There are so many amazing places around the globe to see, we couldn't possibly include them all in just one list. But, these breathtaking destinations are definitely worth bumping to the top of your travel bucket list–whether you're looking to relax on a beach, get off the grid or explore a new international city—these are the most breathtaking locations to consider.
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Zhangye Danxia Geopark, China
Geology lovers and avid Instagrammers alike will be drawn to the otherworldly hues of the "Rainbow Mountains." The colors were formed by the layering of sedimentary mineral deposits over millions of years, but it's hard to look at the flowing reds, yellows, and oranges and not feel like you're witnessing magic.
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Venice, Italy
If traversing the canals with a be-striped gondolier sounds unbearably touristy, stick to the sidewalks and spectacular arched bridges to get your fill of this truly unique, wildly romantic floating city.
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Machu Picchu
This World Heritage site is easily the most famous spot in Peru, and for good reason. The ancient terraced city’s astounding architecture and sweeping views of the surrounding mountains will leave you breathless (as might the nearly 8,000 foot elevation.)
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Pamukkale, Turkey
Put every infinity pool you’ve ever seen to shame with these natural, snow-white hot springs overlooking the nearby city of Denizli. On top of the picturesque soak, Pamukkale is also home to the impressively preserved ruins of the ancient Roman spa-city Hierapolis where you can bathe like an emperor among the submerged centuries-old columns.
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Mù Cang Chải, Vietnam
Get off the beaten path in this rural district where the rice paddy-terraced mountains and twisting streams will make you feel like you’re living in a fairy tale.
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Tamil Nadu, India
Most travelers head to North India for its Mughal palaces and forts, but the Southern state of Tamil Nadu is where most of the country's major Hindu temples are found, including the brightly-colored Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple seen here and the Meenakshi Temple Complex, which is so large it's considered a mini-city.
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Hawa Mahal, Jaipur, India
While Jaipur is known as the "Pink City" for the trademark color of its buildings, Hawa Mahal, which translates to Palace of the Winds, is one of the most beautiful examples of the city's rosy-hued architecture.
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New York City, New York
We couldn't help adding our hometown to this list. While New York is undeniably noisy and crowded, don't knock it until you've watched the sunset over the Manhattan skyline–which is just plain beautiful.
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Zlatni Rat, Croatia
Located on the Croatian Island of Brač, the Golden Cape is one of Europe’s top beaches. With crystal blue waters and a white pebble beach, the Golden Cape is the perfect place to take in the sun and let the air flow (some parts of the beach are clothing-optional).
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Lofoten Islands, Norway
If you’re looking for the perfect mix of winter and spring then you need to check out the Logoten Islands. Technically located in the Arctic, it contains some of the warmest temperatures due to an elevation anomaly. It’s also a great place to watch the Northern Lights in the winter season.
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Caño Cristales, Colombia
When its endemic vegetation is in full bloom, this Colombian river appears to be painted. Yellows, greens, reds and blues mix dramatically to create a living rainbow that flows from the Andes, through the Eastern Llanos grasslands, to the Amazon rainforest.
India is an enormous and diverse destination. Bordered by Pakistan, China,Nepal,Bhutan, Sri Lanka,Bangladesh and Myanmar, not to mention the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, means that there are many different sides to the country.
1. Kedarnath
KedarnathThe Haven
Kedarnath is a town and Nagar Panchayat in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India, known primarily for the Kedarnath Temple. It is approximately 86 kilometres from Rudraprayag, the district headquarter. Kedarnath is the most remote of the four Chota Char Dham pilgrimage sites.
Kedarnath is located at a distance of 223 km from Rishikesh in Uttrakhand and close to the source of the MandakiniRiverat the height of 3,583 m (11,755 ft) above sea level.The township is built on a barren stretch of land on the shores of Mandakini river. The surrounding scenery of the Himalayas and green pastures makes it a very attractive place for pilgrimage and trekking. Behind the town and the Kedarnath Temple, stands the majesticKedarnathpeakat 6,940 m (22,769 ft), the Kedar Dome at 6,831 m (22,411 ft) and other peaks of the range.
2. Mumbai
The Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai
Want to see a more cosmopolitan side of India? Head to the energetic, coastal city of Mumbai–home to ultra-wealthy entrepreneurs and the hottest Bollywood actors. Tourists are never far from five-star hotels or gourmet restaurants in this luxe city. And even if those activities are out of budget, a cruise down the beloved Marine Drive will make you feel like royalty as you catch a glimpse of the scenic coast and glamorous Art Deco buildings.
You can also see a more authentic, local side of Mumbai in the bustling "Thieves Market" or at the Churchgate railway station, where hundreds of thousands of homemade lunches are packed up for delivery to the city's office workers every day.
Make sure you devote a day to checking out Sanjay Gandhi National Park and exploring the 2,000-year-old Kanheri Cave carvings.
3. Varanasi
A holy person on the Ganges River in Varanasi
One of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, Varanasi is arguably the holiest place in India. The spiritual activities take place along the sacred Ganges River, where pilgrims bathe and mourners cremate recently deceased relatives in plain view of passersby.
Tourists, on the other hand, find their own flavor of spiritualism taking sunrise boat rides, releasing floral blessings that float on the river, and watching the fire-filled Hindu chanting ceremonies from the steep ghats.
Away from the water, the streets of the old town twist and turn like an endless maze. Legend has it that there's still no accurate map of Varanasi, and once you experience the labyrinthine city for yourself, you'll be inclined to believe it.
4. Rishikesh
Rishikesh
Rishikesh has been on the radar for spiritually minded travelers since the late 1960s, when the Beatles spent time in Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram–now an abandoned site that has become an off-the-beaten-path tourist attraction for fans.
The town is nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas on the banks of the holy Ganges River, and serves as a center for yoga and pilgrimages. Take part in the action, or just enjoy the sounds of the temple bells and sightseeing from Rishikesh's two suspension bridges, often guarded by assertive families of monkeys. Keep your distance.
5. Ladakh
Lake and beautiful mountain scenery in Ladakh
Situated amid the jagged crags of the Karakoram and Zanskar mountain ranges, Ladakh offers tourists the chance to immerse themselves in an awe-inspiring alpine desert. Driving around the region's winding roads comes with one incredible natural view after the next: plunging valleys, gushing rivers, snowcapped peaks, and more. Ladakh's enchanting capital, Leh, stands at 3,500 meters above sea level, so you'll want to spend at least a few days acclimating to the altitude before embarking on any strenuous activities.
Don't miss the nine-story Leh Palace, which dates back to the 17th century, as well as the Shanti Stupa–a monument to world peace. You can also see a superbly sustainable way of life in this traditional community, which receives very little imported goods and remains largely self-sufficient.
6. Amritsar
The Golden Temple in Amritsar
Amritsar, the "Jewel of Punjab," has made its claim to fame with its remarkable Golden Temple. One of the holiest places in the world for Sikhs, the gilded structure is a sight to behold, glistening in the sun and reflecting into the large pool that surrounds it.
The attraction also boasts the world's largest community kitchen, which serves 100,000 diners (including curious tourists!) lentils and curries every day.
While in Amritsar, plan to spend an afternoon at the border of Pakistan to see the Beating Retreat Ceremony. Goose-stepping guards from long-term rivals India and Pakistan open and close the border gates at dusk in an over-the-top ceremony you'll never forget. Get there early to dance to blaring Bollywood music with locals in the streets.
7. Goa
Palolem Beach, South Goa
India's not just full of big cities and holy sites–it also has incredible beaches down south in Goa. Its stretches of golden sand along the Arabian Sea offer something for every type of tourist, whether you're interested in hanging out with the backpacker crowd in laid-back beach huts or having a ritzy tropical getaway at a five-star resort.
One unique part of Goa is its blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures. You'll experience the fusion throughout the destination, from its Baroque architecture and cathedrals to its spicy vindaloo curries and seafood dishes.
8. Ajanta and Ellora Caves
Kailasa Temple, Ellora Caves
Time travel isn't a reality for travelers quite yet, but you can get pretty close at the Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra. Both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the caves feature intricate carvings from at least 1,500 years ago.
The Ajanta Caves are the oldest of the two attractions, featuring around 30 Buddhist cave monuments cut into the rock as far back as the 2nd century BC.
Around 100 kilometers southwest, the Ellora Caves contain nearly three dozen Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu carvings, the most famous of which is the Kailasa Temple (Cave 16), a massive structure devoted to Lord Shiva that features life-size elephant sculptures. The magnificent carvings at both sites will leave you filled with wonder.
9. Manali
Manali
In a country as sweltering as India, it's a relief to find cool weather in hill stations all over the country. Manali happens to be one of the most popular among local and foreign tourists alike. Located in Himachal Pradesh, the high-altitude resort town in the Himalayas makes an easy getaway from Jaipur, New Delhi, or Punjab. The tourist-friendly Old Manali neighborhood brims with chilled-out cafés; great restaurants; and home-stay accommodations, where visitors can experience a local way of life.
Manali is also a convenient base if you want to experience the great outdoors in this beautiful region of North India. From here, you can go trekking in the Parvati Valley, paragliding and mountaineering in the Pir Panjal mountains, and white-water rafting down the Beas River. Outfitters around the town can assist with all the arrangements and gear rentals.
10. Agra
Taj Mahal in Agra
If there was just one symbol to represent all of India, it would be the Taj Mahal. The monument inspires millions of tourists to make the trip to Agra every year, waking up before dawn to see magnificent structure radiate at sunrise. But Agra tops the list of the best places to visit in India for reasons that go beyond India's most famous attraction.
The city in Uttar Pradesh is chock-full of marvelous Mughal monuments, like Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb and Akbar's Mausoleum, decked out in hypnotic inlaid marble designs from top to bottom. Plus, tourists can also see another UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Agra Fort. With so many wonders in just one place, Agra is a must-visit city for tourists in India.
