According to Jagranjosh, the title “Amsterdam of India” applies to two very different places: Kasol and Alleppey (Alappuzha). 

Kasol, in Himachal Pradesh’s Parvati Valley, is dubbed the “Amsterdam of India” because of its laid-back charm and a strong Israeli backpacker presence. Visitors will notice Hebrew signboards, menus, and a bohemian, relaxed culture. This small hill station is also a base camp for treks like Kheerganga, and it lies close to the hot sulphur springs of Manikaran Sahib — a spiritual as well as natural retreat.

On the other hand, Alleppey, known as the “Amsterdam of the East,” is celebrated for its tranquil backwaters, intricate canal network, and houseboats — recalling European waterways. Alleppey’s Kuttanad region practices unique below-sea-level rice farming, and the area’s hydrology has historic importance.

Together, these two places highlight how India’s scenic diversity can evoke very different European moods — from mountain serenity to serene waterways — all within its own cultural landscape.