As the world celebrates World Tourism Day on Tuesday, September 27, here we are giving a list of some places that you must visit in India:

1.  Kerala Backwaters: Kerala Backwaters is a maze of water bodies stretching over 900 kilometers. In the midst of the coconut palm-fringed backwaters are number of tourist destinations, towns and village that serve as the starting and concluding point of the Kerala Backwater tours, cruises and even houses Kerala backwater resorts. The important Kerala backwater destinations are Alappuza, Kollam, Kasargod, Kozikode(Calicut), Kumarakom, Kuttanad and Thiruvananthpuram. Surrounded by Kallada river, Asthamudi Lake, Sasthamkoda Lake, Munroe Island in Kollam is one of the most popular backwater destinations in Kerala.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Houseboats – locally known as kettuvallams – are integral part of the vast expanse of waterways and form the backbone of Kerala backwater tourism.
2. Goa known as “Pearl of the Orient” and a “Tourist Paradise” is one of the favorite destinations in India. Besides the natural beauty, the fabulous beaches and sunshine, “temples, churches and old houses” have made Goa a firm favourite with travellers around the world. Goan cuisine is a blend of different influences the Goans had to endure during the centuries. The staple food in Goa is fish and rice, both among the Hindus and the Catholics. Unlike the Christian food the Hindu Goan food is not strongly influenced by the Portuguese cuisine. You can go scuba-diving to spot shipwrecks at the Mormugao Harbour, enjoy cruise at Mandovi river or water sports at Calangute Baga beach.
3. The Golden Sand Dunes of Rajasthan: The Sand dunes offers a thrilling experience to all visitors who visit this desert tract for the first time, 42 km from Jaisalmer. The sand dunes that are created due to the windblown sand marks are one of the factual delights of Mother Nature. The Golden sand dunes that create a mirage are simply an enchantment to watch.  Sunsets in the sand dunes are divine and marks the time to get lost in the various cultural programmes organized for the tourists, which provide you with an opportunity to glimpse into the rich culture of the land. A great way to take pleasure in the sand dunes is by taking a camel safari trip. 
4. Munnar, Periyar and Thekkady: It is worthwhile to also explore the deep and dark jungles of the Periyar National Park at Thekkady and the tea gardens of Munnar. The national park is famous for its dense evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savanna grass lands. It is home to herds of elephants, sambar, tigers, gaur, lion-tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs.
5. Dasara of Kolkata: Durga Puja is the one of the most famous festival celebrated in West Bengal and particularly in Kolkata, in honor of Goddess Durga during the period of Navaratri. The preparations of the festival are as fascinating as the festival itself. A week prior to the festival, the city gears up and can be seen wearing a look of eagerness and excitement as it prepares itself to welcome the Goddess home. Over crowded streets, huge pandals, minarets, domes, mountain cliffs, and magnificent lighting depicting current scenario or current affairs make the 4 days of Durga Pujo in Kolkata an unforgettable event.
6. Leh Ladakh: The land of Monks and Monasteries, Leh one of the coldest deserts in the world is located at a distance of 434 Kms from Srinagar and 474 Kms from Manali (Himachal Pradesh). Suru and Zanskar valley is one of the most remotest and least visited areas in leh Ladakh region. Suru and Zanskar is a part of Kargil and Pensi la pass almost midway between Padum and Rangdum separates Zanskar from the Suru valley.
7. Amritsar Golden temple: Golden temple should be on the must-visit list of all. The holiest of the shrines of Sikhs, Golden temple with its gold-covered façade, its lake and its general sense of cleanliness and orderliness is an inspiration in itself. Steeped in Sikh history and lore, place is a telling document of devotion, bhakti, and the legacy of a proud and hardworking people.
8. Rann of Kutch and Gir Forest: The seasonal salt marsh located in the Thar desert in Gujarat (and some in Pakistan’s Sindh) are a natural phenomenon that nobody should miss. one of the largest salt deserts in the world. Said to be one of the largest salt deserts in the world, beholding the endless stretch of white salt pans has to be seen to be believes. An added attraction is the unique Kutchi culture and their way of life. When in Gujarat, also visit the Gir forest to witness lions, the only place in India where you can see them in the wild.
9. Rishikesh is a blend of tranquility and adventure. Its location at the confluence of River Ganges and River Chandrabhaga and views of spectacular hills and various adventurous activities such as trekking, rafting and camping captivate nature lovers; the tranquility of the place with the importance attached to it as a pilgrim center touches the soul of pilgrims. Rishikesh is called as the Yoga Capital of the world. Triveni Ghat, Laxman Jhula, Swarg Ashram, Ram Jhula, Bharat Mandir, Kriya Yoga Ashram, Paddle India, Jumpin Heights, Gita Bhavan, The Beatles Ashram, Neelkantha Mahadev Temple, Shivpuri, Parmarth Niketan.

10. Holi at Vrindavan: If you haven’t explored Holi in Vrindavan, you will never know the true spirit of the festival of colours. The colours, the playfulness in the air, the lathmar Holi, the drums, the bhang, the gatherings, the music… all of it adds up to make the experience truly hedonistic.