29 Years 29 States 29 Wonders

India. Ancient, exotic, exciting and endlessly wondrous. It’s a place bejewelled with wonders and we’ve picked 29, one from each state, ranging from precious monuments to scenic splendours that are among the most beautiful on Earth. It’s also our way of celebrating the 29th year of Discover India.

- Priya Bala

SRINAGAR–LEH DRIVE Jammu & Kashmir 

From the green meadows and gurgling streams of Sonamarg to the lunar landscape of Leh, this is the road trip of a lifetime. As you leave Srinagar and drive on to Sonamarg, you run the risk of taking your eyes off the road and falling under the spell of the surrounding beauty. Then, it’s a dramatically altering vista as you head for Zoji La, poised at a height of 11,640 ft, and on to Drass and Kargil, a name etched in our collective memory since the 1999 war. Travel through the windy Namika La, presenting more scenic views, and arrive in Lamayaru, home to one of Ladakh’s oldest gompas. The road to Leh is known for the Hangroo Loops, 18 sharp curves that will test your driving skills and lead you to lovely Leh.

VALLEY OF FLOWERS Uttarakhand 

The evocative name of the place says it all, right? This green sprawl of 90 sq km in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district lies in the shadow of the impressive Zanskar ranges. During the winter, it’s a frozen expanse. As the warm hand of summer sweeps across it, it comes alive in many shades of green and bursts forth with blossoms of a myriad hues. This piece of paradise lay undiscovered until 1931, when mountaineer Frank Smythe came upon it. Even now, it’s a fairly challenging trek to Uttarakhand’s most spectacular attraction. Therefore, the Valley of Flowers remains unspoiled, and rewards those who make the journey with a spectacle they are unlikely to ever forget.

THE GREAT HIMALAYAN NATIONAL PARK  Himachal Pradesh