India is a big country. There are 28 states and 8 Union territories. It is one of the largest countries by area. Not only this but it is one of the most populous countries as well. It has an almost unmatchable diversity around the globe. In this article, we will discuss about the mot beautiful states in India.
Top 10 Most Beautiful States in India
This makes choosing between certain places to visit an absolute nightmare even for people staying in India. However, if aesthetics and beauty are what you want to explore, then below are the 10 most beautiful states in India(not in any particular order):
1) Rajasthan
Rajasthan is famous for its royalty and heritage. It is historically rich in terms of food royalty and scenic beauty. It is often the subject of special treatment by celebrities and the richest in India. This is due to the near oasis-like conditions that make certain places quite romantic or nice to stay.
There are many forts, palaces, forests, hills, and historical monuments to visit. If you plan on visiting, then it is best to explore it during winter as summers tend to be quite hot.
Beauty and Travel Highlights
| Attraction | Location | Key Beauty Features | Best Travel Time |
| Lake Pichola | Udaipur | Iconic palaces on islands, Aravali backdrop | Oct-Mar |
| Mount Abu | Mount Abu | Lush hills, Nakki Lake, waterfalls | Jun-Feb |
| Sam Sand Dunes | Jaisalmer | Golden dunes, sunrise/sunset views | Oct-Mar |
| Fateh Sagar Lake | Udaipur | Island parks, Aravali hills, boating | Year-round |
| Jaisalmer Fort | Jaisalmer | Golden sandstone, desert hues | Oct-Mar |
| Pushkar Lake | Pushkar | Sacred ghats, temple aarti | Oct-Nov |
| Jawai Dam | Jawai | Rock formations, leopard safaris | Oct-Mar |
Travel Tips
Visit during winter (October-March) for pleasant weather across these sites. Combine forts with nature spots for itineraries like Udaipur lakes to Mount Abu hills. Camel safaris enhance desert beauty experiences.
2. Kerala
Kerala is known as ‘gods own country. This southern coastal state is a tropical paradise with lush green forests, hill stations, magnificent beaches, and amazing food. Kerala is a great place to visit for anyone wanting a true to the nature visit.
You can explore the backwaters of Kerala in Alleppey, hill stations such as Munnar, Wayanad, and nature parks such as Eravikulam. Varkala Beach is a good place as well. It is also famous for its spices and consequently has some good food options.
Beauty and Travel Highlights
| Attraction | Location | Key Beauty Features | Best Travel Time |
| Alleppey Backwaters | Alleppey | Palm-fringed canals, houseboat rides | Oct-Mar |
| Munnar Hills | Munnar | Tea estates, misty mountains, waterfalls | Sep-May |
| Kovalam Beach | Trivandrum | Crescent sands, lighthouse views | Nov-Mar |
| Varkala Beach | Varkala | Dramatic cliffs, mineral springs | Oct-Mar |
| Periyar Lake | Thekkady | Wildlife safaris, forested shores | Oct-Mar |
| Athirapally Falls | Thrissur | Gushing waterfalls, rainforests | Jun-Sep |
| Wayanad Hills | Wayanad | Chembra Peak, lakes, sanctuaries | Oct-May |
Travel Tips
Winter (October-March) offers ideal weather for most sites, avoiding monsoon rains. Pair backwaters with hills for diverse itineraries like Alleppey to Munnar. Ayurvedic resorts enhance relaxation amid these landscapes.
3. Gujarat
This West Coast city is home to the Asiatic lion and is the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. Gujarat is famous for its food, its culture, and people, as well as the many wonderful places of worship. People also look for health insurance while travelling.
Kutch Rann is one of the most famous places in the state where thousands and thousands of people go each year. It is definitely a great place to visit.
Beauty and Travel Highlights
| Attraction | Location | Key Beauty Features | Best Travel Time |
| Great Rann of Kutch | Kutch | Vast white salt flats, full moon nights | Oct-Mar |
| Gir National Park | Gir Somnath | Asiatic lions, dense forests, Devalia safari | Oct-Jun |
| Saputara Hill Station | Dang | Lush hills, Saputara Lake, waterfalls | Jun-Mar |
| Shivrajpur Beach | Dwarka | Blue Flag sands, clear waters | Oct-Mar |
| Zarwani Waterfalls | Narmada | Perennial falls in Shoolpaneshwar sanctuary | Jun-Sep |
| Polo Forest | Sabarkantha | Ancient ruins, trekking trails, biodiversity | Monsoon |
| Little Rann of Kutch | Surendranagar | Wild ass sanctuary, salt flats | Nov-Mar |
Travel Tips
Winter (October-March) suits desert and beach visits, while monsoon enhances waterfalls and hills. Combine Rann Utsav with Gir safaris for immersive itineraries. Eco-resorts offer stays amid these landscapes.
4. Assam
Part of the North-eastern group of states, Assam is by far one of the most beautiful places to visit in India. Known worldwide for its beautiful terrace planting and tea estates, Assam is truly a beautiful place.
In this part of the country, a lot of forests, hills, and rivers are located. Naturally, you will be seeing a lot of wildlife, tribal culture as well as some unique dishes.
Beauty and Travel Highlights
| Attraction | Location | Key Beauty Features | Best Travel Time |
| Kaziranga National Park | Nagaon | One-horned rhinos, grasslands, elephant safaris | Nov-Mar |
| Haflong Hill Station | Dima Hasao | Serene lake, panoramic hills, boating | Oct-Apr |
| Majuli Island | Jorhat | World’s largest river island, satras, wetlands | Nov-Mar |
| Manas National Park | Baksa | Tigers, golden langurs, forested foothills | Nov-Mar |
| Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary | Morigaon | Dense rhinos, grasslands, birdwatching | Oct-Apr |
| Chandubi Lake | Kamrup | Pristine freshwater, picnics, tribal vibes | Oct-Mar |
| Deepor Beel | Kamrup | Wetland birds, Ramsar site, Brahmaputra views | Nov-Feb |
Travel Tips
Winter (November-March) provides dry weather for safaris and hills, dodging monsoons. Link Kaziranga with Majuli for wildlife-river itineraries. Tea estate stays add cultural immersion.
5. Himachal Pradesh
This mountainous state is very popular among tourists already and for a good reason. Some of the most scenic and beautiful mountain peaks are in the state. Many tourists flock to the state in summer as well as winter.
Whether it is to escape the summer heat or it is to experience the shivering snow-capped mountains, Himachal Pradesh is busy with tourists around the clock. It is also a state renowned for extreme sports such as rafting, ziplining, paragliding, and more. So if you have a hunger for thrills, it is a great place to visit.
Beauty and Travel Highlights
| Attraction | Region | Key Beauty Features | Best Travel Time |
| Shimla | Shimla | Colonial hill town, deodar forests, ridge views | Mar–Jun, Oct–Dec |
| Manali | Kullu | Snow peaks, Beas River, meadows, nearby Solang | Mar–Jun, Dec–Feb (snow) |
| Dharamshala & McLeodganj | Kangra | Dhauladhar range, monasteries, cedar forests | Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov |
| Dalhousie & Khajjiar | Chamba | Pine hills, Khajjiar “mini-Switzerland” meadow | Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov |
| Spiti Valley | Lahaul–Spiti | High-altitude cold desert, monasteries, Chandratal | Jun–Sep (roads open) |
| Kufri | Near Shimla | Snow views, skiing slopes, Himalayan Nature Park | Dec–Feb (snow), Apr–Jun |
| Palampur | Kangra | Tea gardens, deodar trees, valley scenery | Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov |
Travel Pointers
The overall best time to visit most of Himachal is from March to June and again from September to December, when weather is pleasant and roads are largely open. Monsoon months (July–September) see landslide risks in higher regions, so some interior valleys and high passes like Rohtang and Spiti are better avoided then.
6. Sikkim
Sikkim is one of the most aesthetically pleasing and beautiful states in the sub-continent. It is home to the famous Siliguri corridor and the second highest peak known as K2 or Kangchenjunga.
Bordering Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet, it is well connected to these foreign places. It has some great scenic places to explore as well as Khangchendzonga National park (UNESCO world heritage site).
Beauty and Travel Highlights
| Attraction | Region | Key Beauty Features | Best Travel Time |
| Gangtok | East Sikkim | Hill capital, ridge views, monasteries, Banjhakri Falls | Mar–Jun, Oct–Dec |
| Tsomgo (Changu) Lake | East Sikkim | Turquoise glacial lake, snow peaks, yaks, frozen in winter | Apr–Jun, Oct–Dec |
| Nathula Pass | East Sikkim | High pass on old Silk Route, snow views | May–Oct (subject to permits) |
| Yumthang Valley | North Sikkim | “Valley of Flowers”, rhododendrons, hot springs | Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov |
| Gurudongmar Lake | North Sikkim | Sacred high-altitude lake at ~17,800 ft | Apr–Jun, Oct–Nov |
| Pelling & Kanchenjunga Falls | West Sikkim | Kanchenjunga views, monasteries, waterfalls | Mar–Jun, Oct–Dec |
| Khangchendzonga National Park | West/North | UNESCO park, glaciers, snow leopards, alpine forests | Mar–May, Sep–mid Dec |
Best Time and Tips
Summer (April–June) brings clear skies, blooming flowers, and comfortable temperatures for most regions, ideal for lakes, valleys, and treks. Autumn (September–November) offers crisp weather and the clearest Kanchenjunga views, while heavy monsoon (July–August) and peak winter access in North Sikkim require checking road and permit conditions.
7. Goa
Goa is the tiniest state in terms of land area. But do not let him fool you. Economically, it outperforms almost any other state. This is due to its reputation as a tourist magnet.
Goa is a coastal city that has been a jewel on the eastern coast of India. Ancient Portuguese heritage is well preserved here, while Konkani food makes our mouth water. Goa is also known for extravagant parties, Beachside Shacks, casinos, and some good escape rooms.
Beauty and Travel Highlights
| Attraction | Region | Key Beauty Features | Best Travel Time |
| Baga & Calangute | North Goa | Lively beaches, water sports, nightlife | Nov–Feb |
| Anjuna & Vagator | North Goa | Clifftop views, red cliffs, sunsets, parties | Nov–Feb |
| Palolem Beach | South Goa | Crescent bay, calm waters, scenic shacks | Nov–Mar |
| Agonda & Galgibag | South Goa | Quiet, clean sands, turtle nesting (seasonal) | Nov–Mar |
| Dudhsagar Falls | Eastern Ghats | Multi-tiered waterfall, forested surroundings | Oct–Feb, post-monsoon |
| Netravali & Savari / Mainapi Falls | South-East Goa | Jungle treks, cascades in wildlife sanctuary | Oct–Feb, post-monsoon |
| Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary | Chorao Island | Mangroves, backwaters, rich birdlife | Nov–Feb |
Best Time and Tips
The prime season is November to February with pleasant 21–32°C weather, ideal for beaches, sightseeing, and water sports. Monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain but lush greenery and powerful waterfalls, suiting offbeat, quieter nature trips at lower prices
8. Jammu & Kashmir
Jammu & Kashmir are home to some of the most fascinating and absolutely beautiful places. The pure aesthetic of its valleys and lakes makes this a great tourist destination. There are multiple religious places to visit as well cultures and food to explore. It is a popular place for many bike riders to take a trip as well. Leh and Ladakh are quite beautiful places to visit as well.
Beauty and Travel Highlights
| Attraction | Region | Key Beauty Features | Best Travel Time |
| Srinagar (Dal & Nigeen Lake) | Kashmir Valley | Houseboats, shikara rides, Mughal gardens, tulip blooms | Apr–Jun (spring/summer), Sep–Oct |
| Gulmarg | Baramulla | Meadows, pine forests, gondola, ski slopes, winter snow | Dec–Feb (snow), Mar–Jun (meadows) |
| Pahalgam & Aru Valley | Anantnag | Lidder River, alpine meadows, pine forests, base for treks | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct |
| Sonamarg | Ganderbal | “Meadow of Gold”, glaciers, rivers, high meadows | Apr–Jun, Sep |
| Wular & Manasbal Lakes | Bandipora/Ganderbal | Vast freshwater lakes, birdlife, mountain backdrops | Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov |
| Patnitop | Jammu (Udhampur) | Deodar forests, gentle slopes, viewpoints, snow in winter | May–Jun, Sep–Feb |
| Gurez & Yusmarg | Bandipora/Badgam | Offbeat valleys, wildflowers, rivers, quiet meadows | May–Sep |
Best Time and Tips
The most popular time to visit Kashmir Valley is spring and summer (March–August) for blossoms, green meadows, and pleasant 15–30°C temperatures. For snow activities in Gulmarg and higher slopes, winter (December–February) is ideal, while road conditions to remote valleys and high passes should always be checked in advance.
9. Madhya Pradesh
Located quite centrally, Madhya Pradesh is a big state with a lot of places to visit. It has some great wildlife parks as well caves. Madhya Pradesh also has a number of rivers passing through, allowing for lush green farmlands and forests to grow.
There are a number of important religious places to visit as well as a small range of hills. Madhya Pradesh has three world heritage sites to explore.
Beauty and Travel Highlights
| Attraction | Region | Key Beauty Features | Best Travel Time |
| Kanha National Park | Mandla/Balaghat | Sal forests, meadows, high tiger & barasingha sightings | Oct–Jun (peak: Nov–Mar) |
| Bandhavgarh National Park | Umaria | Dense forest, fort cliffs, high tiger density | Oct–Jun |
| Pench National Park | Seoni/Chhindwara | Teak forests, river, rich wildlife (Kipling’s “Jungle Book” zone) | Nov–Apr |
| Pachmarhi Hill Station | Hoshangabad | “Satpura ki Rani”, forests, viewpoints, Bee & Duchess Falls | Oct–Mar, also pleasant in summer |
| Jabalpur & Bhedaghat | Jabalpur | Marble Rocks gorge, Dhuandhar Falls on Narmada | Oct–Mar; monsoon for fuller falls |
| Amarkantak | Anuppur | Narmada origin, Kapil Dhara & Dugdhdhara falls, forests | Oct–Mar |
| Raneh & Pandav Falls | Near Khajuraho/Panna | Canyon-like rock formations, perennial falls in forest | Oct–Mar; monsoon for volume |
Best Time and Travel Tips
For wildlife, November–February is most comfortable, while March–May gives higher chances of tiger sightings as animals gather at waterholes despite the heat. For waterfalls, gorges, and hill retreats like Pachmarhi and Jabalpur, October–March offers pleasant weather, with monsoon adding dramatic flow but some access challenges.
10. Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand is often known as Dev Bhoomi. This is because Uttarakhand has a huge significance in Hindu Religion. Two of the most sacred rivers originate from the glaciers in the state. While it also has two other religious places that make up for a ‘Char Dham’ yatra or pilgrimage.
Apart from this, Uttarakhand is a mountainous region with many famous peaks, such as Nanda Devi. It has a good wildlife population due to the presence of Jim Corbett National Park.
Beauty and Travel Highlights
| Attraction | Region | Key Beauty Features | Best Travel Time |
| Nainital Lake & Town | Kumaon | Emerald lake, surrounding hills, boat rides, mall road views | Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov |
| Mussoorie & Dhanaulti | Garhwal | “Queen of Hills”, waterfalls, forested walks, Himalayan views | Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov |
| Valley of Flowers NP | Chamoli | UNESCO alpine valley of wildflowers, glaciers, high peaks | Jul–Sep (flower bloom) |
| Auli | Chamoli | Ski slopes, meadows, Nanda Devi views, high-altitude lakes | Dec–Mar (snow), Mar–Jun (meadows) |
| Rishikesh & Ganga Valley | Dehradun | Ganga river, forested banks, ghats, suspension bridges | Oct–Apr |
| Munsiyari & Kumaon Peaks | Pithoragarh | Panchachuli views, waterfalls, glaciers, remote village charm | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct |
| Harsil & Gangotri Belt | Uttarkashi | Apple orchards, pine forests, Bhagirathi river valley | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct |
Best Time and Tips
Overall, the best months for Uttarakhand are March–June and mid‑September–October, when weather is pleasant for lakes, hill stations, and treks. Monsoon (July–September) brings lush greenery and opens Valley of Flowers but also landslide risk, while winter (December–February) is ideal for snow in Auli, Nainital, and higher Garhwal if roads are open.
Conclusion
India is a beautiful and diverse country. From the deserts of Rajasthan to the backwaters of Kerala to the plain of Madhya Pradesh and Snow Capped mountain of Sikkim, you are spoiled for choice. There are a number of other states and union territories as well to explore. But if you are confused, this is the list of the 10 most beautiful Indian States.
