Dreaming Of A Post-Corona Sojourn?

After the pandemic, do your bit for sustainable travel by planning a trip to a few off-beat destinations

- Purnima Sharma

Avid travellers will not deter from putting together a list of destinations that could be visited once the pandemic is behind us. However, that’s where brakes need be applied for judicious thinking. After all, the Earth is healing — a consequence of a reduction in carbon footprint — and we need to do something to let this trend continue.

It is time to turn towards under-the-radar destinations that will leave you happy about doing your bit for sustainable travel.

LAKE DISTRICT IN ENGLAND

This ‘lakeland’ in the north-western part of England is perfect for those who want to savour solitude. It is a breathtaking combination of lakes (there are 16 here), forests and mountains. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is home to the deepest and largest natural lakes in the UK including Windermere, Grasmere and Tarn Hows. You can drive up to enjoy majestic views of the countryside. Literature-lovers are sure to be delighted with a visit not just to Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage (now a museum) but also those of John Ruskin and Beatrix Potter.

THANEDAR IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

At about 70kms from Shimla lies Thanedar that came to be called Apple Country after five saplings of the Red Delicious variety brought in from Philadelphia bore fruit and changed the fortunes of the people who started growing them. Staying at the Banjara Orchard Retreat, you can savour views of the apple plantations and, a gorgeous vista of Sutlej valley.