From the world’s smallest to the world’s least visited countries, here is a list of 10 off beat countries to visit in 2020. In these times of Instagram-fuelled over tourism, these beautiful yet under the radar countries should find a place on your travel wishlist too!
1. Malta
An archipelago of islands just off the coast of Sicily, so small that it is often overlooked, yet a country so rich in culture and history that it is but a wonder that it is so often overlooked, Malta.
Malta together with its sister islands of Gozo and Comino are nothing less than spectacular in terms of the experiences that they have to offer. From diving into the azure of the Mediterranean to getting a glimpse of Caravaggio’s masterpiece, Beheading of St. John the Baptist, set against a backdrop that is but a true depiction of the period – the high Baroque of St. John’s Cathedral; there is much to explore in Malta. Not to mention the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, a subterranean complex of temples and burial chambers dating as far back as 4000 BC.
2. Liechtenstein
A tiny country wedged between Austria and Switzerland, Liechtenstein is the perfect off the radar destination to go to if one wishes to lose oneself in the old world intrigues of European principalities. Medieval castles, walking trails through a network of quaint little alpine villages, Liechtenstein is perfect for a walking day tour. Europe’s fourth smallest country, you can actually drive across the country in twenty five minutes flat. Liechtenstein is so small that it doesn’t have an airport, just two train stations, a hospital, a TV and a radio station.
3. San Marino
Vatican City isn’t the only small country within a country, there is one other just like it, in Italy. In fact it also happens to be the world’s oldest surviving republic. Sitting atop Mount Titano, overlooking the Adriatic coast is an impenetrable stone fortress, a country in itself, San Marino. It couldn’t get more idyllic than in San Marino, with a cuisine that is heavily influenced by the neighbouring Italian cuisine, desserts and local wines that are luxuriously indulgent to say the least and to top it all, tax-free shopping at the fashionable stores that line its cobble-stoned streets.
4. Monaco
Long known as the playground of the rich and famous, Monaco is an all year round kind of a destination. It isn’t just about the fast cars and casinos, Monaco with its pleasant balmy weather all through, makes it the perfect destination to go yatching on the French Riveria. And come May, there is also the annual Grand Prix, definitely bucket list worthy.
5. Guatemala
Coffee and Chocolate, arguably the most important things in life? Well, for some. And, Guatemala isn’t just the birthplace of Cacao but its volcanic highlands are famed for the coffee beans produced here for they make for a very distinctive flavoured, earthy coffee. That in itself would be reason enough to travel to this small country in Central America. But there is more, from colourful, wonderfully preserved Colonial buildings on one end of the spectrum to equally wonderful, just as carefully preserved ancient Mayan sites on the other end. Not to mention, the celebrated Lake Atitlán, formed in the basin of a massive volcanic crater.
6. Tunisia
Once a great powerful city and ancient Rome’s arch rival, Tunisia today is but a forgotten little country on the edge of North Africa. From cities like Sidi Bou Said that could well have been in Greece to dramatic Saharan landscapes, Tunisia is straight out of a picture postcard.
7. Armenia
There are many superlatives associated with this country in the Caucasus Mountains. From being the first Christian Country in the world to being home to the longest rope-way in the world, Armenia also supposedly boasts of the cleanest, most delicious water in the world and also the world’s oldest winery. Even its bread, lavash is listed by UNESCO as intangible heritage. Besides the ancient cathedrals and monasteries, the crystal like Lake Sevan is amongst the must see places in the country.
8. Tuvalu
Tuvalu, this island country in the South Pacific deserves special mention for being the least visited country in the world and also for being unbelievably stunning. Nine islands which really are just coral atolls and strips of palm fringed lands comprise the country of Tuvalu. Thinly populated and barely on the tourist radar, these islands are pristine and undisturbed making it a literal paradise for birding enthusiasts and divers.
9. Ecuador
Named after the Equator – on which it lies, Ecuador boasts of a richly diverse landscape. This country in South America encompasses not just the glorious Amazonian jungles but also the Andean mountains and the islands of Galapagos too. Little wonder then that this is where, right here on these volcanic Galapagos islands that Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution took seed.
10. Estonia
Something about this country Estonia which makes it more of a fairy-tale town than just another European country with a tragic war history. Maybe it is the historic old town of Tallinn peppered with snow kissed breathtaking medieval castles, dramatic hilltop fortresses, vibrant facades about town. Or maybe it is just the Struve Geodetic Arc that it shares with nine other countries. As romantic as it sounds, the arc is actually just a chain of survey triangulations which led to the first accurate measurement of the meridians. Be that as it may Estonia is as charming as it gets.
Never one for bucket lists, as I was working on a story for an In-flight magazine, I thought why not make this list of ’25 Things To Do in 2018′ my own??
& here I am, beginning the new year with a list, even if it isn’t a list of resolutions!!
1. Beach Trekking in Gokarna
If the walk along the iconic Om beach – that gets its name from its shape – was a trail in itself and the Shiva Climb there on the beach, a trek in itself, Gokarna has much more to offer both in terms of trails and beaches. Beach trekking is unique to this part of the coast as the beaches along this stretch are sandwiched between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea.
Wish: To ascend and descend hills, climb over boulders with the waves lapping at your feet…all just to get to the beach! Best Time to Visit: October – March. It is pleasant in Gokarna around then.
2. Bouldering in Hampi – Done ??
Hampi is a landscape dotted with boulders and massive granite monoliths. So much so that this temple town that doubles up as a hippie haven is touted to be the largest bouldering area in the world. Bouldering is pure rock climbing at its very basic. Leaving behind ropes and harnesses one climbs short but tricky boulders using only one’s strength, balance and technique. The only equipment if any is the bouldering pad that one can keep at the base of the boulder to manage the risk of falling.
& Done!
Wish: Why not? Hadn’t even heard of it when I booked my tickets to Hampi! Best Time to Visit: December – January. Hampi is super hot, so the cooler months.
3. Bungee Jumping in Rishikesh
Little does it come as a surprise that the destination which made white water rafting fashionable in India also boasts of being home to the highest bungee jump in the country. The fixed platform in Mohanchatti which is at a height of 83 metres extends up to the middle of the valley and then it is a jump right down to within touching distance of the eddying waters of the river Ganga.
Wish: Ahem! Best Time to Visit: October – May. Come monsoon and all the action pauses, here, in the adventure capital of our country.
4. Camping at The Chandratal Lake – Done ??
To pitch a tent amidst the magnificent Himalayas on a freezing summer night and to sleep under the skylight sky is amazing enough in itself. But if the campsite was to be at the Chandratal Lake, this remote and not-so-easily accessible crescent shaped Moon Lake, there then you have the trip of a lifetime guaranteed.
Wish: To go back. Best Time to Visit: July – October. The only time that the road is open.
5. Caving in Meghalaya
Disappear into the caves of the Khasi Hills. Feel like Batman.(Isn’t that reason enough?!?)
Well, they say it is the thrill of discovery. Venturing into the dark unknown and coming up on fossil passages, limestone stalactites and stalagmites, bats and other endemic creatures. There are more than a thousand cave systems in the hills of Khasi, Garo and Jaintia, waiting to be explored. Extending to a formidable 30,397 meters, India’s longest cave, the Krem Liat Prah is also one of them.
Wish: Ducking through jagged outcroppings in a cave, finding my way through rocks and water, chancing upon discoveries. Best Time to Visit: December – March. Winter is when the water levels in the caves are at their lowest.
6. Cliff Diving in Dawki
The name says it all, you simply jump off a cliff into the waiting waters below.
A two and half hours drive from Shillong, the turquoise blue waters of the Dawki river surrounded by the dense foliage of an equal intense green make for a picture perfect setting to do that.
Wish: To take that plunge. Dive straight off a cliff. Best Time to Visit: March – April. Dawki is said to be at its beautiful best in Spring.
7. Dune Bashing in Jaisalmer
An off roading experience in the sand dunes of a desert that is Dune Bashing for you. & the only off roading I have done so far is on man made tracks.
So, in Jaisalmer it should be a rollercoaster ride through the dynamic shifting sands of the Thar Desert.
Wish: Yay, stormy sea of sand. Best Time to Visit: November – March. Winter is usually the best time to enjoy the outdoors in a desert.
8. Flyboarding in Goa
Shoot out of the water and fly in the sky, Ironman style. That is flyboarding for you, the latest water sport to hit Goa.
A jetpack powered by a jet ski propels the rider up on a buoyant flyboard, that is quite similar to a hoverboard; only this one allows you to ride in the air, upto to fifteen metres above water. This forceful water powered jet pack can push you both into the sky or underwater.
Wish: To learn how to swim and then Go Goa! Best Time to Visit: October – May. When the skies are clear and the waters fairly placid.
9. Hot Air Ballooning at The Taj Mahal
Nothing spells romance like catching the sun rise behind the iconic Taj Mahal, from anearly morning flight in the sky.
Wish: To take a hot air balloon ride against the stunning white marble mausoleum. Best Time to Visit: September – March. Hot air ballooning is an activity for the dry season.
PS: A six day Taj Balloon Festival happens in November every year, and that could be an interesting time too, for a view of the Taj Mahal from a vantage point like no other.
10. Kayaking in Alappuzha Kannur – Done ??
Think beyond the houseboat. Go kayaking in the narrow inland canals of the famed backwaters of Kerala, in where a house boat wouldn’t reach and watch the villages come to life as dawn breaks. Revel in the bird call, all while paddling low in the water.
Yes, I did go on the Kerala Blog Express Season 5 & I did go kayaking! Only, not in Alappuzha. We went kayaking at the Dharmadam Beach in Kannur. & I owe a BIG Thank you to my readers for making this dream come true for me! ??
Wish: To wake up with an ache in my arms from a morning well spent. Best Time to Visit: November – February. Mild Winters.
11. Paragliding in Bir Billing
Bir Billing is synonymous with paragliding in India. This beautiful Himalayan valley in Himachal Pradesh even hosted the Paragliding World Cup in 2015, where pilots from over a hundred and forty countries participated. Soaring over the Kangra valley with wondrous up close views of the Dhauladhar Ranges, a paragliding flight lasts from anywhere between fifteen minutes to thirty and can be done either solo or in tandem.
Wish: To take off at an altitude of eight thousand feet above sea level in Billing and land four thousand feet below in Bir. Best Time to Visit: December & January OR the rest of October to June. All through the year except monsoon is paragliding season. But here in Bir Billing paragliding season can be divided between the snow covered months and otherwise.
12. Parasailing in Malvan
Tarkarli Beach in Malvan, Maharasthra, along the Konkan coast is quickly emerging as the hub for water sports. This eight kilometre stretch of white sand beach runs parallel to the backwaters of the Karli river, extendingupto the Devbaug Sangam where the river meets the Arabian Sea, making for a unique location to go parasailing.
Wish: To glide like a bird in the open skies, as my parasail wing catches the wind and watch the confluence of the backwaters and the sea. Best Time to Visit: October – March. While there is the chill of winter to counter the tropical humidity of the coast.
13. River Crossing in Dandeli
Very much like zip lining, river crossing involves crossing a river in a harness on a rope and in Dandeli it is the fast flowing river Kali that you cross. A mere two hours from Goa, Dandeli has always been the destination of choice for the discerning adventure seeker when it came to water sports. But river crossing, which is only now gaining popularity, should be quite a change from the regular zip line.
Wish: To go whee over a river and not get dizzy at the terrible current!! Best Time to Visit: October – May.
14. River Rafting in Coorg
Think Coorg and you think of leisurely strolls through the mist laden coffee plantations in the quiet country side of Karnataka. But Coorg isn’t just a hill station, for come monsoon, the Scotland of India turns into a hot spot for river rafting or white water rafting as it is called. As the river Barapole drops from the Bramhagiri range of the Western Ghats into the rocky landscape, it turns turbulent, gushing through the forest, over the rapidsand into the Bramhagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, making it ideal for rafting.
Wish: To go rafting in South India. ( In Rishikesh too may be, but thats for later!) Best Time to Visit: July – September. Monsoon is your season for rafting.
15. Road Tripping from Manali to Leh
It is the quintessential Himalayan road trip, needing no introduction. A road trip along India’s most celebrated route, the four hundred and eighty seven kilometre stretch between Manali to Leh, is the stuff of dreams. From the twenty one hairpin bends of the Gata Loops to the five high altitude Himalayan Passes you cross, this road trip from Manali to Leh cannot but be the trip of a lifetime.
Wish: I have been on both ends of this route, on two separate road trips. Now I want to go the entire length.
Enroute Gramphu, heading towards Leh from Manali
Approaching Tanglang La in Ladakh on the Leh – Manali Highway
Best Time to Visit: May – September. The Leh – Manali Highway, as it is called, is open for a little more than the four months of Summer. Besides it is also peak tourist season in Ladakh when the stark landscape comes alive in all the glory of its summer colours.
16. Scuba Diving in Havelock Islands
Going underwater in the open ocean, exploring the stunning world of beautiful coral reefs and watching life go by in that suspended moment, Scuba Diving opens up realms that one has otherwise only imagined. The tropical island of Havelock in the Bay of Bengal is home to some of the most popular dive sites of India. Starting with under twenty metres, one can choose from any of these dive sites that can be reached by boat, based on one’s experience and PADI certification level.
Wish: That ultimate adventure once I learn to swim, to explore a realm that has before now been inaccessible to me. Best Time to Visit: February – March. Though November through April is scuba diving season in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, these two months offer the best chances of calm conditions.
17. Skiing in Auli
Packed up cosily amidst the snow kissed peaks of the Himalayas, Auli has only lately risen to popularity as India’s top destination for Skiing. Offering beautiful views of the Nanda Devi Peak,Auli is along the route to the Valley of Flowers, Badrinath and the trek route to Kauri Pass. A cable car operates from Joshimath to Auli during the day and one can take this four kilometre ride up to get to Auli, stay at any of the resorts that have now mushroomed here and ski along the gentle slopes of the Garhwal Mountains.
Wish: To let go. Best Time to Visit: January – March, when the slopes are carpeted in thick snow.
18. Snorkelling in Lakshadweep
With its living coral reefs of varied and brilliant hues glistening through the crystal clear waters of the lagoons surrounding the various islands of Lakshadweep, there can be no better destination in India for snorkelling. All you need is a basic familiarity with swimming and with a mask, snorkel and a set of fins you are raring to go. The shallow waters here only help, making it easier for anyone wanting to take a peek into the ocean, at the spectacular life underwater.
Wish: One step before that dive? Best Time to Visit: December – April. Pleasantest months for a generally humid tropical island.
19. Snow Boarding in Gulmarg
Snow Boarding came later, but it sure is more intense than skiing, for it is all about balance and you virtually have no other control, neither on your speed nor in the manoeuvring. It takes upto five days for one to get a hang of the sport and to begin enjoying the slide down the snow clad mountain slopes at dizzying speeds. So prepare to set aside atleast a week to embark on this adventure. Owing to the popularity of the destination, equipment is readily available and easy to rent.
Wish: To go on a long holiday and do nothing but chill at the resort and indulge in all the adventure that they have to offer! Best Time to Visit: December – February. When the ski capital of the country disappears under a thick blanket of powdery snow.
20. Surfing in Mulki
Located on the west coast of India, Mulki is a little ashram town and now a surf town, just north of Mangalore. Pretty late in catching on the wave of surfing, India’s first surf retreat stands here in Mulki. Here is the Ashram Surf Retreat where you can get surf lessons on your holiday and even try out their surf yoga and wake boarding.
Wish: To turn hippie in search of that adrenalinerush. Best Time to Visit: May – September. The season for surfing in India is during monsoon and for a few weeks before the start of monsoon.It is when the big waves come in ranging from anywhere between eight feet to fifteen feet.
21. Trekking to The Valley of Flowers Hemkund Sahib
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Valley of Flowers is a breathtakingly beautiful high altitude meadow of alpine flowers in the Himalayas. The trek route to the Valley of Flowers goes through the same base camp, Gangharia, as the one to Hemkund Sahib ( the world’s highest Gurudwara and an important pilgrimage centre for the Sikh) and diverges along the way. Owing to which this trek route isnot just very popular but also logistically one of the best equipped. From helicopters that fly in to the base camp every twenty minutes to mules and porters that take on from there, there are enough arrangements to ease your trek if needed.
Wish: Last year, I chose to stay back in Ghangaria and not attempt the one day trek to Hemkund, after the Valley of Flowers. This year, I wish to grow in confidence and complete the trek. Best Time to Visit: July – August. When the valley is in full bloom.
22. Waterfall Rapelling in Kolad
Somewhere between Mumbai – Pune in Maharashtra is Kolad, where the river Kundalika comes gushing down in a cascade from the western ghats. In a twist to the usual rappelling or abseiling, where one comes down a rock face in a controlled descent, in waterfall repelling one does it through a waterfall.
Wish: To climb up the craggy outcrops of the Sahyadris and come down the torrential waterfall in one continuous swoop, suspended only in a harness. Best Time to Visit: June – September. Monsoons = Waterfall season in India.
23. Wildlife Safari in Kabini
Named after the river Kabini, this former hunting ground of the Maharaja of Mysore in the Nagarhole National Park is famed for its open jeep safaris and sightings of leopards and elephant herds. A safari in this lesser known South Indian national park made it yo my list of things to do this year, not just for the fact that it is home to the rare black panther but also because one does get to catch a glimpse – and quite frequently –of the Sloth Bear, the Malabar Giant Squirrel, packs of wild dogs or even that elusive tiger in its natural habitat.
Wish: To see a baby elephant. All those who know me, know my love for elephants and would you believe it, I am yet to see a little one. ? Best Time to Visit:March – May. When the dry summer draws out the animals to the edge of the river and sightings are more likely.
24. Zip Lining in Mussoorie
To fly over the dense green deodar forest of Mussoorie, on the highest zip line in India. Going upto speeds of ninety kilometres per hour this zip line at Clouds End in the Mussoorie Adventure Park is also the longest zip line in the Himalayas.
Wish: For that feeling of flight. Best Time to Visit: April – June. Peak tourist season in Mussoorie and also the best time to go zip lining, for the Himalayan summer makes it a pleasurable experience.
25. Zorbing in Manali
From a honeymooners paradise to becoming the gateway to a road trip to not just Ladakh but also the Spiti Valley, Manali has come a long way. And, the latest activity to catch the fancy of adventure seekers here in Manali is zorbing.
So, what does one do while zorbing? Simple really, just get into an orb and roll down the mountain through the green open spaces and take in the view. Much like the hamster ball chase scene in Jurassic World, only minus the dinosaurs.
Wish: To imagine being chased by dinosaurs. Best Time to Visit: March – June. Summers, when one can roll unencumbered by snow or slush.
What’s your travel wishlist for 2018? Did I miss something?
Let me know in the comments below.
It all started with Instagram. The wanderlust-ing, frantically adding and reorganising my Travel Wishlist, in fact all that stunning imagery from some of the most beautiful destinations in the world was part of what inspired me bring together and share my own travel stories here on the blog!
So here I am kicking off a series of blog posts from my personal ‘Travel Wishlist’, where I bring together some of the photographs that have gotten me impatient to get going again and why it is that I want to go there.
Dead Sea, from the Instagram Account of Hello Emilie
Why do I want to go there? To tick atleast 5 places off the UNESCO World Heritage Sites List and more.
1. The White City of Tel Aviv
Considered to be an outstanding representation of the Modern Movement of Architecture in Europe, translated to the local context of Israel’s culture and climate, Tel Aviv would make for an eclectic destination with its mix of heritage and the very happening nightlife that is known for today. So, here I could go from day to night, from photographing heritage sites to sunsets on the beach, from early morning seascapes to late night cityscapes.
Oh, and not to mention shopping at its many bazaars!
2. The Incense Route through Negev Desert
This trade route to the Mediterranean ports flourished for over seven hundred years from the 3rd century BC to the 4nd century AD. Over a hundred kilometer stretch in the desert of Negev is what was once the ancient Incense Route and I would love to wander amongst the ruins and discover what UNESCO calls a completely fossilized cultural environment.
Desert settlements with towns, fortresses, caravanserai, and sophisticated water conservation systems along this harsh desert route stand witness to just how prosperous the trade in incense was then.
3. Old City of Jerusalem and Its Walls
A Biblical City – the Old City of Jerusalem is the City of David and is also where Jesus was crucified – it is holy for Jews and Christians alike. It is also believed that, it was here in one of the oldest cities of the world that Prophet Mohammed rose to Heaven making it a holy city for all the three major Abrahamic religions.
Did you know that World Maps were once drawn with the ancient city of Jerusalem at the center? The only three continents discovered at the time, Europe, Asia & Africa were set around this city built by King David in 1004BC.
Now, how can you resist that?!
4. Old City of Acre
A walled city over the sea, Acre is yet another ancient holy city. The Old City of Acre has survived centuries, with the remains of a medieval Crusader town from 1104 relatively undisturbed and living on, both above and below today’s streets along with an Ottoman town of the 18th century partly built on top of these Crusader structures.
5. Masada
One look at a picture of the ‘Hanging Palace of Herod’ and you will not want to miss going here. Rome was not built in a day they say, and this palace of the Judaen king Herod was built in in the classic style of the early Roman Empire. Need I say more?
Set dramatically – overlooking the Dead Sea, this rugged fortress of the ancient Jewish Kingdom of Israel is the most complete monument of the Roman siege works to have survived for over 13 centuries, intact till today.
Lastly,
To float in the Dead Sea, of course!
Who hasn’t heard of the Seven Wonders of the World and not wanted to see for oneself atleast one of them?
& also, I already know what I am going to eat when in Israel. Hummus!
PS: This post was made possible by The Ministry of Tourism, Israel. So, do go watch their video on Israel and you are sure to find something to fall in love with.
Picture Courtesy: 
