From dense jungles to palm-fringed backwaters, snow-covered mountains and glaciers to lush valleys and lakes, India boasts an abundance of locations for nature lovers.The geographical features of India has seven wonders,heritage sites and must see natural places such as Great Indian Desert Thar,snow capped Himalayas, Nilgiri mountains,Beautiful Lakes of Ladakh and Peaks of western ghats, Famous waterfalls includes Jog Falls,Hoggenakal Falls, Thoseghar waterfall,Shivanasamudra Falls and Chitrakote Falls. 26 Geological wonders of India also includes Rock formation includes Elephant’s Head Point Mahabaleshwar,Lingana Pinnacle,Louisa Point Matheran,Pillar rocks Kodaikanal,Bhedaghat Marble Rocks,Natural Arch Tirumala hills and balancing rock of Mahabalipuram. Here’s our pick of the best.
* Parvati Valley, Himachal PradeshThe confluence of River Beas and Parvati River makes up the picturesque Parvati Valley that stretches up to the hot springs at Manikaran and beyond into the 6,400-meter altitude of the Great Himalayan region. The valley is famed for its picture-perfect villages replete with hippie vibe, unspoilt natural beauty and a plethora of untouched trekking trails. Some of the must-visit places in the valley include Kasol, spiritual town of Manikaran, quaint and peaceful villages of Tosh, Chalal and Malana. These quintessential Himachal villages are ideal for those who want to relax and delve into nature’s pure beauty.
* Kerala BackwatersThe backwaters of Kerala are a network of brackish lagoons, lakes, canals and rivers; and the best way to enjoy these is by renting a houseboat cruise. Alappuzha, or the ‘Venice of the East’ is the most popular location where you can enjoy a cruise along the palm-fringed shores of the scenic backwaters. The houseboats are kitted out with all the comforts, including well-furnished bedrooms, living rooms, a kitchen, modern toilets, and a balcony to soak in the beautiful vistas of the surroundings, watch the natives going about their daily chores, or indulging in angling. Other locations in Kerala where houseboats are available include Kasaragod, Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Thrissur and Kollam.
* Tyda, Andhra PradeshHidden away in the wooded hills of the Eastern Ghats, Tyda is a nature lover’s delight. Spectacular landscape, untouched natural beauty and fresh, clean air make Tyda an eco-tourism getaway. It is the place where you can spend some ‘me-time’ amid nature in solitude. Those seeking adventure can go trekking or hiking in the Eastern Ghats that is teeming with exotic flora and fauna, besides stunning vistas of the mountains. Nature lovers can spot numerous endemic animals and birds, including wild dog, panther, sambhar, gaur, sloth bear, chital, nilgai, herons, red-chested pod chards, migratory ducks, pelicans, egrets and several water birds. For a stay option, there is an eco-tourism resort set up by the Department of Forests and AP Tourism Department, called the Jungle Bells Nature Camp.
* Tso Moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve, LadakhSituated at 4,522 meters, and part of Changthang Plateau’s Ladakhi region, the Tso Moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve, also known as Mountain Lake or Lake Moriri is a picturesque and serene high-altitude lake that will wow nature enthusiasts with its multi-hues of blue. The snow-covered mountains in the backdrop enhance the picture-perfect landscape. The lake is teeming with wildlife, including 34 species of birds; carnivores like Tibetan wolf and the snow leopard, and several endemic alpine bird and animal species. Also, due to its ecological diversity, it comes under Ramsar Convention. This blue pallet lake is easily accessible to Indian visitors, while foreign visitors need to obtain the permit. For staying, visitors can pitch a tent near the lake and soak in its beauty. The best time to visit is May to September.
* Mawlynnong, MeghalayaIn the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya lies Asia’s cleanest village, Mawlynnong. It is a quaint and picturesque village where pristine natural beauty and serenity reigns. The residents are dedicated to eco-friendly living. You’ll see the houses and dustbins made of bamboo, small gardens in every house with flowering plants and fruit-bearing trees, clean roads, and abundant green spaces. Besides this, the village offers a lush forest retreat, with plenty of flora and fauna to spot, natural caves and waterfalls to explore, and walking or camping under the Living Root Bridges that are a beautiful creation of nature, man and time.