Though international travel now has even more restrictions and conditions than ever before, there are numerous destinations that are keen to attract Indian tourists and are offering visa free and hassle free travel for Indian citizens, allowing them to focus on exploring places rather than paperwork. Discover destinations that welcome travellers from India without a visa and offer a myriad of experiences.

In a world plagued by the rise and fall of the pandemic and constantly changing travel guidelines, most travel plans fail due to the unpredictability of the situation. Travel in today’s time calls for spontaneity and that is best offered by countries for which Indians don’t need visas. Currently, 16 countries have opened their borders to Indian travellers without any visa requirements, while 40 others offer visa on Arrival and 35 countries offer visas online. Skip the long queues, repetitive trips to the Passport Office and bureaucratic hassle while planning trips. For all the travel junkies out there, India Outbound curates a list of 10 diverse destinations that do not require a visa for Indian travellers.

Bridgetown, Barbados

The capital city of this small Caribbean Island has much to offer. Apart from being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this city has beautiful beaches with vibrant beachside cafes and restaurants. For nature lovers, Bridgetown offers a wide range of wildlife tours, from snorkelling to adventure safaris. One can take a drive through the wildlife sanctuary here, go for a walk in the gardens, kayak over coral reefs, feed monkeys and swim with turtles. People who are connoisseurs of liquor can also indulge in a ‘Rum Tour’ which walks them through the process of making rum and gives a taste of some of the best rums in the country. From walks on beaches with loved ones or want to backpack across a city full of history, Bridgetown offers it all!

Paro, Bhutan

Set amidst lush green hills in the serene country of Bhutan, right across the border from northern West Bengal, Paro offers a spiritual retreat for adrenaline addicts. Paro is the second largest city in Bhutan and is a popular travel destination. It houses some of the oldest and calmest monasteries of the country. The most popular is the Taktsang Monastery, which is an ideal spot for people looking for a trek. Although the trek seems difficult, the views of the valley from the monastery and the mythical caves in which Padmasambhava meditated make the hard work worth it. Rinpung Dzong is an ancient monastic fortress which was a strong defence against the Tibetan invasion in the 17th century. Above the monastery, there is a tower called Ta Dzong which now houses the National Museum. To fuel the adventure, daring enthusiasts can trek the Snowman’s Trek. One can also enjoy rafting, kayaking, cycling and driving through some of the most picturesque trails of Bhutan. The cute little Paro Crafts Market is the place to indulge in souvenirs and shop. This place is heaven for backpackers and adventure enthusiasts.

 

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is widely known as a financial centre and the largest shopping hub in Asia, but it has much more to offer. Hong Kong is a lovely travel destination for all age groups and for family trips. The city exhibits a skyline which glimmers at night and has various sightseeing points from where it can be seen. Hong Kong has the World’s Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show – The Symphony of Lights. The city has various pubs, clubs, cafes and night markets that keep the city awake all night. Lost in the shimmer, few people know about the beaches of Hongkong. The city has around 50 beaches which have big waves for surf enthusiasts, secluded spots for people looking for a quiet camping spot, and relaxing places to sunbathe. You can also indulge in different kinds of boat rides. A must visit on every traveller’s list is the Oceanpark and Disneyland which enthral people of all ages. There are also various museums, parks and temples that can keep one engaged in the city. Hong Kong has entertainment to offer for days on end.

Malé, Maldives

When we think of Maldives, all we think is beach resorts. Seldom does one realise that the island country’s capital has a lot more to offer than martinis and waves. One can experience a minimal beauty at the Friday Mosque in Malé, which is the largest mosque of the country. For history buffs, Malé has places like the National Museum, Tsunami Monument and the Old Friday Mosque. Don’t think that this place won’t offer the cliche Maldives beach experience. Even though the Artificial Beach in Malé is a no bikini zone, it is a tranquil place to sit, with two restaurants, a few benches and clear azure water. Malé also has underwater submarine experiences where one can feast their eyes on coral reefs and rare Indian Ocean fish. To carry little souvenirs back home, one can visit the Majeedhee Maju which has adorable home decor items and accessories made out of seashells.

Port Louis, Mauritius

If you are looking for an experiential getaway, Port Louis is the place to go. A city which exhibits some of the best in the culture of Mauritius, holds the history of the place, Port Louis is packed with things to do for travellers. Historical landmarks such as the Aapravasi Ghat, which is a World Heritage site and Citadel Fort can be found in the city, along with museums like the Blue Penny Museum and the National Museum. For people looking for peace away from the pandemonium of city life, the Tombeau Bay Beach is the place to be. Mostly vacant on weekdays with azure waters and clean sands, this beach soothes a person. The city also offers a wide range of casinos for lovers of the nightlife which includes a casino which is shaped like a ship! One of the oldest racecourses in the world, the Crown Ledge, gathers all of Mauritius on Sundays. Lastly, to relax and shop, one can head to the Port Louis waterfront.

Kathmandu, Nepal

Right across the border is another haven nested in the solace. Kathmandu is the place to go for thrill and tranquillity. It is a trekkers paradise, with the Himalayan mountains sprawled all around, it also has the famed Mount Everest Trek. Apart from these treks, there are options to river raft, paragliding, hot air balloon rides, bungee jumping and fly over Mount Everest. However, the general aura of the place is one of serenity as the city has many scattered temples, stupas and serene religious villages. There is a lot to do in this small country. One can have exquisite food, go for a shopping spree at Thamel and experience the culture of the country.

Belgrade, Serbia

This small nation that witnessed the domino effect that led the First World War is bustling with history and culture. Situated on the junction between the Sava and Danube rivers, the capital of Serbia is a place for people to take a dip in European history. Various places of historical significance can be spotted across the city like the Belgrade Fortress, White Palace, Stari Dvor, Novi Dvor etc. Museums across the city are attempts to conserve every part of the country’s heritage such as the Nikola Tesla Museum, Military Museum, Museum of Yugoslav History, Museum of Aviation and Historical Museum of Serbia. The House of the National Assembly is one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in the city. For art and culture enthusiasts, the city has a National Theatre which dates back to the 19th century. The city also offers a Bohemian vibe at the Skadarlija. Sporting river islands, churches, picturesque streets and delicious food, Belgrade is a must on the bucket list for everyone who loves Europe.

Montserrat

Nature lovers wishing to take a break need to come to this island in the Caribbean. Montserrat has lush green hiking trails, beaches and shrubbery full of colourful birds. This island is also home to Soufriere Hills Volcano. This active volcano created a version of Pompeii on the island nation in 1990. The island also has a space for divers to gawk at coral reefs between Redonda and the reefs. The island nation has numerous cafes and eateries to delight the palate with a special Créole cuisine that offers a unique melange of African, European and Indian.

Dakar, Senegal

While most people hear about this country for the first time in the popular Netflix series ‘The Good Place’, Dakar in Senegal has been a hidden paradise for surfers for a very long time. The coastal city, a former colonial post, is now a modern bustling city with various landmarks and attractions that can keep a tourist occupied for days. The city can boast of golden sandy beaches at a walking distance from almost any point in the city. A lesser-known fact is that the city houses the African Renaissance Monument which is taller than the Statue of Liberty which offers breath taking views of Senegal. This city is also a hub for African arts and crafts and hosts a biennial fest which showcases a plethora of African arts and crafts. To take off the stress of daily life, one can go boating in the city or float around in the Pink Lake. Visiting Ile Gorée, the largest slave trading centre in West Africa, is a reality check to the privilege of living in the 21st century. A sweet place to wear off the tides of life, Dakar can also be a good way of getting acquainted with African seafood.

Maracas Bay, Trinidad and Tobago

Maracas Bay in Trinidad is a retreat for people looking to slow down time around them and take a breather. This beach on the north coast of Trinidad comes very close to the definition of a ‘perfect beach’ with blue green waters and sandy beaches. Located between rainforest cliffs and dotted with palm trees, this beach is a treat for the eyes. Stay here to sit on the beach, enjoy a drink, read, walk across local markets and have one of the best fish sandwiches ever.