This Diwali, Travel To These Less-Explored Getaways In India

Next week brings in the much-awaited festival of lights, which is celebrated with gusto and enthusiasm in most parts of India. Some choose to spend Diwali with the family, over a small puja and homemade meal, while others see it as a nice, long break to take off on a vacation. If you fall in the latter category, here are a few options perfect for the month of November. Happy travels

Auli, Uttarakhand

On first glance, Auli may seem like another snow-capped location, but look closer and you&rsquoll see that it is India&rsquos favourite skiing destination. Blanketed on the sides by the great Himalayan range and nearly an arm&rsquos distance from the Nanda Devi National Park, Auli is one of India&rsquos winter wonderlands and is a must-visit.

Dudhwa, UP 

The winter months urge us to explore wildlife, with the parks now fully open in swing and the weather just right to go on a safari ride. A region less explored yet rustling with possibilities is a personal favourite&mdashDudhwa National Park in Uttar Pradesh, towards the Indo-Nepal border. This dense land is packed with thick covers of forest, marshes and wetlands and is home to the one-horned rhinoceros, elephant, tiger, leopard, but it is mostly special for the migratory birds that flock here.

Wokha, Nagaland

Come November, the small but beautiful Amur Falcon birds flock from parts of Siberia to South Africa, Kenya and Somalia, and on their way stop by India, in particular, Nagaland. &nbspDuring this time, the first edition of the Amur Falcon Conservation Festival is also taking place in Wokha. Visit here for a taste of culture, some bird-sighting and of course, a little quiet downtime with nature.

Daman

When it comes to beaches, while Goa always comes to mind, it&rsquos imperative to look beyond&mdashespecially during busier seasons. May we suggest an alternative Although far from a party time, Daman in Gujarat gives sandy beaches, churches to admire for their architecture and forts to trek through. Don&rsquot forget to indulge in some Parsi food while you&rsquore there&mdashakuri&nbspor salli&nbspboti, anyone

Wayanad, Kerala

Resilient Kerala is back up on its feet after its flooding situation earlier this September, and it is no wonder that it is on our list. God&rsquos own country, as they like to call it, is beautiful and Wayanad is no exception. Although it is less popular than its cousins, Munnar, Fort Kochi and even the state capital, the region offers beautiful views, greenery, clear skies, and for the adventurous, gorgeous treks.