Known for its beautiful landscape, India is still one among the most underrated destination by the tourist. We underestimate our nation. How many of us think of travelling to a destination in India instead of touring foreign? We plan to visit the UK, US, Australia and more. Allow me to remind you; we have the “God’s Own Country” and “Heaven On Earth” all within our boundary. Let me acquaint you to a few of the underrated destinations in your reach.
-
Majuli, Assam
Majuli is a river island in the Brahmaputra River, Assam. In 2016 it became the first island to be made a district in India. It is currently listed as the largest river island in the Guinness Book of World Records.
The southern part of the island is a bird lover’s paradise. The best time to visit is between November to March as the weather and wildlife view is pleasing. To reach Majuli, one has to take ferry services from Neemati Ghat in Jorhat district which is at a 20km distance from the island.
-
Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur
A national park in the Bishnupur district of the state of Manipur in India. It is the only floating park in the world and is an essential part of Loktak Lake. The national park is marked by many floating decomposed plant materials locally called “phumdis”.
It is ideal for visiting the park during 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM because Sangai deer comes out to eat in herds at that time. A boat trip along the network of boat routes passing through colourful water plants would be an excellent way to see the park. One can reach the park by road, rail and air through Imphal.
-
Lonar Crater, Maharashtra
A notified National Geo Heritage Monument, Lonar Crater (also called Lonar Lake), was created by a meteor impact during the Pleistocene Epoch. It is one of the four known, hyper-velocities, impact craters in basaltic rock anywhere on Earth.
It not only serves travellers with nature’s bounties, but one can also relish the unforgettable experience of wildlife and pilgrimage around this beau lake as there are several temples in its vicinity. Several birds, both migratory and local, can also be seen in the serene ambience of this place. The ideal time to visit Lonar Crater is the winter, i.e., from November to February.
One can reach there through the air, landing on Aurangabad Airport that serves as the nearest airhead for Lonar Crater. Railways can also be used with Jalna Railway station being the closest railhead.
-
Kaas Plateau, Satara
Kaas Plateau in Panchgani is an enchanting place with landscapes amidst lakes, flowers and butterflies all around. Housing nearly 850 species of beautiful wildflowers, the 1000-hectare area of the plateau is now a reserved forest. It is famous for its natural beauty and flora, Kaas Lake, and how it turns into a valley of flowers during monsoon.
From the beginning of August to October witness the Kaas Valley changing into a blooming beauty of endemic flowers such as Anjani, Paner, Sonki, Kondal, Deepkadee and Kaasa. It is around a half an hour drive from Satara and around 130 km from the city of Pune.
-
Auli, Uttarakhand
Auli is in Chamoli district in Himalayan mountains of Uttarakhand, India. It is a hiking and ski destination. The charming town of Auli hosts the National Championships of Snow Skiing, and is right near the Clifftop Hotel, the town additionally has the world’s highest artificial lake.
Being a skier’s paradise, it is ideal for visiting this hill station during the months of November to March. The closest airport to the destination is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, and the nearest railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station.
-
Wayanad, Kerala
Nurtured by the Western Ghats, Wayanad is a beautiful hill station in Kerala. The destination is blessed with wholesome weather that goes around the year.
Wayanad is pretty much rich in everything; from wildlife, plantations to a peaceful ambience. The most beautiful and exciting thing about this hill station is its forests which are more than 3000 years old. Calicut International Airport is the nearest airhead and Kozhikode Railway Station serves as the nearest railhead.
So next time, when you take out your backpack look at India’s map, you will discover a destination that delights all your wanderlust. Know your land, before you step out.
