25 Places in India That Look Like Foreign Countries: A World Tour Without Leaving India

Places in India That Look Like Foreign Countries (No Passport Required)

Morocco. Switzerland. Venice. The Maldives.

These places are at the top of numerous travel wish lists. What is surprising, however, is that a chance to see them all may be found much closer to home.

There are a number places in India that look like foreign countries, but there are also several locations in India that have everything that swiss valleys, French-inspired streets, tropical islands similar to the Maldives have to offer. One can not only enjoy unparalleled experiences on the trip in India but one can also enjoy Indian destinations that are similar to foreign countries without having to get a visa, book a costlier foreign flight, or obtain a passport. 

From a remote village in the Himalayas to a valley filled with flowers, a white desert or a crystal clear river, India can catch out even the most experienced travellers. In some these places are known in a peculiar manner. There are others who make people pause and ask themselves if this is truly India. These places in India that look like foreign countries still make travelers wonder what they are in for. 

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1. Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh

• Khajjiar is very similar to Switzerland – with lush meadows, dense deodar forests and a backdrop of mountains.
• Known as the “Mini Switzerland of India”.
• Optimum months to stay: March – June, September – November
• Appropriate features: Alpine meadows, nature trails, views of the mountains.
• For travelers searching for a mini Switzerland in India, Khajjiar is often one of the first destinations that comes to mind.   

2. Auli, Uttarakhand

• Looking to take a vacation in the Swiss Alps? There are snow covered slopes, skiing facilities at Auli and breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
• High season: December – March
• The key features are skiing, cable car rides and winter landscapes. 

3. Chitkul, Himachal Pradesh

• It is a delightful village close to the Indo-Tibet border, looking like a picturesque European mountain village and having wooden houses and a river at its outskirts.
• The most pleasant seasons to go are April to June and September to October.
• Special features: Baspa River, trekking, tranquility. 

4. Yumthang Valley, Sikkim

• Quite scenic, a fusion of Swiss mountains and Canadian flower valleys. This is the time of the year when it is springtime in Yumthang.
• Best time to visit: April-June
• Wild flowers, snow-capped peaks and hot springs are attractions. 

5. Munnar, Kerala

• Munnar is very reminiscent of the countryside of New Zealand with its tea gardens and mist-blanketed hills.
• Best time to visit: April – September
• These are the highlights: Tea estates, waterfalls, viewpoints. 

6. Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

• Ziro Valley has a rural feel to it, and its wide green fields and traditional villages are reminiscent of New Zealand.
• High season: Summer and fall
• Features: Apatani Culture, Trekking Route, Peaceful Scenery. 

7. Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh

• Mechuka’s mountain vistas and riverside location are still far from mass tourism and have a New Zealand feel to them.
• Best time to visit: October – April 
• Key Points: Houses of wood, local culture, dramatic scenery. 

8. Pondicherry/Puducherry

• Pondicherry is a mini France with French colonial buildings, bright colored streets and adorable cafes.
• Langdon prefers cooler weather – his home is in the high desert.
• The features are the seaside promenade, the French Quarter and architecture.
• It is also one of the most beautiful examples of places in India that look like Europe with its French influence and colonial charm. 
• Many travelers come to Pondicherry for the scenery but Pondicherry shows that some of the most interesting places in India that look like foreign countries are also brimming with culture, cuisine and architecture. 

Explore stays in Pondicherry/Puducherry

9. Fontainhas, Goa

• The Latin Quarter of Goa is a blend of the Portuguese style with pastel coloured houses and narrow streets.
• The best time to go: November-December or January-February. 
• Features: Portuguese culture, art galleries, cultural tour. 

Explore stays in Goa

10. Alleppey, Kerala

• Alleppey with its tranquil backwaters and houseboat rides is often referred to as the Venice of the East.
• Season: All year round—except during October to February when it is the peak tourist season.
• The picture shows a scene with houseboats and canals, with a particular focus on the village life. 

11. Jodhpur, Rajasthan

• The blue-coloured houses are likely to remind visitors of the blue colour of the houses in Chefchaouen, Morocco.
• Best time to visit: October-March 
• The best places to visit: Mehrangarh Fort, Markets, Blue lanes.
• Travel tip: See the fort at dusk to get great views of the city. 

Explore stays in Jodhpur

12. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

• This golden sandstone architecture and expansive dunes make Jaisalmer very similar to the Sahara Desert of North Africa.
• Best time to visit: October-February. 
• Visitors will be able to savour desert camps, folk shows, sand dunes. 

Explore stays in Jaisalmer

13. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

• The entire region of Spiti is strikingly Tibetan in character, featuring its ancient monasteries, barren mountains and dramatic roads.
• When to visit: May-October 
• Highlights: Chandratal Lake, monasteries and road trips.
• Spiti Valley is one of the most photographed and other-worldly regions in India. 
• Among the many foreign-like places in India, Spiti Valley remains one of the most visually striking and culturally unique. 

14. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

• Tawang is as if with the prayer flags, monasteries and snow covered mountains, it is more Tibetan than any place in India.
• Best time to visit: April-May or September to November
• The highlights are: Tawang Monastery, Buddhist Culture, the mountain passes. 

15. Lakshadweep

• Out of all the turquoise lagoon and white sand beaches that guests can enjoy on Lakshadweep, they are sometimes tempted to make comparisons with Maldives.
• When to visit: Any time of the year – best October to May.
• Specialties: Marine Life, Coral Reefs, crystal clear waters. 
• Permits will be required for visitors. 

16. Andaman Islands

• The islands of the Andamans are also bathed in the sun, and have incredible beaches, marine life and coral reefs, to be matched with the tropical islands of Thailand.
• Best season to visit: November-April.
• Highlights: Diving, snorkeling, island hopping.
• Among the many places in India that look like foreign countries, Lakshadweep and the Andaman Islands stand out as some of the best tropical international destinations in India. 

17. Coorg, Karnataka

• Coorg is fortunate to have misty hills, coffee plantations and cool weather, that has earned it its nickname: “Scotland of India”.
• No dangerous wildlife.
• Highlights: Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, scenic drives.
• Coorg is one of the most popular places in India that look like Europe, especially among travelers who enjoy countryside escapes. 

18. Nubra Valley, Ladakh

• Human visitors can easily associate Nubra Valley with Mongolia, thanks to the cold deserts and the presence of double-humped Bactrian camels.
• Best time to visit: June – September
• Key features: Sand dunes, mountain views, unique terrain. 

19. Gurez Valley, Jammu & Kashmir

• With its pristine natural beauty, rivers and mountains, Gurez Valley is quite similar to the dramatic landscape of Norway.
• Best time to see: mid-summer (June-July)
• Highlights: Traditional villages, peaceful surroundings.
• Gurez Valley is one of the most beautiful offbeat places in India, ideal for travelers looking to escape the crowds. 

20. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat

• The white salt desert is a vast area, which is compared with the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia.
• Season: November – February is the best time to visit. 
• Beautiful images: Rann Utsav, nighttime scenes and photos. 

21. Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh

• The gorge of Gandikota is popularly known as the Grand Canyon of India for its dramatic cliffs and majestic view of the gorge, resembling the famous Grand Canyon in Arizona, United States.
• Best season to visit: September–February
• Highlights include the historic fort, adventure activities and views of the canyons.  

22. Dawki, Meghalaya

• Boats seem to float in the Umngot River, which is very clear. Pictures don’t do it justice. This resembles the interiors of Norway (like the Loen Valley or Flam) or a tranquil seaside English town.
• Best time to visit: October-April.
• These features attract people to the area: Boating, Photographic opportunities, Crystal clear waters.
• Water visibility is best during the winter months – travel tip. 

23. Loktak Lake, Manipur

• Loktak Lake is one of the rare and unique ecosystems of India with floating islands known as ‘phumdis’ that resemble the floating islands of Lake Titicaca located in Peru and Bolivia.
• High season: October-March
• Main features: Floating Islands, Biodiversity, BirdWatching. 

24. Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim

• This is a fine lake with fantastic views of the Himalayas like Tibet and is located at more than 17000 ft.
• Best time of year to visit: April – June, October – November.
• Highlights: Mountains with snow, beauty of high altitudes.
• Travel tip: Don’t rush out to explore until you get a feel for where you’re going. 

25. Sundarbans, West Bengal

• Looking for an undiscovered and wild land that resembles the Amazon Rainforest? The Sundarbans is just that.
• Do the tour in the period October to March.
• The features it offers are mangrove forests, boat safaris and the Royal Bengal Tigers. 

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Discover the World Through India

It is one of the most interesting things in India – the contrast between the various regions! These places in India that look like foreign countries offer the travelers an opportunity to view the landscapes that are similar to Switzerland, Scottish, Morocco, Tibet, Norway, New Zealand, Vietnam or even Maldives. 

Many of these locations provide incentives for relaxing! Stay an extra day. Watch a sunrise. Go around the longer way. It’s a time when you have the best memories.

Whether it’s the coffee shops of Coorg or the backwaters of Alleppey or French Quarter of Pondicherry or the dunes of Jaisalmer, the beauty of these places will be forever etched on your memory in India! These are just a few of the most scenic places in India that highlight the country’s diversity and stunning beauty. 

Many of these places are also listed among the most beautiful places in India, and a favourite spot for nature lovers and adventurers. 

In the case of nature, websites such as Solis Nature offer handpicked stays that are a perfect fit for natural destinations, rather than competing with it.

These places in India that look like foreign countries, actually have the enchanting mix of global beauty and unique Indian culture and traditions. If you want to go beyond the conventional tourist circuit, here are some of the most unique places to travel to in India that you’ll find in remote villages in the Himalayas or the tropical islands. 

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Conclusion

These places in India that look like foreign countries are located from the alpine meadows to desert cities, to tropical islands and high altitude valleys, it’s an India that still surprises travelers. 

Looking for a mini Switzerland in India, dreaming of blue streets in Morocco, hoping to see scenery like New Zealand, or beaches like the Maldives, there is a place much closer than you would imagine.

As plans to travel start to get into shape once again, look at these amazing international destinations in India that make travelling globally much closer to home. 

To explore more mysterious places in India, check out our guide: https://solisnature.com/en/blog/35-most-mysterious-places-in-india-that-science-still-cant-fully-explain.

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FAQs

1. What are the best places in India that look like foreign countries?

India is home to several destinations that resemble famous international locations. Khajjiar is often called the mini Switzerland in India, Pondicherry reflects French charm, Jodhpur resembles Morocco’s blue city, while Lakshadweep offers Maldives-like beaches. These places in India that look like foreign countries allow travelers to experience global-style scenery without leaving the country.

2. Which places in India look like Europe?

Several destinations in India share similarities with European towns and landscapes. Pondicherry’s French Quarter, Fontainhas in Goa, Coorg’s rolling hills, Khajjiar’s alpine meadows, and Chitkul’s picturesque mountain setting are among the most popular places in India that look like Europe. For more traveler discussions and recommendations, check out this Quora thread: https://www.quora.com/Are-there-any-places-in-India-that-look-like-Europe

3. Which destination is known as the mini Switzerland in India?

Khajjiar in Himachal Pradesh is widely known as the mini Switzerland in India. Surrounded by deodar forests, lush green meadows, and mountain views, it closely resembles the Swiss countryside and remains one of the most scenic places in India.

4. Are there any tropical destinations in India similar to the Maldives?

Yes. Lakshadweep and the Andaman Islands are among the best tropical international destinations in India. Their turquoise waters, coral reefs, white-sand beaches, and marine life often draw comparisons with the Maldives and other tropical island destinations.

5. What are some offbeat places in India that resemble foreign countries?

Travelers looking for lesser-known destinations can explore Mechuka, Gurez Valley, Ziro Valley, Dawki, and Loktak Lake. These offbeat places in India offer stunning scenery, unique cultures, and landscapes that rival some of the world’s most beautiful destinations.

6. Are there Indian destinations that resemble famous international places?

Absolutely. India has destinations that resemble Switzerland, Scotland, Morocco, Tibet, Norway, New Zealand, Vietnam, and the Maldives. From mountain valleys and colonial towns to islands and deserts, there are many Indian destinations that resemble foreign countries. You can explore more traveler suggestions here: https://www.quora.com/What-are-some-Indian-destinations-that-look-like-international-destinations

7. Which are the most beautiful places in India for nature lovers?

Nature enthusiasts should consider Khajjiar, Munnar, Spiti Valley, Tawang, Coorg, Gurudongmar Lake, Gurez Valley, and the Andaman Islands. These beautiful places in India offer everything from alpine meadows and tea gardens to pristine lakes, islands, and high-altitude deserts.

8. Why should travelers visit places in India that look like foreign countries?

These destinations combine stunning scenery with authentic Indian culture, cuisine, and traditions. Travelers can enjoy experiences similar to international destinations while saving on visa costs, long-haul flights, and extensive travel planning, making them some of the most unique travel destinations in India.