There are only a few destinations that we know and plan to visit. Most of us do not wish to discover new places and spaces. Consequently, we keep returning to the same places repeatedly. Although these places are so hyped up on social media, you might be disappointed by them once you get there.
Although these places are gorgeous, the charm has worn off. It's time that you consider removing these places from your bucket list.
Let's take a look at five of such overrated travel destinations.
1. Agra
Agra's only attraction is the magnificent Taj Mahal. Getting to the monument will take you forever. After you arrive at the building campus, you have to wait in a long line.
Taj Mahal is crowded year-round, no matter what day you visit it. Hundreds of people are witnessing the monument with you, defeating the whole purpose of the event. Despite having India's best tourist attraction, Agra remains highly undeveloped.
The pollution problem that the city continues to face is a concern that would require another discussion. It is highly cramped and undeveloped around the monument. Some say the building is romantic, but Shah Jahan built it for his fourth wife, who died while giving birth. Would you call that romantic?
2. Varanasi
There is no doubt that Varanasi is a soulful place to visit. The city has a rich cultural heritage. But the extreme crowds, the uncleanliness, and the unmaintained ghats make the visit unpleasant. The roads are smeared with cow dung, as well.
The river has become dirty and teeming with filth after several people bathed in it. This city is not worth visiting unless we attach a spiritual motive to it. Those are good enough reasons for me to remove the city from your bucket list.
3. Goa
Well, many would disagree with this one but there are many reasons one can avoid Goa. The city has over 50 beaches, so you'd expect an empty beach all to yourself. The most popular beaches, like Calangute beach, lack maintenance and are crowded with tourists. Don't come here if you want peace.
Goa has a wide array of delicious food to offer. The issue? The prices! The menu isn't disappointing, but the prices will burn a hole in your pocket. Carnival, a chaotic celebration, offers flashy floats, extravagant dances, and colorful parades. The city, however, will be overrun with noise and trash.
Goa can be called a creepy town. As the city allows for the wearing of minimal clothing, you can expect some peeping creeps. This is not so pleasant, is it?
Also, be prepared to be irritated to death by street vendors. The price of their products increases if you appear to be a tourist.
Goa also has several hyped nightclubs. Although there is a vibrant nightlife in Goa, most of the nightclubs are not worth it. Drinks may be cheaper, but entry fees make up for it.
Goa has meter-less cabs. It is not uncommon for them to ride without a meter and charge way higher prices than they should.
You may find this quite disturbing, but at Mugged Away Resorts in Goa, your valuables are at risk. You can't keep them in your hotel room. So you have to drag your stuff wherever you go, which puts you at risk of being mugged.
Goa has certainly begun to lose its charm. Tourists are now looking for more appealing beach destinations. If you are bored of Goa head to the pilgrimage town of Gokarna.
4. Ladakh
Ladakh is known as the traveler's paradise. It's no longer just travel enthusiasts who want to go to Ladakh; these days, everyone wants to visit. Several pictures you've seen on social media have made Ladakh look like an awe-inspiring destination. But there are certain backdrops too.
Firstly, Ladakh is far as hell! Don't expect to reach Ladakh from any part of the country within a day. Unless you plan to take a flight. But what's the point of going to Ladakh if you can't get there by car and not enjoy the views.
Another reason is that it's expensive in Ladakh. Most people don't tell you this harsh truth. Since there are so many international tourists in Leh, hotels and local cafes raise their prices as a result. And this will certainly burn a hole in your pocket.
Travel to Ladakh during the holiday season. All of the worlds will be there. Ladakh is a beautiful place, no doubt. But it's crowded with tourists. And one thing we can't ignore, the Royal Enfield riders. There are so many of them! Are you sure you want to invest your time and money in that circus?
5. Shimla
Shimla is another overrated travel destination. Over time, the hill station has become immensely popular with tourists from all over the country. As a result, it has lost its quaint charm.
In the former capital of British India, there is still a hint of the charm of yore. Shimla's Mall Road, which hosts numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants, is its main attraction.
But at the same time if you imagine or plan to take a nice relaxing walk down Mall road, then think again. Taking a walk on the mall road is just like walking in a crowd full of people who might be dreaming of the same experience as you.
Of course, it's good to see tourists around, happy faces roaming around just like you. But a crowd was not expected. It will be a walk with strangers instead of a relaxing walk.
It is worth paying attention to the other hill stations in India's northern region as well. A nice alternative to Shimla is Narkanda.
Grow up, become a real traveler, and explore places that people rarely go. Add unexplored and underrated destinations to your bucket list.
Written By: Arushi Oberoi
Edited By: Harshdeep Kaur
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