India’s diversity isn’t just limited to culture and cuisine—it extends to landscapes that can rival some of the most famous international travel destinations. Whether you dream of the Swiss Alps, French towns, or the beaches of Bali, India has alternatives that are equally breathtaking and surprisingly affordable.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 Indian places that look like foreign destinations, complete with travel tips, how to reach, best times to visit, and more.
Indian Places That Look LIke Foreign Destinations Are :
1. Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir – The Switzerland of India
Why it feels foreign: Snow-clad mountains, lush meadows, cable cars, and European-style cottages.
📍 Location:
Baramulla district, Jammu & Kashmir
🌤 Best Time to Visit:
- Winter (Dec–Feb): For snow, skiing
- Summer (Apr–Jun): For meadows and greenery
📌 Places to Visit:
- Gulmarg Gondola (Asia’s highest cable car)
- Khilanmarg Valley
- Apharwat Peak
🧭 Things to Do:
- Skiing, snowboarding
- Trekking & snow trekking
- Golfing at one of the highest golf courses
🚗 How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Srinagar (56 km)
- Nearest Railway: Jammu Tawi (300+ km)
- By Road: Taxi from Srinagar (2-hour drive)
⚠️ Things to Take Care:
- Pack winter gear if visiting during snow season
- Carry ID proofs for security checkpoints
2. Auli, Uttarakhand – Like a Mini Switzerland
Why it feels foreign: Snowy slopes, alpine forests, and scenic chair lifts.
📍 Location:
Chamoli district, Uttarakhand
🌤 Best Time to Visit:
- Dec to Mar: For skiing and snow
- Apr to Jun: For pleasant weather and greenery
📌 Places to Visit:
- Auli Ropeway
- Gurso Bugyal
- Joshimath town
- Chenab Lake
🧭 Things to Do:
- Skiing and snowboarding
- Cable car rides
- Hiking and photography
🚗 How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Dehradun (279 km)
- Nearest Railway: Rishikesh (250 km)
- Drive to Joshimath, then take cable car to Auli
⚠️ Additional Tips:
- Pre-book ski training sessions
- Avoid during monsoon
3. Pondicherry – A Slice of France in India
Why it feels foreign: French-style architecture, quiet promenades, bakeries, and beaches.
📍 Location:
Union Territory on the east coast near Tamil Nadu
🌤 Best Time to Visit:
October to March
📌 Places to Visit:
- French Quarter (White Town)
- Auroville
- Paradise Beach
- Rock Beach
🧭 Things to Do:
- Café hopping in White Town
- Bicycle tours of French heritage sites
- Meditation at Auroville
🚗 How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Chennai (135 km)
- By Train: Puducherry Station
- By Road: Drive from Chennai (3.5 hrs)
⚠️ Travel Tip:
- Rent a scooter or cycle to explore the city like a local
4. Shillong, Meghalaya – Like Scotland of the East
Why it feels foreign: Rolling hills, pine forests, lakes, and misty weather.
📍 Location:
Northeast India, Meghalaya
🌤 Best Time to Visit:
March to June and September to November
📌 Places to Visit:
- Umiam Lake
- Elephant Falls
- Laitlum Canyons
- Mawlynnong (Asia’s cleanest village)
🧭 Things to Do:
- Boating in Umiam Lake
- Visit living root bridges
- Enjoy Khasi cuisine
🚗 How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Shillong (25 km), better connectivity via Guwahati (100 km)
- By Road: Drive or shared cabs from Guwahati
⚠️ Things to Note:
- Carry warm clothes even in summer
- Some areas may have limited phone signal
5. Coorg, Karnataka – Feels Like Tuscany, Italy
Why it feels foreign: Rolling coffee plantations, misty hills, and European-styled homestays.
📍 Location:
Kodagu district, Karnataka
🌤 Best Time to Visit:
October to March
📌 Places to Visit:
- Abbey Falls
- Dubare Elephant Camp
- Madikeri Fort
- Coffee Estates
🧭 Things to Do:
- Stay in a coffee estate
- Try Coorgi cuisine
- Visit Buddhist Monastery at Bylakuppe
🚗 How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Mangalore (160 km) or Bangalore (260 km)
- Drive or bus from either city
⚠️ Travel Tip:
- Don’t miss local homemade wines and chocolates
6. Udaipur, Rajasthan – Like Venice of the East
Why it feels foreign: Serene lakes, romantic palaces, and rich architecture.
📍 Location:
Southern Rajasthan
🌤 Best Time to Visit:
September to March
📌 Places to Visit:
- City Palace
- Lake Pichola
- Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace
- Jagmandir Island
🧭 Things to Do:
- Sunset boat ride
- Rooftop dining with lake views
- Visit local art galleries
🚗 How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Maharana Pratap Airport (22 km)
- By Train/Bus: From Delhi, Jaipur, or Ahmedabad
⚠️ Things to Take Care:
- Book boat rides in advance during peak season
7. Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh – Feels Like Austria
Why it feels foreign: Vast green meadows, pine forests, and European-looking countryside.
📍 Location:
Lower Subansiri district, Arunachal Pradesh
🌤 Best Time to Visit:
March to October
Best time for Ziro Music Festival: September
📌 Places to Visit:
- Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
- Apatani tribal villages
- Pine Grove
🧭 Things to Do:
- Trekking
- Attend Ziro Music Festival
- Explore tribal culture
🚗 How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Lilabari (80 km)
- Need ILP (Inner Line Permit) for entry
⚠️ Note:
- Plan your permit in advance
- Mobile networks may be limited
8. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat – Like the Salt Flats of Bolivia
Why it feels foreign: White salt desert landscape under open skies.
📍 Location:
Kutch district, Gujarat
🌤 Best Time to Visit:
November to February (Rann Utsav season)
📌 Places to Visit:
- White Desert
- Kalo Dungar (Black Hill)
- Bhuj
- Mandvi Beach
🧭 Things to Do:
- Attend Rann Utsav cultural fest
- Stargazing on the white desert
- Camel safaris
🚗 How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Bhuj (80 km)
- Private taxi or bus to Rann
⚠️ Extra Tip:
- Full moon nights offer the best views of the salt desert
9. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh – Feels Like Tibet
Why it feels foreign: Monasteries, snow-capped peaks, and Tibetan culture.
📍 Location:
Western Arunachal Pradesh, near Bhutan border
🌤 Best Time to Visit:
April to June, September to October
📌 Places to Visit:
- Tawang Monastery
- Sela Pass
- Madhuri Lake
- Bum La Pass
🧭 Things to Do:
- Explore Buddhist heritage
- Enjoy snow activities at Sela Pass
- Watch sunrises over Himalayan peaks
🚗 How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Tezpur or Guwahati (road trip needed)
- ILP required
⚠️ Travel Advisory:
- Prepare for high altitude; carry medicines
- Weather can change rapidly
10. Chopta, Uttarakhand – Like the Alps of Austria
Why it feels foreign: Meadows, deodar forests, snow-capped peaks—resembling European alpine towns.
📍 Location:
Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand
🌤 Best Time to Visit:
March to May and October to December
📌 Places to Visit:
- Tungnath Temple (highest Shiva temple)
- Chandrashila Peak
- Deoria Tal Lake
🧭 Things to Do:
- Trekking and camping
- Snow hiking in winter
- Stargazing
🚗 How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Dehradun
- Drive via Rudraprayag or Ukhimath
⚠️ Note:
- Avoid during peak monsoon (landslides)
🧳 Travel Essentials Checklist
- Valid government ID
- Winterwear for hill stations
- Inner Line Permit (for Arunachal Pradesh)
- Offline maps & cash for remote areas
- Sunscreen, power bank, and basic meds
FAQs – Indian Places That Look Like Foreign Destinations
Q1: Which Indian place looks most like Switzerland?
A: Gulmarg and Auli both offer snowy landscapes, meadows, and alpine experiences similar to Switzerland.
Q2: Is Pondicherry really like France?
A: Yes, the French Quarter in Pondicherry has colonial buildings, French cafes, and a coastal vibe that mirrors the south of France.
Q3: Do I need a passport or visa for Northeast India?
A: No passport, but Inner Line Permits are required for Arunachal Pradesh and a few other areas.
Q4: Are these destinations expensive?
A: Most are budget-friendly compared to international travel. Costs can be managed with planning.
Q5: Which place in India feels like Venice?
A: Udaipur is often called the Venice of the East due to its beautiful lakes and palaces.
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