You don’t want to travel. You want to escape. If that’s how you feel about holidaying in India right now, don’t worry – the travel map of India has you covered.
If the Goa-Manali tourist circuit feels overwhelmingly familiar in 2026, head north to Sikkim’s hill stations. If crowded cafes aren’t really your thing anymore, spend a holiday exploring Meghalaya’s landscapes and waterfalls. Love history and old architecture? Consider Patan in Gujarat for your next heritage getaway.
Sikkim: For Mountains Without the Usual Manali Rush
Sikkim is great for travellers who want to see mountains, but don’t necessarily want to take the ‘regular’ route through Manali.
Destinations like Gangtok, Pelling, Ravangla and Namchi offer different takes on the state – some are better for mountain views and monastery tours, others have laid-back cafes or authentic village stays. But what appeals to younger travellers in Sikkim is also the driving experience itself – scenic mountain roads, homestays, local cuisine and smaller towns where everything seems to move at a slower pace.
Meghalaya : best suited for travellers who just want to be outdoors for the majority of their holiday.
Meghalaya asks the questions: What if your holiday is spent outside? What if you could just stop and stare at your view?
Waterfalls. Forests. Caves. Living root bridges. Dramatic cliffs. Welcome to Meghalaya. The state also lends itself well to road trips where you can make the journey part of your holiday.
Its four main destinations – Shillong, Cherrapunji, Dawki and Mawlynnong – are a treasure trove of natural experiences.
A lot of younger Indian travellers, especially Gen Z-ers, are craving Instagrammable experiences. But at the same time, they’re burnt out by scenes that scream “beach holiday”. Meghalaya offers the best of both worlds.
Patan: The Heritage Stay Alternative
With its ancient architecture, cobbled streets and landmark Rani-ki-Vav, Patan is a treat for history buffs. But Patan can also appeal to travellers interested in lesser-known aspects of Indian culture like handicrafts, and more relaxed forms of tourism.
Travel influencers and millennials are showing more interest in ‘heritage stays’ these days – village stays that are actually heritage villas or traditional houses that have been beautifully restored. Think old world architecture, courtyards gardens, local craftsmanship and property with regional character.
The Rise of Offbeat Travel
Here’s the thing: “Offbeat” doesn’t necessarily mean “out-of-the-way”. It just means in-your-face tourists isn’t the focus.
Travel trends suggest that after a couple of years of popular Instagram spots crowded with tourists, Indian travellers are craving a reprieve. What they want now are less lines, more relaxed mornings, and spaces to themselves.
That could look like waking up to views of the Himalayas in Sikkim. Or taking a road trip through Meghalaya. Or simply enjoying dinner at a centuries-old mansion in Gujarat that has been converted into a luxury home away from home.
And that might be the biggest trend of 2026: travellers no longer associate luxury with five-star hotels and pampered vacations. Sometimes, luxury is just having enough space to breathe.
| Destination | Best for | Ideal trip |
| Sikkim | Mountains, monasteries, slow travel | 5–7 days |
| Meghalaya | Road trips, waterfalls, nature | 6–8 days |
| Patan | Heritage, architecture, culture | 2–3 days |
