India’s most-Instagrammed destinations

Ladakh: Whether you are a photographer or not, rest assured that you will have many frame-worthy pictures when you return from a sojourn to this scenic place. Unsurprisingly, it’s a huge hit with Instagrammers. With many accounts dedicated to this very destination, the fan club only keeps growing. Among the most picturesque places here are Pangong Lake, Hunder, Kardungla Pass, Tsomoriri Lake, and Chandrataal Lake among others.

Kodaikanal: At the mention of Kodaikanal, you think of its wonderful climate, cliffs covered in mist, cloud-capped mountains and beautiful lakes and valleys. Known as the Princess of Hill Stations, it also offers tourists manicured slopes, scenic waterfalls and hills, which make it the perfect mountain getaway.

Jaipur: The royal vibe of the desert state is spellbinding. From boutique hotels to palatial accommodation, there’s something for every kind of traveller. Amer Fort, Jaigarh and Nahargarh are some of the most photographed spots. Because of its location, Hawa Mahal offers great views of Jantar Mantar, City Palace and the Siredeori Bazaar.

Kashmir: Get yourself a window seat if you are flying into Srinagar. The lush green sight that awaits you can’t be described in words. Be it the famous Dal Lake or Sonmarg and Gulmarg, there is no dearth of places to visit. Instagrammers seem to be charmed by the shikara and the Tulip Garden that are found only here.

Kumarakom: Kumarakom in Kerala is famous for its backwaters, the Vembanad Lake being largest one in the stage. It is a habitat for many marine and freshwater fish species. You can stay on, or make a quick visit to, one of the many houseboats here. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary also makes for a great stopover.

Sikkim: From the frozen Gurudongmar Lake to the serene monasteries, Sikkim bowls you over with its beauty. While Gangtok is often hailed as the Switzerland of India, it’s the mountains that have cast a spell over shutterbugs. The footfalls have been increasing as have the number of snaps on social media. The locals here are extremely friendly and often go out of their way to help the tourists.

Valley Of Flowers National Park: Valley of Flowers National Park is located in West Himalaya, in the state of Uttarakhand. It is known for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and the variety of flora. The burst of colours that can be found here is unmatchable. The last decade has seen a huge growth in the number of tourists here. Ensure that you are booked in advance for the blooming season, as many photographers trek here to capture the beauty of this locale.

Rann of Kutch: The Great Rann of Kutch, a salt marsh located in the Thar Desert, is an ethereal sight on full moon nights. It, along with the Little Rann of Kutch and the Banni grasslands, is spread over 30,000 square kilometres. Also check out the Wild Ass Sanctuary at the Little Rann of Kutch, which is the only place in the world where the endangered Indian Wild Ass, known locally as the ghudkhar, still lives. The annual Rann Utsav hosted by the government does not only give visitors a chance to experience a full moon night on the salt desert but also soak in the local culture.

Darjeeling: Darjeeling has managed to retain its old-world charm despite all the modernisation that it has witnessed. The hill station is popular among families. From its mini train to the quaint cafes, there’s a lot to see and click here.

Puducherry: Puducherry’s subtle beauty is perfect for a lazy holiday. Try out slow travel if you are visiting this city. The city has many colonial buildings, churches, temples, and statues which, combined with the systematic town planning and planned French style avenues, and has preserved much of the colonial ambience. Puducherry is also popular for its eateries that cover a wide variety of cuisines ranging from French, Indian and Italian to Mexican, Thai and Chinese. Some restaurants also serve a unique Indo-French cuisine.