Travel visa-free to these 7 beautiful countries on your Indian passport
Indian passport holders have the option of travelling visa-free to several beautiful countries across the world this year.
The Indian passport holds the 66th rank in 2018, with the world's most powerful passport belonging to Singapore. For Indian passport holders therefore, travelling to most of the conventional 'touristy' destinations comes with the baggage of a travel visa.
So in 2018, why not choose the countries where you don't need to struggle with a visa at all?
Indian passport holders in 2018 can travel to 25 countries without a visa.
Take a look at 7 countries that allow Indian citizens to travel visa-free.
INDONESIA
Indian passport holders are exempted from a tourist visa for stay in Indonesia up to 30 days.
WHY GO: Bali, one of the world's most popular tourist destinations is in Indonesia. The Indonesian archipelago comprises many pristine islands from Gili and Lombok to the Komodo island. Jakarta, the country's capital, is a bustling Asian city. Indonesia just hosted the Asian Games.
BHUTAN
The tiny landlocked country bordering India offers visa-free travel to Indian passport holders.
WHY GO: The world's happiest country, Bhutan, has scenes straight out of a dream. The country's capital Thimphu is best known for its Buddhist sites. The huge Tashichho Dzong, a fortified monastery and government palace with gold-leafed roofs, to Tiger's Nest in Paro, Bhutan is home to some jaw-dropping sites.
MALDIVES
The island country allows visa-free visit to Indian passport holders for a period of 90 days.
WHY GO: The pristine beaches to the atolls, Maldives is a slice of heaven in the Indian Ocean. The island country comprises 26 ring-shaped atolls and is a famous honeymoon destination with Indian tourists.
MAURITIUS
Mauritius too offers Indian passport holders visa-free travel to the country for a period of stay not exceeding 90 days.
WHY GO: Mauritius boasts of beautiful beaches and a mountainous interior. The Black River Gorges National Park consists of waterfalls, hiking trails and rainforests. You can spot a flying fox too here! Ganga Talao is a crater lake deep in the heart of Mauritius.
NEPAL
Nepal offers visa-free travel to Indian citizens. Under the 1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, Indians have freedom of movement in Nepal. They can travel, work and live in Nepal freely as can Nepalese citizens in India.
WHY GO: Kathmandu, the capital, is a busy little city. The 2015 earthquake left the country in tatters but tourism in Nepal is crippling back to normalcy. The Pashupatinath Temple, the Durbar Square, the Royal palace - Narayanhity are among the places to visit in Kathmandu. Nepal is also home to the world's highest peak, Mt Everest.
SEYCHELLES
Indians are offered visa on arrival in Seychelles, for a maximum period of stay up to 30 days.
WHY GO: Off the coast of East Africa lies Seychelles, an archipelago consisting of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean. The country is home to breathtaking coral reefs and beaches that are straight out of paradise. The fauna comprises rare animals like the Aldabra tortoises. Anse Source D'Argent in La Digue is famous for its oft-photographed pink sand beach.
FIJI
Indian passport holders don't need to get a pre-arrival visa while travelling to Fiji.
WHY GO: The archipelago of Fiji in the South Pacific comprises more than 300 islands. Its capital, Suva, boasts of some stunning British colonial architecture. The islands in Fiji are famous for the palm-lined beaches and crystal-clear lagoons.
In addition to the 25 countries that allow Indian citizens visa-free travel, 41 countries offer visa on arrival. Indian passport holders need to obtain a visa to travel to 132 countries as of 2018.
(The writer tweets as @ananya116)
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