Top 10 Attractions of Jaisalmer: Places Worth Visiting in the Golden City

After August, September is considered a special month for travel enthusiasts. After the rainy season, the mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and greenery take on completely new shades. Although many tourists often head to Manali, Shimla, Mussoorie, and Nainital during holidays or weekends, there are many attractions in North India that often go unnoticed.

If you are planning a trip with friends or family in September, you can visit these unique places in North India where a completely different landscape awaits you. North India boasts incredible beauty, and the way of life in each city here has its own peculiarities, promising many diverse experiences during the journey.

North Indian Attractions Worth Visiting

Darshala, Himachal Pradesh

In Himachal Pradesh, people often limit their visits to Manali, Shimla, and Kasol, ignoring many hidden gems. Darshala, located in the Kangra Valley, looks particularly picturesque during the monsoon season. The views of the Dhauladhar mountains, lush greenery, and waterfalls are mesmerizing. Here you can visit places such as McLeod Ganj, Bhagsunag Waterfall, the Dalai Lama Temple, and the Norbulingka Institute.

Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh

In Uttar Pradesh, some prefer to stay only in Bengal, whereas Ayodhya is an ideal place for a religious family trip. The main temples here are Ram Janmabhoomi, Hanuman Garhi, and Kanak Bhavan. During the rains, the banks of the Sarayu River look even more beautiful, and the evening Aarti on the Sarayu offers a special sense of peace, unlike the crowds found in Kashi.

Ladakh

In September, the weather and roads in Ladakh are usually favorable for travel. The main highlights of this region are the high mountains, pristine lakes, and Buddhist monasteries. Here you can explore stunning places such as Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, Vali Nubra, Hemis, and Thiksey. A road or bicycle trip through the roads of Ladakh will remain unforgettable.

Kashmir

During this time of year, the valleys of Kashmir bloom with greenery and flowers. This is why cricketer Shikhar Dhawan recently visited Kashmir with his wife Sophie. In this season, a shikara ride on Dal Lake, visiting Mughal Gardens, and the beauty of Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg have a distinctly special level. This period is also the best time to visit Kashmir, as the Dal Lake freezes with the onset of cold weather, making a shikara ride impossible.

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Rishikesh, situated on the banks of the Ganges, is known as a center of spirituality and adventure. It is an excellent place for a short getaway from Delhi and Noida. Here you can attend the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat, visit Beatles Ashram, and nearby temples. However, it should be noted that during the monsoons, the river current can be strong, so water activities should be undertaken while assessing the weather and local administration conditions.

Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Jodhpur is known as the Blue City. After the rain, the color of the blue houses and forts becomes even brighter. If you travel to Jodhpur, be sure to visit Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan Palace, and Sardar Market.

Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh

Travel has ceased to be just a hobby for some people, turning into a profession. Because of this, many non-obvious places in Himachal Pradesh have become popular on social media. One such place is Bir Billing, where you can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere and engage in active recreation. This place is world-renowned for paragliding, and you can also visit tea plantations, Buddhist monasteries, and go trekking in the mountains.

Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh

Pachmarhi, known as the 'Queen of Satpura', fills with greenery during the rainy season. Waterfalls and forests enhance its beauty. Among the main places to visit here are Bee Falls, Pandav Caves, and Satpura National Park. If you want to see something beyond Himachal and Uttarakhand, Pachmarhi will be a good choice.

Digha, West Bengal

If you prefer beach relaxation over mountains, Digha in West Bengal is perfect. It is pleasant to walk on the beach, drink coconut water, and try local seafood cuisine. You can also visit the Marine Aquarium and Amrabati Park.

The film 'Hanuman Ansh' is currently enjoying great popularity in cinemas, gaining immense love from viewers due to its story and continuous box office records. Most of the filming for this movie took place in the state of Uttar Pradesh, with approximately 80 percent shot specifically in Chitrakoot. This region, located in Bundelkhand, holds significant cultural, historical, religious, and archaeological importance. The film depicts the spirituality, natural environment, and local flavor of Tobobhumi.

The film's director, Dr. Vishal Chaturvedi, later learned that Nim Karoli Baba also stayed in the room near the banks of the Mandakini in Panjabi Baba Ashram. The history of Chitrakoot is very old: it was here that Lord Ram spent most of his exile, and Bharat also visited him.

If watching 'Hanuman Ansh' has inspired you to personally see Chitrakoot, this trip can be unforgettable. The region attracts visitors with its religious significance, ancient temples, caves, riverbanks, and beautiful nature.

Main Places to Visit

A trip to Chitrakoot is considered incomplete without visiting Ramghat. This spot near the Mandakini River is extremely important both religiously and naturally. According to tradition, Lord Ram, Mata Sita, and Lakshman spent time here. Morning and evening on this bank look incredibly beautiful, and the atmosphere during Aarti becomes filled with reverence. Ramghat is worth visiting if you seek peace.

Visitors coming to Chitrakoot must take a circumambulation of Kamadagiri Hill. This trek, which takes about 5 kilometers, offers the opportunity to see numerous small and large temples. According to religious beliefs, Kamadagiri Hill is considered an embodiment of Lord Rama. The place is characterized by surrounding greenery and a tranquil environment, attracting attention both religiously and naturally.

You cannot miss Hanuman Dhara if you travel to Chitrakoot. This well-known spot, located on a hill, requires climbing stairs. A stream constantly flows from the hill onto the statue of Lord Hanuman here. It is believed that after burning Lanka, Lord Hanuman rested in this very place. A wonderful view of Chitrakoot is also visible from here.

For lovers of natural and mysterious places, it is recommended to visit Gupt Godavari. Inside the hill, there are two caves from which water flows. According to legend, Lord Ram and Lakshman held an audience there. The atmosphere inside the caves and the natural shape of the rocks distinguish this place from others.

Sati Anusuya Mandir, located on the banks of the Mandakini River, is also a special location in Chitrakoot. This place is situated amidst dense forest and a quiet environment. According to religious beliefs, Mata Anusuya meditated here. The natural surroundings of the temple complex are very peaceful and bring relaxation. It is a good place for family vacation, but suitable also for those seeking solitude.

Bharat Milan Temple can also be seen during the circumambulation of Kamadagiri Hill. It is believed that Bharat came to Chitrakoot to meet Lord Ram during his exile. Visiting this place allows for a deeper understanding of the mythological history and religious traditions of Chitrakoot.

If you enjoy sitting by the river in the evening, head to the Mandakini River. The river plays a key role in the beauty of Chitrakoot. Spending time by its banks and feeling the tranquility around is a unique experience. The view here is captivating both in the morning and in the evening. It is an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy the moment.

The best time to visit Chitrakoot is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and it is easy to explore both religious and natural monuments. Although during the monsoon season, the greenery of Chitrakoot and waterfalls also look very beautiful.