5 Best No-Network Places in India

Internet connectivity in India has come of age. It’s easier than ever to be connected no matter which corner of the country you’re in. While technological progress in this digital age is a thing to be applauded, those looking to unplug while on vacation, find it difficult to have a tech-free getaway. Here are 5 best no-network (almost!) places in India that force you in to a digital detox so all you need to focus on is having a good time while on holiday.

Bandipur

Bandipur National Park in Karnataka adjoins both Nagarhole and Mudumalai national parks.  A prolific belt for spotting wildlife including the mighty tiger, Bandipur is where you can really disconnect. As you venture in to the interiors of the jungle on a safari, marvel at the rich fauna, which includes teak and sandalwood trees. Enjoy the wilderness as you spot elephants, deer, langurs and antelopes. With a little bit of luck, you may encounter tigers and leopards too.

Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Crystal clear waters, swaying palms and white sandy beaches, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are a pristine tropical paradise. An archipelago in the Bay of Bengal, there are over 500 island clusters of which some are uninhabited. Popular inhabited islands include Havelock, Neil and Little Andaman where travelers come to relax and unwind. While in the Andamans, explore your surroundings by going snorkeling and diving or choose to pass your day lying in a hammock doing nothing!

Backwaters of Kerala

You may be in ‘God’s Own Country’ but it’s hard not to escape being connected here as well. However, when in the Backwaters, there are many pockets where you’re likely to get respite. The Backwaters span 1500 kilometres of canals, rivers, lagoons and lakes. As you sail through them on a houseboat, the coconut trees along the shore’s edge, small islands and the chance to observe coastal village life from a distance are great ways to unwind and de-stress.

Ladakh

Limited network connectivity is what makes Ladakh all the more charming. The ‘land of high passes’ truly lets you disengage from the life that you know. Still relatively untouched by commercialisation, Ladakh is a land of natural beauty incomparable to any other part of India. Mountains reflected in crystal clear lakes and monasteries surrounded with colourful prayer flags fluttering against clear blue skies, Ladakh is all about picture postcard views at every turn. That’s reason enough to ditch your phone for a camera!

Kasol

Often described as a different world altogether, Kasol is a hamlet tucked away in the Parvathi Valley in Himachal Pradesh. At a height of 1640 metres, Kasol boasts of stunning views of the Himalayan mountain range and lush green gorges. The village itself is an unexpected delight given its remote location. You’ll be surprised to find cafes, bars and bakeries serving up a gourmet affair! While Kasol serves as a gateway to many treks in the region, the tranquility of it makes it ideal to do some soul-searching and simply ‘be’.