17 Best Regions of India, it offers a diverse range of environments, spanning from the chilly foothills of the Himalayas in the north to the secluded Andaman & Nicobar Islands in the southeast. From the arid deserts of the west to the lush marshlands of the east, and encompassing plateaus, forests, grasslands, and beaches, India presents a multitude of landscapes to explore. In fact, it boasts six distinct climatic subtypes, making it a truly captivating destination for nature enthusiasts.
This expansive nation boasts a coastline that extends over four thousand miles, spanning from north to south and south to north. Along its eastern border, the mighty Ganges river surges forth, renowned as one of the world’s most iconic waterways. India is also a sanctuary for an astonishing array of wildlife, encompassing majestic creatures such as tigers, panthers, elephants, and rhinos. Without delay, let us embark on a captivating journey through the breathtaking regions of this remarkable country.
Gujarat
Gujarat, India’s westernmost state, is a diverse region located south of Rajasthan. It is home to various attractions, including a portion of the Thar Desert, which encompasses the Rann of Kutch – a vast expanse of salt flats often referred to as the White Desert.
The Gulf of Kutch houses the intriguing Marine National Park, where during low tide, the sea recedes for miles, revealing an array of rocks, sea slugs, and a diverse birdlife. Additionally, the Blackbuck National Park in Velavadar showcases dry grasslands.
Gujarat also boasts a section of the expansive Western Ghats mountain range. Among its notable features is Mount Girnar, the highest peak in the state. This mountain is renowned for its ancient Jain temples and sacred sites, adding to the cultural significance of Gujarat.
Maharashtra
Situated predominantly on the Deccan plateau, the expansive state of Maharashtra encompasses a major portion of west-central India and serves as the backdrop for Mumbai, one of the nation’s most prominent and renowned cities. Mumbai, being the wealthiest city in India, boasts the highest concentration of millionaires and billionaires in the country, while also harboring the largest slums.
Stretching along the western coastline of the nation, the Konkan Coast spans a length of 700 kilometers and showcases miles of unspoiled and lesser-explored beaches, such as the secluded Kashid Beach.
In the heartland, the Amboli Nature Reserve stands as a hill station where one can immerse themselves amidst the clouds and verdant treetops, accompanied by captivating waterfalls and breathtaking sunsets. Within the Aurangabad district, the renowned Ellora and Ajanta Caves can be found, an awe-inspiring ensemble of ancient Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist monuments nestled within one of the world’s largest temple-cave complexes.
Goa
Renowned worldwide for its stunning coastline, Goa, a former Portuguese colony, is synonymous with picturesque palm-lined beaches. Among the plethora of beaches, Galgibaga in South Goa stands out as a hidden gem, known for its pristine beauty and as a nesting ground for turtles. While Galgibaga may be lesser-known, there are other well-known beaches in Goa such as Palolem, famous for its beachside eateries, Mandrem, known for its laid-back atmosphere, and Anjuna, which exudes a more hippie-flavored vibe.
This captivating region of India has a unique history, as it was only returned to the country after the Portuguese governor-general surrendered following the annexation of Goa by the Indian army in 1961. Today, the Portuguese influence can be seen throughout the region, with remnants of crumbling fortresses, active churches (as 25% of Goans are Christian), and even in the local cuisine.
Delhi
Delhi, the capital of India, is encompassed by the National Capital Region, which includes districts from neighboring Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. This bustling city is the second-most populous in India and has been continuously inhabited for over 2,500 years. There are plenty of attractions to see, ranging from the 20th-century Lotus Temple (the headquarters of the Bahai Faith) to the colonial shopping district of Connaught Place.
Despite the increasing urbanization of the region, there is still an abundance of natural beauty to be found here. One such example is the Okhla Bird Sanctuary, which offers visitors the opportunity to spot rare birds in their natural habitat. Interestingly, the sanctuary has its own metro station on Delhi metro’s magenta line, making it easily accessible to visitors.
Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, lies to the east of Rajasthan and shares a border with Nepal to the north. It is a significant cultural center for Hinduism, with Krishna’s birthplace traditionally located in this state. Additionally, Buddhism also has a connection to Uttar Pradesh, as it is where Guatama Buddha gave his final sermon.
The convergence of the Yamuna and Sarswati rivers in this state creates the mighty Ganges, and along its banks lies Varanasi, one of India’s most iconic places. Varanasi is a holy spot where people come to bathe, wash their clothes, and be cremated. Uttar Pradesh is also home to Agra, the city that houses the iconic Taj Mahal, and Lucknow, the state capital, which boasts beautiful buildings that document its history as a Mughal stronghold, Nawab capital, and a key city in British India.
Bihar
Bihar is located to the east of Uttar Pradesh and for the most part, is a subtropical region known for its vast, fertile plains. The only national park in the area is the globally renowned Valmiki National Park. Situated close to the border with Nepal, here you may be able to spot Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, and Indian rhinos amid its lakes and forests.
There’s also the marshy Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary, where you can catch a glimpse of exotic avian life – including the Siberian crane – at Asia’s largest oxbow lake. Other natural wonders lie in places like Bodh Gaya, a holy site known for the Bodhi tree under which Gautama Buddha allegedly attained enlightenment.
Madhya Pradesh
This central region of India holds the remnants of various periods in Indian history, ranging from the Maruyan Empire to the Rashtrakuta dynasty, and much more, earning it the nickname ‘The Heart of India.’ Additionally, it boasts an abundance of natural wonders, many of which often go unnoticed by tourists.
Bandhavgarh National Park presents a picturesque natural setting, characterized by dense forests, undulating terrain, and the presence of Bengal tigers. On the other hand, Pench National Park, situated in the Plains of India, offers easy sightings of monkeys, deer, and other wildlife; it is even the home to the forest that served as inspiration for The Jungle Book. Furthermore, Bhimbetka houses cave paintings that date back 30,000 years.
Eastern India
The Eastern region of India is a diverse area that encompasses a range of landscapes and cultures. From the mountainous tea plantations of Darjeeling to the tropical coastal state of Odisha, there is something for everyone. West Bengal is home to the bustling city of Kolkata, which boasts impressive colonial architecture, vibrant arts and culture festivals, and a rich history as the birthplace of the Bengal Renaissance.
For nature lovers, the Sundarbans National Park offers a chance to explore the vast forests and wetlands of the Ganges Delta, where Bengal tigers roam freely. And for those seeking stunning views, a trip to Tiger Hill in Darjeeling is a must, with the possibility of glimpsing the majestic Mt Everest on a clear day. Darjeeling itself has a fascinating history as a former health spa and military outpost during the British Colonial era, and today it is home to some of India’s last remaining steam locomotives and top-notch British-style public schools.
Northeast India
The Northeast region of India boasts breathtaking landscapes, ranging from towering mountains to deep river valleys. This area is surrounded by China, Myanmar, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, making it almost isolated from the rest of the country.
Arunachal Pradesh is a snow-covered mountainous state, while Nagaland is a semi-autonomous region that is home to stunning floral valleys, such as the Dzukou Valley, which is famous for its seasonal lilies. Meghalaya is home to the Nohkalikai Waterfall, which is the tallest single-drop waterfall in India, and Mizoram is known for its Vantawng Falls. Sikkim’s Yumthang Pasture is a picturesque meadow, and Assam is home to the world’s largest river island, Majuli Island. The Northeast region of India has a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty.
Karnataka
Karnataka, situated south of Maharashtra and Goa and north of Kerala, has a rich historical significance, serving as a stronghold for ancient and medieval Indian civilizations for approximately 12 centuries. Presently, the city of Mysore (or Mysuru) stands adorned with numerous historical structures, including the magnificent Mysore Palace and the towering St Philomena’s Cathedral, earning its reputation as the cultural capital of the state.
Contrastingly, Bangalore (or Bengaluru) serves as the official capital of Karnataka and represents a progressive urban hub. Boasting a diverse range of religious sites, encompassing Buddhist, Jain, Sikh, Christian, Muslim, and Hindu places of worship, this multicultural city is adorned with skyscrapers and is a hub for technology companies, propelling India’s future.
Beyond the urban centers, Karnataka’s jungles are untamed, housing not only tigers and monkeys but also the largest population of elephants in all of Asia.
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, both located in east-central India, were once a single entity until 2014. Telangana then became the 29th state of India. These regions offer abundant natural beauty to explore. In Andhra Pradesh, the Araku Valley, nestled in the Eastern Ghats, is a picturesque paradise with flowing streams, enchanting waterfalls, coffee plantations, and diverse tribal cultures. Close by, Ananthagiri is a refreshing hill station offering breathtaking vistas.
In Telangana, situated on the Deccan Plateau, there are several parks easily accessible from its capital city, Hyderabad. Jawahar Deer Park is one such example. In the northern part of Telangana lies Adilabad, renowned for its numerous captivating waterfalls.
Kerala
Kerala, much like the rest of India, boasts a unique cultural identity that sets it apart from other regions. With its own language and script, Malayalam, the state is a fascinating destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in a distinct way of life.
Additionally, Kerala is known for its tranquil atmosphere, particularly in Alleppy, where visitors can explore the backwaters on ornate boats and enjoy leisurely cruises. For those seeking a higher altitude, Munnar offers stunning hill station views and tea plantations, as well as the opportunity to visit Eravikulam National Park and observe the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu, the eastern neighbor of Kerala, stands as a unique entity, tracing its roots back to the illustrious Chola, Chera, and Pandya empires. The state also bears the imprints of British and French colonial rule, adding to its rich heritage.
Serving as the state capital, Madras, now known as Chennai, exudes a vibrant energy. This bustling city is home to remnants of colonial times and serves as the hub of the Tamil film industry. Meanwhile, Madurai, often referred to as the ‘Athens of the East,’ boasts ancient treasures such as the vibrant Meenakshi Temple and Koodal Azhagar Temple from the 6th century, along with the intricately adorned Thirumalai Nayak Palace from the 17th century.
Tamil Nadu’s cultural prowess is further enhanced by the grandeur of Chettinad mansions and the charm of old French bakeries in Pondicherry. Not to be overlooked are the awe-inspiring wildlife and lush jungles of the Western Ghats.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands, situated in the Bay of Bengal, consist of approximately 300 islands. These islands are surrounded by coral reefs and are inhabited by indigenous communities. Interestingly, they are located closer to Thailand and Myanmar than the Indian mainland.
Among these islands, one is home to the Sentinelese, a tribe that has not been contacted and still uses paleolithic technology. Out of the numerous islands, only 38 are permanently inhabited. The islands boast of tropical rainforests with over 2000 plant species, dense mangrove forests, and stunning palm-fringed beaches.
Himalayan North
The northern region of India, known as the Himalayan North, encompasses the states of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Despite the political complexities and historical significance of this area, it undeniably possesses immense natural beauty. With its lush green hills, flourishing forests, and towering mountains that seem to touch the sky, it can easily be considered one of the most stunning regions in the world.
For a breathtaking experience reminiscent of the Swiss Alps, but with an added dose of grandeur, a visit to the Valley of Flowers National Park in Uttarakhand is highly recommended. During the first week of August, this picturesque valley transforms into a mesmerizing sight as it is adorned with vibrant pink Himalayan balsam flowers. Additionally, Himachal Pradesh offers awe-inspiring vistas, particularly in places like Manali with its alpine forests, and Dharamshala, renowned as the residence of the Dalai Lama.
Punjab & Haryana
To the south of the Himalayan regions in India lie the states of Punjab and Haryana. While Haryana is known for its business-oriented mindset and almost surrounds the country’s capital, Delhi, Punjab has a different narrative. Derived from Persian, Punjab means ‘five rivers’ and this western state holds a significant cultural region of India, along with a rich historical background. The sprawling countryside of Punjab is dotted with numerous abandoned forts, offering ample opportunities for exploration.
Renowned for its Sikh population, Punjab is home to several Sikh temples, known as gurdwaras. Among them, the city of Amritsar stands out, particularly for its iconic landmark, the Golden Temple. Also referred to as the Harmandir Sahib, this temple was constructed in 1577 and holds utmost importance as a pilgrimage site for Sikhs.
Rajasthan is one of the 17 Best Regions of India
Rajasthan, the largest state in India, is a vast region that is known for its arid climate. The area is dominated by desert landscapes and impressive fort towns such as Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, which are respectively referred to as the pink city and blue city.
One of the most notable attractions in Rajasthan is the Thar Desert, which is located near Jaisalmer. Visitors can enjoy camel rides and explore the ancient stone ruins that showcase the Mughal history of the region. The Aravalli Range also ends in Rajasthan, with Mount Abu situated at the southwestern-most edge. This area is known for its cool climate and is home to lush forests, waterfalls, and lakes. Rajasthan is also home to the renowned Ranthambore National Park, which is a large conservation area that is famous for its population of Bengal tigers.
