Experience quiet and calm at these peaceful destinations in India.
1. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
With the altitude ranging between 1,830 and 6,700 metres, the district of Tawang is located in the northwestern part of Arunachal Pradesh. Not far from China and Bhutan, it is a major holy site for Buddhists as it was the birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama. The district is also home to the highest mountain in Arunachal Pradesh, Gorichen Peak, making it a favourite among adventurers. Do not miss the Tawang Monastery, located on the edge of the ridge running along the western part of Tawang township. The region is also home to a number of high-altitude lakes, and many of them are considered sacred.
GETTING THERE
Take a domestic flight from New Delhi to Tezpur in Assam, from where Tawang is 324 kilometres away.
2. Binsar, Uttarakhand
Located at an altitude of 2,438 metres in the Kumaon Himalayas, Binsar is a haven for nature lovers as it is home to the wildlife sanctuary of the same name. There are several hiking trails in the region, most of which lead to sublime views of Chaukhamba and Nanda Devi—some of the highest peaks in the world. The Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of birds, making it a popular destination among birdwatchers. The region’s delicious Kumaoni food is another reason for travelling to Binsar.
GETTING THERE
The nearest domestic airport is in Pantnagar, 140 km from Binsar. You can also attempt the 400-km road trip from Delhi.
3. Gokarna, Karnataka
A coastal town in Karnataka, Gokarna is home to pilgrimage sites as well as pristine beaches, making it fit for a relaxing spiritual break. Landmarks in the heart of the town include the Dravidian-style Mahabaleshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the atmospheric Mahaganpati Temple that houses a 1,500-year-old stone statue of Lord Ganesha, and Koti Tirtha—a temple tank meant for holy dips. Further south, Om Beach and Paradise Beach are ideal for long strolls and surfing.
GETTING THERE
The nearest international airport is in Goa, 140 km away. Gokarna is at least 10 hours by road from Bengaluru, and a four-hour drive from Mangaluru.
Related: 3 Destinations In India Perfect To Beat The Summer Heat
Bayar Jain
Senior Content Manager
Equipped with a degree in Sociology (Honours) from the University of Delhi, and a post graduate diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from Xavier Institute of Communications, Mumbai, Bayar enjoys sharing stories of people, places, and different cultures. When not typing her travel tales, you can catch the hobbyist photographer capturing the next frame, dabbling in arts and crafts, or gushing over puppers and kittens.
