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Is the humdrum of life getting the better of you? A perfect antidote to drive away those blues would be a month long vacation. But hey, wandering off into a crowded destination won’t help. Stray away from them. What you need is a trip off the beaten track. So where do you go? That’s just what we’ll tell you in this article. Ancient beauty
The original “City of Joy”, Mandu in Madhya Pradesh is a 6th century city that epitomizes the romance and grandeur of a bygone era. The smell of moss and stone with a plush green carpet beneath your feet, a calm Narmada river flowing by and tale after tale being churned out by a local guide will give you a heady feeling. The Hindola Mahal with its sloping walls, the Jahaz mahal and the two artificial lakes Anup and Kapur talao are a great treat for the eyes. You’ll marvel at the architectural excellence and rain water harvesting systems while the love story of Roopmati and Baz Bahadur come alive around you. Revel in nature
Fly down South to Coorg, the largest coffee producer, to frolic in some breathtaking waterfalls, particularly the Abbey falls. Get up close to the gentle giants at the Dubare Elephant Camp; you can bathe and feed them here. Calm your senses at Bylekuppe, the second largest Tibetan settlement outside Tibet, and shop at the local flea market. Nature freaks must visit the beautiful ravine Nisargadhama for the deer park, orchidarium, boat rides and elephant rides. If you’re looking for a tranquil experience, then Adishakti, a theatre and performance research institution spread on a three-acre plot is ideal. Stay at the guest house and wake up to chirping birds and chants. Indulge in the ayurvedic treatments or recharge yourself with yoga. Also, make sure you stop at Auroville to pick up handmade paper, candles, pottery and leather. Round off the trip with a trip to Puducherry, an erstwhile French colony. Nilgiris
Nestled in the Nilgiris is Coonoor with its old colonial houses, tea gardens and quiet streets that are ideal for long walks. The adventurous need not despair. There’s enough for you. Trekking and hiking here are challenging tasks. A bird watchers haven, you may spot the thrush, cormorant, pipit, parakeet skylark and Nilgiri verditer. A ride in the toy train that runs on narrow gauge is an absolute must. India is a treasure trove of holiday destinations where hectic activity, excitement and tranquility abound. Do you know of any good holiday destinations in India? Have you taken a long vacation to India? Where did you travel? |
