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.

New Delhi: For the first time since 2001, excluding the Covid-19 years, the number of Indians visiting the United States has fallen as 2.1 lakh Indians travelled there in June 2025, which is an 8 per cent drop compared to 2.3 lakh in the same month last year, according to the US Commerce Department’s National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO).

The downward trend seems to be continuing in July as well, with provisional data showing a 5.5 per cent decline compared to July 2024.

This slowdown is part of a broader global trend. NTTO data shows that overall international arrivals to the US also fell, with a 6.2 per cent drop in June, 7 per cent in May, 8 per cent in March, and 1.9 per cent in February.

Only January and April saw increases of 4.7 per cent and 1.3 per cent, respectively.

India continues to be the fourth largest source of international visitors to the US. Since Canada and Mexico share land borders with America, India ranks as the second largest overseas market after the UK, followed by Brazil in fifth place.

Together, these five countries contributed nearly 60 per cent of all international arrivals to the US in June.

Traditionally, Indian travellers to the US include students, business professionals, and those visiting friends and relatives.

Leisure travel to America has always been less popular compared to destinations like Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

The current slowdown is being seen most clearly among students, though experts believe that business and family visits could also be affected if visa delays and constraints continue.

The Indian diaspora in the US is strong, with over 50 lakh people, which has generally ensured a steady flow of travel.

In fact, NTTO data shows that every June since 2001 had recorded higher numbers than the year before — until now.

April this year had been a positive month for Indian travellers overall, with 29 lakh people flying abroad.

The UAE was the top destination, followed by Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Singapore, and the US.

(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)