India has an array of exotic locations that can leave you spellbound with its beauty. From trails of architectural pasts to the tranquillity that hills offer, blue-green sea waters or wildlife experiences – India has got it all. What’s even better? Owing to its versatile landscape, India has an alternative to some amazing international wonders. Before you set off to explore these destinations overseas, explore the look-alikes closer home:
Andaman Islands | Madagascar
Madagascar and Andaman beaches look the same. Pristine beaches, clear waters and bodacious jungles. Andaman Islands are nothing less than paradise, and if you are a beach bum, the Andamans should be next on your travel bucket list. The paragon of beauty also present unworldly landscape, lush green forests, varied wildlife, tribal tours, and it holds a unique identity, unlike any other place in India.
Salt desert, Kutch, Gujarat | Uyuni Salt Flats of Bolivia
Can you spot the similarity? This Great Rann of Kutch is the largest salt desert in the world. The land is submerged in the sea during monsoons, and during winter months, the water recedes, leaving behind white crystals of raw salt. During the breeding season, this unique land mass is flocked by Flamingos, and the vast stretch of sparkling salt is a sight to behold.
Alleppey | Venice
Venice is a part of every traveller’s bucket list but have you visited India’s very own Venice, Alleppey? Alleppey backwaters are famous for their amazing boathouses and boat rides. You can easily book a boathouse for an entire day, which can be a completely different adventure altogether. In addition to this, you can also take your kids canoeing in the exotic canals amidst the rice fields.
Gandikota | Grand Canyon
Gandikota is the Grand Canyon of India, and if you haven’t already visited it, this destination should be your next. Situated 300 feet above the Pennar River just on its banks, Gandikota fort ruins is definitely a treasure unexplored.
Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand | Antelope Valley, USA
The view of gorgeous flowers covering the Valley of Flowers in a carpet of colours, snow-capped mountains and blue skies resemble the landscape of the Antelope Valley in USA. Nestled in Western Himalayas, Valley of Flowers is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and can be explored only through trekking. During the months of monsoon, this valley gets concealed with beautifully-hued forests, making the colourful landscape even more fascinating.
Gulmarg, Kashmir | Switzerland
Switzerland’s lush green meadows and scenic valleys are a sight to behold. If the picture-perfect destination is on your travel bucket list, head to India’s very own Switzerland, Gulmarg. Kashmir is called as “Heaven on Earth” because of the immense natural beauty of the place, and Gulmarg in Kashmir, is a must visit. The place has beautiful hill views and stunning meadows, which resembles the enamouring Swiss landscape.
