Destinations & Things To Do
Emerging Travel Destinations in India: Hidden Gems for Your Next Adventure | Lifestyle News
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Whether you’re a photographer, nature lover, or history enthusiast, these hidden gems are ideal for creating new memories and appreciating the charm of unexplored India.
Each location captures India’s diverse beauty, providing unforgettable experiences for those looking to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations
India is filled with both renowned tourist hubs and unexplored gems that offer unique experiences for travelers seeking something new. Recently, Canon EOS influencers Rebecca Roy, Dhenesh Annamalai, and Asif Khan shared their favorite emerging destinations in India—ranging from serene backwaters to lush hillsides and historic fort towns. Here’s a glimpse into these lesser-known spots that are perfect for photography, relaxation, and a taste of authentic India.
Ashtamudi, Kerala
Shared by: Rebecca Roy
Ashtamudi in Kerala is gaining popularity as a tranquil alternative to the more famous Alleppey. Known for its peaceful backwater cruises, Ashtamudi offers travelers a chance to explore lush mangroves, local villages, and pristine waterways on traditional houseboats. The highlight is the picturesque Ashtamudi Lake, where you can capture stunning sunsets as they reflect off the calm waters, creating incredible photo opportunities. This serene location is ideal for those looking to unwind and experience Kerala’s natural beauty without the crowds.
Naldehra, Himachal Pradesh
Shared by: Rebecca Roy
Located just 22 km from Shimla, Naldehra offers a peaceful escape into the mountains with its breathtaking natural beauty. This small town, dotted with scenic trekking trails, secluded paths, and natural springs, attracts adventurers and nature lovers alike. Unlike its bustling neighbor Shimla, Naldehra remains relatively untouched, providing a quiet and tranquil atmosphere. This hidden gem is ideal for those wanting to soak in the beauty of Himachal Pradesh’s landscapes in a serene setting.
Valparai, Tamil Nadu
Shared by: Dhenesh Annamalai
Nestled in the Western Ghats, Valparai is a visual treat with its sprawling tea estates, rich biodiversity, and a cooler, refreshing climate. Known for its peaceful ambiance, Valparai offers scenic hiking trails, opportunities to encounter diverse wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes perfect for capturing on camera. Dhenesh Annamalai recommends this spot for its lesser-known beauty, making it ideal for those looking to connect with nature away from the usual tourist crowds. Every turn in Valparai reveals a unique photo opportunity, allowing photographers to capture the essence of Tamil Nadu’s unspoiled beauty.
Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu
Shared by: Dhenesh Annamalai
Kolli Hills is an unexplored paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Located in Tamil Nadu, this mountainous region is rich with thick forests, cascading waterfalls, and sweeping panoramic views that are perfect for landscape photography. The hills also offer a unique cultural experience, with vibrant local festivals and traditions that make for compelling travel stories and photos. An added allure for photographers is the exceptional opportunity for astrophotography, as Kolli Hills remains relatively free from urban light pollution. On clear nights, the hills become a stunning backdrop for capturing the Milky Way and star trails.
Top Station, Munnar, Kerala
Shared by: Asif Khan
Top Station, located 1,880 meters above sea level, is a must-visit for those who love nature’s grandeur. Known for its sprawling tea plantations and cool mountain breezes, this spot offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Western Ghats. The mist-covered mountains and vibrant Neelakurinji flowers (which bloom once every 12 years) make Top Station a photographer’s paradise. Asif Khan encourages travelers to bring their cameras and capture the mesmerizing landscapes and valleys that unfold below, creating unforgettable memories of Munnar’s tranquil beauty.
Athirappilly Waterfalls, Kerala
Shared by: Asif Khan
Often called the “Niagara of India,” Athirappilly Waterfalls in Kerala cascade from a height of 80 feet amidst lush green forests, offering a spectacular sight for nature lovers and photographers. The surrounding dense forests are home to diverse wildlife, including elephants, sambars, and the endangered lion-tailed macaque, making it an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Adventure seekers can explore scenic trails around the waterfall that provide picturesque views of the Western Ghats. This scenic spot has also been featured in iconic Bollywood movies like Baahubali and Raavan, adding to its cinematic allure.
Mandav (or Mandu), Madhya Pradesh
Shared by: Asif Khan
Mandav, or Mandu, is a treasure trove of Indo-Islamic architecture, where ancient forts, palaces, and tombs reveal a rich historical past. Known for the romantic tale of Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati, Mandav is ideal for travelers interested in history and romance. Architectural marvels like the Jahaz Mahal, designed to resemble a ship floating on water, and the Roopmati Pavilion, offering views of the Narmada River, make Mandav an intriguing and beautiful destination. Situated atop the Vindhya Range, Mandav provides breathtaking panoramic views, with a serene atmosphere perfect for a scenic getaway.
These emerging destinations—Ashtamudi, Naldehra, Valparai, Kolli Hills, Top Station, Athirappilly Waterfalls, and Mandav—offer travelers unique experiences, from peaceful backwater cruises and serene mountain views to lush tea estates and historic landmarks.
Each location captures India’s diverse beauty, providing unforgettable experiences for those looking to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations. Whether you’re a photographer, nature lover, or history enthusiast, these hidden gems are ideal for creating new memories and appreciating the charm of unexplored India.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
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Destinations & Things To Do
Bulgaria Ranked Among Europe’s Top 7 Budget-Friendly Tourist Destinations by Times Entertainment
Bulgaria has been ranked among the seven most affordable European countries for tourists, according to a recent list published by Times Entertainment, a travel and lifestyle outlet under the Times of India media group. While Europe is often considered an expensive continent to visit, with luxury hotels, costly meals, and pricey attractions, Times Entertainment notes that there are still many culturally rich and visually stunning destinations where travelers can enjoy memorable experiences without breaking the bank.
Bulgaria appears on the list, praised for offering excellent value for money. Whether relaxing on the beaches of the Black Sea coast or skiing in the country’s scenic mountains, visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities at budget-friendly prices. The article highlights Sofia as a destination that blends rich history with vibrant nightlife. Dining out can cost just a few euros, and combined with affordable transport and accommodation, Bulgaria emerges as an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.
Other countries featured in the ranking of Europe’s most cost-effective destinations include Romania, Hungary, Poland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, and Portugal.
/DS/
Day 87-14 Miles today from Tom Lavardis Backyard Dalton to Mark Noepel Shelter, 3,500 Feet Up, 2,000 Feet down, 1,590 AT Mile Marker (MM)
Town Morning
Woke up at 5:00 as soon as the sun started breaking up the night sky. It was raining and expected to stop raining in about an hour so I decided to take my time getting ready this morning.
Tom made some boiled eggs and sat them out on the porch for the hikers so I stopped there first and ate a couple of eggs. I took my time wandering through town on the AT.
I stopped at the gas station and took a hiker trash bath in their bathroom of the important parts of my body. I’ve been sweating for several days and haven’t had a chance to really bathe so that made me feel better.
I grabbed a large dark coffee, loaded it with cream and sugar, got a banana, and a bacon egg and cheese sandwich. Then I sat outside the gas station enjoying my breakfast. Many people were coming and going and they were very kind asking me about my hike.
Losing the Way
It seemed like it took a while to wander through town and finally get back into the woods on the other side of town. I have about 14 miles and 3,500 ft of elevation to the Mark Noeble shelter today about 3/4 up Mount Greylock. It’s still saddens me to not have Knockerz with me.
With my mind wandering I missed the turnout and ended up walking down the road. Instead of backtracking I took a blue blaze back to the Appalachian Trail. I was following the white blazes again but the trail started look looking less and less traveled.
The trail was obviously rerouted because I could tell there had not been anybody trampling on this section of the AT in a while. The white blazers were still very clear on the trees however.
I hated to do it but I knew I needed to turn around so I turned around and backtracked. I then found where the trail had been rerouted. That started a long climb up to North Mountain. This was just a teaser of the climb to come up, Mount Greylock.
Soaked with Sweat
This morning I put on my damp hiking shirt, tights, socks, and shorts. It wasn’t long before it all turned into a soaking wet with sweat outfit again. The bugs are so bad I have to wear my buff to keep the bugs out of my ears and the black flies from dive bombing my head. This just adds to the heat and misery.
It is still much cooler than it was just a few weeks ago and definitely cooler than it is back home down south. I suspect the temperatures are somewhere in the 80s. But it feels hot.
The difference is you can feel a coolness in the breeze. A couple of weeks ago when the temperatures were triple digits the hot the breeze felt hot on top of the already oppressive heat. It was kind of like being in front of humid heater blowing hot air in an already hot environment. Now however the breeze is a cooler breeze. I can tell I am now up North.
My First Sobo Hiker
I ran into my first Sobo, Ragland from North Carolina. He told me he did the 100 miles wilderness in 6 days with fresh legs. We both enjoyed swapping stories because we both hadn’t talked to anybody in a while. It felt good to have a little bit of conversation with another human being.
I then ran into Whitesnake, a young man I had met about a thousand miles ago. He and I hiked together up and over the Cobbles down into the town of Cheshire.
We blew through the town of Cheshire. It was nice to have conversation with someone and have somebody that I could keep pace with. It is definitely different when you are hiking on your own. There is no one to keep pace with other than your own pace whatever that may be. And of course the conversations get old real quick inside your head.
A Big Climb
After Cheshire I told Whitesnake I would not be able to keep up with his young legs climbing Mount Greylock so we parted ways. But it was only 12:00 and I had already blown through over 9 miles. It was only 4.4 miles to the Mark Noble shelter but it was a long hard climb up Mount Greylock.
After climbing a steep section through a patch of woods I came into an open field. I love the open fields.
The trail continued a long climb up Greylock Mountain.
By 4:00 p.m. I had reached the shelter. I really wanted to hike further but my only option was a private room at the lodge 3 miles ahead for $165 for the night. So I came down to the shelter and got out my wet tent and ground cloth and hung them out to dry. I was carrying probably two extra pounds of water on my tent from this morning. The logistics for tomorrow kind of suck with the spacing of the camping and shelters I’m really hoping to get out of Massachusetts and into Vermont tomorrow. Massachusetts has been the end of two hikes for Knockerz.
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Destinations & Things To Do
Travel + Leisure ranks this Georgia city No. 4 for best travel destination
See All-American Rejects crash Savannah Bananas halftime show
The All-American Rejects was welcomed warmly alongside Savannah Bananas at a Banana Ball game at Fenway Park in Boston.
Georgia’s Hostess City is making headlines once again, named one of the top five travel destinations in the United States, praising the historic city for its walkability, Southern hospitality, and enchanting natural beauty.
Ranked fourth on Travel + Leisure’s list, Savannah earned a reader score of 86.64, standing out among national favorites.
Here’s where it is.
Best travel destination in Georgia
The magazine highlighted the city’s iconic live oaks draped in Spanish moss, its welcoming atmosphere, and its growing reputation for offering a thoughtful, inclusive approach to its complex history.
“This Southern city won top marks for its walkability, hospitality, and lush parks—all those live oaks dripping in Spanish moss certainly add to the atmospheric quality,” Travel + Leisure wrote.
Savannah’s historic downtown, with its cobblestone streets, art galleries, and 22 park-like squares, continues to charm travelers year after year.
In addition to being a visual feast, the city’s growing food scene and rich cultural experiences keep visitors coming back for more.
Top 10 cities in the US
- Santa Fe, New Mexico
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Savannah, Georgia
- Alexandria, Virginia
- Honolulu, Hawaii
- Greenville, South Carolina
- New York, New York
- Asheville, North Carolina
- Chicago, Illinois
For more information, visit travelandleisure.com/worlds-best-awards-2025-cities-us-11740107#toc-the-full-list.
Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.
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