What if I tell you that India is home to the only floating park in the world? Yes, you read that right. Keibul Lamjao – the one and only Floating National Park in the World – is situated in Manipur, India.
Ancient destinations like Dholavira or Osian give us a sneak-peek into the rich Indian history. Moreover, undiscovered hill stations like Valparai or Lepchajagat make India an incredible country to travel. It is full of hidden places, virgin peaks, pristine lakes, and unknown rivers.
As a traveler, you may have visited many popular holiday destinations in India, but how about ditching the old and overcrowded vacation spots and exploring some roads less taken?
It does not matter if you are a tourist or a local traveler; exploring the unexplored is always exciting. Imagine visiting places you have never heard about, unearthing villages you did not know existed, and experiencing nature’s beauty like never before. Does that sound intriguing?
Be it the hidden valleys in Arunachal Pradesh, the lesser-known hill stations of Himachal Pradesh, or the lesser-known cities of Northeast, India is full of pleasant surprises. It allows you to discover mesmerizing hidden gems that are nothing less than a paradise.
Here’s a handpicked list of 10 unexplored and offbeat destinations in India for your next vacation.
Lepchajagat-West Bengal
Located at a distance of 19 km from Darjeeling, Lepchajagat is a village in West Bengal surrounded by dense forests, snow-capped mountains, and scenic landscapes. With the trails full of oak and pine trees and the breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga peak, this place is a hidden paradise for those who love being in the lap of nature.
You will be amazed by the beauty of this wonderful little townlet that is a perfect hideout for travelers interested in walking on the less-taken route.
Things to do:
- Watch the mesmerizing views of Kanchenjunga from Jorpokhri.
- Visit the Ghum Monastery.
- Shop at the Pashupati market.
Best time to visit: Between September to April.
Price for two: 10,000 INR
Yousmarg-Kashmir
You must have visited the famous Gulmarg and Pahalgam in Kashmir but have you been to this mesmerizing hill station in the western part of the Kashmir Valley? It is surrounded by lush green meadows, pristine lakes, and interesting trails.
Legend has it that Jesus Christ stayed at Yousmarg for a long time during his visit to Kashmir and was amazed by its beauty. If you are someone who is a fan of scenic views and offbeat destinations, then you must visit this little heaven in Kashmir.
Things to do:
- Take a trek to the famous Doodhganga River.
- Visit the Charar-i-Sharief shrine.
- Stroll in the Sang-e-Safed Valley.
Best time to visit: April to June, September, and early October.
Price for two: 15,000 INR
Osian-Rajasthan
Also called the Khajuraho of Rajasthan, Osian is an unexplored town in the Jodhpur district of Rajasthan. It is home to dozens of ancient temples built in the 8th century. Although Osian is a heritage tourist attraction with many historical monuments and century-old temples, it is still an offbeat destination located in the middle of the Thar desert.
If you are someone who is intrigued by history, you must visit this ancient town to witness some historical architecture.
Things to do:
- Visit the Sun temple, Sachiya Mata Temple, and Surya Temple.
- Go for the famous camel safari.
Best time to visit: Between November to February.
Price for two: 20,000 INR
Tarkarli-Maharashtra
A mesmerizing and remote village in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, this hamlet is home to some of India’s most serene and breathtaking beaches.
It is not only an untouched place with scenic views and pristine waters but is also one of the few destinations in India that offer exciting activities like scuba diving.
If you are someone who would love to enjoy a little hideout away from the noise of the cities, visit this place with clear white sands and blue water.
Things to do:
- Go Parasailing, Scuba Diving, and Snorkelling.
- Enjoy a houseboat ride.
Best time to visit: Between October and March.
Price for two: 15,000 INR
Chaukori – Uttarakhand
Situated in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, this little hamlet sits at an altitude of 2010 meters. It offers stunning views of the Panchachuli massif and the Himalayan range, enough to please your eyes.
Chaukori shares its border with Tibet and is one of the most underrated places in Uttarakhand. You can enjoy the beauty of the picturesque Mahakali River and fall in love with nature.
Things to do:
- Visit the Mahakali temple of Gangolighat.
- Take a walk in the tea gardens.
Best time to visit: April to June. You can also visit the place in winters, between November to January.
Valparai- Tamilnadu
Surrounded by enthralling waterfalls, picturesque lakes, lush green meadows, and scenic landscapes, this remote and offbeat hill station in Tamil Nadu is every travel lover’s paradise.
Despite its startling beauty and charm, Valparai is hardly explored. Not many people know this majestic heaven situated in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu amidst the Anamalai Hills of Western Ghats.
Things to do:
- Visit the wealthy tea estates.
- Explore the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary.
Best time to visit: In the peak winter months of December and January.
Ziro Valley-Arunachal Pradesh
Another underestimated destination in India, Ziro Valley is a part of the Lower Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh. It is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Arunachal Pradesh, surrounded by pine-clad hills and rice fields that add charm to its scenic beauty. Apart from the tranquil vibe, the enticing valley is also known for its famous Ziro music festival held annually.
Things to do:
- Visit the Meghna Cave Temple, Kile Pakho, Ziro Puto, and Gandhi Market.
Best time to visit: During monsoons and winters.
Lambasingi – Andhra Pradesh
Also called the ‘Kashmir of South India,’ Lambasingi is a remote and undiscovered village situated in the Eastern Ghats of Chintapalli Mandal of Alluri Sitharama Raju district in Andhra Pradesh.
Apart from its apple and strawberry fields and rich tea and coffee plantations, this spellbinding hamlet is known for its dense forests, rare wildlife, flora, and fauna.
If you want to visit a novel gem with picturesque views and captivating landscapes, do see Lambasingi.
Things to do:
- Visit the Kothapalli Waterfalls, Susan Garden, Thajangi Reservoir, and Annavaram Temple
Best time to visit: Between November and January.
Dholavira, Gujarat
One of India’s most well-known Indus Valley Civilization sites, this ancient village is situated at Khadirbet in Bhachau Taluka of Kutch District in Gujarat. It is one of the five largest Harappan sites in the country.
If you want to take a deep dive into the ancient culture from the pre-historic days, visit this place that offers surreal beauty along with some significant tourist attractions.
Things to do:
- Visit the Kutch Fossil Park, Purneshwar Temple, Dattatreya temple
Best time to visit: Between October and March.
Haflong-Assam
Talking about unexplored and underrated travel destinations in India, you will be surprised to know this beautiful town is not only one of the most breathtaking places to visit in the North East but is also the only hill station in Assam.
Surrounded by stylish mountains, picturesque lakes, and scenic landscape, Haflong is also known as the Scotland of Assam because of its staggering beauty. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and lush green meadows.
Moreover, Haflong is one of the most untouched destinations in India that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
Things to do:
- Visit the Haflong lake and hill.
- Go to Jatinga and Maibong.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Haflong is between October and March.
Like reading? Subscribe to the Word Street Journal using the banner below and receive regular updates via email.
Leave a Reply