As the nation celebrates its Independence Day on the 15th of August, we extend that sense of liberty to a life of travel and adventure through 15 destinations around the country that showcase its beauty, uniqueness, and diversity. Take flight on board the freedom express for the journey of a lifetime!
BY SHUVAJIT PAYNE AND KUNAL BHATIA

Wayanad, Kerala
Imagine sprawling tea plantations nestled in mist-covered hills, with charming rustic cottages awaiting you in hill stations like Kalpetta, Sulthan Bathery, and Vythiri. Wake up to the aroma of freshly-brewed leaves and a gush of cool mountain breeze, or wander through a sensory paradise of fragrant spice gardens alive with vanilla, pepper, cardamom, and more. Make time for the scenic trails leading to the cascading Soochipara Falls and Meenmutty Falls. This romantic solitude is the very essence of plantation life!
Getting There: Vistara offers thrice-daily, non-stop flights between Bengaluru and Kochi; and twice-daily, non-stop flights between Delhi, Mumbai,
and Kochi.

Sendenyu, Nagaland
About a 90-minute-long drive along winding roads from Kohima brings you to this scenic hilltop village. A world-renowned ecotourism destination, it’s home to an expansive lakeside wildlife reserve showcasing exemplary community conservation efforts. Visit traditional thatched houses and the morung—a youth-based cultural centre that is deeply entrenched in the Naga way of life. Savour local dishes and witness the warm hospitality of the Rengma tribe. And the area’s immersive Biodiversity Education Experience Centre is definitely worth a visit!

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Rise and shine—it’s time for an invigorating stretch of Surya Namaskar! As the sunrays light up these mystical ghats, a seasoned yogi guides you through tailored postures. Focus on the pranayama breathing method, harmonising with the soothing chants of morning aarti in the background. These yoga sessions facing the sacred Ganges River can be pre-arranged at the spiritual banks of the Dashashwamedh and Assi Ghats. Try booking a slot with Sunrise Yoga With Ayush or Siddharth Yoga Center for some soulful solace!
Getting There: Vistara offers daily, non-stop flights to Varanasi from Delhi and Mumbai.

Satpura Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
The lush forests of this wildlife haven’s Churna Zone offer abundant sightings of roaring tigers, swift leopards, scurrying giant squirrels, and majestic peacocks. Enhance your experience in this core area with a knowledgeable naturalist from the Bori Safari Lodge or Pugdundee Safaris, ensuring a personalised, luxurious adventure. Whether witnessing a wild cat pouncing on its prey or engaging in courtship rituals, you never know what you may encounter in this green paradise!
Getting There: Vistara offers twice-daily, non-stop flights between Delhi and Indore.

Shillong, Meghalaya
The enthralling vibe of the ‘Rock Capital of India’ has made it the chosen concert venue for global artistes like Michael Learns To Rock and Scorpions. Even local bands such as Soulmate and Aberrant have gained national acclaim, while emerging talents find a stage at Dylan’s Café, Cloud 9, and Cafe Shillong. Head to this vibrant city to experience music echoing fiercely across the valley during the NH7 Weekender and Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival expected to take place later this year.
Getting There: Vistara offers twice-daily flights between Delhi and Guwahati; non-stop, daily flights between Dibrugarh and Guwahati; and 5x weekly, non-stop flights between Guwahati and Bengaluru.

Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Feet on the pedals, a gentle breeze on your face, and the city skyline unfolding ahead—the green Sabarmati Riverfront offers a smooth, car-free, blissful ride along its dedicated cycling track. One can do a lot here on two wheels, such as a guided heritage tour of the Old City to spots like Bhadra Fort, Teen Darwaza, and Manek Chowk, or a family-friendly outing by the picturesque Kankaria Lake.
Getting There: Vistara offers 4x daily, non-stop flights between Delhi and Ahmedabad; thrice-daily, non-stop flights between Mumbai and Ahmedabad; and twice-daily, non-stop flights between Bengaluru and Ahmedabad.

Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh
Become the co-pilot of your own personal flight by indulging in a tandem paragliding session above the twin villages of Bir and Billing. The Himalayan valley unfolds in all its glorious beauty as you soar through clouds over hot springs, waterfalls, and lush peaks. Ideal conditions prevail from October to June, but for a snowy spectacle, opt for the winter months. Try sky-cycling, mountain biking, and bungee jumping, too, for an adrenaline-packed escapade.
Getting There: Vistara offers thrice-daily, non-stop flights between Mumbai and Chandigarh; twice-daily, non-stop flights between Delhi and Chandigarh; and daily, non-stop flights between Bengaluru and Chandigarh.

Colvale, Goa
Renowned for its idyllic vacation vibes, India’s ‘Sunshine State’ is now famous for its range of home-grown gin brands, embracing unique Indian flavours. Sign up for a spirited afternoon with Tāmras’ Adventurist Spirits Distillery tour for a glimpse into the creation of this spirit. The grand finale? A tasting session, followed by a cocktail masterclass, complete with cheese and nibbles. Cheers!
Getting There: Vistara offers thrice-daily, non-stop flights between Bengaluru and Dabolim, Goa; twice-daily, non-stop flights between Delhi, Mumbai and Dabolim, Goa; and twice-daily, non-stop flights between Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Mopa, Goa.

Bikaner, Rajasthan
Bhujia Bazar is the epicentre of the spicy dal moth (fried lentil) and gram flour-based Bikaneri snack-quake! And that’s just the tip of the ‘snack’berg—relish the crispy, flavourful stuffed raj kachori (deep-fried pastry) or the crumbly dry moong stuffing of khasta kachoris. Famous culinary stops like Chhappan Bhog and The Laxmi Niwas Palace line up unique Rajasthani delicacies. Wash it all down with a sharbat (flavoured drink) from Chunnilal!
Getting There: Vistara offers thrice-daily, non-stop flights between Mumbai and Jaipur.

Chilika Lake, Odisha
From flamingoes to kingfishers, it’s nature’s showtime, and you’ve got front-row seats! As Asia’s largest coastal, brackish-water lagoon, this waterbody dazzles with over 200 migratory and resident birds. But that’s not all—catch a glimpse of the shy, elusive Irrawaddy dolphins on a motorboat ride. Remember, spotting these endangered creatures is a rare treat, so responsible tourism means respecting their privacy at all costs.
Getting There: Vistara offers thrice-daily, non-stop flights between Delhi and Bhubaneswar; and daily, non-stop flights between Mumbai and Bhubaneswar.

Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
It seems right that this ‘Golden City of a Thousand Temples’ is equally famed for its iconic Kanjivaram sarees, which feature distinctive designs with heavy gold weaving, motifs, and ‘temple’ borders. Authentic pieces are sold exclusively by select cooperatives and weavers with a GI tag. Whether you love shopping or are a bride-to-be, head to Gandhi Road and Mettu Street to get your hands on these heirlooms!
Getting There: Vistara offers 4x daily, non-stop flights between Delhi and Chennai; and thrice-daily, non-stop flights between Mumbai and Chennai.

Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep
This crescent-shaped isle on the southernmost tip of this Union Territory’s archipelago has equally beautiful environs beneath its blue seas as it does on the surface! Three large shipwrecks serve as underwater museums here—imagine gliding past schools of fish, encountering sea turtles, manta rays, and even sharks, as well as marvelling at corals in every hue imaginable. You can also go fishing or stroll around the historic 19th-century lighthouse on the island.

Tulian Lake, Kashmir
If the Kashmir Great Lakes trek in the Himalayas seems daunting, try the gentler hike at this gorgeous water basin near Pahalgam. Stroll through pine, fir, chir, and spruce trees, enjoy blooming flora between May and October, and camp in surreal meadows. Assisted by a mule ride, if needed, the final rocky stretch takes you 12,000 feet above sea level, revealing the turquoise alpine lake amidst snow-capped peaks. Breathtaking!
Getting There: Vistara offers twice-daily, non-stop flights between Delhi and Srinagar; and daily, non-stop flights between Jammu and Srinagar.

Bengaluru, Karnataka
Looking to live the ‘Be And Let Be’ mantra? Then you’re in the right place! Go for a Sunday morning jog and breakfast at the airy Cubbon Park with the welcoming Bengaluru Frontrunners group, partake in a ‘Good As You’ meet or plan a getaway with Out and About—India’s first queer-inclusive travel and experience community based out of the city. Whether in tech or lifestyle, this megalopolis is always leading from the front!
Getting There: Vistara operates 70 daily flights to and from Bengaluru connecting 13 domestic destinations.

Kolkata, West Bengal
The city’s vibrant nightlife is celebrated in the iconic Bengali song lyrics, “Tantra, Someplace Else-e ke leela khela khelse?” (Who is playing divine games at Tantra, Someplace Else!) The Park Street area is dotted with hangout options like The Myx, Nocturne, and Shisha Bar Stock Exchange. On weekends, hop by the iconic Trincas for live jazz performances and bask in the old-world ‘Calcutta’ charm over continental dishes and cocktails.
Getting There: Vistara offers 5x daily, non-stop flights between Delhi and Kolkata; thrice-daily, non-stop flights between Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata, and daily, non-stop flights between Port Blair and Kolkata. 

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