The idea of travelling in India draws up many images, lush greenery, deserts, snow-capped peaks, beaches… the country definitely has it all and for a lack of a better word, the Indian landscape is diverse. Practically you find something or the other to do in some destination across the country… and yet, traveller after traveller haunt the beaten path. If you are looking for something that is different from a prescribed list… you might as well check out the new list of off-beaten destinations.
1- The Little Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
The Little Rann, located close to the Great Rann is a definite must visit for those who are looking to experience the colour and raw plethora of desert colour and culture. While it lacks the tourism appeal that Jaisalmer in Rajasthan has, Little Rann has this raw flair that is completely charming and disarming at the same time. A quaint salt marsh desert, the Little Rann is famous as the world’s last refuge of the Khur or the Indian Wild Ass. A stark landscape with rich biodiversity, the Little Rann is an ecologically important zone and is the home to several water birds like pelicans, flamingos and ducks and other birds like the Indian Bustard, Sandgrouse and francolins. The perfect destination for nature lovers.
The region is pretty popular for it’s surreal natural beauty that it has been featured in multiple movies in India such as Magadheera, refugee, Goriyon ki Raasleela, Sarainodu, and many other superhit movies. This wonderful holiday destination in Gujarat has also been mentioned in numerous books like Midnight Children written by Salman Rushdie. If you are also looking for a holiday destination for this winter vacation then check out different Gujarat holiday packages and plan accordingly.
2- Gurudongmar Lake – Sikkim
There is something about high altitude lakes… nestled amongst high mountain peaks that inevitably bring in a sense of complete peace and serenity. While the Pangong Tso shot to reluctant fame with the famous 3 Idiots scene, there is another beautiful high altitude hidden at a height of 17100 feet in the Eastern Himalayas. Emerald Waters, set deep in the backdrop of majestic snow-clad peaks, the Gurudongmar Lake is Sikkim’s well-kept secret.
3- Bandhavgarh National Park – Madhya Pradesh
While the Jim Corbett National Park is a popular destination for all those who want to get a glimpse of the elusive predator, there is another destination where you can get a peek at this royal cat – the Bandhavgarh National Park. While the Jim Corbett National Park is known for its dense jungles and the different variety of flora and fauna; catching a glimpse of the tiger with several safaris can be quite a task.
In Bandhavgarh, however, the chances of sighting this regal striped cat are quite high. Smaller in size when compared with the Jim Corbett National Park, it is much easier to navigate along Bandhavgarh, and rest assured, this National Park too is filled with a plethora of flora and fauna.
4- Syalsaur, Uttarakhand
The Himalayas are filled with several wonders, which are simply understated and hidden from the prying tourist eye. One such destination that lies hidden along the bend of the mighty mountains is Syalsaur. With the Mandakini gurgling alongside the perfect contrast of lush green trees cloaking majestic peaks, Syalsaur in Uttarakhand is the perfect destination to experience the quiet and majestic splendour of the Himalayas.
5- Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
The last major site before hitting the China Border, Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, is probably North-East’s best kept secrets. Possibly because of its political and geographically location, Tawang is rarely flocked by dozen tourists. Nevertheless, Tawang is worth each and every bureaucratic effort, tucked in the high mountains, the region boasts of over a 109 high altitude lakes! If lake hopping at over 12000 is your thing, then Tawang is a definite must visit!
6- Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi
If the Indian history, particularly the Mughal Era, has enthralled you and the idea of reliving that magnificent time through the exquisite Persian architecture has excited you – then apart from a visit to the ever-famous Taj Mahal, a peep at the Humayun’ tomb is a must.
Commissioned by Humayun’s first wife Bega Begum, the tomb of Humayun or popularly known as Humayun ka makbara, was designed by the Persian architect Mirza Ghiyas. The tomb is believed to be the first garden tomb of the Indian subcontinent. The tomb is also the very first structure to use red sandstone in such a large scale.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Humayun ka Makbara is tucked deep in the winding ‘Galis’ of the Nizamuddin area of Delhi. Known for its brilliant symmetry, this imposing structure has delicate touches of marble and other precious stones at the end of several gateways. Adding to these lush gardens that surround the area make it a beautiful spot to rewind time.
