Today we will take you on a trip of destinations in India that resemble foreign locations – a very different trip than the ones we usually take you on. But we hope you will enjoy them thoroughly.
Have you seen the picture of those beautiful foreign places that look completely out of this world and craved to be there? Well, I have some good news for you. After exploring many parts of India as well as many countries abroad, not only have I come to comprehend the diversity of India. But also realised how similar some of the locations in India are to these glorified foreign locations. Which cost a fortune to visit. So, before you think to head there, and plan to burn a hole in your pocket. Why not explore the similar terrain or monument back home, close to you and much more economical !!
The landscapes of the mighty Himalayas have so many terrains and landscapes that will remind you of the meadows of Switzerland, the fields of Tuscany, and several national parks & lakes of Iceland, Lapland, Alaska, US and Canada! This is something I have realised through my several trips venturing in the Himalayas, including the recent 9 days trip to Kashmir, and previous trips to Shimla, Manali, Palampur and other places in the Himalayas. Also, the North Eastern states have terrains that will remind you of neighbouring lands in Nepal, Bhutan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand etc. Be it the long coastline of the South, the desserts of Rajasthan & Gujarat, or the tropical rainforests of Sundarbans, India has got a slice of the world within itself! So, without further delay, let’s go through the list of destinations in India that resemble foreign locations so closely.
Table of Contents
Grand Canyon of India – Gandikota
You can very easily guess from the name itself why Gandikota is listed among the destinations in India that resemble foreign locations. 🙂 . A place that has the Penne River Gorge , a natural gorge running deep and steep, formed over the years. The color as well as terrain of these gorges will surely remind you of the Grand Canyon in USA.
Read : Our weekend trip from Bangalore to Gandikota & Belum Caves
Khajjiar & Doodhpathri – Meadows of Switzerland
The green meadows of Himalayas definitely draw parallel to the beautiful meadows of Switzerland. Although, everyone knows so about Khajjiar, which I am yet to visit. But when I visited Doodhpathri on our week long trip to Kashmir, I could definitely draw the parallel. Having spent 4 beautiful days in Switzerland years back. And thats where these find a mention in our list of destinations in India that resemble foreign locations.
Sundarbans – A mini version of the Amazon rainforests
Although, the Amazon rainforests are the largest in the world, spanning several countries across South America. But, we do have a mini version of the same back home at Sundarbans. The thick rainforests that boast of several varieties of flora and fauna including the deadly and beautiful Bengal Tigers. A boating trip navigating in the backwaters through the thick forest of Sundarbans is a surreal experience. You always get this feeling that there are eyes watching you from inside the forest while you take a ride looking for them!! Definitely one of the top destinations in India that resemble foreign locations.
Andaman Islands – Phi Phi Island & Phuket of Thailand
If you are dreaming of azure blue waters, pristine fine and white sand beaches and beautiful green tropical islands – well – look no further beyond the Andaman Islands of India. Located in the Bay of Bengal, in close proximity to the southern islands and beaches of Thailand. No wonder the landscape, islands and beaches of Andaman look almost the same as the over – touristy ones in Thailand !! But the ones in Andaman are just crowd deprived. What’s more. They offer the same water sports and adventure activities as the Thai counterparts. And that is precisely why they find a top slot in our list of destinations in India that resemble foreign locations.
Radhanagar beach and Vijayanagar beach are some of the most exotic beaches in Andamans. While Ross and North Bay Islands are some of the islands that you can hop through on this trip.
Read : Our complete guide to visit Andaman Islands
Lakshadweep – The Maldives
If you have been yearning to go to Maldives – then now you just need to book a ticket to Lakshadweep Islands in India. Slowly gaining popularity over the past few years, the Agatti Island and few other Islands in Lakshadweep where tourism has started blooming, are very similar to the Maldives in offerings. Lined with pristine white sand beaches pitted against beautiful blue waters. Also, they offer several activities and water sports , just like the Maldives. Whats more? The Government has granted permissions to build water villas in Lakshadweep – something that Maldives are world famous for. And one of the top reasons people are attracted to Maldives.
Gulmarg – Engleberg and Mount Titlis
Gulmarg is the winter wonderland of India. Very similar in its landsacapes to the Engleberg and Mount Titlis in Switzerland. The cable car ride in Gulmarg that takes you to the top of the mountains is an equivalent to the cable car in Mount Titlis. Only in Gulmarg, it is much more colder, much more snow and much more fun given it is at a much higher altitude. But isn’t it great to enjoy the same activities and the same level of fun in Gulmarg as you would in Switzerland – which will definitely cost you 5-7 times !!
Coorg and Scotland
It is a popular comparison when it comes to Coorg – the beautiful hill station of South India and Scotland. And after visiting Coorg, anyone will agree. The waterfalls, mountain peaks, plateaus and valleys around Coorg closely resemble Scotland. However, I will tell you one more place that reminded me of Scotland. It was my one night stay at Destiny Farmstay in Ooty. The crisp air, the lush green meadows and hills around and the lake – everything draws a parallel to the landscapes of Scotland.
Chitrakoot Falls and Niagara Falls
If you have ever wanted to visit the mighty Niagara Falls, all you need to do is visit the Chitrakoot Falls in Chattisgarh.
Thar Desert and Sahara Desert
Golden sand deserts are the sream destinations for romantics and adventure lovers alike. Are you fascinated by the deserts of Sahara and fancy a camel ride there? Don’t worry because you can get the exact same experience in Thar Desert in Rajasthan. In fact, on our own trip to Jaisalmer, not only did we enjoy several activities in the Thar Desert but also stayed overnight in a desert camp. Definitely, it was an experience of a lifetime.
Rann of Kutch and the White Salt Desert in USA
If you thought that the white salt desert of USA is a unique one in the world, think again. Because we have got another one, right here in India. Our own Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. Which has a swamp as well as a white sand desert. That looks nothing less than magical, particularly on full moon nights. And even more so in the months of October to February. When the Rann Festival is held here. Something that is definitely very unique to our indigenous white salt desert!
Backwater lanes of Alleppey and the lakes of Udaipur – Venice
Personally having been to Lake Pichola on my 4 days trip to Udaipur, and lived in a houseboat in Alleppey overnight on my previous trip to Kerala. And also been to Venice and hopped through the canals of Venice. I can totally make out the similarities between these places. As you cruise through the expansive lakes and sometimes narrow canals in Udaipur or Kerala, you can totally feel the same magical experience that you get in Venice. Even the romantic candlelight dinners that are organised along the canal banks in Venice are so similar to the dinner options available in restaurants along the bank of Lake Pichola in Udaipur.
Read : how best to spend 4 days in UdaipurÂ
Gurudogmar Lake in Sikkim and Myvatn lake in Iceland
The landscapes of North Sikkim are so similar to those of Iceland. Black mountains, with snow capped peaks form the backdrop of dramatic blue water lake. Am I talking about Gurudogmar Lake? Or is it Myvatn Lake? Actually, both. Both these lakes are so similar, that in pictures you can easily confuse one for the other. Don’t believe me? Look at the snaps below.
Emerald Lake Ooty and Lakes around Interlaken
Years after I visited the emerald blue lakes of Interlaken on my trip to Switzerland did I get a chance to visit Emerald Lake Ooty. Actually on my 4th trip to Ooty when I stayed at Destiny Farmstay. And I can only vouch for how similar the landscape around the lakes and the beautiful clear water of the two lakes are!! You have got to see for yourself.
The Spanish Vibes of Kasol
Kasol is a small village near Naggar and Kullu in Himachal Pradesh, India. It has a good number of Spanish population, particularly the modern day nomads! And a lot of cute cafes that are so similar to those you get in Spain. Also, the landscapes are so similar that the similarities can simply not go unnoticed.
French Colonies of Pondicherry – the French Vibe
If you are yearning to roam through the streets of France, you don’t need to go very far. Because, in Pondicherry, in India lies the White Town – a French Colony. Pondicherry was a French Colony for a long time, even after the rest of India got independence. And the marks of the French culture can still be seen in it’s streets, in the architecture of the houses here, the vibes of the streets. Particularly the cute cafes that serve mouth watering French cuisines. And you thought you have to travel to France to get the vibes of France!!
Fontainhas in Goa – a walk through the streets of Portugal
On my last workcation from Goa, we explored Fontainhas. it is the Portuguese Quarters of India. The Portuguese ruled over Goa for a long time . And even after Goa got it’s independence, a lot of Portuguese families stayed back and lived happily forever in Goa. You get a glimpse of the same in Fontainhas. Which is also declared a protected area. Which means all the houses here are well preserved in their originality. So, if you wanted to get a glimpse of how walking through the streets of Portugal looks like, you need to head no further than Fontainhas in Goa.
The Rice fields of North India that will remind you of Ubud
East Asia is rich in rice and paddy. But the rice fields of Ubud are specifically famous. With homestays and resorts right in the middle, surrounded by green paddy fields. Where people head in large numbers for a relaxing holiday by the countryside. But did you know, that the rice fields of North and North East India are so similar in their vibes to those of Ubud and Bali! Look at the picture below from the two locations to see the striking similarities.
Spiti Valley, Laddakh and North Sikkim Terrains – Iceland
Iceland is world famous for it’s landscape which is totally out of this world. People who visit Iceland say they felt they were somewhere not at all on this earth. But did you know, that back home in India, the places in higher reaches of Himalayas. Like Ladakh, Spiti Valley and North Sikkim are so similar in their terrains to the landscapes of Iceland!! Imagine visiting Iceland, on a fraction of what it would cost you to actually visit Iceland. That is what happens when you explore these regions in India.
Tulip Gardens of Kashmir and the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens
Years back I visited the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens while visiting Amsterdam on my 2 weeks trip to Europe. And then years later I visited the Tulip Gardens of Kashmir on my week long trip to Kashmir. And man – how similar the tulip gardens are at the two places. Visiting the one in Srinagar, memories of the one in Keukenhof came back flooding my heart!
Kashmir in winters – get transported in your own Lapland
Dreaming of Lapland? Visit Kashmir in the winters. Particularly Gulmarg. It is the Lapland of India. The pictures below are worth a thousand words telling what I am trying to tell you.
Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand and the Antelope Valley in USA
Walls of kumbhalgarh – the great walls of India
Read: Interesting facts about Kumbhalgarh Fort
Munnar Tea Gardens and the tea plantations of Malaysia
Read: 6 must see places in Munnar, Kerala
Black Sand beaches of Maharashtra vs Reynisfjara Iceland
Lake Palace Udaipur and Lazienki palace Poland
Located on the bank of a lake, a major tourist attraction. You get stunning views of the palace while enjoying a boating on the lake. Am I talking about Lake Palace Udaipur ot Lazienki Palace of Poland. Actually, both. Because both of these are so similar in their grandeur, their location across the banks of a vast lake and their historical significance in their respective countries. So, visiting one, you can consider to have visited both.
India Gate and Arc De Triomphe France
Bangalore Castle and Windsor Castle
Cherry Blossom of Shillong, Meghalaya and Cherry Blossom of Japan
Monasteries of North and East India – Monasteries of Thailand
It was on our 2 weeks trip to Thailand that we explored several monasteries. Particularly on our trip to Bangkok and then while visiting Chiang Mai. Specially on this walking tour of Chiang Mai City and while visiting Doi Stupa and Doi Ithanon. And thats when I could draw a clear parallel to the monasteries which I have visited in India. On my trip to Palampur, and in Coorg.
Beaches of Goa and Beaches of Caribbean
Related Read :
Ruins of Kuldhara – Ruins of Ayuthaya
Having visited the haunted town of Kuldhara (yes, you read it right!) and the ruins of the ancient empire of Ayithaya in Thailand, I can clearly draw the similarities. Although belonging to completely different era, the two places are so similar. That is why I put them on my list of destinations in India that resemble foreign locations.
Lidder River in Pahalgam – Bern, Switzerland
The valleys of Pahalgam did remind me of Switzerland. But, when I particularly reached Betab valley and was wandering the banks of Lidder river, that is when I caught the striking similarity to Bern – the capital of Switzerland.
Rajabai Tower and Big Ben
Dawki River and Mekong River Laos
Sailing on the Dawki river in Meghalaya was one of the highlights of our trip to Meghalaya. But did you know that the experience is so similar to sailing on the Mekong River in Laos.
Western Ghats and Tuscany
Having visited extensively through the western ghats. On my trip to Coorg, Chikamagalur, 3 days that I spent in Kodaikanal, several trips to Ooty and drives to Goa, I have fallen in love with the surreal beauty of these ghats. And I feel like I can never get enough of them. But one thing that strikes me is the similarity of these ghats to the landscapes of Tuscany that I witnessed while visiting Florence and doing day trip of Pisa from Florence. That is why I put the western ghats on my list of destinations in India that resemble foreign locations.
Nainital and Lake District
Jaisalmer – the vibes of Egypt, Paris and Persia
Jaisalmer is called the golden city of India for some reason. With the golden sand all around and golden sandstone forts, palaces and buildings, Jaisalmer definitely glitters. Through day and night. Just like the landscapes of Egypt and Persia. While the cute cafes and night restaurants, the cobbled streets of Jaisalmer will transport you those of Paris. How amazing!
Read : Experiencing living inside the Jaisalmer FortÂ
Jodhpur and Morocco
Look at the two pictures below. Doesn’t the second one look like a zoomed version of the first one? But the first one is the blue city of India – Jodhpur. And it’s blue buildings and houses shot from a distance. And the second one is a zoomed picture, taken up close in one of the blue streets of Morocco – with it’s beautiful blue houses. Now, did you get the similarity between the two?
Statue of Unity and Statue of Liberty
Although commemorating different themes, these two statues draw remarkable parallel in their giant size. And also the way their location, facing the sea. Thats the reason these two find a place in our list of destinations in India that resemble foreign locations. While one is far off in USA, the other one is not far from the base of most Indians – in the state of Gujarat.
Auli in Winter – the Engleberg of Switzerland
Years after admiring the snowclad landscapes on Engleberg , a famous skiing destination in Switzerland. I came to know about Auli in India – the most famous skii destination of India. But I was really mesmerised by the srtiking similarity in the landscape of the two places. Thats why they find themselves on my list of destinations in India that resemble foreign locations.
Lighthouses of Kerala and Lighthouses of Scotland
Not just similar in their settings across the rocky shore overlooking a vast sea. But the lighthouses of Kerala and Scotland are also similar in their color, size and overall look. How bizzare!!
Some other experiences in India that are very similar to those around the world –
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Sky dining in Bangalore – Sky dining in Dubai
Recently started , the sky dining experience in Bangalore is the synonym of the sky dining experience in Dubai.
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Hot Air Balloon ride in Jaipur – Hot Air Balloon ride in Cappadocia
Although world famous, did you know that you can get an experience very similar to the hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia , right back home in Jaipur, India!! So, on your next trip to Jaipur, apart from visiting the famous forts and palaces like Amer Fort, Nahargarh Fort and Jaigarh Fort or the Hawa Mahal and City Palace – you know what else to do. Right? Take a hot balloon ride in Jaipur.
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Lavasa vs Portofino
Two beautifully developed townships in lush green surroundings, with a blue water lake sparkling in the center. If you are smitten by Portofino, have a look at Lavasa before you travel far!
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Bir Billing and Mount Blank France
Visited Palampur in the dead of winters in February. And one of the most fond memories that I have is that of going to the top of Bir Billing mountain range, at the paragliding site. Having a hot tea and a cup of maggie while the weather changed it’s mood with every passing moment. And then I look at Mount Blank. And the one word that comes out of my mouth is – how similar they are!!
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Ziro Valley – Tuscany of India
I wandered through the streets of Tuscany and really liked what I found on my walking tour of Florence when in Italy for 6 days. But what truly stole my heart was the tuscany countryside that I witnessed on my day trip to Pisa from Florence. What a beauty it was. And if there is one place I can relate that beauty to – it’s got to be Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh India. A place high on my bucket list.
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Ruins of Kuldhara and Ruins of Ayuthaya
Ever wandered through a “lost city” as my kid fondly calls such places? The vibes are so different when you visit such places. I have explored two closely – the ruins of Kuldhara on my trip to the Golden City of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan years back. And then the ruins of the lost city of Ayuthaya from Bangkok where I was staying on my couple of weeks trip to Thailand. Both are so similar and yet so different. They represent different empires from different eras. But the falling down roofs, the broken boundary walls, the shutterless windows – and the maze of lanes, everything will feel so similar while visiting these two places.
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Hot Springs in Himachal – the hot springs and thermal baths of Japan and Europe
Indian is so diverse. I really enjoyed compiling this list. But at the same time, I am sure there are so many more places that must qualify for this list which I have missed. So, do let me know if you know of any. And I will definitely add them here.
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we all are living in the same world, Just places are different. love reading your blog and i read lot of travel blog but this is one of the best blog i have ever read. Cheers!
Thank you so much!! Appreciate your stopping by and leaving a lovely comment.