“Climb the mountain so you can see the world, not so the world can see you.”- David Mccullough.
Nature has a never-ending healing effect in our soul and body. The universe has many picturesque natural locations in the form of lush green forests, large mountains, beautiful flowers, rivers, etc. the list is endless. There is so much variety of flora and fauna in this world that one lifetime is too little to witness everything. The geographical location of India is such that it has varied natural formations in the forms of mountains, hills, plateaus, forests, the large coastline in both the sides of the country, desert, waterfalls, etc. Even the dense forests in the North-east and south-west region harbors a unique bunch of species of fauna. Many couples chose these locations and book couple friendly hotels to spend a romantic vacation. Even the solo travelers and adventure junkies prefer these places to spend some peaceful time away. They do book hotels on hourly basis or dayuse hotels for a comfortable stay.
But due to the covid19 situation traveling for vacation has taken a back seat. Stay at home is the new norm that we all are adhered to. The continuous lock-down at home has taken a heavy toll on the mindset of people. Maybe someday when we all can go back to living a normal lifestyle, the traveler inside us might want to kick us in going to a place of serenity and calm, inside nature. A stay with nature might be necessary at that time to wipe off the lock-down frustrations. But till then we can spend some time virtually to find out the best places in India where we can spend some time with nature.
1-Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand
Popularly known as “Little Kashmir”, this valley has the snow-filled mountain peaks like Nanda Devi. It is a place of exquisite natural beauty and serenity. Beautiful alpine valleys and glaciers are situated beyond Nanda Devi. This down gives a picturesque view of the famous mighty Himalayas. This city welcomes many pilgrims daily who are on their way to Kailash and holy Lake Mansarovar. If you are planning for this trip, you can go via Delhi. Book a hotel in Delhi airport and from there you can start taking a flight to Naini Saini which is 5kms away from Pithorgarh or can hit the road.
2-Munnar and backwaters in Kerala
With deep forests and beautiful backwaters, Kerala is indeed god’s own country. It depicts the rich. The ecosystem of the Arabian Sea near to Kerala has lots of brackish lagoons and lakes. Munnar is the ultimate place to be in the state with the merging of 3 mountain ranges- Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala. The tea plantation gives a vivid picturesque view of the town. Not to forget the highest peak in South India, Anai Mudi inside the Ervakulam National Park. This is a place to be away from all the fast and stressful lifestyles to calm your nerves. You can book a hotel in Kochi and take rest and can then start for Munnar via road. The road trip is also worth experiencing.
3-Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an Indian National Park. It is the second core zone of the Nanda Devi Biosphere consists of rich flora and fauna, mesmerizing waterfalls, silvery glaciers, and dense forests along the Pushpawati River. The valley of flowers blooms different kinds of a huge variety of flowers from May to October by which it seems that the valley changes colors throughout this season. It is a perfect place to spend some relaxing time in between the mesmerizing beauty of nature.
4-Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh
Situated in the Northeast, this magnificent valley at Arunachal Pradesh is the perfect holiday to get the charm of nature among the green valleys, dense forests, mighty hills, and wildlife. There are layered rice fields, a landscape of rivers and little villages which give it a very picture-perfect image. Amidst all the vibes of nature, there is the famous Ziro Music festival happening every year in September which is a must-visit. The best way to reach Ziro is by flight. The nearest airport is Jorhat at Assam. You can get a flight from Delhi. You can book a hotel near Delhi airport to stay and get the flight straight to Jorhat and then 98kms by road to Ziro.
5-Dzukou Valley, Nagaland
Situated on the border of Nagaland and Manipur, this valley is around 2452 meters above sea level. With rolling hills and floating clouds, this valley is indeed is one of the most sought after destinations for nature lovers. During July, there is blooming of Dzukou Lily in the valley which makes it colorful. You can also do hiking and rock climbing in the valley. You can go via Delhi. You can stay by booking a hotel in Delhi. Book a flight to Kohima and then by road to the valley from Kohima.
6-Coorg, Karnataka
Known as the “Scotland of India”, Coorg is one of the most visited places by nature-lovers. The green hills, rivers, culture, and people make it the most popular destination. The spice and coffee plantations on the hills are a must-visit. There is also waterfalls like Abbey falls and Brahmagiri Wildlife sanctuary where you can visit to get mesmerizing experience. Not to forget the white river rafting in Barapole River. Coorg is well connected by road from all the major cities of Karnataka. You can either visit from Bangalore, Mangalore, or Mysore. The best way is to booking a hotel in Bangalore to stay and do some prep for Coorg and then you can hit the road.
7-Chilka and Bhitarkanika in Odisha
Situated on the eastern coast of India, Chilka is the largest brackish water lake in India and the largest wintering ground for migratory birds in the Indian sub-continent. It is also one of the Ramsar Convention sites. It is a must-visit to view the different types of raptors, Irrawaddy dolphins and migratory birds. Another place in Odisha which is a must-visit for nature lovers is Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary. Since this ecosystem is the second largest mangrove wetland in India, it has one of the largest population of saltwater crocodiles. The beach around the site which is called Gahirmatha beach is the largest nesting ground for Olive Ridley sea turtles. The best way to reach Chilka and Bhitarkanika is via Bhubaneswar. You can book a hotel in Bhubaneswar and plan your trip accordingly.
8-Snow Valley, Kashmir
If you want to have a glimpse of paradise, then a visit to Snow Valley at Kashmir is a must. It is the most beautiful place on earth situated between the mountain ranges of Pir Panjal and Karakoram. The snow Laddened Mountains, the fir trees and the rivers cutting through it is a perfect example of what paradise on earth looks like.
9-Nohkalikai Falls in Meghalaya
Located in one of the wettest places on Earth, Cherrapunji, Nohkalikai Falls is the tallest plunge waterfall in India having a height of 340 meters. The snow-like foam created by water falling from such a height is a great attraction of Meghalaya. The best time to visit is in the month of monsoon. The best way to travel this place is via Delhi. You can make a group and stay at a hotel in Delhi. Fly to Gauhati and then by road to Nohkalikai Falls.
10-Shola forest Karnataka
They are the Southern Montane Wet Temperate Forest found in the upper reaches of the Nilgiris, Anaimalais, Palni hills, Kalakadu Mundanthurai and Kanyakumari. They are the evergreen forest that gives habitation to many endangered species of fauna like Nilgiri Tahir, Nilgiri woodpigeons, and Pogeyan Cat. You can book a hotel in Bangalore and can plan your trip accordingly.
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