Vacationing Abroad? Check Out These 10 Indian Vacations and You May Change Your Mind

When my cousins and I were looking for a vacation destination, the consensus was that we wanted something unusual, something that was off the beaten track. One of my cousins declared, “Well, that takes any place in India off the list. Where can we afford to go abroad?”

His statement got me thinking. Despite the fact that we have a truly beautiful and diverse country, our vacation experiences in India have so far been same old. No wonder that travellers who are free-spirited or want to try something different don’t really think of Indian destinations.

However, things are changing now. The hospitality industry has identified this gap and has worked hard to plug it. For those with a jaded or discerning vacation palate, there are experimental and different experiences available.

10 vacation places in India that will leave you amazed:

Fort Tiracol, Goa

If you love the sea and want something different from what the regular beaches of Goa or the rest of the country have to offer, head to Fort Tiracol in Goa. This is your chance to live in an actual 16th-century fort and have clifftop views of the sea that can’t be beaten. Visit during Christmas or Easter so that you can participate in the mass that the fort holds.

Vini’s Farm, Kerala

Want an escape that is not only off the beaten track but a bit whimsical and eccentric? Check out Vini’s Farm which gives you not only a butler but also an entire island all to yourself. The food is completely organic and there are plenty of water sports to indulge in.

Dera Amer, Rajasthan

If you are a nature-lover and want to get up close and personal with wildlife, Dera Amer is where you need to head. You can go on a safari into the Thar Desert or interact with local tribes or even both. The camps are fairly luxurious and the resident elephant rounds things off perfectly.

Kedakal, Karnataka

Kedakal Bungalow is the perfect place for those who are looking for an escape from the stress and tension of the city and for those who are in love with history. The bungalow is 100 years old and is surrounded by pepper, coffee, vanilla and cardamom plantations. While the house is fairly up-to-date, its owners have ensured that it has retained its century-old essence.

Kakkanad, Kerala

Now this one is a truly unusual vacation for India – travelling around in a camper van. Check out Green Kerala Getaways for this experience that was first started in the 60s by the hippies on a quest to discover themselves. There are plenty of campsites along the way and the travel trailer comes with all the amenities that you could possibly need.

Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Not just anywhere in Jodhpur – you will want the oldest haveli in the city. This is where you can experience the real grandeur of the royals of Rajasthan. The interiors are carefully crafted and decorated with artefacts, paintings and handmade furniture. For those looking for an unusual yet luxurious getaway, the oldest boutique haveli is the perfect destination.

Crashpad Butterfly Tents, Rajasthan

For this particular experience, you need to head to Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. This is the most authentic Indian rural experience you can, well – experienced. You get the perfect mix of glamour and camping, or glamping, in the deserts around the city. With both tents and Rajasthani mud huts on offer, you will definitely find the escape that you need from the city.

Artisanale, Loutolim, Goa

This is a trip down memory lane, pure and simple. If you’re looking for a cultural experience rich in nostalgia and tradition, you need to head to this old Portuguese house. Full of antique furniture, frescoes and art, the house pleases the eyes, the heart and the mind. Head to Loutolim which is also the home of the celebrated cartoonist Mario Miranda.

Nubra Eco Lodge, Ladakh

You need to be able to handle high altitudes to enjoy this particular vacation, but if you can, you will enjoy an unforgettable experience. Cross the high passes and come into a region that gives you a view of the Karakoram ranges lying all around you. The lodge is actually a family-run guest house and also offers a luxury campsite.

Tree House, Kerala

This house is located 10 kilometres from the town of Sultan Bathery in Kerala and is in the middle of 200 acres of spice and coffee plantation. The rooms are 40 feet above the ground and offer you an authentic tree house experience. You can also head out to the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and the Edakkal Caves.

Have we missed out on any experience you believe should be on this list? Let us know in the comments below.