Technology in recent years has become an addiction. We spend more than 10 hours a day looking into our phone screen and checking Facebook, Instagram, and other activities on social media that we rarely get time to connect to nature and those around us. If you find yourself sitting at your desk right now and dreaming about places that not only rejuvenates your body, mind and spirit but give you an insight into yourself, it’s time to go underground for a while and indulge in creative ways to give yourself a digital Detox this summer.
From hermitages in the hills, eco-villages, organic farms and etc, India has so many off-the-grid destinations that await you to unplug and relax, among nature walks, yoga and experiences authentic experiences. It’s high time to fill out your fantasy and experiencing the rare possibility of unforgettable offbeat adventures.
Tarkali, Maharashtra
Staying away from modern life isn’t easy especially when you are accustomed to getting things done with a tap on your phone. But, digital disconnection is also an important aspect of life where you must get away from the screen to connect with nature and yourself. Life in cities has become very fast-forward and it is vital for you to take break and head to offbeat places that make you forget about city-rush and enjoy simple pleasures of nature.
Tarkali in Maharashtra is an offbeat paradise that boasts of white beaches, ethereal landscapes, lush greenery and rich and colorful marine life that will simply enchant you. If you are lucky, you may even spot dolphins playing in the calm waters of Tarkali. Besides that, you can go on a walk by the beach, hike the mountain, bake pizza, chit-chat with locals, and spend memorable moments there. You get the picture right?
Gavi, Kerala
Gavi is an untarnished hidden gem of a place with rich wildlife and greenery in abundance. It is also an eco-tourism destination that will give you the feeling of being a discoverer. Go on a trek to the cardamom plantation crisscrossed by waterfalls, camp in the woods, discover tropical fauna and flora, and devour lip-smacking authentic south-Indian cuisine. Gavi offers you experiences that are rustic yet full of adventures that shape your life. It is undoubtedly one of the best places to explore in summers. The food alone will make you forget clicking pictures for instagram! The intoxicating charm of a laid-back vacation in Gavi will surely win your heart.
Gurez Valley, Kashmir
No one can truly describe the beauty that Kashmir is. However, one thing is certain that when you embark on your trip to Kashmir, the paradise on earth will change you for good. Gurez Valley in Kashmir is an untarnished land that prides itself in its heart-winning backdrops and breathtaking landscapes that will force you to leave your smartphone at home and revel in the ultimate beauty nature has bestowed the place with. Your days will be spent meditating, embarking on nature walks/hikes, enjoying sound healing, and more… all well remaining mum all the time. If you are looking for a calm place (without the intrusion of phone calls, social media updates, who’s doing what and etc) to re-discover yourself, there is no better place than Gurez Valley.
Nako, Lahual Spiti
Surrounded by greenery, Nako is an ideal location to discover the luxury of the essential. Blessed with a distinct topography, Nako in Spiti Valley is a small town that resembles the moon. From here, you can visit the ancient monastery of Tabo and experience solitude away from the maddening crowd of the cities. Here, at the edge of the world, Nako with poor cell phone reception, no TVs, and limited access to Wi-Fi will help you get a break from technology and enable you to be fully present for adventures such as hiking, meditation, chit-chatting with the monks, gain wealth of knowledge on life and beyond etc. So why not switch off your phone for a week and head to Nako to experience the feeling of contentment even when you don’t have a smartphone with you. It will be an experience of a lifetime for sure!
Khimsar, Rajasthan
If you want some magic sprinkled on your life, Khimsar in Rajasthan will do more than that. With its scenic landscapes, rich history, deep-rooted culture, and tales of valor, Khimsar will hold your attention. Talk about digital detox destinations in India, Khimsar is one that gives you plenty of reasons to travel and explore the place. There are monuments that are more than thousand years old, wildlife that are accustomed to the harsh climate of the region, stories and folklore of the golden desert that will pull you towards it. The majestic architecture of grand forts is another thing to keep you connected with India’s rich cultural heritage. Khimsar by no means will bore you if you wish to have a quiet vacation away from the stressful life in the cities.
Agatti Island, Lakshadweep Islands
If you are a beach person, then visiting Agatti Island to get detoxification from the digital world is the best idea to execute. Here instead of trying to best your Instagram rivals, you can do liming (living in the moment) where you practically need not do anything but chill and relax. Sometimes all we need to freshen up our mind is to do nothing but relax. Forgetting the city life and rediscovering the slow rhythms of nature offer you the opportunity to walk, swim, explore the coast by canoe, watch the sunset and eat together. Sounds dreamy right? Well stop dreaming and start packing your backpack since Agatti is calling you!
Valparai, Tamil Nadu
Who says you can’t rejuvenate yourself in unknown destinations? On the contrary, exploring the unchartered territories is one thing that makes any journey all more interesting and adventurous. Valparai is a tiny hill-station in Tamil Nadu that gives you a glimpse of rich wildlife, tribe spotting, tea estates, cascading waterfalls, and sharp hairpin bends that can scare the daylights out of you. An unusual destination to explore in summer, Valparai will make you fall in love with it so much so that you won’t be able to resist the temptation of visiting it over and again. It is without a doubt a magical place where the addiction of phone fades in front of nature’s glorious retreat. Pack your bags to Valparai and meet nature in its untarnished form.
