The end of summer and peak tourist season in Europe will soon give way to the shoulder season, a quieter period that typically falls in the spring and autumn. For those who were kept waiting for their Schengen visa to be approved, you can still salvage a holiday right here in India that mimics the beauty of European landscapes without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re keen on a quick getaway or want a leisurely week-long break, book your tickets to these five beautiful places in India.
Fondly dubbed India’s “mini Switzerland,” Khajjiar is a hill station in Himachal Pradesh with a small-town vibe, fresh mountain air and picturesque landscapes encompassing dense deodar and pine forests, verdant meadows, and snowy mountains. It is among some 160 locations in the world that bear a topographical resemblance with the European nation. Walk or cycle around the valley, trek and picnic at the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, rest on the banks of Khajjiar Lake, and drink hot chai in any of the local cafés and restaurants that dot the town.
“The French Riviera of the East” got its name after the advent of French colonisation in India, reigning over this union territory for 138 years. Thus, Puducherry today has many colonial buildings, churches, temples, statues, avenues and districts that have been planned with French sensibilities. There are pristine and quiet beaches which offer stunning views during sunrise and sunset and the opportunity to kayak, canoe and swim as well. French cuisine dominates this part of India alongside the staples of Tamil food. Spend a leisurely afternoon in a French-style café while reading a book borrowed from the Romain Rolland Library, one of the oldest libraries of India.
“The Venice of the East” can be found in the backwaters of Kerala. Alappuzha is famous for its boat races, beaches, marine products and coir industry. The iconic houseboats may not look like Venetian gondolas but they have their own charms. In the olden days, these kettuvallam (boat with a thatched roof that covers the wooden hulls) were used to carry tons of rice and spices. Today’s houseboats are equipped with all the comforts of a good hotel room, including furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cosy living rooms, a kitchen and even balconies for angling.
Privately developed Lavasa near Pune took style inputs from the gorgeous Italian town of Portofino, naming a street and several buildings in homage to the latter. Portofino is known for colourfully painted buildings that line its shores and is a resort for the world's wealthiest people. Similarly, Lavasa’s lakeside promenade is a popular tourist attraction which sits on the banks of the human-made Dasve Lake. With hotels, restaurants and businesses clustered on the waterfront, a stroll here with the scenic beauty of the Western Ghats rising in the background is sure to be a delight.
The breathtaking beauty of Iceland’s glaciers, volcanoes and icy mountains can be seen in some of Sikkim’s landscapes. The latter is situated in the Himalayan mountains with the summit of Kangchenjunga, the world's third-highest peak, located on its border with Nepal. The brilliance of 5,430m-high Gurudongmar Lake rivals that of Iceland’s Jökulsárlón Glacial Lake. As one of the few Indian states to regularly receive snowfall, Sikkim’s enchanting landscapes will draw you in without having to take a flight halfway around the world for the same experience.