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The beauty of India, apart from its stunning locations, is the many remarkable things that you can do here. Instead of engaging in the regular, we cajole you to take the path less trodden in some of the major destinations. Be it a nature lover, foodie, adventure enthusiast, culture vulture, there is a little something to every kind of traveler Try out these amazing offbeat things to do in 20 spellbinding places.
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Chennai…Surfing
An important metro of south India, Chennai is where the old and new coexist beautifully. The age old tradition is still retained with its rich culture, classical music and dance, architecture and customs. On the other hand, the city is also a major industrial and commercial center. Tourist places include temples, beaches, museums and monuments.
Do something offbeat and take a dive into the adventurous side of this costal destination with surfing lessons. The classes happen on the pristine and roaring beach of Covelong. Taking place during the weekends over 3 hours, the 4 day and 8 day course would entail getting know-how about the ocean along the waves, the weather and current. Learn how to use the surfing equipment and gear and hone your surfing skills!
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Odisha…Chilika Lake Island Camp
Slightly unexplored compared to the other tourist destinations of India, Odisha basks in culture, serene atmosphere, sun and sand. The highlight here is the ancient Sun Temple in Konark that was painstakingly built over 12 years. The 480 kilometres coastline too lends in a distinct appeal.
The state is also where the captivating Chilika Lake, largest coastal lagoon in India and considered as the second largest in the world lies. For a unique experience replete with nature’s charm, undertake an overnight camp in Camp Lake Island. Escape to the depths of its splendor over two days. Lap up boat cruise, savour the serenity of the waters, get a glimpse of rare migratory birds and if lucky dolphins. Also, enjoy the chance to explore fishing communities and interior villages of the island.
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Jaipur…Art Treasures
The capital of the land of kings (Rajasthan), Jaipur still basks in the grandeur of its royal past. The city is a favourite among travellers, enticing people across the country and world. This destination is where you can get a piece of opulence and cultural charms along with some splendid sights.
With Art Treasures Old Jaipur, over three hours, uncover the essence of the city. You will get to mingle with the locals and get an insight into their desert life, culture and festivals. Amble through the local market and end your trip close to the Rajasthan School of Arts.
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Madurai…A Potter’s Story
Referred to as the ‘Athens of the East’, Madurai enchants with its deep history, heritage, beautifully carved temples and monuments. Located in Tamil Nadu, it is one of the oldest cities in the country and has still retained the old world charm. Especially standing tall here is Meenakshi Amman Temple and Tirumalai Nayak Palace that lures devotees and tourists all across.
For a one-off inspiring experience, you can take to A Potter’s story trail in this culturally rich city. Witness first-handthe transformation of mud into something great. Stroll through the charming hamlets and see how Navratri Kollu dolls and paper mache dolls are made. Even get to interact with generations of potters and listen to their fascinating story unfold. If you wish, you can attempt making a toy yourself too.
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Munnar…Kalaripayattu Show
A charming hill station, Munnar makes for the ideal vacation for love-struck couples and families. It is situated at the confluence of Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala rivers. Lending a distinct character to the place are the vast emerald tea plantations. That along with rolling hills, myriad hues of green, salubrious climate and breath-taking sights makes it a winning destination.
While not admiring the rich nature, you can enjoy the fine cultural side by going for a Kalaripayattu Show. Among the most ancient fighting styles in the world, this is a traditional martial art form from Kerala. As a matter of fact, it is said that this is the mother of all martial arts. With the show, over an hour you get to witness how the professional artists showcase their, mastery, flexibility along with many exercises.See how they attack and defend themselves.
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Gokarna…Beach Trek
A fine contrasting blend of being a temple town as well as a hippie joint, Gokarna is a delightful location. Resting on western coast in Uttara Kannada district, it is among the seven important Hindu pilgrimage centres in India where Lord Shiva devotees throng to. On the other hand, there are places and beaches here that appear to be a toned down version of Goa.
Unravel the fine topography of this destination with a beach trek. Over two days, you get to enjoy a walk on the pristine beach fringed on rocky hills on one side and sparkling waters on the other. Also savour making way though abundant tropical forests. Other highlights include setting camp on Paradise Beach and soaking up some good times.
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Wayanad…Multi Activity Tour
A lovely locale full of woody charms, Wayanad is among the hot destinations of Kerala. The pictorial hill station represents the splendour of Western Ghats along with bountiful forests, paddy fields, red earth, green allures and mysterious caves. The place is also known for its rich wildlife and tourist places.
When done with admiring the beauty of the place, you can dive into a multi activity tour in Pozhuthana that is among the oldest tea plantations inWayanad. A multi adventure extravaganza, you can enjoy cycling through varied landscapes, go bamboo rafting on the Vythri River and hiking amidst the Sugandagiri forest. Discover the true rustic charms with a great dose of adventure!
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Pondicherry…Guided Fisherman Village Tour
The beckoning seafront promenade, wide thoroughfares and distinctive French touch along with deep rooted Indianness make Pondicherry a winning place of interest. While the beaches are perfect to reel in sunny times, the city is also wrapped in spirituality and serenity.
Discover the city more than its tourist places and take a guided fisherman village tour. See their lifestyle up-close and witness how they repair their nets and trade their catch. You will even be taken to the small scale industries and get know-how on the pottery, terracotta, and ceramic ware.
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Hyderabad…Food and spice trail
A metro where the old and the new coexist wonderfully, this is a place of beautiful landmarks, delectable shahi food, expensive jewellery and more. Adding to lure is the rich tradition that dates back to around 400 years, hints of royalty and stunning monuments.Referred to as the City of Pearls, this was once ruled by the mighty Qutb Shahi and Asaf Jahi dynasties.
Tickle your taste buds like never before with a food and spice trail.The mouth-watering treats include Irani Chai, Osmania Biscuits, confectionaries such as puffs, pastries, stuffed bread like dil-pasand and dil-khush, Nahari Kulcha, roti kheema and bhaja curry. Also take a stroll through the local spice market and get to know the magic behind the delectablecuisines.
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Ooty…Ride in the Blue Mountains, Ooty
A sought after hill station in Tamil Nadu, Ooty is where many throng to, for some pleasant climate and natural appeals. The dreamy landscapes of this region have also served the backdrop for many movies. Plonked in the Nilgiris area, this destination also boasts of a rich history. It was served as a prominent summer retreat among the British during their rule, reminders of which can still be found today.
To get a slice of the beauty that abounds along with some adrenaline pumping adventure, embark upon ‘Ride in the Blue Mountains’ cycling extravaganza. Over two days, you will get to enjoy making way through scenic sights and tea estates. Also, enjoy bonfire and ferry ride in the lake.
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Mahabalipuram… Crocodile Bank and Tiger Cave Tour
A stunning place with many archaeological wonders, Mahabalipuram makes an engaging place of visit for tourists. It is also referred to as Mamallapuram and is a World Heritage Site. A former bustling seaport under the reign of Pallavas, this destination lies 60 km south from Chennai.
When done admiring the awe-inspiring architecture, you can set off on a Crocodile Bank and Tiger Cave Tour. You will be taken to the Crocodile Bank, where you can glee in the sight of the huge reptiles at close quarters, feed them and also see how poison is extracted from the snakes. Later on, you will be taken to the Tiger Cave, a venerated rock-cut Hindu temple. Unwind for a bit at the gardens that ring the mandapa.
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Delhi…Authentic Cuisine Experience
The bustling metropolitan of Delhi is where you can enjoy the fine harmony of the new and old. Once ruled by the great Mughal Empire,the city provides many allures. It comprises of Old Delhi and New Delhi.As a whole, the destination spills many thrills with its fine heritage, architecture wonders, religious sites, lip-smackingjoys and shopping zones.
Food lovers can learn the fine art of cooking savoury street food with Authentic Delhi Cuisine Experience. Get live demos from the vendors, listen to chefs spills trade secrets, visit iconic eateries and delve into the culture and history associated with it.
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Manali…yoga class
A quintessential holiday destination for families and backpackers alike, Manali is a lovely hill station in Himachal Pradesh. The destination is fringed by snow-clad summits and meandering river waters. Treating one to a picture perfect scenery, it is swathed in nature’s beauty along with fun avenues such as adventure activities and tourist places.
Seek divinity in spirituality as you engage in a mind, body and soul yoga class over here. The serene breath-taking surroundings further add in your rejuvenating experience. You can opt for a course in Shrihari Yoga Ahshram that lolls beneath Vashisht hamlet, along the surreal banks of Beas river.
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Bangalore…Wine and grape stomping
Fondly referred to as the ‘Garden City’, Bangalore is where you can reel in good weather and a cosmopolitan culture. The capital of Karnataka the city boasts of a vibrant music and theatre scene along with some charming parks and places of interest. Though the city has drastically expanded over the years, you can still feel the glimpses of good old Bangalore in some places.
Bangaloreans sure love their drinks but for an experience that your regular pub will not get, dash off for a Grape Stomping session at Ramnagar. Surrounded by pollution-free and refreshing atmosphere you get to enjoy making wine the good old way with a traditional grape stomping along with good music. That is not all, also get to amble through the vineyards and indulge in a wine tasting tour, savour some glasses of the drink and also learn what all goes on in the process of making this wonderful drink.
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Jodhpur…Marwar Village Delight tour
Referred to as the Sun City, Jodhpur is a luminous destination. Once the capital of Marwar kingdom, it attracts tourists world over for its opulent palaces, imposing forts and intricate temples. With vibrant houses painted in blue, this destination has also received the adage of “Blue City”. Especially popular here is the Mehrangarh Fort, the largest of its kind in India that spreads over a good 5km.
Discover the rich culture of the enchanted region with Marwar Village Delight tour. You will amble through the heart of a typicalrural Rajasthani village, majority of which are farmers. The Banjara community are known to be warm, simple, hardworking along with their vibrant attire and exquisite traditional jewellery. You will able to interact with these folks and also get a fine whiff of their local tradition, cuisine and inspirational way of life.
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Goa…OvernightBackwaters Cruise
The land of sun, sand, sea and good times needs little introduction. A favourite destination among Indians and constantly inciting foreigners too, here you can bask in beach bliss, groovy party places along with the traces of rich Portuguese heritage that is left behind. Located in the Konkan region, the state also boasts of rich flora and fauna.
Think beyond the backwaters of Kerala…Goa too has enthralling ones that display postcard perfect settings, birds and wildlife. Savour discovering another side of this state with an overnight cruise on the Backwaters of Chapora River. Spilling many joys along the way, you can lap up the comforts of a luxurious wooden houseboat, dig into sumptuous authentic food, enjoy bird spotting or simply laze around on the deck watching the soft ripples.
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Mumbai…Candle Light Dinner Cruise
A former archipelago of seven islands, Mumbai today is referred to as the alpha world city. Being a financial, entertainment and industrial capital of India, it lures several across the country. The city reels in a vibrant and bustling vibe that is infectious. The winsome seashores also lend this destination its distinct appeal.
While the city is replete with food joints, the candle light dinner cruise makes for a unique experience. Set sail on the glistening waters of Arabian Sea from the iconic Gateway of India. Enjoy the caress of the wind on your face as you get a great view of the unbridled horizon. The entire experience is topped up when you are anchored in the middle of nowhere and get to dig into a sumptuous candle light dinner. The twinkling stars casting a spell on the water further adds to the allure.
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Dandeli…Adventure and Photography Tour
A trove for nature and adventure enthusiasts, Dandeli is a pictorial destination in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. The place is laced with the charms of River Kali, verdant stretches, deciduous forests and a rich wildlife.The town is especially popular for white water rafting, bird watching, nature walks and adventure sports.
Discover the many appeals of Dandeli and capture the moments with an adventure and photography tour. The experience is replete with thrills as you relish in breakfast in the wilderness, relish in a class on conservation initiatives, enjoy photography and make way amidst semi-green forests and indulge in backwater boating. Further heightening the jaunt is Kali River rafting, night walk, bonfire evening, backwater boating and Huligudda Hill trekking.
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Kochi…Diving Trip
Swathed in an eclectic mix of many charms, Kochi is one of the treasures of God’s Own Country.Where else can you find the traces of Portuguese, English, and Holland along with the distinctive Kerala touch? Chinese fishing nets, synagogue dating back to 4 centuries, Portuguese homes, British reminisces and amazing beaches define this place.The city lounges on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula and has been alluring merchants and voyagers since a good 600 years.
Instead of the regular sight-seeing, flit off to Thiruvankulam, the suburb of the city for a rip-roaring diving trip. Be acquainted with the basics of snorkelling, diving types and techniques and take a dive into the waters to discover what lies beneath. Also, receive a certification of participation at the end.
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Mysore…Malgudi Tour
Boasting of more than 6 centuries of grand legacy, Mysore is a winsome tourist destination. Several throng here to get a whiff of the regal past and opulent monuments. The city is deemed as the cultural capital of Karnataka and is also famous for silk and sandalwood.
After having discovered the royal heritage, unfold another charming side of the destination…a side that inspired one of the greatest authors of India, RK Narayan. With the Malgudi tour, you set off to the esteemed author’s university and visit many places that acted as a stimulus for his book, ‘The Malgudi Days.’ See how the city of Mysore acted as a base for his work.
