Twenty unforgettable destinations of India

For an unforgettable holidays in India, combining history, culture, beaches, and mountains, here are some top destinations to consider

Sainj Valley

The unexplored sibling of the Tirthan Valley, Sainj Valley is quieter and better for multiple reasons

HEAD TO THE VALLEY IF YOU’RE BORED OF KHAJJIAR AND CAN’T VISIT KASHMIR YET

Even the most experienced trekkers treat a foray into the Great Himalayan National Park as a luxury. Walk through the vast, rolling verdure of Sainj Valley, the least-known of the four valleys of the national park, and witness its magic unfold. The verdant meadows and hirsute pine clusters stretching across the horizon in every way remind you of Kashmir-more so in the winter when the whole valley is cloaked in snow. While in the valley, undertake hikes of varying length, visit the stunning temples and godly lakes, camp at the inspection huts and watch the birds conquer the sky at dawn and dusk.
Don’t miss the day hikes to the scenic villages of Deori, Upper Neahi and Shangarh

Tawang

Surrounded by Tibet and Bhutan, the quaint little town is suffused with the scent of spirituality

VISIT BETWEEN DECEMBER AND JANUARY TO WITNESS HEAVY SNOWFALL

Set in a remote corner of Arunachal Pradesh, Tawang is an important centre of Buddhism. Its dense valleys, frozen lakes and snow-covered conifers are every traveller’s dream. Also known as ‘Mon-Yul’, Tawang was originally inhabited by the Monpa tribe, who still happen to occupy a major portion of the region. Scattered with beautiful monasteries, you can always find Buddhist chants and mystical monks here. Tawang is also home to the 4,000-year-old Tawang Monastery, one of the oldest and largest monasteries in India.

Traveller to Arunachal require a special Inner Line Permit (ILP) issued by the state government

Dapoli

Lying on the Konkan coast, it is home to several virgin beaches and the Suvarnadurga and Kanakdurga forts

IT IS APPROXIMATELY 230KMS AND 186KMS, RESPECTIVELY, FROM MUMBAI AND PUNE

The north may be cold right now but if there’s one place in India off the top of our head where you and your folks could have your own dramatic Roma moment at a virgin beach, it is the sweeping expanse of the Konkan coast at Kelshi, Anjarle and Palande. Known as Mini Mahabaleshwar, Dapoli (approximately a 5.5hr drive from Mumbai) is unmatched in terms of the sheer number of views of the sea that the snaking coastal roads of Maharashtra offer. And if that’s not enough, check-in to one of the many seafront homestays overlooking the frisky waves.
The dolphin safari at the Murud beach is a must

Maravanthe

A scenic getaway from the urban chaos, this beach town dons the guise of a wonderland

BEST TIME TO VISIT IS BETWEEN SEPTEMBER AND MARCH

Considered one of the most beautiful beach towns of Karnataka, Maravanthe is a picturesque locale on the Konkan coast. Set against the backdrop of the Kodachadri Hills and flanked by the Souparnika River on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other, drive along NH 66 to catch a glimpse of the river and sea together. Being a coastal town, it offers a wide variety of watersports including swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving. The nearby Kodachadri Hills offer a number of trekking trails, best suited for professionals and experienced trekkers.
Plan a visit to the fascinating villages nearby including Trasi, Padukone and Bijadi

Unakoti

Famous for its stunning rock carvings, Unakoti is steeped in myths and legends

AGARTALA (180KMS), IS CONNECTED TO DELHI, KOLKATA AND GUWAHATI BY AIR

Unakoti is Tripura’s best-kept secret. Encompassed by dense forests, it is home to the largest bas relief sculptures in India. Thanks to the presence of the ruins of age-old temples, the place also serves as a Shaivite pilgrimage. A popular legend also suggests that the rock carvings here were done by an artist called Kallu Kumhar, who was a great devotee of Goddess Parvati. According to some archaeologists, Unakoti may also have served as a Buddhist meditation centre. Once you’re done marvelling at the fine specimens of rock carving at Unakoti, take a small detour to Jampui Hills, famous as Tripura’s highest hill. Visit the nearby villages and interact with the people of Lushai and Reang tribes for a wholesome experience.
According to legends, Lord Shiva stayed here for a night on his way to Varanasi along with 99,99,999 deities

The Dooars

Located in the foothills of the Himalaya, the Dooars are streaked by sparkling rivers

IT IS RENOWNED FOR THE JALDAPARA NATIONAL PARK AND THE BUXA TIGER RESERVE

For captivating views and thrilling encounters with nature, head east, this time to the Dooars, the lower- lying Himalayan region-in northern Bengal and Assam-famous for being the portal (or ‘door’) further into the seven northeastern states and Bhutan. From the dense forest and rich animal life of Chilapata and Gorumara to the lush, rolling tea estate of Samsing- natural beneficence is brewed into the air here. Hike to scenic hamlets that even the most seasoned hikers know little about or drive to the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’, or just listen to the call of the wild from inside your forest rest house.

 First-timers should book an experienced travel operator

Khimsar

Located at the edge of the great Thar Desert, this little hamlet is straight out of the Arabian Nights

IT LIES ON THE JODHPUR-NAGAUR-BIKANER HIGHWAY AND IS EASILY ACCESSIBLE

If a luxurious mud-thatched cottage right in the middle of the desert, surrounded by a beautiful oasis and little shrubs on a full moon night is your idea of spending your winters, look no further than Khimsar. An erstwhile fiefdom, Khimsar paid allegiance to the kingdom of Marwar in the bygone era. Today, it serves as a rewarding getaway with the Khimsar Fort being run as a heritage hotel. Blessed with a charming ambience, the property has opulence written all over it. When done soaking in the winter sun at Khimsar, visit nearby Nagaur, known for its forts and red chillies.
If not the Fort, stay at the equally compelling Khimsar Sand Dunes Village

Palakkad

Palakkad represents the laidback best of Kerala and plenty of green havens

DON’T MISS THE DRIVE ON THE ROUTE CONNECTING KAVA AND ANAKKAL

Mannarkkad is where the Silent Valley National Park-believed by the British to lack the cicada, hence the silence-thrives. The Neliyampathy Hills are a two-hour drive away. The Palakkad Gap, a low-lying pass in the Western Ghats, is a gateway into Kerala. The name itself means forest of the ‘pala’ tree and its interesting confluence of several cultures is a strong reason to visit. Sightseeing spots include the 18th-century Palakkad Fort, the Malampuzha Dam, and the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. Oh, and the food is to die for-savour pazham pori, mutta bhajji and porottas in between breaks as you shop in the busy wholesale markets.
Noorjehan, MHR Biriyani House and Menma are three of the best places to eat at here

Satpuras ( Panchami) 

Soak in the tremulous beauty of the lush green forests of central India

THE IDEAL TIME TO VISIT IS OCTOBER TO APRIL

The highest mountain range in central India, the Satpuras, a part of the Deccan Plateau, lure thousands of visitors every year. Literally translating to ‘seven folds’, it forms the watershed between the Narmada and Tapti rivers. Enveloped by dense green foliage, the Satpura Range is home to numerous tiger reserves and national parks, including the Satpura National Park. Teeming with an exotic variety of flora and fauna, the Satpura National Park is an integral part of the Satpura Tiger Reserve along with the Bori Sanctuary and Pachmarhi Sanctuary. Plan a visit to Pachmarhi, also known as the ‘Queen of Satpuras. It is the only hill station in the region and a part of a Unesco Biosphere Reserve. Believed to be older than the Himalaya, the Satpuras hold centuries of mysteries and folklores.

You can opt for a jeep safari at the Satpura National Park 

Pelling

Pelling, famous for its historic monasteries, recently saw the opening of India’s first skywalk

PELLING IS AN APPROXIMATELY 4.5HR DRIVE DUE WEST OF GANGTOK

The Sikkim town may have got India’s first skywalk recently but we’re thankful that we’re finally talking about Pelling. The historic monasteries of Pemayangtse Gompa and Sanghak Choeling are the major tourist draws. Set time aside for the lesser-known Rabdentse Ruins and dig into some palate-pleasing grub at the tin-roofed Lotus Bakery. Ravangla is two hours away, so head to the pristine Darap village that is just 8km away. At this time of the year, the western Sikkim town may also be a great option to witness snow.

Carry enough cash since like most secluded havens, Pelling has just one ATM

Haflong

Assam’s only hill station is more than just sprawling vistas

IT IS ALSO KNOWN AS THE ‘MINI SWITZERLAND OF THE NORTHEAST’

Located in the Dima Haso district of Assam, Haflong is where you could possibly touch the clouds. Being the only hill station in Assam, Haflong enjoys a surreal mist and comfortable weather all year round. The untapped beauty of the hills beckons the intrepid and slow traveller alike, as they can engage in camping and trekking, or soak in the naturescapes. The town also offers multiple short drive routes, each more promising than the other. Food lovers and architecture geeks are in for a treat as you can sample local horticulture produce and catch a glimpse of the British colonial past.

Visit the waterfalls in the area by undertaking easy-moderate treks that take upto 4-5 hours

South Goa

No rowdy tourists, no loud parties, explore the ‘other’ Goa

IDEAL TIME TO VISIT IS NOVEMBER TO FEBRUARY

With a vibe that echoes a laid-back attitude, South Goa is starkly different from its northern counterpart. Doing away with the constant conundrum and an overdose of neon, South Goa is home to palm-lined beaches such as Palolem, Bogmalo and Varca. Layered history is also what makes South Goa an unparalleled experience. Quiet and soulful, its rich heritage in the form of cathedrals, temples, Portuguese culture, tiny villages, fortified ruins and lip-smacking seafood do the talking here.

Head to the famous Doodh Sagar falls, a two-hour drive from South Goa

Munsiyari

The picturesque town set along the banks of the Giri ganga River lures many nature lovers throughout the year

PANCHACHULI IS THE STAR ATTRACTION HERE

A tiny hamlet situated in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, Munsiyari serves as the base for various treks into the interiors of the Himalaya. Perched at an altitude of 2,298 metres above sea level, the hill station is often referred to as ‘Little Kashmir. It is nestled between the borders of India, Tibet and Nepal and serves as the base for three glaciers namely Namik, Milam and Ralam. It is also the starting point of Johar Valley and falls on the ancient salt route between India and Tibet.Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, it is a fast-growing adventure hub with the key attraction being the trekking route to he Khalia Top.>>> Legend has it that the Pandavas set out for their final journey to heaven from here

Daringbadi

Dotted with pine forests and waterfalls, it is also surrounded by valleys and plateaus

IT IS WELL-CONNECTED TO MAJOR CITIES VIA REGULAR BUS SERVICES

The only hill station in Odisha, Daringbadi is an exception to the lot, being the only place in the state receiving snowfall in peak winter, albeit sparingly. Dotted with coffee plantations, magnificent waterfalls, cosy villages and dense pine forests, Daringbadi is on every discerning traveller’s bucket list. What sets Daringbadi apart from the other popular destinations in Odisha is that it offers an eclectic mix of cultural, tribal and nature tourism.

 Daringbadi is named after Daring Sahib, a British officer who was in charge of the place

Gulmarg

Nestled amid the Pir Panjal Range, the hill station has been endowed with nature’s bounty

HEAD TO APHARWAT PEAK TO SKI THROUGH THE STEEP GRADIENTS

Pine-fringed hillocks, deep ravines, forested valleys and the lofty, snow-covered Himalaya define Gulmarg. The rugged beauty of the rocky terrain and the lush green meadows in summer peeping out are also a popular choice among filmmakers to rekindle the old romance with the place. Right now, it’s a white wonderland though. Home to the world’s second-highest gondola ride, Gulmarg has a reputation for winter sports, offering activities like skiing, snowboarding and trekking.

Attracting wildlife enthusiasts, the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve boasts of a rich avifauna population that one should keep an eye out for

Kasargod

Unwind by the coast, while soaking in the scenic sunset hues

ВОСТОВER TO FEBRUARY IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT, WHEN THE WEATHER IS BALMY

Known as the land of seven languages and several cultures, Kasargod-Kerala’s northernmost town-is almost otherworldly. Home to an expansive coastline, forts, rivers and hills, it’s neither touristy nor overbuilt and hence makes for a perfect secluded escape. With an excellent network of roads, legends pertaining to various districts here will keep you hooked at every turn. For those invested in culture and arts, Kasargod also has a handloom industry along with ancient temples beelining the streets. A visit here is incomplete without an evening at the majestic and well-maintained Bekal Fort, flanked on the shore of the eponymous beach.

One can hear the echoes of Kannada, Tulu and Malayalam alike here

Kalsi Village

Located at the confluence of the Tons and Yamuna rivers, Kalsi is a lesser-known village near Paonta Sahib

KALSI AND ITS SURROUNDINGS ARE GREAT FOR TREKKING AND BIRDING

Pass over hyper-touristy Mussoorie and Nainital, and drive along to discover the offbeat hamlet of Kalsi in Uttarakhand. The hilly retreat is a great hideaway for those seeking some solitude. Walking trails, river rafting and hiking, Kalsi does not fall short of options. Nestled amid the picturesque landscape of the Doon Valley, it is also home to a 2,200-year-old rock edict of Emperor Ashok, discovered by an Englishman, Forrest, in 1860.
It’s best to set base in Chakrata, from where you can embark on exciting treks, and birding and botanical adventures

Netarhat

Fondly nicknamed ‘the Queen of Chotanagpur’, Netarhat has probably spawned dozens of poets

THE BEST WAY TO GET TO NETARHAT IS TO HIRE A CAB FROM RANCHI

Drenched in an old-world colonial charm, Netarhat is lined with narrow roads and forests, offers rejuvenating walks and is known for its beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Walk up to the light-orange hue at dawn at Sunrise Point or cherish the sunset at Magnolia Point-named after a young British girl who had fallen for a tribal shepherd boy. Also worth visiting are Netarhat Dam, Koel Viewpoint, Upper Ghagri Falls and Lower Ghagri Falls.

Visit the nearby Taher village, home to the Birjia tribe and observe and interact with the tribal communities up and close

Horsley Hills

These hills attract travellers from all walks of life

DECEMBER TO MARCH IS THE IDEAL TIME TO VISIT

Rustic and cosy, the Horsley Hills make for a refreshing escape along the Eastern Ghats. These idyllic hills, in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, are named after a British collector, W.D. Horsley, who turned the hills into his summer home. Birdwatchers and adventure junkies feel equally at home here owing to the rich biodiversity and adrenaline-fuelled activities.
Visit Kalyani-the over 150-year-old eucalyptus tree-planted by Horsley himself

Halebeedu

Travel back in time through architectural abundance

OCTOBER TO MARCH IS THE IDEAL TIME TO VISIT

During their 200-year-rule, the Hoysala dynasty built various temples here that retain their regal charm even today. Located in the Hassan district, it is primarily known for the magnificent twin temples- Hoysaleshwara and Kedareshwara. The walls of these temples feature intricate carvings of Hindu deities and the complex makes way for as many as 108 pillars within the premises of the temple. Travellers should also make a pit-stop at the Jain temples located in the vicinity.

The archaeological museum inside the complex houses over 1,500 sculptures and artefacts