When you travel with friends, something special happens. It’s the laughter you share on a long road trip, the inside jokes you make over a simple meal, and the feeling of leaving all your worries behind to just hang out with your favourite people. Going on a trip with friends is the best way to relax, have fun, and make memories that will last a lifetime unforgettable Friends Trip.
We’ve all been in a group chat where the planning starts out fun, but then the plan falls through. But what if it really happens this time? There are so many great places in India for all kinds of friend groups, whether you want to have fun, go on an adventure, or just relax.
We can help you decide where to go on that epic friendcation you’ve been wanting to take. This list of the best places to travel with friends in India will help you make those plans happen.
1. Ladakh: The Best Place for an Adventure
Ladakh is the perfect place for a group that loves adventure. Its beautiful landscapes include barren mountains, bright blue lakes, and dramatic high passes. The trip here is just as beautiful as the place itself, making it a great road trip.
Great for friends who like:
- Long bike rides and road trips.
- Hard hikes like the well-known Chadar Trek.
- Camping outside with a clear, starry sky.
Pro Tip: Renting bikes or one SUV for the whole group can be more fun and cost-effective. To avoid altitude sickness, which can quickly ruin a group trip, make sure everyone gets used to the high altitude in Leh for at least 48 hours.
2. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand: For Thrills and Chills
Rishikesh is the perfect place for adventure and spirituality because it is on the banks of the holy River Ganga. During the day, you can push your limits, and at night, you can relax by the river.
Great for Friends Who Like:
- Things that get your heart racing, like bungee jumping and white-water rafting.
- Camping by the river with music and bonfires.
- Going to the Ganga Aarti ceremony and checking out cool cafes.
Pro Tip: If you’re going rafting or bungee jumping with a group, book your spots online. You can often get better deals and make sure that everyone has the same time for the activities.
3. Kasol, Himachal Pradesh: For a Relaxed Atmosphere
Kasol is a small town in the Parvati Valley that is known as the “Amsterdam of India.” It has a very laid-back and chill vibe. Backpackers and nature lovers love this place because it has beautiful pine forests, a rushing river, and snow-capped mountains all around.
Great for Friends Who Like:
- Simple hikes, like the one to Kheerganga.
- Hanging out in hippie cafes and eating Israeli food.
- Having fun together in nature.
Pro Tip: While you’re in Kasol, take a short hike to the village of Chalal. There aren’t as many people there, and the Parvati River has some lovely places that are great for a group picnic.
4. Shillong, Meghalaya: For Music and Nature’s Wonders
Shillong is a beautiful hill station with a cool vibe. People call it the “Scotland of the East.” It has a great music scene, beautiful waterfalls, mysterious caves, and amazing living root bridges in nearby villages.
Great for Friends Who Like:
- Seeing unique natural wonders like the clear rivers and living root bridges.
- Going to cool, unique cafes and listening to live music.
- Long drives through beautiful, foggy scenery.
Pro Tip: If you want to see Shillong and the area around it, the best thing to do is rent a big taxi for the whole day. The drivers are usually great at giving directions and know all the best places to see.
5. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh: For a High-Altitude Road Trip
Spiti Valley is a cold mountain desert that has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. This trip isn’t for the weak of heart, but it’s a great way to bond with your friends like nothing else.
Great for friends who like:
- Driving off-road and on tough road trips.
- Going to old Buddhist monasteries.
- Taking pictures of dramatic, empty landscapes.
Pro Tip: Most of Spiti has very little network connectivity. Before you leave, make sure to download maps that you can use without an internet connection and tell your family about your plans.
6. Gangtok, Sikkim: A Place to Have Fun and Learn About Culture
Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is a clean, beautiful hill station that has the best of both Tibetan and Indian cultures. It is famous for its beautiful monasteries and stunning views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range.
Great for Friends Who Like:
- Seeing beautiful monasteries and learning about Buddhism.
- Eating tasty Tibetan food like momos and thukpa.
- Travel on a budget with lots of cheap places to stay and eat.
Pro Tip: If you can get permits, you should definitely take a shared jeep trip to Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La Pass. It’s a classic thing to do in Gangtok that is best done with friends.
7. Jaipur, Rajasthan: A Trip Fit for a King and Full of Colour
Jaipur, also known as the “Pink City,” is a great place for friends who love history, culture, and taking great pictures. Jaipur is a colourful and interesting place to visit because of its grand palaces, strong forts, and busy markets.
Great for friends who like:
- Visiting old forts and palaces.
- Buying colourful fabrics, jewellery, and crafts.
- Finding places to take pictures that look good on Instagram.
Pro Tip: Instead of just going to the forts, book a group activity like a cooking class or a block-printing workshop to have a more hands-on cultural experience together.
8. Lonavala, Maharashtra: A Quick Trip
Lonavala is a great place for friends to spend the weekend if they want to get away quickly. It’s only a short drive from Mumbai and Pune. During the monsoon season, this hill station comes to life with green plants, flowing waterfalls, and foggy clouds.
Great for friends who like:
- Trekking in the monsoon and enjoying waterfalls.
- Staying in a villa with a pool all to yourself.
- Road trips to nearby cities are quick and easy.
Pro Tip: Instead of separate hotel rooms, book a big bungalow or a private villa. It’s cheaper for a group and gives you a place to hang out and have fun together.
9. Goa: The Best Place for a Beach and Party Vacation
Goa is a must-see on any list of places to visit with friends in India. It is the best place in the country to party, but it also has a relaxed side with beautiful beaches, charming Portuguese architecture, and great food.
Great for friends who love:
- Parties on the beach and at night that are full of life.
- Trying out water sports like jet skiing and parasailing.
- Renting scooters and going to different beaches.
Pro Tip: North Goa is known for its parties and crowds, while South Goa is quieter and has more beautiful scenery. If you want to see both sides of Goa, a good idea is to split your trip between the two.
10. Pondicherry: A French-Style Getaway
Pondicherry feels like a little piece of France in India because of its pretty French-style homes, cobblestone streets, and seaside promenade. It has a calm and easygoing feel, which makes it a great place to relax.
Great for friends who like:
- Riding a bike through pretty, colourful streets.
- Relaxing at cute cafés and trying French food.
- Going to Auroville and other interesting places and relaxing on the beach.
Pro Tip: The best way for a group to see the White Town (French Quarter) is to rent bikes. It’s inexpensive, enjoyable, and lets you easily get to all the beautiful lanes.
11. Ooty, Tamil Nadu: A Quiet Hill Station Getaway
Ooty is a classic hill station in the beautiful Nilgiri Hills, known for its tea gardens, scenic lakes, and the famous toy train. It’s perfect for friends who like to talk quietly and take in the sights instead of going to loud parties.
Great for Friends Who Enjoy:
- Having fun with beautiful views and nice weather.
- Taking a boat ride on Ooty Lake.
- Taking a ride on the cute Nilgiri Mountain Railway toy train.
Pro Tip: You should all go to a tea factory together. You can buy some fresh, fragrant tea to take home as a souvenir and learn how tea is made.
12. Andaman and Nicobar Islands: For a Tropical Adventure
These islands are a piece of tropical paradise with clear water, white sandy beaches, and thick green forests. It’s great for friends who want to have fun and relax in a beautiful place.
Great for friends who like:
- Things to do in the water, like scuba diving, snorkelling, and kayaking.
- Going from one island to another to see different beaches and landscapes.
- A digital detox is a good idea because you might not be able to connect to the internet.
Pro Tip: If you’re going to travel with a lot of people, book your ferries between islands like Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep) ahead of time. They can sell out quickly during peak season.
FAQs:
Q. What is the best place in India for a group of friends to go on a trip that won’t break the bank?
A. Kasol, Rishikesh, and Goa are all great places to visit on a budget, and students and young travellers love them.
Q. Where is the best place to go on an adventure trip with friends?
A. The best places for the most exciting adventures are Ladakh (for road trips and treks), Rishikesh (for river rafting and bungee jumping), and Spiti Valley (for high-altitude expeditions).
Q. How can we keep costs down on a group trip?
A. From the start, use apps like Splitwise or Google Sheets to keep track of shared costs. This makes it easy and fair to split the money at the end of the trip.
Q. Where should you go on vacation with friends if you want to relax?
A. Pondicherry, Ooty, and the beaches of South Goa are great places to go on a relaxing trip where you can just relax, talk, and enjoy the quiet.
Q. Is it better to travel with a lot of friends or just a few?
A. There are good and bad things about both. It’s easier to coordinate small groups (3–5 people), but big groups can be more fun if you plan ahead for travel and places to stay.
In The End
India has a lot of great places to visit with friends, from the high mountains of Ladakh to the sunny beaches of Goa. This kind of vacation is the best way to break up your routine, get closer to each other, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Stop letting those plans sit in the chat group. Choose a place from this list, buy your tickets, and get ready for an adventure you’ll always remember.
Visit The Tarzan Way to get help putting together the perfect itinerary. They will make sure that you and your friends have a fun and stress-free trip!
