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World Tourism Day: Unwind at These Offbeat Indian Getaways Before Diwali Crowds Arrive
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CNBC TV18•27-09-2026, 09:15
World Tourism Day: Unwind at These Offbeat Indian Getaways Before Diwali Crowds Arrive
- •Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh: Discover the Apatani community's unique paddy and fish farming, serene pine forests, and mild autumn weather after the music festival.
- •Chopta, Uttarakhand: Base for treks to Tungnath and Chandrashila, offering crisp mountain air and clear views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba.
- •Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh: A quiet alternative to busy tourist spots, known for riverside wooden cottages, trout fishing, and hikes to Serolsar Lake.
- •Orchha, Madhya Pradesh: Explore 16th-century Bundela architecture along the Betwa River, including Raja Mahal and Jahangir Mahal, with fewer crowds.
- •Mandu, Madhya Pradesh: A historic fortress town featuring extensive medieval Afghan architecture like the Jahaz Mahal and the scenic Pavilion of Roopmati.
Key Questions Answered
Great offbeat destinations for an October trip before the Diwali crowds include Chopta and Tirthan Valley in the mountains, Orchha and Mandu in Madhya Pradesh, Pelling in Sikkim, and Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh.
Situated at an elevation of 2,680 metres, Chopta serves as the base for treks to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world, and the Chandrashila summit, offering clear panoramic vistas of peaks like Nanda Devi and Trishul.
Mandu features extensive medieval Afghan architecture, including the Jahaz Mahal built to resemble a floating ship between two artificial lakes, and the hilltop Pavilion of Roopmati overlooking the Narmada River valley.
