60 places to discover
Anjanadri Hill is a rocky hillock in Anegundi village, Gangavathi Taluk, Koppal District, Karnataka, on the north bank of the Tungabhadra River opposite Hampi. Crowned by the Hanuman Temple believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman, the hill is reached by about 575 stone steps. It offers panoramic views of the Hampi boulder landscape, paddy fields and river valley and is a major pilgrimage and trekking destination within the Hampi World Heritage area.
Bac Son Valley is a broad agricultural valley in Bac Son District, Lang Son Province, northeastern Vietnam, about 160 km northeast of Hanoi. Encircled by limestone karst mountains, it is known for its patchwork of rice paddies, winding rivers and traditional Tay stilt-house villages. The valley is best viewed from Na Lay Peak and is notable for seasonal color changes, rural scenery and well-preserved ethnic village life.
Baruva Beach is a sandy coastal beach located at Baruva village in Sompeta mandal of Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, where the Mahendra Tanaya River meets the Bay of Bengal. Once a historic port during the British era, it is known for its long shoreline, coconut palm groves, and a historic lighthouse. The beach is noted for its relatively calm waters, scenic river-sea confluence, and quiet, less-commercialized setting along the east coast.
Bathi Gudda is a small rocky hillock located near Bathi village on the outskirts of Davanagere city in central Karnataka. Rising above the surrounding plains, it serves as a local viewpoint and leisure trekking spot for residents and visitors. The hill offers panoramic views of Davanagere and agricultural landscapes, with a modest shrine at the summit and open rocky terrain that attracts visitors for short hikes, photography and sunrise and sunset viewing.
Batutumonga is a highland viewpoint and agrotourism area in Sesean Suloara, Sesean District, North Toraja Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, at approximately 1,300 meters above sea level. Located about 15 kilometers north of Rantepao, it overlooks the Rantepao valley and surrounding mountains. Notable for panoramic sunrise views, cool mountain climate, terraced landscapes, and proximity to traditional Toraja villages, it is a popular natural attraction for sightseeing and photography.
Bhadaini Ghat is a historic riverfront ghat on the southern stretch of the Ganges in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, located south of Assi Ghat near the Bhadaini locality. It is one of the city's 84 ghats, characterized by stone steps leading to the river, adjacent temples and traditional buildings. Notable for its relatively quiet atmosphere compared to central ghats, it is used for ritual bathing, daily worship and offers views of the river, boats and nearby ghats.
Chandipur Beach is a coastal attraction at Chandipur in Balasore District, Odisha, on the Bay of Bengal, about 16 km from Balasore town. It is notable for its vanishing sea phenomenon where the sea recedes up to 5 km during low tide and returns at high tide, exposing vast tidal flats. The beach has sandy shores, casuarina groves and views of the Buribalam River estuary and is situated near the Integrated Test Range.
Charalkunnu is a scenic hill station located near Kozhencherry in Pathanamthitta District, Kerala, situated at an elevation of about 300 metres above sea level. Known for its panoramic views of valleys, paddy fields and the Pamba River basin, it is notable as the site of the Mar Thoma Church Camp Centre. The hill offers a tranquil natural setting and is popular for sightseeing, camping and nature walks.
Chatakpur Eco Village is a small forest village located inside Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary near Darjeeling in West Bengal, at an altitude of about 7,800 feet. Developed as an eco-tourism destination by the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation, it offers homestays amid pine forests with views of Kanchenjunga. Known for its tranquil environment, biodiversity, and sunrise viewpoints, it serves as a nature retreat away from Darjeeling town.
Chuon Lagoon (Dam Chuon) is a brackish lagoon in Phu An Commune, Phu Vang District, about 10-12 km east of Hue city center. It is part of the Tam Giang - Cau Hai lagoon system, the largest brackish lagoon system in Southeast Asia. Notable for its calm waters, traditional stilt fishing huts (nha cho), aquaculture, and scenic sunrise and sunset views over the water.
Cross Hill is a hilltop viewpoint and Christian pilgrimage landmark located in Pedong in Kalimpong district, West Bengal. Situated at an elevated point above Pedong town, it is marked by a large cross erected in 1882 by French missionary Father Augustin Desgodins. The site is notable for panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range, surrounding valleys and Pedong settlement, and for its historical association with early Christian missionary activity in the eastern Himalayas.
Golden Beach is a Blue Flag certified beach located in Puri, Odisha, along the Bay of Bengal coast on Chakratirtha Road. Known for its clean golden sands and eco-friendly management, it was certified as Odisha's first Blue Flag beach in 2020. The beach offers an organized and safe visitor experience with modern amenities, close to Puri Beach and the Jagannath Temple, attracting pilgrims and leisure tourists.
Gopnath Mahadev Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Gopnath village, Talaja Taluka, Bhavnagar district, Gujarat, on the rocky coast of the Gulf of Khambhat. Revered by devotees as associated with the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, it is notable for its seaside setting, historic Shiva lingam, and tranquil coastal landscape that attracts both pilgrims and sightseers.
Governor's Hill is a scenic viewpoint located in Saputara, the hill station town in Dang district, Gujarat. Situated at an elevated point above the town, it offers panoramic views of the Sahyadri ranges, Saputara valley and surrounding forests. Known for its sunrise and sunset views, the hill is accessible by a short trek and is a popular spot for sightseeing and photography within the Saputara hill station circuit.
Grassy Hill Lookout is a prominent hilltop viewpoint in Cooktown, Cook Shire, Queensland, overlooking the Endeavour River, Coral Sea and town. It is notable for its 360-degree panoramic views and historic Grassy Hill Lighthouse. The hill is historically associated with Captain James Cook's 1770 landing when the Endeavour was beached for repairs, and remains one of Cooktown's most visited scenic attractions.
Gudisa Hill is a scenic grassland hilltop near Maredumilli in Alluri Sitharama Raju district, Andhra Pradesh, within the Eastern Ghats. Situated at around 900-1000 metres elevation, it is known for expansive meadows, mist-covered valleys and panoramic sunrise and sunset views. Accessed by a forest trek and jeep track, it is popular for trekking, camping and nature photography amid dense forests surrounding Maredumilli.
Gundaling Hill (Bukit Gundaling) is a prominent viewpoint hill located in Berastagi, Karo Regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Situated about 1 km from central Berastagi at approximately 1,575 meters above sea level, it offers panoramic views of Mount Sinabung and Mount Sibayak, the Karo highlands and Berastagi town. The hill is a well-established tourist destination known for its cool climate, open grassy summit, and accessible vantage point for photography and sightseeing.
Hamsaladeevi Beach is a coastal beach in Hamsaladeevi village, Koduru mandal, Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, located at the confluence (Sagara Sangamam) where the Krishna River meets the Bay of Bengal. Known for its wide sandy shoreline, tranquil setting and views of the river-sea merger, it lies adjacent to the Venugopala Swamy Temple. The beach is noted for its natural scenery, pilgrimage association and relatively uncrowded environment.
Hawa Camp is a scenic hilltop viewpoint and camping site located about 30-33 km from Tezu in Lohit district, Arunachal Pradesh, along the Tezu-Hayuliang road. Situated at an elevation of around 1,500 metres, it overlooks the Lohit River valley and surrounding forested hills. Known for its cool breezy climate, mist-covered mountains and panoramic sunrise and sunset views, it is a popular stop for sightseeing, photography and nature camping.
Hiyop Highlands is a hilltop viewpoint and nature park in Barangay Hiyop, Pandan, in northern Catanduanes. Situated on elevated terrain inland from Pandan Bay, it offers panoramic views of the coastline, surrounding hills, and agricultural landscapes. Developed as an ecotourism site by the local government, it features viewing decks, cottages, and landscaped areas. It is notable for sunrise and sunset viewing, sea of clouds on early mornings, and as an accessible scenic stop for visitors exploring northern Catanduanes.
Horsley Hills Viewpoint is a scenic overlook within the Horsley Hills hill station in B Kothakota Mandal, Annamayya District, Andhra Pradesh. Situated at about 1,265 metres elevation in the Eastern Ghats, it offers panoramic views of forested valleys, hills and plains. Part of a hill station developed as a former British summer retreat, the viewpoint is a central attraction for sightseeing and photography within the Horsley Hills resort area managed by Andhra Pradesh Tourism.
Icche Gaon is a small hill village in Kalimpong district of West Bengal, situated at about 5,800 feet above sea level near Sillery Gaon. Surrounded by pine forests and offering panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range, it is known as an offbeat eco-tourism destination. The village features traditional homestays, terraced landscapes and quiet trails, attracting visitors seeking nature, birdwatching and Himalayan scenery away from crowded hill stations.
Ilaveezhapoonchira is a hill station and valley located near Melukavu in Kottayam district, Kerala, situated among the Western Ghats. Surrounded by three hills - Mankunnu, Kodayathoormala and Thonippara - the valley is known for its treeless grassy meadows and seasonal monsoon pools. It is a popular destination for trekking, sightseeing and nature photography, offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills and plains.
Jhandi Viewpoint, also known as Jhandi Dara, is a hill viewpoint in the village of Jhandi in Gorubathan block of Kalimpong district, West Bengal. Situated at around 1,800 meters elevation in the eastern Himalayas, it offers panoramic views of the Dooars plains, Teesta and Chel river valleys, and on clear days the Kanchenjunga range. It is a quiet offbeat destination near Lava and Gorubathan known for sunrise, sunset and landscape photography.
Kilakarai Beach is a quiet sandy shoreline located in the coastal town of Kilakarai in Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu, along the Gulf of Mannar. Known for its calm waters, fishing boats and relatively undeveloped coastline, it offers a peaceful alternative to busier Tamil Nadu beaches. The beach is close to the historic Kilakarai settlement, noted for its maritime heritage and traditional fishing community, and provides views of the Gulf and nearby coastal landmarks.
Kolavai Lake is a large freshwater lake located on the northern outskirts of Chengalpattu town in Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, about 60 km southwest of Chennai. Spread over approximately 900 hectares, it is one of the largest lakes in the district and a major source of irrigation and groundwater recharge. Known for its expansive waters, birdlife, and scenic sunrise and sunset views, the lake attracts nature lovers, photographers and local visitors.
Kundadri Hill and Jain Temple is a hilltop religious and scenic site in Shivamogga district, Karnataka, located near Agumbe in the Western Ghats. The hill rises to about 826 metres and is topped by a 17th-century Jain temple dedicated to Parshwanatha. Known for panoramic views of dense forests and valleys, the site combines pilgrimage significance with natural beauty and is accessible by a winding ghat road and short climb to the temple complex.
Lepchajagat Forest is a dense reserve forest surrounding the hamlet of Lepchajagat in Darjeeling district, West Bengal, about 19 km from Darjeeling town at an altitude of around 2,123 metres. Dominated by pine, oak and rhododendron trees, it is known for tranquil nature trails, birdlife and clear views of Mount Kanchenjunga on clear days. Managed as part of the Darjeeling forest division, it is a popular eco-tourism and nature-walk destination near Ghoom and Sukhiapokhri.
Mandalpatti Viewpoint is a hilltop viewpoint in the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary in Kodagu district, Karnataka, about 18 km from Madikeri. Situated at around 1,230 metres elevation in the Western Ghats, it offers panoramic views of mist-covered valleys, rolling hills and dense forests. Accessible only by 4x4 jeeps via a rough forest road, it is known for its sunrise and sunset vistas, seasonal mist and unspoiled natural landscape within a protected reserve forest area.
Marina Beach is a 13-kilometre natural urban beach along the Bay of Bengal in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Stretching from Fort St. George to Besant Nagar, it is considered the longest natural urban beach in India and among the longest in the world. Known for its wide sandy shore, promenade, historic statues, and the Chennai Lighthouse, it serves as a major recreational and cultural landmark for the city.
Nagapattinam Beach is a sandy coastal stretch on the Bay of Bengal in Nagapattinam town, Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu. Located east of the town centre near the historic port area, it is known for its long shoreline, fishing boats, and views of the sea. The beach is a local recreational spot and is often visited together with nearby pilgrimage centres such as Velankanni and Nagore, reflecting the region's maritime heritage.
Old Digha Beach is the original sea beach of the coastal town of Digha in Purba Medinipur district, West Bengal, on the Bay of Bengal. Known for its wide sandy shoreline, gentle waves and casuarina-lined promenade, it forms the historic core of Digha's seaside resort. The beach is noted for sunrise and sunset views, nearby markets and seafood stalls, and serves as a popular weekend destination for visitors from Kolkata and surrounding regions.
Pantai Papuma is a white-sand beach in Lojejer Village, Wuluhan District, Jember Regency, East Java, Indonesia, managed by Perhutani. It is notable for its seven large offshore rock formations, clear turquoise water, and forested coastal backdrop. The beach is known for sunrise and sunset views from Siti Hinggil viewpoint, fishing boat activity, and as one of Jember's most visited coastal attractions on the southern Java coast.
Pati Sonapur Beach is a quiet coastal stretch located at Pati Sonapur village in Ganjam district, Odisha, along the Bay of Bengal. Situated near Chhatrapur and south of Gopalpur, it is known for its long sandy shoreline, fishing boats and relatively undeveloped, tranquil setting. The beach is frequented by local fishing communities and offers open sea views, sunrise and sunset vistas, and a peaceful environment away from commercial beach crowds.
Phalut Viewpoint is located at Phalut (3,600 metres) on the Singalila Ridge in Darjeeling district, West Bengal, on the border of West Bengal, Sikkim and Nepal within Singalila National Park. It is the second highest peak in West Bengal and a key point on the Sandakphu-Phalut trek. The viewpoint is renowned for its 360-degree panorama of the Eastern Himalayas, including Mount Kanchenjunga, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu, attracting trekkers and nature visitors.
Phu Kradueng National Park is a mountain-top national park in Phu Kradueng District, Loei Province, northeastern Thailand. Established on 23 November 1962 as Thailand's second national park, it covers about 348 sq km centered on the 1,316-meter sandstone plateau of Phu Kradueng mountain. Notable for its steep 5.5 km ascent, pine forests, sandstone cliffs, waterfalls and savanna meadows, it is a classic multi-day trekking destination requiring an overnight stay on the summit plateau.
Phu Thap Boek is the highest peak in Phetchabun Province at 1,768 meters above sea level, located in Wang Ban Subdistrict, Lom Kao District. It is known for its cool climate, extensive cabbage plantations on mountain slopes, and panoramic viewpoint famous for sea of mist. The area is a Hmong hill-tribe settlement and a popular highland destination for sunrise, sunset and stargazing.
Prabhas Mundi Beach is a sandy coastal stretch located near Hut Bay, the main settlement on Little Andaman Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Situated on the eastern side of the island facing the Andaman Sea, it is known for its long shoreline, clear waters and relatively undisturbed natural setting. The beach is less crowded than Butler Bay and offers a quiet environment for coastal walks and viewing sunrise and sunset, accessible by road from Hut Bay jetty.
Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area spanning 5.19 square kilometers in the southern Aravalli Hills near Udaipur, Rajasthan. Established in 1987, it surrounds the historic Monsoon Palace (Sajjangarh Fort) and serves as a habitat for diverse wildlife including leopards, deer, wild boars, and over 129 bird species. The sanctuary offers trekking trails, panoramic viewpoints, and nature walks through rugged Aravalli terrain.
Sandakphu Viewpoint is located at Sandakphu, the highest peak in West Bengal at 3,636 metres on the Singalila Ridge along the India-Nepal border in Darjeeling district. Situated inside Singalila National Park, it is renowned for offering panoramic views of four of the world's five highest peaks including Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu. The viewpoint is a major highlight of the Sandakphu-Phalut trek and attracts trekkers and nature visitors.
Seeku Parai Viewpoint is a scenic hill viewpoint located in the Kolli Hills range in Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu. Situated amid forested slopes, it offers expansive panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, plains and Eastern Ghats. Popular for sightseeing and photography, the viewpoint is accessible via the Kolli Hills ghat road and is known for its tranquil natural setting, sunrise and sunset views, and proximity to other Kolli Hills attractions.
Seethalayanagiri is a prominent hill peak in the Baba Budan Giri range of the Western Ghats near Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka, located adjacent to Mullayanagiri, the highest peak in Karnataka. Rising to around 1,100 metres, it is noted for panoramic views of valleys, coffee plantations and forested slopes. The hill is a popular trekking and viewpoint destination accessible by road and a short trek, known for sunrise and sunset vistas.
Shankarpur Beach is a coastal beach located in Shankarpur village in Purba Medinipur district, West Bengal, about 14 km from Digha on the Bay of Bengal. Known for its fishing harbour, casuarina groves and relatively uncrowded sandy shoreline, it is part of the Digha-Shankarpur-Mandarmani coastal circuit. The beach is noted for fishing boats, sunrise and sunset views, and seafood, and is promoted by West Bengal Tourism as a quieter alternative to Digha.
Shanti Stupa is a white-domed Buddhist stupa situated on a hilltop in Chanspa, Leh, Ladakh, overlooking Leh town and the surrounding Himalayan ranges. Built as part of the Peace Pagoda mission, it was constructed between 1983 and 1991 and inaugurated by the 14th Dalai Lama. Notable for its golden Buddha statues, relics enshrined at its base, and panoramic views of Leh Palace and the Indus Valley, it serves as a prominent viewpoint and place of meditation.
Shnongrim Ridge is a scenic natural ridge located near Shnongrim village in East Jaintia Hills district, Meghalaya. Situated at a high elevation, it offers expansive panoramic views of the Jaintia Hills, valleys and surrounding countryside. Known for its undulating grasslands, rocky outcrops and tranquil environment, the ridge is a popular destination for trekking, nature walks and photography, attracting visitors seeking landscape views and quiet natural surroundings away from urban areas.
Sialsuk Tlang is a prominent hilltop and viewpoint near Sialsuk village in Aizawl District, Mizoram, about 40 km from Aizawl. Situated at an elevation of around 1,393 metres, it offers panoramic views of surrounding hills, valleys and villages. Known for its scenic landscape, cool climate and open grassy slopes, it is a popular day-trip destination for sightseeing, photography and nature walks.
Swargadwar Beach is a sandy beach on the Bay of Bengal in Puri, Odisha, located adjacent to the Swargadwar cremation ghat and close to the Jagannath Temple. It forms the southern stretch of Puri Beach and is known for its religious association, wide sandy shoreline, and views of sunrise and sunset. The beach is lined with shops, food stalls and hotels and serves as both a pilgrimage-related site and a popular leisure destination for visitors to Puri.
The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna River in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, it was constructed between 1632 and 1653. Renowned for its symmetrical Mughal architecture, large dome, four minarets and pietra dura inlay work, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India's most visited monuments.
Tajpur Beach is a relatively secluded sandy beach located in Tajpur village in Purba Medinipur district, West Bengal, between Digha and Mandarmani. Known for its tranquil environment, dense casuarina groves, and thousands of red crabs on the shore, it offers a quiet alternative to more crowded beaches in the region. The shallow sea and wide beach are notable for sunrise and sunset views.
Thupilipalem Beach is a secluded coastal stretch located at Thupilipalem village in Vakadu mandal of Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh, along the Bay of Bengal. Situated about 30 km from Sullurupeta and near Pulicat Lake, it is known for its clean sandy shoreline, calm surroundings and fishing hamlet character. The beach remains largely undeveloped and uncrowded, offering natural coastal scenery and views of the eastern coastline away from commercial tourism.
Tiruchendur Beach is a sandy coastal beach on the Bay of Bengal in the town of Tiruchendur, Thoothukudi District, Tamil Nadu. Located adjacent to the Arulmigu Subramaniyaswamy Temple, it is notable for its long shoreline, calm sunrise views, and association with the temple town. The beach serves as both a leisure spot and a ritual bathing area for pilgrims visiting the temple.
Tonglu Viewpoint is a high-altitude Himalayan viewpoint located at about 3,070 metres on the Singalila Ridge in Darjeeling district, West Bengal, inside Singalila National Park near the India-Nepal border. It lies on the popular Sandakphu trek route between Manebhanjan and Tumling. The viewpoint is renowned for panoramic 360-degree views of the Kanchenjunga and Everest ranges, sunrise and sunset vistas, and its serene alpine setting with rhododendron forests.
Tungabhadra River Ghats are stepped riverfront bathing ghats on the Tungabhadra River at Mantralayam in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh. Located adjacent to the Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt, the ghats serve as the ritual bathing place for pilgrims before temple darshan. The wide, sandy riverbank with stone steps, bathing platforms and views across to Karnataka is notable for its religious use, scenic river setting and daily pilgrim activity.
Udaypur Beach is a sandy coastal beach located near Talasari in Balasore district, Odisha, close to the Odisha-West Bengal border and adjacent to Talasari Beach. Known for its wide sandy shoreline, calm waters, casuarina groves and views of fishing boats, it offers a quieter alternative to nearby Digha. The beach is noted for its scenic sunrise and sunset views, estuarine landscape where the Subarnarekha River meets the Bay of Bengal, and tranquil environment.
Uluru is a large sandstone monolith located in Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park in the Petermann region of the Northern Territory, about 450 km southwest of Alice Springs. Standing 348 metres high and 9.4 km in circumference, it is an iconic natural landmark of central Australia. It is jointly managed and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its natural and cultural values.
Uvari Beach is a quiet coastal stretch located in the fishing village of Uvari in Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu, along the Bay of Bengal near the Gulf of Mannar. Known for its clean sandy shoreline, gentle waves and traditional fishing boats, it lies adjacent to the Suyambulingaswamy Temple. The beach is noted for its relatively uncrowded, natural setting and scenic sunrise and sunset views, attracting visitors seeking a peaceful seaside experience away from commercial development.
Valappad Beach is a wide sandy shoreline located in Manappuram, Thrissur district, Kerala. Situated approximately 24 kilometers from Thrissur town along National Highway 66, it features shallow waters and an uninterrupted coastal view. The beach is known for its serene atmosphere, traditional fishing activities, and scenic sunrise and sunset views over the Arabian Sea.
Vodarevu Beach is a long sandy beach on the Bay of Bengal near Chirala town in Bapatla District, Andhra Pradesh. Located about 5-6 km from Chirala, it is known for its wide coastline, fishing harbour and relatively uncrowded setting. The beach is associated with the local fishing community and is close to Chirala's handloom weaving tradition, offering visitors a calm coastal experience.
The White Rann of Kutch is a vast seasonal salt marsh in the Thar Desert near Dhordo village in Kutch district, Gujarat. Spread over thousands of square kilometres, it is known for its endless white salt crust formed by evaporated seawater. The site is most famous as the venue for the annual Rann Utsav and offers stark, flat landscapes, especially striking at sunrise, sunset and on full-moon nights.
Wilson Hills is a hill station located in Kaprada Taluka of Valsad District, Gujarat, about 27 km from Dharampur and 60 km from Valsad town. Situated at an altitude of around 750 metres in the Sahyadri range, it is the only hill station near the south Gujarat coast. Developed during the British period and named after Lord Wilson, it is known for its forested slopes, viewpoints like Marble Chhatri and Sunset Point, and panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.