1. Chopta, Uttarakhand Chopta is a small region of meadows and evergreen forest area, a part of Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary located in Uttarakhand state, India. Chopta is an unspoiled natural destination lying in the lap of the Uttarakhand Himalayas. It is located at an elevation of 2,709 metres (8,888 ft) above sea level. Chopta village is surrounded by forests of pine, deodar and rhododendron and is rich in flora and fauna include rare species of birds and musk deer. Chopta is also known as Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand. Best time to visit: April to November Things to do: Camping, trekking, Snow trekking, snow skiing How to reach: By Air: Nearest Airport is DehradunBy Train: Nearest Railway station is HaridwarBy Road: Nearest Bus station is Ukhimath/ Drive your vehicle to Chopta. 2. Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh Gandikota is a village and historical fort on the right bank of the Penna River, 15 km from Jammalamadugu in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, India. “Gandikota is often termed as Grand Canyon of India”. The area surrounding the fort offers multiple camping spots along the banks of the Pennar (Penna) River. Within the fort, notable attractions include the House of the Drum, where drums were used to signal the army of an impending invasion, the Charminar, the Jail where prisoners were held, and the Red Koneru, also known as the Pond of Swords. This vast lake, located in front of the mosque, is said to have turned blood red when warriors submerged their swords in it after battle. Best time to visit: November to February Things to do: Camping under the stars, Kayaking and Coracle rides in Penna Lake, Rappelling, Rock Climbing How to reach:By Air: Nearest Airport is Bengaluru AirportBy Train: Nearest Railway station is Muddanuru, JammalamaduguBy Road: Nearest Bus station is Jammalamadugu Old Bus Stand / Drive your vehicle to Gandikota. 3. Mainpat, Chattisgarh Mainpat is a picturesque hill station, and a quaint village located in the Surguja district, in the northern region of Chhattisgarh, India. Mainpat is often referred to as the Shimla or Swiss of Chhattisgarh. One of its fascinating attractions is Bisar Panni, a spot in the village where water appears to flow uphill. This optical illusion, caused by the unique landscape, makes it seem as though gravity is defied. The hill station is also home to several scenic attractions, including Tiger Point Waterfall, Fish Point Waterfall, Ghaghi Waterfall, Zalzali (the bouncing land), and Parpitiya Viewpoint. Best time to visit: November to March Things to do: Trekking, Zorbing Ball, Rappelling How to reach:By Air: Nearest Airport is RaipurBy Train: Nearest Railway station is AmbikapurBy Road: Nearest Bus station is Ambikapur/ Drive your vehicle to Mainpat 4. Majuli, Assam Majuli (or Mazuli) is a large river island situated in Assam, India, bordered by the Brahmaputra River to the south and east, the Subansiri River to the west, and an anabranch of the Brahmaputra. Since 2004, it has been included on the UNESCO Tentative List for potential World Heritage Site recognition. The island is a vital wetland, providing a home for a diverse range of rare and endangered bird species, particularly migratory birds that visit during the winter. Some of the notable species found on Majuli include the greater adjutant stork, pelican, Siberian crane, and whistling teal. Best time to visit: October to March Things to do: Birdwatching, Stay in Bamboo cottage, Sunrise/Sunset, Ferry Ride How to reach:By Air: Nearest Airports are Jorhat and GuwahatiBy Train: Nearest Railway station is Jorhat CityBy Road: Nearest Bus station is Jorhat 5. Mawlynnong, Meghalaya Mawlynnong is renowned as one of Asia’s cleanest villages, but a more fitting title would be “God’s Own Garden. Nestled on the southern ranges of Meghalaya, it boasts lush fruit orchards, flowing streams, vibrant evergreen landscapes, swaying palms, and the rich traditions of the Khasi people, creating a truly idyllic setting. Mawlynnong is renowned as one of Asia’s cleanest villages, but a more fitting title would be “God’s Own Garden. Nestled on the southern ranges of Meghalaya, it boasts lush fruit orchards, flowing streams, vibrant evergreen landscapes, swaying palms, and the rich traditions of the Khasi people, creating a truly idyllic setting. Best time to visit: October to April Things to do: Explore Mawlynnong Village, Visit Byrdaw falls, enjoy local cuisine How to reach:By Air: Nearest Airports are Guwahati and ShillongBy Train: Nearest Railway station is Guwahati and Kamakhya stationBy Road: Nearest Bus stations are Shillong, Guwahati or drive to Mawlynnong