Emoji-First Travel: 7 Indian Destinations That Deserve Their Own Icons This World Emoji Day

(By: Pardeep Kumar Siwach)

Emojis have become more than just fun add-ons; they're the universal language for digital communication and the way we express ourselves in seconds. They capture feelings, tell stories, and sometimes even describe an entire landscape with a single symbol. On this World Emoji Day, we're exploring travel through that same playful lens. From misty hill stations to golden deserts, some Indian destinations are so iconic that they deserve their own emoji. Because if travel could speak a thousand words, a few well-chosen symbols would say it better.

ALSO READ: 5 Dreamy Hot Springs Around The World That Deserve A Spot On Your Travel Bucket List

Guwahati  🍃🍵☁️🐘🦏

Tucked between the Brahmaputra River and Meghalaya foothills, Guwahati weaves temple bells, wild elephants, rhinos, and tea-scented mornings into one unforgettable getaway. It can’t be described in one single emoji. The mist envelops the tea gardens, and the Spring Valley resorts offer luxury and tranquility, accompanied by a hot cup of Assam tea. Guwahati is not a one-emoji tale. It deserves the emoji of a lush tea garden with a steaming cup of tea and an elephant. We might drop emoji after emoji, but Guwahati refuses to fit in one single frame.

Mahabaleshwar 🍓☁️

From the tea garden of the Northeast, we move to the strawberry capital of India- Mahabaleshwar. Located amidst the Western Ghats, this hill station combines cool winds, foggy mornings, and picturesque boat rides on Venna Lake with the irresistible allure of strawberries and cream, best represented by a strawberry and cloud emoji. Tourists often walk through lush berry plantations, snack on homemade goodies, and bask in the area's peaceful beauty. Mahabaleshwar offers a mix of nature, flavor, and serenity.

Pondicherry 🌴

If misty mornings don’t appeal to you, perhaps a breezy seaside promenade will. Pondicherry blends French colonial beauty with a South Indian heart, where cobblestone walkways, pastel villas, and seafront cafés invite tourists to slow down and enjoy the moment. Locals and travelers stroll along the promenade, savor buttery croissants, and browse colorful markets just a few steps from golden sand beaches. A palm tree emoji beautifully captures the essence of Pondicherry.

Jaisalmer 🏜️🐪

From the coast to the desert, Jaisalmer emerges from gold-hued dunes, evoking tales from the Havelis of the past. The camel safari moves across the desert as the sun sets, casting warm amber hues over the city. Each emoji, including the camel and some Rajasthani mysteries like the sand, sun, and cactus filled with dessert mystique, perfectly encapsulates the enchantment of Jaisalmer.

Spiti Valley 🏔️

Climbing north to Spiti, a cold desert where silence speaks louder than signals, offers an off-grid retreat where you exchange scrolling for stargazing. From ancient monasteries, towering mountain peaks, and the silence that feels almost tangible. This valley composes poetry through its stillness and serenity. The snow-capped mountain emoji perfectly describes the serenity and breathtaking beauty of Spiti Valley.

Hampi 🏛️

From stark mountain solitude to ancient stone empires, Hampi takes you centuries back in time, consisting of ruins, grand temples, and ageless landscapes. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it showcases the architectural prowess of the Vijayanagara Empire. You can walk through stone-carved corridors, climb boulder-covered hills, and view the sunset over Hampi Bazaar. The classical building emoji captures the grandness and history of Hampi, well.

Pardeep Kumar Siwach is Deputy General Manager- Accommodation at Mayfair Spring Valley Resort, Guwahati

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