The wildlife season is just around the corner, and we are excited about that. But this time, we are not here for that. For nature lovers, India’s diverse landscapes do not disappoint. Here we are looking at experiences beyond wildlife safaris, from lush valleys to serene backwaters. The winter months will provide perfect weather for exploring the outdoors. Here are eight exceptional nature trips across India to plan before the year ends.

Mawlynnong, Meghalaya

From Shillong Airport, Mawlynnong is located just 90 km. Also known as Asia’s cleanest village, Mawlynnong’s forests, waterfalls, and living root bridges are some of the best things you will experience in Northeast India. Not to forget, winter is the time when Dawki River (located just 30 km from Mawlynnong) is at it’s best form. Crystal clear water of Dawki River will leave you mesmerised. When in Mawlynnong, stay in village guesthouses. They are budget-friendly, and will let you have authentic traditional stay experience.

Dandeli, Karnataka

Located just 125 km from Goa Airport, Dandeli is nestled in the Western Ghats’ foothills. Its dense forests and Kali River offer adventure and serenity. Its flat terrain and riverine landscape are photogenic, perfect for the ‘gram.’ If you can, take out time to go rafting on the Kali River, or trek to Kavala Caves.Bhitarkanika National Park, OdishaLocated just 150 km from Bhubaneswar Airport, this mangrove ecosystem and wetland, spans 672 sq km. It offers serene boat rides through creeks and sightings of crocodiles and migratory birds. Bhitarkanika is a beautiful mix of wildlife and offbeat travel. Cruise through mangroves, spot estuarine crocodiles, or visit the Olive Ridley turtle nesting site at Gahirmatha.Gokarna, KarnatakaGokarna is located approximately 150 km from Goa Airport. It’s a quieter alternative to Goa. Gokarna’s pristine beaches and coastal cliffs offer a laid-back nature escape, far from the hustle and bustle of an over-crowded (and expensive) tourist trap. Here’s what to do in Gokarna: Relax on Om Beach, trek to Kudle Beach, or visit Half Moon Beach for solitude. The Mahabaleshwar Temple is a beautiful addition to your serene coastal holiday.

The banker, who makes about Rs. 2 lakh a month after taxes, had carefully planned his trip, Financial Express reported. Though his company could only authorize three weeks, he planned to remain in the US for four weeks.

Indian applicant mentions his childhood friend, travel expenses

The applicant mentioned that he has a childhood friend with US citizenship in Seattle that he wanted to visit during his trip. However, his schedule was flexible depending on which FIFA match tickets he could get. While he would pay for his living expenses in the US, his father was willing to support his travel costs.

The actual visa interview lasted less than a minute, claimed the applicant, as per Financial Express. During the interview, the Indian applicant talked about his passion for football and his 2022 World Cup memories with his father when the consulate officer questioned him about the reason for his travel.

He further opened up about the cities he would visit and how long he planned to remain in the US. He was then questioned about his living situation and his parents’ home.

At the end of the interview, the consulate officer surprisingly stated, “I’m sorry, you are rejected,” despite the fact that he had given clear answers. The interviewer did not ask him about his job, income, and travel history, the details which are deemed essential for visa evaluation.

Also Read: US announces stringent rules for immigrant visa interview locations starting November, key details here

A look at his B1/B2 visa interview with officer

Netizens react to Indian applicant’s B1/B2 visa denial

Meanwhile, several social media users attempted to find the reason behind the visa refusal to the Indian applicant. “You could have said i am planning to watch xxx vs xxx at xxx city, Childhood friend who is US citizen. High chances he might sponsor you for visa, Earning 2 lakh yet dad sponsoring is huge red flag. Consular officer assess everything and decide whether to approve or deny,” one user stated.

Another person even stated that he would also turn down his visa if he were conducting his interview. Stressing that he was offering unnecessary information that was not essential, the user further said, “Purpose of the visit is: tourism/ watching football — not the long story about your dad sponsoring your trip. Be simple, clear and direct. And figure out at least some location you’ll go to watch the match. It’s too up in the air right now.”

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said that a bullet train connecting Hyderabad, Chennai, Amravati, and Bengaluru will be launched soon. Addressing the India Food Manufacturing Summit 2025 in Vishakhapatnam on Friday, CM Naidu said that a survey is underway for the bullet train.

He said, “Very soon, the bullet train is going to come to South India. A survey is being done. It will connect Hyderabad, Chennai, Amravati, and Bengaluru, all four cities. More than 5 crore people live here, making it the largest cluster and market in the world. It is going to happen, and when it does, you are going to see the largest stakes.”

“Addressed the India Food Manufacturing Summit 2025 in #Visakhapatnam today. #AndhraPradesh is proud to fuel India’s food processing revolution with pro-industry policies, thriving industry clusters, and robust infrastructure. With over Rs 9,000 crore in new investments and a 9 per cent contribution to national output, we invite global innovators and investors to grow with AP as we position our state as India’s food processing hub,” Chandrababu Naidu wrote on platform X.

Meanwhile, the stations part of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed train corridor, also known as the Bullet Train project, are nearing completion, the Ministry of Railways said on Thursday. In a post on ‘X’, Indian Railways announced that these stations will redefine passenger comfort and set new benchmarks in travel for passengers.

“The Bullet Train stations on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor in Gujarat are nearing completion. With modern design, cultural identity, seamless connectivity and eco-friendly features, the stations will redefine passenger comfort and set new benchmarks in travel,” the ‘X’ post said.

Earlier, on August 6, the Indian Railways had informed that the bridge on the Vishwamitri River, in the Vadodara district of Gujarat, for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project had been completed.

This is the seventeenth river bridge completed out of the planned 21 river bridges in Gujarat for the project, the Ministry of Railways said on Wednesday.