Places to explore if you are looking for solitude and peace

Travelling is like a therapy for the soul in modern times, It is important to unwind and relax after a few months of hard work. But the problem is, most popular places have become extremely overcrowded.

There seems to be no peace even during holidays. We have curated a list of some places which you may want to explore if you are looking at a destination which has some serenity and calm.ONENESS, Rishikesh: Tucked away on the quieter side of Rishikesh, Oneness offers an experience that goes far beyond a typical hill retreat. It blends soulful living with understated luxury, inviting guests into an atmosphere where nature, serenity, and mindful hospitality come together effortlessly.

Whether it’s waking up to the whisper of the Ganga breeze, practising stillness amid the Himalayan foothills. For travellers seeking more than sightseeing-a space to pause, reconnect, and realign,Oneness Rishikesh is a must-visit gem that elevates the spiritual essence of the city into a deeply personal journey.

The resort has been built deep inside the hill and it is not easy to access it. One has to park the vehicle at their common parking and then ascend the hill, it takes almost 15-20 minutes to climb down to the rocky bank of the Ganga.

The place appears surreal, like a small magical heaven surrounded by mountains. It is difficult to believe such a spot exists in Rishikesh. The water is azure and pristine. One has to cross the river (it takes 5 minutes) and climb close to 147 stairs to reach the resort. The resort is built in a small clearing and has cottages and a uiquely made Bamboo Cottage that overlooks the hills. The restaurant is an open space and well lit, and if you climb down the hill from the side of the restaurant, there is again a lovely spot-a private Ganges beach where one can bathe and have picnics.

The place does not allow senior citizens due to the hiking required to reach it. The resort gives you a true experience of nature in the hustle and bustle of the town. The place is beautiful, and the staff is very attentive. However, the dining aspect needs some more rework considering the fact that there is no other option for the guests except dining in the resort.Jim Corbett Marriott Resort & Spa, Jim Corbett: Corbett is no longer the jungle it used to be. While it still holds intact its beauty, due to the mushrooming of numerous hotels and resorts, the charm and stillness of the jungle has gone missing.

However, there are a few resorts that are still upholding that proximity with nature due to their location, and Jim Corbett Marriott Resort & Spa is one of them. Situated right next to the Kosi, the resort has a sort of private deck and one can hear the sound of gushing water while enjoying the stillness of the hills.

The rooms are made in an individual cottage style, providing ample privacy for guests. One can lounge in the huge dining area while enjoying breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Most people are on safari when they have high tea in the evening, which ends before you finish your second cup! However, if you are lucky enough to be there in time, you can enjoy the tea looking at lovely surroundings as the evening falls.Palma Resort, Goa: Set along the tranquil Ashwem shoreline, Palma Beach Resort arrives as a boutique hideaway shaped by Goa’s quieter side. Surrounded by swaying palms and open skies, the resort eases into an unhurried pace, where days begin with the sound of waves and wind down in gentle, sea-lit evenings.

Designed for those who seek ease, connection and comfort, Palma encourages a slower, more mindful way of living. Ashwem Beach is one of Goa’s most quietly captivating stretches of coastline.

The story began two decades ago when it was an untouched expanse of sand with no hotels, no shacks, just the sea known only to those seeking solitude. As the neighbourhood slowly evolved, its peaceful essence remained unchanged.

Palma has been built here but with a deep respect for the land and hence it has been designed to accommodate the existing landscape. The resort features four categories of rooms and private cottages, each designed with warm textures, soft tones and generous natural light. Guests can enjoy uninterrupted quietude, with the beach just a few steps away. Every corner has been shaped to feel personal, welcoming and reflective of Goa’s timeless coastal character.NoorMahal Palace Hotel, Karnal: One of the most stunning properties around Delhi, NoorMahal Palace Hotel is a piece of art. A boutique property, Noor Mahal seems to be a labour of love and attention by its promoters. Built in 2008-2009 by Colonel Manbeer Singh Choudhary a former Indian Army officer from Maharaja Ranjit Singh's lineage—this 12-acre palace hotel revives the opulence of maharaja-era palaces like Hawa Mahal, complete with ornate domes, jharokhas, chandeliers, and antiques sourced from auctions (one rare piece mirrors Rashtrapati Bhavan’s).

Set amid lush fields on the old Yamuna riverbed, Noor Mahal features Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas courtyards, intricate jallis, and vast suites evoking Mughal splendor. Its design fuses traditional motifs with contemporary comforts, making it a living museum of India's past perfect for weddings, stays, and events attended by celebrities like Hema Malini and Randeep Hooda.