Image via Steffi Au

Living and surviving in fast-paced cities compels us all to live a highly monotonous and mechanical life. It paints us all in monochromes; awfully dull and boring. This is not our fault; it is part of life. But sticking to this lifestyle is definitely something we can help avoid. Every now and then, we need to escape from the clutches of mundanity, and what better way to do that than a subsequent change in scenery?

Be prepared to be mesmerized, because here is a list of five, out of the world places in India that will surely take your breath away. These beautiful places, cradled by nature’s own hands, have the capability to breathe new life into your soul. Explore the new vistas of life and get ready to fly to new horizons.

1. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh 

Image via Arun Padipoyil

Religion is a soothing salve for an aching soul and beautiful scenery gives comfort to a wandering heart. Tawang district in Arunachal Pradesh presents one such serene and tranquil atmosphere. It houses one of the biggest monasteries in India—the Tawang Monastery. The daily prayers of the monks and nuns and the turning of the prayer wheel resonate through the walls of the monastery. Tawang is dotted with many such friaries and is synonymous with the Buddhist message of harmony and simplicity; an omnipresent aspect of the life there. Panoramic views of waterfalls, bridges, and lakes make Tawang an awe-inspiring site. Go for a trekking expedition through the Sela Pass or gaze at the roaring hues of the Jang (Nuranang) waterfalls. Here, beauty is unprecedented. A well-planned weekend trip to Tawang could mystify your mind and soul.

The fact that Tawang can be accessed only by road gives you the opportunity to plan a wonderful road trip; passing rolling hills, peaks, and mesmerizing waterfalls. The nearest city with an airport and a railway station is Guwahati, which is a 13-hour drive. But this is a blessing in disguise, because this road trip will change your life.

2. Lansdowne, Uttarakhand

Image via Priyambada Nath

Eight hours away from the madhouse metropolitan that we call Delhi, lies the quickest vacation getaway in the form of a quaint little hill station. Lansdowne was originally a cantonment built by the British and is hence named after Lord Lansdowne. Perched 1800 meters above sea level, the Lansdowne district now houses the offices of the Garhwal Rifles of the Indian Army. This lesser known hill station is surrounded by oak and blue pine forests giving a picturesque view of the adjoining mountain ranges. The surrounding forest areas provide beautiful treks that attract both amateur and expert trekkers to visit Lansdowne.

 3. Mayabunder, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Image via R.Thamizhmani

When you have turquoise waters coupled with sandy beaches, plush groves, and beautiful valleys in the background, you know you’ve have reached heaven. If you have ever seen a picture of the Andamans, you know that this statement is not an exaggeration. It is indeed a fine example of pure and exquisite scenic beauty at its epitome. A couples retreat, a family getaway, or even a spiritual experience—the Mayabunder Islands has something to offer to everyone. There are a lot of attractions in Mayabunder County like the virgin Eco-village Ray Hills, the island groups like Interview Island, Avis Island, Austin X Island as well as pristine beaches like the Karmatang beach. The beaches and islands of Andaman are a siren call for all the adrenaline junkies out there.

4. Backwaters, Kerala 

Image via Julia Maudlin

Just imagine how great it would be if your day began with the chirping of the birds; how great it would be to be greeted with the first crack of sunlight, visible from a shore far away, as you come out on the deck of your houseboat. God’s Own Country, Kerala, is famous for its backwaters and serenity, and the Alappuzha district is especially famous for its beautiful and mesmerizing landscapes. Every year tourists from all over the world flock to this special spot to soak in the beauty of Kerala. They can be seen lounging around on coconut beaches and courting through ancient forts and palaces. You will be hard pressed to find a place so simplistic and pure, and yet so majestic at the same time. At night, the beauty of the heavens above is reflected in the waters below, and you are lulled into sleep by the soothing sound of the little waves in the lake. Need we say more?

 5. Kasol, Himachal Pradesh

Image via Parthiv Haldipur

Situated on the banks of the sacred Parvati river, the region of Kasol is shrouded with tranquility. Though the area may lack the aesthetic beauty of magnificent monuments or huge structures, the charm of small towns and beautiful valleys attracts thousands of tourists every year to visit Kasol. Trekking in Kasol has been a favorite sport for adventure seekers and the rugged terrains and twisting narrow pathways are even more mesmerizing. The rustic village hamlets here give you a real peek into the local culture and lifestyles of the ethnic groups in the Himalayan foothills. Spending a few days just to mingle with these ethnic groups is a must and will give you a taste of the simple life. 

** Rohit is an architect as well as a passionate traveler. He enjoys visiting unique and unexplored places and writing about his experiences. You can read more about his adventures on TransIndiaTravels.com.