Youth Incorporated Magazine

Want to witness and explore picturesque locations abroad but your budget doesn’t allow you to? Until you realise those beautiful locations are right here in India the areas that fit your budget and give full foreign vibes or even more recognisable vibes and if India has a wonderful destination to look for why go out? These mesmerising destinations, scattered across the length and breadth of India, are marvels, to say the least, and attract domestic and international tourists. 

So, for the travellers, below is the list of some of the most beautiful places in India, which resemble popular international destinations 

1- Kadiya Dhro, Gujarat – Grand Canyon, the USA

Kadiya Dhro is also called the Grand Canyon of India, thanks to its deep rock formations, located close to Kutch in Gujarat, is a wonderful alternative for those who cannot visit the USA but want to witness sights similar to the Canyon. The rock formations here have been formed over years, due to weathering by high-speed winds as well as water and this is one of the things that makes it such a picturesque spot – both, for visitors as well as locals. A great place for trekking, the destination will surely draw you in with its mesmerising views and Instagram-worthy spots. It’s also a great spot for treks.

2- Burzahom, Kashmir – Stonehenge, the UK

We all have seen images of the Stonehenge, located in Salisbury, the UK. The stunning sight has also been the wallpaper for many computer screens, too! But what if we want to witness something similar in India, visit Burzahom in Kashmir Valley located in Srinagar, and describe the story of human transition between 3000 BCE till 1000 BCE? Presently are pottery, tools and a lot more, including the tall stone formations, that date back to the Neolithic time, and is a great site for those who are history buffs. This is not all – views here include the stunning Dal Lake, which is just kilometres away from the site, which will make for some stunning pictures.

3- Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim – Jökulsárlón Lake, Iceland

Jökulsárlón Lake in Iceland is one of the most scenic lakes in the world surrounded with mountains, providing excellent views. This is not all – the water here is said to have healing properties, because of which travellers bring bottles of it back home. A destination in India that resembles this foreign location is the serene Gurudongmar Lake. Located in Sikkim being one of the highest lakes in the world, and is surrounded by beautiful mountains attracting thousands of visitors both from India as well as abroad – though international visitors need to obtain permits to visit.

4- Gulmarg, Kashmir – Switzerland

Switzerland has been among the top international destinations thanks to Yash Chopra’s movies. However, in case you want to witness the similar snowy mountains and clean, romantic skies in India, plan a visit to Gulmarg. Located a couple of hours from Srinagar, Gulmarg is blessed with lush greenery and blue skies, which are fragrant with the scent of flowers. The place, which is covered in a blanket of snow in the winter, is great for activities such as skiing, which is something popular in the Swiss Alps, too. So, pack your bags and visit soon!

5- Chitrakote Waterfalls, Chhattisgarh – Niagara Falls, Canada

The Niagara Falls are the largest in the world. A group of three falls which create a horseshoe structure, are one of the most magnificent sites you can witness on the Canada-USA border. However, a place that can give you similar views in India is the Chitrakote (Chitrakoot) Waterfalls in Chhattisgarh. The waterfalls are located close to Bastar, Chhattisgarh. They are the widest waterfalls in India, and their horseshoe shape makes them akin to the Niagara. The falls, which are created on the Indravati River, cover a width of almost 300 metres during the monsoon, which makes them so stunning.

6- Alleppey, Kerala – Venice, Italy

Venice in Italy is characterised by its many canals that connect the small islands. The city is a romantic, beautiful spot for honeymooners or those looking for a relaxing vacation. One place that will allow you to enjoy the same calm in India is Alleppey, Kerala. Alleppey or Allapuzha is a serene city in Kerala. Known for its canals, backwaters and beaches, this place has earned its reputation as the Venice of India. Visit Alleppey for a relaxing vacation amidst the water, stay on houseboats or experience the lush greenery of the place – we promise that you will not be disappointed.

7- Tulip Garden, Srinagar – Tulips in Amsterdam

Amsterdam being the most popular international destination has its tulip garden. Keukenhof Tulip Gardens, located about 40 kilometres from the centre of Amsterdam covered with blossoms in almost every colour imaginable when these flowers bloom. However, there is a place where you can see a similar sight. The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar comes alive with tulip blossoms in April, kickstarting the tourist season in the valley and making it more special with its similarity to the tulips in Amsterdam and a popular place to visit in India. This also makes Kashmir a true paradise on Earth, having more than one tourist spot that can transport you to stunning places abroad.

8- Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand – Antelope Valley, California, the USA

The Antelope Valley in California is home to hundreds of species of native plants, which come alive as the arid ground is watered by the winter rains for a beautiful sight indeed! One place in India where you can get the same view as Antelope Valley is the Valley of Flowers National Park, Uttarakhand which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and known for housing some unique species of plants and animals, such as Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, musk deer, brown bear, red fox, blue sheep and many alpine flowers. The place is a great one for nature lovers and adventure travellers, with its many nature trails and treks. The park also houses a conservation centre and seed bank to protect and preserve these species of flora present here.

9- Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajasthan – The Great Wall of China, China

The Great Wall Of China has created a history of being the largest (or longest) man-made structure ever. The wall, which has been built by several rulers over centuries, was built for defence, and today, is among the most-visited sites in the world. A place in India that is similar to this marvellous feat is the Kumbhalgarh Fort. Among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the hill forts of Rajasthan, the fort is surrounded by a wall that extends to about 36 kilometres, earning it the name of the Great Wall of India. The walls are 15 feet thick and were built for protection against attacks.

10- Rann of Kutch, Gujarat – Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah, the USA

The Bonneville Sale Marches in Utah, USA, is a vast white expanse of salt. It is a popular place for tourists and activities such as motorcar races. A place that is similar to these salt flats is the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. The salt pans are located on the India-Pakistan border, with sections in both countries. The Rannotsav is held here every year between December and February, with tents set up for visitors and activities such as night safaris, and shopping stalls organised to keep them engaged.