Time To Update Your Bucketlist

Experts say spending your money on experiences rather than things will make you happier. And what better experience is there than travel? So start adding these trips to your bucket list — from dining in unique locations with ancient tribal cuisine on the menu to a night spent learning about the stars at an astrocamp, here are 5 must do's for every travel enthusiast.

1. Atali Ganga, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Surrounded by reserved forest and with over 200 trees spread over 3 acres of hillside overlooking the holy river,  Atali Ganga is India’s first and only activotel. There is a chic charm to the rugged ambience here and we highly recommend it to all the adventure lovers out there.

Must Experience: The array of interesting outdoor activities for adventure enthusiasts of all ages ranging from rafting, wall climbing, mountain biking, hiking, astronomy, yoga, kayaking, world-class high-ropes course or even camping out for a night within the property. Even if you're someone who wants to dip a toe in the world of water sports, they offer many introductory courses to kayaking, river rafting etc.

2. The Kurumba, Coonoor, Tamil Nadu

The Kurumba is a rare aromatic arena with 15 self-sufficing cottages set amidst a 10 acre spice haven where nutmeg, cloves and pepper infiltrates the air.

Must Experience: Among the many amazing experiences that this hideaway offers - the wishineering is what sets it apart from the rest. After you confirm our reservation, you are invited to make a wish and the team here will go out of its way to make your wish come true for example, plan a 7 course meal inspired by the cuisine of the ancient tribes, against the backdrop of a candle-lit cave under a rocky ledge on the property. If you're looking to shake things up on date night, we think you've found your thing.

3. Jamtara Wilderness Camp, Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Situated in the village of Jamtara, near Pench National Park, this is a 10 luxury tented property in the heart of rural Pench. It is surrounded by tall Arjuna Trees and an ancient Banyan rooted on a dry riverbed with each room giving optimum views of the forest.

Must Experience: Why sleep in a tent, when you can sleep on a star bed in the middle of the forest? This is exactly why the Jamtara makes it to our list of 'must visit places' - the star bed. Machaans are built high up on stilts accommodating a double 4 poster bed allowing for 2 people and each bed is fitted with mosquito netting, giving us the opportunity to view the fields for wildlife and the skies for constellations. Pretty romantic - don't you agree?

4. Nimmu House, Leh, Jammu & Kashmir

The Nimmu House introduces us to little nuggets of Ladakh tossed in a fairy-tale pan – pretty orchards of walnuts, apricots and apples, a cute stable with yaks, dzos, cows and goats, and intriguing, old Buddhist temples. It is a former noble house nestled at 10,000 feet surrounded by Himalayan panoramas.

Must Experience: While they offer rooms, Nimmu House has the option of glamping in their gorgeous tents set up in the orchards surrounding the house. Tents are composed of a ‘chill zone’ at the entrance, offering a view of the orchard, a spacious bedroom with large King size double bed or twin beds, and finally a private bathroom.

5.Astroport, Tehla, Rajasthan

Astroport is a space and astronomy based activity center - the first of its kind in India and South Asia. Located in the lap of Aravali Hills and overlooked by the historical Tehla Fort and offering the darkest skies possible in India with millions of glittering stars, it steals the very air from your lungs with its magnificence.

Must Experience: The evening/night sky observation through the most modern telescopes opening the window of the universe to beautiful planets, galaxies and deep sky objects is the reason this hideaway makes our list. It is a great choice for a getaway that not only helps you relax but also learn something about the awe inspiring universe we live in.

So what experience are you going to check off your list next?