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Forget International Travel When You Can Visit These Indian Destinations That Outshine Foreign Spots
Do you really need to travel abroad to satiate the wanderlust in you? Eh, not necessarily! Forget Switzerland, Scotland, Iceland, Amsterdam and Italy, when you can witness the same beauty in our very own Incredible India. Don’t believe us? Check out 14 Indian destinations better than foreign countries, and we mean waaayyyy better!
1. Choose Gulmarg Over The Swiss Alps
![article image](https://res.cloudinary.com/purnesh/image/upload/w_1000,f_auto,q_auto:eco,c_limit/11722059661436.jpg)
Picture Credits: bhatfaizan__ , pulanelyarin
Swap the Swiss Alps for the snowy splendor of Gulmarg! If you're dreaming of those pristine white slopes, the snow-kissed beauty of Gulmarg in Kashmir will do the job beautifully. Picture this: skiing down the powdery slopes with breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Plus, Gulmarg has got that cozy, homely vibe that no Swiss chalet can beat. So, why splurge on Switzerland when you can slay it desi-style in Gulmarg. Also, there are several foreigners who come all the way to ski on the Gulmarg slopes!
Distance From Delhi | 849.6 Kms
2. Mandi Over Rolling Hills Of Scotland
![article image](https://res.cloudinary.com/purnesh/image/upload/w_1000,f_auto,q_auto:eco,c_limit/21722059661444.jpg)
Picture Credits: rashnull , stirlingalive
Think Scotland’s rolling hills are lit? Wait till you see Mandi in Himachal Pradesh! Nestled amid lush greenery, this hidden gem is straight outta a fairytale. With serene lakes, ancient temples, and misty mountains, Mandi is the ultimate mood for your next escape. It’s like a Bollywood dream sequence come to life! So, ditch those Scottish plans and head to Mandi, where the hills are alive with the sound of desi charm.
Distance From Delhi | 400 Kms
3. Choose Valley Of Flowers Over Antelope Valley Of the USA
![article image](https://res.cloudinary.com/purnesh/image/upload/w_1000,f_auto,q_auto:eco,c_limit/31722059661441.jpg)
Picture Credits: valleyofflowers , claireelizabethking
The Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand is the real MVP! Imagine strolling through endless fields of vibrant blooms, each more Insta-worthy than the last. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a floral paradise that’s just waiting for your next reel. Mother Nature really popped off here! So, pack your bags and let the colors of Uttarakhand bloom in your mind.
Distance From Delhi | 519.9 Kms
4. Choose Gurudongmar Lake Over Jökulsárlón Lake In Iceland
![article image](https://res.cloudinary.com/purnesh/image/upload/w_1000,f_auto,q_auto:eco,c_limit/41722059860187.jpg)
Picture Credits: northeast_india , mssoandso
Move over, Iceland! Gurudongmar Lake in Sikkim is the true OG when it comes to stunning lakes. Nestled at a dizzying altitude, this lake is as icy and magical as they come, with pristine blue waters that mirror the sky. The vibes here are straight-up ethereal, making it the perfect spot for your next adventure. Why go Nordic when you can go north-east and make it a religious trip too?
Distance From Delhi | 1,137 Kms
5. Choose Munnar Over Boh Tea Plantation in Malaysia
![article image](https://res.cloudinary.com/purnesh/image/upload/w_1000,f_auto,q_auto:eco,c_limit/51722059661450.jpg)
Picture Credits: themudhousemarayoor , themudhousemarayoor
Forget Malaysia’s Boh Tea Plantation; Munnar in Kerala is where the real tea is. This hill station is lush, green, and oh-so-serene, with tea gardens that stretch as far as the eye can see. Perfect for those chill-out and relaxed moments, Munnar serves up those tranquil vibes with a side of breathtaking views. Sip your chai with a view that’ll make your heart go “Yasss!”
Distance From Delhi | 2,568 Kms
6. Choose The Rann Of Kutch Over Bonneville Salt Flats Of Utah
![article image](https://res.cloudinary.com/purnesh/image/upload/w_1000,f_auto,q_auto:eco,c_limit/61722059661449.jpg)
Picture Credits: amibhat , audreycorin
Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats are cool, but the Rann of Kutch is straight-up legendary! This vast white desert in Gujarat transforms into a surreal landscape under the moonlight, making it the ultimate backdrop for your next DP. The Rann Utsav adds a sprinkle of cultural magic, with folk dances, crafts, and more. So, swap your Utah plans for some desi dazzle and let the Rann of Kutch show you how it’s done.
Distance From Delhi | 860 Kms
7. Choose Kashmir’s Tulips Over Amsterdam’s
![article image](https://res.cloudinary.com/purnesh/image/upload/w_1000,f_auto,q_auto:eco,c_limit/81722060237417.jpg)
Picture Credits: stanley_ssk , welovetulips
Kashmir’s Tulip Garden is where the real magic blooms! Nestled in the heart of Srinagar, this garden bursts into a riot of colors every spring, with millions of tulips creating a vibrant, Insta-perfect tapestry. Imagine wandering through rows upon rows of tulips with the majestic Zabarwan Range in the backdrop—talk about a vibe! Plus, you get the bonus of Kashmiri hospitality and cuisine. Why jet off to the Netherlands when you can witness this floral extravaganza in our very own paradise?
Distance From Delhi | 801.5 Kms
8. Choose Khajjiar Over Switzerland
![article image](https://res.cloudinary.com/purnesh/image/upload/w_1000,f_auto,q_auto:eco,c_limit/11594022723545.jpg)
Picture Credits: amrita_77 , myswitzerlandin
The famous Swiss Alps are majestic in every way, but there’s a beautiful reason why Khajjiar is called the mini Switzerland of India, and the credit goes to the picturesque scenery, lush Cedar forests complete with serene lakes. The weather is pleasant throughout the year, making it an ideal vacation destination, not to mention how affordable it is!
Distance From Delhi | 576.8 Kms
9. Choose Lavasa Over Portofino In Italy
![article image](https://res.cloudinary.com/purnesh/image/upload/w_1000,f_auto,q_auto:eco,c_limit/91722059661447.jpg)
Picture Credits: flicking_shutter
Lavasa is a planned hill city nestled near Pune, where the streets and several buildings are styled and named after an artistic town called Portofino in Italy. Cycle around the pretty town or take a stroll through the vibrant alleys, either way, Lavasa is the place to be if you’re thinking of a European vacay but you’re on a tight budget.
Distance From Delhi | 1,475 Kms
10. Choose Meghalaya Over Vietnam
![article image](https://res.cloudinary.com/purnesh/image/upload/w_1000,f_auto,q_auto:eco,c_limit/101722059661446.jpg)
Picture Credits:
Meghalaya, or ‘the abode of clouds’ is a gorgeous hill station in the North East which is known for its subtropical forests and hidden creeks that is very often compared to Vietnam. BTW, a small town in Meghalaya called Mawlynnong has been acclaimed as the cleanest village in Asia, so make sure you trot over to this tiny village if you’re backpacking through Meghalaya!
Distance From Delhi | 1,971 Kms
11. Choose Gandikota Over The Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
![article image](https://res.cloudinary.com/purnesh/image/upload/w_1000,f_auto,q_auto:eco,c_limit/111722059661451.jpg)
Picture Credits:
An adventurous hike in the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is a dream for many, but what if we tell you that India has its very own Grand Canyon where a visit won’t cost you a bomb? Oh yeah, Gandikota is a gorge nestled in Andhra Pradesh, formed by the river Pennar cutting through the Erramala hills. The bewitching beauty will leave you awe-struck, so do head over once it’s safe to do so.
Distance From Delhi | 1,970 Kms
12. Choose Pondicherry Over France
![article image](https://res.cloudinary.com/purnesh/image/upload/w_1000,f_auto,q_auto:eco,c_limit/51594022473168.jpg)
Picture Credits: aarohantiwari
Once home to the French colonies until 1954, Pondicherry has preserved its French legacy till date where you can spot tree-lined lanes, chic boutiques and multi-coloured colonial villas. This beach-side town is as pretty as it can get - make sure you visit at least once and make some awesome memories with your fam.
Distance From Delhi | 2,370 Kms
13. Choose Havelock Beach, Andaman & Nicobar Islands Over Seychelles
![article image](https://res.cloudinary.com/purnesh/image/upload/w_1000,f_auto,q_auto:eco,c_limit/131722059661452.jpg)
Picture Credits:
Seychelles is a small island in the Indian Ocean with white sand beaches and sparkling waters that look like a slice straight from heaven. But, the pristine Havelock Beach in Andaman & Nicobar Islands comes pretty close to the beaches of Seychelles, something you would have to visit to see what the hype around Havelock is all about.
Distance From Delhi | 2,477 Kms
14. Choose Alleppey In Kerala Over Venice
![article image](https://res.cloudinary.com/purnesh/image/upload/w_1000,f_auto,q_auto:eco,c_limit/141722059661445.jpg)
Picture Credits:
Tranquil lagoons and canals with a backdrop of the lovely backwaters - oh wow, just writing about it is giving us a major FOMO! Alleppey is often compared to Venice, but we’d say, this local destination is way better than any other European holiday destination. The best time to visit is from November to February, so get your plans workin’, folks!
Distance From Delhi | 2,772 Kms
These Indian cities will surely make you feel like you’re travelling abroad, but at the same time, it will make you realise that India has so much to offer and a lot of it is still unexplored. So, if you’re a traveller, start by exploring your own country and you’ll be amazed by what you discover!
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