Only if Doraemon’s ‘Anywhere Door’ was real, I would have teleported myself to a place where the overtly enthusiastic extroverts don’t steal the calm. If you are a hopeless introvert like me, you probably need a hefty amount of time to wind up for the day, psych yourself up for random conversations and always need those extra never-ending hours of solitude to recharge. And what about those days while you’re travelling? Well, those are the finite days when you really wish to slow things down, and stare at the brilliant panorama surrounding you and just forget about the world.
After all, time out in solitude is the ultimate elixir for us introverts. And Guess what? These six locations in India form the ultimate wish list for anyone who prefers to be left alone with plenty of space.
Pindar Valley, Uttarakhand
A no man’s land, quite literally! With exquisite mountain villages, enchanting views of the Himalayan mountains and forested trails, Pindar Valley is a fascinating land for anyone who seeks an overdose of tranquillity. The snow-capped mountain peaks serve as the perfect background for otherworldly experiences.
Located in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand, the quaint valley is home to the gorgeous Pindar River that draws its water from the Pindari glacier. This village also gives a pleasing insight into the high altitude mountain life, and the astounding farming and basket weaving traditions of the local communities are sure to make your heart flutter.
Getting there: Take the train from Delhi to Kathgodam, and then hire a cab to reach Pindar Valley via Almora.
Dambuk, Arunachal Pradesh
The remotest of all places is here! If your favourite pastime includes soaking yourself in some countryside vibes, listening to the silence, letting the earthly smells fill your nose and having your mind wander without constraint, then this is your place. Dambuk, located in the Tehsil district in the Eastern part of Arunachal Pradesh, is also one of the least populated districts in the state.
Despite being scarcely populated, this delightful village also grows some of India's finest oranges. The orange garden which is located on the hilltop adjacent to NH-13 is popularly known as the orange bowl of Arunachal Pradesh. During the winter season, the entire village gets filled with orange orchards, which also inspired the idea of a festival with an orange theme! The Dambuk Orange Festival occurs sometime around December every year.
Getting there: Take the Intercity train from Guwahati to Mokokngselek and then avail the special shuttle service (Arunachal State Transport Bus) to Dambuk.
Kakolem Beach, Goa
It’s often believed that the heart of an introvert belongs to the mountains. Because beaches are mostly considered to be the hub of small talks and party peeps! And Goa? Call it a nightmare! There’s no way that a popular state that attracts tourists and youngsters from all around the world can ever fit the ‘introvert’ bucket list. But guess what? The oceans too prefer to be left alone sometimes, and the Kakolem Beach located in South Goa is a testimony to this fact.
Also known as Tiger Beach, Kakolem is one of the least crowded beaches of Goa. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of main Goa, there’s only one narrow path off the main highway that leads to this virgin beach. You need to hike down a series of steps to reach Kakolem, and a small spring that flows down to the sea is undoubtedly the highlight of this beach!
Getting there: Take a cab or auto rickshaws from Margao.
Pabbar Valley, Himachal Pradesh
BRB, I’m busy introverting.
Located about 100kms away from the busy town of Shimla, Pabbar Valley hides itself from the chaotic air of tourists. This picturesque valley is surrounded by deodar, oak trees, and stunning apple orchards, and has an irreplaceable old world charm, waiting to be explored by those who adore the silence.
The lush green valley is where you don’t quite need an itinerary to keep you engaged! And the star of the valley is the Pabbar River, which starts from the glacial ice of the Chandan Nahan Glacier, located high up in the snowy mountains surrounding the enchanting valley. Fagu, Theog, Rohru, Chansal and Dodra Kwar are some charming places in the valley. So if you've started planning your introversion-friendly future travels, don't forget to add Pabbar to your bucket list.
Getting there: Take the direct bus to Rohru from Shimla, or take a cab from Kalka.
Agumbe, Karanataka
If you’re a hardcore introvert, you won’t shy away from admitting that you are a lover of monsoons! You know, the kind of weather where the clouds don’t seem to give way to sunny skies, and the weather is kinda gloomy all the time. Probably, this is the very reason why the fictional town of Winden from Dark appealed to you in the first place (of course it did), then hello! Thank the Rain Gods for Agumbe. One of the wettest places in India, Agumbe boasts of dense greenery and a wide expanse of wetlands.
In fact, this is where the well-known series, Malgudi Days was shot. Agumbe receives more than 7000 mm of rainfall throughout the year. Which is why, Agumbe is also be known as the Cherrapunji of South India. Full of rainforests, unique biodiversity and picturesque settlements, this is an unrivalled place in Karnataka for introverts and nature lovers alike.
Getting there: Take a direct bus from Bangalore to Agumbe or board the bus towards Thirthahalli, and then another bus towards Agumbe.
Borong, Sikkim
A little closer to serenity, and far away from the humdrum of the city- that’s Borong for you! Literally called the ‘silent valley’ of Sikkim, this charming village is located in the western part of Sikkim. As introverts, we certainly enjoy the freedom that befalls when we just let the day unfold on its own. Nature’s beauty inspires us in ways unimaginable. And Borong is the perfect place for anyone who wishes to bid goodbye to the world and hide in a faraway magical land.
While you are here, you can either spend the day birdwatching, hike up to the hot water spring near River Rangit or spend your days visiting monasteries. Rather, just dwelling amid nature in this offbeat village is more like a treat to the senses.
Getting there: Located 17 kms from Ravangla, Sikkim, you can hire a cab to reach this charming village.
Dear Introvert, you deserve to get away from it all, and you deserve to get the best of all. And with these secluded and breathtaking destinations across India, you are sure to find the ultimate solace and isolation you seek!