India
1. Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh - The Land of Apatani Culture and Verdant Beauty
Tucked away in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, Ziro Valley is a tranquil haven of rolling green hills, lush rice fields, and dense pine forests. At 1,500 meters above sea level, it enjoys a mild, pleasant climate year-round, making it a dream for nature lovers and trekkers.
What truly sets Ziro apart is the Apatani tribe, one of the most eco-conscious and culturally rich indigenous groups in India. Their terraced farming practices, intricate bamboo homes, and traditional facial tattoos reflect an age-old lifestyle that coexists harmoniously with nature.
Must-do experiences:
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Attend the vibrant Ziro Music Festival held every September.
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Take guided walks through tribal villages to learn about Apatani customs.
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Trek through pine forests and enjoy sweeping valley views.
Ziro remains delightfully under-commercialised, offering a raw and peaceful escape from India’s bustling tourist hubs.
2. Lonar Crater Lake, Maharashtra - A Meteorite Mystery
In the heart of Maharashtra’s Buldhana district lies one of the world’s few hyper-velocity impact craters in basaltic rock - Lonar Crater Lake. Formed around 50,000 years ago by a meteorite impact, the lake is both a geological marvel and a spiritual site, surrounded by ancient temples from the 6th to 12th centuries.
What’s fascinating is the lake's alkaline and saline waters, which support rare microorganisms not found anywhere else. This makes it a field of study for researchers, geologists, and microbiologists from across the globe.
Must-do experiences:
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Hike around the crater’s rim for panoramic views.
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Visit the Daitya Sudhan Temple, a fine example of Hemadpanthi architecture.
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Experience excellent birdwatching in winter, as migratory birds make their seasonal visit.
Despite its scientific significance, Lonar remains relatively unknown, offering travellers a surreal and uncrowded experience.
Canada
Tombstone Territorial Park, Yukon - The Patagonia of the North
For wilderness adventurers, Tombstone Territorial Park in Yukon is a rugged paradise. Often referred to as the "Patagonia of the North," the park features dramatic granite peaks, sweeping tundras, and glacial valleys. The jagged Tombstone Mountains, carved by centuries of erosion and glaciation, give the park its haunting name.
This remote region is home to Dall sheep, moose, black and grizzly bears, and migrating caribou. The Dempster Highway, which cuts through the park, is the only road in Canada that crosses the Arctic Circle.
Must-do experiences:
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Take on the multi-day Grizzly Lake trail for epic alpine views
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Experience summer’s midnight sun or winter’s dazzling aurora borealis while camping in the wild.
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Learn about the area’s indigenous Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in heritage.
Visiting Tombstone requires preparation and a love for solitude, but the rewards are unmatched beauty and connection with untamed nature.
Athabasca Sand Dunes, Saskatchewan - Canada’s Desert-Like Secret
Sand dunes in Canada? Believe it or not, the Athabasca Sand Dunes are among the most northerly dunes in the world, stretching along the southern shore of Lake Athabasca in northern Saskatchewan. Towering up to 30 meters high, they create a surreal, desert-like environment unlike anything else in the country.
These dunes are not just scenic - they’re also biologically rare, hosting unique plant species that exist nowhere else. Accessible only by floatplane, they remain pristine and virtually untouched by tourism.
Must-do experiences:
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Hike and photograph the vast dune fields.
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Take a guided ecological tour to learn about endemic flora. /p>
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Camp in the wilderness and enjoy uninterrupted stargazing.
The Athabasca Sand Dunes are a testament to Canada’s diverse and often surprising landscapes.
United Kingdom
Isle of Jura, Scotland - Whisky, Wilderness, and Wild Deer
Part of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides, the Isle of Jura is a remote and mystical land where red deer outnumber people by more than 30 to 1. With just one road, one pub, and one distillery, Jura is the epitome of isolation. Its rugged hills, peat bogs, and swirling mists have inspired writers and wanderers for centuries. George Orwell wrote "1984" here, while living in a farmhouse near Barnhill.
The island is a haven for those seeking solitude, wildlife, and a touch of old-world charm.
Must-do experiences:
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Hike to the Paps of Jura for sweeping sea views.
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Visit the Jura Distillery for a taste of its smoky, peaty whisky.
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Spot seals, golden eagles, and (of course) countless deer.
For travellers yearning for a windswept escape away from modern distractions, Jura is magic.
Castle Combe, Wiltshire - England’s Prettiest Village
Straight out of a fairy tale, Castle Combe is a medieval village in Wiltshire that’s often dubbed the “prettiest village in England.” With its honey-coloured stone cottages, flower-filled gardens, and gently flowing brook, it’s no wonder the village has been the filming location for movies like Stardust and War Horse.
Though small, Castle Combe offers a glimpse into timeless English countryside life, free from billboards, modern buildings, or even street lamps.
Must-do experiences:
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Walk along the By Brook and across the old stone bridge.
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Enjoy traditional English cream tea at a cozy tearoom. /p>
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Explore the 13th-century St. Andrew’s Church, famous for its unique medieval clock without a face.
For lovers of history, photography, and quiet romance, Castle Combe is a treasure.
New Zealand
Te Urewera Rainforest, North Island - Ancient Forest of the Tuhoe People
Previously a national park, Te Urewera is now legally recognised as its own living entity - a landmark decision that reflects Māori reverence for the land. Located in New Zealand’s North Island, Te Urewera is home to ancient rainforests, remote lakes, and the indigenous Tūhoe tribe, often referred to as the "Children of the Mist."
This vast wilderness is an ecological and cultural sanctuary. It’s a place to walk beneath towering trees, listen to native birdsong, and feel the heartbeat of the land.
Must-do experiences:
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Hike the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk through dense forest and serene shores.
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Stay in eco-lodges run by local Māori communities.
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Learn about indigenous traditions and conservation practices.
Te Urewera offers a soul-stirring escape rooted in deep cultural respect and environmental purity.
Kawhia Hot Water Beach, Waikato - Nature’s Seaside Spa
Move over, Coromandel - Kawhia’s Hot Water Beach is the lesser-known alternative offering the same natural thermal beach experience, minus the crowds. Located in the peaceful town of Kawhia on New Zealand’s North Island west coast, the beach hides geothermal springs beneath its black sand.
At low tide, you can dig your own personal hot pool just a few metres from the shoreline. The warm mineral waters bubbling through the sand create a spa-like soak right next to the cool ocean waves.
Must-do experiences:
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Dig a DIY spa pool and relax during low tide.
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Visit the Oparau Roadhouse for a famous kawakawa ice cream. /p>
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Explore local Māori heritage sites and the calm atmosphere of Kawhia township.
If you're after relaxation in a natural, offbeat setting, Kawhia Hot Water Beach is a coastal gem.