Alternative holiday ideas in India!

When you think of India as a travel destination, there are only few names that show up, year after year. It’s about time we move over the proverbial Golden Triangle (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur), the backwaters of Kerala, hill stations of Manali & Shimla, the beaches of Goa and the Bollywood tour of Mumbai. The reason being India is much more than these five shinning stars! Beyond the well-known are some lesser known treasures that are still uncharted and thus have an air of secrecy about them! However, these hot spots may not appease the general public but will certainly attract the fancy free wanderlust and individuals with insatiable appetite for alternative holidaying.

Come on in, and prepare yourself to go deep inside the country. Let your bare feet re-connect with Mother India. Let the fascinating sights and sounds captivate you. Let your heart open up to the unopened alleys and avenues. Maybe, you could explore one of these options or include all of them in your next annual holiday to India.

1 TREKKING IN THE LADAKH VALLEY

The landscape of the Zanskar valley in Ladakh is so surreal that for once you pinch yourself to understand whether you’re there or just imagining things. The mountain desert is that beautiful. It is there you can relish the virgin air, take pleasure in the silence of the wilderness and wonder about nature’s grandeur. Besides, your mind opens to a whole new world of people living in such harsh conditions that you feel blessed about your own life. Eventually, when your trek is done, you come down as a changed person, rejuvenated definitely, but humbled too.

2 SELF PURIFICATION THROUGH VIPASSANA

Imagine 10 solid days of utter silence and without having to communicate with anyone. In such isolation, the only sound you would probably hear is your heartbeat and the pulse running throughout your body! This is Vipassana, a residential 10-day course and an ancient technique of meditation that helped Buddha reach enlightenment. Vipassana has centers in almost all the continents but India branches, especially the principal center at Igatpuri; Maharashtra is so popular that bookings are made 2-3 months in advance!

3 DESERT FESTIVAL IN JAISALMER

During the three-day extravaganza, the barren desert of Thar comes alive with the display of bright colored costumes, fun atmosphere, and cheerful people from all over the world. Desert Festival is a reflection of the vibrancy of the state and showcases local attractions like handicrafts, folk songs, dance, camel rides, processions and interesting competitions against the backdrop of fireworks exhibits and illuminated forts! The Festival is held every year in February and organized by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation.

4 HERITAGE TOUR OF INDIA

India is a country with a rock-solid history carved in stones. Those exquisite carvings are a witness to India’s past glory and a reflection of our brilliance in the department of arts and crafts. On a deeper level, those impressions are a beautiful narration of life and love! India is home to innumerable such places and there are few that have been stamped as World Heritage Sites. The temples of Khajuraho, Group of Monuments in Mahabalipuram and Hampi, Ajanta & and Ellora Caves in Aurangabad, and The Sun Temple in Konark among many others are indeed a dream trip for art lovers!

5 VILLAGE TOURISM IN SIKKIM

The tiny Himalayan kingdom, known for its virgin beauty and warm hospitality, has a flourishing tourism and to further boost the prospect, Govt. of Sikkim has recently introduced a new concept called Village Tourism. So, if you opt for this unusual fete, you would be basically staying with village families, eating meals cooked by them, getting yourself entertained by folk dances and songs, touring the countryside, and maybe, even learn how to grow vegetables! What better way to know a place and learn about a new culture than through its people.

Do you know of such hidden treasures or unconventional holiday ideas in India?