Weekend getaways: Travel to these 9 magical places to fall in love with India all over again!

With winter around the corner, travellers around India can’t wait to escape their mundane routines to embark on mini vacations. If you haven’t decided where to go yet, we’ve got you covered. Wish upon a star in Ladakh’s dark sky sanctuary, have a close encounters with the wilds in Madhya Pradesh, or travel far to the northeast for an adventure of a lifetime — these 9 destinations across the country will remind you exactly why we can’t help but fall in love with India over and over again! 1 Hanle, Ladakh Notified as India’s first Dark Sky Reserve, Hanle is your best bet if you wish to spend a night or two in a deserted moonscape, gazing at the endless inky, starry sky of Ladakh. The cluster of six hamlets — Bhok, Shado, Punguk, Khuldo, Naga, and Tibetan Refugee habitations within the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary — now make up the sanctuary of darkness at 4,500 metres above sea level. The light pollution here is managed so that scientists and astronomy enthusiasts can access the night sky in its purest possible form. Once done, make your way to the eponymous 17th-century monastery here that offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding rugged landscape! 2. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh Whether you are here to wash your sins away in the holy waters of the Ganga or simply wish to sit by the ghats, watching the world go by in this timeless city, Benaras (officially, Varanasi) will feel like the India of your imagination. One of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Varanasi is colourful and chaotic at the same time. Think overcrowded ghats, ancient temples, elaborate religious ceremonies, holy men to trinket vendors, and a sense of devotion and intrigue in the air. Towering tall near the famous Dashashwamedh Ghat, the 210-year-old BrijRama Palace lets you experience luxury living, while you embark on your spiritual sojourn. 3. Fort Kochi, Kerala Fort Kochi beckons travellers for its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Steeped in colonial heritage, this coastal town showcases Dutch, Portuguese, and British influences through its architecture, quaint streets, and charming waterfront along the Arabian Sea. The vibrant arts scene here, with galleries, exhibitions, and cultural performances celebrate its artistic heritage, while the iconic Chinese fishing nets along the shore make a mesmerising spectacle at sunset. The spice markets, local cuisine, and Ayurvedic treatments offer a further sensory journey into Kerala's traditions. 4. Udaipur, Rajasthan With the brown-purple ridges of the rugged Aravalis stretching in all directions and the tranquil Lake Pichola glistening like molten gold right in its heart, Udaipur is as romantic as it gets. Grand palaces and forts of yore, ornately decorated havelis, bustling bazaars, lavish heritage hotels, and ancient temples together give you reasons enough to leisurely walk around this gorgeous city’s timeless cobbled streets for hours. See a traditional show at Bagore ki Haveli or go for a hilltop drive to Sajjangarh for a panoramic view. 5. Baratang, Andaman & Nicobar Islands Once you leave the familiar shores of Southern Andamans behind and begin gliding towards its heart, the Indian archipelago starts to reveal its real natural beauty. With mangrove creeks, untouched beaches, limestone caves, and mud volcanoes, Baratang is a unique blend of natural wonders that you just cannot miss. The journey to the island itself is an adventure, involving a boat ride through dense mangrove forests and a fascinating limestone cave exploration. The island is also a haven for birdwatchers, offering a chance to spot rare avian species. Pro tip: Visit Baludera Beach and Parrot Island to witness thousands of parakeets returning to their nests at sunset! 6. Fontainhas, Goa Take a break from hip trance music scene, secret raves, and full-moon parties on your Goa trip, and spend your days experiencing true susegad by exploring the places still left unsullied. Located in Panjim, Fontainhas is Goa’s Latin Quarter, flanked by an ancient Ourem Creek to the east and the Altinho hills with springs to the west. Come here for a leisurely heritage walk organized by Make It Happen to soak in the rich heritage of a neighbourhood described by historian William Dalrymple as a ‘small chunk of Portugal washed up on the shores of the Indian Ocean’. Marvel at the old Portuguese houses (painted in fluorescents and pastels), interesting street arts, and cutesy bakeries that dot the winding lanes here. 7. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh A giant patch of green on the Indian map, Arunachal is probably the country’s wildest yet least explored states. Tawang, sprawling through the western end of this Northeast Indian state, lures travellers with the promise of adventurous journeys to remote mountain valleys. The famous Tawang Gompa perched on a hill, the high-altitude Sela Pass, lush forests, waterfalls, and the snow-capped peaks of the Eastern Himalayas together make it one of the most-sought-after destinations in this part of the world. Furthermore, Tawang's diverse culture, influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, is a cultural treasure trove with vibrant festivals, Monpa tribes, and a distinct local cuisine. 8. Pench, Madhya Pradesh Teeming with endless teak forests, abundant wildlife, and far less touristy crowds than neighbouring Kanha or Bandhavgarh, Pench National Park and Tiger Reserve inspired Rudyard Kipling to pen down The Jungle Book. Encounter the big cats on an early-morning game drive, spot migratory birds while on a backwater safari, visit the nearby potters’ village Pachdhar, explore the jungle on foot on a guided nature trail, and watch the night sky come alive with thousands of stars and fireflies taking over! 9. Belur and Halebid, Karnataka The historic twin towns of Belur and Halebid in the Hassan district of Karnataka are quite popular for their exquisite architectural and cultural significance. These towns boast stunning examples of Hoysala architecture, featuring intricately carved temples that date back to the 12th century. The Chennakesava Temple in Belur and the Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebid are marvels of artistry, with their intricate stone carvings depicting mythological tales, deities, and celestial beings. The Hoysala Temples have also recently been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list of 2023!