Top 10 Go-To Places for a Post-Lockdown India

 Itching to hit the Road!

The Global Pandemic, Covid-19, has largely upended our world and brought it to a halt. To Gen Z, the concept of being cooped inside our homes has made us all the more restless and anxious. And, we can all agree that after the lockdown ends, we all should really treat ourselves with a vacation!

While I am physically quarantined inside my home, doing dishes and making futile efforts to take up cooking as my new hobby; Mentally, I’m chilling at some beach, watching sunsets, checking out cute boys and, ordering my fourth beer!! Such is my plight and of those, whose only passion is to travel and to dream of more travel on their travels.

So, for all you peeps, anxiously book-marking places to visit after lockdown, I have gone ahead and researched the safest getaway options to ease your itch. Here we go!

The Perfect Time to Travel is Now!

Though, it is quite evident from the current situation that the Novel Coronavirus is going to govern our next trip but I staunchly believe that the best time to travel is right after the lockdown. Obviously, it going to be with numerous safety measures and advanced protocols, nevertheless, it is going to have its own perks.

• The most gorgeous tourist places which are otherwise jam-packed would be vacant and you can enjoy absolute solitude.

• The market is soon going to be flooded with cheap deals for hotels and airline tickets. You will have to pay less for an otherwise expensive vacation.

• Your vacation would be safer and more hygienic for the airlines and hotels are already enthralled to come back with stellar service and strict concordats.

Top Places to visit in India when Coronavirus Lockdown is over

Way Back Home!

While International Travel is out of the picture for a while, it seems like a great time to explore places back home in India!! Hence, I have curated a list of the best mountain retreats, tailor-made adventures, desolate islands and exotic beach vacations.

1. Meghalaya

Meghalaya is the hymn of serenity, sunshine, deep blue silences and good vibes. Popularly known as the abode of clouds, it tops the list of my favourite places that I have ever been to. I fondly remember Meghalaya for its dramatic cloudy skies, clear turquoise waters, ecstatic natural ponds, pixie living root bridges, mysterious caves and baffling waterfalls! Doesn’t that seem like a complete package for a tailor-made holiday?

Also, chasing the monsoons in Meghalaya is a magical experience. With the rainy season approaching soon, it is the best time to see the world’s wettest place pouring and Asia’s cleanest village sprawling with lush green rainforests and living roots.

2. Assam

If you just fell in love with the idea of visiting Meghalaya, why not think of touring its neighbouring sister as well! Not only are both the sisters blessed with unique wonders, but also are equally breath-taking with kaleidoscopic prismatic charm. Both the states have had really low cases of Covid-19 making them the most dependable options in the current scenario. 

Wildlife lovers can jump to their feet for this one owing to the Kaziranga National Park which is home to tigers, leopards, elephants, rare migratory birds and the world’s largest population of one-horned Rhinoceroses.

The state also boasts of the world’s largest river island- Majuli Island, the rustic beauty which sits slam-bang amidst the gurgling Brahmaputra River. It is inhabited by the people of Mishing tribe and is expected to disappear in the next 20years, perhaps another reason for a trip soon.

Read in detail here about this gorgeous island and the reason for its gradual disappearance.

3. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

If you feel this lockdown has greatly deprived you of tan lines, flip-flops, swimsuits, and sunscreens then this tropical holiday is specially meant for you! Even I can’t wait to indulge myself in the seamless expanse of cobalt blue waters and the contagious energy of the beach. And what better place than Andaman and Nicobar Islands to experience the upbeat life of the ocean in sandy toes.

This island is known for the hidden archipelagos, white-sand beaches, swaying palm trees, glimmering sunny skies and quirky cafes. It is a perfect blend for the beach bum and the adventurer in you to enjoy the waves caress your body while you scuba dive gleaming at the delicate corals.

And, did I forget to add that around this time, you can bag yourself incredible flight and resort deals which are otherwise pretty high! (Thank me later :P)

4. Leh Ladakh

Leh Ladakh- The land of lamas, ancient rivers, lush meadows, barren landscape, cobalt blue skies and chinar forests. What else does the human soul need to recover from this wreaking Covid-19 situation!

Ladakh is no less than magic for its glistening lakes and snow-laden mountains make up for iconic memories of a lifetime. It boasts of several wonders such as the world’s highest motorable road, the highest mountain passes, and kaleidoscopic plains and valleys.

A road trip to Ladakh is singular in the entire world with picturesque panoramas, steep hillsides, crystal clear skies and pristine monasteries and stupas. And, with the summer season on, it is the perfect time to drive to this abode as the roads are clear of snow.

5. Lahaul and Spiti valley

The roof of the world, Lahaul and Spiti valley, is the highest inhabited village in the world!  Located on the far Tibetan border, it is lesser-known and lesser-visited. 

My grandfather often sings of this cold desert with utmost love for he spent a major part of this youth living here. He describes it as an elusive Himalayan valley with frozen waterfalls, precariously perched monasteries, azure starry skies and red-cheeked humble natives.

The valley is abundant with adventure, history, Tibetan culture and geological wonders of the ancient seas and mountains thus caters to the taste of every kind of traveller! Not to forget, the experience of staying at the world’s highest village at Kaza and sending letters from the world’s highest post office at Hikkim is extraordinary in its own self.

6. Rishikesh

The enigma of Rishikesh is something I have preached about a zillion times and here I am, singing its tales again! My heart truly beats for this quaint town and my soul is constantly drawn to it for love, peace and solitude.

If not a detailed vacation, post lockdown India at least deserves a weekend trip to the yoga capital to reimburse in spirituality, practice yoga, indulge in meditation retreats, and to find calmness amidst all chaos. Hippie cafes and Ganga beaches in Rishikesh are my favourite escapes. And, if adventure is what you seek, then you are already at India’s highest Bungee jumping and best River rafting spot.

Well, do you still need another reason to add Rishikesh to your Post Covid Bucket List?

7. Bir Billing

Bir Billing isn’t a destination, it is a beautiful feeling!! It is tranquil, serene and still unexploited by the dearth of humans. You can add this to your bucket list for the ultimate adventure as it is the paragliding capital of our country and the 2nd best paragliding site in the entire world. Isn’t that crazy!

To top this up, Bir is one of those places that are adored for seraphic sunsets and the clear skies. Hence, it is super close to my heart. This place has so many hidden gems that someday I wish to live a slow life here and discover them all in my own unique way.

Bir is indeed a complete package in itself for a post lockdown vacation since it is both touristy and an adventure spot. The picturesque backdrop of the Dhauladhar Mountains, natural waterfalls, cute cafes, and the extraordinary Tibetan Monasteries make Bir the shows-topper of this list!

Read a detailed guide on planning a trip to Bir Billing right here!

8. Valley of Flowers

Does the idea of an infinite stretch of rare flowers, velvety- green meadows and dense forest cover and uncivilized valley sweep you off your feet? If Yes, High Five, my lovelies! 

Located in the Chamoli District of Uttrakhand, Valley of Flowers is an epitome of sublime beauty. It is definitely the place to visit this year for the nature lovers who have craved for the rambling forests, vibrant floral gardens, and alpine wildflowers during this confinement.

Trekkers, please note that this is a moderate level difficulty trek, which opens its gate around June but the best time to visit is from mid-July to September. As the ascend of the trek increases, the trail becomes very steep but undoubtedly, the climb leaves you enchanted and spellbound with almost unreal views!

Read here the 10 Reasons Why Every Girl Should Trek at least once in her Lifetime!

9. Goa

Goa, indeed, the perfect destination to visit with your college friends! However, I absolutely acknowledge the irony that it is also one of those destinations to which almost all of us have planned countless trips during our college life, only to see those plans get cancelled again and again.

Well, not this time! The class of 2020 truly deserves a getaway to Goa for this lockdown has deprived them of many experiences such as elaborate farewells, graduation ceremonies and prom parties.

A laid-back beach vibe, chilling at trendy cafes shacks, sipping chilled beer, walking white sandy beaches, stalking cute guys and girls, and going gaga at pool parties, I mean what better way to celebrate graduation, right!!

10. Kerala

Well, tell me something, what out of these do you want for your vacation- deep backwaters, swaying palm trees, paddy stretches, rich coffee plantations, velvet hill retreats, or fringed beaches?? Well, Kerala has it all and much more! Thus, rightly known as God’s own city.

Nestled in the Western Ghats, Kerala has so much to offer: tea plantations, hilly terrains, local food, ayurvedic retreats, healing centres, national parks and beaches. Precisely, something for every kind of traveller in you. 

Kerala’s beauty is no secret due to which it is always packed with a lot of tourists. So, if you wanna experience a crowd-free Kerala, post lockdown is the best time.

With Love,

I hope that by now, you have already selected the perfect destination for your post lockdown vacation and are already dreaming about it!

Hereby, I urge you to travel safe, being well informed about all the necessary precautions. I also urge you to promote sustainable tourism to not hurt our mother earth!

In case of any query feel free to write to me. Also, do tell me in the comments below which destination you have chosen. I would be more than happy to know.

Happy Travelling!! XOXO

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