Off-beat Holiday Destinations for Unique Experiences

Family vacations and romantic holidays are fun, sure, but we know you’ve been secretly longing for a getaway with your buddies. Blow off some steam, strengthen your bonds, make new memories – pick your excuse and rev up that engine to find some offbeat holiday destinations to explore together. 

Whether or not you have checked that mandatory Goa trip off your list, make sure you check out these equally exciting destinations for some offbeat experiences with your best friends, and bonus – we even give you some really cool places you can stay at with StayVista – 

Kasauli

Home to abundant orchards, woody forests, Victorian homes and enchanting calmness, Kasauli is a hilly town, popularly known as a hiker’s paradise. It makes for one of the best holiday locations for those who simply want to cool off and enjoy an awe-inspiring view. What makes it exciting to visit with your friends is the Kasauli Brewery wherein you can explore the process of whiskey production and taste samples of distilled whiskey.

Check out these Villas in Kasauli for group stays – Meadow on the Ridge, Vaanya Villa, Padam Hill.

Shimla

Sitting atop steep forested hillsides, Shimla’s timeless beauty borrows from its surrounding snowclad mountains, lush greenery and beautiful lakes. It is the best place to escape to, if you’re in search of chilly winter breezes, beautiful panoramic landscapes and distinct colonial architecture. Despite being a popular favourite, Shimla is a great spot for off-beat experiences. A great way to make this holiday more memorable is taking a road trip to Shimla from any neighbouring city, like Chandigarh. And while you’re at it, pick up some steaming parathas for the journey. 

Check out these homestays in Shimla for group stays – Daafi House, Whispering Pines and Cirrus Villa.

Chail

Merely a two-hour road trip from Shimla, Chail is a quiet hill station most commonly known for its charming interiors, virgin forests and beautiful natural beauty. It is an ideal getaway for friends who wish to get together to spend some peaceful time relaxing in the lap of nature. If at all you wish to step out to enjoy the cosy weather, don’t forget to pay a visit to the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary too, we hear it is a must-visit. 

Check out this Chail villa for group stays – Ekam Villa. You can choose to rent individual rooms here as well.

Gangtok

Blessed with multi-hued skies and miraculously winding hill roads, Gangtok is a dream destination for mountain lovers. Get together with your group and explore the bylanes, street culture and local cuisine of this beautiful mountain city. Make sure you take some time out to pay a visit to the many, many monasteries there.

Check out these villas in Gangtok for group stays – Debrung, La Ipsing Farm and Orchid Glade.

Wayanad

You can take a trip to Wayanad only for its trekking opportunities. Blessed with misty peaks and paddy fields, it is a great location to spend time outdoors with your friends. Once here, make sure you have your cameras ready as this forested district will give you many instances to capture beautiful shots of its vivid wildlife sanctuary, waterfalls and caves. 

Check out these villas in Wayanad for group stays – Hermas Villa and Z Villa.

Kirti Kabra

As a writer for over a decade, I have been telling stories about people, places and products. Among the few who still revel in the art of pen to paper, I often find inspiration while travelling solo with an undisciplined itinerary. My adventures have acquainted me with riding the rails, getting off track, and losing my train of thought – all of which add a unique pixie dust to my work. I love a book that reads like a movie, an endless subscription to vanilla lattes, and all things Tarantino.

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