Must Visit Places for Backpackers in 2017
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.”
This excerpt from Mark Twain’s book “The Innocent Aboard”, truly expresses the magnitude of vigour travel brings in our lives. Travelling is awakening, travel is educating, travel is revealing. For a country, as diverse and vibrant as India, you don’t really need a stamp on your passport to experience multi-faceted shades of travelling. Each state and region is unique that adds to your understanding of the world around you. One great way to encounter rustic familiarity is by treading on a back-packing trip.
Back packing is an excellent way to explore local culture and tradition of a place. These experiences not only help you build happy memories but also help you to grow. So, if you haven’t gone on back-packing adventure before, we suggest that you embark on one this year. Moreover, on your backpacking trip you need not worry about the lodging part now. With OYO, India’s largest branded network of hotels, finding hotels in Noida, Gurgaon or even at off-beat places is not a hard task.
Here are some suggested destinations that will pad up your wanderlust.
Get on a Mythical Journey to Mathura, Vrindhvan, Rishikesh, Haridwar and Agra
With holy rivers like Yamuna & Ganga, at the backdrop, the ancient cities of the Hindu tradition -Mathura, Vrindavan, Rishikesh and Haridwar will enlighten and take you on a spiritual journey. All these places are centre to historic and religious interests and are visited by thousands from across the world every year. These cities are comfortably located at a short distance from Delhi and is often visited by Delhiites over the weekend. However, if you are travelling from abroad or South of India, we suggest you book a hotel in Noida. As a business and IT hub of the National Capital Region, the hospitality industry in Noida has grown considerably. There are number of budget hotels in Noida you can find on OYO, which provide standardised, affordable rooms. These rooms come with excellent amenities like free Wi-Fi, breakfast, clean washroom and spotless linen. Spend a day in Noida and carry on with your backpacking journey to Rishikesh and Haridwar the following day. Rishikesh is an excellent destination for adventure sports like river rafting, jungle trail and camping. On the other hand, Mathura and Vrindhawan will give you a glimpse of mythical Hindu tradition. Walking around the city and exploring the lanes and by-lanes will bring in a spiritual awakening and also calm your senses.
Next, stop is Agra to view the Iconic Taj Mahal: Agra and the surrounding area of Fathepur Sikri have their own stories to narrate. As one of the most strategic Mughal Towns, the city of Agara still exhibits subtle nuances from the past that can also be explored and cherished.
Explore the Wilderness of the Gir Forest
Gir Forest is a wild-life sanctuary and perhaps the only natural reserve in the country that is home to the Asiatic Lions. In the past, the Gir forest was the hunting ground for the Nawabs of Junagarh. But today, thanks to the efforts of the forest department and NGOs, the forest has transformed into an ecosystem of diverse fauna and flora. Situated very close to Sasan Village, the entire region presents an excellent opportunity for a back-packing motorcycle trip. Besides that, there are a number of trails that can be explored on foot. The area will expose you to a diverse culture of Maldharis and the Siddhi Community who trace their origin to Africa. A trip to Gir Region, located in the south –west region of Gujarat will open your eyes to an India, you perhaps did not know before.
Turn to the Monasteries and Mountains of Sikkim
The enchanting land of Sikkim, nestled in the east of India is known for its monasteries and pristine location. Although, Gangtok the Capital of the state is a very touristy city, adjoining regions like Lachung, Yuksom, Nathula Pass present excellent trekking destinations and is a heaven for bag packers. Before you head to explore the interiors of the State, spend a few days at Gangtok. The city boasts an excellent night life as you can visit the Casino or gather for a few drinks at the city’s most happening night-clubs and pubs. There are a plenty of affordable and well equipped accommodations which you can book on the OYO website or with the OYO app. Lying on the foothills of Himalayas, the entire region is a paradise of people who crave for mountains, scenic beauty, and serene time.
Discover the South of India
While the scenic beauty of east India, the wilderness of the west and mysticism of the east call for a memorable back packing trip, the Southern India is equally inviting and beautiful. Explore the south of India and visit Puducherry in the east coast and the back waters of Kerala in the west. Each region of South India has an indigenous flavour, be it the food, topography, people, or customs. It will take approximately 16 to 18 days to cover the entire region of the South. Although the south of India mostly has a tropical climate, the regions like Coorg, Ooty, Kodaikanal will let you enjoy the mountains and cold conditions.