21 Places In India That Are Straight Out Of A Fairytale

Well, you can always travel virtually!

Right now, in India, it is imperative that you stay home and avoid non-essential travel. We hope you’ll find our content entertaining, inspiring, or perhaps even useful for a future trip.

1. Rann Of Kutch, Gujarat

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With its vast, dreamlike landscapes, the Rann of Kutch is one of the largest salt marshes in the world. While it is largely untravelled, the desert comes alive during the months of November through February because of the Rann Festival.

For those visiting during the night of the full moon, the moonlight camel safari is an experience like no other.

2. Kaas Plateau, Maharashtra

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Maharashtra's valley of flowers, the Kaas Plateau is a part of the Shayadri range of the Western Ghats. This UNESCO World Heritage Site becomes impossibly stunning during the months of September and October, when over 800 species of wildflowers form a blanket over it.

3. Patrika Gate, Jaipur

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When one thinks of Jaipur, sights like Hawa Mahal and the Amber Palace usually come to mind. However, the Pink City is home to yet another striking attraction in the form of the Patrika Gate, which is essentially the entrance to Jaipur's Jawahar Circle.

Expect to be awed by the monument's colours and intricate patterns. Oh and did we mention that you won't be able to stop yourself from clicking a million pictures?

4. Yumthang Valley, Sikkim

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Sikkim's Valley of Flowers, or the Yumthang Valley is all about verdant meadows, hot springs, and vibrant rhododendrons which can be enjoyed during the spring months of February till June. If you happen to be visiting at some point in time, remember that Lachung is the nearest village with accommodation options.

5. Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh

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Trust Khajjiar's forests and lush landscapes to remind you of Switzerland. This utterly beautiful plateau is adjacent to the town of Dalhousie and is popular amongst equestrians, golf-lovers, and adventure sports enthusiasts.

6. Panna Meena Ka Kund, Jaipur

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A symmetrical beauty that you won't be able to take your eyes off, the Panna Meena ka Kund is a 16th century step-well that is right next to Jaipur's iconic Amber Fort, but is somehow ignored by many visitors. The well once served as a source of water for the people of Amer and was also a cool resting place for weary travellers. Today it serves as the perfect spot for Instagram photoshoots.

7. Agra Fort

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You've surely heard of the Taj Mahal but its lesser-known neighbour, the Red Fort, is just as wondrous. This historical fort in the city of Agra is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was once the residence of Mughal emperors. Prepare to get lost in its red-sandstone ramparts, corridors, and intricately-designed arches.

8. Nohkalikai Falls, Cherrapunji

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Not many people are aware of the fact that the fourth-highest waterfall on this planet is only a couple of kilometres away from the **perpetually wet** town of Cherrapunji‎ in Meghalaya.

The Nohkalikai Waterfall is as mesmerising as it is daunting, given the fact that the aquamarine pool it plunges into looks like it belongs in a Disney movie.

9. Agrasen Ki Baoli, Delhi

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An ancient monument that lies in the heart of Delhi, Agrasen Ki Baoli is a step-well that is shrouded in mystery. Nobody knows who exactly built it while some believe that it is haunted. Well, if you go down as many as a 103 stone steps towards a reservoir, you're bound to feel cold. And that surely does not confirm the presence of a ghost. Or does it?

Despite the suspense associated with this historical attraction, it is terribly gorgeous.

10. Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh

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With its pine trees, bamboo groves, rivulets, and rice fields, Ziro is the perfect example of a dainty little town that welcomes those looking for some peace and quiet, with open arms.

What the Ziro Valley is best known for, however, is its fantastic outdoor music festival that seeks to amplify the works of lesser-known independent musicians. It is a 4-day festival that is held in the month of September, every year.

11. Dal Lake, Kashmir

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The Lake of Flowers and the jewel of the city of Srinagar, the Dal Lake is right out of a fairytale with its calm yet surreal blue waters that are dotted with floating gardens and the most colourful Shikaras, or houseboats. You'll definitely fall in love!

12. Chandra Taal, Himachal Pradesh

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Chandra Taal, or Lake of the Moon, is named so because of its crescent shape and perhaps because it is just as breath-taking as the moon. Situated in the Himalayas at an altitude of 4300 metres, the lake is known for its crystal clear appearance and for morphing into different colours when the sunlight reflects on its surface. If you're obsessed with camping, this place is just right.

13. Athirapally Falls, Kerala

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At 80 feet, the formidable, yet gorgeous, Athirappilly Falls is the largest waterfall in Kerala and is a part of the Western Ghats. Also known as the 'Niagara Falls of India', it is surrounded by the mighty Sholayar Peaks and flows through the Vazhachal Forest.

If you are a fan of Mani Ratnam's 'Dil Se...', you've probably spotted this waterfall in the background of the song 'Jiya jale'.

14. Nubra Valley, Ladakh

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Accessed by the daunting Khardung La, which is the highest motorable pass in the world, the Nubra Valley in Jammu and Kashmir is all about rugged, yet impossibly beautiful terrains dotted with bactrian camels.

Also known as the Orchard of Ladakh, it is incredibly popular amongst travellers in India. And why wouldn't it be? Look at that landscape!

15. Pangong Tso

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The Pangong Lake or Pangong Tso has many moods - it is wonderfully teal on certain days and a striking royal blue during others. This endorheic lake is a part of the Himalayas and is around 140 kilometres away from the town of Leh.

Prepare to be allured by its beauty while also remembering to visit during the summer months because the lake freezes over during harsh winters.

16. Dzukou Valley, Nagaland

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If you've ever wondered whether you could find an Indian version of the oh-so-famous Windows wallpaper, look no further than the Dzukou Valley in Nagaland. Its rolling green hillocks are absolutely arresting and their charm only gets amplified in the month of July when they're covered in lilies.

You could trek to the valley via the Visvema or the Zakhama village routes. Both villages are about 20 kilometres away from the capital city of Kohima.

17. Munnar, Kerala

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Munnar is a tranquil hill-station in Kerala and is synonymous with luxuriant, unending tea-estates. The 'Kashmir of Southern India' is also home to forests and sanctuaries such as the Eravikulam National Park and the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. Tea lovers can expect to feel constantly intoxicated as the aroma of chai is all-pervading.

18. Hampi, Karnataka

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A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi is an ancient city in the state of Karnataka and is known for its majestic ruins. With its ancient temples and monuments, all of which are remains of the empire of Vijaynagar, it is steeped in history, and also a lot of mystery. Sounds like a haunting fairytale, doesn't it?

19. Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand

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A national park in the state of Uttarakhand, the Valley of Flowers, as the name suggests, is known for its vibrant and fragrant alpine flowers that bloom during the months of July, August, and early September. It is also home to endangered animal species like the snow leopard.

The park can be accessed by a 20 kilometre long trek from the town of Joshimath and requires a permit from the forest department.

20. Gokarna, Karnataka

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Gokarna is essentially a temple-town in the state of Karnataka which is also famed for its golden, palm-fringed beaches. Go for a stroll along the Kudle Beach, take a spiritual trip to the Mahabaleshwar Temple, and perhaps spend some time shopping at a flea market - there's a lot that you can do in Gokarna!

21. The Backwaters of Kerala

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With a picturesque network of canals, lakes, rivers, inlets, and lagoons, the backwaters of Kerala are a sight to behold. And there's nothing quite like soaking up all that beauty of the 'Venice of the East' from the comfort of your house-boat. We're already dreaming of coconut trees and orangey sunsets.