15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Switzerland

                       

          

For ravishing alpine scenery and quaint villages oozing storybook charm, it's hard to beat Switzerland. The soaring snow-capped peaks of the Alps, glittering blue lakes, emerald valleys, glaciers, and picturesque lakeside hamlets imbue this landlocked nation with a fairytale beauty. Snuggled amid the mountain valleys and lakes lie world-class international resorts and a long list of things to do, including hiking, biking, climbing, paragliding, skiing, and tobogganing.

Travelers come here for jaw-dropping scenery but are charmed by the many cultural attractions. Steeped in history, cities such as Zurich, Geneva, and Lassune offer excellent museums and galleries, historic buildings, and renowned music festivals. The capital is Bern with a stunning medieval old town hugging the crook of a river. Germany, Italy, Austria, and France border Switzerland, and their languages and customs infuse this country with a multicultural sophistication.

                   

                                                   

                                 

1. The Matterhorn

The Matterhorn, Switzerland's iconic pointed peak is one of the highest mountains in the Alps. On the border with Italy, this legendary peak rises to 4,478 meters, and its four steep faces lie in the direction of the compass points. The first summiting in 1865 ended tragically when four climbers fell to their death during the descent. Today, thousands of experienced climbers come here each summer.

At the foot of this mighty peak, lies the charming village of Zermatt, a top international resort with horse-drawn carriage rides, quaint chalets, and world-class restaurants and hotels. To preserve the air quality and peaceful ambiance, motorized vehicles are banned in the village.

In the winter, skiers can schuss down more than 300 kilometers of slopes. In the summer, swimming and tennis are popular pursuits as well as hiking, biking, and climbing in the surrounding mountains. Summer glacier skiing is also available.

2. Jungfraujoch: The Top of Europe

One of the most popular things to do in the beautiful Bernese Oberland is the train journey to Jungfraujoch, the "Top of Europe," with an observation terrace and scientific observatory perched at 3,454 meters. The longest glacier in Europe, the Great Aletsch Glacier begins at Jungfraujoch, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The famous Eiger Trail from the Eiger glacier station to Alpiglen clings to the rocks at the foot of the north face.

Other popular walks include Panorama Way to the sunny, south-facing First slope; the Gletscherschlucht (Glacier Gorge); and Öpfelchüechliwäg, the high-altitude trail from Holenstein to Brandegg through fields of flowers, alpine pastures, and woodlands. The less active can ride gondolas and cable cars to scenic viewpoints over the Lauterbrunnen Valley.

Picturesque Grindelwald is a glacier village in the Jungfrau region, which makes a great base for adventures into the surrounding mountains. It nestles at the base of snow-cloaked mountains and is one of Switzerland's oldest and most popular resorts. Towering above this alpine valley is the tiara-shaped Wetterhorn and the sheer north face of the Eiger, one of the planet's most dramatic and difficult climbs. Between the mountains lie Grindelwald's two glinting glaciers. For the best views, Faulhorn, at 2,681 meters, offers breathtaking panoramas of the giant peaks.

3. Interlaken

Nestled between Lake Thun to the west and Lake Brienz to the east, Interlaken is one of Switzerland's most popular summer holiday resorts. In the center of town, Höhematte is a marvel of urban planning with 35 acres of open space. Flower gardens, hotels, and cafés surround the Höheweg, the main boulevard through here with breathtaking vistas of the mountains. The mighty peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau tower above the town providing excellent opportunities for alpine adventures. Hiking, climbing, abseiling, and kayaking are prime pursuits.

More than 45 mountain railways, cable cars, chairlifts, and ski lifts transport visitors into the surrounding countryside and offer plenty of chances for sightseeing from up above. In the winter, skiers and snowboarders can take their pick from the surrounding resorts and cross-country ski along the extensive trail network. In the summer, paragliders launch from Beatenberg-Niederhorn. To admire the scenery from lower elevations, hop aboard a paddle steamer for a cruise around the lakes

4. Lucerne

Imagine a sparkling blue lake surrounded by mountains, a car-free medieval old town, covered bridges, waterfront promenades, frescoed historic buildings, and sun-splashed plazas with bubbling fountains. No wonder Lucerne (in German, Luzern) is a top spot for tourists. Famed for its music concerts, this quintessential Swiss town lures renowned soloists, conductors, and orchestras to its annual International Music Festival. The Culture and Convention Center is home to one of the world's leading concert halls.

One of the city's most famous landmarks is the Chapel Bridge, built in the 14th century. In a small park, lies the famous Lion Monument, a poignant sculpture of a dying lion, which honors the heroic death of Swiss Guards during the attack on the Tuileries in the French Revolution. History buffs will enjoy the Swiss Transport Museum with extensive exhibits on all forms of transport, including air and space travel, railroad locomotives, and a Planetarium.

For beautiful views of Lucerne, the Alps, and the lake, ride the funicular to the Dietschiberg on the north side of Lake Lucerne; cruise up Mt. Pilatus on the cableway; or head to the Rigi, a famous lookout point.

5. Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva, Europe's largest Alpine lake, straddles the Swiss/French border, and laps at the shores of some of Switzerland's most popular cities. The city of Geneva (in French Genève; in German Genf) sits between pretty snow-capped peaks at the point where the Rhône spills into Lake Geneva.

This French-speaking "capital of peace" is the European seat of the United Nations and exudes a pleasing blend of French joie de vivre and Swiss structure. Promenades, parks, and gardens surround the lake, and the old town is a lovely spot to stroll among the historic buildings. The Jet d'Eau, a fountain in Lake Geneva shooting water 150 meters into the air, is a famous landmark. Cultural attractions include the Opera House and the Grand Théâtre, which stages international acts.

Also on the lake, about 62 kilometers from Geneva, Lausanne boasts lovely views over the surrounding region and the lake, with the Alps rising in the distance. Take a stroll through the medieval old town with its cute cafés and boutiques and stunning Gothic cathedral. At the foot of the Alps, on Lake Geneva, Montreux hosts the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival in June/July.

6. Chateau de Chillon, Montreux

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On the shores of Lake Geneva, near Montreux, the Chateau de Chillon (Chillon Castle) has inspired artists and writers for centuries. Lord Byron, Jean Jacques Rousseau, and Victor Hugo are among the luminaries who have written about this architectural treasure.

Once the stronghold of the Counts and Dukes of Savoy from the 12th century, the complex encompasses about 25 buildings clustered around three courtyards. Highlights include the Great Halls, with magnificent views of Lake Geneva; the Gothic underground rooms; the Chapel, adorned with 14th-century paintings; and the Camera Domini, a bedroom occupied by the Duke of Savoy decorated with medieval murals.

7. St. Moritz

Mirror-like lakes, glaciers, jagged peaks, alpine forests, and oodles of sunshine make St. Moritz one of the world's top mountain destinations and a must-have on your list of things to do in Switzerland. Palatial hotels and pricey restaurants are par for the course at this chic resort town, which has hosted two winter Olympics.

Sitting in an alpine valley 1,800 meters above sea level, the town is divided into two parts: St. Moritz Dorf sits on a sunny terrace overlooking the Lake of St. Moritz. The other part of town, lakeside St. Moritz Bad on the valley floor, is a health resort with less expensive lodging. Winter sports run the gamut, from skiing, snowboarding, skating, and bobsledding to tobogganing on the famous 1.2-kilometer-long Cresta Run.

In the summer, hiking, biking, and water sports abound. Glacier skiing is also available in the summer. Adding to all this spectacular mountain scenery, St. Moritz is a cultural crossroads. Romansch, German, Italian, French, and English are all spoken in the surrounding areas—not to mention the different languages of the many well-heeled international visitors and expats.

8. Bern

In a stunning location, perched on a peninsula of the River Aare, the Swiss capital of Bern exudes old world charm, and the city's medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Strolling along the cobbled streets, visitors can explore the tallest cathedral in Switzerland, with panoramic views from its tower; 16th-century fountains; the Zytglogge medieval clock tower with moving puppets; and six kilometers of shopping arcades, called "Lauben" by the locals. The Rose Garden (Rosengarten) offers beautiful views of the old town center.

Bern has many tourist attractions waiting to be discovered, including many excellent museums. Art lovers will appreciate the impressive galleries, including the Zentrum Paul Klee, the world's largest collection of works by this famous artist, and the Bern Museum of Art (Kunstmuseum). Don't miss the markets, held in the Bundesplatz (parliament square) with views of the elegant Renaissance-style parliament building (Bundeshaus). Families will also enjoy a visit to the Bear Park.

9. Lake Lugano and Ticino

Lake Lugano lies on the Swiss/Italian border in Ticino, Switzerland's only official Italian-speaking canton, and offers a tantalizing taste of the Mediterranean. Citrus, figs, palms, and pomegranates flourish in the mild climate here—even as snow-capped peaks beckon in the distance. In the towns around Lake Lugano and Lake Maggiore to the west, the feel of Italy is unmistakable in the architecture, the piazzas, and the passion for fine food, which spills over the Italian borders from the south, east, and west.

Visitors can explore the area by touring the lake on one of the white steamers or renting a boat. For a panoramic overview, Monte San Salvatore offers one of the most spectacular vistas of the surrounding countryside, lake, and snow-capped peaks.

Lugano, a financial center and the largest and most significant town in Ticino, is a popular summer resort. Northwest of Lugano, in sun-drenched Locarno on Lake Maggiore, Swiss lakeside living takes on a subtropical touch with warm days, blossoming gardens, and palm-studded estates. In Bellinzona, capital of the canton, three magnificent castles are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

10. Zurich

Zurich is Switzerland's largest city, a major transportation hub, and a top starting point for travelers. The city lies at the northwestern end of Lake Zurich astride the river Limmat. Beyond its buttoned-up façade, this affluent banking capital boasts a rich line-up of cultural treasures.

A great place to begin a walking tour is the cobbled streets of the Old Town with its quaint shops, cafés, and galleries. Mile-long Bahnhofstrasse, one of Europe's finest shopping strands, beckons with designer stores selling fashion, watches, and jewelry.

Venturing away from the boutiques, visitors will find more than 50 museums and 100 art galleries, as well as many other tourist attractions. A top pick is the Kunsthaus Zürich, the museum of fine arts, with an impressive collection of art from the Middle Ages to the present day. Another favorite is the Rietberg Museum, focusing on non-European art with many works from China, India, and Africa.

A short stroll from Zürich's main station, the Swiss National Museum, in a Gothic chateau, spotlights Swiss cultural history. Families will love the Zurich Zoo with an elephant park, penguin parade, and Madagascar pavilion. From the city, take a train ride to Uetliberg Mountain for panoramic views of the city and countryside.

11. The Rhine Falls

Spanning 150 meters, the Rhine Falls (Rheinfall) at Schaffhausen are the largest falls in Central Europe. The best time to visit is during June and July when the mountain snow melts, and the falls swell in volume to spill over a 21-meter-high ledge of Jurassic limestone.

Boat trips up the Rhine provide excellent views of the falls, as do the viewing platforms on both sides of the river.

12. Swiss National Park

Founded in 1914, Swiss National Park in the Engadine Valley is the oldest reserve in the Alps. The park sits right on the border with Italy and encompasses more than 170 square kilometers of flower-dotted hollows, fast-flowing rivers, and limestone crags. The scenery is especially dramatic in winter, when the forested mountains are covered in a blanket of snow, and the views from the cross-country ski trails are stunning.

Nature-lovers can explore the region on the large network of trails, though veering off these paths is forbidden in an effort to preserve the natural ecosystems. More than 5,000 species of wildlife call the park home, including marmot, red deer, chamois, ibex, fox, and more than 100 species of birds.

13. The Albula/Bernina Railway Line

One of the very few railway lines in the world designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage listing, the Albula/Bernina line on the Rheatian Railways offers a majestic ride not to be missed. The route extends throughout the Albula and Bernina landscapes, covering 122 kilometers and winding through almost 200 bridges, the Graubünden mountains, and a number of tunnels and viaducts along the way.

A ride on this train means panoramic seats that overlook unspoiled mountain landscapes, including the Piz Bernina, the highest mountain in the Eastern Alps at just over 4,000 meters tall. The train operates all year long, and the views are just as magical in summer as they are in winter.

14. Oberhofen Castle

Right on the shore of Lake Thun and surrounded by a 2.5-hectare park, this 13th-century castle is one of the most breathtaking in Switzerland. Because Oberhofen Castle changed hands many times through the centuries, and new owners kept adding rooms to it, the result is a magical mix of many styles: Bernese Baroque-style buildings, Romantic style facades, and Prussian-inspired exotic new areas (including a library and a smoking room).

The castle also houses a living museum showcasing the times and lives of feudal societies that called the castle (and its surroundings) home from the 16th to the 19th centuries.

15. Swiss Grand Canyon

The Ruinaulta (also known as the "Swiss Grand Canyon") is a deep gorge surrounded by expansive meadows and forested cliffs. Located in Eastern Switzerland, it was created over 10,000 years ago—when the Ice Age Rhine Glacier retreated, it led to a chain of events that resulted in a massive rockslide in the Rhine Valley. As the Rhine river seeped through the rock walls, the gorge was filled with water.

Today, the Swiss Grand Canyon is not only one of the most beautiful areas in Switzerland, but also a preferred destination for hikers, bird-watchers, and nature lovers. It's possible to raft the rapids here between May and October, or rent a canoe or kayak for a gentler route with stunning views of the steep cliffs all around.

 

How to Survive Travel to India as a Beginner, What to Eat & Drink, Women-Specific Tips, Scams to Avoid & Everything Else You Need to Know

SECTION 1

Tips for eating in India to avoid sickness:

eating-in-india

1) Only eat freshly cooked food. This is the best way to avoid getting sick due to bacteria or a parasite. Cooking kills everything.

2) Don’t eat salads, juices or anything raw. Uncooked food will inevitably be washed with contaminated water which will make you go running for the toilet. If you’re a raw foodist, I recommend you change your diet while in India.

3) Eat exclusively from respectable restaurants that are busy. Also try the 4 and 5 star hotels if you want to be certain of amazingly delicious, safe food.

4) Never eat street food. Some people brag about how they ate Indian street food and didn’t get sick but it’s simply not worth it. I even had a friend who died from an E. Coli infection due to eating unsafe Indian street food!

5) Probiotics and charcoal are amazing. Probiotics boost the good bacteria in your stomach, improve digestion and increase natural immunity. They are a must before traveling to India and especially during your travels. Charcoal tablets on the other hand are an incredibly effective way of stopping diarrhea and preventing dysentery. It quickly absorbs the toxins or pathogens that are causing the problem. As always, be sure to get advice form your doctor.

6) Avoid too much spicy food, especially chilli’s. Some spices are good but in my experience chilli’s act as a laxative which is probably something you don’t want.

7) Consider becoming a vegetarian while you’re there. India has the lowest meat consumption rates in the world (see graph below). The meat I’ve seen looks very unsafe, often hanging in the warm, open air with flies buzzing around. In fact, due to Hindu religious reasons, the state of Maharashtra has banned beef altogether. If you can, I recommend being a vegetarian while in India to reduce the chances of getting serious food poisoning.

                      Meat consumption chart

8) Don’t overeat. It will weaken your digestion and immunity which makes you an easy target for bacteria. To help with my digestion and overall health I also take Organic Amla Berry tablets and another immunity boosting, ayurvedic herb called Bio-Immune.

                eating-with-hands-in-india

9) Use your hands – it’s fun! Your hands are often the cleanest utensil since you know where they’ve been and the joy of using your hands is well worth trying. Although, remember to use hand sanitizer!

10) Local’s restaurants offer all-you-can-eat meals for $1! Be wary of hygiene and only go to the best, busy restaurants you can find. Get advice from the locals.

11) Family home dining is a pleasure but take precautions. I’ve had the best food of my life at peoples homes. Again, it is important to be cautious and don’t drink tap water, only have cooked food. Also don’t eat too fast because they will keep piling the food on your plate and expect you to eat it and even force-feed you if you’re not careful! 🙂

12) “Most restaurants overwhelm their dishes with burning hot spices and oil. If you don’t want it flaming hot, insist: No hot spicing. Garam Masala Nahin! You can also try ordering “Jain Vegetarian” food, which is less spicy and more refined. Unfortunately, that won’t help if the food has been prepared in advance with red hot chili powder. You may need to order some side dishes of plain rice and boiled veggies, to cool down your meal.”

 

SECTION 2

How to deal with water while traveling in India:

                     Drinking water in India

13) Only drink bottled water. All the tap water in India is contaminated with pollutants and amoebas. By only drinking good bottled mineral water you will help avoid getting sick. The only brands I recommend are Bisleri, Kinley & Aquafina. Other brands are not trustworthy.

14) Stay well hydrated. India is typically hot and dry. Drink at least 2 liters (1/2 gallon) per day to stay healthy and strong.

15) If you’re trekking, bring a water filter. In rare cases where bottled water isn’t available such as while trekking, you’ll need a Katadyn Pocket Water Filter or at least a LifeStraw so that you can get safe water from flowing rivers. Boil it as well if possible and you can also use Iodine tablets to be extra safe.

                     drinking-coconut-water

16) Coconut water is amazing. Fresh coconuts are extremely good at hydrating you, boosting your electrolytes and making an upset stomach, happy. Although, don’t drink coconuts unless you’re satisfied with cleanliness of both the straw and knife that the vendor is using.

17) Chai is great in the early morning. Chai is good for digestion because it has ginger and cardamom added. It should be safe to drink as long as you see them boiling it and you’re certain the cup is clean. Price should be no more than 10 rupees.

18) Coca-Cola can be a godsend. There’s a popular folklore that Coke kills bacteria and aids a disturbed stomach. This may or may not be true but it sure is nice to have a cold Coke on a hot afternoon in India!

19) Electrolytes are a must. If you get dysentery, electrolytes are a must for staying hydrated. I recommend bringing one box from home because otherwise they can be low quality and taste a bit nasty if bought in India.

20) Avoid ice in drinks. Since the ice is most likely created from a poor quality water source I advise you to not have any drinks with ice in it. If the drink such as Coke has been chilled in the fridge, that is of course fine.

                    bathing-in-ganges-india

21) Don’t brush your teeth with tap water. As annoying as it may seem, I advise you to only brush your teeth with bottled water. This is because your gums can be a direct path to the blood stream and therefore easier for infection to get in.

22) Shower with care. Don’t open your mouth or eyes in the shower to help avoid the water getting in any unwanted orifice.

23) Bathe in holy rivers at your own risk. Taking a dip in the Ganges can be a magical experience but again, close your eyes and mouth and block your nose and ears to avoid getting too much water in the wrong hole.

24) “Definitely don’t ever drink tap water and generally avoid ice cubes in whatever you do drink. Bottled water is not always what it says on the bottle. Try to buy from reliable places like grocery stores or hotels. Remember that water isn’t the only thing you need to stay hydrated. Bring electrolyte salts in some form and dilute them in water. A UV filter is also really handy when you’re in a pinch and thirsty but don’t trust the water. We bought a steriPEN. You swirl it around for 90 seconds and voila! According to the manufacturer, it destroys 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.

 

 

 

SECTION 3

How to NOT get scammed or ripped off in India:

               lady-scamming-in-india

25) Know that a “gift” can quickly turn into a sale. No matter what the “gift” is, be sure it is actually a gift before accepting it. Otherwise you can be quickly hit with a bill.

26) All shop keepers will try to rip you off. A simple way to minimize this is to only go to “fixed rate” shops, bring a local with you or you’ll need to quickly learn how to bargain like an Indian.

27) Don’t give money to beggars. This can attract an army of beggars after you and helps sustain their often drug-driven “profession”.

                        auto-rickshaw-india

28) Be wary of all drivers especially auto rickshaw drivers. Drivers in India are renowned for their dishonesty and tricks to try to make more money from you. E.g they may take you to the wrong hotel or quote you a price that is five times the fair rate.

29) Learn to avoid fake “information offices”. The way to know is that everything looks dodgy, there are no computers (or not many), no proper desks and they tell you that all trains or hotels are fully booked out due to some “event”. This can be a front for the mafia so be careful and make sure it’s legit before following directions from them.

30) Children may want pens and beggars want milk. In both cases, they often have an arrangement with a shop to return the item for cash after you leave!

31) Trinket and gemstone scams. At any tourist location there are likely to be people touting trinkets and sometimes gemstones for sale. Unless you’re buying something as a souvenir don’t entertain their hype and always bargain them way down. The “gemstones” won’t have real value and can be a popular scam for unsuspecting tourists.

32) Watch out for people tampering with food or drink. Always check beverage bottle caps to make sure it hasn’t been tampered with and don’t accept food from strangers.

33) Be careful when exchanging money. ATM’s are the safest way to get cash because the machine won’t scam you. 🙂

34) Always count your change carefully! No matter who you are dealing with, always watch out for “miscalculations”. Use a calculator on your phone to help deter them from trying to scam you. This is especially important around large financial transactions.

35) Keep away from the mafia. If something is fishy then it probably is a scam or trap (sometimes organized by the mafia). Do your research and have your wits about you especially around train stations, popular tourist attractions (e.g Taj Mahal) and cheap hotels.

36) Get experience with true local pricing. To do this, you’ll need to know what the locals would pay for the same product or service and then you’ll know how low the shop keeper, driver or hotel etc is willing to go. An Indian friend (or stranger) or guide can help you with this.

37) SIM cards for your cell phone might not work. It can be surprisingly difficult to get a SIM card in India and usually involves quite a lot of paper work. If you don’t fill out the paperwork correctly there is a good chance that you got scammed with a defunct or used SIM card. To avoid this, I recommend getting your SIM from an official office of the carrier such as Airtel or Idea.

38) Do your research before arriving at a particular place. Look up your destination on the Internet, study maps, get advice from other travelers and read the latest Lonely Planet guide book. This will help you get insider knowledge before you arrive, making you more prepared to deal with the possible onslaught of scams that await you.

 

10 Best Places for A Destination Wedding in India

 

Getting married is, without no doubt, one of the most beautiful days in everyone’s life… it’s the time when you and your partner can rejoice the new beginning together. And what could be a better way to freeze this special moment in time than choosing a lovely destination for the wedding.

Thankfully, you don’t have to go far to find a place that can make your Big Day even more special. All that you need to make your wedding ceremony unforgettable can be found in India itself – from sun-kissed beaches and scenic mountains to opulent palaces, ancient forts and grand hotels.

Here’s a list of 10 stunning wedding destinations in India that can make your special day look like it’s straight out of a fairy-tale.

Destination Wedding in India

1. Udaipur

Udaipur | 1 of 10 Best Destination Wedding in India

Of all destinations in India that are known to be perfect for weddings, Udaipur always comes out on top and for good reason. Its clear blue skies, glorious palaces and breathtaking lakes make the most splendid setting for a regal ceremony. Rest assured, your wedding pictures will turn out to be super colourful and vibrant! An advantage is your guests will have a lot to do once the festivities are over, from going on sightseeing tours to indulging in exciting activities like boating on Pichola Lake.

Best time of the year to host a wedding in Udaipur: September to February

2. Jaipur

Jaipur | 2 of 10 Best Destination Wedding in India

With its age-old palaces, magnificent forts and grand mansions, Jaipur seems absolutely perfect for the most luxurious wedding celebrations. It gives you a chance to get married like kings and queens at top-notch venues that aren’t anything brief of picture-perfect backdrops. Adding to the grandeur of the ceremonies would be the local pagdi-walas, mehndi artists, folk dancers, sarangi players and more. A plus is that your guests can reach Jaipur in a breeze by air and train and even by car.

Best time of the year to host a wedding in Jaipur: February to March

3. Kerala

Kerala | 3 of 10 Best Destination Wedding in India

Sounds like an offbeat choice, right? But you’d be surprised how the quiet and picturesque setting in Kerala can set just the right tone for your union. Whether you choose to tie the knot amidst the sun-kissed beaches of Kovalam or the pristine backwaters of Alleppey, you’ll find myriad resorts that will leave your guests mesmerized in a moment. Add a touch of Kerala’s rich culture to your festivities by serving South Indian fare on banana leaves and organising a party on a traditional houseboat.

Best time of the year to host a wedding in Kerala: September to March

4. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Andaman and Nicobar Islands | 4 of 10 Best Destination Wedding in India

Wish to say ‘I do’ far away from the mainland amidst azure-coloured skies, clear waters and golden sands? Think of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. While most parts of it are not accessible to tourists, the Havelock Island has many seaside resorts for you to get married at. Did you know you can even book an entire island resort and exchange vows in the backdrop of the Indian Ocean? The pleasing weather of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is all the more reason for you to get married here.

Best time of the year to host a wedding in Andaman and Nicobar Islands: September to May

5. Goa

Goa | 5 of 10 Best Destination Wedding in India

When talking about getting married by the sea, there’s no way you can’t think about marrying your special someone in Goa. It is such a mixed bag of pristine beaches, breathtaking sunsets, historical churches, beautiful resorts and verdant forests that you can have a variety of pictures for your pre-wedding shoot. You can also revel in Goa’s party vibe by organising the haldi and mehndi festivities by the pool, rain dances in the middle of the sea or an endless night of cocktails on the beach.

Best time of the year to host a wedding in Goa: All year long

6. Agra

Agra | 6 of 10 Best Destination Wedding in India

What better than being married with the iconic symbol of true love, the Taj Mahal, in the backdrop! Thrilling, right? Agra undeniably makes for a great location for a destination wedding, as it can push just the right buttons to ignite your romance and bring you and your beloved closer as you prepare to tie the knot. Taking your vows in what is known to be the Paradise of Lovers, wouldn’t that be so amazing? As far as the venue is concerned, there are many opulent resorts and hotels in Agra.

Best time of the year to host a wedding in Agra: October to March

7. Rishikesh

Rishikesh | 7 of 10 Best Destination Wedding in India

Rishikesh is one of the most sacred cities in India and you might find it sanctimonious to begin your marital journey from here. It would indeed be fascinating to take the pheras on the shore of Ganga River underneath the stunning sky. The sound of the river flowing by coupled with the chanting of mantras and ringing of bells will add an element of spirituality to your wedding ceremony that will be unparalleled. There are many perfect wedding venues in Rishikesh for you to choose from.

Best time of the year to host a wedding in Rishikesh: October to March

8. Mussoorie

Mussoorie | 8 of 10 Best Destination Wedding in India

Dreaming of a beautiful wedding ceremony amidst the mountains? Well, Mussoorie surely has the right postcard backdrop for a dreamy wedding. Beautiful tree-covered hills, the surreal view of the sun setting against the Himalayas, the clear skies, the cool breeze and the twinkling stars at night – everything about Mussoorie has a wonderful romantic air to it. You can even arrive before your D-Day and get some heavenly pictures clicked in the pristine surroundings of the hill station.

Best time of the year to host a wedding in Mussoorie: Early April to mid-July

9. Jim Corbett

Jim Corbett | 9 of 10 Best Destination Wedding in India

If you have always dreamt of a destination wedding but at the same time you don’t wish to splurge, then Jim Corbett is just the perfect place for you. Fast emerging as a popular affordable destination for weddings in India, this tree-laden land will provide you and your partner the perfect opportunity to celebrate one of the biggest days of your life away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Imagine taking pheras under a beautiful mandap surrounded by forested hills amidst chilly mountain air!

Best time of the year to host a wedding in Jim Corbett: All year long

10. Gurugram-Manesar

Gurugram-Manesar | 10 of 10 Best Destination Wedding in India

Surprised? Well, we have our reasons to put 10. Gurugram-Manesar in our list of top 10 and if you’re looking to not get too far from your home to get married yet have a destination wedding experience, then you’d agree! There is a wide variety of resorts and hotels in Gurgaon and Manesar that will take care of all your wedding planning needs and provide you just the best theme setup for your Big Day – from royal to minimalistic. If you’re from Delhi or neighbouring cities, this might be for you!

Best time of the year to host a wedding in Gurugram-Manesar: All year long

While these Indian destinations made it to our list of top 10, there are many other places across the country where you can choose to take your wedding vows. For a royal palace wedding, you can also narrow down to Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Hyderabad or Bangalore. If marrying in a natural environment is what you wish for, you can choose Shimla, Lavasa or Alibaug. Cities like Varanasi, Pushkar, Amritsar, Puri and Madurai add a spiritual vibe while you and your partner are joined in holy matrimony.