For a change instead of heading to the beaches or snow capped mountains, lets dive into India's rich culture by exploring these charming and unique places.

Shantiniketan, West Bengal:

Shantiniketan takes us back into the life and times of the great writer and poet Rabindranath Tagore who first outlined the vision for the famous Visva- Bharati University and established it here. It is a sleepy hamlet in the Birbhum district of West Bengal. The Uttarayan complex is a must visit as also is Tagore's home and Rabindra Bhavana which is a museum that holds original letters and documents as well as a replica of the great man's nobel prize medal.

Namchi, Sikkim:

Namchi is a scenic town in the Eastern Himalayas where the Namchi festival is held each year in October. It has a 135 foot Guru Padmasambhava Statue which is believed to be the highest one of the saint in the world. One can buy the exquisite local arts and crafts and sample the cuisine Of southern Sikkim. When the festival is held, one can join the festivities and take part in local dance and music and cultural activities organized by the tourism department.

Valvande, Maharashtra:

We have all heard and seen Warli paintings, but a visit to a small village Valvande in Maharashtra will be like a journey to the past where the Warli tribe created this delicate craft. Situated about 120 km from Mumbai, it is like a discovery of a way of life long lost and forgotten. Along with watching the artisans make the paintings, you will also be able to interact with these simple and talented artists which will make it a memorable experience. You can dine at a village home, walk around in the green and clean hamlet, photograph the waterfall nearby and take back home a precious piece of art which is a slice of Indian culture.

Jagdalpur, Chattisgarh:

Jagdalpur is the capital of Bastar district. It is the green heart where the tribes reside and is also the centre of arts and crafts in the state. Here you can buy bell metal, wrought iron and other famous Bastar crafts directly from artisans. Starting in August, the unique Bastar Dussehra is celebrated here with great pomp and revelry. It is an ode to Goddess Danteshwari, the revered diety of the erstwhile royals and Bastar tribes.

Chennai, Tamil Nadu:

Chennai is a city with many bookshops, dance and art festivals and people here generally love reading and music, so this place is an obvious choice for people with a love for culture. The Music Academy holds a dance festival every year which allows one to witness various classical dance forms of India like Bharatnatyam and Odissi, which are performed by lead artists. There is also a Spirit of Youth Festival every year where you can savour the latest local talent in music and dance. Giggles, the hole-in-the-wall bookshop is a total delight for book lovers.