Skip the Queue

Lesser-known places that do the same job

Nothing wrong with the famous names. These are what to do when they're full.

Instead of
Jaipur
Go to
Bundi
The same Rajput palaces and stepwells, down ordinary lanes, without the tour buses.
Instead of
Manali
Go to
Tirthan Valley
River and forest walks on the edge of Great Himalayan National Park.
Instead of
Goa
Go to
Gokarna or Tarkarli
Crescent beaches reached on foot, and clear water on the Konkan coast.
Instead of
Alappuzha
Go to
Munroe Island
Narrow canals worked by canoe rather than convoys of houseboats.
Instead of
Hampi
Go to
Badami, Aihole & Pattadakal
Where the temple architecture Hampi inherited was first worked out.
Instead of
Shimla
Go to
Chail or Kasauli
Deodar forest and colonial-era quiet an hour from the crowds.
Instead of
Darjeeling
Go to
Kalimpong or Pelling
The same Kangchenjunga views with room to stand still.
Instead of
Ranthambore
Go to
Tadoba or Satpura
Strong tiger sightings, fewer jeeps, and walking safaris at Satpura.
Instead of
Rishikesh
Go to
Chopta
Short high-altitude trails and meadows instead of riverfront queues.
Instead of
Munnar
Go to
Vagamon or Wayanad
Grassland hills and plantation stays with lighter traffic.