10 Indian Destinations Loved By International Tourists

            Kasol (Himachal Pradesh)

Mini Israel in India, Kasol is known for Israeli inhabitants and the place has possibly all the shades of nature – the blue sky, whitest snow clad mountains, greenest green trees, crystal clear water and solitude. It has many restaurants and cafes with hoarding written in Hebrew serving western breakfast & hookah. It has a culture of pot smoking and hippie lifestyle, even if you aren't into either of those; this remote village is a blessing for people seeking adventure with many options for trekkers, backpackers and nature enthusiast.

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Udaipur (Rajasthan)

Royalty is the second name of Udaipur. Called as the Venice of the East, it is considered one of the most romantic cities in India. Many celebrities across continents have flocked the place for romantic getaways, marriages or movie shoots. Fairy tale palaces, azure water lakes and lush hills of Aravalis will leave you mesmerized.

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Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)

Situated on the banks of River Ganges, Varanasi (Kashi or Banaras) is believed to be the oldest city in the world. People of Kashi enjoy their cultural, spiritual and traditional faith in God. It attracts lac of tourists every year because of great culture, rich history, sightseeing, spiritual beliefs and for its feel of comfort and calmness.  Varanasi is the originator of the Indian classical music and most famous Indian philosophers, writers, poets and musicians. Sarnath, which is situated in Kashi is the place where Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon.

Gokarna (Karnataka)

The lesser commercialised version of Goa, Gokarna is known for laid-back beach holidays. The tourists from all over the world are heading to this destination to unwind at some of the most beautiful beaches which are giving stiff competition to others. If you are looking for partying all night, then you should probably give this place a miss, head to Gokarna to explore the beauty of nature.

Leh Ladakh (Jammu&Kashmir)

The varied landscape, the beautiful silence and the wilderness defines the splendour of Leh Ladakh. Explore the terrains or just sit back and enjoy the culture. Sometimes also referred to as Little Tibet, it is known for monasteries and tourists enjoy the experience of Buddhism along with preindustrial culture and dramatic mountain vistas. A large part of southern Ladakh is still accessible only by foot.

Sikkim

One of the seven sisters, Sikkim is the most preferred destination for tourists in north east. With treks, glaciers and valleys, the natural beauty is captivating.  The state is rich in variety of flora and fauna along with red panda, snow leopards and other animals. Famous for Kanchenjunga mountain peak, the state is identified for its simplicity and peaceful nature.

Kerala

God’s own country is one of most popular destinations amongst international tourists. It is named as the one of the ten paradises of the world by National Geographic Traveler. It is known for backwater, lush green mountains, coconut, spices and cultural dance form of Kathakali and Mohini Attam.

Khajuraho(Madhya Pradesh)

Khajuraho is a UNESCO World Heriage Site in Madhya Pradesh, known for enormous, intricately sculptured temples bejewelled by vignettes of passion, eroticism, dance, music and creative pursuits. With almost 85+ temples which are exquisitely carved, it’s the decorations with which they are so liberally embellished that have made Khajuraho so famous.

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Rann of Kutch (Gujarat)

Rann of Kutch is a seasonal salt marsh located in Thar Desert in Kutch, Gujarat. During the winter season in India, there is a 3 month long festival called Rann Utsav which display the talent of craftsmanship, food, music and culture. 

Goa

You really need no reason or time to fall in love with Goa. Beautiful beaches, peaceful lifestyle, entertaining night life and good food are all you want. International tourists come here to spend days, weeks or even months especially during the winter time when it’s very cold in countries like Europe and Russia. Just sit back, relax and get sun kissed.

Golden Years Retreats: 7 Best Cities to Retire in India

Gone are the days when people used to settle down at the same place where they have spent their whole life working or where they have their kids and family. The option of choosing a retirement home may still sound alien to many but with the increase in disposable income and an open mindset, people are exploring the option of planning their retirement in a place of their choice and on their own terms. The most important factors to look for when choosing a city are flexible weather, safety, easy availability of quality healthcare & effortless access to basic amenities. Retires from abroad, both NRI and foreigners look at India as an interesting option to settle.

Though the choice of city will defer from person to person for a vast country like India, here is “The Suitcase” list of 7 cities to settle after retirement.

1. Goa

Fine climate round the year, multi-ethnic culture and laid back charm makes the state of Goa the most preferred choice. Known for exotic landscape, beautiful beaches and rich heritage, it is flocked by hundreds of thousands of tourists from India and worldwide. Goa is home to growing number of Indians, Europeans and Indian expats.

2. Pune

It has a diverse population and several leading companies in software and IT are based here making it an ideal place for job hunters as well. It’s proximity to Mumbai and other metropolitan cities make it a perfect choice, as the cost of living is less than those mentioned. Pune is surrounded by many popular hill stations like Lonavala, Khandala etc and is also one of the largest cities in Maharashtra.

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3. Chandigarh

Claimed to be the first ever planned city in India, the capital of Punjab and Haryana, Chandigarh is one of the favourites amongst the retires. It has India’s highest per capita income and offers the best medical facilities. Chandigarh’s immediacy to Himachal Pradesh gives an option of quick getaway to the hills. It has everything from greenery to finely designed roads to best of the brands and all the entertainment.

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4. Coimbatore

Coimbatore is in the middle of the captivating mountain ranges including the Nilgiris and very close to one of the most beautiful hill stations – Ooty! Always been a preferred destination for retired defence personnel, it is now attracting more and more retires. It is modern yet has strong historic importance, scenic geography and tranquil environment. This small city of Tamil Nadu scores on low cost of living, less pollution, good climate round the year and one of the best infrastructure and healthcare facilities.

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5. Dehradun

Located between the two sacred rivers – Yamuna and Ganga, on the base of Himalayas, lies the city of Dehradun. It’s closeness to the holy cities of Rishikesh & Haridwar and the beautiful hill station of Mussorie makes it an idyllic choice for retirement. Dehradun has many top educational institutes and superior plantation of rice, tea & lychee. It offers good healthcare facilities and connection to top hill stations of Uttrakhand.

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6. Kurseong

Home to some of the most expensive teas in the world, this lesser known city of West Bengal is 32 kms from the serene hill station of Darjeeling. It is also known as land of white orchids and is fast growing to be a favourite of retirees as it is away from the hustle bustle of the world. The nearest airport is Bagdogra which is connected to all major states of India and the famous toy train of Darjeeling passes from Kurseong.

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7. Kerala

One of the most loved tourist destinations by Indians and foreigners, Kerala is known for tropical forest, lush green landscape and backwaters. Kerala ayurveda is known worldwide and Kerala has one of the best educational institutes. The major cities are Trivandrum and Kochi along with many popular towns of Kozikode, Varkala and Munnar. Expats are investing here and coming back to settle in their home town.

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7 Most Romantic Places in India

Two souls and an eternal bond for a lifetime, this beautiful relation is called marriage and a popular Hindu festival that celebrates this union is Karwachauth. It’s a one-day fast kept by Hindu women for long and healthy life of their husband. So, why not pamper the lovely wives this year and take them to an exquisite world of love and romance.

Here is The Suitcase’s recommendation of the 7 most romantic places in India.

1. Udaipur

The city of lakes is the proud owner of few most royal hotels in the world. The word luxury gets a new definition in Udaipur and the picturesque backdrop of majestic Aravalli hills and splendid lakes leaves you mesmerized. The city is also known as the “Venice of the East”.

2. Kashmir

Snow capped mountains, green countryside, rhythmic sound of fresh streams, fresh air and just the two of you – nothing can be more romantic than this. Known as the “Heaven on earth”, the beauty of Kashmir cannot be described in words. A ride in a Shikara in the Dal Lake is a must for every visitor.

3. Kerala

Popularly called as “God’s known country”, Kerala is probably one of the greenest states in India. You can choose from the silent ride in the houseboat in the backwaters of Alleppey & Kumarakom or the lush green hills of Munnar or the infinite ocean view from the serene beaches of Kovalam, these experiences will be cherished for a lifetime.

4. Darjeeling

The towering Mt.Kanchenjunga kisses the blue sky, the rolling mountains with flourishing green tea plantation and in between lays the ‘Queen of hills’ – Darjelling. The sunrise over the horizons of Tiger hills is absolutely captivating and so is the ride in the toy train which has got UNESCO World Heritage status.

5. Lakshadweep

One of the most untouched and relatively secluded beach destinations in India, Lakshadweep has the most pristine turquoise blue water and emerald green beaches. A delight for scuba divers, the place takes you to the unknown world of undersea life.

6. Coorg

Yet another romantic place that is popularly known as “Scotland of India” is also a famous destination for honeymoon. Coorg has the most beautiful falls, the unmitigated tea gardens, mystic fog, green forests and scintillating hills making it a sheer delight for travellers.

7. Havelock

A breathtaking 4 hours ferry journey from Port Blair is the immaculate island of Havelock. Clean blue water, silver sand and soft breeze are sure to set a perfect tune of romance. The island also has a lot of options for adventurous sports.

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