For the traveller in you, India is nothing less than sheer delight. In this vast country, there are so many places to visit that it will take years to explore the country inside out. Apart from key destinations that attract hoards of tourists, there are some hidden gems as well.
These places tucked away from the eyes of tourists are perfect if you want to immerse yourself in a quiet travel experience.
Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu
If you are looking for pristine beaches with clear waters and exotic marine life on the shores, here is the best place you can visit. This Marine National Park is situated near Rameswaram, a popular pilgrimage destination in the south of India. Gulf of Mannar is such a preserved beauty that you won't find any fancy resorts or hotels in the area.
Gulf of Mannar is a protected area and consists of 21 islands strewn across 560 sq. km. On your visit to this place, you can enjoy an exclusive meet and greet with dolphins, whales and green turtles. The national park also has a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Coral reefs, seaweeds, mangroves, seagrasses are what you can expect to see here.
Churu, Rajasthan
Owing to its rich history and culture, Rajasthan is a popular destination for travellers in India. Churu is a small city at one end of Thar desert that is not as frequented by travellers as the rest of the state.
The main attractions in Churu are the grand palaces that boast of their architectural beauty. A 400-year old fort, Havelis of Kanhaiya Lal Bagla and Surana are two other main hotspots in the city. The Tal Chhapar Sanctuary, which is home to rare blackbucks is about 85 km from Churu.
Salasar Balaji Temple, a famous temple of Lord Hanuman, is also situated in this Shekhawati region.
Bageshwar, Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand is a major tourist destination in India. And rightly so. The state is brimming with the natural beauty that keeps calling travellers back. However, if you want to visit a place far from crowds, Bageshwar could be a good option.
Situated on the banks of Sarayu River, you can get the experience of rustic village life in Bageshwar. There are a couple of villages in and around the city, from where you can enjoy majestic views of the Himalayas. Generally people couple a trip to Bageshwar along with Nainital and Jim Corbett. However, you can plan a weekend trip only to Bagheswar to rejuvenate yourself in its tranquil beauty.
Wayanad, Kerala
Also known as the spice garden of India, Wayanad is a city nestled amidst misty mountains. On your trip to Wayanad, you can visit coffee plantations and orchards of cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, star anise, fenugreek, black cumin etc.
For wildlife lovers, Wayanad has multiple reserves, national parks and sanctuaries. The place is also a haven for the adventure-seekers as you can go mountaineering, hiking and trekking.
Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
It is often hard to believe that the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu could be home to such pristine beauty. Coonoor, which is at a drive of about 3 hours from Coimbatore, is one such place.
The town has sprawling tea estates where you can book a homestay to enjoy the local experiences of the town. Quaint cafes and scenic views are what make Coonoor the best option for a weekend getaway. You can visit the nearby town of Ooty if you have more time on your hands.
Lambassingi, Andhra Pradesh
Also known as the Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh, this small town near Vishakhapatnam is the epitome of natural beauty. The town has a pleasant temperature all around the year. All you will need is a few days off work to jet off to this beautiful town.
Whether you want to soak in the beauty of lush greenery, alluring hills or tranquil water streams, you can get everything here. It is advisable to trek on the mountains to soak yourself in the majestic views that are nothing less than breathtaking. The historical sites in and around the area will make your visit to Lambassingi perfect.
Majuli, Assam
If you want to experience river islands, Majuli should be your go-to place. Situated in the freshwaters of the Brahmaputra, the island is about 1250 sq. km. You may be surprised to know that it is the largest river island in the world.
The best season to visit Majuli is the winters. During the summers, you will experience sub-tropical weather which may not be ideal for a holiday.
In summary
These hidden gems quietly tucked away in the interiors of India could be your answer to a quiet little holiday. Such vacations can give you some much-needed respite from the hectic city lives. The untouched natural beauty can fill your hearts and refresh you to take on the pressures of your urban life.