India’s Gayest Travel Destinations

Compiled by Udayan

India offers the best of what the wanderlust seeks- from snow capped mountains to pristine beaches. Amazing food and a diverse cultural treat. Here are the top three gayest travel experiences India has to offer.

GOA

Why Goa?

This small western state has all it takes to make a perfect holiday, making it India’s most sought after destination for decades. White sand beaches, hippie travelers, spicy Konkan sea food and an old world charm of Portuguese influence. With liberal alcohol laws, it has attracted both gay and straight party goers from across the world.

Five things you can’t miss in Goa

•  BEACHES: From the hip ones like Calangute and Anjuna in the north, to the quieter ones like Palolem in the south, Goa’s variety and number of beaches is unparalleled in India
•  SEA FOOD: Mackerel, Oysters, Lobsters- all are a part and parcel of the local cuisine- with a generous addition of natural spices ofcourse! Try the Chicken Vindaloo and Pork Sorpotel too.
•  HERITAGE WALKS: A walk through the old Portuguese quarters of Panjim- Sao Tome and Fountainhas- give a glimpse of what colonial Goa felt like. Panjim is probably the most walkable city of India
•  OLD GOA: Once called the “Rome of the East”, Old Goa’s churches and abandoned forts will be the closest to time travel you can get.
• THE GOA CARNIVAL: Held in March, it’s a four day festival kicking off lent. It’s colorful, crazy and very gay friendly.

KERALA

Why Kerala?

There’s something about Kerala that sets it apart from the rest of India- it’s slower pace, gentler crowd and laid back life will make you miss the place long after your holiday is over.

Five things you can’t miss in Kerala

• ALLEPPEY’S HOUSE BOATS: A twenty-four hour sojourn in one of Kerala’s legendary house boats is more rejuvenating to the soul than the pictures can ever suggest. All you have to do is hop on to one and enjoy the pristine beauty of the backwaters and let the attendants treat you like a queen!
• FORT COCHIN: An extraordinary 500 year old colonial town dotted with artsy cafes, medieval synagogues and Kathakali theaters.
• SNAKE BOAT RACE: Watch hundreds of bare bodied men slug it out on the wetness of Alleppey’s waters in the annual Nehru Cup.
• WAYANAD: Do not miss this spectacular hill station of beautiful coffee plantations and wild elephants.
• KOVALAM: Head southwards to have a relaxing end to your holiday at the Kovalam beach and enjoy its great seafood.

RAJASTHAN

Why Rajasthan?

The land of kings will enchant you with its dazzling colors, ornate palaces, striking paintings and magical deserts. Lose yourself in Rajasthan!

Five things you can’t miss in Rajasthan

• JAIPUR’S BAZAARS: After you’re done with the palace hopping, explore the madness of Jaipur’s markets- a vast and colorful range of traditional clothes, jewelry and artwork awaits you at great (bargain) prices.
• DESERT SAFARI: Head off to Jaisalmer and check out the numerous tours that take you on a 1-2 day desert trip that includes food, music and a chance to mingle with travelers from across the globe.
• PUSHKAR: The enchanting temple town besides the lake is flooded with pilgrims and Israeli backpackers throughout the year but the best time to visit is during the famous Pushkar Fair (Oct/Nov) when the town is virtually flooded with camels, cows, goats and traders.
• UDAIPUR’S LAKE PALACE: Perhaps the most romantic town in India, Udaipur’s Lake Pichola and its surrounding hills and palaces make it an almost magical place after sunset.
• SHEKHAWATI’S HAVELIS: Get off the beaten tourist track and explore the ornately decorated havelis of this region. The murals and paintings of these houses will fascinate you with their beauty and history.