Cruise along the Konkan coast for a slice of susegad in Goa, or drive through Khardung La—one of the world’s highest motorable passes— to reach a village on India’s frontier. Here’s a round-up of the most offbeat and exciting driving itineraries for your trip. And guess what if you looking for last minute offbeat road trip ideas for this long Diwali weekend, this guide is all you will need. By Sushmita Srivastav, Rashima Nagpal & Shrimayee Thakur
One of Asia’s largest brackish water lagoons, Chilika Lake lies around 114 kilometres from Puri, and swells as wide as 1,100 square kilometres during monsoon. It is home to a unique endangered creature: the Irrawaddy dolphin. Located to the south of River Mahanadi in Odisha and separated from the Bay of Bengal by a 60-kilometre-long sandbar called Rajhans, the brackish lake dotted with wetlands makes for a great trip from Puri via Satapada. The lake sees a steady influx of naturalists, birdwatchers, and tourists every year. Spot the peculiar dolphin with its bulging forehead and short beak as you glide on the lake in a boat, and spend the rest of the day at the Nalabana Bird Sanctuary, where millions of Siberian flamingos and other migratory birds nest. Stay at Swosti Chilika Resort, located on the banks of the lake. Starts from INR 5,000/USD 67.
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