The price of paradise: What happens when offbeat travel destinations go mainstream

Once a cherished secret, India's offbeat travel destinations are rapidly becoming mainstream. What began as a quiet escape for a few now faces overcrowding, mirroring global trends. As infrastructure improves and social media fuels aspiration, the very charm of these places is threatened. Travelers grapple with the desire for authentic experiences versus their role in accelerating discovery and its consequences.

By AADRITA HALDER