India is blessed with a rich heritage and some very beautiful places that every tourist must visit. The cultural diversity here, the delicious and wide variety of food and the welcoming atmosphere overall, attracts a lot of international and local tourists.
Apart from such intra-country destinations, India also offers many places to visit along its international borders. These places are beautiful, they are unique and they are a must-visit to satisfy the explorer in you.
Kangchenjunga
Photo by flowcomm, CC BY 2.0
Highest in the country, second highest in Nepal and third highest in the world, this peak partly lies in Sikkim in India. It has a height of 8586 meters. The peak was first conquered by Joe Brown and George Band on 25th May 1955. The mountain ranges have five peaks, pertaining to their translated meaning ‘The five treasures of the high snow’. The Teestha River lies in the east. Since 2000, the Government of India has banned expeditions and closed few trails to preserve the peak and environment there. The tourist attractions around here are Khangchendzonga National Park, Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, Goecha La and Green Lake Basin. The peak can be clearly seen from elevated places in Darjeeling and Sikkim. It is considered a sacred mountain by the people there.
Pangong Tso Lake
Photo by alex hanoko, CC BY-ND 2.0
Translated ‘High Grassland Land’, this clear water lake is situated amidst the Himalayas, divided between the boundaries of India and China. It lies at a height of 4350 meters and is 134 kilometers in length and 5 kms in breadth. Inside India’s border, Sikkim has the Eastern 40% of the lake. The Line of Actual Control of India and China is a fragile situation till date. The lake is an important habitat for migrating birds and a variety of wildlife. Accessible from May to September for tourists, the lake is a five-hour drive from Leh. There are some spectacular rock structures around the lake. This destination is frequented by filmmakers for its natural light and beauty. Scenes from many motions films like Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Dil Se, 3 Idiots, Tashan have been shot here. To read more about this lake and its nearby attractions, read: http://www.transindiatravels.com/jammu-and-kashmir/leh/tourist-places-to-visit-in-leh-laddakh
Rama Setu Or Adam’s Bridge
Photo by NASA, CC0 1.0
A bridge made of limestone rocks connects Rameshwaram in India and Mannar Island in Sri Lanka. This was the first ever physical connection between these two neighboring countries. 50 kms long, this bridge lies in shallow water and holds an essential place in Hindu mythology. In the epic Ramayana, this bridge was formed by the Vanaras, to help Lord Ram reach Ravan’s Lanka and bring back Lady Sita, his wife, who was kidnapped by the Rakshas King. The sea around the bridge is named Sethusamudram, going back to ancient ages. It translates to ‘Sea of The Bridge.’ Pamban Island is a port in Rameshwaram and you can view the bridge from there too.
Nathu La Pass
Photo by NINXIVI, CC BY 2.0
The old Silk Route between India and China, Nathu La is a travel pass amid the Himalayas. The pass is a route between the state of Sikkim and China’s Tibet. It lies at 4310 meters above sea level. The word ‘Nathu’ translates to ‘ears which listen’ and ‘La’ means ‘pass’. Tourists are permitted to visit the area after seeking the permission of authorities in Gangtok. A small market stands here often, with products from Tibet and Chinese culture. You can also visit the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary here. Many products like canned goods, herbs, blankets, clothes, spices, shoes etc. are traded through this pass. To explore Sikkim to its fullest, do visit all the famous tourist places: http://www.transindiatravels.com/sikkim/10-places-to-visit-in-sikkim
Wagah/Attari
Photo by Adam Jones, CC BY-SA 2.0
Wagah in Pakistan and Attari in India are two villages on the Radcliffe Line which divides the two nations. The border is located 32 kms from Amritsar in Punjab. The railway station here is used to transit goods from one country to another. The place is well known for its beautiful ceremony of the border gate which takes place every day for tourists. It commemorates the soldiers and army which brought us independence in 1947 and it signifies the partition. There is a flag ceremony by both Indian and Pakistani soldiers and generals. The ceremony starts with a parade, after which the gates are opened and it ends with lowering of flags from both sides. To plan your itinerary for Amritsar, check: http://www.transindiatravels.com/punjab/amritsar/things-to-do-and-see-in-amritsar
These destinations on India’s border are worth visiting. They each signify something different and something important. So, what will be next on your list?
3 Comments
Balayi villasi · October 16, 2017 at 6:06 pm
Thanks for sharing this post. So nice places to visit. I will take them to my list. İn short time, I will arrange holiday with my friends.
lakshmi · August 3, 2017 at 9:59 am
Most of these places have been on my bucket list forever. Reading this post has rekindled my desire to cross them off from my list.
Thanks for sharing the article.
Muhemmed Haider · July 7, 2017 at 10:51 am
That must be a very good experience.