) or religion (Buddhism).

The city’s main attraction would be the nine-storied Leh Palace from the 16th century, now a museum. In the city, you should also visit Shanti Stupa and Hall of Fame Museum. There are plenty of other places around Leh which you can visit as per your itinerary.

Day trips to Thiksey Monastery, Likir Monastery, Hemis Monastery, Lamayuru (popularly known as Moonland) are must-dos while in Leh. While a road trip to Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, Nubra Valley should better be made with night stays in subsequent places to comfortably enjoy the natural beauty. Khardung La passe, en route to Nubra Valley, with an altitude of more than 5500 meters is marketed as one of the highest road-passes for motorized vehicles. But be careful at this altitude about altitude sickness and take some time for acclimatization.

Galdan Namchot is a winter festival celebrated in Ladakh. It is to commemorate Je Tsongkhapa, a famous teacher of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Galdan Namchot also marks the beginning of the new year celebrations. While the Hemis Festival is one of the biggest festivals that is celebrated in Ladakh. The 2-day festival marked the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava. On these days Hemis Monastery is adorned beautifully to host the ceremony.

Editor’s Tip: This year’s Hemis Festival will be celebrated on 30th June-1st July.

Pondicherry in August

Editor’s suggestion

You want to visit a seabeach this monsoon but not Goa anymore. Then why not visit Pondichery instead. The colourful old French town, the seaside boulevard, the photogenic vintage cafes and the century-old churches and temples will surely make you fall in love with this beautiful beach town,

Pondicherry or Puducherry town is situated on the east coast surrounded by the state of Tamil Nadu in three sides. This quaint little beach town was once a French Colony for more than 200 years although history says it was also colonised by Dutch, Portuguese and British at different times. But it’s the French who built the oldest part of this town and made it popularised as “Little France of India”.

Apart from the Heritage town where you can get a glimpse of old French architecture, language, culture and cuisines, there are plenty of other places in Pondicherry that you must visit during your trip. Aurobindo Ashram, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Lady Des Angels also called Notre Dame of Pondy, Pondicherry museum, Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Paradise Beach are some other places that worth a visit.

You can also go to Auroville for a day trip and cover the nearby Auro Beach and Serenity Beach during your return journey. If you go to Auroville, do not forget to sneak in some of the local cafes there.

While in Pondicherry you must visit a few cafes like Cafe Des Arts, Le Cafe and Baker Street not because to feel the ambience or to capture a perfect Instagram photo but also to taste the delicious foods they offer. You can also buy a few gift items like candles, soaps, perfumes, and incense sticks, made in Auroville, for your near and dear ones.

Minimum 3 days stay is needed to cover most of the tourist places in Pondicherry. You can stay at The Promenade or in Palais De Mahe for a luxurious heritage stay, or you can book a homestay like La Maison, which is an old Tamil house near White Town.

The best time to visit Pondicherry is in winter just like any other beach town in India. But if you want to feel the pulse of Pondicherry; you should consider visiting there in the off-season like when the first monsoon rain hits the town in July.

Mumbai in September

Suggested by Geena from Beyond The BucketList

If you’re a traveller who loves a bit of excitement and bustling activity, Mumbai is the city for you. Sitting on the cultural divide between North & South India Mumbai is blessed with the best of both Indian worlds. It’s the birthplace of Bollywood, the Bandra-Worli Sealink skyline, & one of the most elaborate train stations in the world. It’s a city of juxtapositions. Massive modern skyscrapers sit between brimming open-air markets. The open-air laundry at Dhobi Ghat draws as many tourists as the Gateway of India. 

Mumbai is a massive city. You could stay a month and still not see & eat everywhere you want to. Plan on staying for at least 3 days to see the highlights of Mumbai and 7 days to get a real chance to explore the city. November-May is the best time to plan a trip to Mumbai if you want to avoid the rainy season. While September is the month when one of the biggest festivals of Mumbai – Ganesh Chaturthi – is celebrated.

It’s not a trip to India without delicious food & lots of it. Since Mumbai is sitting between the North & South it gets a delicious combination of both traditional food styles. You must try Pav Bahji, Falooda, Dosai, and the Bombay Sandwich. 

If you’re a budget traveller, you’ll love that everything worth doing (aside from eating of course) is practically free. You can visit the slums of Dharavi and support small local businesses, visit the Thieves Market, marvel at Haji Ali Dargah, or take a day trip to the ancient caves at Elephanta Island. There are plenty of free or nearly free attractions in Mumbai to keep you busy for a week like Gateway of India, Juhu Beach, Chowpatty Beach, Marine Drive, Bandra Bandstand, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and many more.

Mumbai is a chaotic overwhelming city if this is your very first trip to India. But for those who prefer to jump right in & immerse themselves in the culture from day one you’re going to love Mumbai. 

Editor’s Tip: The date of Ganesh Chaturthi is 10th September 2021.

Mysore in October

Suggested by Mayuri from Fernwehrahee

Mysore- the second biggest city of Karnataka state in India in the foothills of Chamundi Hills. It was the capital of the Wodeyar Dynasty and now famous for most beautiful architectural marvel- Mysore Palace. Mysore is one of the well-organized cities, and as you enter the city, you can see the finest developed roads, traffic system, and well organized Public transport system.

Mysore Palace is a historical Palace built in Indo Saracenic architecture and residence of Wadeyar’s. You will be amazed by seeing the grand Palace’s- Darbar Hall and Audience Hall. Mysore is known as ‘the city of Palaces’ because there are so many Palaces in Mysore which are now converted into hotels or museums. If you are an architecture Lover, visit the grand Jagmohan Art Gallery, Lalitha Mahal Palace (converted to Hotel), Jaylakshmi Vilas Palace, and Hotel Rajendra Vilas Palace.

Apart from the Palaces, Mysore is famous for Chamundeshwari Temple atop the Chamundi Hills. If you love the Indian festivals, visit Mysore during Dussehra as ‘Mysuru Dussehra’ is one of the biggest festivals of Mysore. The Palace is lit up daily with more than 1,00,000 bulbs from 7 PM to 10 PM during the festival.

Apart from this Mysore is famous for its Sandalwood Soaps and Mysore silk sarees. You can visit the factories of it and learn about it. If you are still craving to explore more of Mysore and keen Photographer- explore the Devraja Market where you can find all the colours!

Mysore is the Perfect Place to explore in 2021! You can easily cover all the best things to do in Mysore in 2 days, but if you have more time, you can visit Srirangpatna, Vrindavan Gardens, and nearby Barachukki waterfalls on a day trip.

Editor’s Tip: The Dussehra falls on 15th October this year.

Amritsar in November

Suggested by Ellie from Soul Travel India

Just a few hours from Delhi by train or road, Amritsar is well worth visiting and one of our favourite cities in north India. Amritsar is a great destination for history lovers, foodies and culture buffs alike.

As the world home of Sikhism, it’s not surprising that top of most visitors lists is to pay their respects at Sri Harmandir Sahib, also popularly known as the Golden Temple, but there are also plenty of other things to do in Amritsar to keep you busy. You can easily fill 3 days or so here, although some spend more time, and others fit in the main sights in 1-2 days. If you only have 1 day, you’ll be cutting it fine.

Amritsar is the first city on the India side of the border with Pakistan. Much of its recent history echoed with the events of the Indian Partition (1947) when Pakistan was divided from India. One of the most popular things to do in Amritsar is to visit the world-famous Wagah border flag-lowering ceremony where both Indian and Pakistani border guards perform parades in a display of nationalism as the border is closed each night.

Once you’ve taken in the border ceremony and the Sri Harmandir Sahib, you can spend time learning about the history at the Partition Museum which opened in 2017, wander the old city tasting delicious foods like Amritsar samosas and paneer dishes or local specialities such as Amritsar Kulchha (naan bread) with chole (chickpea curry). Shoppers will love the Lahori gate bazaar for all the brightly coloured fabrics and clothes.

The best time to visit Amritsar is around the months of Feb-March and Oct-Nov. During the middle of winter Amritsar gets very cold and sees extreme heat during the summer. Getting to Amritsar is easy on the Shatabdi express from Delhi, or you can come by road.

Editor’s Tip: Spend this year’s Diwali in Amritsar. You will never forget it in your life.

Ranthambore in December

Suggested by Nicole from Go Far Grow Close

Ranthambore National Park is a national park in Rajasthan, northern India. It is 1,334 km² (515 sq mi) and includes various deciduous forests, floral and fauna and wildlife, such as leopards, sambars, hyenas, bears, langurs, macaques and crocodiles. However, Ranthambore is best known for its tigers and its tiger safaris.

With a permit from the government that you need to secure far in advance and a licenced guide, you can spend half days or even full days exploring the park for the elusive Bengal tiger. The park is open between October and June.

Bengal tigers are difficult to find. They are solitary animals and are territorial, so there may only be one tiger living within huge swaths of land. Accordingly, you should set aside 2-3 nights, and give yourself at least 3 morning drives (the best time to see them is the morning when the weather is cool) to try and find one. It is one of the most incredible sites that you will ever see.

You are not allowed to stay inside the park. There are abundant hotels to stay outside. However, be careful. There are only 10 ft brick wall surrounding the park, and occasionally a tiger finds its way outside the park.