Two Indian destinations make it to TIME’s list of World’s Greatest Places to visit in 2023

Two destinations in India have made it to the prestigious TIME magazine’s  annual list of the ‘World’s Greatest Places’ for the year 2023 that tourists should visit.

The list of 50 best destinations in the world that travellers are recommended to visit includes Ladakh and Mayurbhanj in India.

“The travel industry is back in full swing in 2023, but not without notable shifts in how and where we wander. Steeper costs and increased interest in sustainability and authenticity are reshaping the landscape,’’ according to the US magazine.

The Time magazine states: “With its astonishing alpine landscapes and Tibetan Buddhist culture, Ladakh—in the farthest-flung part of North India—has enough wonders to warrant multiple visits.”

In 2023, India designated its first Dark Sky Reserve, in Hanle village, about 168 miles southeast of Leh, Ladakh’s capital. The village has roughly 270 clear nights a year, making it ideal for astronomical splendour, the article explains. .

It also recommends the places where travellers should stay in Ladakh which include Kyagar Hotel in Nubra Valley, Shel Ladakh and Dolkhar in Leh.

The Time magazine article highlights Mayubhanj in Odisha as a destination renowned for its green landscape, rich cultural legacy and ancient temples. Mayurbhanj is described as the only place on earth to spot the exceedingly rare black tiger. Apart from the famous Similipal National Park, there’s a lot more that you can do in this district, the article adds.

”This April, Mayurbhanj Chhau, a captivating dance festival on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list will take place on a much larger scale following a pandemic hiatus. Bespoke chhau performances that combine ancient martial arts and folk dance are scheduled at The Belgadia Palace, an elegant boutique hotel and royal residence,”  the Time article states.

”Stunning biodiversity and interminable heritage continue throughout the state. In the capital Bhubaneswar, a new guided walking tour series, Odisha Walks, explores ancient cultural sites, monolithic rock edicts, and remarkable temple architecture,” it added.