1. Hampi
The ruins of a 14th century imperial city lie by the Tungabhadra river. The landscape, dotted by boulders and of course the once-majestic stone buildings, is stunning. Hampi would also be a delight for history buffs. To reach Hampi, take a bus from Bangalore.
2. Pondicherry
Brightly coloured colonial buildings, quaint cafes and the sparkling sea await you at this erstwhile French colony. The bus route to Pondicherry is as interesting as the town itself, with casuarina groves and glimpses of the sea running along the East Coast Road. Board your bus to Pondi from Chennai.
3. Jaisalmer
The most popular landmark in Jaisalmer is the Sonar Kila, or golden fort, which is alive with shops, hotels and old havelis (mansions). You could visit some of these havelis even, as well as old temples and the Gadisar lake. You can get here from Jaipur or Jodhpur by bus.
4. Manali
This Himalayan hill station lies by the Beas river and is a popular summer destination among tourists. Those with penchant for adventures can set off on treks from here or go white-water rafting. Catch your bus from Shimla – the roads will be winding and the views magnificent.
5. Kanyakumari
The southernmost tip of India, which also sees the meeting of Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea, is a must-visit. Sunsets here are epic and you could also witness the rare sight of a simultaneous sunset and moonrise. Travel here from Thiruvananthapuram or Coimbatore.
6. Kaziranga
The Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest habitat for the Indian single horned rhinoceros. There are other animals too, of course – elephants, tigers, swamp deer, and several species of birds and reptiles. You can tour the park by jeep or on elephant back. Get your bus at Guwahati.
7. Gokarna
Once a small temple town, Gokarna is now a bustling seaside tourist destination. The town is home to a Shiva temple that is an important pilgrimage centre. For tourists though, there are stretches of sandy beaches – Gokarna, Kudle and Om beaches, to name a few. You can travel here from Bangalore, Mangalore or Goa.
8. Mahabaleshwar
Head to the green hills of the Western Ghats when the city heat gets too much. This hill-station is a popular holiday spot and has several sight-seeing points to take your breath away. You could also spend your time boating, trekking or horse riding. Mahabaleshwar is about six hours by bus from Mumbai.
9. Diu
This little union territory is a coastal town rich in Portuguese architecture and history. Visit the Diu fort and the old Portuguese churches around town. Also soak up the sun and indulge in some water sports at its beaches. You can take a bus to Diu from Ahmedabad.
10. Jagdalpur
The district headquarters of Bastar, Chhattisgarh, Jagdalpur is known for its lush forests, waterfalls and caves. Head to the breath-taking Chitrakote waterfalls. This horse-shoe shaped fall is the widest in India. Around the town are several caves, like the Dandak and Kotumsar caves. Also try and visit a haat, or local market, which will have colourful ware and food from the tribal regions. To get here, take a bus from Vishakhapatnam.
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