We list destinations Indians travelled most to this year, and why. The compilation includes five domestic and five international destinations, but in no particular order.
1. Goa: Goa is a veritable mix of sun, sand and psychedelic. And unlike Miami or Vegas, it has some something for all ages, and just everyone has a reason to experience the 'Goan holiday'. Its endless stretch of sand beaches bordering an azure Arabian Sea, palm-fringed sunsets, lazy strolls by the seaside, manic parties on full moon nights, free flow of Feni at a beach shack, quaint churches and warm local folks...Goa is for those who want to take a pause and let the world pass by, and even those who wish to make the most of their social life.
2. Shimla: Shimla abounds in natural bounty and looks picture perfect. The small hill station amidst the lofty snow-clad Himalayan ranges, surrounded by lakes and lush green pastures look as though an artist has painted them. The unique thing about Shimla is that it still retains its colonial charm and this creates an ambience that is not found anywhere else in India. Shimla is one tourist destination that can be visited any time during the year. Summers are warm with cool and pleasant evenings while winters are bone chilling and the temperatures can fall below zero. But this difference is what makes Shimla all the more special! You can travel Delhi to Shimla by Air!3. Rajasthan: Rajasthan can be best described as a 'potpourri of colours', for you find them everywhere, and in great bright shades. Walk down an artisan village forgotten in time and you'll be struck by the colours on a local woman's dupatta, in the glass art of an artist, in his painted wooden dolls, in the gemstones studded on jewellery, on the door of a Sarpanch's cottage, in the sandstone havelis...just everywhere you look. And that is why tourists through the year find their way to the artistically rich towns of Udaipur, Jodhpur, the historical city of Chittorgarh, not to mention, 'pink city' Jaipur and the gateway to the Great Thar dessert, Jaisalmer.
4. Port Blair: Port Blair is the gateway to the tropical paradise of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. There is more to this serene harbour town than its endless stretch of pristine white sand, mangrove wilderness and a teeming marine life. With Marco Polo being the first official visitor to the island town, and a history of tug of wars between the British and Japanese during World War II, a day at Port Blair can be very engaging. So, before heading for a cruise to Havelock Island, spend some time exploring its wealth of museums, marine water sports complex, or simply soaking up the scenery.
5. Ooty: 'Udhgamandalam' reduced to Ooty by the British for difficulty over pronouncing it correctly, is a quaint hill station in South India, and a favourite of trekkers trying to get the best of the Nilgiris. Largely commercial these days, in off season it pays to stroll around the sylvan surroundings complete with old-world stone cottages, flower-heavy creepers spilling out of the fence, a tall line up of pine trees, shaded trails and surrounding tea plantations. Here photographic opportunities abound and so do the pleasures of everyday life, like sharing a cup of tea with a local.
6. Thailand: Its official! Indians simply going to Thailand, whatever the occasion. From newly weds flying in for a few days at the beach haven Phuket, to friends ushering in the New Year with a beach party in Pattaya, to bargain hunting down the streets of Bangkok, Thailand has something for everyone. A holiday in Thailand may come for a humble price, but to behold the beauty of the emerald waters of Krabi, the evergreen limestone islands of Ko Tao and Kho Phi Phi Don, its colourful monasteries and simple folks, is priceless.
7. Singapore: Considered a zero-crime country, Indians find it very safe to travel around Singapore, and not to mention party till the wee hours. Clarke Quay, a historical riverside quay is the ultimate hub for party goers what with some truly impressive floating pubs and restaurants offering the best in cuisine and music by world best DJs. Singapore offers innumerable options to avid shoppers; a lot of them even go there for an exotic spa treatment followed by a trip to Sentosa that houses the Universal studio, and squeeze in a visit to the underwater aquarium.
8. Maldives: Of the South East Asian destinations, Maldives is probably the costliest. The colour of the flat sea of Maldives is something to be experienced. The resorts tucked away in the palm wilderness are an extension of the natural environment that lets you take in the scenery, dine alfresco on the deck overlooking the splendid coral reefs, or enjoy a quiet walk by the seaside. Maldives is known for its brilliant underwater life making a snorkelling experience here a fulfilling one.
9. London: London is a city of contrasts. Here busy walks merge with tree-lined boulevards, new age architecture share space with the Medieval ones, swanky restaurants compete with old-fashioned dining. Aside from London's iconic landmarks like the Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square, it is also a gateway to Scotland, Paris, and of course the quaint British countryside. In London everyone's on the move, but people still find time for artistic indulgences like music, painting, writing, handcrafting, just anything creative.
10. Switzerland: Yash Chopra may have captured all of Switzerland's tulip gardens, snow-capped peaks, a carriage ride on a snowed down road, the meadows with cows grazing in them, but the culture, the richness, the setting of this country is something you can experience by spending a few days here. While a cable car ride to the summit of Mount Titlis can be exhilarating with an endless white landscape stretching into distance, there is serenity in exploring the still lakes and gardens of Lucerne, and most importantly the Chapel Bride and Water Tower. Offering the best in chocolates and cheese, Switzerland is certainly not overrated.
