May 22: With Indian travellers increasingly seeking meaningful, experience-led holidays closer to home, domestic tourism continues to witness strong momentum. From cooler Himalayan retreats and scenic coastal escapes to immersive nature experiences and slow-travel destinations, travellers are actively moving beyond traditional hotspots in favour of quieter, lesser-explored getaways.
Reflecting this growing shift towards experiential domestic travel, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel have curated a list of emerging and offbeat Indian destinations capturing strong traveller interest.
Ziro
Known for its lush green valleys and peaceful atmosphere, Ziro has emerged as a favourite among travellers seeking slow, meaningful holidays away from crowded tourist hubs. Home to the Apatani tribe, the destination offers a unique cultural experience combined with pine forests, rice fields and scenic mountain backdrops. Its relaxed pace and immersive local experiences make it ideal for mindful travel.
Best time to visit: March to June
Experiences: Explore Apatani villages, nature walks, photography, local food experiences
Spiti Valley
Spiti Valley continues to attract adventure seekers with its dramatic high-altitude desert landscapes, rugged mountain roads and ancient monasteries perched amidst stark Himalayan terrain. Summer is the perfect season to experience its iconic road trips, scenic villages and surreal landscapes that feel almost untouched by time. The region’s remote charm and clear night skies make it especially popular among photographers and explorers.
Best time to visit: May to October
Experiences: Road trips, camping, monastery visits, stargazing, trekking
Kalpa
Tucked away in Himachal’s Parvati Valley, Kalpa is fast becoming a preferred destination for travellers seeking peaceful mountain stays and digital detox holidays. Surrounded by pine forests and panoramic Himalayan views, the village offers a slower pace of life, cosy wooden cabins and charming cafés that appeal to younger travellers looking beyond mainstream hill stations.
Best time to visit: April to June
Experiences: Cabin stays, café hopping, forest hikes, yoga retreats
Jibhi
Jibhi’s hidden waterfalls, riverside cottages and dense forests have helped position it as one of Himachal’s most sought-after offbeat escapes. Perfect for travellers seeking nature-focused holidays, the destination combines scenic beauty with laid-back mountain culture and cosy homestays. Its quiet charm and untouched landscapes make it ideal for relaxed summer getaways.
Best time to visit: March to June
Experiences: Waterfall trails, riverside stays, trekking, trout fishing
Munsiyari
Located near the Indo-Tibetan border, Munsiyari offers spectacular views of the Panchachuli peaks along with tranquil alpine landscapes and immersive nature experiences. Unlike more commercial hill stations, the destination retains an untouched charm that appeals to trekkers, photographers and travellers looking for peaceful Himalayan escapes during the summer months.
Best time to visit: March to June
Experiences: Glacier viewpoints, trekking, village walks, birdwatching
Gokarna
Combining laid-back beaches with a spiritual and wellness-focused atmosphere, Gokarna has become a favourite coastal alternative for travellers seeking a quieter experience than Goa. Scenic beach treks, cliffside viewpoints and cosy cafés add to its growing popularity among younger travellers and wellness seekers alike.
Best time to visit: October to May
Experiences: Beach treks, yoga retreats, café hopping, sunset viewpoints
Varkala
Set along dramatic cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea, Varkala offers a perfect blend of beachside relaxation, wellness experiences and scenic coastal beauty. The destination has become increasingly popular among Gen Z and wellness travellers for its Ayurvedic retreats, yoga stays and vibrant café culture.
Best time to visit: October to May
Experiences: Ayurvedic therapies, surfing, cliffside cafés, beach relaxation
Diu
With its relaxed beaches, Portuguese-era architecture and slower pace of life, Diu offers a refreshing alternative to more crowded beach destinations. The coastal town blends heritage charm with scenic seaside experiences, making it ideal for laid-back summer holidays and short domestic breaks.
Best time to visit: October to May
Experiences: Explore Diu Fort, beach cycling, heritage walks, sunset viewpoints
Coorg
Surrounded by misty hills, coffee plantations and rainforest landscapes, Coorg remains one of South India’s most loved nature escapes. Its pleasant weather, plantation stays and scenic viewpoints make it particularly attractive for travellers seeking cooler summer holidays amidst greenery.
Best time to visit: October to June
Experiences: Coffee estate stays, waterfall visits, plantation trails, jeep safaris
Wayanad
Wayanad’s waterfalls, dense forests and eco-resorts continue to attract travellers looking for immersive nature-led holidays. The destination combines adventure, wellness and scenic beauty, offering everything from trekking trails to wildlife experiences amidst lush green landscapes.
Best time to visit: October to May
Experiences: Waterfall treks, wildlife spotting, cave exploration, bamboo rafting
Kabini
Known for its luxury wildlife lodges and rich biodiversity, Kabini offers a unique blend of wilderness and comfort. Located along the Kabini River, the destination is particularly popular among experiential luxury travellers looking for safari adventures and serene nature stays.
Best time to visit: October to May
Experiences: Jungle safaris, boat rides, birdwatching, riverside stays
Dawki
Famous for the crystal-clear waters of the Umngot River, Dawki has rapidly become one of Northeast India’s most visually iconic destinations. Surrounded by lush hills and scenic landscapes, the destination offers surreal boating experiences that have become hugely popular across social media travel content.
Best time to visit: October to June
Experiences: River boating, camping, photography, cliff viewpoints
Mawlynnong
Known for its cleanliness and community-led tourism, Mawlynnong offers travellers a charming village experience amidst lush greenery and unique natural attractions. Living root bridges, bamboo skywalks and warm local hospitality make it a standout destination for experiential travel.
Best time to visit: September to June
Experiences: Explore living root bridges, bamboo skywalks, local cuisine, village walks
Dzukou Valley
Stretching across rolling green hills near the Nagaland-Manipur border, Dzukou Valley is one of India’s most scenic trekking destinations. Known for its lush meadows and seasonal blooms, the valley offers peaceful hiking trails and panoramic landscapes perfect for adventure-focused summer travel.
Best time to visit: May to September
Experiences: Trekking, camping, landscape photography, nature trails
Majuli
The world’s largest river island, Majuli offers a rare blend of culture, spirituality and eco-tourism. Scenic ferry rides, traditional satras and immersive local experiences make it a compelling destination for travellers seeking meaningful and slower-paced holidays during the summer months.
Best time to visit: October to May
Experiences: Visit satras, cycling tours, ferry rides, cultural experiences