COVID-19 has put a halt on all our travel plans, but it won’t last forever and if you’re like me, you get excited about planning your next trip. I’m in India now and looking at the safest places to travel after the lockdown.
While I’d love to explore the historic monuments in big cities like Jaipur, Mumbai, and Delhi… each of those cities has been hit hard by COVID-19 so I’m going to avoid them.
Instead, I’m looking for places with fewer cases of COVID-19 and with fewer people around. Fortunately, India is the seventh-largest country in the world and has plenty of places to travel once it’s safe again.
If you like the post, be sure to read my article about which places to avoid in India after lockdown for more suggestions.
1) Water Falls & a Tiger Reserve in Mizoram
Mizoram has the fewest cases of COVID-19 in all of India as of September 2020, and there is so much natural beauty to explore in this northeastern state.
This is a place that few people go to and is well off-the-beaten-path in India.
The largest city is Aizawl, which has a domestic airport and can be easily reached from big cities like Kolkata. But let’s avoid staying in the city and check out the rarely seen sites nearby.
Dampa Tiger Reserve – This is the largest wildlife sanctuary in the state with more than 500 square km, and is a serene place to unwind for a few days. While it’s not the best place in India to see tigers, it does have them as well as leopards, sloth bears, barking deer, pythons, and more. The reserve is 127 km from Aizawl and reachable in a few hours.
Vantawng Falls – This waterfall towers above at 228 meters (751 feet) and is the tallest waterfall in Mizoram and the thirteenth-highest waterfall in India. I love the lush forests that surround you and make you feel like you’re the only person in the world.
Reiek – If you’re looking for views, Reiek is one of the tallest hills in the state at 1465 meters and is a good spot for a vigorous quiet hike. Once at the top you’ll be rewarded with views of the valley which is lined by the Mizo Hills. It’s only 29 km away from Aizawl.
2) Tsongmo Lake in Sikkim
The state of Sikkim has the second-lowest cases of COVID-19 in India, thanks to strict policies banning tourists from entering during the start of the lockdown.
Sikkim is a very rural state as well with only 86 people per square km. So with all of its natural destinations, it’s a perfect place to visit once everything is safe again.
The must-see destination in Sikkim is Tsongmo Lake and it is one of the most popular glacial lakes in the world.
The journey to the lake is also beautiful. You’ll drive 38 km from the capital city of Gangtok through the mountains to an elevation of 7,000 feet. Along the way, you’ll pass waterfalls, see rural villages, and look at towering peaks in the distance. When you arrive the lake opens up before you like a shining blue present.
Or a frozen ice present, if it’s winter time!
The lake is open up all-year-round, yet it’s best experienced in the summertime to see the blue water that changes color with the changing light.
NOTE: As a foreign tourist you would need to go with a licensed tour agency which you can find in Gangtok or book online.
3) Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim
If you’d like to see the third-tallest peak in the world, then head to this huge park in North Sikkim.
Khangchendzonga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 849 square km (328 square miles) of space and views of a majestic snow-covered peak. The park itself sits at an elevation of around 1,829 meters, yet Khangchenjunga peak towers above at 8,586 meters (28,169 feet).
If you love hiking, climbing, and being surrounded by nature this is a great place to have an adventure.
4) The Beaches in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands
The remote location and isolation of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands have helped them avoid the Coronavirus. They have some of the lowest numbers of cases in the nation.
Plus, who doesn’t want to go sit on a beautiful beach after spending so much time at home!?
Havelock Island is one of the most popular destinations in this chain of islands, and Radhanagar Beach was voted the most beautiful in Asia and the seventh-best in the world.
5) Canoe Along the Wah Umngot River in Meghalaya
Another state with very few COVID-19 cases and people is Meghalaya. This northeastern state has a crystal clear river that is the cleanest in India.
This is a wonderful place to take the family and go canoeing. Or just sit with a cup of tea and watch the waters slowly flow past.
The best place to see the river is in the town of Dawki in the Jaintia Hills District which is 81 km from the capital city of Shillong. The area is hilly with thick forests and cliffs above the water. You can walk along the suspension bridge and look in the 40-foot depths.
If you’re lucky you can watch a boat race and catch some fish. It’s also the natural boundary of the Bangladesh border, which you can see with guards in some spots.
To make a trip of it, you can also see Mawlynnong, the cleanest village in India, which is 29 km to the west.
6) Umiam Lake in Meghalaya
Umiam Lake is a man-made reservoir north of Shillong about 16 km. The lake is huge spanning 220 square kilometers, which gives you plenty of space to explore.
Plus the East Khasi hills surround the lake giving you the feeling that you’re in a place like Scotland.
I recommend camping and finding some hiking trails in the area. You can also spend the day with the wind in your hair on a speed boat or just sitting around catching fish like the locals have done for years.
You can also get tickets on a river bus to see the lake at a slow pace, which is good for taking photos or rent a paddleboat, jet ski, or yacht.
7) Krang Suri Waterfall in Meghalaya
This is a beautiful spot to spend the day if you are seeing the other places in Meghalaya that I’ve mentioned.
Krang Suri Waterfall is just 30 kilometers from Dawki and is a perfect spot to take the kids to go swimming for the day or a few hours.
The falls are huge and wide.
In the winter there is less water and it’s peaceful. What’s cool is that most tourists don’t come here, and there aren’t any hotels or guesthouses in the area, so you can meet other locals or in-the-know tourists. Then head back to Dawki or Shillong to sleep.
8) Dzükou Valley Trek in Nagaland
The Northeastern state of Nagaland is usually known for its unique tribal festivals and natural beauty, so it’s the perfect time to go exploring here.
The Dzukou Valley Trek offers some beautiful sights of the rolling green hills and mountains. It’s not a super long hike. The road from Viswema is about 8 km of road that can be driven down, or you can even hire a taxi to take you but the cost is 1500 rupees ($20).
Once you park, look for the big green sign that says “Way to Dzukou” and the hike takes about 3 hours.
If you can, spend the night in the basic guesthouse with views of the valley. The sunrise views in the morning will be worth it!
9) Golden Pagoda of Namsai in Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh is one of India’s most northeastern states with relatively few attractions for most tourists. But if you like getting off the typical tourist path, then you will find plenty to see here and fewer COVID cases than most of India.
One small place that is sure to make an impression is the Burmese-style Buddhist temple in the Namsai District. It was built recently and cost 30 million rupees (~$407,000).
What I love about it is that it’s set on a 20-hectare grounds, so there is plenty of space to walk around. The building and Buddha statue within are made of breath-taking gold that will invite you to inquire about life’s most important questions as the Buddha once did.
You can find hotels right on the grounds as well.
10) Kangla Fort in Manipur
Continuing our theme of finding the best sites in the less-explored northeastern states, which have fewer cases of COVID-19… Kangla Fort is one of the highlights of the state of Manipur.
This old palace sits along the banks of the Imphal River. To me, it has more of an oriental style than the Mughal style, which marks many of India’s historic monuments.
It was the home of the Meitei dynasty which ruled here in Manipur and which many of the people have descended.
11) Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh
There’s so much to see in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh and plenty of space to maintain social distancing.
The place that’s #1 on my list is Dharmashala. It is the city where the Dalai Lama stays and you can see plenty of Tibetan influence. It’s a cozy city tucked into the mountains that draws a lot of tourists.
Many people come here in the summer, especially to escape the scorching heat of southern India. The highlights include:
Dalai Lama Temple Complex – Come to see a huge statue of the Buddha, absorb the serenity of the structure, or watch a lively monk debate! I recommend exploring the Tibet Museum to learn more about the history of the culture.
Triund Trek – This is a great hike for new trekkers and at 2,850 meters (9,359 feet) you can see views of the Dhauladhar ranges in the Western Himalayas. Specifically Hanuman Tibba is the highest peak in the range.
There’s plenty more to see and do as well!
12) Explore the Natural Beauty Near Shimla in Himachal Pradesh
Shimla is a hill station in the southwestern range of the Himalayas and sits at a towering 2,275 meters (7,467 feet). While the colonial architecture within the city and the toy train ride is very impressive, I recommend skipping that on this trip and instead exploring the adventure options nearby.
Rafting at Tattapanai – 51 km from Shimla is a small village on the river Sutlej, which is known for rafting and hot springs. What could be better than spending a day rafting with friends, then soaking in the sulfur-rich waters in the hot springs? There is plenty of accommodation in the area, whether you are looking for luxury resorts or budget hotels.
Trek to Jakhu Temple – One of the best hikes is to this temple and at 2,455 meters, is one of the highest peaks in the area. The hike is not too far, only 2.5 km, and is the perfect place to take some photos in Shimla to remember your trip.
13) Ski in Manali in Himachal Pradesh
Manali is a resort town and a hub for adventurous backpackers. It’s especially popular in the winter as a skiing destination.
The best skiing is in the mountain regions of Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass. They get buried in snow each year and Solang Ropeway & Ski Center, Sterling Manali, and Sky One Ski Resort are some of the best places to go.
Beginners can hire an instructor and get a taste of true mountain skiing. Experienced skiers will be in heaven all on their own.
If skiing is not your thing, then there is plenty more to do:
- Paragliding
- River rafting
- Zorbing (huh!?)
- Trekking
- Snowboarding
- Quad biking or four-wheelers
- Rappelling
- Rock climbing
- Downhill cycling
- Jeep safaris
- Ziplining
- Bungee jumping
14) Go Trekking and Temple Hopping in Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh
Spiti Valley is another gorgeous area in Himachal Pradesh that will be like heaven for trekkers. It’s set at an even higher 3,810 meters (12,400 feet) and is less popular than many tourist places in India.
Yet with rugged mountains, tranquil lakes, unique villages, and plenty of hiking trails, there is plenty to get you moving after a long lockdown.
For trekking expeditions, this is one of the best in India and here are some of the most popular routes:
- Spiti Left Bank Trek – This is a great hike for beginners and you can see some historic monasteries like the Sherkhang Monastery. You’ll also have plenty of chances to take photos of the mountain views. Dhankar Lake is close as well, which is a peaceful place to camp.
- Parang La Trek – This is the most popular hike in the area, yet it’s not for beginners. You will embark on a 9-day tour featuring altitudes of more than 5486 meters (18,000 feet), monasteries, and star-filled skies. If you want more, then start hitting the Stairmaster at the gym!
- Pin Parvati Pass Trek – This is another popular and sometimes grueling trek! It’s frequented by mountain climbers from around the world and is no walk in the park. You’ll go through altitudes of more than 5334 meters (17,500 feet), it will snow, you’ll cross rivers, and be hiking most of the day. But you’ll be rewarded by walking into valleys most people never see and be able to view natural wonders that you can never forget.
15) Become a Hippie in Kasol in Himachal Pradesh
Kasol is another popular spot with backpackers, mostly for the views and treks, but also for the cannabis that’s everywhere. Some call it the best hill station in India! It’s also known as little Israel of India.
Go hiking in the jungle along the Parvati River. Trek to Kheerganga to soak in the hot springs. Then trek into Parvati Valley to experience what many call “Stoner’s Paradise.”
Himachal Pradesh has so many other places, I could keep going, but let’s move on to other states since India has so much to see!
16) Chill in Pondicherry & the Experimental Town of Auroville
We’ve been talking about North India so much, so let’s head too far South India now. You will want to see the French colonial city of Pondicherry, as well as the experimental community in Auroville.
Pondicherry is along the beach and would be a great place to get a beachside room, sit by the pool and watch the sunrise each morning over the Bay of Bengal. If you like a nice cocktail you can also find plenty of rooftop restaurants, which would be perfect to reduce your risk of getting COVID.
Auroville is even more rural and set in a forested area 10 km to the north. This is a unique place in that it was once a desert, but a local spiritual community reforested the area and settled it. It now functions largely without money and has an iconic golden dome in the center. If you want to do a retreat in a thick forest near the beach or go to a workshop, then it’s a great place to visit.
17) Get a Tan on the 35 Beaches of Goa
Goa is a small state in India, yet it still have 1,429 square miles and more than 35 beaches. The state has relatively few COVID cases and with all that area, you can definitely find a beach with fewer tourists.
I would like to stay at the quieter beaches like:
- Galjibag – This beach is very far south, which is why there are fewer tourists. Yet there are plenty of cafes and shacks along the beach to get a budget-friendly place to relax.
- Patnem – This is another South Goa beach, not far from the very popular Palolem Beach. There are still shacks along the beach and some nice yoga resorts for a retreat.
- Cola – It’s not easy to get to and far from town, but you can find some cool volcanic boulders and a lot of palm forests nearby. There are some small huts and a restaurant here, but that’s about it.
18) Do Yoga in Rishikesh in Uttarkhand
Rishikesh is the Yoga Capital of the World and is known to be a spiritual hotspot along the banks of the Ganges River. It’s also not very big and you can stay in some beautiful places without too many other tourists.
Many of the tourists that come here are coming to do a yoga retreat or teacher training, so you’ll find the hotels, restaurants, and attractions cater to that type of crowd.
But you can find cool sites like The Beatles Ashram, which is the place they came to visit in February of 1968. The Lakshman Jhula Bridge is a great photo spot and you can get overhead views of the Ganges.
You can also find adventure sports like:
- River rafting
- Rappelling
- Hiking along waterfalls
- Rock climbing
- Ziplining or Flying Fox as it’s called here
- Kayaking
- Zorbing
- Hot air balloon rides
- Cliff jumping
- Safaris
- Paintball
- Canoeing
- Bungee Jumping
- Giant swing
19) Trek in the Valley of Flowers National Park in Uttarakhand
We’ve mentioned many trekking places so far, but here’s one with hundreds of picturesque mountain flowers, some of which are endangered.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site and botanical garden is a Himalayan Valley treasure.
You can hike into the valley with thousands of flowers in full colorful bloom. If you know flowers you can see:
- Suckering Mazus
- Anemone Clematis
- Marsh Marigold
- Violet Monkshood
- Himalayan Monkshood
- Himalayan Thimbleweed
- Himalayan Columbine
- Brown Clematis
- Manjith
- Woolly Pearly Everlasting
And so many more!
20) See Tigers and Elephants in Rajaji National Park in Uttarakhand
India’s national parks are a great place to visit now that we can travel again, and Rajaji National Park has over 820 square kilometers with plenty of flora and fauna to see.
If you want to see tigers in India, then this is a good place. You can also see:
- Panthers
- Elephants
- Spotted Deer
- Wild Boar
- Sambhar
- Himalayan Black Bears
- Sloth
- 400 types of birds
With so many birds, you’ll find many bird watchers here. I like that Rajaji National Park is just 242 kilometers from Delhi, so it’s the perfect place to take a road trip to enjoy a weekend in nature.
21) Go Boating on the Lake at Nainital in Uttarakhand
If you’re looking for a romantic trip, this lake in the hills is popular with honeymooners, since it’s also about 285 kilometers from Delhi.
The best way to see the lake is by boat so you can rent kayaks, paddleboats, and even a yacht to explore the lake as the waves lap at the hull and the clouds pass over the surrounding mountains.
You can also find plenty of shopping later on Mal Road or hike to the top of Tiffin Top for views of the area.
22) See Coffee Plantations in Coorg in Karnataka
Coorg is also a hill station that’s popular with honeymooners and known for coffee plantations and the Western ghats.
As you explore Coorg, you are going to see the beautiful colors of freshly harvested coffee seeds drying in the sun by many homes.
One of the best ways to experience the area is by enjoying a homestay. You can find nice homes tucked into the villages and valleys that will make you feel like you’ve woken up in your own bed.
23) Take Photos on Kaas Plateau in Maharashtra
If you’re staying in Mumbai and don’t want to go far, then the Kaas Plateau is Maharashtra’s version of the Valley of Flowers. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 850 unique species of wildflowers. Come in August through September to see the fields in full bloom and bursting with color.
It’s a good destination since it’s mostly undiscovered and free from tourists. But would make for some great photos for your Instagram, haha.
24) Hike Up Savandurga Hill in Karnataka
For a destination close to Bangalore, come visit the largest monolith in Asia. It’s like India’s version of Ayers Rock.
It’s just a beautiful huge rock and since there are many ways you can ascend to the top, you can easily avoid coming close to people.
There’s even a temple at the top as this is a popular spot with pilgrims.
25) Munnar Tea Plantations in Kerala
If you are looking to enjoy some rural tea plantations, then one of the best spots in India is in Munnar.
If you want a luxury experience, then check out the plantation resorts where you can stay in a tree house. You can also tour the tea estates and look through the many fresh tea varieties and chocolates. These would make great souvenirs for family and friends.
If you are looking for more adventure, then you can find good hiking trails to places like Echo Point and Top Station.
Final Words:
COVID-19 has put a stop to all of our travel plans but if you’re looking to plan a trip for when it’s safe again then check out these locations.
If you like the post, be sure to read my article about which places to avoid in India after lockdown for more suggestions.
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