Travel + Leisure India & South Asia is back with the 11th edition of its annual flagship property—the India’s Best Awards, its reader’s choice awards. This time, we celebrate the best in the travel, hospitality, and lifestyle industries, as chosen by YOU, our readers.
After celebrating everyone’s favourite destinations virtually for two years, Travel + Leisure India & South Asia has returned on-ground with the 11th edition of its flagship property – the readers’ choice India’s Best Awards. This year, the celebrations are bigger than ever, as we introduce new categories that help you rediscover India and the world in new ways.
With international border restrictions easing after pandemic-induced lockdowns, the traveller’s itch is more real than ever before and the surge in travel is a testimony to that. For many of us, the pandemic has also allowed us to rediscover domestic destinations in a whole new light, which is somewhere we continue to travel to even today. Keeping this in mind, we realise that there are several domestic destinations to choose from when it comes to exploring and voting for the best ones.
Whether it is taking a trip to the best spiritual destination, choosing a destination to tie the knot, planning a romantic getaway, savouring local cuisines, enjoying a wildlife safari, or even lazing on the beach with a cocktail in hand, it’s only natural to want to do so at the best of places. And we are here to help you with exactly that.
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These are the best domestic destinations, chosen by you
A traveller’s paradise, Rajasthan is rightfully the best state in India to visit. The destination has a vibrancy of its own – whether it be its culture or cuisine – and the contrasting landscapes, from deserts to hills, make it a must-visit for travellers across the board. What’s more, winters are among the best times to visit Rajasthan, thanks to its ambient weather and warm sun, as you learn about India’s history at Rajasthan’s many palaces and forts!
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Serene backwaters, massive palms and the perfect weather. This is one of the many reasons why Kerala has been voted the best wedding destination by you! The state, with its many architectural, culinary and nature-based offerings, is what makes it such a charming destination. Add to it its surreal beauty and the picture-perfect aesthetics, and you have your winner.
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Nothing speaks romance like Goa does. Whether it be beachside resorts, pleasant weather or its youthful vibe, Goa has it all. And if you’re not the party lovers, Goa also has ample natural trails and forts for you to explore. This makes it the best romantic destinations in India. No wonder that each year, so many honeymooners choose this tropical paradise as their first vacation as a married couple!
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Rishikesh in Uttarakhand is the yoga capital of the world. The hill station is also home to several wellness centres. This is not all – Uttarakhand has ample nature resorts and wellness retreats – from spas to healing farms, which offer a variety of therapies to heal you from within. No wonder that this beautiful state is the best wellness destination for 2022.
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The best spiritual destination, as chosen by you, our readers, is Tamil Nadu. And rightfully so! It is home to a number of temples, churches, mosques and more. The revered Meenakshi Sundareshwar temple is also located in the state, as are those in Rameshwaram, Kanyakumari and more. Apart from them, the state is also known for its delectable cuisine and for housing the southernmost tip of the Indian mainland, i.e. Kanyakumari, making it a popular travel destination.
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When one speaks of spirituality, Uttar Pradesh cannot be left behind! The state is home to some of the most respected temples in the country, such as the Prem Mandir, Ram Mandir and the ghats at Varanasi. Uttar Pradesh also houses some important mosques and churches, making it a truly spiritual destination. No wonder that this state has been chosen as the Best Spiritual Destination, Editor’s Choice!
Varanasi tops Malhotra’s list of favourite Indian destinations
Madhya Pradesh boasts of acres of forests. The state houses several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, including Bandhavgarh, Kanha, and many more. This makes it among the best places to visit in case you’re wishing to go on a journey through the forests. No wonder that Madhya Pradesh has been named the best wildlife destination in India!
Gujarat is the perfect blend of art, culture and architecture. It embodies both modernity and tradition, making them go hand-in-hand. And it is this rich vibrancy and harmony of the state that has made it the best domestic cultural destination. Be sure to explore sites such as Dwarka and Somnath for their temples, Ahmedabad for its heritage and food, and Kutch for the most amazing night safari experience.
Road trips are probably the soul of India. Whether it be weekends or months, road trips are what we live by. And almost all major cities have at least one or two destinations that are easily accessible by road, making them popular tourist sites. As per you, our readers, Himachal Pradesh is the best roadtrip destination. Its winding roads, scenic views and lush greenery make it ideal for short and long trips. Also, the variation in the elevation and terrain at each hill station is what makes Himachal Pradesh road trips so special.
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Odisha is home to plenty of natural reserves. Be it the Chillika Lake, Bhitarkanika, Nijigarh Tapang or Nandankakan Zoo, Odisha has a variety of natural hotspots that make it an eco-destination. This is not all – the state is also filled with eco-retreats, making your time amidst nature easier on the planet.
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Sikkim has gained prominence as a popular tourist destination over the last few years. Its plethora of mountains, wildlife reserves and an overall eco-conscious lifestyle is what has made it the best eco-destination (editor’s choice). Visit here to be one with nature and experience the natural beauty Northeast India has to offer.
Image Credit: Gaurav Bagdi/Unplash
Be it Maccher Jhol, Aloo Poshto or sandesh, Bengal is a hub for delicacies. No wonder that the state has been chosen as the best hub for regional delicacies! You can get most of the offerings – from street-style puchkas and kathi rolls to fine-dining cutlets, sweets and chops in Kolkata itself, but each destination across the state adds its own flavour to the dishes.
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Related: In A First For India’s Best Awards, Vote For Your Favourite Lifestyle Brands That Make Travel Easier
Written By
Anushka Goel
Anushka has previously worked with publications such as the Times of India and Being Indian. A graduate from Xavier Institute of Communications, she specialises in entertainment, food and travel. She also likes to write about sustainability and beauty. When not working, you can catch her reading a book, tending to her plants, cooking or playing an instrument.
