If you are looking to make 2023 the year of travel, here is a handy guide on where to go, when to go and what to do – all making the best use of the many long weekends of the year.
Kodaikanal
Ring in the first month of the New Year amidst the verdant landscapes of Kodaikanal. The hill station has its share of favourite sites like Coaker walk, Kodaikanal Lake, Bryant Park, Bear Shola Falls, Pine Forests and Pillar Rocks, you could discover more when you take the offbeat path here.
Abu Dhabi
The Capital of the Emirates, Abu Dhabi has something for everyone. Start your tip at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which is also known for its beautiful architecture and has one of the largest hand-knotted carpets made by over 1300 Iranian artisans in the main prayer hall.
Sikkim
The beautiful state of Sikkim has several of the best kept secrets of the Himalayas in its quaint fold. Some of the places that you must see include the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, home to 13 rhododendron species.
Dalhousie
Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh is surrounded with snow capped mountains and is a delightful town with many less explored getaways. One such location is Sach Pass, a trekking trail at 14500 feet that will take you through tiny villages, high-altitude temples and glaciers.
Bir Billing
Bir in Himachal Pradesh is known as the country’s paragliding capital but also has a Tibetan Colony which means the town is dotted with Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, ecotourism sites and meditation centers.
Hanle, Ladakh
Located in Ladakh, Hanle is home to the Hanle Monastery that dates to the 17th century and has the India Astronomical Observatory, the world’s highest site for astronomical observation.
Wayanad
Located in the stunning Western Ghats, Wayanad is a biodiversity site that is home to a variety of flora and fauna that is endemic to the region. There are three towns Kalpetta, Mananthavady and Sulthan Bathery in Wayanad district that have a mix of sights.
Coorg
The Scotland of India, Coorg is the land of coffee and has a unique culture that is best experienced. From its numerous retreats that have a coffee trail that will take you through the bean to cup journey, Coorg has interesting sights like the Nagarhole National Park, Abbi Falls, Bylakuppe Tibetan Buddhist Golden Temple, Iruppu Falls, The Raja’s Seat, Madikeri Fort and Talacauvery, home to the birthplace of the river Cauvery who is revered here.
Dawki, Meghalaya
For a scenic getaway, Dawki in Meghalaya is easily the hands down winner as it is ensconced in the beauty of nature courtesy the very Instagramable Umngot River. With its crystal clear waters that is often compared to a see-through glass, a boat ride here is nothing short of magical.
Zanskar Valley Ladakh
At an altitude of 13154 feet, Zanskar Valley, part of the Great Himalayas is home to snow-capped mountains and scenic landscapes. The landscape is idyllic with monasteries like the Sani Monastery, Phuktal Monastery, and Lingshed Monastery that dot the rugged landscape.
Bandhavgarh
Best known for its National Park, Bandhavgarh is where you are most likely to spot a tiger in the wild. The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, and you can spot a variety of birds as well.
Jaisalmer
Located in the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer is a quintessential Rajasthan town whose life is centered around its living fort. The five km fortification wall has 99 bastions and you can experience a slice of local life when you are here.
Kutch
The Great Rann of Kutch is a landscape that is like no other. A salt marsh desert in the Thar, it is known for the Rann Utsav, an annual festival that happens for a few months in winter.
Andamans
The island of Andaman in the Bay of Bengal is home to 572 islands and islets that are covered with evergreen forests making it a landscape like no other. For an offbeat experience, check into Neil Island accessible via a ferry ride from Port Blair.
Goa
With its endless beaches, Goa has always remained the most sought-after destination specially to ring in the New Year. What is relatively lesser explored about this small state is its art, history, and culture.
Read the full story that first appeared in Spice Route’s Jan 2023 as the cover here: