When deadlines start creating havoc, when the chaos of relationships start taking a toll or when city life and its rising pollution levels begin to impact one’s physical and mental wellbeing, all one wants to do is escape. Not to a place already burgeoning with people, but somewhere peace beckons.
“I love places that make you realize how tiny you and your problems are” is a common statement that netizens love sharing on social media. Caught in the stress of the rat race, we often forget to take a pause to listen to the birds chirping or the rain falling.
But when we travel, it soothes our senses because it takes us away from the daily hustle-bustle. Holidays refresh, rejuvenate and help unwind from the tiredness within. One comes back with a renewed vigour and a fresh perspective, often with the realization that there is life beyond pettiness and miseries.
Just looking at a picture-perfect sunset radiating myriad hues can calm a person after days of hard work. Such is the impact of being connected with nature and its precious offerings! Also, visiting peaceful places in India has now become easier too, with more information and accessibility.
Here, Soulveda selects 5 destinations which are endowed with precious bounties of nature. These quaint, serene destinations can make you regain your balance, peace of mind and cheer you on in life.
Auroville, Pondicherry
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam or ‘The world is one family’ is the guiding principle of the city of Auroville located near Puducherry (Pondicherry). Auroville was established in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, known as the Mother, who was inspired by the teachings of Sri Aurobindo. The soil from 124 nations and 23 Indian states was brought to this barren plateau land to give rise to the ‘City of Dawn’. Auroville welcomes citizens irrespective of cast, creed or religion. This experimental city was established to encourage people of all nationalities to experience the bliss of peace and meditation.
When you arrive in Auroville, you first head to Matrimandir, the globe of golden glistening discs, which lets you experience peace in its most surreal form through mass meditation. You must secure a pass to this most sought-after centrepiece of Auroville, where dawn attracts huge gatherings on special occasions creating an atmosphere of unparalleled mass spirituality.
One can experience expansive natural habitats including organic farms, dairies, orchards, forests and even wildlife areas here. Amidst the naturally serene surroundings, there are guest houses that boast of simple living.
In Auroville, known for its authentic bakeries, cafes and the central dining hall, you can cherish fresh farm food prepared with organic ingredients. This is a life devoted to oneness of humanity and oneness with nature.
The best time to visit Auroville is from December, when the monsoon ends here, till February.
Pangong Tso, Ladakh
This is a place that dreams are made up of. If you have difficulty in falling asleep or want to calm your senses, head to Pangong Tso in Ladakh. Nature in its purest form, Pangong Tso is all about crystal-clear water glistening under the sunshine along with pristine white sand beaches magically offset by clear blue skies.
One can experience the pure bliss of nature amidst its most precious resources, air and water, at Pangong Tso. The 134 km long brackish water lake is a sight to behold with rocks and pebbles surrounding the clear blue water body. The rocks situated on the bed of the lake discharge considerable amounts of salt. Since the salt is not drained into any sea or ocean, it remains enclosed within the water body, causing the water to be saline.
Once you arrive here after a long, but smooth and adventurous bike or car ride, you find yourself staring at an unbelievable view, quite difficult to imagine when you are trapped in the urbane chaos. And yes, the way to the lake is as mesmerising and breath-taking as the lake itself.
Plan a trip to one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in India during summers when the blue-green water presents a fascinating view reflecting the magnificently clear azure sky interspersed with cottony clouds. This wonder hidden amidst the barren brown mountains has the ability to change colour too. Due to refraction at high altitudes, the change in sky colour leads to shades of light green, crystal blue, golden, red and even pink reflections in the water. Could anything be more heavenly than this?
Valley of flowers, Uttarakhand
Ever dreamt running in a field of the most exotic flowers? The Valley of flowers hidden in the mountains of Chamoli in Uttarakhand is in short, a dream come true! One of the most exotic and peaceful places to visit in India if you are a nature enthusiast – nourish your soul and feast your eyes on the rare Himalayan blue poppy, orchids, primulas, marigold, daisies and anemones that present a spectacular sight.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this valley has the majestic Himalayas as its backdrop.
To make a trip to this stunning place, one has to reach Rishikesh and then Joshimath. Trek to the valley from this point to find cascading waterfalls and wild streams awaiting you. The valley is accessible only between the months of June and October and the best time to visit is between July and mid-August when the carpet of flowers is in full bloom.
Do remember, your soul and eyes will capture beauty fit for a lifetime more than what your camera can!
Dzukou valley, Nagaland
‘If you truly love nature, you can find beauty anywhere,’ reads one of the boards on the trek routes to Dzukou valley situated in Nagaland. This place is what gives you an overdose of lushness and cascading clouds transporting you into a world of peace and serenity.
Dzukou is a valley located on the borders of Nagaland and Manipur, gaining popularity for its multi-coloured carpet of flowers specially Dzukou Lily that blooms during summers. Plan a trip to this oasis of tranquillity in early June when the endemic lily blooms, giving it the distinction of the ‘valley of flowers of the North-East.’
Interestingly, one must pay a security amount if they are carrying any plastic items. Upon entering the valley, the eyes start feasting on the ‘greens’ all around and one instantly regrets we are endowed with.
Trekking further lets you experience extreme bliss and affirms how we are merely a ‘speck’ in this peaceful, naturally synchronized, vast and empowering universe that sustains us.
Lakshadweep
If Pangong Tso is a heaven on top of India, the emerald sea of Lakshadweep is no less than a paradise. The natural landscapes, the white sand beaches and the abundant flora and fauna add to the mystique that is Lakshadweep.
One leaves behind all the fatigue and stress accumulated at work and in the rigmarole of life by just looking at the resplendent clear blue water and its white sandy banks.
These mesmerizing islands are a hit with explorers who love to walk along the stretches of white sand with turquoise water soothing their senses. One can plunge into the sea for a swim or savour the majestic waves at Agatti, Karawati, Bangaram or any of the popular picturesque islands of Lakshadweep.
The best time to visit Lakshadweep is from October to May, right before the monsoons begin here. Take a flight from Kochi or plan an elaborate cruise trip, Lakshadweep will never send you back disappointed.
So explore these enchanting places in India to get your quota of peace and return home rejuvenated.