Slip Away From the Maddening Crowd into 10 Charming Hideaways in India

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All of us yearn for an escape from our city’s maddening crowd but our huge population makes it hard to find a place of tranquility. That being said, India’s territory is vast and filled with natural diversity, so you can be sure that there are plenty of charming hideaways scattered through the country. Finding them is not always easy, so we bring to you a list of 10 such destinations that will whet your appetite for solitude and tranquility.

1. Majuli Island

Listed as one of the largest river island in the world, Majuli truly is a hidden gem. This enchanting island, lies in the midst of the mighty Brahmaputra River in Assam, is a beacon of hope for migrating birds. It is also home to a unique tribal population, with their small villages dotting the island. Majuli is blanketed in green, natural vegetation, rice fields, and water meadows, creating a unique ecosystem. Due to which it shelters a number of rare and endangered species of birds and other creatures. If you really want to soak in the tranquility of nature, without a crowd, this is the place to visit. Book Hotels near Majuli!

2. Auli

Seekers of solitude who love the blistering cold and winter sports activities such as skiing should head straight to Auli. Located in the state of Uttarakhand, Auli rests at an elevation of 2,500 to 3,050 meters above sea-level. Auli offers all the magic of popular winter destinations such as Manali, Khajjiar, or Shimla, sans the crowd. Surrounded by coniferous and oak forests, reclusive travelers can revel in the beauty of nature here. In addition to spectacular views of the Himalayas, visitors can also enjoy world-class skiing activities and trekking at Auli. Book Hotels in Auli!

3. Wayanad

Located at the southern end of the Deccan Plateau, Wayanad beckons travelers with its pleasant climate and hilly terrain. Despite the natural beauty of the region it is relatively unknown to most tourists. Adventure sports-enthusiasts have only recently begun to frequent the place, but in the wilderness here, you will easily find the solitude you crave. The landscape is dominated by the lofty hills of the Western Ghats, deep valleys and gorges, rivers, and an endless blanket of greenery. At Wayanad, you can also enjoy activities such as trekking, climbing, rafting, and paragliding. Get best deals for Wayand Hotels in winter!

4. Kovalam

Kerala is rightly known as ‘God’s Own Country’. But, with a reputation like that, most of its famous getaways are swarmed with tourists. If you really want to enjoy Kerala, without the crowd, then Kovalam is the right place for you. Not only is it one of Kerala’s best beach-towns, it also happens to be ideal for vacationers looking for some quiet time. Here, you can enjoy moonlit walks on a clean sandy beach, bathe in waters that are safe for swimmers, or pamper yourself with rejuvenating herbal massages. This is one hideaway that will be a treat for all your senses. Book Hotels in Kovalam!

5. Hampi

Hampi has become increasingly popular in recent years, but strangely enough, this charming destination remains untarnished by commercialization. Declared a UNESCO world heritage site, Hampi is a treat for history-lovers. Once the capital of South India’s Vijayanagar Empire, the town is like a time-capsule. Hampi will leave you mesmerized with its ancient monuments and spectacular temples. This ancient town is located along the banks of the Tungabhadra River and is easily accessible from Bengaluru. While here, you should also pay a visit to the famous Virupaksha temple and enjoy a boat ride on the river. Get best Hotels in Hampi the heritage land!

6. Gulmarg

Gulmarg is another picturesque destination, perched in the mighty Himalayas in Kashmir. Located in the Baramula district, the town is on the international tourist map for skiing-enthusiasts, but it remains peaceful because of its remoteness. Gulmarg has actually been rated as the seventh-best ski destination in Asia, making it a must-visit for every Indian adventure sports-enthusiast. Here, you can ride in the world’s highest ski-lift, the Gulmarg Gondola to reach the top of the mountain and enjoy the thrill of skiing down some of the most challenging slopes. While here, you will also be treated to the ninth-tallest peak in the world – Nanga Parbat. Aside from skiing and other winter-sports, you can soak in the rich natural beauty of the region, with its dense forests, snow-covered mountains, and flowering meadows. Book Hotels in Gulmarg!

7. Jaisalmer

With famous neighbors such as Udaipur, Jaipur, and Jodhpur, Jaisamler is often sidelined, but it is no less spectacular. With its gorgeous sandstone structures and rich culture, Jaisalmer is an experience that you should not miss. Immerse yourself in the local culture and explore the small lanes of this city. This World Heritage Site houses some of the beautiful yellow sandstone dwellings, forts, palaces, and spectacular Jain temples. Despite its tourist appeal, it is quite easy to find your own space in the city, with secluded camps and camel safaris in the surrounding desert. Book best heritage Hotels in Jaisalmer!

8. Bodh Gaya

While Bodh Gaya is the most important site of pilgrimage for Buddhists around the world, it is also a treasure-trove for history-enthusiasts. The Mahabodhi Temple is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an architectural marvel in itself. The temple is sacred to many pilgrims as it is believed to be the site where Gautama Buddha attainted enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. This famous tree stands strong even to this day. Whether you experience enlightenment or bliss, Bodh Gaya is one destination that you should visit at least once in a lifetime. Book Hotels in Bodhgaya!

9. Coonoor

Coonoor is a beautiful hill station in the famous Nilgiri Range, in Tamil Nadu. It is in close proximity to the well-known tourist destination – Ooty. Tucked away in the hills, this is the perfect hideaway to escape the blistering heat of South Indian summers. The small town is enveloped by lush tea gardens, dense vegetation, and rolling hills. With popular sites such Sim”s Park, Dolphin Nose Viewpoint, Katary Falls, and Lamb”s Rock, Coonoor is packed with natural attractions. With its abundance of flora, the region attracts a variety of migratory birds and this rich biodiversity adds to its appeal. Nature-lovers and bird-watching enthusiasts will find that Coonoor has many delights to offer. Book Hotels in Coonoor at discounted rates!

10. Cherrapunjee

Millions of Indians anxiously await the rains, while enduring the sweltering heat of our summers. While this may be the plight across most of the country, it doesn’t hold true for Cherrapunjee. Visit this Meghalayan city and your wait will be over, as it receives rainfall throughout the year! Due to the rains throughout the year, Cherrapunjee blessed with unsurpassed natural beauty, beautiful waterfalls, and an awe-inspiring limestone caves. This place has also made name for its ‘living bridges’, naturally formed by the roots of trees. Get discounts on Cherreapunjee Hotels!

So, the next time the crowd and chaos of the city start to wear you down travel to one of these charming hideaways to rejuvenate yourself completely.