Top 21 de-stressing & relaxing HOLIDAY destinations

Being on a holiday shouldn’t feel like a task. If at all, it should feel like waking up from sleep on a Saturday morning. You’ve had 8-9 hours of sleep yet you are yawning. If my words strike a chord, here’s a personal list (The Hosteller -sponsored) of 21 destinations for a panic-free, de-stressing and relaxing holiday.

Note: We spend the majority of our planning in finalizing the stay. You’ve got one less thing to worry about with us. If you haven’t stayed with us ever, there’s always a first time. I promise, you stay with us once, there’s no place else you’d ever want to be.

1) Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh

Ideal stay: 2-3 days

What to do?

• Walk through Gilbert Trail (morning mist, chirping birds, zero crowd).
• Sip chai at Cafe Mitti & watch the world pass by.
• Enjoy old-world charm at Christ Church.
• Watch a gorgeous sunset from Manki Point.
  

Sunset from the Monkey Point

2) Mashobra & Tattapani, Himachal Pradesh

Ideal stay: 3-4 days

What to do?

• Stay in a cosy wooden homestay or hostel.
• Go on a slow nature walk in the Reserve Forest Sanctuary.
• Have long, lazy breakfasts with mountain views.
• Ride through the hills to Tattapani for hot springs.
• Take a dip in the natural hot springs for stress relief.
• Go riverside camping & listen to the flowing water.
• Try white water rafting (if you’re feeling adventurous).

3. Mathura & Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 

Ideal stay: 2-3 days

What to do?

• Wake up at 5 AM to witness early morning aartis.
• Visit all the popular temples.
• Have local thalis.
• Take a bath in the Yamuna River.
• Walk along Yamuna Ghats at sunrise.
• Sit in ISKCON Temple & just listen to bhajans.
• Visit Barsana and seek blessings from Radha Mata.
• Take on Govardhan Prakrima challenge.

Yamuna Ghat, Mathura

4. Haridwar & Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 

Ideal stay: 3-4 days

What to do?

• Take a dip in the holy Ganga at Har Ki Pauri.
• Sit by the riverbanks and listen to temple bells.
• Have bedmi puri & aloo sabzi for breakfast.
• Take part in sunrise yoga by the Ganga.
• Attend the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat.
• Chill at Shambala Cafe & read a book.
• Walk across Laxman Jhula with chai in hand.
• Take up adventure sports.

Ganga aarti in Rishikesh

5. Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh

Ideal stay: 3-4 days

What to do?

• Watch a cricket match at Dharamshala Stadium.
• Explore the place on foot.
• Sit for hours in Namgyal Monastery.
• Read books, sip Tibetan tea & listen to soft music at Illiterati Cafe.
• Visit Bhagsu Waterfalls & just sit by the flowing stream.
• Take up Triund Trek.

Picturesque view of McLeod Ganj 

6. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh (Off-season)

Ideal stay: 3-4 days

What to do?

• Take long morning walks along the ghats.
• Watch the Ganga Aarti without the rush.
• Have a Banarasi thali & chill at Brown Bread Bakery.

Ghats of Varanasi

7. Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh

Ideal stay: 2-3 days

What to do?

• Visit the Sangam & watch boats gently float by.
• Take a slow cycle rickshaw ride through old streets.
• Visit the local temples one by one.
• Try the local food, one bite at a time.
  
  

8. Jibhi, Himachal Pradesh

Ideal stay: 4-5 days

What to do?

• Stay at The Hosteller!
• Read, hike, sip tea, repeat.
  

9. Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Ideal stay: 3-4 days

What to do?

• Take slow nature walks along the Tirthan River.
• Try trout fishing (and maybe grill it yourself!).
• Visit Serolsar Lake for a peaceful hike.

Pure beauty of Tirthan valley

10. Gokarna, Karnataka 

Ideal stay: 3-4 days

What to do?

• Stay in a beachside hostel or hut.
• Meditate on Om Beach early in the morning.
• Walk from Kudle Beach to Paradise Beach - a stunning coastal trek.
• Eat fresh seafood at Shacks like Namaste Cafe.

Peaceful yoga by Gokarna beach

11. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Ideal stay: 5-6 days

What to do?

• Stay in a traditional homestay in Langza or Kibber.
• Spend a night at Key Monastery and experience monk life.
• Just sit by Chandratal Lake and let nature do the talking.
• Try Yak Cheese and Butter Tea.

Serene views of Spiti Valley

12. Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh

Ideal stay: 2-3 days

What to do?

• Walk around the Khajjiar Lake and just soak in the greenery.
• Try zorbing (rolling downhill inside a giant ball!).
• Stay in a wooden cottage with a view.
  

13. Mawlynnong, Meghalaya

Ideal stay: 3-4 days

What to do?

• Walk through the village and stay in a bamboo hut.
• Visit the Living Root Bridges.
• Take a day trip to Dawki River, one of the cleanest rivers in the world.

Living Root Bridges, Mawlynnong, Meghalaya 

14. Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

Ideal stay: 3-5 days

What to do?

• Stay in a traditional Apatani homestay.
• Explore the golden rice fields & bamboo forests.
• Visit during the Ziro Music Festival for a mix of peace & music.

15. Alleppey, Kerala 

Ideal stay: 2-3 days

What to do?

• Stay overnight on a traditional Kerala houseboat.
• Eat authentic Kerala meals on a banana leaf.
• Take a canoe ride through hidden canals.

Ducks gliding on Alleppey backwaters

16. Hampi, Karnataka

Ideal stay: 2-4 days

What to do?

• Rent a cycle & explore Hampi’s ruins.
• Meditate at Virupaksha Temple.
• Watch the sunset at Matanga Hill.
• Chill at Mango Tree Cafe by the river.

Timeless beauty of Hampi

17. Pondicherry

Ideal stay: 3-4 days

What to do?

• Walk through the French Quarter & White Town.
• Have coffee & croissants at Baker Street Cafe.
• Visit Auroville for meditation & tranquillity.
• Just cycle around & explore slow-life vibes.

18. Chopta, Uttarakhand

Ideal stay: 3-4 days

What to do?

• Trek to Tungnath (the World’s Highest Shiva Temple).
• Stay in an eco-hut with insane mountain views.
• Just sit on a meadow and do nothing.

Temple atop the mountains of Chopta

19. Mokokchung, Nagaland

Ideal stay: 3-4 days

What to do?

• Stay in a traditional Naga homestay.
• Explore Ao Naga villages & heritage sites.
• Try authentic Naga food & rice beer.

20. Udaipur, Rajasthan

Ideal stay: 3-5 days

What to do?

• Take a boat ride on Lake Pichola.
• Visit City Palace, but go early to avoid the crowds.
• Explore Ambrai Ghat at sunrise for the best view of Udaipur’s lakefront.
• Dine at Jagat Niwas, one of the most beautiful lakeside restaurants.
• Walk through Shilpgram, an artisan village where Rajasthani culture comes alive.

Udaipur shining at night

21. Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Ideal stay: 2-4 days

What to do?

• Walk through the Blue City and capture Instagram-worthy corners.
• Visit Mehrangarh Fort, but stay back for the sunset.
• Sip on Makhaniya Lassi at Shri Mishrilal Hotel.
• Take a village safari to Bishnoi Village.
• Grab dinner at Raas Haveli, where old-world charm meets modern luxury.

Aerial view of Jodhpur's beauty

22. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

Ideal stay: 2-4 days

What to do?

• Walk along Camel’s Back Road for misty mountain views.
• Take a cable car ride to Gun Hill Point.
• Visit Landour, a quiet European-style hamlet away from the crowds.
• Explore the iconic Mussoorie Library & Mall Road.
• Indulge in freshly baked cakes from Landour Bakehouse.

23. Lansdowne, Uttarakhand

Ideal stay: 2-3 days

What to do?

• Visit Tip N Top, the highest point of Lansdowne.
• Walk around Bhulla Lake, and row a boat while soaking in the silence.
• Explore St. John’s Church, a church from the British era.
• Take a heritage walk through Garhwali Mess.
• Sit in a quiet café with a book.

The Hosteller Lansdowne

24. Munnar, Kerala

Ideal stay: 3-4 days

What to do?

• Take a tea plantation tour. 
• Watch the Neelakurinji flowers bloom (if you’re lucky enough).
• Visit Top Station, where clouds float at eye level.
• Sip freshly brewed Munnar tea.
• Take a slow drive through Eravikulam National Park.

Tea plantations in Munnar

25. Chakrata, Uttarakhand 

Ideal stay: 2-3 days

What to do?

• Trek to Tiger Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in India.
• Visit the Deoban Forest, a paradise for birdwatchers.
• Enjoy panoramic views from Chilmiri Neck, especially at sunrise.
• Take a slow village walk through Kanasar, known for its ancient deodar trees.
• Sit back with pahadi chai at a local tea shop.

Now tell me, which one are you packing for first?