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5 offbeat gems near Dehradun for a refreshing break

TRAVEL TRENDS Created : Jun 27, 2024, 08:42 IST

Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, Dehradun makes for an ideal gateway to several lesser-known but stunning destinations. If you are seeking such a break from the hustle and bustle, these hidden gems near Dehradun will offer you the ideal escape. Read on to find out the places that promise a refreshing break.

Just about 18 km from Dehradun, Maldevta is a serene spot that remains relatively undiscovered by the usual tourist crowds. This picturesque location, with its lush greenery, clear streams, and tranquil atmosphere, is perfect for a day picnic, trekking, or simply unwinding in nature. The drive to Maldevta itself is a visual treat, with winding roads and scenic vistas. Once there, you can explore the nearby caves, take a dip in the river, or enjoy a peaceful walk along the trails.

Located around 46 km from Dehradun, Kalsi is a quaint village known for its historical and natural significance. This hidden gem is home to the famous Ashokan Rock Edict, dating back to 253 BC, which provides a glimpse into ancient Indian history. Besides its historical importance, Kalsi is surrounded by the beautiful Yamuna River, offering opportunities for river rafting and fishing. The village’s serene environment, coupled with its rich cultural heritage, makes it a perfect destination for a quick yet enriching break.

A mere 22 km from Dehradun, Lachhiwala is an ideal spot for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. This scenic picnic destination is famous for its man-made water pools fed by natural springs. The lush forest surroundings provide a great setting for bird watching, nature walks, and treks. Lachhiwala also has a children’s park and several trails that are perfect for cycling and hiking.

Approximately 45 kilometers from Dehradun, Dakpathar is a small but charming town on the banks of the Yamuna River. It is known for its scenic beauty and the Dakpathar Barrage, which is a popular spot for picnics and water sports. The town offers various activities such as boating, fishing, and camping. The lush green surroundings and the tranquil environment make Dakpathar an excellent choice for a peaceful getaway. The nearby Asan Barrage Bird Sanctuary is also worth a visit, especially for bird watchers.

About 88 km from Dehradun, Chakrata is a picturesque hill station that remains relatively unexplored. Situated at an altitude of 2,118 m, this quaint town offers stunning views of the Himalayas, dense forests, and a refreshing climate. Chakrata is ideal for those seeking adventure and tranquility. You can explore the beautiful Tiger Falls, go trekking in the surrounding hills, or visit the ancient temples in the area. The town’s serene environment and natural beauty make it a perfect destination for a quick and peaceful break.

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Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, Dehradun makes for an ideal gateway to several lesser-known but stunning destinations. If you are seeking such a break from the hustle and bustle, these hid...

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These Islands Are the Perfect Nature Escape — and You Don't Need a Passport to Visit

A cluster of islands in Lake Superior remains one of America’s last truly wild places.

Stephanie Pearson is an award-winning travel and outdoors journalist. She served on the editorial staff at Outside for 12 years and has contributed to The New York Times Magazine , National Geographic , Travel + Leisure , and more.

Erin Dietsche

The lake trout must have been hungry. Only five minutes after our guide, Marina Alexander, had rigged the fishing lines off the northeastern tip of Isle Royale, an island in Lake Superior, I reeled in a two-pounder. Its mottled, silvery body glistened in the sun. “Catching a lake trout is fun,” Alexander told my partner, Brian, and me, “but catching salmon is more fun. They are so pissed off when they get caught that they will work you.” 

Alexander, who is 28, has spent every summer of her life in Isle Royale National Park , an archipelago of more than 400 islands. The park encompasses a total area of 850 square miles, and 99 percent of it is designated wilderness. Four-fifths of the park is water, part of one of the largest bodies of fresh water on earth. At its center is the 45-mile-long, nine-mile-wide Isle Royale. 

Tony Cenicola/The New York Times/Redux

Options for getting to the car-free island are limited. You can arrive by floatplane or ferry from just four spots in Michigan and Minnesota (unless you have a private boat). And the winter weather is harsh, so the park is open for only half the year. As a result, Isle Royale is often referred to as one of the most remote and least-visited parks in the United States.

So what’s the attraction? Visitors can find real solitude in a wilderness that feels untamable, despite a human history that dates back thousands of years. While introduced by the original seasonal inhabitants — the Anishinaabe — the practices of mining, fishing, and logging became official industries after Europeans made their way to the islands. In 1855, the Soo Locks — a system allowing freighters to navigate the waterways of the region — opened Lake Superior to the world, boosting tourism to the islands. Worried Isle Royale would continue to lose pristine natural habitat, seasonal residents successfully lobbied Congress to designate it as a national park; it was made official in 1940.

Today, Isle Royale remains an oasis in an inland sea, with thick pine forests and wildlife — nearly 900 moose are kept in check by the islands’ wolf population, which hovers at around 30. To explore, visitors must travel by foot on the island’s 165 miles of hiking trails, which lead to vast inland lakes, follow a mountainous ridgeline, and trace a dramatic, rocky shore. 

I grew up in Minnesota, on the western tip of Lake Superior, but had only been to Isle Royale once, a decade ago, on a four-day solo hiking trip. Friends have circumnavigated the island by kayak, scuba-dived among the shipwrecks that lie in the reefs, and sailed from the mainland to moor in a tucked-away harbor. But I prefer the simplicity of backpacking. After a long time away, I felt a strong urge to return and share this magical place with my partner. 

As with many U.S. national parks, interest in Isle Royale is rising. Visitation to the island reached a record 21,654 people in 2023. That may sound paltry compared with other parks, but the increased traffic has strapped Isle Royale’s overnight accommodations. They consist of just two places, Rock Harbor Lodge and Washington Harbor Camper Cabins, as well as campgrounds scattered around the island. (You can also sleep on your own boat.)

We took our chances on finding a campsite for two nights, and also booked — six months in advance — two nights at a Rock Harbor Lodge . Our cabin had large windows overlooking Tobin Harbor, providing a pleasant view of seaplanes landing from the mainland.

When we had arrived by seaplane two days earlier, in uncharacteristic late-afternoon heat, we hustled along the island’s Rock Harbor Trail, hugging the southern shoreline for three miles to discover that the first campground, Three Mile, was full. We were debating whether to hike four more miles to the next one when a sympathetic backpacker invited us to join a group site where three of his buddies and two other sets of strangers had pitched their tents. We boiled water for pasta, swapped stories with our new friends, and turned in early.

Waking at dawn, we headed down the trail to Daisy Farm Camp. With a large dock for incoming boats, pebbly beaches, and private screened shelters, it is a popular destination. We reached it by 11 a.m. and found an empty hillside shelter surrounded by pines where we dropped our heavy packs. Free to explore for the rest of the day, Brian and I hiked inland, a mile and a half up the Mount Ojibway trail, climbing down through dense woods, through lowland swamps, and to a rocky ridgeline, where we stopped to pick plump blueberries. 

We walked on in the almost-90-degree heat, finally finding ourselves far enough from the park entrance to enjoy true solitude. Continuing the route, we ended up on a five-mile loop of Lake Ojibway, one of Isle Royale’s 200 inland lakes and ponds. 

Parched after this 10-mile day, we wandered down to the Daisy Farm Camp dock with our water filters, where we greeted an older couple enjoying cocktails on their cabin cruiser. Like other visitors with private boats, they were willing to make the potentially perilous crossing from the mainland.

Over the course of five days, Brian and I hiked some 40 miles and caught (and released) seven lake trout. On one of our final journeys, returning to the entrance of Rock Harbor Trail drenched in sweat after a seven-mile hike, we climbed just out of sight, stripped off our clothes, and waded into Lake Superior. The chill zapped my limbs like an electric current. Just as I was ready to bare myself on shore, the tour boat Sandy rounded the point with a few dozen waving passengers, forcing me to stay submerged until they passed, the water piercing my fingers and toes like tiny icicles. 

While submerged, I thought of other, more serious ways to get in trouble on Isle Royale. Throughout our trip, we heard stories of the dark days of winter on the islands and of shipwrecks caused by ferocious storms. Alexander shared a time she faced a potentially fatal incident while piloting a 24-foot boat: she had to outrun a black squall. Despite these moments of terror, she said, “I love storms out here. The weather is humbling.” 

That sense of nature’s power is what keeps me (and many others) intrigued. For thousands of years this archipelago has held its own, buffered from development by a lake that has been impossible to tame, as hard as humans may try. 

Where to Stay

Rock Harbor Lodge , with cabins and hotel rooms on the northeastern end of Isle Royale, is the island’s only full-service lodging facility and is open from June to September. The two rustic Washington Harbor Camper Cabins , on the southwestern end, are the other option. There are 36 official campgrounds, which are first come, first served (but must be reserved for groups of seven or more). The two most popular are Washington Creek and Daisy Farm .

How to Get There

Cars are not permitted on Isle Royale. The starting points for reaching the national park are Houghton and Copper Harbor, in Michigan, and Grand Portage and Grand Marais, in Minnesota. From there, you can transfer to the island via seaplane, ferry, or a boat rental, depending on the port. 

If coming by private boat, call the Houghton Visitor Center ahead of time to get a docking permit. 

Best Time to Visit

Because of the extreme winter weather, visitors are only allowed on the island from mid-April to October 31; peak season is May through September.

A version of this story first appeared in the July 2024 issue of  Travel + Leisure  under the headline "Keeping It Fresh. "

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Things to know about dangerous rip currents and how swimmers caught in one can escape

Daniel Barnickel with Florida’s Palm Beach County Ocean Rescue explains rip current dangers and stresses the importance of swimming near lifeguard stations. (AP Video/ Cody Jackson)

This image provided by NOAA, pictures a harmless green dye used to show a rip current. Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that are prevalent along the East, Gulf, and West coasts of the U.S., as well as along the shores of the Great Lakes. About 100 people drown from rip currents along U.S. beaches each year, according to the U.S. Lifesaving Association. (NOAA via AP)

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FILE - A no swimming flag is visible as waves crash against the rocks at Haulover Beach Park, November 18, 2020, in Miami Beach, Florida. About 100 people drown from rip currents along U.S. beaches each year, according to the U.S. Lifesaving Association, and more than 80 percent of beach rescues annually involve rip currents. (David Santiago/Miami Herald via AP, File)

FILE - Beachgoers walk past warning flags and signs, Jan. 13, 2020, in Pompano Beach, Fla. About 100 people drown from rip currents along U.S. beaches each year, according to the U.S. Lifesaving Association, and more than 80 percent of beach rescues annually involve rip currents. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP, File)

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Stinging jellyfish, rays with their whip-like tails and sharks on the hunt are some ocean hazards that might typically worry beachgoers. But rip currents are the greatest danger and account for the most beach rescues every year.

Six people drowned in rip currents over a recent two-day period in Florida, including a couple vacationing on Hutchinson Island from Pennsylvania with their six children and three young men on a Panhandle holiday from Alabama, officials say.

About 100 people drown from rip currents along U.S. beaches each year, according to the United States Lifesaving Association . And more than 80 percent of beach rescues annually involve rip currents.

The National Weather Service lists 16 known deaths so far in 2024 from rip currents in U.S. waters, including the Florida fatalities as well as eight deaths in Puerto Rico and two in Texas.

Here are some things to know about rip currents:

What is a rip current?

Rip currents are narrow columns of water flowing rapidly away from the beach, like a swift stream within the ocean. They don’t pull swimmers under water, but can carry them out a fair distance from shore.

Low spots along the beach, or areas near jetties or piers, are often where rip currents form. They can be connected to stormy weather but also sometimes occur during sunny days. They can be hard to detect because the surface water often appears calm.

The current can flow as swiftly as eight feet per second (3.2 meters per second), faster than even a strong swimmer can overcome, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

“If you’re caught in one and you try to swim straight in, you’re not going to be able to,” said Daniel Barnickel of Palm Beach County Ocean Rescue.

How can someone escape a rip current?

The most frequent advice from beach rescue teams and weather forecasters is to not panic and look for a chance to swim parallel to the shore until the swimmer is out of the rip current’s grip. It will eventually dissipate but might leave the swimmer out in deeper water.

It’s nearly impossible to fight the current directly. Many swimmers who get in trouble tire themselves out trying to get back to the beach, lifeguards say. If possible, it’s best to swim near a lifeguard station.

“Most of our rip current rescues happen outside the guarded areas because we’re not there to prevent it from happening,” Barnickel said.

What warning systems exist for rip currents?

Flags with different colors are used to warn beachgoers of various hazards.

Three flags warn of surf and rip current conditions. Red means a high hazard, yellow means a moderate threat and green means low danger. There’s also purple for dangerous sea life, like jellyfish, and double red when a beach is closed for any reason.

The National Weather Service posts rip current risks on its websites around the coasts and has developed a computer model that can predict when conditions are favorable for their formation up to six days in advance for the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts, Puerto Rico, Hawaii and Guam.

“Before this, forecasters were manually predicting rip currents on a large section of the ocean twice a day and only a day or two into the future. The earlier prediction has potential to substantially increase awareness and reduce drownings,” said Gregory Dusek, a NOAA scientist who developed the model, in a post on the agency’s website.

High risk warnings were posted for most Florida beaches last week, when the drownings occurred.

Should someone attempt a rip current rescue?

It can be dangerous to try to rescue someone caught in a rip current, officials say. Often the people trying to perform the rescue can get into trouble themselves.

It’s best to find a lifeguard, if there is one, or call 911 if a struggling swimmer is spotted. People on shore can also try to tell the person to swim parallel to shore.

“Never swim alone. And always make sure that there’s an adult. And make sure that you don’t overestimate your abilities. Know your limits,” Barnickel said.

Associated Press video journalist Cody Jackson in Palm Beach contributed to this story.

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More From Forbes

How to explore puerto rico, one of the caribbean’s top destinations for lgbtq+ travel.

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Same-sex marriage was legalized in Puerto Rico in 2015.

Long famed for its pristine beaches, lush rainforests and towering mountains, the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico serves as a particularly popular vacation destination for U.S. residents and international visitors alike—but it’s not just the island’s abundant natural beauty that serves as a major draw for tourism. Puerto Rico has been a top destination for LGBTQ+ travelers for years thanks to its many gay-friendly hotels, restaurants and communities, providing an opportunity for queer visitors to explore the island to their heart’s content. Whether you’re hoping to sample local cuisine in Old San Juan, explore the scenic shores of Fajardo or just unwind in Condado with a cocktail in hand, the island of Puerto Rico is perfect for a leisurely getaway that’s open to all types of traveler.

Exploring Condado, San Juan’s Idyllic Seaside Escape

Condado is home to the aptly-named Condado Beach, a particularly popular sunbathing destination for ... [+] queer locals and tourists alike.

While Puerto Rico is rife with LGBTQ-friendly destinations spanning from Cabo Rojo to Palmas del Mar, those who prefer to stick close to the capital can find a truly charming base in the form of Condado. Home to sandy beaches and a wealth of high-end drinking and dining venues, this vibrant district is perfect for exploring the rich array of amenities that San Juan has to offer, with the Condado Ocean Club serving as one of its most charming hotels.

Perched just a few steps away from the San Juan shoreline, this polished property exemplifies the upscale charm of Condado at its finest, with 96 palatial rooms that offer dazzling views of the surrounding neighborhood. During a stay, guests are welcome to spend their day lounging around the infinity pool, while SOCIAL is perfect for a refreshing cocktail after a long day under the sun. Options span from orange-infused margaritas to ginger coconut mojitos, both of which pair perfectly with an order of shrimp ceviche or spicy tuna tacos—but of course, SOCIAL is far from the only dining option available across Condado.

For a truly memorable Pride month, be sure to make your way to Wicked Lily , a breezy beachside venue that’s famed for its tantalizing Sunday drag brunch. Upon arrival, guests can grab a rum-loaded Pilgrimage cocktail or spring for the bottomless mimosa special, then snack on crispy calamari and lobster guacamole before the show begins. While frequent performers span from Miss Kweens Klub winner Amalara Sofía to RuPaul's Drag Race Season 14 alum Alyssa Hunter, each Sunday is certain to wow audiences regardless of who’s taking the stage, with no shortage of dazzling outfits and jaw-dropping death drops incorporated into each act.

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Later in the night, Condado visitors can keep the cocktails flowing with a visit to Furtivo Speakeasy Bar , a recent—and truly impressive—addition to the local drinks scene. In addition to classic cocktails like the Rusty Nail and Bee’s Knees, this refined venue also dabbles in the art of craft mixology, offering complex concoctions that range from the Tenerife—a flavorful blend of coconut and dark rum—to the Furtivo Expresso, a bourbon-based cocktail that’s infused with rich notes of coffee and pumpkin. In between sips, guests can also take advantage of the diverse array of tapas found gracing the menu, with the smoked ham-loaded croquetas and deep-fried tuna bao serving as two can’t-miss menu items for first-time diners.

Discovering the Rich Culture of Bayamón and Old San Juan

Old San Juan was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

And of course, there’s no shortage of top-tier destinations for those wishing to broaden their horizons beyond Condado limits. Just south of the neighborhood, Santaella serves as a particularly upscale venue located on the edge of La Placita, a charming open-air market that turns into a boisterous bar district by night. Refined cocktails abound across the menu, with the tropical fruit-loaded Parchita and Golden Family serving as two must-try options for rum lovers, while each individual dish exemplifies the rich flavors of Puerto Rico at their most elegant. To kick off the meal, first-time diners can snack on grilled octopus and crispy alcapurrias loaded with white crab, while the pastelón serves as a particularly hearty main course that’s packed full of puréed sweet plantain, ground beef and a rich blend of cheeses.

For those who prefer to get in touch with their artistic side during their visit to the island, there’s one particularly charming attraction to discover outside of San Juan city limits. In the neighboring municipality of Bayamón, LAU Pottery Studio has made waves across the island thanks to its gorgeous artisanal dishware, much of which can be found gracing many of Puerto Rico’s most upscale restaurants—and for anyone wishing to try their own hand at pottery-making, an in-person workshop is an essential activity. Led by founder Laura Serrano, each class offers an opportunity for guests to craft a vessel of their very own, all while enjoying lively conversation and free-flowing Aperol spritzes.

Just west of Condado, the historic district of Old San Juan serves as a paradise for history buffs thanks to its high concentration of centuries-old churches and landmarks—but for those who want to experience Puerto Rican history in an intangible form, nothing beats a visit to El Bastión . Located steps away from San Juan’s storied Casa Blanca, this cultural center offers a wide array of events each month, with art exhibitions, concerts and workshops all taking place within its grounds. Meanwhile, visitors that wish to discover a particularly engaging cultural practice can enroll in a class with La Bomba Va . This local musical group has mastered the art of bomba—a traditional Puerto Rican music and dance genre that was first created by enslaved African laborers—with traditional drumming and dance classes available for booking.

Post-class, visitors can discover the island’s rich culture in a different form with The Spoon Experience , a local tour company that highlights the intricate history of Puerto Rico through the lens of food and drink. During an Old San Juan Walk & Taste Tour™, guests will have an opportunity to sample two Puerto Rican staples—coffee and rum—while dishes span from pernil (a type of slow-cooked pork dish) to mofongo, a hearty local favorite that consists of garlic, chicharrón and mashed green plantains. Meanwhile, cocktail aficionados can opt for a sunset tour instead to take advantage of San Juan’s thriving drinks scene, with local creations like the piña colada making an appearance along the way.

Navigating the Shores of Fajardo and Luquillo

Fajardo is best known as the home of Laguna Grande, a tranquil water feature that's full of ... [+] bioluminescent plankton.

After exploring the vibrant drinking and dining scene across Condado, nothing compares to a lengthy excursion along Puerto Rico’s sunny shores—and for best results, there’s no beating a trip out to Fajardo. Located on the northeastern edge of the island, this picturesque municipality has long been renowned for its gorgeous beaches and abundant natural beauty, with Kayaking Puerto Rico perfectly equipped to showcase all that the region has to offer.

Armed with a small fleet of motorized mini boats as well as kayaks, this small-scale outdoor adventure company provides guests with an opportunity to experience the splendor of eastern Puerto Rico as well as its native flora and fauna. To kick off the trip, guests jet off east, surging through the surf to find Cayo Icacos, an uninhabited island that draws locals in droves thanks to its soft white sand and turquoise water. Upon arrival, guests are welcome to snorkel in search of colorful reef fish like the royal gramma and honeycomb cowfish, while the island itself also serves as a top-tier birdwatching destination, with species like the magnificent frigatebird and red-billed tropicbird visible from the shoreline. And as an added bonus, guests can find a truly picturesque lunch spot on the way back to Condado in the form of Sama .

A recent addition to the shores of Puerto Rico’s Luquillo municipality, this idyllic restaurant showcases the culinary expertise of Chef Erika Suárez, a lauded local restaurateur who made history as the first female Executive Chef at the island’s iconic El Conquistador Resort. After basking in the picturesque ocean views from the open-air dining area, visitors can take a seat, snag a refreshing Sama Spritz and then take advantage of the incredible offerings found all throughout the menu. To kick off the meal, the buttermilk-marinated calamari and caldo e’ pescau are perfect for immersing oneself in the island’s seafood scene, with the branzino serving as an ideal main dish thanks to its savory notes accented by hon-shimeji mushrooms and bonito beurre blanc.

While there’s no shortage of stunning islands to explore across the Caribbean, Puerto Rico has earned abundant acclaim thanks to its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes and welcoming community—the latter of which has turned the island into one of the region’s top havens for LGBTQ+ tourism. While gay hotels and nightclubs abound within the San Juan metro area, Puerto Rico as a whole offers a wealth of inclusive communities scattered all throughout its borders, allowing queer couples and individuals alike to experience the rich beauty of the island both safely and comfortably.

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