Gurudongmar Lake
One of many world’s highest lakes, the sacred Gurudongmar Lake is north Sikkim’s very personal Shangri-la

There are lakes, there are extraordinarily beautiful lakes after which there’s Gurudongmar. Maybe essentially the most spectacular vacation spot in Sikkim, Gurudongmar Lake guarantees to be an expertise like none different. Encompassed by beautiful snow-capped mountain peaks, this completely magnificent lake sits at a dizzying altitude of 17, 800 toes. Blessed with aquamarine waters that shimmer beneath the intense sunshine and replicate the beautiful peaks, the lake is taken into account sacred by Buddhists and Sikhs. Whereas some attribute the lake’s identify to Guru Nanak, who’s believed to have visited the place, others declare that it’s named after Guru Rinpoche. Gurudongmar must be in your checklist if you’re a lover of nature and the good outside. 

Professional tip 1: Packing woollens is an absolute should and to keep away from high-altitude illness, carry medicines, inhaler, oxygen spray, goodies, popcorn and plenty of water.

Professional tip 2: It’s greatest to go away as early as 4am from lachen to go to the lake because the possibilities of an avalanche are excessive after 11am 

Khajuraho
Chasing the architectural legacy of the chandelas within the temple city is an expertise historical past buffs wouldn’t miss for the world

A city of superlative cultural and aesthetic worth, Khajuraho is dwelling to a few of South Asia’s grandest temples. Embark on a heritage path as you hop from temple to temple marvelling at their sensible structure and complex carvings. Notable amongst Khajuraho’s 24 temples are the oblong Chausath Yogini Temple, the Matangeshwara, Lakshmana, Kandariya Mahadeva, Jagadamba, Chitragupta, Varaha and Vishwanatha Temples within the Western Group; the Vamana, Javari and Ghantai Temples of the Japanese Group and the Shantinatha, Parsvanatha and Adinatha Temples of the Southern Group. What’s fascinating to notice, is the truth that the carvings at Khajuraho should not simply concerning the Kama Sutra poses. In actual fact, they symbolize all of the navarasas or the 9 human sentiments. All you want is a recent lens. 

Professional tip: Do carry hats, sunscreen, umbrellas and water when exploring the temples and don’t overlook to rent a registered vacationer information 

Varanasi
Traditions, tradition and historic beliefs rule the town of Varanasi

Characterised by saffron-clad monks and reverberating holy chants, Varanasi is an expertise like no different. One of many world’s oldest inhabited cities, it’s a steady cycle of lifetime of dying right here. Whether or not it’s strolling alongside the ghats, or watching the solar rise over the horizon in a ship, or temple trailing, its mysticism unfolds by the minute. Historic constructions, slender lanes, flavourful meals and meditating sadhus will take advantage of your journey right here. Varanasi, for a lot of, is the land of their first true-blue Indian expertise. 

Professional tip 1: Supreme time to go to is from November to February.
Professional tip 2: Watch out for the touts that you just would possibly encounter on the ghats.

Odisha
The seashores listed below are a quiet escape for nature lovers and a birder’s delight

Boasting of an expansive shoreline, Odisha is dwelling to some unique seashores and has just lately reclaimed its glory amid travellers. With solitude dominating the air across the seashores in Odisha, spirituality, nature and tradition stroll hand in hand right here. Starting from Chandrabhaga to Gopalpur to the just lately Blue Flag-certified Puri Seashore, there isn’t a dearth of seascapes right here. The state can be dwelling to much less frequented, virgin seashores that proceed to cover their attraction in little nooks and crannies. 

Professional tip 1: Finest time to go to is October to March.
Professional tip 2: Sustainability lies at coronary heart of tourism in Odisha. Be sure to go to the ecotourism nature camps and retreats.

Pondicherry
Aesthetically pleasing and culturally plentiful, Pondicherry welcomes all with open arms

An age-old French reference to a delicate tinge of south India, Puducherry is a mixture we didn’t know we wanted. It isn’t simply dwelling to pristine seashores with delicate, white sand but in addition bee-lined colonial-style bungalows with free-falling bougainvillea, lip-smacking meals, artwork galleries and ’gram-worthy partitions. Whereas mornings right here could be spent watching the dawn, marvelling on the structure and indulging in healthful meals, the breezy evenings pave approach for boulevard walks and a few seashore remedy.

Professional tip 1: Finest time to go to is from October to February.
Professional tip 2: When you’re on the lookout for some non secular awakening, Auroville is just a brief drive away. Right here, bask in yoga periods, soak locally spirit and have interaction with folks from all walks of life.

Mechuka
From lush valleys to thrilling journey sports activities and wealthy tribal heritage, Mechuka is as offbeat as they arrive

Positioned in Shi Yomi, one of many newly carved districts of Arunachal, Mechuka is a high-altitude valley, arguably essentially the most picturesque within the area. The place was actually hidden from the surface world, which has led to Mechuka’s cultural range being intact and uncorrupted from urbanisation. Over the previous couple of years, it has emerged as a distinguished journey hotspot within the state and continues to attract discerning travellers with its vibrant landscapes and distinctive tradition.

When right here, you’ll be able to take peaceable walks via coniferous forests that lie on the outskirts and spot migratory birds that arrive right here from the higher reaches of the Himalaya. Blessed with myriad seasonal streams, azure skies, rufous valleys and snow-covered peaks, Mechuka is a paradise for solace seekers and nature lovers. 

Professional tip 1: Mechuka could be reached from Halo via personal taxis and shared cabs
Professional tip 2: Mechuka is dwelling to the Memba tribe and the phrase ‘mechuka’ roughly interprets to ‘a land of snow and medicinal water,’ within the native dialect