Best Off-Beat Destinations to Visit in India
India is a vast, expansive space full of wonder and color. Growing from a rich history, India is an amalgamation of so many different influences, and that’s why it’s unique. With impacts ranging from the Mughals to the Britishers, our food and our architecture are one-of-a-kind.
Thus, in this vast country lie a few acclaimed cities like Agra for the Taj Mahal and its beautiful historical significance, Delhi with its power-packed cultural heritage and amazing food, Udaipur for its captivating grandeur, and other such cities that are quintessentially India. However, is that it? Of course not; India has a lot of hidden gems. Numerous cities and villages line the map of the country and have their own stories to tell and show.
Here are some off-beat places in India for you to travel to –
Off-beat locations in North India
- Hemis, Ladakh – Hemis is an off-beat village in Ladakh lined with several Buddhist monasteries and hosts a yearly Hemis Festival that is filled with dances like the Chham dance, and devil dance. It also offers Tibetan food, artifacts, and a mystic drink called chang. Come and unwind in their forests or be witness to this one-of-a-kind festival.
- Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh – Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh is lesser known, but it’s one of the most picturesque and breathtaking locations. Perfect for people who like to hike, be in nature, or simply be at peace for a few days. The charm of Spiti will not disappoint.
- Valley of Flowers, Uttrakhand – With the Pushpawati River cutting across the valley, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is no less than an artist’s dream. Valley of Flowers in Uttrakhand has fields and fields of flowers of all types and even the unique Himalayan flora. It is the stuff of movies.
- Chopta, Uttrakhand – The Mini-Switzerland of India, Chopta is yet another off-beat destination. Pine-clad and filled with deador it’s highly picturesque and acts as a trekking camp for many.
Off-beat destinations in West India
- The Heritage Site of Champaner – Champaner is a culturally and historically significant city in the state of Gujrat, India. Lying in a peaceful location in the foothills of the Pavagadh Hills, Champaner is an ideal off-beat location. With a very prominent blend of Islamic and Hindu architecture, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architecture. Locations like the Champaner Fort are famous and a must-see.
- Shani Shingnapur, Maharashtra – A very unique village in Maharashtra, Shani Shingnapur has no house with doors. Also called the doorless village, it has crime rates ranging to almost zero and looking at this the United Commercial Bank also launched itself here with no safety doors etc.
- Mandvi, Gujrat – The historical port of Mandvi is known for its vast ship-building industry and its stunning white sandy beaches. Located on the coast, it offers activities and has the best locations for a beach-time visit for people looking for the same.
- Dungarpur, Rajasthan – Dungarpur has exceptional historical significance. It’s made beautifully, with sprawling havelis, jharokhas, and numerous royal residences and palaces. It also has skilled artisans who sell magnificent pieces of silver and lacquer.
Off-beat destinations in East India
- Anini, Arunachal Pradesh – It’s a quaint little hamlet in Arunachal Pradesh. Seemingly like a verse from nature poetry, Anini is filled with mountains, sprawling green fields, meadows, birds, and very little human life around. It offers a total cleanse and is one of the most underrated destinations.
- Tamenglong, Manipur – A beautiful destination in Manipur, Tamenglong is a perfect getaway. Spot rare birds here or even witness rare orchids. The bunny meadow here is known for its beauty, it is sprawling with flowers and green grassland vegetation. The Tharon cave too is a must-visit blast from the past.
- Champhai, Mizoram – Celebrate your partner or your anniversary in this perfect getaway destination. Consisting of a heart-shaped lake, gorgeous vineyards, and an ever-indulging French feel, Champhai is a lesser-known paradise.
- Pelling, Sikkim – Visit Pelling, Sikkim, to expose yourself to the grandeur of Buddhism. Lesser known destination in Sikkim, Pelling is complete with snow-clad mountains, grasslands, and undulating rivers. It also consists of the 130 Mt tall Buddha statue.
Off-beat places in South India
- Gokarna, Karnataka – Gokarna is a serene, picturesque destination with beautiful beaches and scenery. Perfect for a short get-away Gokarna can offer you peace and tranquillity for a few days with little to no tourism and only nature.
- Palakkad, Kerala – Consisting of gorgeous reservoirs, dams, and great spice plantations, Palakkad is a lesser-known getaway destination. You can explore the local culture, and food and unwind in the lap of nature here by visiting its national parks.
- Vattakanal, Tamil Nadu – Vattakanal has a lot of viewpoints and is extraordinary in terms of scenery offerings. You can trek up to the mountains or enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning while walking up to birds and the sweet smell of rain. Vattakanal is a great nature destination that offers much.
- Tharangambadi – Witness the Danish colonial history in this town. It can be your extraordinary getaway by exposing you to Danish culture and the impacts of Danish colonization on India. It’s also sunny and has a lot of beaches to keep you occupied.
These are just a few of the many off-beat destinations in India. The advantage of exploring these is peace, being away from your kind, and getting to enjoy things without the interference of crowds. It offers you extreme peace and an actual get-away experience because you will be away from the fast-paced nature of everyday responsibilities.
Plus, with new locations comes new learning, which I’m sure is plentiful at these destinations. Additionally, choosing to travel to these locations gives them business as well and gives you an ever-lasting experience.
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