Apart from human-made wonders, India has some of the most beautiful and amazing natural wonders in the world. Being a topographically diverse country, India is never sort of these surreal landscapes. Some of them you may be heard of, while some of them are completely unknown to you. In this article, we make a list of the awe-inspiring natural wonders in India so that you can easily add them to your bucket list and experience them on your next visit.
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Great Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
(contributed by Rachita Saxena from Meander Wander)
One of the best places that you can visit in India is the Great Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. Located in the Kutch district, it is one of the largest salt deserts globally and is a popular tourist attraction for people from all over the world. Interestingly, this salt marsh is filled with water during the monsoon season but stays dry for the remaining 8 months.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Rann of Kutch is in the winter months, start from October to February as the weather is pleasantly cool and you can enjoy yourself more. Also, the Rann Utsav festival is held every year between October and February, where you can witness cultural performances, local artisans, etc., which makes it a good time to visit.
How to reach
There are several ways to reach Rann of Kutch from Bhuj so, you need to reach Bhuj first. You can take a flight, train or bus to reach Bhuj. From Bhuj, you can hire a private cab, rent a bike, or join a day tour to Rann of Kutch.
Where to stay
If you wish to experience a night near this salt desert, then there are several good luxury camping and budget-friendly camping options available in the vicinity.
Basalt Columns of St. Mary’s Island, Karnataka
(contributed by Soumya Gayatri from Stories by Soumya)
St. Mary’s Island, a unique natural wonder in India, is located right off the Karnataka coast, not very far from the popular Malpe beach in Udupi.
This exceptional island is more than 88 million years old. It was formed when Madagascar separated from the Indian subcontinent. The rift gave rise to hexagonal basalt rock columns, a distinctive geological formation that you won’t see anywhere else in the country. The only other place where you can find basal rock creations like these are at the Giant Causeway in Ireland and some places in Iceland.
The rocks at St. Mary’s are millions of years old, black and grey in colour, and rise out of the sea like soaring towers in the ocean. Even though climbing on them may be a little tricky (they are slippery), you can click a hundred pictures with them, explore the teeming marine life on their surfaces, and check out the shell beach right by their side.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit St. Mary’s is in summer and winter when the sea is not rough. The island is closed during monsoons (May 15 – September 30).
How to reach
Getting to St. Mary’s Island from Malpe beach is fairly easy. Ferries run every day from 9 am – 5 pm. It costs about INR 400 for a return journey.
Where to stay
An ideal place to stay is Udupi where you can find several accommodation options and easily make a day trip to Malpe and St. Mary’s Island.
Vanishing Sea in Chandipur, Odisha
Chandipur is a beach town in the Balasore district of Odisha. This township is built mainly due to the location of the Integrated Test Range launch pad of DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organization). The seabeach here is associated with a unique phenomenon that is unknown to many travellers in India. Chandipur is called the place of “vanishing sea”.
Every day, during low tide, the sea, the Bay of Bengal, recedes so far that tourists have to walk a few kilometres before they can reach the water. And the entire seabed becomes an enormous ground to explore marine lives caught in the puddle and the mud. While during high tide, the sea comes back to the shore again, and there is hardly any beach left to walk on. This is why Chandipur sea beach is also called a “hide and seek beach”.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Chandipur sea beach is during winter when the weather is cold and less humid. And if you are a photographer, then go there during the monsoon when the drama in the sky and its reflection on the seabed make a perfect landscape canvas.
Read more: Chandipur in Odisha | A weekend beach destination with the “Vanishing Sea”
How to reach
Chandipur is 15 kilometres away from Balasore town. Balasore can be reached both by road and rail from the nearest large cities like Kolkata and Bhubaneswar. Bhubaneswar, the only airport in the state of Odisha, is nearly 200 kilometres away from Chandipur.
Where to stay
The best place to stay is OTDC Panthanivas, beside the main area. If you want a view of the sea from your room, then at present, OTDC Panthanivas is your only staying option. There are also a few private hotels near the seabeach in case you could not manage booking in the Panthanivas.
Living Root Bridge in Mawlynnong, Meghalaya
(contributed by Joydeep Phukan from The Gypsy Chiring)
While there are numerous hanging and root bridges in Meghalaya of Northeast India, the living root bridge in Riwai Village is unique. It is located about 2.4 km from the cleanest village in Asia, Mawlynnong. Perhaps the reason why it is popularly known as the Mawlynnong Living Root Bridge.
A cultural adaption of the Khasis’ with nature, such bridges are built from the roots of rubber trees (Ficus elastica) and takes around 15 years to be fully functional. Not only it connects the villages but also withstands strong river current during monsoon. Mawryngkhang Bamboo Trail is another such marvel built by the Khasis of Meghalaya.
Best Time to Visit
You can visit Mawlynnong and the living root bridge throughout the year. However, the best time is the monsoon when it is greener, and the stream flows with all its strength.
How to reach?
You can hire a car or book a guided tour to Mawlynnong Living Root bridge from the state capital Shillong. Reaching Riwai, walk for another 15 minutes to reach the spot.
Where to Stay?
- In Riwai – Ha Lad Homestay, Riwar Cottage, Iyai Kirsoi Homestay, and Mawlynnong Boutique Cottage.
- In Mawlynnong- Areca cottage, Annie’s Nature Lodge, Sylvan’s homestay, Kind heart Homestay, and others.
Thar Desert, Rajasthan
(contributed by Sarah Steiner from Away With The Steiners)
The beautiful Thar Desert in India is sometimes referred to as the ‘Great Indian Desert’, an iconic natural wonder of India. It’s a large, arid region in the north-western part of India’s Rajasthan and forms a natural boundary between India and Pakistan.
Experiencing the Thar Desert from a camel is unforgettable and completes the feeling of truly exploring India’s largest desert in the traditional way. Enjoy dinner cooked on the campfire away from the bustle of India’s metropolitan buzz with clear views of a sky full of stars.
Best time to visit
Winter is the best season to visit the Thar Desert, between October and February. The days in the desert are warm without being unbearable, and the nights are cool but pleasant. This time of year is ideal for taking a camel safari into the desert and sleeping the night under the stars.
How to reach
It’s convenient to reach the Thar Desert from Jaisalmer, a small city on the far west of Rajasthan. There are flights from New Delhi to Jaisalmer and many trains from the surrounding larger cities in the north. From Jaisalmer, it’s easy to take a safari tour into the desert.
- Rent a car for transfer from Delhi / Agra and inter-city transfers in Rajasthan
- Book a tour in Jaisalmer and the Thar Desert
Where to stay
Stay at Wanderlust Guesthouse, Jaisalmer and take an overnight camel safari tour with them to enjoy the incredible Thar Desert.
- Book your accommodation in the Thar Desert
- Book your hostel in Jaisalmer
- Compare Tripadvisor rating of camps and resorts in the Thar Desert
Dhuyadhar Falls and Marble Rocks, Madhya Pradesh
(contributed by Ankita Biswas from My Travelling Stilettos)
Dhuyadhar falls one of the largest waterfalls in India. The word ‘dhuya’ in the local language means smoke, and ‘dhar’ means flow. It is said when the massive flow of the Narmada river fell on the ground from 30 ft heights; it creates smoke of vapour and water particles. Hence the name. Do not miss the cable car ride above the falls for a bird’s eye view. From here, the river cuts through the limestone rocks of different colours (predominantly white but grey, pink as well). Take an entertaining boat ride and enjoy the natural rock designs created by river flow.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Bhedaghat is November to March. You do not need winter clothes. But you will need waterproof clothes and water covers for your gadgets if you plan to stand on the viewing deck of the Dhuyadhar Falls for longer than a few minutes.
How to reach
You will get public buses every 15-30 mins from Jabalpur. The distance is 30KM and takes around 1 hour. Cabs and auto rickshaws can be hired for a round trip.
Where to stay
There is no good option to stay in Bhedaghat. Jabalpur will be a perfect base for a day trip here.
BR Hills, Karnataka
(contributed by Ellis Veen from Backpack Adventures)
The BR Hills in Karnataka is one of the natural wonders in India. Locally it is known as Biligiri Rangana Betta. Biligiri means white hill in the local language while Rangana refers to the ancient Ranganathaswamy temple. This temple is an important pilgrimage site that lies on top of a hill surrounded by lush and green forests.
The BR Hills are part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, one of India’s largest protected forest areas. What makes BR Hills even more special is that it is the meeting place of the Western and Eastern ghats mountain ranges.
This creates a unique ecosystem where species from both sides come together. In BR Hills, you can spot a large number of birds as well as spotted deers, barking deers and wild boars. If you are fortunate, you might also see a wild elephant, leopard or even a tiger that roam in the thick jungle of BR Hills.
Best time to visit
The best time to go on a safari in BR Hills to see animals comes in the dry season from February till March. The vegetation will be less dense, and animals are forced to come out of the forest to drink water. If you want to enjoy nature, you can come any time. Even the monsoon, which will bring lots of rain, has its own beauty in BR Hills.
How to reach
KSRTC buses run between Bangalore and BR Hills. You can also take a cab from Bangalore and reach there via Mysore, the nearest city to BR Hills, at 80 kilometres. Those who want to go by train ride one till Chamarajnagar. Then from Chamarajanagar, buses and taxis are available to BR Hills.
Where to stay
There are several accommodation options. The most sustainable hotel is the Gorukana eco-resort, where you can stay in a treehouse if you like.
Kafni Glacier, Uttarakhand
(contributed by Tristan Sassenberg from Traxplorio)
Today you are heading towards Kafni Glacier! This trek really offers you everything – a magnificent view of the Himalayas, including! There is also unique flora and fauna along the way and plenty of postcard picture places. Pindari and Kafni Glacier trek can be considered moderate in its difficulty but extreme in its beauty. After you finish the trek, you will be addicted to more such treks!
Best time to visit
The best months are probably May, June & July.
How to reach
The easiest place to start your adventure is Goaldam and book your first night there. After that, you usually go by jeep towards the mountains (Bharari – Song – Lower Loharkeht). The trek starts here at the latest.
Where to stay
You will stay in accommodations in the smaller villages on your way to Kafni Glacier. The people are well prepared for you and will help you to regain your strength. It is a truly unique experience that everyone should do once. You will get to know not only nature and new people but also yourself. Of course, you should prepare well for such a trip and inform yourself beforehand. Therefore, read a few India travel guides and hiking information beforehand.
Heart-shaped Lake, Goa
(contributed by Anukrati Dosi from Bulbul On The Wing)
Though well known, the heart-shaped lake is thankfully less visited by tourists, and its unique charm is still intact. You can take in the serene atmosphere as you watch the waves crash against the rocks and enjoy the quietness. The lake is quite far from the touristy places in Goa. However, the beauty of the coastline, and the gorgeous sunset there, are worth all the trouble.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the heart-shaped lake is during the monsoon.
How to reach
It is a little tricky to reach the exact location of the lake at one go. If you are using GPS, it would most likely keep driving you around the same area. So, you can divide the route into three checkpoints:
- Coast Guard Colony, Chiclona
- Indian Coast Guard (Ministry of Defense) – Ask the guard here the way to the heart-shaped lake
- A private property signboard
The path from there leads up to the lake forks, one leading down and the other leading up. Take the one going downwards, and you will reach the lagoon, which is only a few meters away from the coast.
Where to stay
The travellers can choose to stay at Grand Hyatt or Doubletree by Hilton, 20-30 kilometres away from the lake.
Krishna’s Butterball in Mahabalipuram, Tamilnadu
Mahabalipuram, an ancient town and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for the amazing rock sculptures on monuments, including many cave temples and the Shore Temple built during the Pallava Dynasty. But there was one natural rock formation that was not cut or curved by the Pallavas. It is called Krishna’s Butterball.
A huge piece of boulder positioned so precariously on a flat rock bed that it seems the boulder will roll down any time. But it did not; it is in the same position for centuries.
It is said that even The King, the great wrestler Narsimhavarman, also failed to move this giant stone. In 1908, Governor of the city, Arthur Havelock, attempted to move the stone for safety reasons by a unified force of seven elephants, but that effort was unsuccessful.
Best time to visit
Winter, from November to February, is the best time to visit Mahabalipuram. The pleasant temperature and less humid weather are perfect for exploring all the sightseeing places in the town.
Read more: One Day in Mahabalipuram – The Port City of Pallava Dynasty
How to reach
Mahabalipuram is approximately 60 km south of Chennai and 90 km north of Pondicherry. It is right on the East Coast Road en route to Pondicherry. There are plenty of buses available from Chennai, which take one and a half hours to reach Mahabalipuram.
The nearest airport to Mahabalipuram is Chennai.
Where to stay
The best places to stay in Mahabalipuram are Radisson Blu Resort and Chariot Beach Resort. There are a few other upscale and budget private hotels in Mahabalipuram town where you can stay also.
Book your trip: Resources
- Flight
Use Skyscanner or Google Flights to book your flight.
- Accommodation
Tripadvisor and Agoda are perfect for booking your hotel. If you want to stay in a hostel, then Hostelworld would greatly help you find one at your convenience.
- Travel Insurance
World Nomads is perfect for travel insurance. You can get comprehensive protection from them. Let them take care of unexpected situations while you concentrate on your trip.
- Package Tour and Activities
You can book a package tour from G-Adventures and Viator. They are a reputed company arranging small group tours and customising them per your requirements. You can also use Get Your Guide to book your private transport, city tours, heritage walks, food walks and other experiences like a cooking lesson or a Yoga session.
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