This Raksha Bandhan, ditch that ‘chocolate box’ and gift a trip to your sibling

India is a land of festivals; in fact, we have festivals to mark almost all occasions. Raksha Bandhan is one such festival that we eagerly wait to celebrate. Raksha Bandhan, i.e., Raksha and Bandhan, in Sanskrit translates to ‘the knot of protection’. One major reasons for this festival being a favourite with many is because it comes with many goodies.
You can also go beyond your blood relationship and tie the auspicious rakhi and celebrate this occasion. And strangely, the camaraderie that a brother and a sister share, cannot be put in words. So, celebrating this bond becomes all the more special.

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in the month of August, and this article is all about tips to make this day special for you. While TV commercials are endorsing the fact that gifting chocolate boxes are the best gift ever, we suggest going beyond the usual. Trust us, a box of chocolate is not the fanciest gift ever.
This year, celebrate Raksha Bandhan by gifting your sibling a trip; if fact, have a trip together. What better than exploring the world and testing your bond in the real world! If this idea intrigues you even remotely, then read on. Here, we have listed out places, where you can plan a trip and enjoy the trip of your lifetime with your sibling.
Pick a place of your choice, for we have covered the best of North, East, West and South of India!

North India

This part of India is a treasure trove for adventure enthusiasts and mountain lovers. Speak of picturesque mountains, the popular and oh-so-beautiful hill stations, this region makes for some interesting holiday destinations. The list boasts of blockbuster names, such as Kashmir, the heaven on Earth; Mcleodganj and Dharamshala, where you find Tibetan charm; Shimla, favourite choice for most; Manali and Kullu, hub for honeymoon couples and adventure freaks; and the list goes on.

Check on the actions that you would like set your foot on once you are here. Be it adventure, calm, relaxation or a bout of spirituality—North India has a lot on offer. Pick the one that suits your mood, budget and occasion aptly.

Places to consider: Agra, Delhi, Kashmir, Amritsar, Kasol, Spiti, Lucknow, Ladakh, Mathura and Vrindavan, Rishikesh, Mussoorie, Nainital, Dehradun and Shimla.

East India

The eastern part of India does not lag behind in offering you all types of holiday options. The ruling ground of many ancient rulers, East India will introduce you to the roots of various ethnic cultures. The creative diaspora of this region has the propensity to spellbind people coming to visit this part from almost all parts of the globe. From Rabindra Sangeet and Sambalpuri dance to Madhubani paintings, you have a lot to discover here. Then, the captivating tea gardens of East India and the ruins of ancient Nalanda University will offer you a contrasting experience, both unique in their own ways.

While there is the largest river island, Majuli in Assam, you also have the world’s sacred Buddhist pilgrimage centre, i.e., Bodh Gaya. North East has also topped the charts in tourism circuit with places like Shillong and Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, which will be a welcoming change for you.

Places to consider: Mirik in West Bengal, Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh, Mawsynram in Meghalaya, Darjeeling, Sikkim and Odisha.


West India

The scenic Western India will enthral you beyond limits. Deserts turning into a dais for colourful celebrations, beaches offering adrenaline-pumping activities, hill stations endorsing perfect getaway to tropical wonders, and dense forests offering you the opportunity of escapism—this is in short what Western India has on offer for you. Global tourists flock this region every year not without any reason. Select from a buffet of places that has the potential to attract all travellers alike.

Places to consider: Goa, Udaipur in Rajasthan, Kutch in Gujarat, Daman and Diu, Mumbai, Ajanta and Ellora caves in Maharashtra, Mahabaleshwar and Alibag

South India

This article will be a sort of wake-up call for you, as a trip down South India is the trip of a lifetime. There is so much to explore in South India that one trip will, however, not do any justice. Here, you get a complete package of mystery and beauty packed together in the flavour of some amazing destinations. It is always a good idea to ditch the over-crowded hill stations and wander to the less-touristy places in South India. At least, you will not be caught up with exhaustion here.

Places to consider: Ooty in Tamil Nadu, Yelagiri and Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu, Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh, and Pondicherry.