Bhandardara, neatly hidden away in the Sahyadris, is one of those offbeat weekend getaways from Mumbai that’ll help you catch your breath after a gruesome week in the city. The Sahyadris, known for the cool climates and the lush, leafy beauty is just what Bhandardara is like. Come, chill in the little village, sip some cold drinks by the waterfalls and nurse your tired body and soul. June to March.

This land of ethereal, timeless beauty, which looks like it has stepped straight out of a book of Advanced Art, is a miracle worth beholding. Nubra Valley lies on the Silk route, about 140 kilometers away from Leh. The rivers Shyok and Nubra course through the valley, giving it a beautiful essence. This is the destination to visit if you’re looking to be mesmerized by the wonders that our country has on offer. June to October is the ideal period to visit Nubra Valley.

Ubbalamudugu Falls (also called Tada Falls) is a waterfall located near Oneness Temple and sricity  in the Chittoor district of India. It’s a crystal clear waterfalls falling from a height of 100-odd meters making it a glorious sight. Coming under the Buchinaidu kandriga and Varadaiahpalem mandals the falls are located 80 kilometres (50 mi) from Chennai  and 35 kilometres (22 mi) from Srikalahasti. The falls are located in a forest called the Siddulaiah Kona. The relation to Lord Shiva  ensures that the festival of Maha Shivaratri is a common time for people to visit.

The caves at Aravalem is known by different names. Aravalem, Harvalem, Arvalem or Pandava Caves, the last one being more popular than the others! The reason these caves are known as Pandava Caves is due to its link to the Pandavas of Mahabharatha. It is believed that Pandavas sought refugee in these caves during their exile.The architecture of the caves is very simple. A large laterite rock was cut into caves and is divided into six chambers. Aravalem, also spelled Harvalem, is a small village that is located at a distance of 32 km from Panjim. Though it is a small town, Aravalem / Harvalem has few attractions to keep the visitors busy. Within a square kilometer, the village has caves of historical importance, a beautiful waterfall in the middle of lush greenery, and a temple dedicated to Lord Rudeshwar (an incarnation of Lord Shiva).

Laitmawsiang waterfall is also called garden of caves.Garden of Caves is a natural space, created by seasonal waterfalls and fed by rains. Surrounded by the emerald greens of bushes and hedges, these cave gardens is home to caves, waterfalls and cascades. It was officially inaugurated as a tourist spot on 9th Dec, 2010 and has, thus, become a place explored by those who travel on the road less travelled. It is a 2.5 hectare property with seven major spots – Ka Synrang Syiem (the king’s cave), Sum Syiem Falls, Ki Stieh Maw (warrior rocks), U Mawdohnud (heart-shaped rock), U Mawkhyllung (baby rock), Arsdad Falls, and Riat Umlwai Falls.

One of the newest addtitions to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, Patan has sprung to popularity in traveler circuits because of its Rani ka Vav. Surrounded by huge walls and a very old world charm, this former capital of medieval Gujarat will make for a lovely offbeat place in India to visit. The weather of Patan is at its most favorable during the months of October to March.

Halebidu is dotted with several forgotten but charming shrines and temples. A dream destination for historians and archaeologists, the place encompasses peace and a sense of complacence that is alien to the modern world . Once a regal capital to kings, Halebidu will make you forget all other temples around.

Sandakphu, Darjeeling

Sandakphu is the highest peak in the state of West Bengal, India. It is the highest point of the Singalila Ridge in Darjeeling district on the West Bengal-Nepal border. The peak is located at the edge of the Singalila National Park and has a small village on the summit with a few hostels. the term ‘Sandakphu’ means height of the poison plants. It is named so because of a specifically poisonous wolfsbane plant which grows naturally near the peak. Sandakphu, one of the most dangerous offbeat places in India, is the highest peak in Darjeeling with a staggering altitude of 3,336 meters.

Surla waterfalls, Goa

Surla Falls is on the edge of the western ghats bordering Goa and Karnataka state. Surla Waterfalls is also known as Sural Waterfalls and by its Konkani (local language) name Ladkyacho Vozar, meaning Falls of the Beloved. Officially it falls in the Surla village of Goa state. Strangely this village is atop the Western Ghats while otherwise most the state is at the foot of the ghats or Sea level. 

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton