Small but beautiful destinations in India hold the key to repeat visitors on account of their many attractive qualities.
From off-the-radar beach breaks and nature escapades to scenic backwaters and wellness getaways, this year’s 10 destinations in India have all been selected for consistently providing outstanding hospitality, as evidenced by verified reviews from real Booking.com travellers.
Most Welcoming Cities in India for 2022
- Palolem, Goa
- Agonda, Goa
- Mararikulam, Kerala
- Thekkady, Kerala
- Varkala, Kerala
- Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
- Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
- Munnar, Kerala
- Hampi, Karnataka
- Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
Palolem, Goa
A popular beach with white sand and calm waters in the bay of South Goa, Palolem has been recognised as the #1 Most Welcoming City in India in 2022, as per traveller reviews on Booking.com. You can experience the whole of Palolem beach by walking as it is a stretch of white sand that extends up to a mile.
While in Palolem, travellers can find a plethora of activities to indulge in, be it on the beach or in the water! From watching the sunset as you kayak in the water and making photographic memories to taking a long walk with your loved ones and stopping by the shacks to try traditional Goan food, Palolem is a place worth visiting and going back to.
Agonda, Goa
Agonda, ranking second on the list of the most welcoming cities, is a great place to escape from the hustle-bustle of the usual Goan life, especially if you are a fan of quiet beaches. This destination in Goa is a quaint village with a number of palm and coconut trees along tranquil waters.
Agonda, Goa
It is also among the main 3 nesting grounds for Olive Ridley turtles, so you have the chance to watch them from a close distance as they swim ashore and go back to the sea. Once in Agonda, you are in for some quiet mornings and lazy afternoons as you take a dip in the sea followed by relishing delicious fresh seafood.
The beach has aesthetically pleasing cafes and restaurants which make for a perfect wine and dine with your friends and family. So if you have got two days free in your schedule, Agonda awaits you!
Mararikulam, Kerala
Popularly known for Marari beach, Mararikulam is Kerala‘s most beautiful destination, with crystal clear blue water and fine white sand.
Life at Mararikulam is closely associated with the culture of Coastal Malabar and the warmth of the beautiful sea, which makes it really exciting for travellers.
Mararikulam, Kerala
Once you have arrived in Mararikulam, you are in for a peaceful break as you watch stunning sunsets every day and enjoy locally cooked food.
Not so far away from Alleppey, you can also find lesser-known beaches in Mararikulam. Thumpoly beach is one such beach inhabited by a serene and natural environment with many species of birds. A laid-back, slow vacation is looking forward to you in this small and sleepy fisherman’s village of Kerala.
Thekkady, Kerala
Home to India’s most enchanting natural wildlife sanctuaries, Thekkady is a hill station situated in the Idukki districts of Kerala at an altitude of 700-900 meters above sea level. Surrounded by scenic western ghats, rich plantations, and dense forests, this hilltown in Kerala is perfect for travellers who are wildlife enthusiasts.
Thekkady, Kerala
You can watch wildlife at a close range while boating on an artificial lake at one of the world’s most natural wildlife reserves – the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala.
Along with experiencing the wildlife, you can visit Kumily to shop for locally grown traditional spices or take a quick trip to Murikkady to explore cardamom, coffee, and pepper plantations.
Varkala, Kerala
Known to be the only town in Kerala where cliffs are found adjacent to the Arabian Sea, Varkala is a travellers paradise.
Palm-covered red cliffs and golden beaches have made it a popular setting for self-care and self-love.
Varkala, Kerala
The city boasts of yoga studios, ashrams, and teacher training schools as well impromptu classes that are often hosted on the beach.
Along with the serene cleansing beach, the town of Varkala also houses forts, pilgrimage sites, springs, natural fisheries, and more. So if Varkala is soon to be on your bucket list, get ready for complete rejuvenation.
Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
Be awe-struck by Coonoor’s scenic beauty! Coonoor in Tamil Nadu is famous for Sim’s parks, botanical gardens, forest reserves, the splendid Glenborough, and most importantly Tea!
– Coonoor Tamil Nadu –
Picturesque views including the Dolphin’s Nose and Lamb’s rock are simply beautiful.
Want to spend your weekend calmly? Come to Coonoor and simply pause life. Spot waterfalls and don’t be shocked if an elephant pays you a surprise visit. Buy some gourmet farm-grown and processed cheese and be sure to take a bite at Cafe Diem!
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Jaisalmer in Rajasthan is called the Golden City on account of its environment – the Thar desert, which it dominates with dramatic aplomb.
The desert city showcases the Wood Fossil Park or Aakal where visitors can one can discover and trace geologic events in the Thar Desert many million years ago.
The beautiful Jaisalmer Fort, named Sonar Qila (Golden Fort) as it merges with the golden hues of the desert sands. It is unusual as it is a living Fort with shops, hotels, and ancient havelis where generations continue to live their legacy.
Jaisalmer – Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli
A must-visit is the Laser Water Show at Gadisar Lake, one of the largest Laser Water Shows in the country. There are havelis, museums, palaces, Jain temples, and even a Desert National Park that showcases the Thar desert’s ecosystem and its astonishing wildlife.
Munnar, Kerala
Munnar brings alive the magic of the rolling hills and emerald-green tea plantations for travellers. Munnar, with its breath-taking vistas and proximity to key cities, offers travellers a unique and immersive experience of nature in all its glory.
Munnar – amã Stays & Trails – Tea Estate Bungalows
Breath-taking landscapes, pristine lakes, unending expanses of tea plantations, and blankets of mist – these are some of many reasons that make Munnar look like a picture-perfect postcard.
From trout fishing , hot air balloon rides, rounds of golf, or a visit to the tea factories and the Tata Tea Museum, travellers can immerse themselves in the local culture.
Munnar is an ideal holiday destination for family, nature lovers, and adventure seekers
Hampi, Karnataka
Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka India
It has a unique charm in its boulder-strewn landscape. Its scenic hills and plains are dotted with over 500 monuments, some of which are magnificent ruins.
Hampi Karnataka
Among the attractions of Hampi are ancient temples, palaces, ruins of aquatic structures, royal pavilions, and broken bastions of forts. Matanga hilltop is the best spot to get a beautiful sunset or sunrise view as well as an aerial view of Hampi
Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
Located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is a fascinating temple complex that is visited by tourists from across the world and certainly among the top six ancient monuments to visit in India.
Khajuraho
The intricately carved erotic designs are much revered and considered to be one of the finest examples of temple carvings. The images sculpted on the temple walls actually represent the divine Shakti and Shiva, the male and female principles.
The temple complex is under the UNESCO World Heritage’s protected sites.
Watch out for bison!
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