Unexplored Holiday Destinations For Year-End Vacations

Planning to go for a holiday during the year-end vacations? This time around choose to visit some unexplored holiday destinations in India. These small yet beautiful holiday destination can prove to be a relaxing experience, keeping you at bay from the usual commercialised popular destinations.

To make your year-end vacation worthwhile, PropGuide compiles a list of unexplored holiday destinations in India:

Chitrakoot in Madhya Pradesh

Chitrakoot, which means the hill of many wonders, is a city in Madhya Pradesh. It is known for its mythological connect and it is believed that Lord Ram, his wife Sita and brother Laxman stayed here during their exile, among many other places. The city still has the old-world charm and boasts of many temples. This culturally and religiously rich city also has a number of resorts designed to offer an idyllic holiday, on the banks of the river Mandakini.

When in Chitrakoot, the places you can visit include:

• Ramghat: The line of ghats of river Mandakini
• Janaki Kund: Situated upstream of Ramghat, it is believed that Sita bathed in the waters of river Mandakini here
• Sphatic Shila: A well-known rock in the dense forests of Chitrakoot, this area is known to have footprints of Lord Ram. The legend has it that Lord Ram and Lakshman were sitting on this rock when Hanuman returned from Lanka and confirmed the news of Lanka being burnt.
• Hanuman Dhara: A spring, created by Lord Ram to assuage Hanuman, when he returned after setting Lanka on fire.

Champaner in Gujarat

When we say Gujarat, areas like Kutch, Surat, and even Dwarkadheesh are one of the most visited tourist spots. But, only a few notice the unexplored Champaner, which is a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) world heritage site. The city, which was once the capital of Gujarat, has traces of Islamic and Hindu art. Places to visit here include:

• Pavagadh Hills: the legend has it that Hanuman had carried a part of Himalayas and rested them in this city
• Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park: The park hosts the historical ruins of the city founded by Chavda dynasty in the eighth century

Patan in Gujarat

Situated on the foothills of Champaner is yet another historic city called Patan. The city is rich in art, archaeology and places of worship. Here's what you can find in this city:

• The Rani ki vav or Queen's stepwell: This monument is known for its imaginative sculptures and skilful construction. It is a part of UNESCO's world heritage sites list
• A must visit is Salvivad, a place in Patan which houses Patola saree weavers
• There are a  number of lakes in the city, along with few remaining ruins of the old city of Patan
• The city is known for weavers and clay makers. So go ahead shop for some clay toys as souvenirs

Mandu in Madhya Pradesh

Want to be transported right into the past? Travel to Mandu in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh. The city is known to be existed since the sixth century and was a popular military outpost. Places one can visit here are:

• The city boasts of 12 major battlement gates placed in palaces, mosques and temples, and marbled tombs that still host former rulers.
• Jami Masjid or the great mosque is popular for its Pashtun architecture
• Jahaz Mahal (Ship Palace) is situated between two artificial lakes, hence the name
• Baz Bahadur's Palace is another renowned palace in the city known for its large courtyards, halls and high terraces

Lonar in Maharashtra

The geographic beauty of Maharashtra comes out in its best form at Lonar. It is well-known for its Lonar crater lake which was formed after a meteorite hit the spot. It holds the title of being the only saltwater lake situated in basaltic rock. The lake now hosts a number of exotic birds including peacocks, owls, lapwings among others, in the thick forest that surrounds it.

Tadoba in Maharashtra

To get a taste of wildlife, head to Tadoba. It is known for the extensive collection of flora and fauna at the Tadoba National Park. The Tadoba Andhari tiger reserve has nearly 40 tigers for you to spot.  

Auroville in Tamil Nadu

Right beside the popular Puducherry is Auroville, which is also known as the city of dawn. The experimental town started as a project by Sri Aurobindo society and is a universal township. Built on the principles of integral living, the city belongs to humanity as a whole and is the centre for unending education and looks for both spiritual and material upliftment. Here you can visit:

• Matrimandir, located in city centre, spreads peace and tranquility.
• Visitors come to this city to experience the mini-modern Utopia and for divine pursuits and realisation.
• It also has a Pavillion for Tibetan Culture, The centre hosts activities, such as lectures, workshops, art exhibitions, cultural events, Tibetan festivals, student exchanges, vocational training, and Tibetan medicine consultations, as well as an annual Light Mandala on New Year's Eve