Disclaimer: This blog is not for regular tourists. If you look out for luxurious tourism at mainstream, crowded places, you are advised not to proceed further.
Overview
There’s something truly magical about landing at places no one has ever heard about. While almost everyone plans his vacation at popular, well-known and crowded spots, there’s surely a strange sense of serenity staying at some sporadic, secluded spots.
While it’s true that popular tourist destinations have their own charm, it's always the unusual and offbeat places that leave a lasting impression and undying memories on our minds. While there are plenty of 5 ⭐ hotels, resorts and villas offering top-notch facilities and amenities, staying at a secluded and unique accommodation can be a life-changing experience.
Waking up to the sounds of nature, being surrounded by nothing but the beauty of the unknown, sharing life stories and meals with the hosts, getting to know the neighbors and having conversations with nature are some of the soul feeding activities you never find in those lavish and pricey hotel rooms.
Most of our partner listings primarily cater to this very group of tourists who look for an escape in the unknown, and, in this blog, the top destinations among them are presented. Read on to find out.
Basdi
This tiny hamlet, located in the Gopipur Tehsil in Kangra district, is around 40 km from Dharamshala city and Hamirpur, Hoshiarpur and Nangal are some other nearby cities to the village. Basdi is particularly popular for the Ancient Hindu Temple of Flames, “Jawalamukhi”, for its ever igniting flames of fire since time immemorial. The reason behind these natural flames hasn't been found out till date.
One of the village's oldest properties, Marigold Homestay, hosted by Mrs Brij Dutta and family, promises an unforgettable experience of the slower pace of rural life while getting acquainted with the local culture and nature at a microscopic level.
Tangmarg, Gulmarg
Rightly known as the Gateway to Gulmarg, Tangmarg is a small, cozy and a busy town located 13 km from Gulmarg and around 40 km from Srinagar. Being the last bus stop enroute Gulmarg, Tangmarg is an ideal spot for a couple nights' halt during your trip to Gulmarg.
Literally meaning the 'place with many pear trees', Tangmarg belongs to the Baramulla district and serves as a stopover for the plethora of tourists visiting Gulmarg. For the trekkers, there's a 5 km trek from Tangmarg to Gulmarg, having an exciting and adventurous route as well. Since accommodations are usually available at sky high prices or unavailable altogether during winters, staying at Tangmarg during your trip to Kashmir is a more practical preference. Having a number of hotels, guest houses and homestays to choose from, some of the best, handpicked accommodations in Tangmarg are:
The Host- ‘The Host’ in Tangmarg is a charming hotel near Gulmarg. Offering comfortable rooms, guests staying in the hotel can enjoy the hotel's warm hospitality and excellent amenities, making it an ideal base for exploring the beautiful region.
Aadil Guest House- Located at a serene, secluded spot in Tangmarg, Aadil Guest House offers comfortable rooms with attractive prices for solo, group and family travelers alike. This humble abode is one of the best places to halt for a night or two in Tangmarg during your trip to Gulmarg to have the chance to live at a mixed town of hustle and bustle and the beautiful natural vibe alike.
Mane
Popularized by populated cities like Kaza, Tabo and the monasteries in Dhankar village, each tourist and every traveler plans his trip to Spiti, roams around these spots and takes the U-turn without knowing the existence of the rural-est of the rural, the unexplored spots in the valley. The Twin Villages, Mane Gogma & Mane Yongma, a duo of just 100 houses and the sheer emptiness around is surreal. Amicable tourists, homely meals and picturesque surroundings make the Mane village within the range of every tourist, every traveler & every hippie alike.
During your Ex-spiti-tion, do not forget to check out our homestays in Mane. Happy rejuvenating!
