Step away from the hustle and embrace the beauty of unhurried exploration with slow travel in India. Step away from the hustle and embrace the beauty of unhurried exploration with slow travel in India.
New Delhi:Â
In a world obsessed with bucket lists and fast-paced itineraries, slow travel offers a refreshing alternative â one that allows you to truly connect with places, people, and cultures. India, with its rich diversity and timeless charm, is a treasure trove for slow travellers.
India encourages you to pause, breathe, and immerse deeply. These destinations arenât just about sightseeing â theyâre about soaking in everyday life, sipping chai with locals, exploring hidden trails, and embracing the rhythm of a place with mindfulness and curiosity.
Slow travel places in India:
1. Gokarna, Karnataka
Far less commercialised than Goa, Gokarna is a small coastal town known for its pristine beaches, spiritual energy, and relaxed vibe. You can stay in beachside cottages, meditate by the Arabian Sea, or hike between secluded beaches like Om, Paradise, and Half Moon.
Must-do slow experiences:
Attend morning aarti at the Mahabaleshwar Temple
Practice yoga on the beach
Dine at small cliff cafés while watching the sunset
2. Majuli, Assam
Majuli is the worldâs largest river island, located on the Brahmaputra River. Rich in culture and heritage, itâs a hub of Assamese neo-Vaishnavite culture, with centuries-old monasteries called âSatrasâ that preserve dance, music, and literature.
Must-do slow experiences:
Explore Satras and watch traditional performances
Stay in bamboo huts and interact with locals
Learn about the islandâs disappearing ecosystem
3. Chopta, Uttarakhand
Often called the âMini Switzerland of India,â Chopta is a peaceful hamlet nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas. Itâs the base for treks to Tungnath and Chandrashila, offering breathtaking views and a chance to immerse oneself in Himalayan serenity.
Must-do slow experiences:
Camp under the stars in pine forests
Visit Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple
Sip chai while watching the sun rise over snow peaks
4. Khimsar, Rajasthan
Located between Jodhpur and Bikaner, Khimsar offers a peaceful desert retreat. The ancient Khimsar Fort has been converted into a heritage hotel, and the nearby dunes provide a tranquil escape with fewer tourists.
Must-do slow experiences:
Stay in heritage havelis or mud cottages
Take a camel ride at sunset in the dunes
Engage with the local Bishnoi community
5. Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
A lush green valley surrounded by coffee plantations and tribal culture, Araku is a hidden gem in the Eastern Ghats. The train journey from Visakhapatnam to Araku is one of the most scenic in India.
Must-do slow experiences:
Visit tribal museums and local markets
Tour coffee plantations and sample local brews
Hike to hidden waterfalls and caves
Whether youâre a solo wanderer, a digital nomad, or simply someone craving peace, Indiaâs slow travel spots invite you to stay longer and travel deeper. Here are some of the best slow travel places in India that you must explore and fall in love with your life, and also enjoy the true meaning of it.
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