Are you looking forward to enjoying a foreign trip in 2026? But having a tight budget to complete everything? No worries, as we have got you all covered with Indian destinations that feel foreign.
India is one of the most diversified and populous countries around the world that can provide the taste of foreign locations without even needing you to go out of your country. There are many interesting locations in India that do not feel like a part of our country, but fortunately, they are. Starting from the mountains, deserts, rivers, and the historical places, India is capable of offering its own world of wonders if you know how to find them. There are many places in India that ooze similarities with popular international destinations if you are also dreaming of them. Here are some cool recommendations to help find a global taste from your motherland. Let’s take a better look.
- Devghali Beach = Railay Beach
Devghali Beach is situated in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, and it is one of the most unique beaches in India that is still untouched by the mass crowd. The secluded and unexplored beach comes with unparalleled beauty due to the sheer rock formations. You can find gorgeous white sand beaches here, along with the turquoise blue water of the Arabian Sea. There are high-rise limestone cliffs along with table viewpoints and caves inside the cliffs that you can explore if you are daring enough. This beach can remind you of Railay Beach in Thailand, where you can see similar limestone cliffs. The features are quite exact, and the cinematic beauty of the place, along with cleanliness, makes it very different than most other beaches in India.
- Gurudongmar Lake = Jökulsárlón Lake
The Gurudongmar Lake is situated in Sikkim, and it is also one of the highest lakes in India, which is surrounded by the Himalayan mountain region. Located at an altitude of 17000 feet, it is not just one of India’s lakes but also one of the highest lakes in the world. Although the lake stays frozen most of the time, there is a particular part of the lake that does not freeze even in extreme winter conditions. Due to this reason, a lot of people consider it a spiritual place, and the water of the lake is a blessing. This spectacular lake is a mirror image of Jökulsárlón lake in Iceland, as both of the lakes are surrounded by the snowy and icy mountains. The white-blue combination of the water, sky, and snow feels quite ethereal, and it is hard to believe that India has so many hidden gems.
- Jal Mahal — Trakai Castle
Rajasthan has a desert, but what makes it more popular are the lakes and the palaces. Just like Udaipur is known as a lake city, Jaipur also boasts a few lakes, and one of the greatest attractions of the state is the Jal Mahal, which is a palace situated in the middle of a big lake and known as the Water Palace. Built on the lake called Man Sagar, it was a King’s duck hunting lodge where they used to hunt for fun. The floor of the mahal stays sunken underwater, and only the upper portion is accessible. This palace can offer a magical experience in the evening when it is lit up. This palace is often compared with Trakai Castle in Lithuania, which is also located in the middle of a lake. However, Trakai is built upon a small island called Lake Galve, and it is a popular tourist destination as well.
- Dodital Lake = Lake District
Dodital Lake is situated in Uttarakhand, and it is also known as the Emerald Lake of India due to its greenish color. This lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and a healthy amount of foliage of the trees, including golden oak, deodar, and rhododendron. The rich vegetation offers that green, beautiful color, and thousands of people trek to this lake every year. This lake gives a similar view to the Lake District in England, which is also situated amidst the mountains. Just like the Lake District is a popular countryside in England, Dodital has also become a popular trekking paradise for most adventure lovers. It is an extensive trek, and it is recommended to pack your luggage accordingly without making it too heavy.
- Kumbhalgarh Fort = Great Wall of China
Rajasthan has plenty of castles and forts, and the Kumbalgarh Fort is one of the most popular among them. This fort is one of the greatest wonders of India as well as the world, as it comes with a 38 km-long wall, which is situated in Udaipur. It is the second-largest wall in the whole world, and it ranks right after the Great Wall of China, while oozing a hefty amount of similarities. This wall also consists of curves and twisty paths along with temples, small palaces, and massive gates. Surrounded by hills, this is a must-visit in Udaipur, even if you are unable to visit China right now. It is definitely adventurous but also difficult, so it is important to have strong legs if you are climbing this.
- The Thar Desert = the Sahara Desert
Thar is India’s only desert, yet one of the biggest and most beautiful deserts in the world. Also known as the Great Indian Desert, the Thar is located in Rajasthan and is situated in the westernmost region of the country. This desert can offer you the enjoyment of Camel Safari, sand dunes, traditional desert camps, and the Rajasthani Culture. The locals here are quite welcoming, and being a part of their food, culture, and tradition feels quite charming. The desert can offer the vibe of the Sahara Desert in Egypt, but only the pyramids are missing in this case. A lot of people also consider it similar to Dubai due to the high dunes and scenic beauty of the golden sands.
- Gulmarg = the Swiss Alps
Kashmir is often referred to as Heaven on Earth due to its ethereal natural beauty, and Gulmarg is one of the most popular and charming places in the state. Situated in the Northern region of India, this place can offer you a similar taste of the Swiss Alps without needing to visit Switzerland. The beautiful green valley surrounded by the snow-clad mountains feels like a picturesque Swiss village. The emerald green meadows, along with the carpet of wild, colorful flowers, make it appear like a fantasy land. With ample water bodies, waterfalls, and streams, this place is surely an escape for all kinds of Indians. You can also go for adventure sports such as skiing, paragliding, and many others.
- Chitrakoot Falls = Niagara Falls
Niagara is the biggest waterfall in the world, and every other global traveler dreams of visiting. However, not everyone might have the big budget to visit the place. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative, India has got you all covered. Have you heard of Chitrakoot Falls? It is situated in Chhattisgarh and is also the largest waterfall in India. Due to its massive size and ferocity, this falls is also known as the Niagara Falls of India. The place is absolutely picturesque with its overflowing waterfalls, gushing streams, lots of greenery, and roaring sound of the water. If you compare both of the falls, they feel almost the same, with both having an identical curvature.
- Rann of Kutch = Salt Flats of Bonneville
The Rann of Kutch is situated in Gujarat, and it is the only white desert of India that has received international recognition. It is definitely a big wonder of our country that turns pink when the migratory flamingos come here for a visit. You will be surprised to know that it is the biggest salt desert in the world, and this natural wonder seems quite similar to the Bonneville Salt Flats, which is situated in the US. The sky meets the land here, and when it stays waterlogged, the land reflects the sky and creates an unreal, endless mirror of the sky. Visiting here should be included in the wish list for everyone.
- Alappuzha = Venice
Alappuzha, a.k.a Alleppey, is situated in Kerala, and it is one of the most beautiful places in India, which is located in the southernmost part. It is one of the most loved destinations in India that is visited by thousands of foreigners every year. This is the best place in India to enjoy the experience of backwaters and boat tours, which can offer you a similar vibe to canals and gondola rides of Venice. This place is highly famous for its serene beaches, marine products, palm trees, boat races, coir industry, and the list goes on. It is a globally revered backwater tourist destination of India that is honestly more beautiful than Venice due to its foliage and natural diversity. Besides, people here are very welcoming and educated, which can make you feel safe.
- Srinagar Tulip Garden = Keukenhof Tulip Garden
Tulips might not be native to India, but that does not mean that you cannot enjoy roaming around a tulip garden in India. Srinagar is the beautiful capital city of Jammu & Kashmir, and this place also boasts the India Gandhi Memorial Garden, which is a huge tulip garden and gives off the same energy as Amsterdam’s Keukenhof Garden, which is situated in the Netherlands and globally revered for its wide range of colors. The tulip garden in India is the biggest in Asia, and it is a seven-terraced garden that is revered for its 48 varieties of tulip flowers. It offers a rainbow-like patch on the ground, and perhaps you can get the best shots with a drone. Similarly, a huge Tulip garden can be found in Uttarakhand, which opened in 2020.
- Floating Market on Dal Lake = Thailand Floating Markets
So if you are in Jammu & Kashmir, you definitely have to experience the beautiful Dal Lake, which is also the charm of the northernmost state of India. It has become a popular international tourist spot where people go on shikaras and boat rides, and they can also enjoy a floating market on the boats. This market-like vibe of Dal Lake is quite similar to authentic floating markets in Bangkok, Thailand. But the biggest difference is the temperature, as the lake freezes over during winter. Morning routine, vegetable and fruit sellers from Srinagar sell their fresh produce, as well as colorful flowers on shikaras.
- Valley of Flowers = Antelope Valley
The valley of flowers is situated in Uttarakhand, and it is one of the greatest mountain destinations in India that stays completely covered in flowers during the full bloom season. It is definitely a magical experience when you get to see the whole valley covered with flowers with every hue and shade you can imagine. There are more than 500 species of flowers that can be found here, and one of them is the auspicious Brahmakamal, which is one of the rarest Himalayan flowers. People considered this flower spiritual, and only the fortunate ones get to see it. This valley can offer you a similar beauty to the Antelope Valley in California, US, in the spring. The trek to the Valley of Flowers is not very tough, and you can easily reach there with others accompanying you.
- Ruins of Hampi = Ruins Of Rome
The Ruins of Hampi are quite spectacular on their own and are situated in Karnataka. It might not be completely similar to the Ruins of Rome, but it carries similar historical values. Built along the banks of the Tungabhadra river, Hampi is like 2 sides of the coin, the UNESCO World Heritage Site on one side, and the hippie island on the other. The ruins are still quite strikingly beautiful, and visiting the place can offer you an impactful experience. Besides, Hampi is a very beautiful place surrounded by rivers, rocks, and greenery. You can mingle with the locals to become a part of their culture.
- India Gate = Arch de Triomphe
The India Gate carries a lot of historical significance, and it is situated in the capital city of Delhi. The gate is huge in structure, and it is quite similar to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. However, India Gate was not built for beauty but to pay our tributes to the soldiers who fought in World War I. The arch-like structure has similarities, but the historical significance is different in this case.
- Qutub Minar = Leaning Tower
The Iconic Qutub Minar in Delhi is definitely one of the greatest architectural wonders in Indian history and gives off similar vibes to the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. The only difference is that the firm Minar of India is not leaning in any direction but has a similar tower-like, long cylindrical structure. Both of the towers have six stories in total, and the initiation of building these towers took place at the same time in the 1100s. The execution of both projects took place in the 1300s, and quite naturally, both of the towers fall under the list of Unesco World Heritage Sites. Qutub Minar is adjacent to Alai Darwaza, whereas the Leaning Tower stands next to Pisa Cathedral. In a nutshell, both of these towers feel like twin towers due to their wide similarities.
- Gandikota Hills = Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon in America, which is carved by the mighty Colorado River, is globally famous. The red canyon with the river flowing between seems like a place out of Mars. The ethereal beauty of the canyon can be enjoyed in India as well, since there is a fine alternative. If you have not heard of the Gandikota Hills yet, it is time for you to explore. Situated in Andhra Pradesh, this canyon can be found near the Pennar River, which flows through the beautiful canyon. The river cut and carved the canyon and created a beautiful natural shape that is rugged yet beautiful at the same time. If you are at the top of the gorge, you will witness a spectacular view.
- Andaman and Nicobar = Mauritius / Maldives
Well, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are quite far from the Indian mainland, but still a part of the country, and this place is often visited by foreigners due to its untouched beauty. Radhanagar, Corbyn’s Cove, and Laxmanpur are some of the most pristine places in the islands where you will find a different beauty of the ocean. There are multiple islets like Havelock, Little Andaman, Neil, and Viper, and you can visit each of them. This place offers a similar vibe to Mauritius and the Maldives through its beautiful seashore and healthy marine life. You can also go snorkeling or scuba diving here under the instruction of the professionals.
- Pondicherry = Burano
The union territory of India, Pondicherry, is no doubt one of the most beautiful places in South India, which is revered for its French and Portuguese remains. The effect of colonization can be found here through the French quarters, the bakery, and culture. This coastal town offers similarities with the island of Burano in Italy, and it is quite natural, as there is a hefty European influence. Both towns have brightly painted houses with typical French-style houses, and people in both places love to enjoy French cuisine. Pondicherry has long sandy beaches, colonial-era churches, Parisian cafes, and French culture, which makes it a part of Europe more than India.
- Kass Valley = France’s Lavender Fields Of Provence
Who does not want to enjoy a valley that is filled with Lavender Flowers? Well, if you are willing to enjoy a romantic walk with your partner in the Lavender fields, you can do it in India without the need to visit France’s Lavender Fields Of Provence. In order to have this experience, you will have to visit the Kass Valley, which is situated in Satara, Maharashtra. It is absolutely a magical place where you can witness more than 300 species of wildflowers, oozing different colors and fragrances. This place was labeled as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2012, and it is considered a hidden gem of India. During the months of September and October, the plateau is laden with wildflowers in sheets of lavender, yellow, pink, purple, and even white.
- Munnar = Cameron Highlands
Who said Kerala is all about backwaters, as you can also enjoy fair portions of hills and mountains here. Munnar is the highest region in Kerala, which is best known for its beautiful tea gardens. The lush green hills can remind you of Cameron Highlands in Malaysia, as they both provide similar vibes. Here you can find a captivating blend of endless tea plantations, misty mornings, and so on. Munnar also offers wildlife, a series of waterfalls, lakes, and many other elements to make your days better in the South.
- Coorg or Shillong = Scotland
Coorg is another beautiful place in the South Indian region, which is often called the Scotland of India! Coorg can offer you shimmering waterfalls and lakes, as well as mountains, a misty climate, and picturesque landscapes that create a great resemblance to any Scottish Village in summertime. The beauty of this place is unreal, and it can easily feel like a place that is out of India.
- Khajjiar = Summertime Switzerland
Khajjar is a less popular place in Himachal Pradesh, and that is what makes it more pristine than most other popular tourist places in the state. Surrounded by lush green meadows, grassland, high peaks, a lake, and a tall tree forest, this place feels like a painting that came to life. You can stay here in wooden houses and enjoy horse rides, which make it no less than Switzerland. It has a cinematic texture, and you will absolutely cherish the view.
