30 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30

Travel while you’re still young. Lose yourself to find your own self. Live like there’s no tomorrow. And whatever you’ll explore today will last a lifetime with you.

So, here’s a list of 30 best places to visit in India for a life changing experience BEFORE you turn 30. What are you waiting for? It’s time to pack your bags and set on a journey to scratch off a few destinations from your bucket list.

Disclaimer: This isn’t just for men!

1. Party in Goa

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Unarguably, Goa has to be the amongst the first few places to visit in India in your twenties. Young and energetic! Amazing nightlife, variety of booze, beach shacks and dirt cheap prices – Goa has everything to make a trip memorable.

Must Read: US election: Obama calls Trump's election rhetoric 'dangerous

2. Trek On The Hills Of Mcleodganj

The majestic mountains can call tourists to experience the best of what nature has to offer. Triund offers the spectacular view of the Dhauladhar ranges. Experience bliss while camping under billions of stars with your friends in Triund.

3. Dwell in the Valleys of Ever Changing Srinagar

If you’re in your twenties, it’s time to add Kashmir to your list of best places to visit in India. If there is heaven on earth, this it is! Experience its charismatic charm before the natural hits & turmoil spoils it all. And when would be a better time to explore a flood-hit, terror-stricken heaven on earth if not now?!

4. Conquer the fears of water with Scuba Diving in Andaman

Scared of water? Never swam? Maybe it’s time to beat the fear out of you and dive in to the deep sea and overcome the fear of water and depths, ZNMD Style. Trust us, you’d be delighted at the sites underwater and it will keep you coming back for more. And woah, aqua lovers, it is no less than a paradise!

5. Ride on the Leh-Ladakh Highway and camp under the stars in Ladakh

Undoubtedly, Leh – Ladakh is on every travel enthusiasts list of places to visit in India before they turn 30. Ride on the crazy winding roads, get stuck in the middle of no where, sleep with the locals and learn to be independent on the desert mountains as you undertake this adventurous journey.

Must Read: Don’t Tell Yourself You’ve Been To Ladakh If You Haven’t Done These Things

6. Explore the Ghats in Banaras

Banaras may not be on the list of places to visit in India before you turn 30, but the beautiful ghats, the aartis and prayers, a boat ride along the calm banks could change this picture forever.

7. Stay overnight at Marine Drive in the never sleeping city of Mumbai

The city that never sleeps and lets you live a carefree life. Mumbai is about its people, the spirit of enjoying the nightclubs and of course Bollywood. Live like a mumbaikar, bite into the vada pav and sip a chai on your way to the locals.

8. Explore an offbeat Wildlife Sanctuary – Binsar at Almora

Peace. Jungles. Heights. Chills. Wildlife. All you wildlife enthusiasts out there, head to Almora for an incredible trip of your lifetime.

9. Explore the Scotland of the south – Coorg

Coorg simply cannot be skipped from the list of best places to visit in India. A quick getaway for many from Bangalore, this mesmerizing hill station in Karnataka is breathtakingly beautiful. A visit here sure would heal you and energize you!

10. Kolkata to Color Yourself Red in Durga Puja

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The only time when the entire city gathers together to celebrate the much lauded and divine festival, Durga Puja, experience the culture of Bengal in it’s full form. Enjoy the festival with sweets, Bengali delicacies, themed pandal hoppings and grand aartis.

11. Explore The Caver’s Paradise – Meghalaya

If you aren’t afraid of heights, insects, darkness and tight spaces, caving would prove to be a great adventure for you! And if you are, what a better time to beat your fears in the deepest and longest caves of entire South Asia? What if you return as the next Bruce Wayne, err?

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12. Volunteer with the monks in Sikkim

Life is not all about exploring the world. Feel the mystical essence of Buddhism around you, visit Sikkim and its host of monasteries. And if you happen to like them, maybe, volunteer with the monks and master the art of giving!

13. Visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World – The Taj Mahal in Agra

Tourists across the world visit India just to witness the spectacular symbol of love. The majestic monument has to be on your bucket list for its the cultural epitome of India.

14. Enchant your spirit in Kerala

To all the nature lover’s out there. A trip to God’s own country is a must in your twenties for its enchanting wilderness. Luscious green trees, pristine water, crazy wildlife experience – visit Kerala for more such wonderful delights.

15. Camp In The Arid Thar Desert

The place that speaks of royalty and world-class heritage, Rajasthan is vast, huge and a destination to experience the luxury of India.

16. Listen to the qawwalis at Nizamuddin Dargah, Delhi

Enjoy your gateway to the city of Ghalib, Dilli. While you’re still young, explore the cultures of your magnificent country. A stop at Hazrat Nizamuddin’s Dargah for a live Qawwali session will leave you mesmerized.

17. Solo trip to Kasol

Here’s why every man should travel solo at least once in your life – Not only will you discover a new you and find a direction for yourself, but you’d return with experiences of a life time. And there’s no better place than Kasol to begin this adventure.

18. Walk On The Living Root Bridges in Cherrapunji

Cherrapunji is a great sight for those who want to experience something surreal and out of the blue. The Root bridges will leave you awestruck.

19. Face The Unknown At The Bhangarh Fort

Bhangarh fort is on every daredevil’s list of must visit places in India. Known as one of the scariest places in India, according to a folklore, it is believed that the entire town of people seemed to have vanished in a day. Get ready to be spooked on your trip here!

20. Drive Through The Forest of Bandipur

Bandipur is a best place to visit in India when it comes to forests and drives. Get spooked by snake holes around, spot elephants, deers and monkeys as you go along the winding roads. And you might happen to spot a wild cat too. A drive through the wilderness is all you need in your twenties.

21. Explore The Ruins Of Hampi

Hampi’s world heritage site is amongst the must visit places in India. Known for its old monumental and architectural beauty , Hampi place will dispose you to a world of aesthetics. PS: Don’t plan a trip to Hampi there in summers.

22. Spectate At The Dhuandhar Falls, Jabalpur

Jabalpur may not be on your list of places to see in India before you turn 30, but a trip to these stunning white waterfalls which emanate a mist of smoke will leave you spellbound.

23. Celebration for Colors in Mathura

Allow your spirit to soak in the raas-leela of Vrindavan. The place that celebrates Krishna’s living philosophy. The festival is ecstatic to say the least and celebration of colors here would the best you’d experience ever in your life.

24. Travel To The Salt Lands During The Kutch Festival

Kutch is a must visit place in India before you turn 30. Travel to the no man’s land, the seasonal salt marsh amidst the famous Thar Desert during the kite festival where the sky comes alive with vibrant and oversized kites.

25. Beat Your Fear Of Heights – Go Paragliding In Solang

Twenties is the time to explore your wild side and indulge in crazy adventures. Head to solang for paragliding and experience the bursting thrill as you fly across the panoramic views, verdant valleys and snow-capped ranges. Solang has to on your list of places to see in India.

26. Visit Golden Temple in Amritsar

Learn to respect culture and religion before you turn 30. Visit this spiritual getaway that promises the nourishment of the soul. Spend some time in the India’s largest kitchen as you help clean the utensils or prepare langar for the visitors. The experience is simply worth it.

27. Travel To The Dangerously Beautiful Red Corridor

Travel to the red corridor once in your life. And there’s no better time than your twenties. Situated by the sea, Konark Temple in Orissa tells you many interesting stories about the origin of human sexuality. And if you’ve enough time and courage, beautiful highways in Orissa leading to some exceptionally picturesque destinations are waiting to be explored.

28. A Wildlife Trip To Dibru Saikhowa National Park in Assam

Stay set to be overwhelmed by the sceneries, flora, and fauna of the Dibru Saikhowa National Park. And this wildlife expedition is not the same as any jeep safari. Instead, activities like jungle walk and boat ride are conducted during the months of November to April. Cruise along the Brahmaputra river to witness the animals in their most natural habitats.

29. White Water Rafting in Rishikesh

With bursting energy and enthusiasm, twenties is the best time to enjoy thrill and adventure, especially with your friends. Travel to the adventure capital of India, Rishikesh and ride on the mystical but fierce fast flowing waters of Ganges. Rishikesh is a must visit place in India if you haven’t yet crossed the age bar.

30. Kalka to Shimla in a Toy Train

Revist childhood by hopping on the colorful toy train from Kalka to Shimla as it makes way through the pine forests and verdant valleys. If Shimla happens to be away for you, Darjeeling, Ooty and Matheran are there for this exceptionally elating toy train experience.

So, here we end our list of 30 best places to visit in India before your turn 30 with a hope that you’re set to explore this magnificent country in the most precious years of your life.

Travel, ‘cause the time is now!

Nintendo unveils new Switch console

Nintendo has revealed that its next games machine will be a handheld, portable device that doubles up as a home console.

Previously code-named NX, now named the Nintendo Switch, the device looks like a tablet computer with controllers that attach to its sides.

The device was revealed in a short "teaser" video posted on YouTube.

One analyst said the device could be Nintendo's "last shot" at selling a home console.

"The Wii U was a car crash, basically," said Paul Jackson of the Ovum consultancy.

"They fudged the communication and confused everybody with the controller and what the screen was for.

"As a result it sold about a tenth of what the original Wii sold."

The Wii U was rapidly outsold by Sony's PS4 and Microsoft's Xbox One, although Nintendo has enjoyed success with its handheld 3DS device.

The new Switch console can be seated in a dock to play games on a television or used as a stand-alone portable device.

Games will be delivered on small cartridges - a nod to older Nintendo consoles.

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Image captionNintendo's new console is a screen with detachable controllers

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Image captionThe Switch controllers slide on to the sides of the screen

Image copyrightNINTENDO

Image captionThe Nintendo Switch screen can be docked to connect to a TV

Mr Jackson said it was no surprise the new device was a "bit of both" console and handheld.

"Two of the most successful consoles ever are Nintendo's portable devices - both the Gameboy and DS sold more than 100 million each."

Nintendo has announced that leading games studios and publishers such as Activision, Bethesda, EA Games, Sega, Ubisoft and Warner Brothers had signed up to produce software.

However, Mr Jackson said Nintendo would need a strong roster of games to launch its console.

Image copyrightNINTENDO

Image captionThe detachable controllers can be used for multi-player games

"On the software side, they need the big Mario game, the Zelda game, the Metroid game - front and centre, exclusive to Switch and available at the same time as the console.

"In the past they've got that wrong - and if you have a lousy launch, suddenly you're in the wilderness for a few years."

Nintendo has already announced that its highly-anticipated title Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will be released on the Switch.

However, it is yet to reveal the technical specifications of the device, which is due to be released in March 2017.

US election: Obama calls Trump's election rhetoric 'dangerous'

• 5 hours ago
 
• From the sectionUS Election 2016

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Media captionTrump says will accept result 'if I win'

President Barack Obama has said Republican Donald Trump's insistence that he might not accept the election result is "dangerous".

Speaking at a campaign rally in Miami for Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, the president said Mr Trump's comments undermined American democracy.

Mr Trump refused in a televised debate to say he would accept the outcome of the election on 8 November.

He later said he would accept a "clear" result but left a challenge open.

Speaking in Ohio on Thursday, Mr Trump said, with a grin: "I would like to promise and pledge to all of my voters and supporters and to all of the people of the United States, that I will totally accept the results of this great and historic presidential election - if I win."In the same speech, he said he would accept a clear election result but reserved the right to file a legal challenge in the case of a questionable one.

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Hours later, the president said that sowing the seeds of doubt in people's minds about the legitimacy of US elections provided a boost to the country's enemies.

"You're doing the work of our adversaries for them, because our democracy depends on people knowing that their vote matters," said Mr Obama.

Mr Trump has been heavily criticised by many in his own party by suggesting he might not accept the election result.

For days, he has claimed the election is rigged against him, due to media bias and voter fraud.

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During Wednesday night's debate with Mrs Clinton, when moderator Chris Wallace asked Mr Trump if he would accept losing to her, the Republican nominee said he would "keep you in suspense".

Mr Trump's campaign manager, Kellyanne Conway, later insisted that the candidate had meant he would not concede until the "results are actually known".

Republican Senator John McCain, who lost to Mr Obama eight years ago, said: "A concession isn't just an exercise in graciousness. It is an act of respect for the will of the American people, a respect that is every American leader's first responsibility."

First Lady Michelle Obama also joined the attack on Thursday, saying "you do not keep American democracy in suspense".

Hillary Clinton walked on to her campaign plane to the cheering and clapping of her aides.

She told reporters she was relieved and grateful and joked there would be "no more naps"- a reference to Trump's repeated description of her prep days off the campaign trail as naps.

Mrs Clinton's stand-in for Mr Trump during the mock debates was one of her close aides, Philippe Reines, who took the role so seriously that he wore Trump cufflinks, shoe lifts and the same red tie as Mr Trump. After the debate, Mrs Clinton and Mr Reines embraced and he called her a "badass hombre".

Clinton aides said she would continue to highlight Mr Trump's refusal to pledge he would accept the results of the election. But would it be a real crisis on election day? Not if the result was a decisive win, they seemed to quietly indicate.

If Mrs Clinton and her team felt that she had closed the deal on stage, they kept their confidence in check. But the mood on the plane was certainly relaxed.

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Image copyrightEUROPEAN PHOTOPRESS AGENCY

Image captionMr Obama also criticised

At the Ohio rally, Mr Trump also reiterated a claim he made during the debate, that Mrs Clinton and President Obama were responsible for inciting violence at a Chicago rally earlier this year.

The crowd erupted into cheers of: "Lock her up!"

During the debate, he called Mrs Clinton a "nasty woman".

Mr Trump has trailed Mrs Clinton in the polls after facing damaging fallout over a video that emerged of him making obscene remarks about groping women.

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When asked to address the allegations made against him by several women in the wake of the video, Mr Trump said the claims had been "largely debunked".

Mr Trump's comments come after a 10th woman came forward to accuse him of sexual assault on Thursday at a news conference.

Karena Virginia said Mr Trump allegedly touched her breast at the US Open in 1998 and made offensive comments about her to a group of men.

The two candidates are scheduled to appear at a charity dinner on Thursday night in New York.

Polls suggest Mrs Clinton is ahead nationally and in key battleground states.

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What happens next?

• Within hours, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump will come face-to-face again, at a white-tie gala at the annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner in New York. Both will make speeches, with tradition dictating the candidates deliver humorous remarks poking fun at themselves and each other, which could be awkward, given how ugly the campaign has become. The bitter rivals will sit one seat apart, with New York's Cardinal Timothy Dolan in the middle.
• The two candidates will spend the remaining 18 days before the election criss-crossing the US in their bid to persuade undecided voters. Expect to see lots of appearances in battleground states such as Ohio, North Carolina, Florida and Pennsylvania.
• Voters will go to the polls on Tuesday 8 November to decide who becomes the 45th President of the United States
• The new president will be inaugurated on 20 January 2017