Skip your travel to Turkey & Azerbaijan. Instead, explore India’s best destinations at affordable prices without hassle and get unique experiences.
India and Pakistan have a complicated relationship. Recently, after India’s Operation Sindoor, some people have started boycotting travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan because these countries supported Pakistan in a conflict with India.
Both Turkey and Azerbaijan are known for their history, beautiful landscapes, and delicious food, but you don’t have to miss out if you are thinking of canceling your trip.
Many must-visit tourist places in India offer similar or even better experiences than Turkey and Azerbaijan. If you have skipped traveling to Turkey or Azerbaijan for your vacation, then pack your bags and explore the beautiful destinations in India suggested in this blog.
Skipping Turkey and Azerbaijan: India’s Travel Boycott
Industrialist Harsh Goenka is calling on Indians to avoid traveling to Turkey and Azerbaijan. The reason is that these countries supported Pakistan after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India, in April 2025. Goenka pointed out that Indians spent over Rs 4,000 crore in these countries last year. This significant amount helped boost their tourism industry.
As for the Indian government’s take on this issue, there is no official statement supporting or opposing the boycott. However, some Indian politicians have expressed their displeasure with Turkey and Azerbaijan’s stance.
Following the criticisms by politicians and people, several Indian travel companies, including Ixigo and EaseMyTrip, have stopped flight bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan to support India’s sentiment.
If you are an Indian who also has the same feeling, then instead of traveling to Turkey and Azerbaijan, explore the beautiful travel destinations in India.
Places to Visit in India that Offer Experiences Like Turkey and Azerbaijan
India has diverse destinations that will give you experiences similar to visiting Turkey and Azerbaijan. So, instead of getting visas and taking long flights, you can visit these places in India for a Turkish and Azerbaijani experience at affordable prices
1. Hyderabad, Telangana
If you wish to experience the charm of Turkish and Azerbaijani culture, then visit Hyderabad’s historic Charminar neighborhood and Chowmahalla Palace. Besides admiring the stunning Charminar, you should explore the busy Laad Bazaar around it.
Also, you must taste the local delicacies like Hyderabadi biryani and Osmania biscuits. For a luxurious stay, you can head to the Taj Falaknuma Palace, which combines Turkish and Indian architectural styles beautifully.
If you love to get a similar spiritual vibe with Turkey and Azerbaijan, then you must visit the Sufi shrine of Hazrat Syed Shah Raju Qattal Hussaini.
2. Jaipur, Rajasthan
Jaipur’s majestic architecture and vibrant markets will give you a feel like you are in Istanbul. In Jaipur, you should visit Nahargarh Fort, which looks a lot like the fortresses in Turkey.
Other notable attractions in Jaipur, you must explore are Hawa Mahal and City Palace. If you are a food lover, then you must try traditional Rajasthani food at places like Chokhi Dhani. For a luxurious stay, you can choose the Alsisar Haveli.
3. Old Delhi
Walk through Old Delhi’s narrow streets to get the cultural vibes of Turkey and Azerbaijan. When you are in Old Delhi, you must visit Jama Masjid, which looks similar to Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, and explore the busy Chandni Chowk market.
You can even stay at the historic Chunnamal Haveli, which showcases traditional Indian and Mughal architecture. Moreover, in Delhi, you must try the street food like kebabs and haleem, which taste like Turkish and Azerbaijani dishes.
4. Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Andaman Islands may not seem like an obvious choice. But their beautiful beaches and clear waters will remind you of the Turkish Riviera. While you travel to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, you can relax on Radhanagar’s beautiful beach and enjoy activities like snorkeling and kayaking.
Also, you can taste the local seafood, like fish curry and crab masala, which have a flavor similar to Turkish and Azerbaijani dishes. For a cozy stay, you can book the Silver Sand Resort, which has beachside rooms.
5. Gulmarg, Kashmir
Gulmarg’s breathtaking landscapes and snow-capped mountains will remind you of the beauty of Azerbaijan’s Caucasus region. You can also enjoy skiing and snowboarding at the Gulmarg Gondola, where you will get breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
In Gulmarg, you can stay at Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa, which offers cozy accommodations with a touch of Turkish-inspired decor. Moreover, you must savor local Kashmiri cuisine like gushtaba and dum aloo.
6. Hampi, Karnataka
You will feel like you are in ancient times when you see the Vijayanagara ruins and stunning buildings in Hampi. It will remind you of Turkey’s Ottoman Empire.
In Hampi, make sure to visit the famous Virupaksha Temple and Royal Enclosure, and watch the sunset over the Tungabhadra River. Also, try local Karnataka dishes like bisi bele bath and ragi mudde. You can even stay at the cozy Hampi Cottages.
7. Udaipur, Rajasthan
Explore serene lakes and majestic palaces in Udaipur. They also have a charm similar to Turkish and Azerbaijani architecture. In Udaipur, you can take a boat ride on Lake Pichola and explore Jag Mandir Island Palace.
Additionally, you can try local Rajasthani food like dal bati churma and laal maans. For a comfortable and elegant stay, you can choose the luxurious Taj Lake Palace Udaipur or the heritage hotel Jagat Niwas.
All these destinations in India will offer a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that captures the charm of Turkey and Azerbaijan. Moreover, they also provide an unforgettable experience for travelers of all types. If you wish to affordably plan a trip to any of these destinations in India, then through Plane Pockets, book flights and hotels online.
