Since its already mid-April, we are sure most of you must have already started making plans for the summer. Or you would have at least started giving some thought to it. While International holidays may not always be feasible, you would also not want to go to those same old, done to death destinations in India. So, here’s a list of 8 offbeat vacay destinations for you to explore this summer.
1. Mawlynnong Village – Meghalaya
Mawlynnong Village (also known as God’s Own Garden) is located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. Mawlynnong was awarded the title of Cleanest Village in Asia by Discover India in 2003. It also boasts of 100 per cent literacy and a women empowerment scenario that the rest of the world can only dream of! But that’s not the only reasons why should be visiting this place. There is also a lot to see in this village, the major attraction being the living root bridges. Made by connecting the ariel roots of one massive rubber tree to another, these bridges have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Since this village lies on the Indo-Bangladesh border, you will also be able to see the Bangladesh landscape from here. Since this village is well connected to major cities like Shillong and Cherrapunji, it can be easily reached by road.
How to get there:Â The nearest airport from Mawlynnong is Shillong, at a distance of 78 km. So, from Delhi, you can take a flight to Shillong from where you can take a bus or a taxi to get to the village. The nearest railway station is in Guwahati which is 172 km, so from Delhi, to Guwhati you can take a train and then again you can opt for a cab or bus from there.
2. Halebid – Karnataka
Formerly known as Dwarasamudra, Halebid (or Halebidu) is located in the Hassan district of Karnataka state. This was once the regal capital of the Hoysala empire but is now is in ruins. However, it still attracts tourists, thanks to its rich heritage and striking art and architecture. It houses a beautiful collection of temples, shrines and sculptures. The Hoysaleswara temple, Belur, Shantaleswara temple, Kedareswara temple are some of the essential places you must visit while you’re here. You’ll also find an archaeological museum here which will take you for another ride through the past. Several Jain temples and other significant structures add to the spirituality of the place.
How to get there: Halebid can be easily reached by road, by air and by rail. You can take a flight from Delhi to Bangalore and then go to Halebid by road. It is 226 km from the Bangalore airport.
3. Majuli – Assam
Majuli island is the world’s largest river island amid the Brahmaputra. Tribal and farming communities populate the majority of Majuli Island. You can hire a bike and enjoy the picturesque views of rice paddies, small villages and roads lined with bamboo archways. On the roadside, you can watch villagers practising the ancient craft of hand-looming that the region is famous for. You can also purchase the brightly coloured textiles from the local stalls on the roads. For much of the Hindu population, Majuli Island is a pilgrimage site. There are 22 satras, a Vishnu monastery where teachings, plays and prayers are conduted, on this island for you to visit. The island is also famous for bird watching too. Fun fact: The island shrinks to less than half its size, in monsoon season!
How to get there: Majuli Island is accessible only via ferry from the banks of the tiny town of Nimatighat (about 12 km from Jorhat). You can take a flight from Delhi to Jorhat and then go to Nimatighat by road and take the ferry from there. A ferry ride costs 30 rupees per person and an additional 700 rupees if you want to take your car. A car is advisable as there is limited transport to get around the island. Although renting a bicycle is a feasible option once you’re in town.
4. Khajjiar – Himachal Pradesh
A small town near Dalhousie, Khajjar is often referred to as the ‘mini-Switzerland of India’. Located at an elevation of 6,500 feet, it is known for its nine-hole golf-course which lies nuzzled in the middle of lush greenery and a breathtaking landscape.Khajjiar, a small plateau, also houses a small lake and is surrounded by green meadows and dense forests. The Khajjiar Lake and the Chamera Lake add to the charm of this place. Trekking happens to be the best way to explore this town. It also serves as the starting point for treks to Chamba, Dalhousie and Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary. There are many beautiful temples in Khajjar and the Khajji Naga Temple is the most sacred shrine here.
How to get there: This town can only be reached by road and is well connected with other cities in the Chamba Valley. From Delhi you can either take a train or a flight to Pathankot and then from there you can head to Khajjiar by road, it is 98.4 km and should take you approximately 3 and a half hours.
5. Talasari Beach – Odisha
On the Northeastern coast of India, the Talasari Beach is located in the Baleswar district of Odisha. TheTalasari shoreline is flawless and peaceful and hence is also called the ‘Virgin Beach’.It is surrounded by coconut and cashew trees and is known to be the last beach on the northeastern coast of Odisha. It is also referred to as a fisherman’s paradise as it doesn’t experience many tourists. You can enjoy a boat ride on this pristine beach in its super clean backwaters as well as the main beach. There are also some attractions you can explore around this beach such as the Science Centre, the Marine Aquarium and the Lankeshwari Temple. The beach can be reached by boat during high tides, but other times you can walk on the dried river beds towards the shore.
How to get there: The nearest Airport is the Kolkata airport, from where you can hire a taxi to get to this beach. You can take a flight from Delhi to Kolkata and then drive down to Talasari Beach (200 km).
6. Nubra Valley – Ladakh
The Orchard of Ladakh, also known as the Nubra Valley, is a tri-armed valley located to the northeast of the Ladakh Valley. The average altitude of Nubra is about 10,000 ft above from the sea level and is surrounded from all sides by the snow-capped Himalayan ranges. The main attraction of Nubra Valley are Shaggy double-humped Bactrian Camels around dunes; Panamik, a beautiful scenic village famous for its hot springs; the Yarab Tso Lake, Diskit Monastery or Diskit Gompa, Hunder Monastery, Lacchung Temple, Maitreya Buddha Statue, Samstanling Monastery, and the world’s highest motorable pass, Khardung La Pass (18,380 feet). You can see apricot trees loaded around the entire village, making this beautiful valley a must-see place in Ladakh.
How to get there: Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport in Leh is the nearest airport (120 km), and the valley can be accessed by a private cab or bus after your flight. From Delhi, you can take a flight to Leh Airport and then go to the valley by road.
7. Valley of Flowers – Uttarakhand
A world heritage site, the Valley of Flowers is a sprawling expanse of 87 kilometres in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is set in the backdrop of the majestic Zanskar Ranges and is situated at the conversion point of the Himalayan ranges Zanskar and Western and Eastern Himalayas. This valley is famous for its exotic varieties of medicinal herbs and is filled with blooming flowers of rare varieties, especially the endemic alpine flowers such as the golden lilies. About 520 high altitude plants are found here. Even the animals found here are of rare and endangered species. Among the most commonly seen animals are a snow leopard, Musk Deer, Red Fox, Common Langur, Himalayan Brown Bear and many more. The best time to visit this valley is between June and September. You must also keep in mind that you can only enter the valley during day time, i.e., between 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM, and you will have to leave before 5:00 PM.
How to get there: The Valley of Flowers is well connected with most of the important towns and cities of Uttarakhand. The nearest airport is Dehradun Airport. From Delhi, you can take a flight to Dehradun, from where you can go by road to Govind Ghat (300 km). From there you will have to commence a trek of 16 km.
8. Bhedaghat – Madhya Pradesh
Located in the Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh, Bhedaghat is both, a town and a Nagar panchayat. It is lies by the side of the river Narmada and is approximately 20 km from Jabalpur city. Bedhaghat is also known as the Land of the Marble Rocks because of the 100 ft tall resplendent rocks on either side of the Narmada. These white rocks with black and green volcanic seams look even more beautiful on a moonlit night. You can also enjoy boat rides during the moonlit nights for a memorable experience. A ropeway and cable car are also available here to take you through the valley. As you sail along the river, the mountains are known to change shape. The calm Narmada also descends a massive 98 ft creating the stunning Dhuandhar falls. Another famous tourist attraction in Bedhaghat is the Çhausath Yogini Temple’ which is an abode for Goddess Durga. It includes the carvings of 64 yoginis!
How to get there: It is easy to reach Bedhaghat by air. The nearest airport to this place is Jabalpur which is just 23 km away. From Delhi, you can either take a flight or a train to Jabalpur and then go by road to the Flower Valley.
Featured Image Source: Outlook India
