If you are looking forward to travelling again to break the lockdown monotony, check out these feel-good destinations in India! By Tanvi Jain
1. Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh
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Located in the state’s Chamba district, at an elevation of approximately 2,000 metres, Dalhousie rests proudly amid snow-clad mountains of the Dhauladhar range. Home to numerous pines, oaks and several other types of flora, this place also includes hills such as Bakrota, Balun, Patreyn Tehra and Kathlog. Far away from the crowd, the peace and quiet of this place coupled with the breathtaking beauty of its landscape make it a perfect spot to relax and de–stress. The feel-good factor of this place? Victorian-style mansions and Scottish architecture coupled with all the lush greenery, and of course, the nippy weather! When here, you can also check out Kalatop, Lohali village, Bakrota hills, Dainkund peak, Tibetan market, Khajjar Valley, etc.
Best time to visit: April to September
Where to stay: Birdwood Cottage
2. Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir
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Located in the Pir Panjal range, at a height of approximately 2,730 metres above sea level, Gulmarg’s snow-covered peaks, forested valleys and meadows of flowers make it one of India’s best feel-good destinations in India. The place offers various sightseeing opportunities, such as Tangmarg, Ferozepur Nallah and Khilanmarg. Those seeking some spiritual enlightenment can pay a visit at Maharani Temple, Baba Rezi Shrine and St Mary’s Church. Moreover, it is also home to an 18–hole Golf Course, considered one of the highest golf courses in India.
Best time to visit: December to February
Where to stay: The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa
3. Alleppey, Kerala
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The fact that it is often referred to as the Venice of the East says a lot about its beauty. Imagine waking up in a houseboat somewhere in the backwaters, and peeking out just to see nature in all its glory! Located just 62 kilometres away from the city of Kochi, Alleppey rests on the banks of Vembanad Lake, which hosts most of the houseboat cruises. Lagoons, coconut groves, canals, natural bounties, and more, the place offers everything a nature lover could ask for, under one roof. The Alappuzha beach, which is famous for its boat races, coir industry and marine products, is also home to a 137-year old pier extending to the sea and a 17th-century lighthouse built by the Portuguese.
Best time to visit: November to February
Where to stay: Palmgrove Lake Resort
4. Dzukou Valley, Nagaland
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One of the most cherished tourist hotspots in the whole of North East India, Dzukou Valley is located at an altitude of approximately 2,450 metres, behind the Japfu range, near the state’s capital city of Kohima. The famous Dzukou lily, Aconitums, Euphorbias, and various other beautiful species of flowers, fill the valley with a blanket of bright colours, which of course, helps soothe not just your eyes but all your senses. If you like to trek, you can climb 17 kilometres from Viswema Village to Dzukou, or go for another 15 kilometres from Dzukou Valley to Zakhama.
Best time to visit: June to September
Where to stay: Niraamaya Retreats Aradura, Kohima
5. Nohkalikai Falls, Meghalaya
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The fourth highest waterfall in the world, the Nohkalikai Falls tucked in the middle of lush green forests of the Khasi hills, gushing down from a height of 335 metres, into a blue lagoon, is a magnificent sight to behold. Bird watching, angling, trekking, swimming, photography — there are many activities that you can indulge in when here. In fact, there is also an interesting market in Cherrapunjee called Bada Bazaar from where you can shop for a bunch of souvenirs and handicrafts, and experience the tribal culture and art as well.
Best time to visit: October to December/March to May
Where to stay: Jiva Resort Cherrapunjee
Have you already visited these feel-good destinations in India? Got pictures to share? Give us a shoutout on social media!
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