Posted 05 August 2024 in Travel wanderlust

Top 8 destinations to explore in India with IndiGo

With varied geographical locations, travellers have a myriad of options to book flights to India and explore the history, cities, nature, and culture. You can find many top destinations to explore in India which are not very difficult to reach because IndiGo has coverage to most of the remote places across India. Ultimately, making it one of the best airlines in India. As the IndiGo anniversary is right around the corner, consider this as a chance to get away to your dream destination.

If you are a newbie to India, you can begin your exploration from one of the most populous cities and the capital itself - Delhi. While this statement may be debatable, it is always recommended to begin your great Indian tour with the Indian ‘Golden Triangle’ which includes Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

Regardless of where you choose to end your India trip, it’s always good to end it by visiting a calm and serene place which is fondly called ‘God's Own Country’ - Kerala. You can visit this state and sail along the calm backwater on a houseboat. If you are a history and nature lover or a culturally inclined person, India holds a pleasant surprise for everyone. So, gather your belongings and choose to book flights on the IndiGo anniversary sale for an even more memorable journey.

Below, are the top 8 most recommended tourist destinations in India, all of which will give you the experience of a lifetime:

1. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

While the plain region of India suffers hot temperatures during the summer, Shimla provides relief from the sizzling temperatures. After all, it has been known as the ‘summer capital of India’ since 1864. Shimla is one of the most famous and beautiful hill stations with Mall Road as its core tourist place. Here, the Victorian-style Christ Church is placed amid the scenic beauty of the hills. During the warm months, the city spills greenery, and as the winter takes over Shimla, the entire town is covered in snow.

Best time to visit Shimla:

Shimla during summer: The summer months in Shimla begin in March and end in June or July. While it is not extremely hot, the temperatures can soar to 25 degrees. During summer, Shimla is pleasant for outdoor activities and exploring nearby places.
Shimla during monsoon: July through September is rainy and not the ideal time to visit Shimla. This is mainly due to road conditions. Besides the roadways, the rain may obstruct travellers from exploring the attractions.
Shimla during winter: The beauty of Shimla is best between November through January or February. During these months the entire region is covered with white fluffy snow, especially in the higher regions. Do enquire about the road condition since it may construct the journey before coming.

How to reach Shimla:

By air: The closest international airport to Shimla is Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport in Chandigarh. It is at a distance of approximately 121 kilometres, taking up to 3.5 hours.
By rail: Shimla has a narrow-gauge railway system from Kalka in Haryana. You can board the train from Kalka to Shimla which takes 5 to 7 hours depending on the type of toy train.
By road: Road is the most convenient way to get to Shimla. Many government and private buses offer services from Delhi’s Kashmiri Gate ISBT station or Chandigarh Bus Terminal to Shimla ISBT.

2. Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Further up in Himachal Pradesh, Manali is well-known for its picturesque landscapes and refreshing summer weather. Located beside the Beas River, it offers fun activities such as river rafting. Manali is often one of the top destinations to explore in India. Once here, you can visit the attractions. Make sure to enquire about places such as Rohtang Pass, Atal Tunnel, and Solang Valley, since it may be closed at certain months due to excessive snow. Perhaps you can plan for your Manali trip on the IndiGo anniversary date and get discounts.

Best time to visit Manali:

Manali during summer: The summer months in Manali are from March to June. The temperatures can soar to 25 degrees during summer. During the summer season, Manali is pleasant and ideal for exploring.
Manali during monsoon: The monsoon season begins from July through September. The weather during this time is rainy, resulting in not so ideal time to explore. However, the entire town feels refreshed and lush.
Manali during winter: Manali is best between November through January as snow completely covers the town in white. The town and the higher ranges like Solang Valley become the hotspots for winter activities like skiing.

How to reach Manali:

By air: The closest airport to Manali is Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport in Chandigarh. It is at a distance of approximately 276 kilometres, taking up to 6.5 hours.
By rail: There are no railways connecting Manali with the metro cities. However, you can arrive in Chandigarh or Delhi and book a bus to Manali.
By road: Road is the most convenient way to get to Manali. Many government and private buses offer services from Delhi’s Kashmiri Gate ISBT station or Chandigarh Bus Terminal to Manali ISBT.

3. Darjeeling, West Bengal

Darjeeling more famously known as the ‘Queen of the Hills’ is an enchanting hill station in West Bengal. Darjeeling offers the beauty of the Himalayas and cool summer temperatures; hence, it is refreshing. The toy train ride is exciting, as you can ride on a miniature train that goes through lush tea gardens. Tiger Hill for an early morning view of Mount Kanchenjunga and the Peace Pagoda for those who want solace are some things you must do in Darjeeling. Mall Road is a befitting shopping hub and the local bazaars where one can taste the local cuisines contributing to the beauty of the destination.

Best time to visit Darjeeling:

Darjeeling during summer: The summer months in Darjeeling are between April to June. The weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor exploration. During this time, you can also plan for a hike to Singalila National Park.
Darjeeling during monsoon: June till August is when the town receives rainfall. This period is not suitable to visit Darjeeling as you may not be able to explore due to rain and most attractions being closed.
Darjeeling during winter: To witness the snow in Darjeeling, the months between November to February are ideal times to visit. Just make sure the road condition is suitable for the journey.

How to reach Darjeeling:

By air: The closest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra Airport located close to the nearest city, Siliguri. Several airlines connect to Bagdogra from major cities across India.
By rail: New Jalpaiguri has a railway junction with many trains connecting to North Bengal from across India. You can find cabs to Darjeeling from the station.
By road: You can reach Darjeeling by bus from the Siliguri Bus Terminal, or get a shared taxi from Darjeeling mode. The shared taxis are easily available from morning till afternoon. Remember to come early since it is mostly on a first come first basis.

4. Munnar, Kerala

Munnar is yet another beautiful place in the state of Kerala. This hill station is known for its tea gardens and refreshed climate. The Eravikulam National Park is an exciting place to visit where you can see Nilgiri Tahr, which is on the list of endangered animals. Here, the highest peak is Anamudi Peak which offers scenic views. With such a pleasant climate, Munnar is one of the top destinations to explore in India. With the IndiGo anniversary just around the corner, make sure to book flights to Munnar and celebrate.

Best time to visit Munnar:

Munnar during summer: March to June is the summer season in Munnar. During this time of the year, the hill station becomes pleasant and ideal for exploring the outdoors. The temperature may fluctuate between 20 to 35 degrees.
Munnar during monsoon: Monsoon gives a refreshing touch to Munnar with plenty of rainfall. The weather is beautiful during this time, however, exploring outdoors may be a little of a hassle.
Munnar during winter: The months between November continuing to February are the winter season in Munnar. Offering a cool and light breeze, Munnar is at its peak during the cold seasons.

How to reach Munnar:

By air: The closest airport to Munnar is Cochin International Airport. It is located at a distance of approx. 107 kilometres taking almost 3.5 hours.
By rail: Ernakulam Junction is the closest rail hub to Munnar. Several trains from across India come here. You can easily find cabs to Munnar from Ernakulam Junction.
By road: Munnar is easily connected by road, buses both private and government have daily service to Munnar.

5. Goa

Goa is India’s leading beach holiday destination. But it is often expensive for last-minute booking. So why not book flights during the IndiGo anniversary sale for a budget vacation. This coastal state has good weather, a warm climate, and amazing activities during winter. Some of the famous beaches include Baga Beach, Anjuna Beach and Palolem Beach where one can lie down, swim, and savour delicious food. Goa has a mix of Portuguese and Indian cultures in terms of architecture. You can also shop from hundreds of bustling markets that are open till midnight.

Best time to visit Goa:

Goa during summer: The months between March through May are hot and humid in Goa. It is best to avoid visiting Goa during the summer months. Most tourist places are also shut down since it is not considered tourist season.
Goa during monsoon: The rains in Goa bring relief from the scorching summer. However, due to the rain, you may not be able to explore attractions or go to the beach. It is, however, ideal to visit for a nice staycation if you prefer to stay indoors.
Goa during winter: The winter in Goa is considered the peak tourist season. You can book flights to Goa anytime between November to February. However, the hotels may be expensive, so it is recommended to book in advance.

How to reach Goa:

By air: Goa has two airports - Dabolim International Airport and Manohar International Airport. This offers easy and hassle-free connectivity from the airport to the city.
By rail: Goa has a railway station with direct trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and more. This enables easy connectivity to Goa and several trains that arrive in the city from major metro destinations.
By road: Goa is connected by road from every part of India, but it is easily accessed from cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru. These cities have private and government buses with regular services.

6. Delhi

New Delhi, being the capital city of India has an amalgamation of both historical and modern attractions. Some of the city’s tourist sites include the Red Fort, Qutab Minar, India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan. Old Delhi preserves the cultural aspects of the city with its major attractions being the Chandni Chowk market, Jama Masjid and the Red Fort. The atmosphere of Delhi is vibrant and in addition to this, it has cultural and historical importance which makes it compulsory that anyone who wants to travel should visit Delhi.

Best time to visit Delhi:

Delhi during summer: In Delhi, summers begin in April and stretch till mid-June. However, it feels long as the post-summer still lingers throughout the monsoon season. It is recommended not to visit Delhi during the summer months.
Delhi during monsoon: The monsoon season in Delhi is from July to mid-September. During this time, the weather can be dehydrating and humid. Making exploring somewhat challenging.
Delhi during winter: November through January experience winter in Delhi. It is the best time to visit, as you can explore every part of the city with ease. While the evenings and mornings can be chilly, you can have a pleasant Delhi winter afternoons.

How to reach Delhi:

By air: Delhi has a major international airport called Indira Gandhi International Airport with convenient connections from across the globe.
By rail: The New Delhi Railway Station is a major rail hub in Delhi along with several other train stations. Many trains from other cities connect to Delhi making travel hassle-free.
By road: Delhi has a good network of roads connecting to north India and other states. There are public and private buses operating daily buses to major cities.

7. Jaipur, Rajasthan

The heart of Rajasthan, Jaipur is famous for its palaces and beautiful forts. Famously known as the pink city, Jaipur has a series of top attractions that may take you to the bygone years. The attractions here include the Amber Fort, the City Palace and the Hawa Mahal to name a few. There are also lively bazaars in the city where you can buy souvenirs and jewels. You can book flights to Jaipur on the IndiGo anniversary date for a memorable air travel experience to this majestic city in Rajasthan.

Best time to visit Jaipur:

Jaipur during summer: Summers in Jaipur are intense, however, early mornings and evenings offer a cooler respite, perfect for exploring historical sites like the Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal. Hydrate well and enjoy Jaipur's vibrant charm.
Jaipur during monsoon: Jaipur experiences a respite from the intense heat during monsoon, with refreshing rains. The cooler temperatures make exploring attractions more pleasant.
Jaipur during winter: The crisp air during winter is perfect for exploring the city’s architectural marvels. During winter, you can also explore the festive atmosphere of Rajasthan.

How to reach Jaipur:

By air: Jaipur International Airport is the closest airport. The airport is well-connected with major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
By rail: To reach Jaipur by rail, book a train to Jaipur Junction, a major railway hub well-connected to all major cities. The station is centrally located, making it easy to access the city.
By road: Jaipur is well-connected by road, offering a scenic and direct route. Numerous private and state-run buses provide comfortable travel options to the city.

8. Pondicherry

Famous for clean sandy shores, beautiful boardwalks and quintessentially French architecture, Pondicherry provides the perfect escape from the bustling cities. It is a historic place with small coffee shops in the background and beautiful colonial architecture along with beautiful narrow roads. Close to it, there is Auroville, which is an experimental spiritual and ecological town. Its lovely gardens and colourful markets make Pondicherry a scenic location for a historical and at the same time, a beachy getaway.

Best time to visit Pondicherry:

Pondicherry during summer: With high humidity, it may not be a great time to visit Pondicherry. However, if you visit this city, stay hydrated and relish the laid-back summer vibe.
Pondicherry during monsoon: Pondicherry experiences refreshing rains and lush greenery. During monsoon, be prepared for occasional showers and increased humidity.
Pondicherry during winter: Winter in Pondicherry offers a pleasant climate perfect for enjoying the serene beaches, vibrant French Quarter, and strolls along the Promenade. It’s an ideal time to explore the city's unique blend of colonial charm and coastal beauty.

How to reach Pondicherry:

By air: Puducherry has an airport but it has limited connections. Chennai International Airport on the other hand flights is a major airport located 3 - 4 hours from Pondicherry.
By rail: Puducherry Railway Station is well-connected to major cities like Chennai and Bangalore. But for more regular trains from every part of India, you can come to Chennai Railway Station.
By road: To reach Pondicherry by road, you can take a bus or cab from Chennai. The route offers scenic views and is well-maintained, ensuring a comfortable journey.

Top travel tips for you to make your journey with IndiGo hassle-free:

IndiGo ensures that travellers get services that are smooth and hassle-free once they book flights to any of the stunning destinations. But, to ensure a seamless journey, here are some top tips for using the IndiGo web and app:

Download the IndiGo app for convenient access to check-in flight status, and special offers.
Online check-in opens 48 hours before departure and it closes 60 minutes before closing the boarding gate.
Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your domestic flight departure.
Domestic flights allow 15 kg of checked baggage and 7 kg of hand luggage. Extra baggage fees may apply if you exceed these limits.
Keep an eye on your flight status through IndiGo’s app or website for real-time updates on delays or gate changes.
Review your seat assignment during online check-in and make any necessary changes. IndiGo offers options to select or upgrade seats for a more comfortable journey.
IndiGo offers a range of in-flight snacks and beverages for purchase.

Takeaway

IndiGo has made it easier to access the flexibility of exploring the wonders that India has to offer; be it big cities or soothing towns. As it is now easy to get a flight connecting these top destinations to explore in India, one can easily be able to enjoy culture, history, and nature. Fly with IndiGo and keep creating memories.