Been there, done that, posted the reel now what?

If your travel stories are starting to sound like reruns (“Remember that trip to Manali in 2022?”), it’s time to go off the grid… just enough to surprise your feed and your soul. We’re talking secret get-aways underrated routes that aren’t packed with tourists or overpriced cafés, but still pack major vibes.

And the best part? You don’t need to fly across the country or spend your life savings. Just a bus ticket, a weekend bag, and a little curiosity will do the trick.

These 10 routes feel like travel cheat codes. Let’s crack the map wide open.

1. Chandigarh to Pampore Saffron Fields & Himalayan Feels

Vibe: Botanical daydream meets valley views
Distance: ~500 km

Why it’s a hidden gem:

You’ve heard of Kashmir, but have you heard of Pampore? This small town bursts into lilac hues during saffron season.
The drive takes you through Udhampur and Patnitop aka mini-vacations along the way.

What to do when you get there:

Wander through saffron fields (Oct–Nov is peak bloom)
Grab Kahwa at a local dhaba
Chat with saffron farmers they’ve got stories to tell

Pro Move: Head up via zingbus plus for the comfort upgrade and free rescheduling options just in case you fall in love with the valley and want to stay longer.

2. Bengaluru to St. Mary’s Island Lava Rocks & Island Vibes

Vibe: Mini-Maldives meets geology class (but make it fun)
Distance: ~400 km to Malpe + ferry

Secret Sauce:

Hexagonal basalt columns make the island feel like a sci-fi film set
The ferry ride is half the fun

Do This:

Rock-hop and take your most unfiltered photos yet
Pack a picnic no shops here
Hit Malpe Beach before or after the ferry

Reel Alert: St. Mary’s is wildly photogenic. Your phone battery won’t survive bring a power bank.

3. Delhi to Nubra Valley The Desert That’s Also the Sky

Vibe: High-altitude silence + double-humped camels
Distance: ~1,200 km

Why go all the way:

It’s Ladakh, but with sand dunes. No, really.
Cold desert vibes, tiny villages, and unreal night skies

Try this:

Stay in a homestay in Hunder
Ride a Bactrian camel (only if it’s ethical and regulated)
Visit Diskit Monastery it’s massive

Pro Tip: Take a break in Leh to acclimatize, then continue. Slow travel is better here.

4. Jaipur to Udaipur Royal Feels, Zero Fuss

Vibe: Palaces, lakes, and a whole lot of gold light
Distance: ~390 km

Skip the cliché: Everyone goes to Jaipur or Udaipur, but the route between them is severely underrated.

What to do:

Stop at Chittorgarh Fort on the way
Get rooftop thali in Udaipur
Watch the sunset from Ambrai Ghat

5. Delhi to Rishikesh River Meets Recharge

Vibe: Yoga by day, bonfire by night
Distance: ~240 km

What makes it different:

You already know Rishikesh is peaceful but it’s also an affordable thrill-seeker’s paradise

Add to your checklist:

Cliff jump near Brahmapuri
Attend a silent retreat for 24 hours (yes, 24)
Eat your weight in peanut chikki from roadside stalls

6. Mumbai to Alibaug Ferry First, Beach Second

Vibe: 48-hour recharge for overworked city folks
Distance: ~95 km (plus boat ride!)

Why it’s a secret win:

You’re barely traveling, but you feel like you left the state
You get a road trip and a ferry ride

Don’t miss:

Early morning forts walks at Kolaba
Sunset drinks at beachside cafés
Local fish thali with spicy sol kadhi

Group Tip: Heading with friends? Book zingbus plus seats together and bring card games ferry queues can be long.

7. Delhi to McLeod Ganj Monks, Momos & Misty Treks

Vibe: Zen with a side of steamed dumplings
Distance: ~480 km

Why it’s magic:

Tibetan vibes, scenic hikes, and a town that feels like a storybook
If you’ve only done Dharamshala, you’re missing out

Do more:

Sunrise hike to Triund (worth the early wake-up)
Library of Tibetan Works and Archives
Try authentic thukpa at Lung Ta

Travel Tip: Overnight buses make this route super doable. Plus, waking up in the hills? Always a win.

8. Chennai to Pondicherry The French Detour

Vibe: Paris meets palm trees
Distance: ~160 km

Why not just go again:

Every trip to Pondi feels different. This time, go deeper:
- Try pottery at local studios
- Spend a whole day at Auroville
- Track down that one bakery everyone talks about but no one can find

Pro Move: If you’ve got zingprime, grab early access to discounts for those frequent weekend runs.

9. Bengaluru to Chikmagalur The Underhyped Hilltown

Vibe: Foggy roads and fresh coffee
Distance: ~240 km

Why it’s still a secret:

People keep confusing it with Coorg (shhh… let’s keep it that way)
It’s less commercial, more cozy

Don’t skip:

Trek to Mullayanagiri
Try coffee tasting at estate cafés
Visit Hirekolale Lake for an insane sunset

Life Hack: Off-season weekdays = fewer people and cheaper stays.

10. Bengaluru to Coorg Because Coffee Deserves a Road Trip

Vibe: Rainy windows, rich brews, and misty mornings
Distance: ~250 km

If you know, you know:

Abbey Falls, coffee plantation walks, and homestay hospitality make this a classic weekend fix
Still low-key enough to feel like a hideout

Bonus Round:

Coorg pork curry is a must
Go birdwatching in early mornings
Pack a book or three

Your Sneaky Travel Shortcut: zingbus

Here’s the thing these routes feel spontaneous, but pulling them off smoothly takes a little planning. zingbus helps you skip the chaos and just focus on the vibes. Here’s how:

Reclining seats: Actually nap without folding in half
Air-conditioning: Because we’re not made for 42°C
Free Wi-Fi: Scroll, stream, survive
Onboard washrooms: Absolute lifesaver on longer rides
Women-only seats: Safety meets chill vibes
Real-time tracking: Keep the fam updated without a million texts

If you’re planning multiple getaways (which, let’s be real, you are), look into zingprime it gets you early access to deals, priority boarding, and even free cancellations.

So, Where to Next?

Now that you’ve got the map, it’s time to break up with the basics and start chasing that offbeat magic. Less crowds, more moments.

Grab your gang. Make that reel. Book your seat at zingbus.com.
And remember the best trips are the ones no one saw coming.

These 10 Lesser-Known Bus Routes Feel Like a Secret Getaway