The month of love is here. Love stories are beautiful. Everyone wants one. We are suckers for happy endings. But not every love story is meant to end up in a happily ever after. Some are meant to make us travel and teach us a lesson or two in self-love. By Karan Kaushik
Some hit the gym, some get a new haircut, some pet a dog, some overindulge in ice-creams, and some look for rebounds. But nothing can help us mend our broken hearts the way travel can. No, really. Travelling has healing properties. So, stop wallowing in self-pity and pack your bags. It’s time you got your mojo back.
10 destinations in India that will help you mend your broken heart
Hampi, Karnataka
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Going back to your past is only going to hurt you more. How about exploring the glorious past of the Vijayanagara Empire in Hampi? The heritage city is a traveller’s paradise. From heritage structures to adventure activities to scenic views, you’ll get to experience a bit of everything here. And not to forget, only ha(m)ppy vibes.
Take a coracle ride in the gentle Tungabhadra, chill at a cool café at Hampi Island, hire a bike and embark on a monument trail, seek blessings at the Virupaksha Temple, and watch stunning sunsets from the Matanga Hill. Hampi is magical.
Nashik, Maharashtra
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Okay, just to be clear, we don’t intend to promote resorting to alcohol to get over your pain. Having said that, we do believe that, if consumed in moderation, wine can be great for you. There are scientific studies to show that wine could be good for your health if taken wisely. And what could be a better place to sniff, swirl and sip than India’s wine country.
Book yourself a luxurious stay at one of the many vineyards here and let Nashik’s grapes work wonders. Don’t forget to take a guided tour and wine tasting session at the vineyard you choose to visit. Complete your trip by paying obeisance at the Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple. The incredible street food around the temple will take care of your heart for sure.
Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh
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If you are the kind who trusts in the healing powers of mountains, Kinnaur could be a great option. Kinnaur is blessed with the magnificent Greater Himalayas, Zanskar, and Dhauladhar Mountain Ranges. Adventure lovers can embark on thrilling treks like the Beri Nag Trek and the Kamru Village and Fort Trek.
Explore the picturesque villages of Sarahan, Sangla, Chitkul, and Kalpa. Spend some me-time by the banks of the Sutlej, walk through the pages of history at the Sarahan Palace, and visit lush apple and apricot orchards. Relish local delicacies like bathu ki khir, channa madra, kachalu ka salan, and chicken anardana. What’s not to like? Maybe, your toxic ex.
Dzongu, Sikkim
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Phones and heartbreaks don’t gel well. There’s always a high possibility of texting your ex or even worse, calling them in the middle of the night. What if we told you that there’s a place in North Sikkim, where it’s not easy to get a phone network? Yes, Dzongu is one such place. Home to the aboriginal Lepcha community of Sikkim, Dzongu will leave you in awe with its stunning landscapes and wilderness.
30 sparsely populated but charming villages form the wild and wonderful Dzongu, a special reserve for the Lepchas. Visit monasteries, join your homestay host for a farming session, go for a nature trail, sip some traditional chee, and learn to be happy in your own company. Dzongu will surely give your system the reboot it needs. Note that you will need an Inner Line Permit to visit Dzongu, which can be easily obtained from Mangan, North Sikkim’s capital.
Dong, Arunachal Pradesh
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Stop chasing them. They are not coming back. Chase India’s first sunrise instead. Arunachal Pradesh’s Dong is a beautiful hilly hamlet, which is blessed to receive India’s first sunrise. India’s easternmost village, Dong will make you fall for itself with its unmatched charm and postcard-perfect views. Located at the tri-junction of India, Myanmar, and China, Dong is best explored by trekking.
You could stay in either Walong or Tezu and hire a shared cab to reach Dong. When done catching the sunrise (usually at 3:00 am), rejuvenate yourself in one of the hot springs located in the region. You can also visit important attractions like the War Memorial in Walong and the revered Parasuram Kund. Don’t forget to experience the warmth and hospitality of the Mishmi tribe in nearby Anjaw.
Varkala, Kerala
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Spread over laterite cliffs, Varkala is blessed with blue-green seawater and ink blue skies. A popular backpacking beach destination, Varkala is one of those places where you don’t go with a long-preplanned list of must-dos. Feeling guilty about dating them? Take a dip in the pristine waters of Papanasham Beach, which is believed to rid one of all sins.
Enjoy seafood at one of the happening cafes at the Varkala Cliff, indulge in some retail therapy at the Tibetan Market, seek solace at the Odayam beach, pray at the Janardhana Swamy Temple, and pamper yourself with a restorative massage. Enjoy a Kathakali performance at the Varkala Cultural Centre and start loving life again!
Kasar Devi, Uttarakhand
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If you think meditation could help you, we recommend planning a trip to Uttarakhand’s Kasar Devi. Located near Almora in the Kumaon region, Kasar Devi has been attracting seekers, artists, writers, and philosophers for many decades now. What makes Kasar Devi perfect for a meditative experience is its geographical position.
Thanks to its presence on the earth’s Van Allen Belt, the place is blessed with special cosmic energy, which could only be found at Machu Pichu in Peru and Stonehenge in the UK. There could be no better place to heal yourself. The village gets its name from the Kasar Devi Temple, dedicated to a local goddess. From here, you can also visit the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
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Allow the golden sand of the Thar Desert to hold you in its arms. Explore age-old havelis and Jain temples, visit the Jaisalmer Fort- India’s only living fort, soak in peaceful vibes at the Gadisar Lake, and shop to your heart’s content at the main market. When done appreciating the rich architectural and cultural heritage of Jaisalmer, head to the haunted village of Kuldhara for a fascinating experience.
Spend the night at a campsite or resort in the Sam Desert. But before that, enjoy a bumpy camel ride, watch a puppet show, shake legs with Kalbelia dancers, and enjoy the thrill of paramotoring. Could it get any better? Oh yes, a wholesome Rajasthani meal will make you realise that it’s always better to love food than people.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
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Varanasi is a city where people come to die. But then, it is also a city, where you can give birth to a new and better version of yourself. The spiritual city is home to the Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghats, where people come to perform the last rites of their loved ones. We know it could be a bit daunting for some of you.
But to look at the bright side, Varanasi could also teach you that life indeed is short and unpredictable, and you must not waste your time crying over something that wasn’t meant to be. Savour piping hot bedmi puris with alu sabzi in the morning, take a boat ride or a refreshing dip in the Ganges, attend the evening aarti, befriend interesting locals, and gift yourself a Banarasi silk saree or kurta. The land of Lord Shiva awaits you with its blissful vibes.
Ashwem, Goa
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While mainstream beaches like Calangute and Bagha may overwhelm you with touristy crowds and all that jazz, beaches like Ashwem could be great.
Nestled in the coastal village of Mandrem in North Goa, this secluded beach is exactly what your therapist prescribed. And who knows, you may even end up meeting a shrink like Dr Jehangir Khan from Dear Zindagi. Surf the gentle waves, go paragliding, ride a jet ski, take an ayurvedic massage, or simply loll around the beach. Ashwem won’t disappoint you like your ex.
Related: Solo Trips For Women To Take In 2022 Based On The Chinese Zodiac
Karan Kaushik
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