Offbeat destinations for travelers and foodies

When it comes to holidays, all of us have our priorities. Some look for peace in the wilderness, others head towards shopping destinations, some look for rejuvenating escapades and while some go looking for scrumptious food. Summers are here and many of us are planning one of those much-awaited holidays. Here is a list of some destinations are may not be among the most frequente spots, but are truly inspiring and will definitely be a memorable experience.

If you are travelling on budget but want to go a little farther than Nepal, think Philippines! Encircled with azure water all around, this country is a perfect amalgam of natural beauty and man-made feats. If you are looking at a detox holiday that would leave you healthier, you must visit The Farm, an eco-luxury medical resort only 90 minutes’ drive from Manila. It rests on 48 hectares of lush green jungle, with a stunning view of the majestic mountains, pure and fresh air with clear and positive life-giving energy radiating around the place. This holiday that you take may rid you of most of your ailments as this place offers medically supervised Health Optimization Programs that include Holistic Wellness, Detox Cleanse, Weight Management, Diabetes Prevention & Heart Health; Executive Health Programs from Pain Management & Mental Health; Cellular Health Programs and Aesthetic Beauty & Anti-Ageing Programs etc. They offer you food and drinks that cleanse your system by removing toxins and trust us, they are delicious!

While the world marches to Dharmsala and McLeodganj, think of visiting a place where cuckoos sing tirelessly, mongra flowers fill the air with sweet fragrance and tall pine trees harbour the nests of thousands of birds. Palampur is pristine and untouched and full of scenic beauty. It is not much of a tourist destination and if you are looking at some high-activity tourist spots, you will be disappointed. But if you are looking for a relaxed holiday in completely natural settings, savouring some of your favourite dishes, go to WelcomHeritage Taragarh Palace in Palampur. It is a beautiful, 19th century palace overlooking the snowclad Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas. This, almost 100-year-old building initially served as the palace of the Maharaja of Palampur. With antiques decorating the walls and little outside disturbance to distract you, you can spend lazy afternoons here simply listening to the songs of birds and basking in the mild sun. You can get to experience some amazing Himachali food that includes scrumptious dishes like Chana Madra, which has a yoghurt based gravy, Kale Chane ka Khatta which has a sweet and sour taste, sweet rice or Mittha, indigenous pancake called Aktori, Babru which looks like a kachori, Siddu-the local bread, Himachali Dham which is a thali that includes all these and much more and Khatta Meat which is a mutton preparation par excellence.

If you are too much battered in maintaining that work life balance and desperately need a healing break, you can visit this Ayurvedic retreat which gives you a personalised wellness experience. Mekosha provides age-old, traditional therapies in a modern elegant setting. All the rooms here are spa suits with an integral private treatment room. Situated on the banks of river Attingal Aaru in Kerala the place allows you to experience a life in the slow lane. The entire property is designed in a minimalist theme including handcrafted teak wood, and clean, elegant interiors to avoid any clutter or strain on the mind. The place not just provides you with clean, food which is a treat to your senses but also ensures you burn it with guided walks along the river and nature yoga sessions.

Chitwan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for the successful conservation ground for one-horned rhino. If you are looking for complete Jungle experience and wish to see tigers, leopards, sloth bears and elephants in their natural habitat, stay at Meghauli Serai, a 30-room game luxury lodge where you can not just enjoy the thrill of complete wilderness but also savour some scrumptious Nepali delicacies. From wood roasted pahadi chicken to organically grown veggies and rice, this place is an absolute delight for food lovers and those who want to spend a quiet holiday with a chirpy river flowing by and wilderness enveloping you in its most raw and unadulterated form.

For those looking to experience authentic village life, Sonapani is a must visit destination. Situated near Mukteshwar, in Uttarakhand, this place is pristine and full of natural beauty. Sit in the varandah of the resort, listen to the jungle sounds and enjoy naturally grown food and innumerable cups of chai. This place is completely devoid of anything that reminds of the city. One has to walk for 25 minutes as the village is connected with a narrow dirt path. They have one fruit tree outside every cottage and what you are offered is fresh, organically gown food! You can also pick your own veggies and ask the cook to prepare them. Day long hikes, short walks, bonfire and books will keep you entertained here.