Just about every travel plan involves a raft of sightseeing or adventure activities, with many traveller cramming as much as possible in their itineraries to make the most of their getaway. But once in a while, the grind of daily routine and the noise of life gets the best of us and we need time to ourselves, away from all the stress.
In the spirit of getting some peace and to relax, here are five places that will help you relax and rejuvenate your body and mind.
Glasshouse on the Ganges, Rishikesh
This hotel on the banks of the Ganga is just the place to sit back with a book and let the sound of the flowing river drown out all the stress. The Glasshouse on the Ganges is surrounded by the lush forests of Uttarakhand and the hotel has a sand beach on the property along with rooms overlooking the clear waters of the Ganga.
Ziro Festival, Arunachal Pradesh
The Ziro Festival (September end) is the best way to relax at a pristine destination while enjoying music from a variety of genres. The town of Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh is the very definition of isolated and is 167 km or a 4-hour drive from Itanagar. Apart from the music, travellers to Ziro can enjoy the hospitality of the local Apatani tribe and soak in their culture and traditions.
Cottage in the Woods, Dharamshala
If you want to enjoy the peace of the mountains and spirituality in Dharamshala, then this cottage just outside Dharamshala is the place to be. While you could always set out on a trek to nearby Triund, staying at the cottage is a getaway in and of itself and you can enjoy the company of family and friends, completely segregated from the worries of life.
Puducherry
The former French colonial town has a charm of its own and is the go-to destination when the party-vibes of Goa get a bit much. Enjoy walking around the quaint town and soak in the laid back lifestyle of Puducherry. The innumerous little cafes and the close proximity of the beach are added bonuses. A visit to Auroville will surely rejuvenate your mind and body.
Osian Sand Dunes Resort and Camp, Rajasthan
Rajasthan’s vast desert is probably one of the most peaceful places you could travel to and the Osian Sand Dunes Resort and Camp is the perfect place to get the complete desert experience. The resort offers camel rides, visits to nearby villages and wildlife trips. Osian is also known as the “Khajuraho of Rajasthan” for its ornately decorated temples. Or you could just relax at the resort and enjoy the solitude of the dunes by day and the company of the constellations by night.