Navigation

Vashi2Panvel.com: Navi Mumbai: April 13: Tired of going to the same places every year? The hill stations, the beaches and the mountains seem passé? Worry not! There are a plethora of getaways in India where you can take your family and friends or probably go alone. But these are not the conventional holiday destinations. These are something more unique, vivacious and livelier. Everything here seems to be telling a story. Listen to the call…

Jhalawar (Rajasthan)
A truly off-beat destination, a fascinating mosaic of interlocking enigmas, rock-strewn and brightened with fields of poppies and citrus-green groves of oranges. This is one of the most unexplored regions of India. Jhalawar is a unique combination of legends and folklore, of rocky terrain and dense forests, formidable forts and exotic wildlife. I would recommend the Bhawani Natyashala theatre, similar to the European Opera House. It’s a must visit for its architecture-complete with box seats and a stage sturdy enough to take an elephant. I’ve discovered the hidden treasures of the past of Jhalawar and if cache-explorations attract you then visit this at least place once…

Bhimtal (MP)
Bhimtal is one of the largest lakes around Nainital named after Bhima, the Mahabharat character. It also has an island and boats are the only modes of travel there. A gaggle of ducks to entertain the visitors, serenity abound and the fresh unpolluted waters…It’s a pleasant respite from the hustle bustle of a city life. Bhimtal, 25km from Nainital makes an all year round destination. The place is ideal for those who love to explore as Bhimtal is all about wild culture. The place is renowned for the Victorian dam at one end of the Bhimtal Lake and terraced flower gardens, the Bhimkeshwar temple and Godhakal temple. If you’re an art aficionado then you must visit this place for it houses the museum of folk culture (Lok Sanskriti Sangrahalaya).

Corbett National Park (Uttaranchal)
The Corbett forest reserve, the first Indian National Park is renowned for tigers and that’s precisely why I scheduled my visit there. But I saw much more than just tigers. The varied flora and fauna, its diverse topography from grasslands to marshes and ravines to plateaus is a feast to the eyes. Besides tigers you might spot wild boars, leopards, langurs and rhesus monkeys and a variety of deer. Also a whopping 500 species of birds have been recorded here! There are a plethora of things to do like elephant safari, jeep safari, fishing, rafting and excursion but my personal favourite is the elephant safari. If you’re fussy about the climate then Jan-March would be the ideal time for you but if you’re serious about facing tigers then schedule your visit for April and May.

Shekhawati (Rajasthan)
An open art gallery forgotten with the passage of time- This is the apt way I would describe Shekhawati as. Shekhawati, a cluster of townships where all homes and temples are decorated with murals and paintings of the past, once teemed with rich marwari traders. The huge havelis (around 5000 in numbers) being built around 200 years old tell the story of the past. The profusion and perfection of Shekhawati's frescoes is unmatched.

Mukteshwar (Uttaranchal)
Situated near Delhi, Muktehwar is known for its veterinary research institute. The institute in itself is a tourist destination with flowers blooming all over and the sight of the snow-clad mountains. Also, the place has several trekking and camping opportunities. While on your way to Ramgarh to Mukteshwar, you’ll find the entire stretch of fruit orchards of apple, plum, apricot and peach. Lots of devotees scale the stairs to pay homage to the century old Shiva idol. Mukteshwar is ideal for people looking for a quiet mountain holiday with beautiful locales, excellent mountain views and fresh jungle air to breathe.

Chiriyatapu Beach (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
Waters have always fascinated me and if they are pristine, crystal clear, pure and enigmatic that the love is even more. And if you’re Chiriyatapu beach in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, nothing can stop you from falling in the love with the place. The place makes for an ideal picnic spot. And, for bird watchers this is just the right place.

Aizawl (Mizoram)
Quaint timber houses, blooming orchids, invigorating and pure air that sing the melodies that the youth play at the street corners... This is Aizwl for you, a religious and cultural centre of the Mizos. Aizawl is popular for its crafts. Crafts of Mizoram have got their own identity. The intricate traditional designs woven by the Mizo women are incredible. Besides, there are many places where one can stop and shop.

Buxa Tiger Reserve (West Bengal)
This picturesque reserve, with its hilly landscape is dissected by numerous rivulets, lies in the border of Assam and West Bengal. The Buxa National Park attracts loads of tourists and nature lovers for its veritable flora and fauna. The diversity of mammals here is second highest among all the tiger reserves of India. Apart from Bengal Tiger the flagship species, there are plenty of Leopard, Fishing Cat, Leopard Cat, Palm Civet, Gaur, Small Clawes Otter, Chital and Deer.

Naukuchiatal (MP)
Naukuchiatal is one of the most beautiful and cleanest lakes in India. A traditional folklore goes that whoever can see all the ‘nine corners’ of the lake in one go will attain nirvana. So, taking a boat to the lake would be a good idea to spot all 9 corners! But apart from boating and fishing one can also take a walk and enjoy nature’s bounty! You can go there at any time of the year as the place always enjoys a pleasant weather. For the adventurous ones, there are parasailing facilities too! So, don’t miss this one…


Swati Pandey