India’s Mayurbhanj and Ladakh are among the 50 locations featured in the TIME Magazine’s list of World’s Greatest Places in 2023.
Mayurbhanj in Odisha and the union territory of Ladakh have been selected for their rare tigers and ancient temples, and adventures and food, respectively.
“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,” the international magazine said. 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, it added.
Renowned for its green landscape, rich cultural legacy and ancient temples, Odisha’s Mayurbhanj is the second Indian site on the list. It is the only place on earth to spot the exceedingly rare black tiger. “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.
Last year, Kerala and Ahmedabad were the Indian destinations in the list. This year, the list reflects a couple of big trends in travel right now, such as sustainability, and authenticity, said the selectors.
The full list of 50 ‘extraordinary destinations to explore’ in 2023 include Tampa, Florida; Willamette Valley, Oregon; Rio Grande, P. R.; Tucson, Arizona; Yosemite National Park, California; Bozeman, Montana; Washington, D.C.; Vancouver; Churchill, Manitoba; Dijon, France; and Pantelleria and Naples, Italy.
