Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.” – Dalai Lama  

1. The Magic of Ziro
2. The Snow Glazed Tawang
3. The Tales of Dhanushkodi
4. Leopard Hills of Jawai
5. The White Carpeted Lachung
6. The Sun Kissed Churdhar 

1. The Magic of Ziro

Veiled by the evergreen rainforests of Arunachal Pradesh, Ziro Village is one of the most serene and pleasant getaways of North-East India which is yet to gain the spotlight for its picturesque beauty. 

Blessed with a charming aura and carpeted with lush green vegetation, this World Heritage Site is home to the unique Apatani tribe and the agile Clouded Leopards. If you’re looking for a peaceful yet colourful vacation amidst the freshness of the grasslands, then Ziro is definitely your ultimate escape!  

 Ziro Tourism: What does one look forward to?

Witness the rich spectrum of local flora and fauna at Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. If lucky, one might even spot the gorgeous and the highly endangered Clouded Leopards. This small town offers a number of trekking opportunities.

One can enjoy the enthralling treks offered by Talley Valley, Dolo Mando and Midey, each with their own uniqueness. Other attractions prominently include Meghna Cave Temple, Bamboo Grove and Tarin Fish Farms.  

Ziro Music Festival

This eco-friendly music festival is organized by the locals of Ziro during the month of September every year. It not only showcases the independent music scene in India but also encourages people from all over the world to bond together and appreciate the diverse nature of music.  

What is the best time to explore?  

Throughout the year!! Yes, take an off from your exhausting schedule and soak in the tranquillity of this town. 

How does one reach Ziro? 

• By Air: Lilabari Airport is the nearest however its best to take a flight to Guwahati and proceed from there by road. 
• By Train: Naharlagun Railway Station is about 3 hours from Ziro. 
• By Road: Take an overnight bus from Guwahati to Ziro.

2. The Snow Glazed Tawang 

Tawang, the sacred land of monks, is one of the most ravishing yet undiscovered towns of India. Enveloped by the majestic Himalayas and surrounded by the massive glaciers, it is home to the Monpa people and several monasteries of Arunachal Pradesh. This beauteous town although settled at a challenging location is a worthwhile offbeat vacation spot for all those who love exploring.  

Tawang Tourism: What does one look forward to? 

Tawang tourism isn’t acknowledged yet but is slowly expanding over the years. Tawang Monastery, nestled in the valley of Tawang River, is the largest monastery in India and known for its architectural beauty. Gifted with natural splendour, Nuranang Falls and Peng Teng Tso Lake are must-visit spots in Tawang.  

The other places to visit in Tawang are Taktsang Gompa, Shonga-tser Lake, Sela pass and Bumla Pass. The magnificent Gorichen Peak of Tawang invites all the trekkers to conquer its heights and enjoy the misty bird’s view. 

What is the best time to explore? 

March to September is the ideal time to experience the scenic beauty of shimmering lakes and waterfalls. While winters are usually snow-clad, the best time to visit Tawang snow is in the initial winter months, October to November, in order to avoid any kind of inconvenience due to heavy snowfall. 

How does one reach Tawang? 

• By Air: Salonibari Airport in Tezpur is the nearest, however, it is best to fly to Guwahati Airport and then proceed by road. 
• By Road: The best way to reach Tawang is by road. Overnight buses and taxi services are available from Guwahati. 
• By Train: One can get off at Rangpara Railway Station, the nearest railway and proceed by road. 

3. The Tales of Dhanushkodi 

Known for its eeriness and its hauntings, the ghost town of Dhanushkodi in Tamil Nadu experienced one of the worst cyclone hits, which lead to the swallowing of the entire town, therefore, causing it to be abandoned. Despite its loss, it is seen to be gifted with tranquil shimmering white sand, Dhanushkodi beach and a serene aura making it one of the most beautiful yet sparsely known towns in India. Plan a quick day trip to Dhanushkodi as the roads are only open till 5 pm due to safety reasons. 

Dhanushkodi Tourism: What does one look forward to? 

One can enjoy a peaceful stroll at the Dhanushkodi Beach and have a surreal time gazing at the clear waters of the Bay of Bengal.  The Dhanushkodi village nearby has a few shops owned by the local fishermen who provide the tourists with delicious seafood dishes and fresh coconut water. 

The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, a group of 21 islands, is another major attraction that this town offers. It is home to various marine flora and fauna, making it a rich marine biodiversity spot.  Other interesting sightseeing spots include the Church and railway station ruins and Adam’s bridge. 

If you’re looking for an interesting trip with gory facts and ghost stories, Dhanushkodi makes an ideal spot for all the curious minds and mystery lovers. 

What is the best time to explore? 

October to February is the ideal timeframe to visit this nature gifted town in order to have a relaxing and peaceful trip. 

How does one reach Dhanushkodi? 

The quaint town of Dhanushkodi is only accessible via road from Tamil Nadu.  

 4. Leopard Hills of Jawai 

One of the lesser-known wildlife destinations of India recognized for its mysterious felines is Jawai in Rajasthan. These Leopard Hills and the natural caves of Jawai were formed a million years ago by lava, thus creating a haven for the leopards and the Indian striped hyenas. The Jawai Leopard Camp has been one of the upcoming tourist attractions which assists in easily spotting leopards during the day. The unique location of Jawai ensures an exotic and a one of a kind experience. 

Jawai Tourism: What does one look forward too? 

The Jawai Leopard Camp is the newest and coolest addition to leopard spotting destinations in India. One can have a luxurious time camping in the wilderness and savour the authentic Rajasthani cuisine at the same time.  

The Jawai Bandh is a Dam area seen to be an exclusive bird watching spot with a number of migratory birds. If you are lucky, you may find even spot a leopard quenching its thirst! 

Other attractions are Kambeshwar Ji Leopard Sanctuary and Jawai Dam Crocodile Sanctuary, located around Jawai. 

What is the best time to explore? 

October to early April is an ideal time to visit this wildlife-rich destination as the weather is less harsh and moderate according to the desert conditions. 

How does one reach Jawai? 

• By Air: There is no flight to Jawai, however, one can take a flight to Udaipur and proceed via road. 
• By Train:  One can catch a train from Jaipur to Jawai Bandh. 
• By Road: Those traveling by bus can reach Sirohi and then take a taxi till Jawai Bandh. 

5. The White Carpeted Lachung  

The breath-taking town of Lachung is situated in North Sikkim and serves as a splendid destination for all the adventure craving souls. Lesser known to the majority of the people, it is quite popular amongst trekkers, photographers and nature lovers. The freshness of the air and the spectacular sights will leave you captivated. Lachung also offers a plethora of activities for all and trying these will surely make your Sikkim trip worthwhile. 

Lachung Tourism: What does one look forward to? 

Satiate your souls by trekking up to Yumthang Valley and witness the natural beauty of the colourful flowers. One can enjoy the thrilling trek and stop at Yumesamdong Hot spring for a quick dip. 

Zero Point, a place with stunning snow-clad mountains and a picturesque sight is definitely a must-visit for a thrill-loaded vacation! 

Mt. Katao offers a number of recreational activities such as skiing and snowboarding. Other attractions are Shingba Rhododendron sanctuary and Lachung Gompa. 

What is the best time to explore?  

February to March, during the Losar Festival, is a great time to visit and experience the local culture and traditions of Sikkim. April to May is also a good time to explore Lachung as the Yumthang Valley is in full bloom. 

How does one reach Lachung? 

• By Air: Gangtok airport is the nearest airport, after which one has to take a taxi or bus to reach Lachung. 
• By Train: Lachung railway station is near to the city and is easily accessible by road.  
• By Road: Lachung being a hill station is more accessible via road. The tourists usually prefer travelling by taxis, jeeps or buses to reach this place. 

6. The Sun Kissed Churdhar  

Churdhar, an enchanting peak in Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh is one of the highest peaks of the Shivalik ranges and is surrounded by the dense Deodar forest. Not known by many, this blissful place is an ideal place for wildlife lovers and serves as an exhilarating trekking experience. Blessed with a spectacular panoramic view, it definitely deserves more recognition. If you love trekking and are an adventure enthusiast, then get your backpacks ready and head to Churdhar peak to have a wholesome experience! 

Churdhar Tourism: What does one look forward to? 

The view from the summit of Churdhar Peak is a spectacular one. It embraces a wide panorama of the peaks of Badrinath and Kedarnath. It is home to a rich variety of Himalayan flora and fauna. Trekkers tread over small glaciers on their way to the wind-blown Churdhar summit, which has moderate to heavy snowfall. Chaupal is the nearest town from the base camp.  

What is the best time to explore?  

The best time to trek Churdhar is in the month of March to December.   

How does one reach Churdhar? 

• By Air: Chandigarh Airport is the nearest. Taxis and buses are available till Nohradhar. 
• By Train: One can travel till Kalka by rail and then hire taxis or buses till Nohradhar. 
• By Road: A number of buses and taxis are available to reach Sarain, the starting point of the Churdhar trek.  

Traveling to unique offbeat destinations, learning about new cultures and making unforgettable memories are what one must live for but it need not always have to be tiresome or expensive. With the comfort and convenience of an OYO room available even at such scarcely explored places, be ready to experience a wholesome vacation!