Best of India 2010 | My Secret Planet

The Best of India Backpacker Awards 2010

Interested in the best? Want to know where the backpacker can go for the best value and cultural experience in India? These are the best of the alternative travellers picks.

BEST Beach Andamans & Lakswadeep. Beach #1 Neil Island.

Some many beaches in India but unfortunately they are disregarded by locals as dumping sites and in sad state of neglect or over crowdedness. Head out to the Anadamans the last resort in the Asian beach scene. It's not quiet Ko Tao or Ko Change but don't hold your breath. Try top book your flight in advance or get dinged $200 each way. Ochh!

BEST Mountain spot}Ladak. Stark beauty awaits with mind boggling landscapes of bald mountain silhouettes

High up above India is another land part of Kashmir, Ladak. The last frontier of star trekking landed in Leh and now are selling yak wool sweaters. Forget Vishisht, Dharmasala, Darjeeling, head north till China.

BEST Religious site} Rameswaram. A tropical town filled with authentic flavour. Honourable mention: Omkershwar. A mini version of Benares

Before you die go south, go south in India as far as you can go but stop off in Rameswaram first....you may be saved or you may drown. But you must have faith brother!

BEST CityCalcutta. Endless neighbourhoods to explore, bars , restaurants, entertainment with friendly and authentic local people to meet. Almost perfect except for the high levels of air pollution {

History is alive, if smoke could talk it would speak of gallantry of Calcutta as 150 years ago was alive with world trade. Today it still holds up as one of the most striking historic one could find in the modern day. From a time not long ago but far from present, take a trip into time warning you may have to wade through some stark humanity to find what your looking for.

BEST RuinsMandu. Like Hampi but without the tourist hype. A large fort area with a variety of ruins can occupy you for days. Honourable mention: Bidar near Hyderabad.

Thousand of year ago there was life, no doubt very different from modern day India. You can spend years visiting these incredible sites all over India.

BEST FortSingee. A little known fort from the 15th century that is remarkable well intact and void of tourists.

100's of forts exist today all over India. Enjoy the chivalry of not so long ago war times.

BEST Hill StationPokhara. Beautiful Fewa lake bellow the Annapurnas. What more could you ask for? Honourable mentions: Kodiakannal, Tamil Nadu

The Himalayas are the great mystery holders of India. Inside you will find many secret peaks and valleys. Each with hidden treasure of history and ancient mountain culture. Hill people are different folks and should thus be amused to see you.

BEST Culture Spot Arunachal. A mix of south east Asia and Tibetan culture. Rarely visited by tourists due to permit requirements.

BEST Train Journey Ajmer to Omkershwar. Take the narrow the gauge from Ajmner, after visiting the famous Sufi shrine. Arrive in a miniature version of Benares, Omkereshwar.