If you can tolerate a little drizzle, and the occasional downpour, then we’ve got some very special experiences only for the intrepid few i.e. you. Read on and get booking.
A reminder from Urbanaut: We know downloading an app is a pain—but you will not regret getting the Urbanaut app (and if we’re wrong, it’s an easy delete!). We’ve got tons of curated recommendations that you can save and plan with, and fantastic experiences that you can book with your kids, folks, pets and friends. What you see in this newsletter is but a tiny slice of all the options that await on the app.
As we jostle for Schengen visa appointments, hear of packed flights and airports, and contend with obscene flight prices, it’s worth remembering that there are delightful options everywhere, if you know where to look. Goa has now become an all-season destination, with the added perks of ‘off-season’ pricing. Places like Ladakh and Kashmir (coming soon to the app) offer dry days, sunshine and inexplicable beauty. And the rains bring a carpet of green to easy weekend getaway locations closer to our cities. Invest in some practical rain gear (waterproof shoes/rubber boots and a poncho) and you’re all set!
Forest Lagoons in Goa: Venture into your own private bathtub with our Forest Lagoons experience. Deep in the jungle, a long but unbearably scenic drive from most parts of North Goa, a paradise of small pools awaits. According to the New York Times, Cobalt Blue is the colour of the summer—and you will be oh-so on trend if you visit this spot. A local meal and feni cocktails greet you when you’re done with the water—is there anything not to like about this experience?
Hidden Pools and Streams In Manali: This is a secluded point known only to locals. It is a great getaway if you want to escape the crowds of Manali without venturing too far for too long. You’ll get to jump in one of these glacial pools (tried, tested, and safe!) if you have the skin for it—and end with piping hot chai and snacks at a local cafe.
Farm & Forest Forage near Bombay: Kids never need a reason to run out in the rain—so convincing them to venture out in the monsoon is easy. And now, it can be fun for parents as well. Near Bombay, try our Farm & Forest Forage experience—where you’ll get your hands dirty on a chemical-free farm and forage your own food! Learn to identify seasonal and edible herbs, roots, flowers, leaves and fruits and get practical tips on how to process the foraged produce into edible dishes. A pretty stellar day, if you ask us.
Mithai-making in Bombay: If this newsletter is putting too much pressure on you to venture outdoors, and you’re having none of it, then stay warm and dry with our mithai-making workshop in Bombay. This has been a hugely popular experience and in the rainy season, you’ll get to stock up on those sweet and savoury things that are perfect with your afternoon chai.
Tea Tour and Tasting near Dharamshala: In the verdant plains of Palampur, you’re treated to a very special tea tour and tasting. Try your hand at plucking or learn to taste like a tea sommelier. There’s a tasting, a walk around the tea plantation and a factory visit included. The best part of this experience? You get all this goodness at a throwaway price per person—so it’s perfect for large groups on a budget.
Cruising and Kayaking in Goa: While swimming in the river or the ocean can be very dangerous given surprise currents, you can try cruising and kayaking in a wonderful 2.5 hour expedition up the Chapora river. Rain adds to the charm and the partners prioritise safety at all costs. You’ll get up close and personal with an impressive mangrove system when you get on your kayaks. This is a perfect experience for multi-generational family trips.
We’ve done a very fun series with Insia Lacewala. Her platform, www.indiawithinsia.com covers unique stays, regional cuisine and underground culture in India in a way that no other travel website does and we’re thrilled to have her try out our handpicked experiences! Check out this video from Goa, where she went Cycling in Chorao island.
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