The Visvanatha Temple, Khajuraho Photo: Dennis Jarvis, Flickr
India made history by becoming the next country to decriminalize gay sex.
The seventh largest state’s supreme court overturned Section 337 today (6 September 2018) after hearing petitions from lawyers representing LGBTI activists. The ban dates back to colonial times and outlawed sexual activities ‘outside the order of nature’. This included homosexual sex.
But its repeal is a landmark in civil rights for the LGBTI community in India. 1.35 billion people live in the country, making it the largest decriminalization in history. So to celebrate, let’s look at just how beautiful India is.
1 Yumthang Valley, Sikkim
Photo: Joginder Pathak, Flickr
Also known as the Valley of Flowers, this beautiful spot is filled with hot springs, yaks, and meadows, centered on a river and surrounded by the Himalayas.
2 Tea Gardens, Munnar
Photo: Shah Helly27391, WikiCommons
If you can’t think about starting your day without a cup of tea, then you need to visit these Tea Gardens. Rolling hills of green make it one of the most beautiful places to visit in India.
3 Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
Photo: Pixabay
The Palace of Winds is a wonderful construction made from red and pink sandstone.
4 Lotus Temple, New Delhi
Photo: Arian Zwegers, Flickr
Built in 1986, this Bahá’í House of Worship has already become an attraction in New Delhi.
5 Hogenakkal Falls, Tamil Nadu
Photo: Ezhuttukari, Wikimedia Commons
Not far from Bangalore, these falls are worth a visit.
6 Aizawl, Mizoram
Photo: Coolcolney, Wikimedia Commons
The capital of Mizoram sits spectacularly on a mountain.
7 Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station, Mumbai
Photo: Anoop Ravi, Wikimedia Commons
You’re likely to pass through this UNESCO World Heritage Site on your travels through Mumbai.
8 Agatti Island, Lakshadweep
Photo: icultist, Wikimedia Commons
A paradise island off mainland India.
9 Ghats in Varanasi
Photo: Pixabay
There are 88 ghats that sit on the River Ganges.
10 Taj Mahal, Uttar Pradesh
Photo: Pixabay
Everyone who’s heard of India has heard of this spectacular mausoleum.
11 Nohkalikai Falls, Cherrapunji
Photo: Sujan Bandyopadhyay, Wikimedia Commons
This waterfall is situated on what’s considered the ‘wettest place on Earth’.
12 Dal Lake
Photo: Pixabay
Known as the jewel in the crown of Kashmir or Srinagar’s Jewel, this urban lake is amazing.
13 Adalaj Stepwell, Ahmedabad
Photo: Pixabay
This stairwell in the village of Adalaj dates back to 1498.
14 Bandhavgarh National Park, Pradesh
Photo: reverie_rambler, Flickr
Tropical trees and grassland makes this National Park a bio-diverse wonderland of birds, eagles, tigers and more.
15 Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Photo: Pixabay
This 15th Century city is an architectural site to behold.
16 Chand Baori Stepwell, Abhaneri, Rajasthan
Photo: Doron, Wikimedia Commons
Built over 1000 years ago, Chand Boari is the largest step well in the world.
17 Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan
Photo: Ssjoshi111, Wikimedia Commons
The UNESCO World Heritage site is awe-inspiring.
More from Gay Star News:
India celebrates end of gay sex ban
Gay Asian experience: Why it is now the hottest gay travel trend
Tour around the world’s coasts with these gay guys with beards on beaches
