Photos: Top places in India to do absolutely nothing

Longing for a do-nothing holiday? We've picked 5 awesome places (all part of our "Authentic Stays" listings) that provide the perfect setting for just that.

Pick one and start zoning out.

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Contributed by Aashish Gupta, founder of Yellowleg.com -- The Discerning Traveller's Bookstore.

Bangaram Island, Lakshadweep

An uninhabited island, surrounded by translucent turquoise waters with no TV, no newspapers, and most importantly no "network" (yes not even the one Anushka Sharma is using in those pesky commercials).

When you get tired of lounging in the beach chairs with your book, head for an ayurvedic massage.

If you feel rejuvenated enough, head out with a snorkel to swim in the lagoon. On second thoughts, catch a nap instead.

Kesroli, Rajasthan

Walk along the ramparts of this 14th-century fort while taking in views of the bucolic surroundings.

Pick a nook and settle down with a book. Or pick some other low-octane activity like playing carrom or chess to fill those hours in between naps.

If you feel the need for a little action, Kesroli makes an ideal base to visit the Sariska Tiger Sanctuary, Kankwadi fort, the monuments of Tijara, Siliserh Lake, Bhangarh-Ajabgarh, the hot springs in Talvriksh, and plenty more places of interest.

Curtorim, Goa

There's something about being in Goa that really brings out the susegaad spirit in even the most restless of folks.

Don't believe us? Just take a deep breath of Goan air as soon as you land there and you'll know what we're talking about.

But skip the hyperactive party hotspots of North Goa.

Stay at Arco Iris, a 100+ year-old elegantly restored colonial house built on a sprawling, terraced, 1.5 acre property in a quiet village in south Goa. Experience the authentic Goan life here.

Lake Vembanad, Kerala

Settle into a kettuvallam (houseboat), with a sun deck bed on the front -- perfect for lounging with a book or just watching life by the water go by.

Spice Coast Cruises has the finest houseboat experiences ... comfortable, authentic and a very cleverly designed boat.

Hill towns of Kumaon

Blessed with a gentle, laid-back quality, the Kumaon Hills region is great for viewing breathtaking scenery, breathing in restorative oxygen-rich air and taking languorous walks.

Skip the overdeveloped "hill stations" and head to either Ramgarh or Nathuakhan.

This is untouched Kumaon, with two superb places to rest your head -- Ramgarh Bungalows, a 180 year-old property once used to house British officers; and Ek Chidiya, a lovely cottage set amidst terraced fields and pine forests.