From “when would this be over” to “if this would be over”, it has been close to six months since humanity has faced one of its biggest challenges ever. In these trying times when there is a significant lack of hope and positivity, we interviewed our favourite Indian travel blogger couples to take us into that beautiful world of travel and adventure. We asked them to share offbeat travel tips, undiscovered trails in India, places that are close to their heart that we can explore post-COVID-19. So, get your best winter wear ready as we venture into these hidden winter wonderlands of India.

The Mesmerizing Auli

The beautiful cover image of the Auli Hill Station is by Mandeep Thander.

A bit about the couple:

Tejashhri and Harshavardhan are travel blogger couple from Mumbai. With their amazing travel experiences and moments captured through the lens of a camera, their Instagram handle - @vagabond_travelcouple is a sight to sore eyes.

The land of Gods, that is the tagline for Uttarakhand tourism. And we absolutely agree, the state is so blessed with a perfect blend of nature, weather, and the beautiful temples at the mountain peaks that just like us humans no God would like to leave the place. Mussoorie, Nainital, Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Haridwar to name a few, the state is truly blessed. But Tejashhri and Harshavardhan have to say about another hidden gem of Uttarakhand which is their favourite winter getaway in India.

“Imagine getting up early, sipping your hot cup of tea, and witnessing the sunrise over the magnificent Nanda Devi peak! This was Auli for us! The sheer beauty of snow-clad peaks had us mesmerized.”, this is what Tejashhri and Harshavardhan had to say about their favourite winter destination. 

Auli is a beautiful town in the Chameli district of Uttarakhand that attracts tourists for its picturesque background for skiing and hiking.

The name Auli means meadow and being true to its name, the place is draped in meadows with lush greenery and when the winter arrives, the meadows get blanketed in white snow. Even though Auli is a magnet for the skiers and hikers, there are very many other attractions in the place. “Though skiing may not be on your list, there are various snow activities in Auli. It is a remote place, with budget hotels as compared to the overcrowded hill stations like Shimla and Manali. But it is a must-visit!”, explains the couple.

[caption id="attachment_3229" align="aligncenter" width="890"] Mt. Nanda Devi Peak at Dusk | Image by Sumod K Mohan[/caption]

Another wonderful experience is in the cable car that takes you from Auli to Joshimath promises magical views of the majestic mountains. If you are visiting the place in the winter you will get a fabulous view of the Nanda Devi Peak. The gondola makes you ascend over 1000 meters in less than 15 minutes; from Joshimath (1875m) to Auli (3050m). “Be mindful that the last cable car leaves around 5 pm (depending on the season), so it's always better to reach Joshimath by noon (because we almost missed the last cable car). Our best memory from the trip is definitely the clear view of Nanda Devi peak!”, remembers the couple.

When & How to visit the place?

The best time to visit the place is from June to October, but if you are someone who wants to see the town in all their winter glory, then January is the time.  The nearest airport is Dehradun and the nearest railway station is at Rishikesh. The perfect option for a family road trip from Delhi or Dehradun. According to Tejashhri and Harshavardhan, “enjoying the snow and the beautiful view but the frostbites are painful. So, carry enough thermal clothes and take all precautions”. If you are planning a winter getaway, make sure to pack your layers according to the temperature range. Take thermal wear that is graded for extreme cold weather in India. 

The Charming Dirang

A bit about the couple:

Sandeepa and Chetan are the award-winning travel blogger couple whose stories from around the world are an inspiration to many. They capture a slice of life around the globe through their camera lens and showcases it brilliantly. You can find them online at @sandeepachetan.

Arunachal Pradesh! The largest and the diverse state of North-East India. This state is a paradise for the botanists due to the wide variety of flora and fauna and a wonderland for the mountain lovers. Colourful scenery and rich cultural heritage make this state a favourite for travellers. Tawang, Ziro, Itanagar, and Bhalukpong are some of the most famous tourist destinations in Arunachal Pradesh. Even though Tawang is in the bucket list of most tourists, Dirang is the hidden gem that only the offbeat travellers know.

Dirang is a small village in the banks of the Dirang Chu(river) which is on the way to Journey to Tawang. Everyone knows of Dirang as a stay over for the ones visiting Tawang, but this cosy pine-scented village has a charm of its own and is perfect for a 2-day stay. Dirang is also home to one of the ancient and largest tribes in the North-East named the Monpa Tribe. They are a proud tribe with a rich cultural heritage and are excellent archers. Dirang is a great place for immersive travellers. 

“A walk around Dirang Dzong gives us a peek into the slice of life of the Monpa tribe, who practise Buddhism. You can visit ancient monasteries. You might even be invited to attend the prayer. A short drive from Dirang is a place called Samtu, a village with a handful of houses hidden in a valley. The life of the Monpas here hasn't changed much for generations. Ace archers, they will even let you try your hand at archery. ”, explains Sandeepa and Chetan. 

[caption id="attachment_3230" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A Snapshot of Dirang by SandeepaChetan[/caption]

When & How to visit the place?

November to February is the best time to visit Dirang and the weather is pleasant at between 5℃ and 12 ℃. If you are planning on visiting the place by Air, Guwahati is the nearest airport, and Dirang is well connected through roadways. The nearest railway station is Tezpur. “Dirang is the last bit of sun you will see on your way to Tawang. It is warmer than the other places on the Tawang circuit, but still one-warm-layer cold even on the best weather days. My 4-way Kosha jacket was the best winter gear I could ask for. The internal fleece jacket was just right for walks around Dirang Dzong. And once we left Dirang, and got on the Sela pass en route Tawang, all I had to do was zip on the outer layer. It played a huge role in letting me enjoy the journey up the snow-covered Sela pass.”, remembers the couple.

The Serene Dharamshala

A bit about the couple:

Neha and Arindam are an amazing travel blogger couple who are into films, travel, and adventure. They depict the young, vibrant, and offbeat destinations around the world in their YouTube and Instagram channels. You can find them @breathtaking.postcards.

'Unforgettable', the tagline of Himachal Pradesh tourism. Short, Simple, and Oh So True. Himachal Pradesh is a paradise for skiers, trekkers, and the lovers of snow and mountains. Many people know Himachal Pradesh through Kullu, Manali, or Shimla, but there is a lesser-known underrated hill station in the lap of the Himalayan Valley which is a favourite travel memory for Neha and Arindam.

[caption id="attachment_3170" align="aligncenter" width="890"] Neha and Arindam under the picturesque landscape in Dharamshala[/caption]

 “Husband n I have a pact, we live in Delhi so we can drive or take the bus to Dharamshala. It’s one special trip.  We prefer to go in winter. Has a calm vibe to it. When you open your window, you have snowfall. Forest trail from village to town. Magical and happy trip.”, explains Neha.

This quaint hill station in the Himachal Pradesh is a treat for the eyes with rows of coniferous and Deodar cedar pines decorating the slopes and the roadways. While green is the colour of the valleys, it is the beautiful white ice-caped mountains that steal the show. Dharamshala being true to its etymology is really a place to find peace or sanctuary. Host to the Dalai Lama, Dharamshala has got something for everyone with its Tibetan influence, postcard-worthy scenery, and the forest trails.

When & How to visit the place?

The best time to visit the place is spring and autumn, but if you want to get the smell of the pine corns and the feeling of snow melting under your boots, you need to visit this place in the winter. Make sure that you have your layers right when you are visiting this place. Go for a warm lightweight thermal wear and your favourite pair of jeans, and you are good to go. If you are someone who loves winter, bring your jacket and wear your warmest winter socks.

The Mystical Rumsu

A bit about the couple:

Joy and Chandreyi are the Architecture and PR couple who found their common passion for travel and adventure. With amazing photographs and talks about some of the most beautiful places in the world, this travel blogger couple features as @themoonchasersofficial in social media channels.

Rumsu is one of the other unforgettable experiences that the wonders of Himachal Pradesh have to offer. Offbeat, quiet, and hidden from the rush and the busy world this place is pure magic. 

The couple has a lot of fond memories about the place. "Rumsu is a tiny hamlet, a few miles further up from the famous Naggar village in Himachal Pradesh. Our fate works in interesting ways and we ended up staying with a Himachali family in this beautiful village for 2 days. There was no sign of snow when we had reached our homestay. But while having a cup of tea and chitchat with the owner, it started snowing heavily!", remembers the couple with a fondness evident in their tone as they continue. "Within 30 minutes the whole village turned white and we were told to join the host family in their kitchen for a sumptuous dinner. It was not the snow that made our stay so special, it was the warmth of the tandoor and the love with which we were fed simple meals that made Rumsu such an incredibly special place."

[caption id="attachment_3169" align="aligncenter" width="890"] Joey & Chandreyi with a bunch of enthusiastic school kids in RumsuJoey & Chandreyi with a bunch of enthusiastic school kids in Rumsu[/caption]

Rumsu is a small archaic village situated in the valleys of Himachal Pradesh, this is the ultimate destination to take a negativity detox. Even with the conflicting consumer sentiments in India during the coronavirus, this is one place that can help you take a break from reality. All you need is a long walk through the dim-lit streets with wooden houses on the sides.

“Rumsu is a place for seekers of solitude. A few km walk from the village in the snow was the favourite thing to do for the duration of our stay. We spent the evenings in front of heater playing games with the children of our homestay owner, helped Bhabhi get groceries from the nearest town and really, just lived with them as friends and not guests. It was perhaps the best part of it all. Being able to feel at home, in a village you've never been to before, effortlessly so!” Chandreyi recollects.

When & How to visit the place?

The nearest airport is at Kullu and the nearest railway station is Chandigarh. There are bus services from Naggar to Rumsu. The best time to visit the place in summer but if you want to experience the winter beauty of the place, you need to visit here in Winter. As Chandriya says “first snowfall is always special”. So make sure you have a quality winter wear while you are travelling to hill stations in winter.

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Talking with these amazing couples make us miss travelling even more. But, we also understand the duty of a responsible citizen and are ready to wait for things to stabilize. It is a task to wait, but we know the wait would be worth it. What do you think about these places? What are the other underrated getaways from India in your Post Covid-19 travel bucket list? Let us know :)

This article was written by Kosha Team member: Reshma Rajendran

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Till next time!