Top 5 unknown getaways in India

If you’re tired of the summer waves, your dumb girlfriend and that nosy boss, pack your bags and plan a trip that takes the road less travelled…

1. Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh

Our very own Grand Canyon, the small village in Andhra Pradesh runs across the bank of river Pennar. Founded in 1123 during the Chalukyan dynasty, it is situated amidst beautiful landscape and wild forests with plenty of abandoned natural resources. The scale here may be miniscule in front of the 446km long, 1800m deep gorge cut by Colorado River in the US, but the setting is no less breathtaking. Now picture an unconquerable fort of red granite stone, guarded by a 20 feet high entry gate, enclosed in a fort wall running around; 101 bastions, each about 40 feet high, are cut into the fort wall; beautiful palaces with exquisite carvings; old temples, providing a look into the past with their walls, probably built by different rulers in the backdrop.

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Best time to visit: December to February.

Closest airport: Bangalore airport.

Getting there: 280kms away from Bangalore, a taxi will do the job for you.

2. Chindi, Himachal Pradesh

An offbeat destination is hard to come by. Maybe, it was created by the almighty for people who like to explore the world. If you are craving for a break and do some soul searching, we suggest you to take a camera, a notebook and a backpack, with some extra clothes, to trek near the village. Located amidst enormous orchards of apples and dense hilly deodars, Chindi won’t disappoint. Natural therapy in sulphur spring and fishing are also some of the attractions of this hill station.

Best time to travel: July to August

Closest airport: Shimla, Jubbar Hatti

Getting there: Just a 110-km ride from the airport.

Also worth a visit

Sangachoeling Monastery: The 16th century monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim. It is accessible on foot only, the monastery is a 45-minute walk from Pelling. Remember to take permission before clicking a photo!

Singhshore Bridge: With a span of 198 metres and a depth of 220 metres, it is the second highest suspension bridge in Asia and one of the highest in Sikkim.

Sulphur Spring: Sulphur springs in the river Sutlej is famous for its medicinal values. A 40km ride from Chindi, you won’t regret the feeling of having natural therapy in hot water for arthritis, cough and skin problems.

Fishing: Love fishes and fishing? Get plethora of opportunities in Tattapani as the place is also renowned for trout fishing. The season begins from March and stays

3. Pelling, Sikkim

A secluded town in west Sikkim, Pelling is virgin territory that lives under the shadow of its better known sibling, Gangtok. But don’t overlook Pelling. The smaller and not-so-well developed hill station equals Gangtok in beauty and stunning views. If you’re bored of seeing the Himalayan range from more known tourist destinations, Pelling is the place to be. Pelling also marks as a But other than that for the regular visitor, there is the monastery, a couple of really pretty waterfalls and, of course, the famous Khecheopalri Lake.

Best time to travel: February to May and September to December

Closest airport: Bagdogra airport

Getting there: 150kms away from Bagdogra, regular jeeps connect this beautiful town.

4. Ponmudi, Kerala

Ever heard of a place in India that comes straight out of a picture-postcard? Famous for its dramatic sunrise, the hills around Ponmudi complete the perfect view. Situated just 61kms from Thiruvananthapuram, Ponmudi in Malyalam means Golden Crown, which pretty much sums up the magic of the morning sun breaking over the town’s skin. For the adventure seekers, the hill station offers many adrenaline-laced sports like trekking, rock climbing, mountaineering, etc. Tea gardens, deer park on top of a mountain, a wildlife sanctuary and biological parks too must be on your to-do list.

Best time to travel: October to March

Closest airport: Thiruvananthapuram airport

Getting there: It’s a one and a half ride from the capital city of Kerala.

5. Ross Island, Andamans

We Indians have the fetish for all things foreign. Oh, admit it! We do! So a name this phoren had to be on the list. Named after marine surveyor, Sir Daniel Ross, visiting the Island feels like discovering a jungle-clad ‘Lost City’ where the ruins are from the Victorian era rather than ancient Khmer. The former administrative headquarters of the British in the Andamans, Ross Island is an essential half-day trip from Port Blair. In its heyday, it was fondly called the ‘Paris of the East’. But the cute title, vibrant social scene and tropical gardens were all wiped out by the double whammy of a 1941 earthquake and the invasion of the Japanese, who left behind some machine-gun nests that are great fun to poke around in. With no human habitation allowed, the island is a place to seclude yourself from the world and be a Robinson Crusoe!

Best time to visit: March to October

Closest airport: Vir Savarkar Airport, Port Blair

Getting there: 3.9kms away from the airport, get on a taxi and forget the world.

From the June 2015 issue of FHM India.