As the entire country celebrates National Tourism Day, here are some of your favourite TV celebrities talking about their choicest holiday destinations from their home state, the entire country and even across the globe.
National Tourism Day is celebrated every year on January 25 to promote and encourage tourism in India. From chilling in Goa to admiring the great beauty of Jammu and Kashmir, on this day, TV artists and wanderlusts talk about their favourite destinations and must-visit places in their home states. Some of them even reveal their all-time favourite go-to holiday destination.
I am currently shooting for my show in Jaipur. Though I love being there, I surely miss the streets of my home in Mumbai. Even being one of India's most populous and largest cities, it is called the 'City of Dreams'. Gateway of India, Marine Drive, and Worli Sea Link are picturesque and filled with interesting stories. Mumbai's vada pav, pav bhaji, and pani puri at Juhu Cowpati is a must-try for all tourists. While Mumbai is my home, other beautiful places in the state allow me to take a break and rejuvenate. One of my favourite destinations in Maharashtra is Nashik which is also my hometown. The city is situated on the banks of the river Godavari and is a Hindu pilgrimage site for visitors. The city is called the "Wine Capital of India", as more than half of India's vineyards and wineries are located here. Apart from that, Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani, Igatpuri and Lonavala are some of my favourite hill stations in Maharashtra that I keep visiting with my family and enjoy our time relaxing, eating and enjoying the lush green hills.
Uttar Pradesh is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in India. Several cities in the state are must-see destinations for tourists from all over the world. But my favourite cities are Varanasi and Lucknow. Famously called the city of Lord Shiva, my visit to Kashi has always been a divine and marvellous experience. The Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat is not to be missed, and a visit to the world-renowned Kashi Vishwanath temple is a must. Let me tell you that I am a big foodie, and this place offers a multitude of cuisines and street food: Litti Chokha, Choora Matar, Tamatar Chaat, Kachori, and Samosa with kulhad wali chai. Lucknow is the heart of cuisine, dance, art, and culture. I have always loved visiting the Bara Imambara in Lucknow. It has a beautiful mosque and the Bhul Bhulaiya, a magical form of architecture. The intricate Chikan art done by the local artists in the place is something I cannot stop shopping for my family. Uttar Pradesh offers many historical sites like the Taj Mahal, Rumi Darwaza, Panch Mahal and Chunar Fort for lovers of history and architecture. But what I love most about the place is its magical food. If you are ever in Uttar Pradesh in winter, do not miss the Makhan Malai.
Madhya Pradesh, the heart of India, is the home to several historic places that make it a must-visit place for tourists across the globe. The state is known for its cleanliness, and its warm hospitality makes it a rather homely experience for tourists. Some of the impeccable historical spots include the Hindu and Jain temples at Khajuraho which are famous for their carvings and sculptures. One must also visit the eastern Bandhavgarh and Kanha national parks. Honestly, I believe that Incredible Madhya Pradesh continues to retain the essence of medieval majesty.
Dilwalon Ki Dilli holds a special place in my heart, so every time someone mentions Delhi to me, I get very nostalgic. And it always takes me on a flashback to all the incredible monuments such as Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Humanyun's Tomb, etc. The city has an endless list of the top UNESCO World Heritage sites and several parks to detox from the hustle-bustle of urban life. My personal favourites are Nehru Park, Khan-i-Khanan Tomb, and Lodhi garden. Apart from being a traveller, I am a big foodie, and whenever I am in Delhi, I make sure to eat everything I crave. Chicken Haleem Biryani with caramelised onions and green chillies is something I never miss in Delhi.
Gujarat is a culturally rich state known for its exquisite charm and uniqueness. I love the place for many reasons. It is bestowed with numerous religious sites, which play a key role in state tourism. From the mesmerising Great Rann of Kutch to the Hills of Saputara, Gujarat offers tourists some of the most picturesque beauty. Also, one must visit numerous iconic spots before leaving the city. These include the world's tallest statue of unity, Sabarmati Ashram, Akshardham Temple, Kankaria Lake, Bhadra Fort, the Patang Kite Museum, the second kite museum in the entire world, etc.
Bihar's connection to Buddhism and Jainism makes it a must-see destination for tourists and peace seekers. This unique combination of religion, spirituality, history and literature distinguishes the state. While every city in Bihar has something to offer, the following are some of the most popular: Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Patna, Vaishali, Pawapuri, and Nalanda. Bihar is also known for its rich art and culture, such as Madhubani and Tikuli paintings. Bihar's festivals and fairs, such as Chhat Puja, Rajgir Mahotsav, and Sonepur Mela, are visually appealing. Bihar's culturally and historically rich state has something for everyone, and I am proud to be a Bihari.
Chandigarh is a beautiful place. No matter where you are from, the people, the food, and the atmosphere make you feel at home. Punjab is a place I have visited numerous times and I feel excited to be there. The state has several impressive forts and palaces, ancient monuments, and architectural marvels. A visit to the Rock Garden, Rose Garden, Sukhna Lake, and local markets is a must for all tourists. Chandigarh is famous for its food. One must try the evergreen Makke di Roti and Sarso ka Saag. Also, Amritsari Kulcha, Chole Bhature, Tandoori Chicken, and Punjab's Famous Lassi, without which every meal is incomplete.
Pink City has some of the most beautiful heritage properties, picturesque architecture, and old streets in the world. A combination of beauty and culture will soothe your eyes wherever you look. I grew up in Jaipur and am awestruck seeing the city's rich culture and heritage. When in Jaipur, visitors should not miss seeing the Hawa Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Jantar Mantar, City Palace, Jaigarh Fort, Ram Niwas Garden, and Jal Mahal. Also, Rajasthani cuisine is my favourite. I recommend trying the authentic Rajasthani thali, including Daal Baati Churma and Makahnia Lassi.
The connection I feel with the state of Chattisgarh is special. I often visit my relatives and have explored the city quite a bit. I love how the place has evolved as a smart city but still preserved its art and craft beautifully. Tourist places like Barnawapara wildlife sanctuary, Chitrakot waterfall, Shri Rajiv Lochan Mandir, Ibrahim Rauza tomb, and Makdu Dweep, a small island in the Bilaspur district, are some of the state highlights. The state also hosts grand festivals like Sirpur Mahotsav, Chakradhar Samaroh, Bastar Lokotsav, and Rajim Kumbh. I love shopping in Bastar city for handicrafts and traditional fabrics.
I don’t like repeating places. I like exploring different places, cultures, meeting people and knowing their traditions all over the globe. If you would ask me a single place then it’s definitely my birth place Jammu & Kashmir. I go out of Mumbai every 3 to 4 months, mostly I go to Jammu & Kashmir. I haven’t explored much yet. I would love to explore Kerala more. I went there 2 years ago for a shoot. It was a short trip but a good one. It was all green. I would love to explore all the countries, all places.
The mountains have my heart. I feel so at peace whenever I visit the mountains. So, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kashmir and Ladakh always tops my list of holiday destinations in India. Shimla, Kufri or for that matter even Ladakh, are places I can never get tired of visiting. In fact, I even shot my original single’s music video in Kufri in the snow. My work takes me to a lot of places. Holiday destinations too. But if I am busy shooting for a daily soap, which mostly is shot in Mumbai, I try to take stays at least once in 3 months around Mumbai. Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar are hill stations where a 2 nights staycation is conveniently possible and doesn’t really require a lot of planning. Switzerland is the ultimate dream of a mountain lover. I want to visit Switzerland at least once. In fact, I want to keep visiting Switzerland. I also want to see Kerala. The tea gardens and all!
My favourite tourist place is Rameshwaram. It's the most serene and peaceful place I have ever visited in my life. In fact, I may settle in my retirement years in Rameshwaram only because of the inner peace it gives and the serenity of the place. I am travelling almost 4 days a week and it’s part of the various work hats I wear that take me around so much and include both within and outside India. One of my dream places to visit is to go backpacking in Peru, Chile, Colombia, Venezuela. All these countries are together in the South American continent and can be explored together.
While working for Cricbuzz on their cricket show ‘SpicyPitch’ I got an opportunity to travel to various cities of India as we were interviewing Indian cricketers in their respective hometowns. I really loved travelling the southern part of India such as Bangalore and Chennai as it was a very different cultural landscape experience. So besides loving the southern part, I have always loved travelling to the mountains and Rishikesh which make you get connected to your Indian roots and rejuvenate you from inside out. For a couple of years I have not been able to travel a lot out of Mumbai for pleasure but a dream destination for me within India is to explore more of the mountains especially Kedarnath and Ladakh.
As jaded as it sounds, it has to be Goa… I like the balance Goa gives, if you want to go out and party be in the north side of goa but if you want the calm and quiet, south goa offers just that! Clean beaches and amazing food, it’s a perfect quick getaway from Mumbai. Although I am really hoping to visit the North- East side of India and I really want to visit Kashmir once, it’s still pending on my to-do list.
India is a beautiful country. I have travelled to most of the places in India. Travelling to me is a chance to escape from the monotonous circle of citylife. It's very difficult to decide which is the most beautiful place. Up north is like a set of thali that has every desirable element to satisfy your taste buds. From the poetic beauty of Kashmir to the royal grandeur of Rajasthan, from the purest symbol of love, Taj Mahal to the holiest of all rivers, the Ganges. Exceptionally blessed with a diverse landscape, it has a rich cultural heritage that leaves you overwhelmed. I have been to Leh, Jammu, Delhi, some parts of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Down south. It reminds you of places you wished to see in your dreams. beaches, vast stretches of ocean, high hills of the Western Ghats nothing has disappointed me on my journey to the south; Mysore, Bangalore, Ooty, Munar, Coorg have scenic views. The West is full of a vast range of cuisines, faiths, arts, wildlife, landscapes and ancient monuments awaits you, along with stunning scenery. But my favourite destination is my lonely planet Goa. The sun, sea, sand, and food Goa is India's pocket sized paradise. Still to explore east which I will start this year.
There are multiple places which I love to visit. And my favourite destination depends on season to season. But Kashmir is the only place where every season has its own charm. From the lush green flowery landscapes to the chilly snow fall, I love to explore new places so I travel more often. Goa is my easy vacation zone and second home you can say! I can’t say much about Dream destination but I haven’t explored the North as yet so I want to travel soon.
Well, for me my favourite tourist spot almost the second home will be the International, Dubai and nationally it has to be Goa. I have very fond memories and I make a point to go to Goa at least once a year, if not twice, and to Dubai as well. There was a point when I used to visit Dubai twice a year but then a lockdown happened and since then I have not been able to travel a lot in the country. Well in 2023, one of the resolutions is going back to Dubai for some time and Goa is like the next door for any of the Mumbaiites. So even if I get a holiday for 4 to 5 days, I will go to Goa and chill out for some time. I don't get much time to be honest to move around because either I'm busy with my shoots or I'm busy with my dubbing projects. So, either case I don't get much time in fact I don't remember the last time I had been out on a more than a 7 days holiday out of Mumbai. I have been out for only 3 to 4 days but nothing beyond 4 days. So, let's see if things go according to the plan this year, might think of going to Kashmir, Dubai, Goa or some other places.
Well, I have lived in a place which is a tourist place, my hometown, Nainital. So, I lived there myself, so normally as a tourist, I don't go there. I travel mostly abroad when I have to go for a vacation. But within India when I want a break, when I want to rejuvenate myself, I go to Ujjain and Baba Mahakal and that is my place for rejuvenation, for relaxing, for bursting my stress. It helps me when I go on my spiritual trip. I would say that's my favourite destination. My dream destination to explore, I have travelled more than half the world, but maybe I would like to go to Mykonos. I have heard so much about that place.
Srinagar is my favourite tourist place in India because it’s such a beautiful place and it’s the base location to explore the higher regions of the Himalayas, Lakes and the Venice of the East. The best part that I like is the Himalayan backdrop, glittering lakes that are surrounded by houseboats and Shikaras and the pleasures of hiking, mountain biking, and rafting. I love Srinagar so I would like to go there again and again. Taking out time for holidays is a very difficult task in these busy days but we can do it for ourselves. Andaman Nicobar Islands is my dream destination in India. There are over 300 islands and I would love to visit.
My favourite tourist destinations are Kashmir and Goa. Both are unique and beautiful and I love visiting them. Kashmir is just beautiful, it is like a dreamland, a magical place with snow covered mountains, mesmerizing lakes, pine tree laden slopes and the warmth of kashmiri people. Everytime I go to kashmir I am enchanted by that place. And Goa is just Goa, there is something about the whole environment and breeze of Goa. You just feel relaxed and laid back, you forget about the daily hustle and you want to enjoy the susegad spirit of goa, you want to embrace the lifestyle of goan people and dance to the rhythm of goan music, sit on the beach and look at the wonderful sea. Goa is Just so serene yet so lively.