8 Breathtaking Places In India That Should Be On Your Bucket List If You're In Your 20s

Most of us have made larger-than-life travel goals with our besties that never seem to materialise into a concrete plan. We’ve then opened our diaries to find doodles of different destinations littered in the margins or felt that melancholic sadness for those hurriedly jotted down places in our phone’s notes app during Insta-surfing sessions. The need to travel and escape reality for a few days has never felt more compelling than during these times when we’re second-guessing each step out of the comfort of our own homes. 

This is why we’ve compiled a list of eight destinations that should be high-priority for you and your besties once the pandemic is over and a motivator for you to get through these times without going completely bananas. Scroll on and dream on!

1. Sunbathe On The Golden Sands Of The Numerous Beaches In Goa

Picture Credits: anishdop

Okay, let’s be honest here. Every college gang makes plans to go on a Goa trip at least once during their college life and maybe 50% of us actually succeed. So, this one’s for the remaining 50% who have always dreamt of running on the sunny beaches, playing in the salty water of the ocean and partying through the night till the sun comes up. It’s time for you to pack your bags and finally take the leap to tick off this destination before your thirties! Have fun!

2. Go Scuba Diving & Snorkeling In The Vibrant Waters Of Andaman & Nicobar

The Havelock Island in the Andamans is heaven for those water sports enthusiasts who revel in the thought of diving into the deep depths of the ocean or snorkelling over the shallow coral reefs to glimpse the radiant underground marine life. The beauty of these beaches with their iridescent waters and pure white sand will astound your inner adventurer. So head on over to satisfy the wanderlust you’re feeling right about now!

3. Take A Ride On The Toy Train From Ooty To Coonoor

Picture Credits: _the_itinerant

Ooty is a city tucked away between rolling hills and striking landscapes that will leave you awestruck. Embark on the short, but the completely mesmerising journey on the cute blue and cream toy train from Ooty to Coonoor. You can just sit and stare out the window in peace towards the picture-perfect scenery as the train takes you through the Nilgiri Mountains, showing off gurgling waterfalls, dense forests and the gentle slopes of green hills. On reaching Coonoor, be sure to check out the tea garden and indulge in savouring some freshly made chocolate fudge and gourmet cheese (you can also learn how to make cheese) at the famous Indian Bakery and Acres Wild Cheese Farm for a spectacular and unforgettable trip! 

4. Bike Ride Through The Dry Mountains of Ladakh & Visit The Pangong Lake

Picture Credits: the_himalayan

Ladakh has got to be one of the most popular bucket list places and every biker’s dream destination. The bare mountain ranges with their rustic colours that seem to change colours as you ride from one mountain peak to the next, have a way of making you lose yourself in the sheer beauty and tranquillity. Take a trek on the frozen lakes (you can sign up for the Chadar trek as well), treat your eyes to the varied hues of the Pangong Tso Lake (the same one that was the talk of the town after the movie 3 Idiots came out), ride through the winding roads and visit the ancient Buddhist monasteries for the most magical and awe-inducing experiences that will forever be etched in your memories! 

5. Take An Adventurous Trip With Your Besties To Lonavala & Mahabaleshwar

Picture Credits: rahulssathe

For those living in Pune and Mumbai and looking to escape for the weekend, a road trip with your buddies to the scenic and green hills of Lonavala and Mahabaleshwar is the quintessential getaway. With lush green hills on every side, the view leaves you mesmerised, grappling for words that won’t do justice to its exquisite aura. Popular scenic spots include the Lingamala Falls, Sahyadri Range, Karla Caves and Venna Lake. So, drop by to rejuvenate and unwind from your fast-paced lives!

6. Touch The Farthest Reaches Of The Sky From The High Altitudes In Tawang

If you’re in search of a view that will leave you mesmerized, this is the place to come to experience some breathtaking natural beauty. Situated some 10,000 feet above sea level, Tawang is the smallest administrative district of Arunachal Pradesh and is surrounded by frozen lakes and glaciers that sunlight bounces off of to create a myriad of stunning patterns. Tawang, the birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama, is also considered to be the seat of the 400-year-old Tawang monastery, the oldest and largest monastery in India. Visiting the Sela Pass, Jang Waterfall and the Tawang Monastery will make your trip here truly unforgettable! 

7. Take A Literary Vacay To The Pink City, Jaipur

Picture Credits: nishadhameja

Another destination that just has to be on our bucket list is Jaipur, AKA, The Pink City. This city takes its name from the trademark pink colour of the buildings in the area. The numerous palaces and forts in the city just accentuate the beauty and add to the architectural importance of the place. Watch the city from the height of a hundred metres on a hot air balloon, attend the biggest literary fest in the country if you’re a book nerd (we’ll be the first ones there), visit the Amber Fort and watch the light and sound show, buy Jaipur’s famous Blue Pottery, which is considered to be a traditional craft and have a blast eating authentic and yummy kachoris!

8. Go For The Surreal Experience Of Underground Caving In Meghalaya

Picture Credits: its_a_gregory_thing

For those looking to take your adventurous streak to another level, underground caving in Meghalaya is a must! Caving here is a thrilling and fun-filled experience that promises to shed some light on the unexplored, mysterious and wondrous world of the deepest caves in India. Crawling and squeezing through rock formations, wading and swimming through ice-cold underground lakes, dodging sharp stalagmites and stalactites with the lamp on your hard cap acting as the only source of light in pitch darkness, calls for a surreal but heart-pounding adrenaline rush like no other. So, if the world of the unknown holds a certain appeal for your curious mind, pack your bags and pay a visit to these marvellous wonders! 

As you can see, there is no dearth of wondrously adventurous places in India, so pack your bags and just escape!