India is endowed with ample natural beauty and is a tourist paradise, especially for nature lovers. Against a backdrop of magnificent mountains and plateaus, the lush green valleys in India invite you to experience a heavenly feeling, immersing yourself in the immensely beautiful landscape that surrounds you. There are mesmerizing valleys throughout the length and breadth of the country but you can begin your journey to explore the valleys of India with some of the most spectacular ones we have listed for you.
Kashmir Valley
Kashmir Valley is one of the most beautiful valleys in India as well as the world. Known for its scenic landscape with snowcapped mountains, and green lush valleys with flowers blooming joyously, this valley needs to be a must-visit destination for your travels. Located between the Karakoram and the Pir Range this Paradise on Earth, will leave you enchanted not only by its scenic splendour but also by its plentiful flora & fauna, lakes, exquisite monuments, handicrafts, and hospitable people. Do not miss the experience to stay in a houseboat on Dal Lake, the most attractive of lakes in the Kashmir valley. While exploring the valley you can also enjoy various sports like skiing, golf, trekking, river rafting, paragliding, and camping that will most certainly make your trip enjoyable and adventurous too.
Kangra Valley
Kangra Valley is situated in the western Himalayas and lies predominantly in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the largest river valleys of India and a popular tourist destination. The valley has an average elevation of 2000 ft. and extends from the foot of the Dhauladhar range to the south of river Beas. The Valley displays extraordinary scenic beauty with beautiful pine tree forests, orchards, tea plantations, and streams flowing down from the snowcapped mountains that help to irrigate the valley. This beautiful valley of India has much more to offer in addition to its enchanting landscape.
The ancient Hindu Texts mention the place as ‘Devbhumi’ or land of Gods and a visit to the Masroor cut rock temple from the monolithic age will surely take your thoughts to ancient times. Jwala Devi temple should be another must-see place in this valley of India. The temple is famous for its eternal flame continuously burning for years without a known source of fuel. While in the valley do not miss to explore the Kangra Fort which will take you to medieval times and the wars fought. The best time to visit the valley is March & April when the summer sun makes the valley even more beautiful and so plan the trip for a wonderful experience.
Dzukou Valley: Nagaland
Dzukou Valley located at the borders of the states of Nagaland and Manipur is one of the most fascinating valleys of flowers in India famous for its wide range of flowers in every season. It is situated at an altitude of 2452 meters above sea level and in winter you can expect the valley to be completely covered in white snow. But in summer you are transported to another world with bright flowers carpeted across the valley waving at you in the winds amidst tall grasses.
Dzukou Valley is said to be the crater of an old volcano that is covered with the most exquisite species of grass and flowers. The most famous of the flowers known as ‘Dzuko Lily’ is found only in this valley. Two rivers, Japfu and Dzukou River crisscross the valley adding enchanting beauty to the landscape, creating picturesque gorges ideal for trekking and hiking. The highest point in the valley is at 2600 meters which provides you with a panoramic view of the “Valley of Flowers” in the front. If you are a trekking enthusiast do not miss climbing the Japfu Peak at 3038 meters above sea level, to enjoy the heavenly beauty of the Dzukou valley.
Araku Valley
Araku Valley is one of the most photogenic valleys of India located in the Eastern Ghats in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The valley is situated at an altitude of 1200 meters above sea level and is spread around 36 Km. Fondly called ‘the Ooty of Andhra Pradesh’ the Araku Valley is generously blessed with dazzling waterfalls, dense green forests, and sprawling coffee plantations and is a popular tourist destination attracting tourists from India and abroad.
Besides exquisite green countryside and rich tribal culture, the Araku Valley offers other fascinating places to explore that include the caves of Borra, Tyda, Katiki Falls, the Tribal Museum, and Botanical gardens that give you a wonderful and enjoyable experience. Looking for adventure the valley offers you popular trekking spots where you will be joined by adventure enthusiasts from all over the world. The valley enjoys a pleasant climate for most of the year with warm days and cool nights but your trip would be the best in winter.
The Valley of Flowers: Uttarakhand
The Valley of Flowers located in North Chamoli and Pithoragarh in the state of Uttarakhand is one of the most beautiful valleys in India famous all over the world for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and its almost 300 species found in the valley. The valley was declared a National Park in 1982 and now it is also a World Heritage site. Nestles in the upper expanses of Bhyundar Ganga in the Garhwal region at a height of 3352 to 3658 meters above sea level, this Valley of India is also home to rare and endangered animals including Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, musk deer, brown bear, red fox, and blue sheep.
In addition, you will also get to see the high-altitude birds including the Himalayan monal pheasant. The beautiful flowers start blooming naturally as soon as the snow starts melting in this gentle landscape of the valley. So, visit this valley of flowers in India from May to October to get an awesome experience that will take your breath away.
Ketti Valley Coonoor: Tamil Nadu
Ketti Valley nestled on Ooty-Coonoor road in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu is 2nd largest inhabited valley of India known for its scenic beauty, flora, and fauna. The valley offers so astounding views of the Blue Mountains, flourishing wildlife, gushing waterfalls, lush greenery, and Tea Plantations that it is also known as Switzerland of South India. The valley is popular with tourists who wish to forget themselves in the laps of nature. You can also enjoy the enchanting surroundings with your family on a picnic at the ideal spots that the valley offers.
Do not forget to take your camera along to capture the enchanting moments for memories. A good option is also to take a ride on the toy train to get the feel of the real beauty of this valley of India in just 20-25 minutes. So decide on an enjoyable trip to the Ketti valley with family and friends and make sure also to visit the famous Shiva Lingam temple situated there.
Dibang Valley: Arunachal Pradesh
Dibang Valley, situated on the northernmost point of Northeast India along the China Border, in the state of Arunachal Pradesh is one of the most stunning valleys of India with snow-capped mountain peaks, winding rivers, deep valleys, and an abundance of rich flora and fauna. This valley of India is home to some rare mammals such as Mishmi takin, red goral, musk deer, red panda, Asiatic black bear, Gongshan, muntjac, and the giant flying squirrel. Dibang Valley is also a birdwatcher’s paradise as you can find the rare Sclater’s monal and Blyth’s tragopan here.
About 80% of the valley is covered with thick forests and you experience an unparalleled beauty of nature all around. The valley is inhabited by the Mishmi tribes of Arunachal Pradesh and it will be a lifetime experience for you to take a walk around the village and observe their tribal way of life. The best time to explore the valley is from November to March. Visiting in July will give an added attraction to witness the Behdeinkhlam Festival of the local tribes held for three days during the month.
Also Read: How to Plan A Trip To Ziro Valley In Arunachal Pradesh
Every valley of India has its own unique beauty, culture & heritage that invites you to explore and be enchanted. So, get moving.
