‘Chal, Goa chalte hai!.’ It’s like every time you and your friends decide to go on a holiday together, Goa is the only place that comes to mind. But, let’s be honest—it’s done to death.
So the next time you’re planning a vacay with your cray-cray friends, here’s a list of places you can go and things you can do that are NOT IN GOA! After all, it’s about time you tried someplace new, saw a different view, and had mad fun with your crew—excuse the unintentional rhyming.
Let’s jet, set, and go!
1. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Whether your BFFs are adventure junkies or not, you cannot visit Rishikesh and not indulge in the super-thrilling session of river rafting. We reckon that’s exactly what you are there for. Apart, there are a whole lot of other adventure sports to keep you preoccupied—flying fox, sky cycling, bungee jumping, zipline, and the list goes on. With a whole list of bonding activities and once-in-a-lifetime photo-ops, Rishikesh is tailormade for an all-friends getaway. It also makes for a great bachelorette destination, FYI!
How To Reach:
By Air: Take a flight to Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun & then by road
By Train: Take a train to Rishikesh Railway Station
By Road: Well connected by road from nearby cities
When To Visit: October to February
2. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Describing the sheer vastness of the country’s only desert as fascinating will be quite a bit of an understatement. Explore the seemingly endless terrains of the sand dunes on an exciting desert safari on a camel. Not just that, make sure to witness the grandeur of the Jaisalmer Fort and the numerous havelis, and the pristineness of the Gadi Sagar Lake. A trip to Jaisalmer is a perfect holiday destination for a group that loves architecture, history, grandeur, culture, and some old-world charm.
How To Reach:
By Air: Take a flight to Jodhpur airport & then by road
By Train: Take a train to Jodhpur Railway Station
By Road: Well connected by road from nearby cities
When To Visit: October to March
3. Nashik, Maharashtra
It’s always wine o’clock in Nashik. Introducing your palette to an array of wines made using different varieties of grapes, this place does not disappoint. It’s like a booze cruise, but on land. What’s more, you can also learn about wine pairing with different foods, make your own wine, and enjoy the beauty of the vineyards under the clear blue skies.
How To Reach:
By Air: Take a flight to Ojhar Nashik International Airport
By Train: Take a train to Nashik Railway Station
By Road: Well connected by road from nearby cities
When To Visit: October to March
4. Havelock Island, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
The aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean embracing the cluster of islands that are a part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a sight to reckon with. Treat your senses to the tranquillity of the turquoise blue waters lined by the lush greenery of coconut trees while indulging in a host of water sports like scuba diving, snorkelling, and kayaking, for that adrenaline rush. You can trek to the nearby beaches and hop on to cruises that take you to the surrounding islands. Havelock is truly a paradise and is also one of the few places in India where you can experience bioluminescent beaches—the water at the beach appears to glow, which makes it a perfect holiday destination.
How To Reach:
By Air: Take a flight to Port Blair & then by seaplane
By Air & Sea: Take a flight to Port Blair & then by ferry
When To Visit: October to April
5. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Manali is already a hit holiday destination with youngsters, and the reasons are aplenty. Well, skiing, paragliding, trekking on frozen lakes, river rafting, and hot air balloon rides are just some of the many activities you can enjoy with your friends during your trip to Manali. The views are gorgeous, the place is rich with cultural heritage temples, and with Kullu and Kasol in close proximity, going to Manali is like travelling to 3 places in one trip, if you’re willing to go the distance
How To Reach:
By Air: Take a flight to Kullu Manali airport and then go by road
By Road: Many buses ply from Delhi, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Ambala to Manali
When To Visit: March to June
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