17 Places to visit in India in 2020 – Backpacker’s guide to best places to visit in India

This list of places to visit in India in 2020 includes all of my favorites and some that are on my list to visit this year. If you have been to any of these places, please do share your experience with us. And, if you would like to suggest some other places to visit in India, you can do so in the comments below!

Goa

Well, so far I have never heard anyone complain about Goa. So whether it is 2020 or 2050, I think Goa is going to stay on top of the list for places to visit in India. Be it an Indian citizen or a tourist, I’ve seen people overstay their stay in Goa. This place has a lot to offer in terms of;

  • Water sports – parasailing, surfing, swimming, scuba diving, flyboarding, jet ski, snorkeling, etc.
  • Parties – well, most of the beaches are pretty much always lit!
  • SocializingConferences, Seminars, Events, Treks, and Hikes.
places to visit in India

Varkala

Varkala doesn’t have as much to offer as Goa but you can spend a decent weekend here and enjoy some parasailing, swimming in the ocean, beautiful sunsets and take a boat ride. On top of the cliff, there some cafes that offer decent food, and there is also a small street market. It is a nice small and cozy place for a weekend getaway.

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Wayanad/ Munnar

These are two different districts in the state of Kerala aka God’s Own Country. The main attractions of these districts are tea plantations, coffee plantations, and sightseeing. Irrespective of which district you end up going to, you will not be disappointed. The people working on the farm will be more than happy to show you around and tell you their plantation stories.

places to visit in India in 2020

Rameshwaram

Google says it best, ” Rameswaram is a town on Pamban Island, in the southeast Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It’s known for Ramanathaswamy Temple, a Hindu pilgrimage site with ornate corridors, huge sculpted pillars and sacred water tanks. Devotees bathe in the waters of Agni Theertham, off the beach east of the temple. Gandamadana Parvatham is a hill with island views. A chakra (wheel) here is said to bear an imprint of Lord Rama’s feet.” Also, “The history of Rameswaram is centered around the island being a transit point to reach Sri Lanka (Ceylon historically).”

Bangalore

Agreed, that it is just another city. But in this city, you can find an opportunity to go for Rock Climbing and Highlining in India. And, for those of you who like these adventure sports, well Bangalore should be on your list of places to visit in India.

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Ajanta and Ellora caves

Ajanta and Ellora are UNESCO World Heritage Sites located almost 104 km apart from each other, in the state of Maharashtra. These caves are one of the largest rock-cut monasteries, worship halls, and temples. They feature Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist artworks and monuments. For those of you interested in History, Archeology, and religion, this could be one of the most fascinating places to visit in India.

places to visit in India

Agra

One of the 7 wonders of the world should be one of the top 5 places to visit in India. But truth be told, I personally would not stay there for more than a day. I would go there in the morning, enjoy the Taj Mahal and some street food, and be out by evening. But then, it’s just how I would plan my trip for me or my friends. You could definitely do it differently.

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Kutch

The best time to visit Kutch is during the Rann Utsav, it’s a festival which takes place from October to March. There is dance, music, desert safari on a camel that takes you very close to the India-Pakistan Border, food and a lot of street shopping. The special thing about Kutch is that it is a white desert aka salt desert. When you stand there and look around, nothing but the desert surrounds you for as far as you can possibly see.

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Jaipur

The pink city, the city of palaces, and the city of the royals – all are the names given to Jaipur, capital city of Rajasthan. I think about 3-5 days in this city is a good duration to be able to see all the places that you might want to. One added thing other than the palaces, museums and the local market is that the city has many cafes that you might want to visit too. The city of Jaipur has more than one flavor to offer.

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Jaisalmer

The one thing that really made my trip to Jaisalmer worth, was the desert safari. We went there around 2.00 pm and left the next day at around 10 am. Staying in the desert, surrounded by sand dunes, eating dinner in a mud house which was cooked on a traditional mud stove called choolha, and then finally sleeping under the stars on a cot – which was the highlight of my 3-day stay at Jaisalmer.

best places to visit in India

Amritsar

Golden Temple is located in Amritsar, Punjab and is considered the most important pilgrimage site for Sikhs. Just being in that place, makes me feel relaxed and positive.

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Varanasi

Another religious city of India where the evening worship is something to look forward to. And, the best view that you get is from the boat. But I wouldn’t spend more than 1 night and about 2 days there.

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Ladakh

Everyone who travels in India visits Ladakh. In a way, you can say that a person’s travel journey is not complete unless they visit Ladakh. So needless to say that if you are visiting India, Ladakh should be a priority place to visit in India. You will be left speechless by the serenity that surrounds you!

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Spiti

After your trip to Ladakh, if you feel like continuing your journey to explore more of the less explored corners of the country, feel free to take the road to Spiti. I will not be surprised if you decide to build a home there. Ladakh and Spiti are two places where you will find nature at its purest.

places to visit in India

Kasol and Tosh

Well, Kasol and Tosh are every backpacker’s destination. The two places are about 20 km apart. This is where every traveler takes a break, relaxes and socializes along with enjoying some trekking, hiking, waterfalls, and sightseeing.

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Kohima and Dzukou Valley

The silence, sunsets, and fresh air were the highlights of my visit to Dzukou Valley. Here is a detailed account of my trip to Dzukou Valley which will convince you to put it on your list of places to visit in India.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7YW8F2jwUF/

Cherrapunji

The thing about India is that Landscape changes in every state. And, when you talk about North-East India, it’s a whole different world. So Cherrapunjee has a double-decker living roots bridge, caves, waterfalls and camping next to the river Dawki which is a clearwater river.

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2 thoughts on “17 Places to visit in India in 2020 – Backpacker’s guide to best places to visit in India

    1. Raah-hi says:

      Thank you… Just a traveler trying to make a living with Blogging

      Reply

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