Being an avid traveller,I’m pretty active in TripAdvisor.com, one of the world’s leading travel site. Thousands of members around in the world actively pour in suggestions for your trips .They also give you travel tips on the best places to visit by sharing personal experiences. TripAdvisor have now released India’s top 15 destinations, that has seen the maximum increase in traveller interest. The period is Autumn (Sep – November) , based on YoY search activity on TripAdvisor
So irrespective of where you reside, this India’s top 15 destination list would help you to plan a nice vacation.
India’s Top 15 Destinations
1. Athirappally Waterfalls – Thrissur, Kerala (TripAdvisor search : 507%)
The first place in India’s Top 15 Destinations goes to Athirapally Falls. One of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world, this place is located a few kms from Trichur/Thrissur. It’s a must visit for its serene ambience and majestic beauty. If you had seen Kamal Hasan’s Punnagai Mannan movie, this is where it was shot.
2. Saturday Night Market – Arpora, Goa (Search Increase : 166%)
Other than partying and beaches, Goa is also famous for its quirky merchandise and shopping . Arpora market is right on top of the list. This place is open from 6PM till late night and only on Saturdays !!
Do check out my Goa itinerary in my previous post for the most ideal Goa trip
3. Nathula Pass – Gangtok, Sikkim (Search Increase : 159%)
Along the lines of the Silk route, Nathula Pass is an incredible experience one should never miss out on. The pass connects India with Tibet and is also one of the four officially agreed Border Personnel Meeting points between the Indian Army and People’s Liberation Army of China for regular interactions between the two armies.
Source : tripadvisor
4. Banasura Sagar Dam – Vythiri, Kerala
Locatednorth west of Kalpetta, the backdrop of Banasura Hills is the ideal picnic spot for travellers with its picturesque beauty. It is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia and is a popular spot for trekking and speed boating.
Source : tripadvisor
5. Lohagad Fort – Khandala, Maharashtra
One of the many hill forts of Maharashtra, Lohgad fortis a popular historic structure. It was occupied by several dynasties at different periods of time.The place is surrounded by lush green grassland and perfect for first time trekkers.
Source : tripadvisor
6. Periyar Lake – Thekkady, Kerala
This beautiful lake surrounded by Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is ideal for travellers to enjoy the great scenic charm and rich bio diversity.
7. Vagamon– Kottayam, Kerala
This hill station is a perfect escape for some relaxation and rejuvenation. With beautiful meadows and pine forest,travellers can also enjoy a scenic drive.
8. Mattupetty Dam – Munnar, Kerala
Situated in Munnar, Mattupetty Dam is a popular picnic spot and surrounded by tea and spice plantation.
9. Kovalam Beach – Trivandrum, Kerala
Kovalam in Kerala, is a well-known beach town lined with coconut trees, sand and tall lighthouses. Travellers can get themselves a nice herbal body massage, go for a catamaran cruise or even sunbathing.
10. Soochippara Falls (Sentinel Rock Waterfall) – Kalpetta, Kerala
Sentinel Rock Waterfalls also known as Soochippara Falls locally means water flowing through a needle rock . It offers scenic views of some of the best tea estates in Wayanad. Travellers can also enjoy a relaxing swimming session at the base.
11. Cherai Beach– Kochi(Cochin) , Kerala
Also called as “The Princess of the Arabian Sea”, this golden beach of Kerala is ideal for sunbathing and swimming. Travellers can occasionally spot dolphins here and it is famous for thick coconut groves.
12. Mughal Garden – New Delhi
Mughal Garden is famous for 159 celebrated varieties of flowers, some of which are extinct and rare. Its design is inspired from the old Islamic architecture and the gardens are perfect destination for picnics.
13. Sahakari Spice Farm– Ponda, Goa
The aroma of a variety of genuine spices will lure the tourists and rejuvenate their senses at this spice plantation. It is also popular for its magnificently designed places of worship.
14. Gandikota Fort – San Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh
Gandikota Fort, built in 13th century is a magnificent complex with a beautiful view of India’s own Grand Canyon. It contains 2 temples, a mosque, a small village and jail complex. Travellers can enjoy beautiful sunset view and also visit the old temples of Lord Shiva nearby
15. Chembra Peak – Kalpetta, Kerala
A perfect blend of natural beauty with adventure sports, it is wonderful destination for trekking with a splendid heart shaped lake which is believed to have never dried up.
It’s quite amazing that 9 out of India’s top 15 Destinations is in Kerala and 2 from Goa.
Tripadvisor had also published the rules based on which they had calculated the search %
The Attractions Trend Index rankings for India’s top 15 Destinations were determined based on the percent increase in search sessions on TripAdvisor . This is between 2015 and 2016 for the period of September 1- October 15. Attractions were required to have a minimum of 2,000 sessions during the 2015 period.
(All images are from my personal clicks, except for the ones mentioned explicitly as from Tripadvisor)
Great work, keep the good work, thanks for sharing.