historical places to visit in arcot

• Tour Enquiry
• Sign up | Login
• My Bookings
• New User? Sign-up
• Domestic Tours
• South India
• Maharashtra
• Golden Triangle
• North India
• North East India
• International
• Maldives (Discontinued)
• All Domestic Tours
• All International Tours
• Offbeat Tours
• Domestic Cruise Tours
• Jungle Lodges by JLR
• Kabini River Lodge
• Bandipur Safari Lodge
• JLR Kings Sanctuary
• River Tern Lodge
• Kali Adventure Camp
• Hampi Heritage & Wilderness Resort
• K Gudi Wilderness Camp
• Car Rentals
• Destinations
• Tourist Places on Drive
• Driving Directions
• * Workation
• * Tour Plans
• List Property

Please wait... the destination details are being loaded

Places to Visit in Vellore

India | TamilNadu | Vellore

#13 of 23 places to visit in vellore, distance (from vellore): 26 kms, visited from: vellore, trip duration (including travel): 2 hours, place location: not available, transportation options: bus / cab, website: na, phone no: na, place address: na, travel tips: following places can be visited from arcot: pancha pandava malai - vilapakkam (7 km) thiruparkadal (20 km) mahendravadi (36 km).

At a distance 26 km from Vellore, Arcot is a town and suburb of Vellore city, located on the southern banks of Palar River. Arcot is a historical town which was the headquarters of Nawab of Carnatic, who ruled the region in 18th century AD. It was earlier known as Thiruvazhundur during the Chola period. Delhi Gate and Arcot Fort are important attractions in the town. Arcot was ruled by 12 Nawabs. Carnatic Nawabdom was established by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, who in 1692 appointed Zulfikar Ali as Nawab of the Carnatic, with his seat at Arcot as an honor for his triumph over the Marathas at this place. In 1740, the Maratha forces invaded Arcot. They attacked the Nawab, Dost Ali in the pass of Damalcherry. In the war that followed, Dost Ali, one of his sons Hasan Ali, and a number of prominent persons lost their lives. In 1751, The English captured the town during Carnatic Wars. In 1801, the town was annexed by the British East India Company and merged into Madras Presidency The Arcot Fort was built by Daud Khan, Nawab. The fort was huge and had a circumference of 8 kms. The invasion of Tipu Sultan of Mysore resulted in the complete destruction of the fort. Arcot was the first important fortified town captured (1751) by Robert Clive in the British-French struggle. The place boasts of forts, monuments like the Delhi Gate and mosques such as the Green Stone Mosque, etc. Arcot has the tomb of famous 18th-century Sufi Saint - Tipu Mastan Aulia. The Delhi Gate is a historical monument situated in the town of Arcot. The gate used to function as an entrance to the 18th century. In the year 1710, Mohammed Sayyid was the last Mughal governor who was appointed as Nawab of Carnatic with the title Saadatullah Khan I and moved his capital from Gingee to Arcot. The prolonged disputes between the different dynasties fighting for the control of Arcot led to the arrival of the British and the French. The capture and the defense of Arcot by handful of British troops and Sepoy under the command of Robert Clive against enormous forces was one of the most remarkable battles fought by the British. The siege lasted fifty days, ending on 15th November 1751. In 1751 Robert Clive captured this fort and renamed one of the gates of Arcot Fort as Delhi Gate, as this victory was the beginning of his capture of Delhi. The entrance of the gate was constructed in the style of a Mughal arch. Over the gate is Robert Clive's room. The city of Arcot celebrates Mayana Kollai in a big way which is a function celebrated for Angalamman (the village deity). This major function is celebrated in the Tamil month of Maasi (Amavasya) in February and March every year.

5 Must Visit Places in Vellore

View Details

Top 3 Vellore Packages

Vellore Tourism

Vellore Tour Packages

Best Time to Visit Vellore

How to Reach Vellore

100% SECURE PAYMENTS

Domestic & international cards accepted.

Our WhatsApp Numbers

International tours, +91-8217845740, south india tours, +91-7995649483, goa, maharashtra, gujarat tours, +91-7032828835, north india tours, +91-9535139583, rest of india, +91-7799591230, request quote, travellers #.

Explore Tour Packages

Planning a Trip?

Discover affordable tour packages, need customized tour request quote, login / sign-up, your sign in was successful itinerary will be downloaded shortly., sign up with trawell.in.

Already Created Account? Login Here

Sign in with Trawell.in Account

Forgot Password?

New User? Sign Up Here

Activate Your Trawell.in Account

Your account is activated successfully. Login Here

Reset Your Trawell.in Password

Your password has been reset successfully. Login Here

Booking Policy

• SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT
• தமிழ்நாடு அரசு
• Government of Tamil Nadu

• A+ Font Size Increase
• A Normal Font - Selected
• A- Font Size Decrease
• A High Contrast
• A Normal Contrast - Selected

Archaeological Site Museum, Arcot

The Department of Archaeology, Government of Tamilnadu is exhibiting many antiques from the excavations is being exhibits in their museums to bring the limelight of history of Tamilnadu. An Archaeological site museum is situated in Arcot Town. 

In the year 1698 CE Zulfiquarkhan (1690-1703 CE) one of the commanders of Moghul dynasty, inducted by Emperor Aurangazeb, had administered Moghul rule from Arcot. During his reign Arcot became the capital of the Carnatic region and most of the administrative buildings were constructed. The last Nawab of Arcot was Ghousekhan (1842-1855 CE). By the act of Doctrine of Lapse, Lord Dalhousi brought the Carnatic region under the British rule. The Museum was created in the year 1982 with an objective of revealing the influence of Islamic Art, Architecture and Culture in this region.

The museum exhibits the artifacts taken from excavations in Vellore District. It exhibits many historical photographs to the visitors. 360 rare artifacts are exhibited in this museum. The publications of Department of Archaeology are available for sale at reasonable price.

The working hours of museum are 10 am to 5.30 pm except on Fridays and Government holidays.

Antiquities on Display

Stone sculptures, Terracotta figurines, Coins, Islamic antiquities, Porcelain ware, Iron implements, wooden artefacts and antiquities from excavation.

360 degree view

Arcot and Ranipet

• 1.1 By train
• 2 Get around
• 3 See and do
• 5 Eat and drink

Arcot and Ranipet are two towns on opposite sides of the Palar River, in Northern Tamil Nadu .

Ranipet , also called Ranipettai , is mainly known for its industrial development, in particular leather. It's on the northern bank of the river Palar, opposite Arcot . Ranipet means "place of the queen". The town was founded in 1771 by Sadut-illa-khan and named in honour of the young widow of Desigh Raja of Gingee. She followed her husband to death by committing the ancient (and now banned) Indian tradition of "sati", suicide by setting herself on fire.

Get in [ edit ]

By train [ edit ].

The nearest railway station is Katpadi Junction    SR   in Vellore .

By bus [ edit ]

12.907899 79.325144 1 Arcot Bus Stand . Arcot is 70 mi (110 km) south of Chennai and is on the national highway that connects Chennai and Bangalore . Hence it is well connected by buses to both cities. In addition, many buses ply to or from Arcot to cities like Kanchipuram , Coimbatore , Salem , Erode , Chidambaram , Thanjavur etc. Interstate buses to Chittoor , Tirupati , Mysore and Pondicherry also run from Arcot. ( updated Apr 2023 )

Get around [ edit ]

See and do [ edit ]

• 12.911266 79.328248 2 Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 12.900914 79.335294 3 Arcot Fort . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 12.865462 79.279413 4 Kathiyavadi Panchapandavar Ancient Jain Hill and Caves ( Pallava Rock Cut Caves ). ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 12.865462 79.279413 5 Green Thunder Water Park . ( updated Apr 2023 )

Buy [ edit ]

• 12.865462 79.279413 1 Tamilnadu Textiles . ( updated Apr 2023 )

Eat and drink [ edit ]

• 12.908469 79.325129 1 Sri Durga Bhavan , ☏ +91 7448826444 . 6:00 AM-10:00PM . Vegetarian Restaurant that serves South Indian dishes. ₹100-₹200 per person . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 12.908899 79.325862 2 Arcot Star Biriyani . ( updated Apr 2023 )

Sleep [ edit ]

Connect [ edit ], go next [ edit ].

• Kanchipuram

• Has default banner
• Has map markers
• Has mapframe
• Outline cities
• Outline articles
• City articles
• Northern Tamil Nadu
• All destination articles
• Has Geo parameter
• Pages with maps

Navigation menu

The Untourists

Travel Blog – Discovering the beautiful world we live in.

The Lovely Home Kitchens of Mumbai

North east india food in mumbai : finally, cafés of western mumbai suburbs, delhi gate, arcot, tamil nadu.

The great thing about road trips is the wealth of treasure one discovers in this wonderful country of ours. When returning from Puducherry on our Mumbai – Puducherry roadtrip , we similarly chanced upon a monument on the banks of the Palar River.

From the ASI boards we learnt this was the Delhi Gate , at Arcot, Vellore, Tamil Nadu. The gate was part of the fort built by Mughal governor Daud Khan Panni in the first half of the 18th century. It was the site of a memorable defense made by Robert Clive during the Siege of Arcot.

From Wikipedia: The Arcot Fort was part of the famous Battle of Arcot, which led to a British victory. One of the gates of the fort was renamed “Delhi Gate” to signify the beginning of the capture of Delhi. The entrance of the gate was constructed in the style of a Mughal arch. Over the gate is Robert Clive’s room.

[box type=”success” width=”100%” ]Delhi Gate at Arcot can be found on the banks of the River Palar, on SH5 Arcot Kanchipuram Road, just before you enter the city of Arcot if coming from the direction of Puducherry. The city has seen a lot of history.[/box]

3 thoughts on “Delhi Gate, Arcot, Tamil Nadu”

Yes, a nice tour of the Delhi Gate. Nice these sites are protected and preserved by Govt. , it is positive news.

Very nice:) Thanks for sharing.

I’m residing in Arcot. Have you noticed a small way on the left side of this monument. People residing here says that the way leads to New Delhi. Is it true?

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Gulaabi gaon: a photowalk, narrow gauge inn : where to stay in yosemite, the story of todgarh.

Arulmigu Balamurugan Tirukkovil

Arcot, tamil nadu, 1 - 24 places to see.

Hotels Arcot

• More hotels

Looking for places related to Arcot?

Those are other destinations to find places related to Arcot:

• Rānippettai
• Kaniyambādi
• Naraharipeta
• Tiruvettipuram
• Friday 103°F 75°F 13mph Saturday 106°F 76°F 14mph Sunday 105°F 76°F 17mph Monday 104°F 77°F 15mph Weather Arcot

You will be redirected to your dashboard shortly. We will also call you back in 24 hrs .

• 15 Things To Do In Vellore In 2024 That Make Sure That You Have A Trip To Remember

23 Mar 2023

Heard alot about Tamil Nadu but bored and stuck till Chennai? Well, we have something different to offer and what we talk about will leave you awestruck and wanting to escape to the destination right away. Let’s get started. The subject is Vellore and this quaint, little city in Tamil Nadu is wonderful. Located on the banks of River Palar, Vellore is a magnificent city in Tamil Nadu that features some amazing historical monuments and pilgrimage sites. The city has been ruled by various superpowers and is popularly known as the “Fort City”. Apart from these, there are many things to do in Vellore. Go through the list below to know more.

15 Best Things To Try In Vellore

Visiting Vellore and don’t know what to do in Vellore? Here’s our list of the most amazing things to try in Vellore. Relive the explorer in you and engage in these exhilarating activities.

1. Vellore Fort – Take A Dig Into History

Image Source

Built by Bommi and Thimma Reddy in the 16th century, Vellore Fort is an architectural beauty that is popularly known as the ‘Pride of Vellore and visiting the fort is one of the best things to do in the city’. Sprawled over an area of 133 acres, the fort comprises of a mosque, temples, 2 palaces, and a garden. The structure is a prime example of military architecture. It also features luxurious ramparts, wide moat, and hearty masonry.

Location: Balaji Nagar, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632004 Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Daily Ideal For: History Buffs Best Time to Visit: Any time of the year except summers Entry Fees: INR 5

Must Read: 19 Places You Must Explore In The Wonderful Vellore

South Weekend Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle

Delightful South Weekend Tour 3D/2N Package @ Rs 4,999

Plan your trip today!

South Weekend Family Tour Package 3D/2N @ Rs 4,999

Get quotes from multiple travel experts.

Exciting South Weekend Tour 4D/3N @ Rs 6,999

Compare & customize quotes before booking.

South Weekend Tour 5D/4N Packages @ Rs 9,999

Have Questions? Talk to our travel experts today.

Enchanting South Weekend 5D/4N Packages @ Rs 12,999

Best prices guaranteed. EMI option available.

See more at TRAVELTRIANGLE.COM

2. Jalakandeswarar Temple – Worship And Walk

Image Source Built-in the Vijayanagara style of architecture, the Jalakandeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Jalakandeswarar, an avatar of Lord Shiva. The temple includes two courtyards, the main shrine, and a couple of sub-shrine. Glorious sculptures, adorned pillars, and engraving on the ceilings are the primary attraction of the temple. Some of the major festivals that are celebrated here are – Chaitra Poornima, Mahashivaratri, Aadipooram, Vinayaka Chaturthi, Navarathri attending which is one of the fun things to try in the city.

Location: Balaji Nagar, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632004 Opening Hours: 6:30 AM to 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM Ideal For: Religious People Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year Entry Fees: Free

Suggested  Read: 50 Best Tourist Places In Tamil Nadu Ensuring The Most Awesome Vacay!

3. Archaeological Survey of India Museum – Relive History

Location: Balaji Nagar, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632004 Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturdays to Thursdays [Closed on Fridays] Ideal For: Group, Solo, Couple, Family Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year Entry Fees: INR 5

Suggested Read: Mahabalipuram In Tamil Nadu: Explore The Unique Culture Of Southern India

4. Vainu Bappu Observatory – Enhance Knowledge About Astronomy

Also known as the Kavalur Observatory, visiting the place is one of the fun things to do in Vellore. M.K. Vainu Bappu, director of Kodaikanal Observatory, established the observatory in 1986. Sprawled across 100 acres of forest land, the observatory is enclosed by the lush greenery of the tropical region. The observatory features a 93-inch telescope, Fabry-Perot Interferometer, 1.3-meter J.C Bhattacharya telescope, 1m Carl Zeiss Telescope, and other small telescopes.

Location: Javadi Hills, Alangayam, Kavalur, Tamil Nadu 635701 Opening Hours: 3:00 PM to 9:00 only on Saturdays Ideal For: Astronomy Enthusiasts Establishment: 1986 Entry Fees: Free

Suggested Read: Monsoon In Tamil Nadu: See The 8 Most Wonderful Places To Explore

5. Yelagiri Hill Station – For An Adventure Ride

Located at a height of 920 meters above sea level, Yelagiri is a quaint and not as popular but worth it hill station in the town. Spread over an area of 30 sq km, Yelagiri is home to many lakes, meadows, waterfalls, tea-estates, and orchards. Rock climbing, Paragliding, Roping, Camping, and trekking are some of the things to do in Vellore, Tamil Nadu. The place also provides some spectacular views of the city from the top of Swamimalai Hill.

Location: Yelagiri, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 635853 Ideal For: Nature Lover and Adventure Enthusiasts Best Time to Visit: November to February

Suggested Read: 12 Honeymoon Places In Tamil Nadu For A Romantic Getaway

6. Delhi Gate – Explore The History Of Tamil Nadu

Image Source Located on the banks of River Palar, the Delhi Gate was once a part of the Arcot Fort and played a part at the famous Siege of Arcot which makes checking out this place one of the great things to do in Vellore. The place is full of ruins and it holds historic importance as the British defeated the French at the Siege of Arcot. If you’re an Anglo-Indian history buff, come here to relive the British history in India.

Location: Arcot – Kanchipuram Rd, Arcot, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632503 Opening Hours: Open 24 hours Ideal For: History Buffs Best Time to Visit: Evening Entry Fees: Free

Suggested Read: 9 Best Hotels In Tirupati For A Tranquil Retreat In The Heart Of Tamil Nadu!

7. Amirthi Zoological Park – Day Out With Animals

Occupying over 25 hectares of area, Amirthi Zoological was opened to the public in 1967. With over 20 species of animals, visiting Amirthi Zoological Park is one of the best things to do in the city. Spotted deer, red-headed parrots, pythons, reason monkeys, mongoose, foxes, tortoises, and eagles are some of the animals that are commonly found here.

Location: Kannamangalam, Kathalampattu R.F, Amirthi, Tamil Nadu 632102 Opening Hours: 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM on Wednesdays to Mondays [Closed on Tuesdays Ideal For: Nature and Wildlife Lovers Best Time to Visit: October to February Entry Fees: INR 2

Suggested Read: 15 Kodaikanal Hotels To Pick From For Your Next Trip To Tamil Nadu

8. St. John’s Church – Seek Blessings

Image Source Opened in 1846, St. John’s Church is one of the oldest churches in the city. The church follows the English Gothic style of architecture and is well-known for its historic significance, interior decoration, and the wonderful idol of Jesus on the cross making visiting the place one of the most popular places to visit in the city. British soldiers who lost their lives during the Sepoy Mutiny are buried here.

Location: Vellore Fort, Fort Round Rd, Balaji Nagar,  Tamil Nadu 632004 Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 6.30 PM Daily Ideal For: Religious Beliefs Best Time to Visit: Sunday or During any auspicious day Entry Fees: Free

Suggested Read: 43 Famous Historical Places In India To Visit

9. Tipu and Hyder Mahal – Explore The Castles

Tipu Mahal and Hyder Mahal are two castles situated inside the complex of Vellore Fort. Known for its architecture, both the castles have around 180 to 200 rooms. The interior and exterior design on the granite walls will mesmerize you. Due to the high-security reason, the place is currently closed for tourists but make sure you visit this place on your trip to the city as it is one of the top things to do in Vellore.

Location: Balaji Nagar, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632004 Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Ideal For: History Buffs Entry Fees: INR 5

Suggested Read: 15 Romantic Airbnbs In India That Will Make You Fall In Love All Over Again

10. Palamathi Hills – Sightseeing

Image Source Tucked away from the hustle-bustle of the city, Palamathi Hills is one of the coolest places in the city for sightseeing. With wonderful scenic beauty and breathtaking sceneries, Palamathi Hills is a perfect place for relaxation, photography, bird-watching, picnicking, and some adventure treks which are some of the great things to try in Vellore.

Location: Bagayam, India Ideal For: Friends and Family Best Time to Visit: October to March

Suggested Read: From Royal To Offbeat, Here Are 30 Best Wedding Destinations In India To Tie The Knot

11. Periyar Park – For Bird-Watching

Located on the Fort Round Road, Periyar Park is a spacious, serene park that is filled with several species of birds. Swans, Ostriches, White Pigeons, Ducks, Parrot, Love Birds, and more. checking out which is one of the exciting things to do in Vellore. Experiencing bird-watching at Periyar Park to bust your stress!

Location: Fort Round Rd, Balaji Nagar, Tamil Nadu 632004 Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM Daily Ideal For: Kids, Nature Lover Best Time to Visit: November to March Entry Fees: Free

Suggested Read: 16 Airports In India That Make A Dreamy Halt For Every Traveler

12. Punganoor Lake – Take A Boat Ride

Boating at Punganoor Lake is one of the interesting things to do in Vellore. Nestled amidst the Yelagiri Hills, Punganoor Lake is one of the most popular man made lakes in India. Known for its refreshing atmosphere and the surrounding atmosphere, this lake attracts thousands of tourists every year.

Location: Yelagiri Hills | Near Mughal Garden,  India Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM Daily Ideal For: Boating Enthusiasts Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year Entry Fees: INR 3; INR 50 for Pedaling Boat and INR 75 for Rowing Boat

Suggested Read: 38 Romantic Honeymoon Places In South India For That Cast Utter Magic

13. Sripuram Golden Temple – Appreciate The Architecture Brilliance

Spread over 100 acres of land, Sripuram Golden Temple is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and visiting it counts as one of the religious things to do in Vellore. The main part of the temple is covered with gold foil and this makes the temple different from others. With over 1.5 tonnes of gold been used, this is the largest golden temple in the world.

Location: Sri Narayani Peedam, Thirumalaikodi, Tamil Nadu 632055 Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Daily Ideal For: Religious Beliefs Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year Entry Fees: Free

Suggested Read: Top 51 National Parks In India: A List You Just Can’t Ignore!

14. Gingee Fort – Heritage Walk

Located in Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu, Gingee Fort is regarded as the “Troy of the East” by the British. Constructed by the Vijayanagar Kings in the 16th century, the fort includes three different hilltop citadels and the Kalyana Mandap that is built by following the Indo-Islamic style of architecture and taking a heritage walk here is one of the fun things to do in Vellore. Location: NH 66, Villupuram district, Gingee, Tamil Nadu 604202 Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Ideal For: History Buffs Best Time to Visit: March to July Entry Fees: INR 15 for Indians and INR 100 for foreigners

Suggested Read: 20 Best Places To Visit In India During Christmas Holidays For A Grand Celebration

15. Nava Sai Baba Temple – Explore The Temple

Located at Kanipakam, the temple is dedicated to Shirdi Sai Baba and visiting the place is and praying is one of the best and most soulful things to do. The temple is famous for featuring nine idols of Shirdi Sai Baba. Spend time with your family and make a wish.

Location: Kanzhipakkam, Kandaneri, Pallikonda, Tamil Nadu 635809 Ideal For: Religious Beliefs Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year Entry Fees: Free

Further Read: 30 Budget Honeymoon Destinations In India To Sweep You Off Your Feet

That’s It! Plan a trip to the city and indulge in these 16 must things to do in Vellore. Without wasting any more time plan a trip to Tamil Nadu , pack your bags and get going! We hope and know you will fall in love with place and have the time of your life here.

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own rights to any of the images and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Things To Do In Vellore

A. Being surrounded by mountains, the city experiences hot and humid type of climate almost throughout the year. October to March is the best time to visit Vellore.

A. Vellore is widely known for its superb medical facilities at Christian Medical College & Hospital. Thousands of people come here for medical services. Besides, it is also known as a significant historical and cultural destination. The city houses several numbers of tourist attractions, temples, and institutions.

A. At least one or two days are required to visit the all-important attractions in Vellore.

A. The city is a cool and calm place which makes it an ideal place for peace-loving people. Moreover, the city is not much expensive.

A. By Flight : The city doesn’t have its own airport. Tirupati Airport (TIR) which is located at a distance of 93 km is the nearest airport.

By Train : Vellore Cantt. (VLR) is the nearest railway station. Trains to and from other cities are available regularly.

By Road : The city is well-connected through roadways. Tamil Nadu state buses and other private buses are available at an affordable rate.

A. Vellore is a city which is located in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Looking To Book A Holiday Package?

Spellbinding Cochin Family Tour 2D/1N Package @ Rs 2,750

Himachal Family Tour Package 4D/3N @ Rs 8,750

Exciting Andaman Family Trip 5D/4N @ Rs 10,250

Gangtok & Darjeeling Tour Package 5D/4N @ Rs 13,000

Wonderful Goa Family Package 3D/2N @ Rs 6,500

Best prices guaranteed.

Riveting Rajasthan Vacation 3D/2N Package @ Rs 6,499

EMI option available.

Enchanting Uttarakhand Tour 4D/3N Package @ Rs 7,199

Explore best destinations with our experts.

Thrilling weekend full of fun.

Marvelous Gujarat Tour 3D/2N Package @ Rs 4,999

Talk to our experts today.

People Also Read:

Things To Do In Madurai Things To Do In Himachal Pradesh Things To Do In Mahabalipuram

Recent Posts

12 येलागिरी में घूमने की जगहें जो आपको प्रकृति से प्यार करने पर मजबूर कर देंगी

11 Spectacular Bucket List Ideas For Couples

8 Bucket List Ideas For Summer To Make Your Vacation Interesting

All You Need To Know About Langar Of Golden Temple

10 Best Small Towns in California To Explore On Your Next Trip

10 Best And Affordable Small Towns In Pennsylvania

Trending Blogs

20 Mysterious Places In India To Visit In 2023 More Bizarre Than The Bermuda Triangle

10 Scariest Roads In India That Are A Driver’s Nightmare

101 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30 in 2024

35 Exotic Places To Visit In December In India 2024 To Enjoy A Surreal Vacation

60 Best Honeymoon Destinations In India In 2024

95 Best Honeymoon Destinations In The World In 2023 For A Romantic Escape!

Best Places To Visit In India By Month

Best places to visit outside india by month.

• TravelTriangle
• Things To Do »
• Tour Packages
• Honeymoon Packages
• Family Packages
• Budget Tour Packages
• Luxury Tour Packages
• Adventure Tour Packages
• Group Tour Packages
• Kerala Tour Packages
• Goa Tour Packages
• Andaman Tour Packages
• Sikkim Tour Packages
• Himachal Tour Packages
• Uttarakhand Tour Packages
• Rajasthan Tour Packages
• Tour Packages From Delhi
• Tour Packages From Mumbai
• Tour Packages From Bangalore
• Tour Packages From Chennai
• Tour Packages From Kolkata
• Tour Packages From Hyderabad
• Tour Packages From Ahmedabad
• Kerala Tourism
• Goa Tourism
• Sikkim Tourism
• Andaman Tourism
• Himachal Tourism
• Uttarakhand Tourism
• Rajasthan Tourism
• Hotels in Kerala
• Hotels in Goa
• Hotels in Sikkim
• Hotels in Andaman
• Hotels in Himachal
• Hotels in Uttarakhand
• Hotels in Rajasthan

• Destinations
• Weekend Getaways
• Travel Hacks
• Inspiration
• Treebo Offers

Top 9 Places To Visit In Vellore That Will Offer Abundant Fun And Spiritual Glory

by middha on December 6, 2022

Take a trip down south to explore the 9 best places to visit in Vellore

Take a trip down south to explore the 9 best places to visit in Vellore.

Vellore, a historical city in the northeastern region of Tamil Nadu, is situated on the banks of the Palar Vellore river. Vellore is often known as “The Fort City” because of the magnificent Vellore Fort in the city’s centre. It is a perfect destination to see Tamil Nadu’s rich cultural legacy through its temples.

Vellore is well-known for its forts and temples. It is also renowned for its cuisine, particularly for briyani. On the outskirts of Vellore is a little hill town named Yelagiri. It is a city that is expanding quickly, adjacent to Coimbatore and Chennai.

Several dynasties controlled Vellore, including the Pallavas, the Cholas, the Vijayanagara, the Rashtrakuta, the Carnatic, and the British. All of them left their imprints on the city’s architecture.

According to mythology, the land where the town presently sits was formerly encircled by Velan (Babul) Trees, which gave the region the name Vellore. Vellore is on its way to becoming one of India’s Smart Cities due to the various changes.

Things to do in Vellore 

Vellore, a charming city in Tamil Nadu, is a great place. Enjoy the picturesque town of Vellore. Go for a nature walk on the banks of the River Palar. Spend memorable moments with your family and friends at several remarkable historical structures and religious sites.

A regular traveller tries to fit as much as possible into a single holiday. Here are 20 excellent destinations for short trips from Chennai.  

The top 9 exciting places to visit in Vellore are-

1. vellore fort.

The Vellore Fort, which is supposed to have been constructed in the 15th century by Channa Bommi Nayaka and Thimma Reddy Nayaka, is one of the best specimens of military architecture in South India.

These two Chieftains who constructed Vellore Fort were subordinate to Sadashiva Raya, the monarch of Vijayanagara at the time. 

It is one of the most extensive forts built during the period and one of the most distinctive forts in India. It occupies an area greater than 500 meters and is located at an elevation of 220 meters, making it the most admirable tourist place in Vellore.

It is situated in the centre of the city and features a massive moat at its entrance, where 10,000 crocodiles formerly swam. To put it simply, it is one of the most popular places to visit in Vellore. 

2. Srilakshmi Golden Temple

The Sripuram Srilakshmi Golden Temple is located in Tirumalaikodi, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, and is one of the best tourist places in Vellore. The golden temple is situated in a spiritual park or ‘Spiritual Oasis,’ and tourists are guided to it by a star trail.

It is the largest and only temple coated with genuine gold foil and is recognised as its defining characteristic. The ceremony took place on August 24, 2007, and was presided over by Narayani Amma.

Sri Lakshmi Narayani, or Maha Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of riches, is the temple’s primary deity. The Sashasra Deepam, or one thousand-eight lamp ceremonial, is held in the temple every morning and night.

When visiting a temple, pilgrims appreciate the park’s natural beauty. The temple is open 365 days a year, making every day the ideal time to visit and one of the most popular places to visit in Vellore. 

3. Ratnagiri Murugan Temple

If you are looking for the best places to visit in Vellore, you should add Ratnagiri Murugan Temple to your itinerary. The temple was constructed around the 14th century and is situated on a hill. Hundreds of people visit the temple daily to offer homage to Lord Murugan.

According to ancient texts, Lord Murugan resides wherever there is a hill. It is about 14 kilometres from Vellore and is readily accessible by public transportation or cab.

4. Periyar Park

Periyar Park, located in the heart of Vellore, is a popular tourist and local attraction. The park has modern amenities for joggers, family picnics, and other recreational activities. This location is most well-known for its lush, all-green vegetation and diverse bird species.

The park offers a distinct bird zone, a kilometre-long road for romantic promenades, elegant benches, a roller-skating rink, fully-functional restrooms, and a children’s play area with battery-powered vehicles and motorbikes. Periyar Park, one of the best tourist places in Vellore, guarantees fun for all ages! 

While planning a trip to Vellore, include Coimbatore in your Tamil Nadu itinerary.  Coimbatore, one of the most industrialised cities in Tamil Nadu, is situated on the banks of the river Noyyal and is referred to as the textile centre of South India or the Manchester of the South.

Visit these top restaurants in Coimbatore, where every food item tells a story.

5. Palamathi Hills

The Palamathi Hills, also known as Balamathi Hills, are part of the Eastern Ghats and are located in Vellore, Tamil Nadu and are considered one of the best tourist places in Vellore.

The Palamathi Hills, comprised of Otteri Lake and Palamathi Reserve Forest, offer the most spectacular views in the region and are secluded from pollution and the bustle of the major metropolis.

October through March is the best season to visit Palamathi Hills for an enjoyable experience accompanied by good weather. To put it simply, it is one of the most popular places to visit in Vellore.

6. Kaigal Falls

The Kaigal waterfall is located 98 kilometres from Vellore, within the Koundinya Wildlife reserve and one of the best tourist places in Vellore. The Kaigal waterfall receives its name from the surrounding settlement of Kaigal.

Locally known as Dumukurallu waterfalls (a Telugu term for a sound simulating the sound of stones falling from above), Kaigal waterfalls are perpetual. From a height of roughly 40 feet, the waterfall consists of three cascading falls. The water at the bottom forms numerous little ponds. 

7. St John’s Church

St. John’s Church is among the oldest Anglican churches within the Vellore Diocese. It is a church located in the centre of Vellore and within the Vellore Fort complex that is frequently visited by residents and has religious importance. Built in 1846, the church’s interior has a sense of enchantment and is one of the best tourist places in Vellore.

Most church members are affiliated with the Christian Medical College and Hospital. The church also collaborates with various non-governmental organizations and helps schools and housing making it the best place to visit in Vellore. 

8. Punganur Lake

Punganoor Lake is one of Tamil Nadu’s most popular artificial lakes that occupy around sixty square meters of ground. There is also a fountain and boating facility in the park’s centre. It is undoubtedly one of the best tourist places in Vellore. 

Arcot is a tiny town located 26 km from Vellore in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and one of the best tourist places in Vellore. The town, bordered by the River Palar, has a rich history. The old trade route between Madras and Salem, present-day Chennai and Bangalore, passed through the city.

Arcot, formerly referred to as Thiruvazhundur, was the capital of the Nawab of Carnatic and was also governed by the Cholas, Marathas, Pallavas, Nayaks, and Bikapur Sultans. However, the city’s centrepiece is the internationally renowned sweetmeat known as Makkan Peda.

The Delhi Gate and Arcot Fort are the city’s most prominent attractions and places to visit in Vellore.

Take a trip to India’s own down-under! 

Being a princely kingdom, Vellore is endowed with an abundance of wealth. Plan a trip to Tamil Nadu immediately to experience these gorgeous places to visit in Vellore.  Enjoy its abundant flora, animals, and exquisite temples.

Related posts:

RECENT POSTS

Related Posts

Book a hotel easily.

Early Bird Bonanza : Pre-book your holiday travel now at best prices

Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE...

// Chennai // Tirupati // Kanipakam // Tirumala Temple // Vellore // Srikalahasti // Chittoor

Places to visit near Tirupati – From Spiritual Retreats to Natural Wonders

Nestled in the foothills of the Eastern Ghats, millions of pilgrims from across the world visit the Sri Venkateswara Temple at Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. Tirupati’s spiritual atmosphere is unquestionably alluring. ...

Treebo derives its name from "Bo Tree", the fig tree under which Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment. The fig tree family - banyan, peepal among others - has inspired not just our name but also what we do.

Popular Posts

15 Unique Things to Do at Night in Hyderabad

14 Famous Temples In Mumbai To Rejuvenate Your Spirit

18 Famous Food Places in Delhi

Museums in Pune: Ancient Artefacts, Historic Relics and Modern Marvels

April 5, 2024

8 Museums in Udaipur: From Royalty of Mewars to Rajasthani Folklore

16 Places for Camping in India: Under the Sky and Amidst Forests

• Terms of service
• Privacy policy

Copyright © 2014 - 2023

Top 6 Places To Visit In Vellore

Located at the banks of the Palar River, Vellore is an ancient city that has been ruled by the various prosperous dynasties of south India. The Pallavas, The Cholas, Vijaynagar kingdom, Carnatic Empire and the British are the various powers that ruled the region of Vellore and are responsible for the city’s cultural heritage. The city like any princely Indian city should be is famous for various forts, temples, picnic spots and other important tourist attractions. So here’s the list of the most important places to visit in Vellore .

1. Vellore Fort

Vellore Fort was built during the 16th century AD by the Aravindu Dynasty of the Vijaynagar Empire. Later the fort’s ownership passed through the various dynasties like the Marathas, Bijapur Sultans, the Carnatic Nawabs and the British. The massive ramparts and moats have made the fort a strategic location, it was also known to have Tipu Sultan’s family and the last king of Sri Lanka as prisoners during the time of the British. The fort complex contains a church, a temple and a mosque.

2. Jalakandeswarar Temple

Jalakandeswarar Temple is located within the Vellore fort complex and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Temple is one of the amazing specimens of the Dravidian architecture and houses one of the most intricately carved stone pillars. The temple also has a huge 7 tiered gopuram and adorned with various intricate carvings.

3. Srilakshmi Golden Temple

Located in a Temple town called Sripuram , the Srilakshmi Golden Temple is also known by the name Lakshmi Narayani temple. The amazing feature of the temple is pretty evident as the whole structure is coated in gold leaf. The gold plated sheets cost a whopping 65 million US dollars and the amount of the gold used is a massive 1500 kilograms. The temple is indeed a modern architectural marvel.

4. Vainu Bappu Observatory

Located at an altitude of 700 meters above sea level the Vainu Bappu Observatory is an astronomical observatory and often called as the telescope city. The observatory is located in a 100 acre forest and has a 93 inch telescope, the largest in Asia. The observatory has been famous for various groundbreaking scientific theories and discoveries.

5. Yelagiri

Located at an average altitude of 1,410 meters above sea level, Yelagiri is a small hill station in Vellore. The town is located in the middle of flowery meadows, tea estates and orchards. The various lakes and waterfalls in Yelagiri attract a huge number of tourists. The place is also famous for various trek routes and adventure sports such as Paragliding and rock climbing.

6. Delhi Gate (Vellore)

The Delhi Gate is one of the most important historical monuments in Tamil Nadu . The gate used to function as an entrance to an 18th century fort built by Daulat Khan Panni a governor under the Mughal Empire. The site has seen a number of important historical battles and the most famous Seige of Arcot led by the famous British officer Robert Clive.

Being a city with one of the richest cultural heritage in India, Vellore is a city made in gold. The above-mentioned places not only provide the visitors an insight on the amazing history of the town but also a moment of serene relaxation with its natural surroundings.

Also Checkout These Hot Destinations In Tamil Nadu:

• Top Places To Visit In Chennai
• Top Places To Visit In Ooty
• Top Places To Visit In Auroville

About Rohit

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

• Kanchipuram
• Kanyakumari
• Mahabalipuram
• Tirunelveli
• Tiruchirappalli
• Best National Parks in Tamil Nadu
• Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
• Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
• Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary
• Mudumalai National Park
• Palani Hills Wildlife Sanctuary And National Park
• Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary
• Shenbagathoppu Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife
• Gulf Of Mannar Marine National Park
• Agastya Mala
• Beaches in Tamil Nadu
• Hill Stations in Tamil Nadu

Places to visit in Tamil Nadu

• About Arcot

Download Travel Checklist for Arcot

Tour package by.

Member Since 2022

Photos of Arcot

Near by places, pondicherry, mahabalipuram, kanchipuram, nandi hills, similar places in tamil nadu, chidambaram, tiruvannamalai, similar places in india, jammu and kashmir, north bay island, daman and diu, navi mumbai, dadra and nagar haveli, similar places outside india, salt lake city, indian lake, lake placid, kirkland lake, sylvan lake, new south wales, bredbury and romiley, totton and eling, north carolina, explore more.

• Arcot Tours
• Enquiry Form

To City (Destination)

Travel Date

Travel Duration (In Days)

Travel With

Interested In

Budget (in INR)

Ticket Booked ?

Ticket Required?

Mode of Transport

Ticket Category

I will book

Date of Birth

Marital Status

Income (Per Month)

Nationality

Preferred Language

No. of International Trips

Do you have a Visa ?

Do you have a Passport?

Preferred Time to Call

We have identified additional inquiries related to your tour. Please review them and let us know if there are any inquiries you would like us to remove.

1,00,00,000+

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Delhi Gate, Arcot In India: History,Facts, & Services

Explore India most popular tourist destination with us. Delhi Gate, Arcot In India: History,Facts, & Services,which is 0 km away from India main town, is the most popular destination to add in your travel wishlist.

The gates of Old Delhi are the Lahori Gate, the Ajmeri Gate, the Turkman Gate, the Kashmiri Gate, the Delhi Gate, and the Mori Gate. The gates of Arcot were the Cranganoor Gate, and the Vellore Gate.

The gates of Old Delhi are the Lahori Gate, the Ajmeri Gate, the Turkman Gate, the Kashmiri Gate, the Delhi Gate, and the Mori Gate. The gates of Arcot were the Cranganoor Gate, and the Vellore Gate. India

Nearby Places Delhi Gate, Arcot In India: History,Facts, & Services

You may also like

Top 15 places to visit in India

Know the top 15 best places to visit in India without much hustle. 1. New Delhi 2. Agra 3. Mumbai, 4. Rajasthan 5. Varanasi

Locations in India for a cheap beach vacations

Looking for some cheap beach destinations in India for your next vacation? Here is the list of all popular beach destinations to make lifetime memories.

Best Cities, Towns in India to Visit | Major Cities in India

India is the seventh greatest country on the planet. These beautiful cities in India have various languages, ethnic gatherings, cultures, landmarks, royal residences, backwaters, cascades, and different spectaculars. There is no such spot in India that can be labeled as … Continue reading →

The post Best Cities, Towns in India to Visit | Major Cities in India appeared first on World Tour & Travel Guide, Get Travel Tips, Information, Discover Travel Destination | Adequate Travel .

Top 10 Best Things to do in India |  What to do in India

India is a nation well known for its varied landscape. It brags of all-slopes, deserts, and shorelines and is an amalgamation of rich culture, ancient tradition, and dynamic celebrations. There are additionally plenty of best things to do in India … Continue reading →

The post Top 10 Best Things to do in India |  What to do in India appeared first on World Tour & Travel Guide, Get Travel Tips, Information, Discover Travel Destination | Adequate Travel .

Top 10 Best Places to Eat in India

Through India’s food scene you may understand that this nation is one of the most climatically, culturally and linguistically diverse countries in the world. Every state or city in this country is known for its unique taste and unique set … Continue reading →

The post Top 10 Best Places to Eat in India appeared first on World Tour & Travel Guide, Get Travel Tips, Information, Discover Travel Destination | Adequate Travel .

Top 10 Best Restaurants in All Over India

In India, there’s regularly an extreme contest between famous restaurants. It’s very difficult to pick the top restaurant in all over India as in India every region is famous for its own food and the is not only the main … Continue reading →

The post Top 10 Best Restaurants in All Over India appeared first on World Tour & Travel Guide, Get Travel Tips, Information, Discover Travel Destination | Adequate Travel .

Most Interesting Facts about India | India Facts and Information

Are you looking for the Indian interesting facts, then I must tell you that “India is the support of mankind, the origination of human speech, the mother of history, the grandma of legend, and the distant grandmother of custom. Our … Continue reading →

The post Most Interesting Facts about India | India Facts and Information appeared first on World Tour & Travel Guide, Get Travel Tips, Information, Discover Travel Destination | Adequate Travel .

Celebrate Christmas in India I Best Places to Visit in India on Christmas 

Christmas in India is a bright celebration, in like manner most celebrations. It is noted for its brilliance, at neighborhood stores, markets and shopping centers have multi-hued twinkling pixie lights, paper streamers, and blossoms. Holy places are designed utilizing brilliant … Continue reading →

The post Celebrate Christmas in India I Best Places to Visit in India on Christmas  appeared first on World Tour & Travel Guide, Get Travel Tips, Information, Discover Travel Destination | Adequate Travel .

The 24 Famous Monuments in Delhi India | Most Visited Monuments in Delhi

Monuments of Delhi has a special place in the world forum. This capital city of India has the most famous historical sites. Delhi is so rich and diverse and has some excellent specimens of history in the form of monuments. … Continue reading →

The post The 24 Famous Monuments in Delhi India | Most Visited Monuments in Delhi appeared first on World Tour & Travel Guide, Get Travel Tips, Information, Discover Travel Destination | Adequate Travel .

Famous Monuments & Statues in Udaipur India | Most Visited Monuments in Udaipur 

Udaipur is renowned for its artistic architecture like Palaces and Monuments. The superb architecture of these monuments of Udaipur boasts about the rich taste of the Royalty. The Royal kings today have become a testimonial of the bygone era one … Continue reading →

The post Famous Monuments & Statues in Udaipur India | Most Visited Monuments in Udaipur  appeared first on World Tour & Travel Guide, Get Travel Tips, Information, Discover Travel Destination | Adequate Travel .

Travel the World Together Using Our Adequate Travel APP

Find your travel partner within your reach, chat with them, book hotels, compare hotel prices, and make your trips memorable.

Top Hotel Collections

5 Star Hotels

3 Star Hotels

Vellore Travel Essentials

Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: October - March Read More

Planning a Trip? Ask Your Question

Vellore Tourism

An ancient city in the northeastern part of Tamil Nadu, Vellore is located on the banks of river Palar Vellore. Nicknamed ‘The Fort City’ due to the marvellous Vellore Fort which sits at the heart of Vellore city, it is an ideal place to glimpse Tamil Nadu's rich cultural heritage through its temples.

Contributing for 37% of the country's total leather export, Vellore is primarily known for two premier institutions, Christain Medical College and Vellore Institute of Technology. Apart from this, the city is known for the Ratnagiri Temple and Roman Catholic Diocese. Vellore has been ruled by different dynasties such as the Pallavas, the Cholas, the Vijayanagara, the Rashtrakuta, the Carnatic and the British who each left their distinguishing marks prevalent in the rich architecture. A legend says that the region where the city now stands was once upon a time surrounded by Velan (Babul) Trees giving the place the name Vellore. With the numerous developments that the city of Vellore is seeing, it is on its way to becoming one of the Smart Cities of India.

Places To Visit In Vellore

Vellore Fort

St. John's Church

Archaeological Survey of India Museum

Sripuram Golden Temple

Periyar Park

Virinjipuram Temple

Top Hotels In Vellore

₽ 816 onwards

₽ 2,996 onwards

₽ 699 onwards

₽ 604 onwards

₽ 601 onwards

More on Vellore Travel

Best time to visit vellore, top stories about vellore tourism.

Temples in Vellore for a Sacred Pilgrimage

Places Near

Places to Visit near Vellore

Nearby Places

Browse Hotel Collections

By hotel type.

Villas In Vellore

By Budget Category

Budget Hotels In Vellore

By Star Category

5 Star Hotels In Vellore

3 Star Hotels In Vellore

Near Landmarks

Hotels Near VIT University

Vellore Photos

FAQs on Vellore

What is the best time to visit vellore, what are the things to do in vellore, what are the places near vellore, have a question on vellore.

Popular Questions And Answers on Vellore

Q. Is Car parking available at the Golden Temple or near the temple

Q. Is there special Dharshan facility for super senior citizen.(85years)?

Vellore Reviews

Similar places.

Get the best offers on Travel Packages

Compare package quotes from top travel agents

• India (+91)

*Final prices will be shared by our partner agents based on your requirements.

Log in to your account

Welcome to holidify.

Forget Password?

Share this page

Discover the world

Where do you want to go :.

• Destinations
• Travelers & Locals
• Tours & Guides

320 Places and 555 Members

1250 Places and 2400 Members

2050 Places and 1500 Members

820 Places and 3400 Members

1050 Places and 2650 Members

1000 Places and 4340 Members

775 Places and 350 Members

800 Places and 750 Members

Join the Fun!

Create your travel profile. Meet like minded travelers. Share the places you love.

Tour Guide or Travel Agent?

Create a free profile and list your travel offers.

A Social Network Connecting Travelers and Locals

Travel is all about new experiences. No matter where you're going, Touristlink gives you opportunity to get a real feel of the culture. Meet up with a local for a coffee or beer, find travel companions to share the journey. Touristlink makes it easy to arrange your trip directly with the person organizing it. With over 50,000 tour operators and 150,000 travelers and locals signed up we are the largest social network connecting travelers and locals. Learn More >

Want to get started? Sign up and tell us where you're going. Share your trip plan with other travelers and locals and meet someone new or broadcast it to local guides to find the best deal or discover a tour you have not heard about. How it Works >

Post a Trip. Here is how it works

Travel is all about new experiences. No matter where you're going, Touristlink gives you opportunity to get a real feel of the culture. Meet up with a local for a coffee or beer, find travel companions to share the journey, or if you want arrange a tour with an independent guide. If you are looking to find a tour guide we will email your trip plan to relevant local guides and tour operators.

Post your trip

It takes just a few seconds to post your trip details to the Touristlink community.

Get Connected

Once it's posted locals and other travelers going the same place can see it and contact you. If you're looking for a guide or great travel deal will email your trip plan to the local tour operators so they may contact you.

Enjoy your Trip

Half of travel is meeting new and interesting people. Take a chance and see where Touristlink takes you. Get started.

Explore World

• Places To Visit
• Recreation / Outdoor
• Tourist Essentials
• Shopping / Nightlife
• Popular Destinations
• Towns & Villages
• Universities
• Skyscrapers
• Historic Houses
• States/Regions
• Heritage Sites
• Key Buildings
• Neighborhoods
• Famous Streets
• Plazas and Squares

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more I agree

• Arcot Tourism
• Arcot Itineraries
• Arcot Hotels

Top Tourist Attractions in Arcot

• Things To Do In Arcot

Best Things To Do in Arcot, India

Arcot is a small place in India and can be easily explored within a day. There aren’t many things to do and attractions to visit in this town. Also, being a small town, there are fewer accommodation options. People usually consider making a quick stop here before heading to the neighboring cities. You can halt here for a quick snack and take a little break from your journey.

You can check out the list of the cities near Arcot and find out the top things to do in these towns. So, the next time you are in Arcot, you can decide which neighboring city to visit for a memorable trip.

• Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple
• Things to do in Chennai
• Things to do in Tirumala
• Things to do in Puducherry
• Things to do in Mahabalipuram
• Things to do in Vellore
• Things to do in Srikalahasti
• What to do in Arcot in 1 day
• What to do in Arcot in 2 days

Protect Your Trip »

Best historical cities to visit in the usa.

Use this list to plan your next getaway to a destination that's rich with history. To determine the best historical cities to visit in the USA, U.S. News considered the storied pasts, preserved landmarks, notable monuments and tourist-friendly services in each city – as well as votes from users. Vote on your top picks for history lovers to help us determine next year's list. (Note: Some of the below destinations may be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. Check with the CDC and the U.S. Department of State before traveling.)

Washington, D.C.

Philadelphia, williamsburg, charleston, sc, new orleans.

America's capital is brimming with affordable things to do. The Washington Monument, the U.S. Capitol, the White House and the Lincoln Memorial anchor the National Mall, while the Tidal Basin boasts three of its own memorials dedicated to history-making figures. Various outfitters offer history tours that focus on showcasing the city's past through the eyes of everyone from specific presidents to notable women. What's more, exploring the Smithsonian museums, filled with art and science history, won't cost you a dime.

Boston is a city of American firsts. The country's first public library, first subway system, first public school and first public park belong to Boston. Here, you can stroll the same cobblestone streets as the Puritans and revolutionaries. Kick off your city tour on the Freedom Trail, which guides visitors past 16 of the city's most historic sites. A few must-see historical attractions include Faneuil Hall Marketplace (built in 1742), the Paul Revere House (built around 1680), the Old North Church (built in 1723) and the Fenway Park baseball stadium (opened in 1912).

Gettysburg Battlefield, the 6,000-acre Civil War military park that witnessed the momentous clash of Union and Confederate forces in 1863, is the star of any visit to this Pennsylvania town. Gettysburg also played a part in the Cold War, which you'll learn about next door to the famous battlefield at the Eisenhower National Historic Site. To better understand the town's role in these historic events and more, speak with the knowledgeable curators and peruse the 4,000-plus historical artifacts on display at the Gettysburg Museum of History.

You'll see Benjamin Franklin's name and influence across the United States' first capital city. Visit Independence Hall, where Ben and company signed the Declaration of Independence. Then, pay homage to the famously cracked Liberty Bell. And for a bit of cinematic history, head to the Philadelphia Museum of Art to snap a picture of the famous "Rocky Steps." When you get hungry, visit Reading Terminal Market, one of the largest and oldest public markets in America, to sample everything from ice cream and pastries to cheesesteaks and barbecue.

With its preserved Colonial sites and costumed interpreters, Williamsburg, Virginia, is the definition of a living history museum. Your first stop should be Colonial Williamsburg, where you'll be greeted by the "residents" who once called this revolutionary town home. Visitors have no shortage of learning opportunities: Williamsburg offers more than 20 guided and self-guided daily tours, ranging from ghost tours to garden tours – all included with your admission ticket. Round out your Williamsburg visit with a stop at the Yorktown Battlefield, the site of the last major battle of the Revolutionary War.

If you're visiting Williamsburg, you'll likely also make a stop at Jamestown, where English settlers established the first American Colony in 1607. Similar to Colonial Williamsburg, the Jamestown Settlement acts a living history museum, with costumed interpreters telling the story of life in 17th-century Virginia. You'll even get the chance to climb aboard replicas of the three ships that first brought colonists to Virginia. To learn more about the Paspahegh Indian Tribe, the Powhatan tribal group closest to Jamestown, plan to stop by Paspahegh Town.

Walking around the Battery with Fort Sumter in the distance may make you feel like you've stepped back in time. Should you wish to catch a glimpse of former 19th-century Southern high society, tour Middleton Place, the Aiken-Rhett House Museum or the Nathaniel Russell House Museum. Another great way to get to know this South Carolina city is on a historical walking tour. Or, simply relax on the wraparound porch of your historic bed-and-breakfast.

This coastal city southeast of Boston boasts its fair share of historic homes, museums and monuments dedicated to the Wampanoag Indian Tribe and the men and women who founded the first New England Colony. But Plymouth, Massachusetts, is also home to a bit of 21st-century history: Visitors will find the city's 9/11 Memorial just north of Plymouth Rock. What's more, lodging options range from historic hotels to quaint bed-and-breakfast accommodations.

Many come to New Orleans to party hard on Bourbon Street, but history lovers will delight in admiring sights like the French Quarter, the Cabildo and St. Louis Cathedral. If you need a break from the crowds, head to the Garden District or Chalmette Battlefield, or escape the heat at the popular National WWII Museum. If you don't mind a bit of ghost lore mixed in with your history lesson, you'll also want to sign up for one of the city's cemetery tours.

Luring travelers interested in learning about everything from witches and pirates to Colonial and maritime history, Salem was founded in 1626. This town situated on the northern coast of Massachusetts is best known for its ties to the Salem witch trials, which curious visitors can get an overview of at the Salem Witch Museum. Other popular historical attractions to visit include The Witch House, the New England Pirate Museum and the Salem Maritime National Historic Site.

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

St. Augustine

Charlottesville

New York City

San Antonio

San Francisco

You May Be Interested In

Best Cheap Vacations in the U.S. for 2023

Best Family Vacations in the USA for 2024

Best U.S. Beaches for 2024

Best U.S. National Parks for 2024

Top 19 Cheap Family Vacations

Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

The 50 Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches in the World

Holly Johnson December 1, 2023

The 26 Best Zoos in the U.S.

Rachael Hood November 16, 2023

44 Cheap Tropical Vacations That Feel Expensive

Holly Johnson|Alissa Grisler November 10, 2023

Why April's total solar eclipse will be a historic event in the US

The next total solar eclipse in the contiguous U.S. won't be until August 2044.

"Eclipse Across America," will air live Monday, April 8, beginning at 2 p.m. ET on ABC, ABC News Live, National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Disney+ and Hulu as well as network social media platforms.

When the moon traverses in front of the sun on April 8, parts of North America will be plunged into darkness, marking a rare celestial phenomenon that will not return for decades.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth and, for a short time, completely blocks the face of the sun, according to NASA .

"When the sun's disc is completely covered by the moon, daylight suddenly changes from bright sunlight to a very eerie twilight in a matter of seconds," Fred Espenak, a former astrophysicist from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and author of "Road Atlas for the Total Solar Eclipse of 2024," told ABC News.

"It becomes dark enough to pick out bright stars and planets, so it's very dramatic, very startling," Espenak said. "Most people get a very visceral reaction to seeing a total eclipse."

The last total solar eclipse in America was in August 2017, but the seven-year difference between eclipses is "deceptive," according to Espenak.

"If you look previous to 2017, the last one was in 1979," Espenak said. "So it's a little bit deceptive that these two eclipses were in seven years of each other."

The next total solar eclipse to occur in the contiguous U.S. won't be until August 2044 in Montana and North Dakota, and the next to span coast-to-coast is slated for 2045, according to NASA .

MORE: Delta offering special flight to view total solar eclipse along the path of totality in April

Comparatively, 2024's total solar eclipse is "better" than 2017's, because the path of totality is almost 60% wider and the duration of the eclipse is about 60% longer, according to Espenak, who explained some locations within the path will experience up to four and a half minutes of the eclipse.

The track of the moon's shadow across Earth's surface is called the path of totality, and to witness the April 8 total solar eclipse, viewers must be within the 115-mile-wide path.

In the U.S., the path of totality begins in Texas and will travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse, according to NASA .

MORE: Solar eclipse on Mars shows the planet partially covered in darkness in new NASA images

Due to the fact April's total solar eclipse will be the last of its kind to occur in North America for 20 years, it is projected to be the U.S.'s largest mass travel event in 2024, Michael Zeiler, expert solar eclipse cartographer, told ABC News.

Related Stories

Total solar eclipse weather forecast on April 8

• 17 minutes ago

April total solar eclipse: Where to avoid clouds

• Apr 1, 5:02 AM

Total solar eclipse: Best US cities for viewing

• Apr 5, 11:23 AM

Zeiler compared eclipse day travel to "50 simultaneous Super Bowls across the nation," saying four million people are estimated to travel to view it.

"When you look at the number of people expected to come to the path of totality for the solar eclipse, we estimate those numbers are roughly the equivalent of 50 simultaneous Super Bowls across the nation, from Texas to Maine," he said.

In anticipation of the historic eclipse, a small county in Texas is bracing for a state of emergency due to the sheer volume of expected tourists

In February, Bell County Judge David Blackburn issued a local disaster declaration, saying the county's population of 400,000 residents is expected to double in tourists.

Zeiler said Texas is a prime place for eclipse chasers to travel because it is located in the path of totality and has the best chances for clear skies on eclipse day.

"You want to be in the center of the path for the longest duration," Zeiler explained. "If you have a friend or relative in the path in Texas, and there are 12 million Texans inside the path, that's the spot to go because that's where the best weather prospects are."

MORE: The surprising reason why a Texas county issued a disaster declaration ahead of April total solar eclipse

From the eclipse's decades-long rarity to its staggering duration and path, April 8 brings an exciting opportunity that Espenak says skywatchers shouldn't miss.

"I think seeing a total eclipse should be on everybody's bucket list, and this April is just a golden opportunity," Espenak said. "It's an incredible event that people will remember for their entire lives. They'll be telling their grandchildren about the total eclipse they saw in April of 2024 if they managed to get into the path of totality and have some good weather."

"So I wish everybody fair skies next April," Espenak added.

Related Topics

• Solar Eclipse

April 8 partial solar eclipse times and magnitudes

• Apr 4, 6:31 AM

Why schools are closing for total solar eclipse

• Apr 4, 7:03 PM

ABC News Live

24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events

4.8 magnitude earthquake rattles NYC, New Jersey: Live updates

NEW YORK – A 4.8 magnitude earthquake recorded in New Jersey that shook residents in surrounding states and New York City on Friday morning was one of the strongest in state history.

The temblor was reported about 5 miles north of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, at about 10:23 a.m. Friday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The epicenter was about 45 miles away from New York City, where residents reported shaking furniture and floors.

“Earthquakes in this region are uncommon but not unexpected. It’s likely people near the epicenter are going to feel aftershocks for this earthquake in the magnitude 2-3 range, and there’s a small chance there can be an earthquake as large or larger, following an earthquake like this,” Paul Earle, a seismologist at the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program told reporters. “In terms of our operations this is a routine earthquake … Immediately we knew this would be of high interest and important to people who don’t feel earthquakes a lot.”

People reported feeling the shaking as far north as Maine and as far south as Norfolk, Virginia, following the quake, according to USGS. Scientists said those in the affected area should listen to local emergency officials and be prepared to seek cover if aftershocks occur.

“If you feel shaking, drop, cover and hold,” Earle said.

No major disruptions or damage have been reported in New Jersey or New York.

"We have activated our State Emergency Operations Center. Please do not call 911 unless you have an actual emergency," said New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy.

President Joe Biden spoke with Murphy about the earthquake and the White House is monitoring the situation.

“He thinks everything's under control,” Biden told reporters before leaving the White House for a trip to Baltimore. “He’s not too concerned about it, the governor of New Jersey, so things are all right.”

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said the quake was felt throughout New York, and officials are assessing impacts and any potential damage.

In Yonkers, New York, Mayor Mike Spano said City Hall shook but no injuries were reported.

"A few moments ago our entire house shook for about 25 seconds or so here in Mendham, NJ," former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said.

USGS is still investigating the exact fault line at the center of Friday’s quake, and said it occurred in a region with dozens of fault lines that were more active millions of years ago.

At least 2 aftershocks in first few hours after earthquake

Sara McBride, a scientist with the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program, said the agency has recorded at least two aftershocks related in the first few hours after the quake struck. The agency continues to refine its aftershock forecast for this event.

“There’s a 3% chance of magnitude 5 or greater in the next week related to this earthquake,” McBride said during a news briefing.

USGS scientists also said informal observations can be a big help in understanding earthquakes, especially in a region where they’re less common.

“We encourage people to fill out the ‘Did You Feel It?’ reports on our website,” McBride said. “This citizen science project is critical in terms of building our knowledge around earthquakes.”

By mid-afternoon on Friday, the agency said it had received more than 161,000 reports, and extrapolated that the quake had been felt by millions of people. McBride acknowledged that earthquakes can be nerve-wracking for people who don’t live in seismologically active regions, and said knowledge is power in combatting that discomfort.

“The best thing you can do to relieve any unsettling feelings you might have is to learn how to protect yourself during shaking and how to prepare for earthquakes in the future,” she said.

Man getting vasectomy during earthquake recounts experience

One Horsham, Pennsylvania, man shared his unusual earthquake experience, saying the tremors hit when he was in the middle of receiving a vasectomy.

"The surgeon sort of froze and all of us kind of seemed a bit confused," Justin Allen told USA TODAY . "Even when the surgeon said 'that’s gotta be an earthquake,' I thought he was joking."

Luckily, Allen's doctor was able to resume the procedure after a brief pause, and the rest went off without a hitch. Now recovering at home, Allen said it's an experience no one involved will forget, especially because his social media post about the incident has since gone viral.

"My wife says that 'this is a clear and obvious sign that we should not have any more kids,'" Allen said.

New Jersey resident thought sound from earthquake was an explosion

Madeline Nafus had just finished feeding her 7-week-old baby when, simultaneously, she was thrown off balance and the loudest sound she’s ever heard rang out.

“I thought it was either an explosion or a bombing because of how loud it was,” said Nafus, who lives in Long Valley, New Jersey, a few miles from the earthquake's epicenter. “It was just terrifying.”

Nafus, 29, watched as her light fixtures swung and wine glasses, framed photos and a 6-foot elk head crashed onto the floor. Feeling as if her “house was going to crumble,” she picked up her baby boy, grabbed some blankets and headed outside. Meanwhile, her friend came running downstairs and picked up Nafus’ quivering dog, Olivia, a small golden doodle.

After about 15 seconds, the rumbling went away and only occasional, minor tremors could be felt. Nafus called her husband, who was teaching a golf lesson at the time, and then their 2-year-old’s daycare.

“They said the children were all confused and asking a lot of questions but that they were OK,” she said.'

How common are East Coast quakes?

Earthquakes are less frequent in the eastern part of the country than in the west, but they have occurred in every state east of the Mississippi River, according to the USGS.

"Since colonial times people in the New York - Philadelphia - Wilmington urban corridor have felt small earthquakes and suffered damage from infrequent larger ones," according to the USGS. "Moderately damaging earthquakes strike somewhere in the urban corridor roughly twice a century, and smaller earthquakes are felt roughly every 2-3 years."

USGS officials also said that even smaller-magnitude quakes are more likely to be felt more widely on the East Coast than similar size quakes on the West Coast due to the rock properties of eastern soil, which can cause concern to East Coasters not used to the tremors.

Rocks in the eastern part of the country are much older than in the west, by up to millions of years. Those older rocks have been exposed to more extreme temperatures and pressure, and faults have had more time to heal. Seismic waves travel across the resulting harder and denser faults much more efficiently, so the effects of a quake are felt across a larger area. In the West, faults are newer and absorb more of the seismic wave energy without spreading as far.

Quake felt all the way in Massachusetts

In Auburn, Massachusetts, more than 200 miles from the earthquake's epicenter, Jerry Steinhelper was on a video call for work when his house began to tremble. His dog Maize started barking, and books and trinkets fell from their shelves. He looked out the window and saw trees shaking.

“I thought at first it may be ice falling off the roof. But it kept going and the entire house was shaking,” he told USA TODAY. “Then I just knew it was an earthquake.”

Steinhelper, 55, lived in San Diego in the 1980s and experienced temblors there, but he’s never felt one in Massachusetts, where he’s been for over 25 years.

“It was an interesting 10 to 15 seconds,” he said.

'It felt like a plane crashed outside' near epicenter

Nicole Kravitz, 33, was baking muffins at the cafe she co-owns with her husband in New Jersey when the floor began to shake. She and the cooks looked at each other for a few moments, and then at some stacked plates and glasses that had started vibrating.

Their eatery, Branchburg's Best, is located in New Jersey's Somerset County, near the epicenter of Friday’s earthquake.

“It felt like a plane crashed outside,” she said. “No one knew what was happening.”

Some workers ran out the door to see if something had smashed into the building while she checked the basement for damage. Meanwhile, Patrick Tucker, her husband, who was picking up beef from a nearby farm, watched agitated chickens and cows run around in their pens, visibly shaken by the quake.

Kravitz said the intensity of the earthquake made her feel like she was back in Southern California, where she had lived for several years before she returned to her home state in 2016.

Quake was one of the strongest to ever impact New Jersey

Friday's earthquake was the most significant in New Jersey since 1884 , when an Aug. 10 earthquake somewhere near Jamaica Bay, New York, toppled chimneys and moved houses off their foundations as far as Rahway, New Jersey, 30 miles away.

Other than that quake, there were only  three earthquakes in modern history  that caused damage in the state: 1737 (New York City), 1783 (west of New York City) and 1927 (New Jersey coast near Asbury), according to New Jersey Office of Emergency Management records.

The Dec. 19, 1737 earthquake is believed by modern experts to have been a 5.2 magnitude quake. Charted as taking place in the greater New York City area, some accounts say its epicenter was near Weehawken. State records show it threw down chimneys. Chimneys were also hurled down during the Nov. 29, 1783 quake. Estimated at a 5.3 magnitude that originated in modern day Rockaway Township, according to state records, it was felt from Pennsylvania to New England.

The Aug. 10, 1884 quake, estimated at a 5.2 magnitude was the last the state has seen of its significance and was felt from Virginia to Maine, according to state records.  Read more about New Jersey's earthquake history.

-David M. Zimmer, NorthJersey.com

New Jersey business owner describes worst quake ever felt, but went right back to work

It was a busy day for La Bella Salon & Spa in Lebanon, New Jersey, when an earthquake struck near the rural township.

About a dozen stylists and customers, some who were getting their hair dyed while others got manicures and eyelash extensions, all froze as the building rattled for about 30 seconds.

“People started to feel the shaking, and it got worse and worse. We were like ‘Oh, my god, what is going on?’" said shop owner Rosanne Drechsel. “I thought a truck hit the building or something.”

After the tremor subsided, nearly everyone in the building started receiving texts and phone calls from friends and family, Drechsel, 61, said.

Nothing was damaged and no one was injured, but Drechsel, who was born and raised in New Jersey, said it was “by far the worst earthquake” she had ever felt.

“We all went back to work and finished the appointments,” she said. “Customers are calling now to see if we're still open and if they can still make their appointments later on today.”

'It was scary': Quake rattles shelves in Brooklyn bodega

In Brooklyn, residents said they felt their buildings shake and many went outdoors after the rumbling stopped to check in with neighbors.

Julio Melo, a deli worker, said he thought the sounds of the earthquake resembled those of a large truck going down the street. But when Melo, 32, looked around and saw beer bottles rattling on store shelves, and a potted plant shimmy down the counter, he thought it might be something bigger, he told USA TODAY.

“I looked at my employee and he had the same tragic face on as me, it was scary,” he said at Jenesis’ Grocery Corp. in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood.

-Claire Thornton

Where was the earthquake felt?

Residents and officials said the earthquake was felt throughout New York, as well as in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and elsewhere. It was also felt as far away as Cambridge, Massachusetts, about 250 miles away from the reported epicenter.

Charita Walcott, a 38-year-old resident in the Bronx borough of New York, said the quake felt "like a violent rumble that lasted about 30 seconds or so."

"It was kind of like being in a drum circle, that vibration," she said.

Earthquakes common in the region, but the size is unusual: Expert

Dr. Chuck Ver Straeten, a geologist and curator of sedimentary rocks at the New York State Museum, told USA TODAY it’s not surprising this earthquake happened where it did.

“New York, around New York City going into New Jersey, there’s a lot of earthquakes historically down there. Happens every year,” he said. But it’s less common for them to be of such a high magnitude. It’s not surprising that many people felt it, he said. Usually earthquakes in the region are at a lower magnitude and less likely to be felt.

Ver Straeten said the real question now is if this is just a precursor to a larger quake.

“You never know what is the earthquake, what is a pre-earthquake, what is an earthquake happening after the main earthquake, you just have to see,” he said. “One slip along the rock fault, when one happens, it makes other areas around there more tense also and they start to slip and you slip again and slip again.”

But, he added, it would be unlikely for a larger quake to follow this one. In the Northeast, it’s more common for one large quake to be followed by smaller aftershocks, rather than a mounting series of tremors. 

Ground stops issued at regional airports

The Federal Aviation Administration issued departure ground stops for New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) until 11:30 a.m. ET and New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) until 12:30 p.m. According to flight-tracking website FlightAware, JFK is seeing about 32 departure delays and EWR about 41 as of 11 a.m. ET. 

The FAA said there's a "medium" probability of extending the ground stops.

What does magnitude mean in an earthquake?

Magnitude is a measurement of the strength of an earthquake . Officially it's called the Moment Magnitude Scale . It's a logarithmic scale , meaning each number is ten times as strong as the one before it. So a 5.2 earthquake is moderate while a 6.2 is strong.

The magnitude and effect of an earthquake, according to Michigan Technological University :

• Below 2.5: Generally not felt
• 2.5 to 5.4: Minor or no damage
• 5.5 to 6.0: Slight damage to buildings
• 6.1 to 6.9: Serious damage
• 8.0 or greater: Massive damage, can totally destroy communities

Intensity scales, measured in Roman numerals, are used to describe how strong the earthquake felt to people in the area.

According to the California Earthquake Authority , an intensity of I is typically felt only under especially favorable conditions. A IV, which leads to light shaking, is felt indoors by many, but not typically outdoors. It might awaken some people at night and lead to a sensation like a truck striking a building. A parked car would rock. Intensities VI and above would be strong, frightening and felt by all, with the damage increasing up to a X where the shaking would be violent. Some well-built wooden structures would be destroyed and most masonry and frame structures along with their foundations would be ruined.

While you might have heard the term " the Richter Scale " used to describe earthquakes, it is no longer commonly used because it was only valid for certain earthquake frequencies and distance ranges.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Contributing: Reuters

Watch CBS News

Looking for the best places to see the April 8 solar eclipse in the totality path? You may have to dodge clouds.

By Eric Henderson

Updated on: April 2, 2024 / 2:12 PM EDT / CBS News

America is gearing up for the April 8 total solar eclipse , and in less than a week many will be scrambling to find the best location to watch within the path of totality. Meteorologists are closely monitoring the latest models, and while it won't be until a few days prior to the event that the national forecast will be fully cooked, historical data suggests those hoping to view the corona and see a fully darkened midday sky may find themselves dodging clouds due to April weather patterns.

The last time a total solar eclipse traversed an elongated path across the continental U.S. — on Aug. 21, 2017 — Americans could be caught gazing at the midday dark from Oregon all the way to South Carolina. Most spots along the path of totality enjoyed reasonably clear, summer skies.

Those living or visiting along the path of totality next week may not end up so fortunate, as historical weather maps show the odds of experiencing a cloud-free sky at this time of year are somewhat less than ideal. In fact, finding a totally clear view at any given time is closer to the exception than the rule.

"According to NASA, at any given time, 70% of the earth is covered in clouds," said Mike Augustyniak , CBS Minnesota director of meteorology.

Not only is North America in the middle of the volatility of changing seasons during this year's solar event, but meteorologists note that we're also currently in an El Niño pattern, albeit one that's proven quieter than usual.

"An El Niño pattern tends to increase the chances of cloudy, rainy weather in those areas. Interestingly, though, that is not how this winter and spring have played out," said Augustyniak. "Since the start of 2024, Texas Hill Country and western Texas areas have been markedly drier than average; if that trend holds for the next few weeks, that would be good news for eclipse watchers."

The path of totality is only about 150 miles wide, and in America stretches roughly 2,500 miles from the Texas border to the last few towns in northeastern Maine. That leaves only so many places where you can seek the full show, though the path's width will be significantly wider than it was in 2017, according to NASA , as the moon will to be closer to Earth on this pass than it was then.

So will April showers bring spectator flowers? Here's a breakdown of which places along the path of totality are most likely to give eclipse chasers the best odds.

Viewing the eclipse in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas

Augustyniak said at this transitional time of year, the further south you can go, the more likely you are to experience clear skies during eclipse totality.

"Of the areas where the total eclipse will be visible on April 8, that includes the Hill Country of Texas, and the Mexican states of Coahuila and Durango," Augustyniak said.

Of course, the further south you get, the more you increase your chances of running into not only clouds, but rain.

"Spring is our storm season of course," said Jeff Ray , chief meteorologist for CBS Texas.

Ray said that you can almost bet on needing to do a little bit of reverse storm-chasing — in other words, doing some last-minute navigation to dart away from the oncoming clouds, rather than toward them — on or around the eclipse in Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma.

"There will be storms around the day of April 8. I say that because we rarely get through a week in spring without a couple of rounds coming through the area during this time of the year. Will they arrive a day before and be gone? Not start up until later that day? Maybe two days later? We are looking at our long-range model the GFS for the date and it looks like storms on the eighth," Ray said, with a caveat. "Long-range models are notoriously inaccurate for a specific day. But there is a good chance the storms the model sees will materialize, give or take a 36-hour period."

Ray said that Texas sees, on average, a sunny or mostly sunny April day only about 28% of the time. Conversely, the region gets April days with mostly cloudy or fully overcast conditions about 36% of the time.

"High clouds can arrive several days before the storm system, they are overhead in April around 22% of the time. A sky with some kind of cloud cover is likely," said Ray. "A typical April day would have near overcast skies in the morning, then the heating of the day makes for more sunshine. So an afternoon even has better odds of a good view of the eclipse."

The eclipse will reach totality in Texas from about 1:30 p.m. CT near Elm Creek until wrapping up near the Oklahoma border a few minutes before 2 p.m. Some of the most populous areas along the path of totality will be during this leg, from San Antonio and Austin to Dallas-Fort Worth.

One final factor to consider if you're heading to the area — tornadoes. Ray said that the National Weather Office in Fort Worth has tallied all the confirmed tornadoes since 1880, and in April and May, north Texas has seen more than 1,100 twisters, compared with the nearly 900 seen in all other months.

"So more tornadoes in the 61-day window than all of the other days of the year combined," Ray said, "but the tornado count varies greatly from year to year."

Ultimately, Ray said that April is traditionally the third-stormiest month of the year in Texas.

"In short, April is not the best, nor the worst, time of the year to hope for clear or mostly clear skies. The best would be July or August. The worst would be January or February," he said. "We get a decent idea of the expected weather about seven days out. Four days out we get more comfortable talking about the timing of a rain or storm event. But it's the weather, we are trying to throw a lasso around chaos. It is not rare we forecasters look like fools."

Viewing the eclipse in Missouri, southern Illinois and Indiana

While many are likely to head as far south as possible, some of the biggest cities in the Midwest are likely to fuel day-of migration to spots in Missouri and Illinois, many of them likely seeing a total eclipse for the second time in a decade. A small zone centered around Carbondale, Illinois, was along the path of totality in 2017, and will be once again this month.

While those in the St. Louis area seeking areas to watch in southeastern Missouri will find historical odds for cloud-free viewing roughly comparable to Arkansas, and those in the Chicago metro area should find their best bet is to head toward the southern part of Illinois.

"If you're unable to travel (to Texas or Arkansas), then Southern Illinois and Indiana present your best opportunity for a clearer sky, supported by the 43-year average and, of course, weather permitting," said Albert Ramon , chief meteorologist for CBS Chicago.

There will likely be some who decide that 90% or 95% totality is enough for them. But Ramon warns that those in the Chicago metro area could be at a higher risk to find their view obscured by clouds.

"Based on a comprehensive 43-year average , April 8 typically brings cloud cover chances ranging from 60 to 80% across Chicago and its surrounding suburbs, with similar patterns observed in Indianapolis, where cloud cover hovers between 60 to 70%," Ramon said.

Viewing the eclipse near the Great Lakes and Pennsylvania

Ramon said another factor that could make viewing along the path of totality something of a challenge in the Midwest is the lingering influence of an El Niño weather pattern.

"Its presence elevates the chances of clouds across the Midwest and Great Lakes regions," Ramon said. "This year may even be a bit more cloudier than the normal."

The Great Lakes portion of totality's path includes large sections of Ohio, including Cleveland, along with the area of Ontario south of Toronto, Niagara Falls, and Erie, Pennsylvania. CBS Pittsburgh meteorologist Ray Petelin said many of these areas are subject to the wildcard that is the Great Lakes.

"They are known for lake-effect snow, but it is the lake-effect clouds that could hide the eclipse. Erie, which is in the path of totality, averages only six clear days during the month of April. Pittsburgh, which has the potential to see around 97% of totality, only averages four clear days in April," Petelin said.

Petelin says that a southerly breeze and warmer-than-average temperatures would go a long way toward helping the Great Lakes region out on April 8. 

"While the historical data suggests the chances for a clear day are low, this winter and early spring have been exceptionally bright and warmer than usual. Let's keep our fingers crossed that we can get that perfect weather for when it matters most," Petelin said.

As it stands, the areas near the shores of the Great Lakes historically show a higher probability for clearer skies than areas inland.

Viewing the eclipse in New England

The eclipse will wrap up its march across the U.S. when the path of totality cuts across state lines from New York to Vermont just before 3:30 p.m. ET. By this point in the event, the duration of totality along the central line will have already fallen off from its peak — about 4 minutes, 30 seconds near Nazas, Mexico — to just over 3 minutes, 30 seconds, according to NASA.

"The southern edge of the totality line passes right through the towns of Middlebury, Northfield and Barre. You will need to get just north of these areas. Some suggested 'larger' towns include Montpelier, St. Johnsbury, Newport and Burlington," said Terry Eliasen , executive weather producer for CBS Boston.

In New Hampshire, the southern edge of totality will pass just north of the White Mountains. And in Maine, you'll need to get north of major cities like Portland, Augusta and Bangor. Eliasen said the entirety of Baxter State Park will be in the totality path, including Mount Katahdin.

The bad news: Eliasen said that those in the New England area face possibly the stiffest odds in the country for catching clear skies next Monday, based on historical patterns. The data says you're more likely to be negatively impacted by clouds pretty much anywhere in these three states than not.

"Frankly, northern New England is probably the worst place (historically speaking) in the path of totality as far as cloud cover goes," said Eliasen. "Of course, we could get lucky."

No luck? There's always the 2045 total solar eclipse

As a last-ditch hope for those who opt to stay put no matter where they're located, there's one last meteorological ace-in-the-hole that could offer reprieve, one fueled by the astronomical event itself.

"It's worth noting that, as totality approaches and sunlight is reduced, temperatures are likely to fall noticeably. Cooler temperatures can stabilize the atmosphere – like when the sun sets after a hot summer day – leading to a decrease in cloud cover," said Augustyniak. "Still, your best plan is to find an area that has no clouds to begin with."

And if the clouds end up sullying the view for some this month, another chance comes around in August 2045 , when a line of totality will stretch from northern California all the way to Miami Beach. Which, of course, will fall during the height of hurricane season.

Eric Henderson is Managing Editor, Midwest for CBSNews.com. He has won three Emmy Awards, an Eric Sevareid Award and two Edward R. Murrow Awards.

More from CBS News

How Americans in the solar eclipse's path of totality plan to celebrate the celestial event on April 8, 2024

Small Illinois village preps for second total eclipse in 7 years

Here's how one airline is planning to provide a total eclipse experience

4 easy ways to make extra cash this April

• WEATHER ALERT Winter Storm Warning Full Story
• WEATHER ALERT Winter Weather Advisory Full Story
• WEATHER ALERT High Surf Advisory Full Story
• Track the rain with the LIVE Megadoppler 7000 HD Full Story

NASA's interactive map shows best times, places to watch total solar eclipse

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Millions of Americans will get the chance to see a total solar eclipse when the rare event crosses the country next week.

The total solar eclipse is expected on Monday, April 8 - the first one in seven years to pass over the U.S.

So what exactly will you be able to see during Monday's solar eclipse? That's what an interactive NASA map is for.

The interactive lets you type in your city or zip code into a map to see what the eclipse will look like in your neighborhood and what time it will happen. NASA's interactive can be viewed here .

RELATED: How much of the solar eclipse will be visible in California?

Southern California is not in the best position to see the total eclipse, but people can still get a partial view. For example, the interactive shows Los Angeles residents will be able to see that only the bottom portion of the sun will be covered, and it'll happen around 11 a.m.

In places like Columbus, Ohio - which is in the path of totality - users of the interactive will see that the entire sun will be covered during the event.

In the U.S., the path of totality begins in Texas and will travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse, according to NASA.

ABC News contributed to this report.

Related Topics

• SOLAR ECLIPSE
• U.S. & WORLD

Top Stories

Man gunned down while doing yard work in Long Beach neighborhood

$250M project to widen The Old Road in Castaic, alleviate traffic woes

• 2 hours ago

4.8 magnitude earthquake hits NJ, shaking felt across Northeast

• 3 hours ago

How did thieves pull off one of the biggest heists in SoCal history?

99 Cents Only Stores is winding down its business operations

California bank provides Trump with financial lifeline

Coachella-themed STD billboard irks festival officials

Here's how much rain, mountain snow to expect in SoCal on Friday

More From Forbes

Durham: a historic day out in northern england.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Durham Castle and Cathedral provide a striking backdrop to the center of Durham city.

When one thinks of the quintessential English experience, images of Shakespearean drama in the heart of London or the elegance of the Cotswolds might first spring to mind. Yet, the true essence of England's rich history and cultural depth can also be found in the less trodden paths of the North.

Durham, a historic university city nestled in Northern England, offers an equally compelling narrative steeped in centuries-old architecture, academic prestige, and picturesque landscapes.

Durham University is one of the oldest universities in England, which contributes significantly to the city's character and reputation.

The historic city also serves as a gateway to the striking beauty spots of the Durham Dales, a place that inspired several of England’s greatest writers and artists, including master painter William Turner.

Explore Durham’s World Heritage Site

At the heart of this historic city lie the majestic Durham Castle and Cathedral , together recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Located on a naturally defended peninsula, this complex is significant for its architectural innovation, historical continuity, and the cultural importance of its relics.

Durham Cathedral and Castle dominate the skyline of Durham.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024.

The Cathedral, built in 1093, is a masterpiece of Norman architecture and houses the relics of St Cuthbert. Its towering presence, alongside the Castle, which has been standing since the 11th century and now forms part of the University, provides a striking scene that has inspired artists and writers for centuries.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the history of these iconic structures through guided tours, experiencing the medieval grandeur that has withstood the test of time. Before you leave, don’t miss the scones and award-winning finger sandwiches at the Cathedral’s Undercroft cafe .

Stroll The Historic Center

Despite the trend of Britain’s declining urban centers , Durham’s historic center is thriving. The hilly terrain of cobbled streets is lined with independent stores offering a unique shopping experience far removed from the typical chain stores and shopping malls.

From bookstores serving the local university population to boutiques selling handcrafted goods and a traditional indoor market, the charm of Durham’s independent spirit is unmistakably inviting.

Enjoy Crook Hall Gardens

A short walk from the city center lies Crook Hall, a medieval manor house surrounded by enchanting gardens tended by a dedicated group of volunteers.

Now part of the National Trust , this idyllic spot is a must-visit for those seeking tranquility away from the bustling city streets. The gardens are divided into themed areas, each offering its own unique blend of flora and architectural features.

The National Trust site Crook Hall Gardens are well worth a visit while in Durham.

Time your trip to join one of the free guided tours to gain more insight into the hall's rich history and the meticulous care that maintains its beauty throughout the year.

Elsewhere in the Durham region, don’t miss Moorhouse Woods, the fine medieval castle and vast deer park of Raby Castle, and the architectural history lessson that is Barnard Castle.

Experience English Cricket

There are few activities more quintessentially English than watching a cricket match. The modern sport spans the thrilling T20 format, known for its fast-paced excitement, to the traditional first-class county matches, where a single game can unfold over four days.

County Durham ’s team play at the charming Riverside Ground in nearby Chester-le-Street, a ground that also hosts test matches for the English national team. Led by team captain Scott Borthwick, Durham lifted the Division Two title in 2023 and so will play in the top tier of English cricket once again in 2024.

Where To Eat In Durham

From a celebratory dinner in fine dining surroundings to hearty pub grub at student-friendly prices, Durham offers a diverse dining scene.

For a special dinner with riverside views, look to the European menu of Restaurant 17 or the converted cellar and locally-sourced menu of Cellar Door.

Fancy some traditional British fish and chips? Bells is a Durham institution, and offers the classic fish supper deep fried in beef dripping from its Market Place location. To quench your thirst in between sightseeing, Tealicious offers the best range of teas and cakes in Durham.

Where To Stay In Durham

The riverside location just steps from Crook Hall Gardens gives the Radisson Blu Durham a quiet location yet still within easy reach of the downtown amenities.

If you prefer to be at the heart of the action, during University vacation periods it’s possible to book accommodation at Durham Castle, which includes breakfast served in the medieval Great Hall.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Where to Go in 2024 Overview: Where to Go in 2024

The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024

• An Insider's Guide to Paris — Luxury Hotels, Vintage Shops, and the City's Best Restaurants Included
• This Southern U.S. City Was Named One of the Best Places to Travel in 2024
• 5 Coastal Towns in Alaska That Are Adorable in Any Weather
• T+L's Review of Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Grandeur
• This Exclusive Helicopter Dining Experience Is the Best Way to See the 'Grand Canyon of Mallorca’
• Where to Go in 2024 The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024 An Insider's Guide to Paris — Luxury Hotels, Vintage Shops, and the City's Best Restaurants Included This Southern U.S. City Was Named One of the Best Places to Travel in 2024 5 Coastal Towns in Alaska That Are Adorable in Any Weather T+L's Review of Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Grandeur This Exclusive Helicopter Dining Experience Is the Best Way to See the 'Grand Canyon of Mallorca’ CLOSE Part of Where to Go in 2024

Where to go in 2024, according to Travel + Leisure editors — for cultural immersion and major travel bragging rights.

Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey.

Well, you knew it was coming. This year, more than 20 Travel + Leisure staffers weighed in to create this hand-picked list of the places that thoughtful, curious travelers should consider in 2024.

These are the destinations that have captured our imaginations, the spots where T+L editors want to spend their own time in the year ahead. Among the picks are Canada's Métis Crossing, which headlined our October 2023 issue ; Istanbul, for which our editor in chief makes a compelling case ; and Paris, because there's a little thing called Les Jeux Olympiques coming up.

Other, lesser-known places are on the rise. Consider the small towns of Sonoma County, where new businesses are doing big things ; a remote corner of Australia, where expedition ships are the way in; a Himalayan hideaway where visitors are left breathless and not just because of the altitude.

We hope this list inspires you to see the world in a new way in the coming year. We'll see you out there.

— Edited by Paul Brady and Maya Kachroo-Levine  

Travel + Leisure

Destination by Category

For cultural immersion, ålborg, denmark.

Alexander Farnsworth/Getty Images

It rates as Denmark’s fourth-largest city, with around 120,000 residents, but out-of-the-way Ålborg might seem an unlikely international-travel hub. That's not stopping Scandinavian Airlines, which is betting on the compact, alluring city with newly launched flights from Newark Liberty International, which will run three times a week from April through October. The cobbled streets of Ålborg’s old town are lined with half-timbered houses and pastel exteriors; the attractively refurbished waterfront — where you’ll find the newly renovated Pier 5 Hotel — is another walkable district. The city’s rich cultural scene includes a modern art museum , an architecture center, and, a short drive away, Regan Vest , a Cold War museum that opened in a former bunker in February 2023. Indeed, Ålborg is a gateway to the wider region of North Jutland, with its dramatic coastline around the town of Skagen, long a draw to Danish artists; windswept dunes of Thy National Park ; and 2,000-year-old Viking ring fortresses which have, at long last, been collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site . — Peter Terzian

Cartagena, Colombia

Sofia Jaramillo

A perennially hot destination, Colombia is coming into its own as a luxury escape these days, thanks to a ton of excitement in and around Cartagena, on the country’s Caribbean coast. In 2023, the city welcomed Casa Pestagua , a 16-room boutique hotel within a restored 17th-century building, in the historic center. Now, the same owners are working to open bungalows on Isla Barú, a popular day-trip spot, before the end of 2023. Sustainability minded travelers can find their fit at Blue Apple Beach , an eco-hotel on Tierra Bomba Island, just off the coast, that’s B Corp certified and generates half its power from solar, as T+L recently reported . In 2024, Disney's “Encanto”-themed tour of Colombia will debut, shining more light on Cartagena, one of the many stops on the itinerary. And there’s even more growth in the pipeline: Delta Air Lines is adding new nonstop flights to Cartagena from Atlanta in December 2023, a Four Seasons hotel is on the horizon, and the nation is investing in an airport expansion that will serve an ever-increasing number of visitors. — Susmita Baral

Eastern & Oriental Express, a Belmond Train

Courtesy of Belmond

After a four-year pause, this luxury train that crisscrosses Southeast Asia will ride again in February. Several new itineraries will be available on the revamped Express, which has 15 cherry wood–clad cabins and vibrant Malay-inspired decor. The Essence of Malaysia journey, for example, takes travelers from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, with side trips to Langkawi, for snorkeling in Pulau Payar Marine Park, and Penang, among the greatest food cities on the planet. Alternatively, a Wild Malaysia option includes a stop at Taman Negara National Park, where visitors might spot a Sumatran rhino or tiger. “These ‘slow travel’ journeys give our guests the opportunity to rest their mind, rekindle, and reconnect,” said Dan Ruff, the CEO of Belmond. Much like a storied ocean liner, the majestic Eastern & Oriental Express is a destination unto itself, with a sultry piano bar car; an open-air lounge with wicker furniture where passengers can watch the Malaysian jungle rush by; and two restaurant carriages serving Peranakan food. You may not have had "eating laksa on a luxury train" on your 2024 bingo card, but you really should. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

Christian Kain

For one month between June and July, soccer — or should we say fußball — will take over Germany, as the nation hosts the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship. Held every four years, the tournament for men’s national teams will take place in 10 cities across Germany, including Berlin, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Munich. “This will be an incredible, not-to-be-missed moment,” said Sofia Markovich , a travel advisor on T+L's A-List who specializes in Austria and Germany. “I expect interest to go through the roof as this is a major sports event — second only to the World Cup.” Even casual fans should find the atmosphere thrilling, Markovich said, particularly those who happen to pass through game-day destinations while cruising the country’s rivers . One host city deserves a particular spotlight thanks to the new Rosewood Munich , which opened in October. Set across two buildings (one, formerly the headquarters of the State Bank of Bavaria, the other, a Baroque residence), the 132-key property is steps from the charms of Old Town, including the leafy Maximiliansplatz, and walkable to one of Europe’s most surprising surf spots: the rapids of the Isar River . — Liz Cantrell

Métis Crossing, Alberta

Amber Bracken

“This is not a place where you look at old things behind glass,” said Juanita Marois, the CEO of Métis Crossing, one of Canada’s most compelling Indigenous tourism projects. “This is an immersive destination where you experience the culture and the warmth of the Métis people through our land, water, skies, buildings, food, and programs.” The 688-acre retreat, which writer Carleigh Baker detailed in T+L’s October 2023 issue , is today home to a 40-room lodge, a cultural center, and campgrounds. Depending on the season, visitors can learn about traditional crafts, enjoy festivals held on-site, or head out for bird-watching, canoeing, or snowshoeing. A new addition to Métis Crossing is a collection of eight Sky Watching Domes , luxe stand-alone suites with panoramic skylight windows. From the Domes, Marois explained, “guests can listen to Indigenous stories of the night skies, see the stars, and view the aurora borealis." — Jalyn Robinson

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, Georgia

Getty Images

It’s not every day the U.S. gets a new national park, but 2024 could see this central Georgia destination enter the fold. Presently managed as a national historical park, Ocmulgee is home to large earthen mounds, including temple complexes, created by numerous Native American peoples over thousands of years. Should Congress approve the new designation in 2024, Ocmulgee will become the first national park in the state and the first in the U.S. to be co-managed by a nation whose ancestors were removed from the area: the Muscogee (Creek) were forcibly relocated from central Georgia as a result of the Indian Removal Act of 1830. “We now have an opportunity to come back and not feel like we are visiting, but to feel like we are coming home,” said Tracie Revis, a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and the director of advocacy for the Ocmulgee National Park & Preserve Initiative, a community group. The gateway to the park is the city of Macon, where the Muscogee (Creek) Nation flag flies alongside the Stars and Stripes, and the street signs are being replaced with ones written in both Muscogee and English. A particularly opportune time to visit will be in September, for the town’s annual Indigenous film festival . — Liz Cantrell  

Rajasthan, India

Aparna Jayakumar

India’s northwestern state of Rajasthan, with its wealth of iconic hotels and cultural attractions, is one of the best-known among U.S. travelers. It also promises new delights in the coming year, with several new addresses in Jaipur worth planning a trip around. There's Villa Palladio , a delightful nine-room hotel on the outskirts of town created by the Swiss-Dutch team behind Bar Palladio , an Instagram favorite in the city center. The Johri is a beautifully designed five-room property with a chic cocktail bar and organic vegetarian restaurant on the ground level, tucked away in a heritage townhouse in Jaipur's Old Town. Meanwhile, the Anantara hospitality group is set to launch its first-ever property in India next year. The 150-room, new-build Anantara Jaipur Hotel is designed with India's ballooning market for destination weddings in mind: it will have event facilities that can accommodate as many as 2,500 guests. In the meantime, the city and wider region are becoming more accessible than ever, thanks to a new six-lane expressway that connects Jaipur to New Delhi, a major hub for international flights. — Flora Stubbs

Shinta Mani Mustang, Nepal

Courtesy of Shinta Mani Mustang

A once-forbidden kingdom is now home to some truly palatial digs. Nepal’s Mustang district, which opened to outsiders in 1992 , is a place to watch in 2024 thanks to this stunning, 29-suite hotel, which welcomed its first guests in August. Shinta Mani Mustang, the latest property from the Bensley Collection, delivers the luxurious wellness experiences and thoughtful design that devotees of the brand have come to expect. Guests can spend their days trekking the surrounding Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, searching for rare wildlife like the Pallas’s cat and Tibetan wolf, horseback riding, and visiting local villages. “What caught my attention was that the outstanding aesthetics and architecture are in sync with sustainable and responsible tourism,” said Carole Cambata, an advisor on T+L's A-List and expert in Himalayan travel. “They sourced local building materials and used Indigenous construction methods.” The noteworthy opening comes at a time of positive change: in April, the Nepal Mountaineering Academy and the Nepal Tourism Board partnered on a program to educate the country’s first-ever class of LGBTQ+ trekking guides, CNN reported , in an effort to make Nepal’s hiking and climbing industries more inclusive. “Nepal is one of Asia’s most progressive countries for LGBTQ+ people due to laws that forbid gender identity discrimination,” said John Clifford , another A-List advisor. “Visitors to the country can even select ‘other’ as an option for gender identification on their visas.” — Samantha Falewée

Tallinn, Estonia

Nina Ruggiero/Travel + Leisure

This country’s literacy and secondary education rates consistently rank near the top in Europe, especially among women, so it should come as no surprise that Tartu, the university city to the southeast of Tallinn, has been designated Europe’s Capital of Culture for 2024 . Still, for first-timers to the Baltics, there’s no better place to get schooled than the country’s capital city, Tallinn: its walled Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved examples of Medieval architecture in the world. PoCo Art Museum , which opened in May with pop art by Andy Warhol, Banksy, David Hockney, and Jeff Koons, is now one of nearly 50 art institutions in the city, joining Fotografiska (world-renowned photography), Kumu Art Museum (contemporary Estonian art), and Kadriorg Art Museum (early European and Russian art). After soaking in the culture, head for the Noblessner district , an industrial shipyard area turned seafront hot spot that’s now bursting with stylish cafes, shops, and Estonia’s first restaurant with two Michelin stars, 180° by Matthias Diethe . (You might also try a “ smoke sauna ” at Scandi-chic Iglupark .) As for where to stay, the new Nunne Boutique Hotel has views over Old Town’s Towers Square . —  Nina Ruggiero

Warsaw, Poland

Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

The thriving contemporary art scene in Warsaw, which is home to art-circuit stalwarts like the Foksal Gallery Foundation and Raster Gallery , will get a big boost in 2024, when the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw finally moves into its own headquarters. Founded in 2005, the museum has burnished the city’s art reputation for two decades, with its holdings of both foreign and Polish work, despite operating out of temporary spaces. The new HQ will be part of a 22-acre arts district centered on the existing Palace of Culture and Science, a Stalinist skyscraper that towers over the city. The museum, along with a new 800-seat TR Warszaw Theater nearby, was designed by Thomas Phifer and Partners , the architecture firm behind other notable institutions, including the Glenstone Museum in Maryland and portions of New York’s Corning Museum of Glass . — Denny Lee

For the Food and Drinks

The austrian countryside.

Journey south of Vienna and you’ll find two of the regions that give the countryside of Austria its fairy-tale quality. Styria has rolling hills and hiking trails, with the medieval city of Graz at its heart. Mellow, rural Burgenland is home to Lake Neusiedl, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both regions have a long, rich history of winemaking, and in recent years, have become the site of a burgeoning natural wine scene. Cult producers such as Winery Maria and Sepp Muster and Alice & Roland Tauss should be at the top of any visitor’s list, as should Burgenland’s beloved vintners Gut Oggau and Meinklang . Then, round out a visit to the country with a stay at Rosewood Schloss Fuschl , a meticulously restored 15th-century castle opening on the shores of a small lake near Salzburg in spring 2024. — Peter Terzian

Mérida, Mexico

Itzel Garrido/Travel + Leisure

The capital of Yucatán, this city has long been popular with Mexican travelers drawn to its Maya ruins, cerulean-blue cenotes, restored haciendas, and incredible food . But it has a growing acclaim among international visitors — especially LGBTQ+ travelers, who often describe Yucatán as very gay friendly . Mérida’s historic beauty and laid-back cantina culture might explain why LGBTQ+ retirees have embraced the city in recent years, buying homes and bringing their friends along. Those not ready to make a full-on move will find lots of designer hotels carved out of stately mansions, not to mention wonderful shopping and plenty of food tours, both in the city and in the surrounding countryside, which is punctuated by haciendas, many of which host pop-up events or even overnight guests. Plans for a sprawling new “ Yucatán Central Park ,” with a food market and amphitheater, remain hazy, as does an exact timeline for the arrival of the ballyhooed Maya Train , which is nearing completion and should make it easier to hop between Mérida and popular seaside spots such as Cancún and Tulum. — Denny Lee

Sonoma County, California

Gentl & Hyers

More than double the size of Napa, Sonoma might offer twice as much to do. It’s not just about the wine — though with the addition of a new American Viticultural Area (AVA) called West Sonoma Coast last year, Sonoma County now has 19 AVAs slinging chardonnay, pinot noir, and zinfandel at established wineries, such as Flowers and Scribe , and new ones, including Vérité Wines . There’s also a long coastline to explore, from Bodega Bay up to Sea Ranch, where the dreamy, cliff-top Sea Ranch Lodge is newly renovated . Inland, the opening of Dawn Ranch shines a spotlight on Guerneville , a crunchy town along the Russian River known for its LGBTQ+ scene and proximity to the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Tear yourself from the 22-acre haven, with tree house–like cabins, creekside glamping tents, and alfresco redwood tubs at the idyllic spa, to bike into town where the reimagined Piknik Market serves one of Oprah’s favorite biscuits . The changes coming to Sonoma County in 2024 are largely shaped by the area’s most famous chefs: in Healdsburg, California, Noma alum Stu Stalker debuted the plant-based restaurant Second Story, above Little Saint and down the street from Michelin three-starred SingleThread and chef Dustin Valette’s The Matheson . Restaurant powerhouse Charlie Palmer plans to launch his hotel brand, Appellation , in Healdsburg by the end of next year. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

For Big-city Thrills

Tessa Desjardins/Travel + Leisure

“It’s a classic Asian megacity: frenetic, neon-lit, and overwhelming to the senses,” said Jack Tydeman , a Southeast Asia specialist at Audley Travel and member of T+L's A-List. But change is coming to Bangkok, in the form of many megaprojects, including Dusit Central Park, which is slated to open in 2024, with the 259-room Dusit Thani Bangkok Hotel and a multi-terraced roof park. Also coming soon will be King Rama IX Memorial Park, a park that honors the sustainability initiatives of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Meanwhile, Lumpini Park , Bangkok’s original public green space, is getting a massive refresh next year that will add a new food hall, a vegetable farm, and a sports club ahead of its centennial. Even while sprinting to finish these new developments, Bangkok is finding time to slow down and prioritize wellness. Luxury travel network Virtuoso recently named Thailand as just one of five “emerging self-care destinations” worldwide, noting that “travelers are seeking a more spiritual journey, turning to Thailand for more than the traditional Thai massage.” The forthcoming Aman Nai Lert Bangkok , slated for 2024, is sure to deliver, with 52 spacious suites overlooking Nai Lert Park and a multifloor wellness sanctuary. — Susmita Baral

Courtesy of Cleveland Museum of Natural History

The year ahead has the Land set to shine, thanks to national and international events, world-class cultural expansions, and the rebirth of historic hotels. It all starts in April, when the NCAA Women’s Final Four comes to the state-of-the-art Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and a total solar eclipse sweeps over the city on April 8, 2024. Cleveland will see even more action when the Pan-American Masters Games crisscross the city July 12-21. And in November, The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which was held in Brooklyn in 2023, will return home. Meanwhile, many institutions are in the midst of revitalization. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is nearing completion of its multiyear $150-million expansion, with updated exhibits and new public spaces in University Circle. Karamu House , the nation’s oldest Black producing theater, will debut a new restaurant, outdoor stage, and an additional venue in the Fairfax neighborhood. The city’s oldest hotel will reopen in 2024 after extensive renovations as a Marriott Autograph Collection called Hotel Cleveland. Also coming is the Fidelity Hotel, a new boutique property with a speakeasy that's slated to launch in a landmark building downtown. There’s development along the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie, too, where paved hiking and biking trails are livening up a waterfront that has, for many decades, been underutilized. — Jennifer Salerno Yong

Fort Worth, Texas

Mariah Tyler

Offering classic Western experiences like bull riding, cattle drives, and stock shows, Fort Worth, Texas, is booming, bringing in $3 billion in tourism revenue last year alone. With all of the renewed interest in the city, luxury hotels are flocking to Cowtown’s Cultural District. The Crescent Hotel, Fort Worth opened in November, home to the first-ever wellness club by Canyon Ranch and a Mediterranean restaurant by Food Network chef Preston Paine. Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection , is slated to open its doors December 2023, with a tree-lined pool terrace, chic spa, and upscale chophouse called Bricks and Horses. Walking distance from both hotels is The National Cowgirl Museum , which will run a 2024 exhibit honoring the Mexican female horseback riding tradition of escaramuza charra . Looking ahead, the National Juneteenth Museum is scheduled to open in the city’s Historic Southside neighborhood in 2025. — Mariah Tyler

Turkey’s style capital is seeing a resurgence of life along the Bosphorus, thanks in part to the Galataport, the world’s first underground cruise ship terminal with a pedestrian promenade and the Renzo Piano–designed Istanbul Museum of Modern Art just above. Another neighborhood anchor is the 177-room Peninsula Hotel , spread out over four buildings, three of which date to the early 1900s. Highlights include a glittering pool facing the Hagia Sophia; a sprawling, subterranean spa; and Gallada, a rooftop restaurant from whiz kid chef Fatih Tutak, whose eponymous restaurant is Turkey’s first to earn two Michelin stars. The hotel staff wears posh uniforms courtesy of Arzu Kaprol, a designer who has a boutique in the nearby Paket Postanesi, a historic post office turned chic shopping mall. Also on the waterfront, in Beşiktaş, the lavish Çırağan Palace Kempinski has been reimagined by local interior designer Serdar Gülgün, with rooms that lean into Ottoman-era grandeur (think tulip-pattern motifs and mother-of-pearl furniture). Finally, don’t miss The Basilica Cistern, open again after a five-year closure, and now hosting contemporary art exhibits amid the ancient columns. — Jacqui Gifford

Kansas City, Missouri

Jonathan Tasler/Courtesy of Visit KC

World famous for barbecue and jazz, KC is now staking a claim as a global leader in sports and entertainment — and not just because of Taylor and Travis . In March, the Kansas City Current, of the National Women's Soccer League, will open the first-ever purpose-built stadium for women’s pro sports. “It will be a destination for sports lovers and will inspire generations of girls to follow their dreams,” said Katie Mabry van Dieren, CEO and curator of The Strawberry Swing , a brand that organizes events and pop-ups in the city, as well as Shop Local KC , a string of boutiques. The stadium’s construction has spurred other developments around the city, including the forthcoming Origen Hotel KC , a 118-room boutique property; the massive Berkley Beer Garden; and an extension of the free KC Streetcar that will serve the Berkley Riverfront area. Also coming soon is the country’s first entertainment district of its kind, the Rock Island Bridge , a reclaimed rail crossing over the Kansas River. “Visitors will be able to enjoy two levels of entertainment with food from two restaurants and three bars, plus a covered event space with a dance floor and open veranda seating overlooking the river and city,” a source told T+L of the High Line–inspired project that will connect Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas. — Jalyn Robinson

Raf Willems/Getty Images

Just when you think Sin City can’t get any bigger, louder, or glitzier, Las Vegas turns it up another notch. On the heels of blockbuster residencies from Adele , Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga, U2 kicked off their inaugural stint at the long-anticipated Sphere this fall. Filmmaker Darren Aronofsky’s immersive sci-fi production “Postcard from Earth” will also show off the new arena’s 16K LED display, beginning this fall and continuing through 2024. Formula 1 and Netflix’s Formula 1: Drive to Survive captured a growing American audience for the international racing circuit, and the Las Vegas Grand Prix will hit The Strip Nov. 16-18, 2023, and again Nov. 21-23, 2024. It won’t be the only megaevent on the sports calendar: Las Vegas will host Super Bowl LVIII on Feb. 11, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium, marking the first time the game will take place in Nevada. Still not enough? The 67-story Fontainebleau Las Vegas will open in December with 3,700 rooms and a ton of buzzy restaurants, including a Casa Dragones Tasting Room and a Chinese noodle den from the restaurateur behind Wagamama and Hakkasan. — Elizabeth Rhodes

Louisville, Kentucky

Nick Simonite/Courtesy of Hotel Genevieve

The Kentucky Derby will celebrate its 150th anniversary on May 4, 2024, as well as the debut of the redesigned Churchill Downs Paddock, which is coming off a multiyear, $200-million renovation. Those that can’t make race day can brush up on the event’s history and culture year-round at the Kentucky Derby Museum , which has interactive exhibits on subjects like Black horsemen’s contributions to racing . Continue on theme at Derby City Hotel, a Canopy by Hilton property, which will open in downtown Louisville this summer with 168 rooms plus a rooftop pool and bar, or opt for another new property, such as The Myriad Hotel, Common Bond Hotel Collection , or the trendy Hotel Genevieve by Bunkhouse Group. Also coming in 2024 is “Ali,” a musical about the Louisville icon, which opens at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts in the fall. There’s news on the spirits scene, too, including the launch of Bourbon and Belonging – Kentucky’s Queer Bourbon Week, a statewide celebration running Oct. 3-6, 2024, that will have events in Louisville and beyond. — Elizabeth Rhodes

Alessandra Amodio/Travel + Leisure

As close as you can get to Europe without the transatlantic flight, this island city of nearly 2 million is newly relevant in the year ahead, thanks to forward-thinking infrastructure that’s made it one of the greenest and most visitor-friendly spots in North America. The Réseau Express Métropolitain, or REM, is a new automated light rail system that Canada’s Globe and Mail calls “ Montreal’s biggest public transit project in more than half a century ,” with a growing number of stations coming online in the years ahead. (All of them are or will be “ universally accessible .”) The Grand Quay, the city-center pier that many cruise ships use, has a new attraction in the form of the Port of Montreal Tower , a blocky observation spire that echoes the look of the famed Habitat 67 nearby. Meanwhile, the city’s bike-sharing program, Bixi, which launched back in 2009, is still going strong and now offers an all-you-can-bike monthly pass for just $14 that makes using the system a no brainer; the city’s 560 miles of bike lanes help, too. The recently renovated Vogue Hotel Montreal Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton , and the new-in-2023 Honeyrose Hotel, Montreal, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel , join the four-year-old Four Seasons in adding a touch of luxury that had, perhaps, been missing in the heart of the city. That said, Montreal has more than 24,000 hotel rooms — and plenty of Airbnbs — across the metro area, which will make it an ideal last-minute destination for eclipse watchers who want to be in the path of totality on April 8. — Paul Brady

When Paris hosts 329 distinct sporting events next summer, the whole city will be on display: the first-ever Olympic Games breakdancing competition will be at Place de la Concorde; beach volleyball courts will skirt the Eiffel Tower; and the opening ceremony’s Parade of Nations will sail down the Seine River. The host city of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games (July 26-August 11) and Paralympic Games (August 28-September 8) will welcome visitors with a flurry of new hotels and restaurants. Chateau des Fleurs is an extravagant new stay in the eighth arrondissement with 19th-century style and an haute Korean restaurant. Celebrated hotel designer Martin Brudnizki just unveiled two projects : the 50-room Grand Mazarin , in the Marais, and La Fantaisie in the ninth. And the hoteliers behind the Hôtel Dame Des Arts , which appeared on T+L’s 2023 It List , unveiled their train-themed Hôtel des Grand Voyageurs in Saint-Germain-des-Prés in October. The legacy establishments have new life, too: Hotel Plaza Athénée , named the best hotel in Paris by T+L readers, has a French restaurant, Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée, which recently scored two Michelin stars, to say nothing of the property’s brand-new Dior Spa. And the sumptuous La Tour d’Argent restaurant just got a sensational facelift. Meanwhile, “numerous museums and institutions will host sports-related exhibitions, films, performances, workshops, and kids’ programming throughout the summer,” writer Lindsey Tramuta reported in T+L’s November 2023 issue. For those in need of a sports break, La Galerie Dior and Fragonard Musée du Parfum are two new additions to the scene worth checking out. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

For Moments on the Water

Coastal alaska.

Cruising is back in a big way, and Alaska's Inside Passage is leading the charge. In 2023, the state saw ships including Regent’s Seven Seas Explorer and Carnival’s Luminosa for the first time, while Royal Caribbean recently sent Brilliance of the Seas north for the first time in years. The new Klawock port, on Prince of Wales Island, is poised to welcome large ships in the 2024 season with food and retail outposts, exhibits detailing Indigenous culture and history, and nature trails. Skagway, a well-known port that’s home to Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and the scenic White Pass and Yukon Route Railway, is getting a 550-foot floating pier, which will allow the port to host two megaships simultaneously beginning in the 2024 season. Lately, that season has been getting longer: most companies run trips May to September, but Norwegian Cruise Line had October sailings in 2023, which gave passengers a look at Alaskan life during a quieter season. Considering Alaska is projected to notch 1.65 million cruise travelers on around 700 voyages this year, opting for a shoulder season trip in 2024 might not be a bad idea. —  Nina Ruggiero

Coastal Norway

Sebastian Lamberg Torjusen/Courtesy of Salmon Eye

Long known for its cutting-edge design and architectural marvels like the Oslo Opera House, Norway has lately doubled down on building big. “Over the last few years, we’ve seen a surge in new attractions,” confirmed Katrine Mosfjeld, the chief marketing officer for Visit Norway. In seaside Oslo, the new luxury hotel Sommero is a study in adaptive reuse, inside a landmark building from 1930 originally designed by famed Norwegian architects Andreas Bjercke and Georg Eliassen. Four hours southwest, in Kristiansand, the Kunstsilo , or Art Silo, is another repurposed wonder: the one-time industrial complex will reemerge in 2024 as a museum devoted to Nordic modernist art. Up the coast, in Bergen, Iris Expedition Dining is a new tasting-menu destination located in Hardangerfjord, inside a floating sculpture known as the Salmon Eye. North of the Arctic Circle, the long-awaited Six Senses Svart promises to be one of the hottest openings anywhere when it finally debuts. The ring-shaped resort, at the base of the Svartisen glacier, aims to be off-grid, carbon-neutral, and emissions-free, with a zero-waste dining program and a “design lab,” as the hotel calls it, meant to foster further innovation. — Taylor McIntyre

Douro River, Portugal

Courtesy of Tauck

As recently as a decade ago, almost nobody was talking about wine tourism in Portugal. These days, “you have to see the Douro River,” said Sheree M. Mitchell , a T+L A-List advisor based in the country and the president of Immersa Global. “It’s non-negotiable.” Mitchell’s preferred way to do it is on a yacht charter, which gives guests the chance to spend a few hours or days hitting quintas , or wine estates, and dining at Michelin Guide–approved restaurants like Castas e Pratos . Cruises are a more affordable option, and lines are expanding their presence on the river, which cuts across Spain and Northern Portugal before reaching the Atlantic in the city of Porto. Tauck , a favorite among T+L readers, unveiled the Andorinha in 2021, which will sail 33 wine-country itineraries in 2024. Another T+L reader favorite, Viking, will have four ships on the Douro in the year ahead, visiting towns such as Peso da Régua and Pinhão, in the heart of port country. And AmaWaterways recently announced a special November 2024 departure that will “explore the history of the Black and African diaspora in Lisbon and along Portugal's stunning Douro River,” according to the brand. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

Faroe Islands

This remote, starkly beautiful archipelago in the North Atlantic just got way more accessible. Summer 2023 saw Atlantic Airways launch nonstop flights from New York Stewart International, 70 miles north of New York City, to Vágar Airport, in the islands. “This direct flight is not only about easier transport to our great ocean nation, but a means of creating a bridge between two worlds,” Jóhanna á Bergi, CEO of Atlantic Airways, told T+L. The news seems to have been warmly received by U.S. travelers. Melissa Lee , a Northern Europe specialist on T+L’s A-List said she has seen an uptick in interest in the Faroes. "Previously, you could only get there from Copenhagen, or Reykjavik, Iceland.” Once there, a world of adventure awaits, with activities including cold-water surfing , traditional knitting , and hiking to places such as Sørvágsvatn, the so-called lake above the ocean . Then there’s the top-flight dining: the restaurant Roks in Tórshavn, the Faroe Islands’ capital, is an offshoot of Koks, the Michelin two-starred restaurant in Greenland which is presently on hiatus. — Liz Cantrell

Kimberley, Australia

Bruno Cazarini/Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

This destination in northwest Australia, also called The Kimberleys, is home to ancient wonders: dinosaur tracks; striated geological formations, some 350 million years old, known as Bungle Bungles; waterfalls and reefs that seem unmoored from time; and Aboriginal history from what some call the world’s oldest continuous culture . Lately, though, some of the world’s top cruise lines have caught on to all the upside and are racing to offer thrilling expedition-style itineraries that combine all this history with modern-day adventures, such as sightseeing flights by helicopter, paddling, Zodiac tours, scuba diving, and cultural excursions. Silversea will have its Silver Cloud in the region from May through September, doing 10- to 17-day trips, with a maximum of 200 passengers. Seabourn is also bullish on the destination, and its newest expedition ship, the 132-suite Seabourn Pursuit , will spend June, July, and August cruising the region. (Both lines are perennial favorites among T+L readers .) Also operating on this remarkable stretch of coast are several Australian companies , including Coral Expeditions and True North Adventure Cruises , as well as private yacht charters like those organized by Yotspace . — Paul Brady

The Mississippi River

Courtesy of Viking

New ships are bringing fresh interest to one of America’s most storied waterways, meaning now’s the time to consider river cruising closer to home. “The Mississippi River is such an important part of American history,” said Adam Peakes, president of Hornblower Group, the parent company of American Queen Voyages. The line will have two ships on the Mississippi in 2024, both of which are already booking up for summer. “Many of our cabin categories are nearly at capacity almost a year in advance,” Peakes added. Other brands are also betting on the river: the Viking Mississippi launched in 2022, with 193 Scandi-chic suites, all with private verandas; American Cruise Lines has launched three new ships on the Mississippi in the past three years. There are new draws on land, too. In Memphis, the newly completed riverfront Tom Lee Park has an installation by artist Theaster Gates and a pavilion named for Tyre Nichols; the expansive riverfront attraction — a collaborative effort from Studio Gang, Scape Studio, and numerous other architectural and design firms — sits just south of Beale Street and is connected to the city via the River Line, a walking and cycling path. Meanwhile Natchez, Mississippi, is these days “filled with surprises, thanks in large part to a cohort of young natives who wandered away and then returned home with new ideas,” according to Southern Living ; come December, the town hosts holiday markets akin to those in Central Europe, as T+L recently reported . In St. Louis, the newest 21c Museum Hotel recently opened in a renovated, century-old YMCA building, with numerous permanent art installations as well as rotating shows and a beautiful, all-day cafe. And, of course, there’s always New Orleans . — Paul Brady

Courtesy of Cunard

Few voyages are as iconic as a transatlantic crossing aboard a Cunard ocean liner. So when the new Queen Anne departs Southampton, England, in May 2024, expectations will be sky-high for the first new Cunard ship to launch since the Queen Elizabeth in 2010. The 1,498-cabin vessel is slated to sail to Lisbon and will then spend its first summer in the Mediterranean. It will also represent an evolution for the 183-year-old brand: Queen Anne will have four new restaurants, including an omakase venue and an Indian dining room, alongside more familiar options such as the Princess Grill and Queens Grill, all overseen in partnership with U.K. chef Michel Roux, Jr. A top-deck wellness studio, with yoga and other fitness classes, will be another noteworthy addition to the ship. A third distinction: Queen Anne will be captained by Inger Klein Thorhauge, the first woman to hold that rank for Cunard. For all the new, some familiar traditions will remain, including proper high tea service and, naturally, an outpost of the Golden Lion pub pouring Cunard’s own microbrews. — Paul Brady

Seven Seas Grandeur

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Slated to launch in November 2023, Seven Seas Grandeur will be the sixth ship from Regent Seven Seas Cruises, a luxury line that T+L readers consistently say is one of their absolute favorites thanks to no-nonsense, all-inclusive pricing and fabulous suites. The newcomer will feature fresh takes on the elevated dining, shore excursions, and entertainment already found on ships such as Seven Seas Splendor and Seven Seas Explorer , said Andrea DeMarco, the brand’s president. “ Grandeur is inspired by our rich heritage, but we’re reimagining signature restaurants and offering 15 exceptional suite categories to only 746 guests,” she explained. Among the no-expense-spared features of the new ship will be a multimillion-dollar, 1,600-piece art collection that counts among its trophies a handful of Picassos and a custom Fabergé Egg. (Fittingly, the ship’s godmother is Sarah Fabergé, the director of special projects for the jewelry house.) Grandeur ’s inaugural season will be in the Caribbean, but it will head for the Mediterranean in April before returning to the U.S. in August. — Elizabeth Rhodes

For Nature Lovers

Amboseli national park, kenya.

Courtesy of Angama

This 151-square-mile expanse, close to the border with Tanzania, is famed among safari insiders for its big-time wildlife: Amboseli has a well-earned reputation for elephant spotting, with massive herds roaming the dusty plains, along with all sorts of other charismatic creatures including cheetah, giraffe, and zebra. Camps and lodges surrounding the park tend to be basic, which is one reason the fall 2023 opening of the richly appointed Angama Amboseli is so exciting. The second? The 10-suite lodge is the first spinoff of the Angama Mara , a destination hotel that's among the best safari lodges in the world, according to T+L readers . The new property, located about 45 minutes driving from Amboseli National Park, on a private wildlife conservancy, will offer game drives as well as cultural experiences organized in partnership with local communities. Another draw: Angama Amboseli will have unparalleled views of the peak of nearby Mount Kilimanjaro, including from private patios attached to every suite. — Paul Brady

Aspen Mountain, Colorado

Jesse Hoffman/Courtesy of Aspen Snowmass

The legendary ski destination is getting its biggest makeover in four decades this season, with the opening of a new lift, a high-speed quad known as Hero’s that will make accessible a fresh 153 acres of fluffy powder. The project will increase the mountain’s skiable terrain by some 20 percent, adding more than a dozen new chutes, glades, and trails for intermediate and expert skiers. “The quad is a game-changer for Aspen,” said Maureen Poschman, a spokesperson for the Aspen Chamber Resort Association. “The new terrain is a big area, it’s high-altitude skiing, and it’s a bit of a hedge against climate change,” she noted. Not that you have to be a pro skier to find something to love in ever-evolving Aspen, which experienced an influx of residents the past few years . The cultural calendar is as packed as ever; Balenciaga and Hermès now have shops in the heart of town; and scene-y restaurants, including a Sant Ambroeus coffee bar, keep popping up. Where to stay? Mollie Aspen is the newest luxury hotel in town, slated to open in December with 68 rooms designed by Post Company, plus a rooftop plunge pool and terrace, right in the middle of it all. — Denny Lee

Big Sky, Montana

Mark Hartman

Just an hour from Yellowstone National Park, this wild, wide-open area offers heart-pumping activities such as fly fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and skiing at every turn. So, thankfully, a new retreat from hospitality brand One&Only is slated to bring some rest and relaxation to Big Sky in 2024. Situated between Lone Mountain and the Spanish Peaks, the 73-room Moonlight Basin will provide convenient access to 5,850 skiable acres, with a dedicated gondola connecting guests to Big Sky’s terrain, plus a private ski lodge and a Chenot spa. (The resort will also have 19 villas and 62 private residences.) The first U.S. outpost of One&Only, Moonlight Basin arrives a few years after another five-star resort, Montage Big Sky , which opened in 2021, with 139 rooms, six dining venues, a bowling alley, a huge spa, and, naturally, ski-in, ski-out access. — Alisha Prakash

Hokkaido, Japan

Courtesy of Club Med

Travelers are flocking back to Japan , but in the year ahead, they should look beyond Tokyo and Kyoto. Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s main islands, has a sterling reputation for food — its biggest city, Sapporo, is famous for miso ramen — and its Shiretoko National Park is a natural wonder with excellent hiking and photogenic waterfalls. Hokkaido is also, insiders know, one of the world’s premier ski destinations thanks to simply phenomenal snow . The center of the action is the village of Niseko, which has plenty of hotels, homestays, and resorts — but has gotten a touch easier to visit thanks to the 2022 opening of Club Med Kiroro. The something-for-everyone property has two distinctive concepts, Club Med Kiroro Peak , for guests age 12 and older, and the new-in-2023 Club Med Kiroro Grand , a family-friendly alternative. These all-inclusives are helping to eliminate the intimidation factor when booking a Japanese ski week, by rolling up everything from accommodations and equipment rentals to off-the-mountain entertainment and kids' clubs. Another perk? Club Med Kiroro Grand will also have the brand’s first-ever Japanese onsen alongside other wellness facilities including soaking tubs and saunas. — Danielle Pointdujour

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Sven Musica/Courtesy of Madwaleni River Lodge - Babanango Game Reserve

This out-of-the-way South African province, sometimes shortened to KZN and located on the country’s eastern coast, is moving into the spotlight. “KwaZulu-Natal has two World Heritage Sites — the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the majestic uKhahlamba Drakensberg National Park — and is popular for its beaches, safari parks, green hills, and temperate weather,” said Julian Harrison , a safari expert and longtime member of T+L’s A-List. It’s also home to an ambitious rewilding project backed by the Emcakwini Community Trust , which began reintroducing once-endemic species including black rhino, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, and lion in 2018; today, it’s known as Babanango Game Reserve . Harrison also points to other conservation efforts, such as those underway at andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve , which is monitoring critically endangered Temminck’s ground pangolins. The newly opened Madwaleni River Lodge is the place to stay, said Raza Visram , another A-List expert. “The intimate lodge has 12 beautifully designed tents that overlook the White Umfolozi River,” he explained. There’s also Sala Beach House , an oceanfront escape on Thompson’s Bay that writer Heather Richardson detailed in T+L’s September 2023 issue . Coming soon in KZN will be The Homestead , a 12-suite eco-lodge in the province’s western Nambiti Game Reserve. — Samantha Falewée

Mababe, Botswana

Dana Allen/Courtesy of Wilderness

Long considered one of Africa’s most exclusive safari destinations, Botswana has a huge array of five-star lodges, operated by the likes of African Bush Camps, andBeyond, and Great Plains Conservation. But the most compelling new place to stay isn’t one with high thread count sheets or over-the-top amenities: Mokete, a new safari lodge from Wilderness , is worth the trip because it will only exist until 2026, when the operator pulls down the tents and carries away any sign the nine-suite escape was ever there. The temporary enclave will be situated east of the famed Okavango Delta, in the heart of a 124,000-acre tract known as the Mababe Concession, which has considerable populations of lion, elephant, and buffalo, plus a huge variety of birds. Wildlife watching is the thing here, with all-day game drives and guided nature walks. Mokete is all about an elemental connection with the outdoors, down to the design of the guest quarters: each tent will have a retractable roof so guests can stargaze from bed — and hear the calls of hyenas from the surrounding bush. — Paul Brady

New Zealand

It’s time to take it off your once-in-a-lifetime list and just go : earlier this year, Delta launched service from Los Angeles to Auckland, and United Airlines plans to start a San Francisco to Christchurch route in December. That’s on top of an existing Air New Zealand nonstop between Auckland and New York City that launched in 2022 . “Any time of year is a great time to visit,” said Sarah Farag , a member of T+L’s A-List and the Auckland-based owner and director of Southern Crossings , a luxury travel firm. “Our summer months are always popular,” Farag said of the December to March period, “but those who come at other times are well-rewarded with captivating colors during autumn harvest season, snow-capped adventures and spectacular stargazing in the winter, and fabulous fishing and hiking in spring.” There’s a growing number of enticing stays, including the new exclusive-use villas at Flockhill Lodge , set on a working sheep station, and the Clifftops at Anderson Cove , a tented camp above the Northland coast. Christchurch has recently seen the opening of two new boutique properties, the sleek, modern Mayfair and the artsy Observatory Hotel ; meanwhile the beloved Huka Lodge in Taupo is getting a makeover. If the outdoors are a priority, turn an eye to the North Island’s Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve , the country’s second, which was certified earlier this year, or the new Tom Doak–designed golf course which just opened at Te Arai Links . — Peter Terzian

For Beach Vibes

Anna maria island, florida.

Flavio Vallenari/Getty Images

Compared to some brand-name Florida destinations, this island south of Tampa Bay is way under the radar. But it's cultivated a loyal following, thanks to its no-high-rises shoreline, incredible sunsets, and small-town feel. Case in point: Anna Maria Island is a place where most people tool around by golf cart or beach cruiser, and almost all the sherbet-hued clapboard homes are vacation rentals. In an effort to keep things copacetic, the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, which works on the island, inked a partnership with Leave No Trace this summer, making Anna Maria the first destination in Florida to work with the nonprofit. Meanwhile, new developments fit right in with the vibe: Mello on the Beach , a hotel that opened in July, offers vibrant retro-style apartments on the Gulf of Mexico, while the villas of Joie Inn , which opened in 2021, still feel super-fresh. On the dining scene, the cocktail bar Doctor’s Office recently added a “dining room” to its string-lit outdoor garden, and coming soon to the island is Bohemian, a restaurant from repeat James Beard semifinalist Jeannie Pierola. Getting there has gotten easier thanks to growth at Sarasota-Bradenton International, which added nonstops to four new domestic destinations in 2023. A planned terminal expansion looks to be right-sized, too: the airport aims to add five gates next year. — Jennifer Salerno Yong

Coastal Campania, Italy

Courtesy of Hotel La Palma

It’s no wonder Campania — the southern Italian region that’s home to Amalfi, Capri, Positano, and Sorrento — is having a bit of a hotel boom: visitors have been flocking to this splashy coastal destination over the past few years. The renaissance kicked off with Il Capri Hotel , which opened on the island last spring, offering travelers a boutique option inside a neo-Gothic villa reminiscent of a Venetian palazzo. Next, Oetker Collection, the luxury hotel brand behind the celeb-loved Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, France, debuted its first Italian hotel in June: the glamorous, 50-room Hotel La Palma is a fresh take on a property that originally opened in 1822. Then there’s the new Convento di Amalfi , a 52-room Anantara with a cliffside pool, set in a 13th-century Capuchin convent. Airlines have also taken note of the increased demand: American Airlines and Delta are both launching new routes to Naples next year, the former from Philadelphia, the latter from New York City. Lindblad Expeditions, meanwhile, will have its new Sea Cloud II in southern Italy this coming May, for an 11-day itinerary that will take guests to the ancient ruins of Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast’s most beautiful seaside villages, with a focus on Italian food and wine. —  Nina Ruggiero

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

The land of pura vida just keeps getting better, which is why Costa Rica was just named T+L’s 2024 Destination of the Year . Surfers can find their bliss at the new, boho-chic Sendero hotel, which opened in February in oceanside Nosara, on the Nicoya Peninsula. A few hours north, the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo has added the new Virador Beach Club, updated its golf course (while cutting water usage), and opened Wellness Shala, a spa that offers healing treatments with local ingredients like cacao, coconut, and volcanic mud. Nearby, the community of Las Catalinas has announced a new mixed-use space, La Rambla, which will promote spending time outside and car-free living. Forward-thinking tour operator Intrepid Travel has launched new trips that shine a light on the Terraba community, one of Costa Rica’s eight Indigenous groups. Meanwhile local outfitters such as UrriTrek are now offering guided hiking trips on the 174-mile Camino de Costa Rica , a trail connecting the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. — Samantha Falewée

The self-declared Nature Island, Dominica has been voted the best island in the Caribbean for the past two years in T+L’s World’s Best Awards , thanks in part to its serene tropical rain forests, enticing hot springs, and gushing waterfalls. There’s also an ever-growing number of resorts and hotels, such as the InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa , which opened this year, and the forthcoming Anichi Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection , and Tranquility Beach Resort — Curio — a Collection by Hilton . Also of note is the new 32-nautical-mile Waitukubuli Sea Trail, which takes sea-kayakers along the island's western coast from Scott’s Head to Capuchin; Soufrière Outdoor Centre can supply equipment, an itinerary, and a guide. And there’s another element to Dominica’s story that’s capturing the attention of travelers who care about sustainability. The volcanically active country plans to commission its first geothermal power plant in 2024, and in the meantime gets about a quarter of its overall power from hydroelectric sources. It’s also home to what T+L has called one of the world’s most eco-friendly resorts, Coulibri Ridge . — Annie Archer

Hawai’i Island

Courtesy of Rosewood Resorts

“We welcome mindful visitors to Hawai‘i Island,” said Ilihia Gionson, the public affairs officer of the Hawai'i Tourism Authority, in an interview with T+L. Commonly known as the Big Island, the destination is planning for a meaningful 2024, with the help of returning visitors. “Travelers have the opportunity to help mālama , or care for, our natural resources and support our community to ensure a regenerative model of tourism that is sustained for generations,” Gionson said. The theme of mālama is more significant than ever this year following the devastating fires that impacted both Hawai’i Island and Maui in 2023. Those looking to support relief efforts have many choices, including the Hawaii Red Cross, the Lāhainā Restoration Foundation, and more . Travelers ready to return might consider Kona Village, an iconic hotel that reopened in 2023 as a Rosewood Resort following its closure in 2011. “Each villa feels like your own little beach house,” Nicole Hollis, the interior designer of Kona Village, told T+L . Various events are on the island’s cultural calendar in the year ahead, including the Kona Brewers Festival in March and the Big Island Chocolate Festival in April. — Christine Burroni

Los Cabos, Mexico

Mariah Tyler/Travel + Leisure

With its rugged desert-meets-ocean landscape, 350 days a year of sun, and stunning five-star resorts, Los Cabos isn’t exactly an unexpected choice for a dreamy vacation. But 2024 promises to be a big year for the Baja California destination, thanks to all the new resorts coming to Cabo del Sol, the 1,800-acre community just east of Cabo San Lucas with two miles of beach and two 18-hole golf courses. Four Seasons Resort Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol and Soho House Beach Club are expected to open in the first part of 2024; Park Hyatt Los Cabos at Cabo Del Sol will join them by the end of the year. On the southern shore of the peninsula — and not far from the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal , a T+L reader fave — there’s even more happening: the resort community of Quivira Los Cabos will welcome the 120-room St. Regis Los Cabos at Quivira by late 2024, with access to 2.5 miles of beach and its own Jack Nicklaus golf course. — Danielle Pointdujour

Mallorca, Spain

Lara D'Agostino/Travel + Leisure

The sparkling waters, delicious food, and laid-back atmosphere are all still here — and Americans are loving United’s summertime nonstop service from Newark Liberty International. In the year ahead, though, they’ll be visiting for the booming luxury hotel scene, which is poised to help this island steal the spotlight from its western neighbor, Ibiza. One must-see is Son Bunyola , a Virgin Limited Edition retreat on Mallorca’s northwest coast, with three miles of beautiful coastline backed by olive groves. Sir Richard Branson first purchased the property in 1994, as T+L recently reported , but it only opened to guests this summer, with 26 rooms and suites, plus three villas. Nearby is The Lodge Mallorca , a Small Luxury Hotels of the World retreat that opened in May, which has wood-fired dining and extensive wellness programming. Then there’s the first hotel from 22-time Grand Slam champion and Majorcan Rafael Nadal, whose new Zel lifestyle brand has opened — what else? — Zel Mallorca , an approachable, beachy hotel in partnership with Meliá, the Spanish operator. Coming soon, said Clare Watkins, an expert in the Balearic Islands at Red Savannah , are more exciting properties: Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor will be a top-to-bottom refresh of a century-old hotel, while Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra, Mallorca, will have 131 rooms, plus 44 suites and nine bungalows, overlooking the sea just outside Palma. — Danielle Pointdujour

For Adventurous Travelers 

Alula, saudi arabia.

Didier Marti/Getty Images

Of all the ambitious tourism developments in Saudi Arabia, AlUla may be the most enchanting, which may explain why Qatar Airways recently launched new flights to the destination from its Doha hub. This huge sweep of red rocks and desert in the country’s northwest is home to Hegra, a 2,000-year-old archeological site filled with soaring tombs carved by the Nabataean civilization, the same one that built Petra, in modern-day Jordan. After touring ancient history, visitors can retreat to decadent contemporary hotels, including a forthcoming 36-room luxury resort at Hegra that will sensitively incorporate parts of an old railway station and fort. A short drive away, in AlUla’s Old Town, the contrast of old and new continues; the new 30-room eco-hotel Dar Tantora , for example, eschews electricity in favor of candlelight. In the year ahead, more fresh thinking will touch down in AlUla, courtesy of Wadi AlFann, or Valley of the Arts, a permanent showcase of works from big-name international artists. The best way to see it might be from on high, duringca April’s “AlUla Skies” festival, when helicopters and hot air balloons will soar above Instagram-worthy monuments. —  Jacqui Gifford

Bahia, Brazil

Marta Tucci

This coastal state, situated between the Amazon and Rio de Janeiro, is the sort of place most Americans never quite get to — and that’s a shame. Its coastline offers some of the most mythical surf-and-sand spots in the world, including Itacaré, which is home to the community-minded Barracuda Hotel & Villas , and the boho-chic enclave of Trancoso, a place that “first captured the imagination of the international creative set back in the 1980s,” as T+L reported in the September 2023 issue . “The beaches are some of the most picturesque in Brazil,” said Paul Irvine , an expert in the country and member of T+L’s A-List. But, he added, there’s more to Bahia than the coast. “We’ve started sending our more adventurous clients to the Chapada Diamantina National Park ,” he said, “which has its own vibrant, off-grid hippy culture.” While high-end hotels in the area are in short supply, more villa accommodations are popping up all the time. One thing to keep in mind for 2024: Brazil stopped requiring a visa for U.S. citizens back in 2019, but the country’s tourism officials have said that the mandate will return on Jan. 10, though further details on how to apply and any fees have yet to be announced. — Paul Brady

Northern Pakistan

Courtesy of Intrepid Travel

The northern reaches of this South Asian nation have a growing profile in the adventure-travel world, thanks to striking topography, high-elevation lakes, and precipitous peaks. Consider that, in 2023, Intrepid Travel launched a 12-day women-only expedition to the region, a first for the tour operator, which has similar trips in places such as Jordan, India, and Morocco. Intrepid will return in 2024 — with departures in May, September, and October — taking women to ancient villages, alpine lakes, and historic forts; travelers will have ample opportunity to meet with locals in areas that would be off-limits if men were part of the group, according to Intrepid. Other outfitters are heading to Northern Pakistan as well. Wild Frontiers will debut a brand-new, 14-day walking adventure that will no doubt challenge the bodies and minds of those who are up for it, with several full-day hikes, some above 4,000 meters (13,123 feet). The payoff comes in the form of staggeringly beautiful landscapes — not to mention the chance to make connections with people you meet along the way and see historic gems in Islamabad, the trip’s jumping off point. — Alisha Prakash

Peru's Trekking Routes

In a country where all roads seemingly lead to spectacular scenery and historic finds, there’s much more to explore beyond majestic Machu Picchu. These days, travelers have more options for getting off familiar routes thanks to the efforts of companies such as Alpaca Expeditions , an Indigenous-owned outfitter that will lead its first-ever, all-women hiking trip on the Salkantay Trail in 2024. Operated by women — including guides, porters, drivers, chefs, and other staff — for women, the seven-day adventure will include stays high in the Andes and cultural experiences such as cooking classes and farm visits that aren’t typical on more popular Inca Trail trips. Meanwhile the tour operator Intrepid Travel debuted in 2023 a 12-day expedition on the Great Inca Road in northern Peru. Starting in Huaraz and culminating at the Inca site of Huanuco Pampa, the trek will immerse hikers in this less-visited region’s nature and culture, including plentiful archeological sites. — Alisha Prakash

South Australia

ROBERT LANG/Courtesy of South Australia Tourism Commission

Visitors to this low-key state may feel like they’re in on a big-time secret with all that’s happening lately. The biggest news may be Australia’s new national park, Nilpe­na Ediacara , which opened in April and gives travelers a look at the oldest known fossils on the planet. “They’re about 550 million years old,” Mary L. Droser, an American paleontologist, explained in a recent interview with T+L . Across South Australia’s wine country, meanwhile, hotels such as Le Mas Barossa , Sequoia Lodge , and The Vineyard McLaren Vale are gateways to the hundreds of vineyards and cellar doors just outside of Adelaide, the state capital. “South Australia is known as the wine state for a reason,” said Tim Duval, the winemaker at John Duval Wines . Travelers can learn about small-batch wineries (including Duval’s) at Artisans of Barossa ; sample eco-conscious shiraz at Bird in Hand ; and enjoy a tasting in The Cube, a five-story structure fashioned after an unfinished Rubik’s Cube, at d’Arenberg . Another notable stay can be found on Kangaroo Island, where the famed Southern Ocean Lodge is slated to reopen in December after the disastrous bushfires of 2020. — Samantha Lauriello

Tatiana Kashko/Getty Images

This small South Asian island nation has big things on offer. “You can cover a lot of ground in two weeks, with loads of variety in the landscapes, from gorgeous beaches to lush jungles to high mountains to historic cities,” said Catherine Heald, co-founder and CEO of Remote Lands, a luxury travel firm. This year, the tea company Dilmah opened two boutique stays under its Reverie brand, Kayaam House and Ahu Bay ; Sri Lankan–owned hotel group Uga is debuting Uga Riva in Negombo this November; and for foodies, Red Savannah recently rolled out a culinary tour of Sri Lanka. Political unrest in 2022 took the destination off the table for many travelers, acknowledged Rachel Cooper , a South Asia travel expert at Red Savannah. But, she added, "the new government has introduced measures to protect and encourage a positive traveler experience throughout the country.” — Susmita Baral

Where to Go in 2024