If you have a perpetual hunger for travel and are never afraid to explore, then these eight places in India will make a perfect addition to your travel diary.
India has never failed to attract tourists from around the globe, owing to its rich cultural heritage and intriguing historical background. In these eight places, we bring to you an expedition packed with scenic beauty and a lot of interesting learnings. The places have been predicted to disappear in the next 15-20 years due to the alarming impact of global warming on the planet. So, before it gets too late, let us dive into the hidden soul-tonics for our travellers-
1. RAKHIGARHI, HARYANA
While visitors enjoy Rakhigarhi as a temporary halt while travelling to the neighbouring cities, it has its charm, especially for archaeologists. From a historical viewpoint, Rakhigarhi was the largest city in the Indus Valley Civilization in 1963. Reportedly, many locals have stolen the artefacts and sold them to interested people. A CBI monitoring of the location found out the misuse of the funds that paused the excavation of the site. Unfortunately, the intrusion from the locals is affecting the importance of Rakhigarhi. So, if you plan your trip to Rakhigarhi, you can peek into the place and enjoy the other exciting attractions like Chokhi Dani and Tilyar Lake.
2. WULAR LAKE, JAMMU & KASHMIR
Located in the Bandipore district in Jammu, Wular Lake is known to be one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. The Kashmiri word “Wul” means fissure or gap which explains the reason for the origin of Wular Lake. The lake basin was formed by tectonic activity and is fed by the Jhelum River. Most of the tourists flock towards the lake as it hosts various water sport activities throughout the day. However, pollution from fertilizers, hunting of the waterfowl and invasion into the catchment of the lake for agricultural purposes, are posing a grave risk to the marine life in the lake. Hence, there is no reason for you to avoid soaking the beauty of Lake Wular.
3. MALUJI ISLAND, ASSAM
Famous for being one of the most diverse wildlife regions in India, Maluji Island is located in the upper part of Assam. Notably, it became the first island to be made a district in India. However, due to constant erosion and floods and erosion, the area of the island has shrunk from being a massive 483 square kilometres to 421 square kilometres. You should certainly not miss out on catching up with the richness of the flora and fauna in Maluji Island.
4. RAM SETU, TAMIL NADU
Also known as the Adam’s Bridge, Ram Sethu is a chain of limestone shoals connecting Sri Lanka’s Mannar island with Pamban Island in India. The ancient history of the bridge points out that it was built by Lord Rama with his army of monkeys. The government of India has planned the Sethusamudaram Shipping Canal Project which in all possibility has posed a massive risk to the life of Ram Setu. For all the people who love flipping through the pages of ancient history, this place is probably for you.
5. SUNDARBANS, WEST BENGAL
Listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sundarbans are one of the largest mangrove forests in the world and is home to Bengal tigers. The forests also form home for saltwater crocodiles, estuarine and marine turtles. They receive their names from the Sundari trees which used to be there in abundance in the past. While the forest loses its natural lushness and magnificence due to global warming, it creates a sense of urgency to witness the glory of this natural wonder. Also, if you are travelling by road, the forest can be accessed from Kolkata via West Bengal’s State Highway 3.
6. JAISALMER FORT, RAJASTHAN
Built in the 12th century, Jaisalmer is one of the world’s largest fortifications. The fort carries an abundance of cultural and heritage importance which attracts tourists from across the nation. Recently, the population in the fort has risen sharply causing the deterioration of its structure as the modern plumbing structures come into play. Jaisalmer accounts to be the perfect addition for making an aesthetic Instagram Gallery. Nevertheless, its architectural history and heritage are worth a thorough exploration.
7. CORAL REEF, LAKSHADWEEP
Scientists have reported that the Corals of Lakshadweep will be dead due to extensive coal mining and the impact of global warming. Lakshadweep is famous for Coral Reefs and makes the place utterly desirable for visitors. Acting as an amazing ecosystem, the Corals of Lakshadweep provide a sanctuary to a plethora of marine life. You can rejoice in the vastness with the thrill of scuba diving and canoeing while you visit Lakshadweep.
8. BALPAKARAM FOREST, MEGHALAYA
Balpakaram Forest is a perfect spot for photographers, perpetually hunting for perspective and aesthetics. Cradled in the southern part of Meghalaya, they are home to the local Garo tribe. According to some resources, the souls of the departed seek heaven from the Balpakarm forests. But the coal mining and building of dams are disturbing the natural health of forests. Clad in an abundance of greenery, Balpakaram also treasures rich fauna.
Entailing the cultural, scenic, and architectural value, these places are bound to make a picturesque travel saga for you. We advise you to plan your travel keeping in mind the peculiarities of each place and explore it with a particular mindset. It is bound to be an enriching experience both intellectually and spiritually.