The great escape: Five dream destinations to visit after the pandemic

As we enter into the second half of the year, the Indian tourism industry will gradually move towards being self-reliant, and sustain domestic tourism by rediscovering some of its most scenic holiday destinations.

Most resorts and hotels are fully prepared to adhere to social distancing norms. Hygiene and sanitation protocols are already on top of their lists of ‘Things to Do’ for travellers.

But when it comes to travel locations, short-haul or drive-to destinations will experience a boom in the upcoming months in India.

Here are some well-known and some budding destinations that could be most preferred by travellers once the pandemic is over...

Beautiful Jaipur

Enough has been said about the Pink city, Jaipur and the charm of its well-preserved monuments, palaces and heritage structures. Snuggled in the arms of the Aravalli Hills, India’s pink city has numerous delights for tourists.

For travellers from Delhi and Agra, a quick trip to Jaipur offers endless views of historical forts and culinary delights, unique to the desert state of Rajasthan.

Since the city is located in a quintessentially vegetarian food belt, dishes like Ker Sangri, Gatte Ki Sabji, Papad ki Sabji, Daal Baati Churma are widely famous. The city’s culinary scene also boasts unique meat dishes such as Laal Maas, Safed Maas, Gosht Nihari and Machli Jaisamandi.

India’s hidden treasure: Palakollu

Perched along the Godavari River, Palakollu is one of south India’s hidden treasures. Wrapped in the beauty of the Konaseema islands, Palakollu is a place where time stands still.

The city is steeped in the mysticism of the Sri Ksheera Ramalingeswara Temple, one of the Panchalinga Kshetras in India dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Palakollu also offers the best of Konaseema cuisine, dishes like Pottikkallu, Dibba Roti, Kaaja and the exotic Pulusu Fish Curry are just a few of the culinary delights on offer.

Terrific Thekkady

Nestled amidst the Idukki mountains in Kerala, Thekkady makes for an ideal getaway destination for those looking to escape the bustling cities of Kochi and Madurai.

Thekkady is in close proximity to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary that is home to the largest elephant and tiger reserves in the country. Trekking, private plantation tours, rafting and bird-watching, exploring ancient spice markets in Kumily, are just a few of the unique experiences that Thekkady offers.

Getaway paradise: Mount Abu and Sariska

With pleasant weather throughout the year, Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan making it one of the ultimate favourite spots for vacations and getaways.

Surrounded by virgin forests, it is home to the green Munia bird, named after its light olive-green wings. The view of the hills and its cool climate make Mount Abu an idyllic retreat for trekkers, mountaineers and bird lovers. The beautiful Nakki Lake is a popular spot for boating. The historically significant Dilwara Jain Temples, built in the 11th century, are worth visiting for their intricate carvings in white marble.

Apart from heritage tours, Sariska is one of the most visited national parks in the country. Famous for the Royal Bengal tiger and home to leopards, peacocks, monkeys, sambars, nilgai, chital, wild boars and jackals, the Sariska Tiger Reserve and National Park has a variety of semi-evergreen jungle, rugged canyons, wild forest streams and lushes of green vistas. 

The forests also have places with great historical lineage like the Kankwari Fort, further extending into the mysterious Bhangarh Fort on its borders. With wildlife safaris helping you rediscover nature and yourself, Sariska is a must visit for travellers with an inclination for adventure.

Majestic Puri

From magnificent sun temples to golden beaches, Puri offers the best of India’s eastern coast. The seaside temple town is full of cultural hotspots like the Raghurajpur Artists Village where tourists can admire the craftsmanship of Pattachitra painters, an art form which dates back to 5 BC.

Apart from its cultural offerings and relaxing beaches, Puri offers numerous culinary delights that are steeped in Odisha’s rich heritage; dishes like Chenna Poda and Dalma are unique to the region and cannot be found in any other state. The city is easily accessible from Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, and is most often the preferred drive-to holiday destination for domestic travellers.

(Images: Shutterstock/Sterling Resorts)