30 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30
Travel while you’re still young. Lose yourself to find your own self. Live like there’s no tomorrow. And whatever you’ll explore today will last a lifetime with you.
So, here’s a list of 30 best places to visit in India for a life changing experience BEFORE you turn 30. What are you waiting for? It’s time to pack your bags and set on a journey to scratch off a few destinations from your bucket list.
Disclaimer: This list of tourist places in India isn’t just for men!
1. Party in Goa
Unarguably, Goa has to be the amongst the first few places to visit in India in your twenties. Young and energetic! Amazing nightlife, variety of booze, beach shacks and dirt cheap prices – Goa has everything to make a trip memorable.
Best time to visit: November to February
How to reach
By air: Dabolim International Airport is the major airport in Goa.
By rail: Madagaon Railway Station and Thivim Railway Station are the main railway heads of Goa.
By road: Margao Bus Terminal, Kadamba Bus Terminal, and Mapusa Bus Terminal are best connected bus terminals in Goa. However, many people prefer taking a car/bike ride from Mumbai and Pune.
Attractions: Beaches like Vagator, Calangute, Anjuna, Colva, & Benaulim, Fort Aguada, Church of Mae De Deus, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Temple of Bodgeshwar, Dudhsagar Waterfalls, St Xavier’s Church, Grand Island (for watersports), and clubs like Cafe Mambos,Titos, LPK (Love Passion Karma), SinQ, & Club Cubana
2. Trek On The Hills Of Mcleodganj
The majestic mountains can call tourists to experience the best of what nature has to offer. Triund offers the spectacular view of the Dhauladhar ranges. Experience bliss while camping under billions of stars with your friends in Triund.
Best time to visit: September to June
How to reach
By air: Gaggal Airport (18 km away) is the nearest airport.
By rail: The nearest rail head is Pathankot Railway Station (89 km away)
By road: Numerous state government & private buses ply between Mcleodganj and various cities of north India like Delhi, Chandigarh, Dharamshala etc. on a regular basis. Passengers can take a bus till Mcleodganj bus stand and then hire a taxi.
Attractions: Kangra Fort, Bhagsunath Temple, Bhagsu Falls, Namgyal Monastery, Dalai Lama Temple complex, HPCA Stadium, tea plantations of Kangra valley, and Triund trek
3. Dwell in the Valleys of Ever Changing Srinagar
If you’re in your twenties, it’s time to add Kashmir to your list of best places to visit in India. If there is heaven on earth, this it is! Experience its charismatic charm before the natural hits & turmoil spoils it all. And when would be a better time to explore a flood-hit, terror-stricken heaven on earth if not now?!
Best time to visit: April to October
How to reach
By air: Srinagar has its own airport.
By rail: The Srinagar Railway Station is under construction. Till then, passengers can take a train to Udhampur Railway Station(229 km from Srinagar)
By road: Unless you are traveling from a city of Jammu & Kashmir, road is not a preferred way to reach Srinagar.
Attractions: Dal Lake (boating in shikaras & nightstays in houseboats), Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Tomb of Zin-ul-Abidin, Jama Masjid, Hazratbal Mosque, and Shankaracharya Hill
4. Conquer the fears of water with Scuba Diving in Andaman
Scared of water? Never swam? Maybe it’s time to beat the fear out of you and dive in to the deep sea and overcome the fear of water and depths, ZNMD Style. Trust us, you’d be delighted at the sites underwater and it will keep you coming back for more. And woah, aqua lovers, it is no less than a paradise!
Best time to visit: November to mid-May
How to reach
By air: Vir Savarkar Airport in Port Blair is the archipelago’s major airport.
By sea: Ships ply between Haddo Wharf Port in Port Blair and cities of Chennai, Kolkata, & Vizag.
Attractions: Cellular Jail National Memorial, Radhanagar Beach, Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex in Port Blair, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Chidiya Tapu, and watersports like scuba-diving, snorkeling, & parasailing
5. Ride on the Leh-Ladakh Highway and camp under the stars in Ladakh
Undoubtedly, Leh – Ladakh is on every travel enthusiasts list of places to visit in India before they turn 30. Ride on the crazy winding roads, get stuck in the middle of no where, sleep with the locals and learn to be independent on the desert mountains as you undertake this adventurous journey.
Best time to visit: April to mid-May and mid-September to mid-October
How to reach
By air: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is the airport connecting the region to other places by air.
By rail: Jammu Tawi Railway Station (700 km from Ladakh) is the nearest rail head. From here, one can hire a cab or board a JKSRTC bus to Ladakh.
By road: The most popular means of reach Ladakh remains to be road. Travelers can go on a bike/jeep ride to the destination. Bike trips from Delhi, Chandigarh, and Manali are most popular.
Attractions: Zanskar Valley, Pangong Tso Lake, Khardung-La Pass, Spituk Gompa, and Hemis National Park
6. Explore the Ghats in Banaras
Banaras may not be on the list of places to visit in India before you turn 30, but the beautiful ghats, the aartis and prayers, a boat ride along the calm banks could change this picture forever.
Best time to visit: October to February
How to reach
By air: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport of Varanasi is well-connected to Delhi and Mumbai.
By rail: Kashi Railway Station and Varanasi Junction are the two major rail heads of the city.
By road: State-run and private buses regularly ply between Varanasi and the nearby cities.
Attractions: Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manmandir Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and Durga Temple
7. Stay overnight at Marine Drive in the never sleeping city of Mumbai
The city that never sleeps and lets you live a carefree life. Mumbai is about its people, the spirit of enjoying the nightclubs and of course Bollywood. Live like a mumbaikar, bite into the vada pav and sip a chai on your way to the locals.
Best time to visit: November to February
How to reach
By air: Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport lies 30 km north of the city. Santa Cruz Domestic Airport lies 26 km north of the city.
By rail: Trains from Central, East, and West India arrive at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (erstwhile VT). Trains from the North arrive at Bombay Central Station.
By road: Most of the inter-Maharashtra buses arrive at Mumbai Central Bus Station. But the ones from Pune and Nasik arrive at the ASIAD bus stand near Dadar railway station.
Attractions: Gateway of India, Haji Ali Dargah, Elephanta Caves & island, Siddhivinayak Temple, Essel World, Kanheri Caves, Rajabai Clock Tower, Kamala Nehru Park, Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Nehru Planetarium, Worli Fort, and Marine Drive
8. Explore an offbeat Wildlife Sanctuary – Binsar at Almora
Peace. Jungles. Heights. Chills. Wildlife. All you wildlife enthusiasts out there, head to Almora for an incredible trip of your lifetime.
Best time to visit: April to June and September to November
How to reach
By air: There’s a domestic airport in Pantnagar, 116 km from Almora.
By rail: Kathgodam Railway Station, 82 km from Almora, is the nearest railway head.
By road: Buses connect the town with all majorr neighboring areas.
Attractions: Nanda Devi Temple, Mrig Vihar Zoo, Khagmara Temple, and Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
9. Explore the Scotland of the south – Coorg
Coorg simply cannot be skipped from the list of best places to visit in India. A quick getaway for many from Bangalore, this mesmerizing hill station in Karnataka is breathtakingly beautiful. A visit here sure would heal you and energize you!
Best time to visit: October to March
How to reach
By air: The nearest domestic airport is in Mangalore, 156 km away. The nearest international airport is the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, 285 kilometres away.
By rail: Mysore Junction, 106 km away, is the nearest rail head.
By road: The 238 km long road trip from Bangalore (Bengaluru) takes 5 hours 30 minutes.
Attractions: Abbey Falls, Nalknad Palace, Barapole River, Brahmagiri Peak, Iruppu Falls, Namdroling Monastery, Nagarhole National Park, Microlight flight at Chelavara, ziplining, and angling in River Kaveri
10. Kolkata to Color Yourself Red in Durga Puja
The only time when the entire city gathers together to celebrate the much lauded and divine festival, Durga Puja, experience the culture of Bengal in it’s full form. Enjoy the festival with sweets, Bengali delicacies, themed pandal hoppings and grand aartis.
Best time to visit: November to February
How to reach
By air: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is situated at Dumdum, 15 km from the main city.
By rail: Howrah and Sealdah are the two main railway junctions in Kolkata that connect the city to several major cities in the country.
Attractions: Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Indian Museum, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Eden Gardens Cricket Stadium, Kalighat Kali Temple, Birla Industrial & Technological Museum, Birla Planetarium, and St. Paul’s Cathedral
11. Explore The Caver’s Paradise – Meghalaya
If you aren’t afraid of heights, insects, darkness and tight spaces, caving would prove to be a great adventure for you! And if you are, what a better time to beat your fears in the deepest and longest caves of entire South Asia? What if you return as the next Bruce Wayne, err?
Best time to visit: March to July
How to reach
By air: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport at Guwahati in Assam (118 km from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya) is the nearest international airport. Umroi Airport at Umroi, 30 km from Shillong, is the nearest domestic airport.
By rail: Mendipathar railway station is located in Resubelpara Municipal Board Jurisdiction of Meghalaya at a distance of 225 km from Shillong. However, the Guwahati Junaction in Assam is the nearest rail head with good connectivity to other cities of India.
Attractions: Umiam Lake, Nohkalikai Falls, Elephant Falls, Seven Sisters Falls, Shillong View Point, Spread Eagle Falls, Wah Umngot River, Nohwet Living Root Bridge, Kynrem falls, Khasi Hills, Khoh Ramhah or Motrop (Giant conical rock), and Garo Hills
12. Volunteer with the monks in Sikkim
Life is not all about exploring the world. Feel the mystical essence of Buddhism around you, visit Sikkim and its host of monasteries. And if you happen to like them, maybe, volunteer with the monks and master the art of giving!
Best time to visit: March to June and September to December
How to reach
By air: Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal (124 km from Gangtok) is the nearest airport. A 20 minutes’ helicopter ride from Bagdogra will take you further on till Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim.
By rail: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station in Silguri (148 km from Gangtok) is the nearest rail head.
By road: The cities of Sikkim are well-connected to Darjeeling (West Bengal) by good quality roads.
Attractions: Nathu La, Hanuman Tok, Rumtek Monastery, Khecheopalri Lake, Tsomgo Lake, Phodong Monastery, & Teesta River in Gangtok, Yumthang Valley, Buddha Park of Ravangla, Kanchenjunga Falls, Lingdum Monastery, and Singshore Bridge
13. Visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World – The Taj Mahal in Agra
Tourists across the world visit India just to witness the spectacular symbol of love. The majestic monument has to be on your bucket list for its the cultural epitome of India.
Best time to visit: April to October
How to reach
By air: Kheria airport, 13 km away from Agra, is a seasonal commercial airport and is connected only by Air India flights from New Delhi.
By rail: Agra Cantt Station (the main station), Agra Fort Railway Station, Raja ki Mandi, Agra City, and Idgah Railway Station are well-connected by a network of trains to cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Gwalior, Jhansi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai.
By road: Agra has two major interstate bus terminals called Idgah Bus Stand and ISBT that connect it to cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Gwalior, Lucknow, & Kanpur.
Attractions: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah, Mehtab Bagh, Jama Masjid, Guru ka Tal, Tomb of Akbar the Great, Chini Ka Rauza, Moti Masjid, Fatehpur Sikri, Dilli Gate, Great gate (Darwaza i rauza), Amar Singh Gate, Kaanch Mahal, and Sikandra
14. Enchant your spirit in Kerala
To all the nature lover’s out there. A trip to God’s own country is a must in your twenties for its enchanting wilderness. Luscious green trees, pristine water, crazy wildlife experience – visit Kerala for more such wonderful delights.
Best time to visit: November to January and June to August
How to reach
By air: Thiruvananthapuram has the Trivandrum International Airport, linked by flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Cochin, and Chennai.
By rail: Trivandrum Central Railway Station in Thiruvananthapuram is the major rail head. Kerala Express connects daily to Delhi. Netravati Express goes to Mumbai.
Attractions
Alleppey: Alappuzha Beach, Krishnapuram Palace, Kumarakom bird sanctuary, Marari Beach, Revi Karunakaran Museum, Marari Beach, Punnamada Lake, Pathiramanal, and Sri Krishna Temple in Ambalappuzha
Munnar: TATA Tea Museum, Meesapulimala, Blossom Park, Pothamedu ViewPoint, Attukal Waterfalls, Cheeyappara Waterfalls, Kundala Lake, Mattupetty Dam, Anamudi, and Eravikulam National Park
Kumarakom: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom Backwaters, Aruvikkuzhi waterfall, Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Beach, and Pathiramal Island
Wayanad: Meenmutty Waterfalls, Chembra Peak, 9 Hairpin Curves, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, Ekkadal Caves, Bathery Jain Temple, Neelimala View Point, and Pookot Lake
Thekkady: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Mangla Devi Temple, Abraham’s Spice Garden, Murikkady, Kadathanadan Kalari Centre, Chellarkovil, Kumily, and Deepa World Spice & Ayurvedic Garden
Kovalam: Lighthouse Beach, Samudra Beach, Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple, Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium, Halcyon Castle, Akkulam Lake, Jama Masjid, Vellayani Lake, Karamana River, and Rock Cut Caves
Bekal: Bekal Fort, Ananthapura Temple, Valiyaparamba Backwaters, Bekal Beach, Mallikarjuna Temple, Chandragiri Fort, Kappil Beach, Nileswaram, Bekal Hole Aqua Park, and Pallikere Beach
Kozhikode: Mananchira, Conolly Canal, Hilite Mall, Kallayi, Tali Temple, Kappad Beach, Kozhikode Beach, Thusharagiri Waterfalls, Sargaalaya, Payyoli Beach, Kozhippara Falls, and Matri Dei Cathedral
Varakala: Varkala Beach, Janardhan Temple, Sivagiri Muth, Kappil Lake, Papanasam Beach, Janardan Swami Temple, Vishnu Temple, Anjengo Fort, Sarkara Devi Temple, Varkala Tunnel, and Kaduvayil Thangal Dargah
15. Camp In The Arid Thar Desert
The place that speaks of royalty and world-class heritage, Rajasthan is vast, huge and a destination to experience the luxury of India.
Best time to visit: November to February
16. Listen to the qawwalis at Nizamuddin Dargah, Delhi
Enjoy your gateway to the city of Ghalib, Dilli. While you’re still young, explore the cultures of your magnificent country. A stop at Hazrat Nizamuddin’s Dargah for a live Qawwali session will leave you mesmerized.
Best time to visit: October to March
How to reach
By air: Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International airport is very well connected to cities across India and the world.
By rail: Delhi has an extensive railway network with major railway stations like New Delhi Railway Station, Old Delhi Railway Station, Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, Sarai Rohila, and Old Sabzi Mandi
By road: Delhi is well connected by bus to cities like Jaipur, Agra, Alwar, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Shimla, Manali, Dharamsala, Dehradun, and even Kathmandu. Commuters can get buses from Interstate Bus Terminals at Kashmiri Gate, Anand Vihar, & Sarai Kale Khan, and other spots like Majnu ka Tila & Bikaner House.
17. Solo trip to Kasol
Here’s why every man should travel solo at least once in your life – Not only will you discover a new you and find a direction for yourself, but you’d return with experiences of a life time. And there’s no better place than Kasol to begin this adventure.
Best time to visit: October to June
How to reach
By air: Bhuntar Domestic Airport (31 km away) is the nearest flight connect.
By rail: Pathankot (296 km away) is the nearest rail head.
By road: HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) runs regular buses from Delhi, Haryana, & Punjab and other Himachal cities like Pathankot, Shimla, Kangra, Solan, & Dharamsala.
18. Walk On The Living Root Bridges in Cherrapunji
Cherrapunji is a great sight for those who want to experience something surreal and out of the blue. The Root bridges will leave you awestruck.
Best time to visit: November to May
How to reach
By air: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati (163 km away) is the nearest air connect.
By rail: Guwahati is the nearest railhead to Cherrapunji.
19. Face The Unknown At The Bhangarh Fort
Bhangarh fort is on every daredevil’s list of must visit places in India. Known as one of the scariest places in India, according to a folklore, it is believed that the entire town of people seemed to have vanished in a day. Get ready to be spooked on your trip here!
Best time to visit: November to February
How to reach
By air: The nearest airport is the Sanganer airport in Jaipur, 56 km from Bhangarh.
By rail: Dausa railway station, located at a distance of 22 km from Bhangarh, is the nearest rail head.
20. Drive Through The Forest of Bandipur
Bandipur is a best place to visit in India when it comes to forests and drives. Get spooked by snake holes around, spot elephants, deers and monkeys as you go along the winding roads. And you might happen to spot a wild cat too. A drive through the wilderness is all you need in your twenties.
Best time to visit: October to May
How to reach
By air: Mandakalli airport near Mysore, 69 km from Bandipur, is the nearest air connect.
By rail: Nanajangud Town Railway Station, 56 km from Bandipur, is the nearest rail head.
21. Explore The Ruins Of Hampi
Hampi’s world heritage site is amongst the must visit places in India. Known for its old monumental and architectural beauty , Hampi place will dispose you to a world of aesthetics. PS: Don’t plan a trip to Hampi in summers.
Best time to visit: October to February
How to reach
By air: Hubli Airport (144 km away) and Belgaum Airport (215 km away) are two major domestic airports near Hampi.
By rail: Hospet Junction, the nearest railway station to Hampi, is about 13 km away.
By road: Hampi is one of the weekend getaways from Bangalore and is well connected to Hospet, Hassan, Mysore, and other nearby cities by road.
22. Spectate At The Dhuandhar Falls, Jabalpur
Jabalpur may not be on your list of places to see in India before you turn 30, but a trip to these stunning white waterfalls which emanate a mist of smoke will leave you spellbound.
Best time to visit: August to March
How to reach
By air: Dumna domestic airport in Jabalpur is the nearest airport.
By rail: Jabalpur Junction is the nearest railway head.
23. Celebration for Colors in Mathura
Allow your spirit to soak in the raas-leela of Vrindavan. The place that celebrates Krishna’s living philosophy. The festival is ecstatic to say the least and celebration of colors here would the best you’d experience ever in your life.
Best time to visit: November to March
How to reach
By air: Kheria airport in Agra, located at a distance of 49 km from Mathura, is the nearest air connect.
By rail: Mathura has its own railway station.
By road: Mathura is well-connected to Agra (49 km away), Delhi (182 km away), Vrindavan (14 km away), and other cities of North India.
24. Travel To The Salt Lands During The Kutch Festival
Kutch is a must visit place in India before you turn 30. Travel to the no man’s land, the seasonal salt marsh amidst the famous Thar Desert during the kite festival where the sky comes alive with vibrant and oversized kites.
Best time to visit: November to February
How to reach
By air: Bhuj Airport, 69 km away, is the nearest air connect.
By rail: Bhuj Railway Station is 50 km away from Kutch.
25. Beat Your Fear Of Heights – Go Paragliding In Solang
Twenties is the time to explore your wild side and indulge in crazy adventures. Head to solang for paragliding and experience the bursting thrill as you fly across the panoramic views, verdant valleys and snow-capped ranges. Solang has to on your list of places to see in India.
Best time to visit: November to February
How to reach
By air: Bhuntar Airport, 64 km away, is the nearest airport.
By rail: Joginder Nagar Railway Station, 177 km away, is the nearest rail head.
By road: Solang is only 14 km away from Manali.
26. Visit Golden Temple in Amritsar
Learn to respect culture and religion before you turn 30. Visit this spiritual getaway that promises the nourishment of the soul. Spend some time in the India’s largest kitchen as you help clean the utensils or prepare langar for the visitors. The experience is simply worth it.
Best time to visit: November to February
How to reach
By air: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar is well-connected to other cities.
By rail: Amritsar Junction Railway Station has an extensive network of trains.
27. Travel To The Dangerously Beautiful Red Corridor
Travel to the red corridor once in your life. And there’s no better time than your twenties. Situated by the sea, Konark Temple in Orissa tells you many interesting stories about the origin of human sexuality. And if you’ve enough time and courage, beautiful highways in Orissa leading to some exceptionally picturesque destinations are waiting to be explored.
Best time to visit: September to March
How to reach
By air: Bhubaneswar airport, 62 km from Konark, is connected by frequent flights to numerous major cities India including Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, and Hyderabad.
By rail: Puri Railway Station, 36 km away, is connected to all major cities.
28. A Wildlife Trip To Dibru Saikhowa National Park in Assam
Stay set to be overwhelmed by the sceneries, flora, and fauna of the Dibru Saikhowa National Park. And this wildlife expedition is not the same as any jeep safari. Instead, activities like jungle walk and boat ride are conducted during the months of November to April. Cruise along the Brahmaputra river to witness the animals in their most natural habitats.
Best time to visit: October to April
How to reach
By air: Mohanbari in Dibrugarh, 40 km away, is the nearest domestic airport. Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport at Guwahati is 510 km away.
By rail: New Tinsukia Railway Station is 12 km away.
29. White Water Rafting in Rishikesh
With bursting energy and enthusiasm, twenties is the best time to enjoy thrill and adventure, especially with your friends. Travel to the adventure capital of India, Rishikesh and ride on the mystical but fierce fast flowing waters of Ganges. Rishikesh is a must visit place in India if you haven’t yet crossed the age bar.
Best time to visit: September to November and February to June
How to reach
By air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, 20 km from Rishikesh, is the nearest air connect.
By rail: Haridwar Junction, 21 km from Rishikesh, is the nearest rail head.
By road: It is well-connected by road to major cities, including Haridwar (21 km away) and Delhi (229 km away).
30. Kalka to Shimla in a Toy Train
Revist childhood by hopping on the colorful toy train from Kalka to Shimla as it makes way through the pine forests and verdant valleys. If Shimla happens to be away for you, Darjeeling, Ooty and Matheran are there for this exceptionally elating toy train experience.
Best time to visit: Year-round
So, here we end our list of 30 best places to visit in India before your turn 30 with a hope that you’re set to explore this magnificent country in the most precious years of your life.
Travel to some of these places to visit with friends, family, beloved, or alone and explore the popular tourist attractions in India ‘cause the time is now!
Please leave comment on what did we miss in our list & which places you would love to visit in India and recommend to your chinese friends.
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