Think of India, and you’ll immediately think about the Taj Mahal, the Indian culture, monuments and streets brimmed with people.

For a country with so much geographical diversity, it’s a shame that India’s natural treasures get far less attention for a country with so much geographical diversity than all its other fronts. But not anymore!

From mountains to deserts to forests and caves, here are 16 stunning natural wonders that one should consider before planning a trip to India.

1. Pangong Tso Lake, Ladakh

Pangong Tso is the world’s highest saltwater lake, notable for its dramatic landscape and waters that change colours throughout the day.

A potential Ramsar Site, the lake stands in stark contrast to the arid mountain surrounding it and experiences a swarm of tourists every year.

2. Lonar Lake, Maharashtra

Located 500 km east of Mumbai is the beautiful Lonar Lake of Maharashtra. This basalt crater lake is 50,000-year-old and is drop-dead gorgeous.

Fringed by dense green forests and a handful of ancient temples, the lake presents an awe-inspiring view to anyone who visits it. Plus, its unique geological makeup makes it a must-visit natural wonder to see in 2021.

3. Needle Hole Point, Maharashtra

Tucked 7km from Mahabaleshwar is an aesthetic view of the Deccan trap that needs more attention.

A natural rock formation with a hole that looks like an elephant is what this fantastic site Needle Hole point offers. Come here to fall in love with nature and its exceptional creations.

4. Sand Dunes of Hunder, Himachal Pradesh

India’s cold desert, the Nubra Valley is located in the foothills of the Himalayas.

Beautiful, barren and unfathomably cold, the land features magnificent white vastness that can give other landscapes a run for their money.

Furthermore, its rolling expanse of dunes and Bactrian camels makes it a natural gem for the state and the country.

5. Borra Caves, Andhra Pradesh

Enroute Araku Valley is the vast million-years-old limestone Borra Caves that go 80 m into the earth’s crust.

This largest cave in India is famous for its graffiti-like illusions created by moss and algae clinging to rough erosions.

6. Gandikota Canyon, Maharashtra

India has its own version of the Grand Canyon that no one talks about. This spectacular gorge formed by river Pennar is one of India’s most handsome pieces of nature’s architecture.

Apart from its natural boulder beauty, the gorge is also famous for its magnificent fort that sits atop this panoramic view.

7. Loktak Lake, Manipur

Do you know that there is a lake in India with the only floating national park of the world?

Undoubtedly, one of the most popular attractions in North-East India, Loktak lake owes its ethereal beauty to the island lookalike swamps that harbours vegetation and wildlife.

8. Living Root Bridges, Meghalaya

Do you know that India is home to living and breathing rubber tree bridges that carry the local traffic even today?

The two living root bridges of Meghalaya are 500 years old. Located in Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong, the indigenous Khasi Tribe built the bridges by bonding the naturally occurring rubber tree with Betul nut trunks.

9. Bhedaghat Marble Rocks, Madhya Pradesh

The Bhedaghat Marble Rocks is an 8 km stretch of the stunningly beautiful landscape set on River Narmada.

Laden with white, black and brown coloured marbles, the play of light and shadow by the sun on these marbles accords a kaleidoscope of unforgettable images.

10. Sangetsar Lake, Arunachal Pradesh

Surrounded by wonderfully lush green valleys and snow-capped mountains, Sangestar Tso is a beautiful freshwater lake that bejewels the state.

Often regarded as one of the most secluded lakes in India, the Sangetsar Lake is the epitome of purity on Earth according to the local Buddhists.

11. Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand

If there is heaven on earth, it has to be in the valley of flowers Uttarakhand.

A trekker’s paradise, Valley of flowers as the name suggests is a meadow of wonder laden with green carpets and flowers.

Not so easy to reach; this whimsical landscape is definitely a treat for the soul that you need to see at least once.

12. Hide and Seek Beach

Hide and seek beach or the Chandipur beach is a sprawling golden stretch of sand lined with Casuarina trees and lush coastal vegetation.

This mysterious beach got its name because the seawater here disappears and reappears periodically during the day. Doesn’t that make it a natural wonder?

13. Magnetic Hill, Ladakh

Do you know that objects and cars roll uphill defying gravity at Magnetic Hill?

The region is an optical illusion of sorts that makes the actual downhill road appear as if it is uphill. Plus, imagine all this happening with the gorgeous backdrop of Ladakh. We mean what else can one ask for?

14. Krishna’s Butterball, Tamil Nadu

Perhaps one of the rarest sights on Earth - India’s balancing rock is a formation that defies all laws of gravity.

This gigantic rock weighing over 250 tonnes rests on a slippery slope of a hill in Mahabalipuram looking as if it will fall any second. Interestingly enough, it never does.

15. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat

Dissimilar to the rest of the region, Rann of Kutch is an unearthly salt marsh found in the northern part of Gujarat in the Thar Desert.

Despite being amid arid lands and harsh climate, Kutch has always been fertile with culture and diversity. A superb area for camel safari, wildlife escapades and cultural immersion, this land of multiple horizons is definitely a must-add bucket-list item.

16. Hogenakkal Fall

Also popular as the Niagra Falls of India, Hogenakkal Waterfalls brims with beauty and is famous for its healing power.

The carbonatite rocks found here are the oldest in South Asia and the world, when combined with the cascading waters, making for scenery that’s whimsical in every way possible.

These were our top natural wonders of India. If you are interested in other such places, tune in to our landscape of India blog. However, if you plan to book a trip to any of these places, ping us! We will happily help you.