Table of Contents
Introduction
India is a vast country with so much to offer travelers beyond its famous Golden Triangle circuit of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. Dotted across the length and breadth of the nation are numerous hidden gems – offbeat places that provide a glimpse into India’s incredible diversity. From breathtaking hill stations and pristine beaches to ancient forts and stunning waterfalls, India has a plethora of destinations waiting to be explored. Discovering these hidden corners lets you experience the real essence of incredible India.
So why venture off the tourist trail to uncover the hidden charms of India? For starters, it allows you to get away from the crowds and commercialization at major tourist hotspots. You can find spots that are still untouched and unspoiled. Exploring hidden gems also provides a more authentic experience as you immerse yourself in local culture and traditions. Additionally, you can discover uncharted natural beauty in these places, from mountains and beaches to forests and waterfalls. Most importantly, visiting hidden gems gives you memories and stories that are unique to you rather than following an identical tourist circuit.
Ready to venture into the unexplored landscapes of India? Here are some of the best hidden gem destinations you should add to your travel bucket list!
Lesser-Known Hill Stations
While Shimla, Manali, and Ooty are undoubtedly beautiful, they are swarming with tourists most times of the year. For a peaceful hill station holiday, head to these underrated gems:
Coorg
Nestled in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, Coorg is blessed with lush forests, coffee plantations, gushing waterfalls and stunning hills. Go on a jeep safari at the Nagarhole National Park or trek to waterfalls like Abbey and Iruppu. Don’t miss a plantation stay amidst evergreen forests!
Mahabaleshwar
In Maharashtra’s Sahyadri mountains lies the old-world charm of Mahabaleshwar, far from the bustling crowds. Explore hills and forests, boating at Venna Lake, or visit Pratapgad Fort and Krishna Valley. It’s also a great place to dig into strawberries!
Araku Valley
The scenic Eastern Ghats are home to Andhra Pradesh’s Araku Valley, perfect to find tranquility surrounded by nature. Visit tribal villages, explore Borra Caves, or go boating at Katiki waterfall. The lush green coffee plantations are a sight to behold!
Offbeat Beach Destinations
If you want to truly escape to tropical paradise, give overcrowded Goa a miss for these pristine coastal gems.
Marari Beach, Kerala
Palm-fringed and powder soft, Marari beach near Alleppey is the perfect slice of tropical heaven in Kerala. Spend days lounging on empty golden sands or indulging in Ayurvedic spa therapies.
Gokarna, Karnataka
Gokarna’s palm-fringed beaches like Om and Kudle are spectacular without the Goan crowds. Relax under thatched huts, take long walks or join yoga classes in this laid-back coastal town with ancient temples.
Neil Island, Andaman
White sandy beaches and crystal clear waters make Neil Island irresistible, minus the bustle of Havelock Island nearby. Laze on beaches like Sitapur and Bharatpur or try water activities like snorkeling and scuba diving.
Underrated Historical Sites
Beyond the Taj Mahal and Golden Temple, India has magnificent forts, palaces and colonial landmarks waiting to be discovered.
Bidar Fort, Karnataka
One of India’s best preserved fortresses, Bidar Fort offers a glimpse into the glorious Bahmani Sultanate with intricate carvings, arches and splendid views. Don’t miss the graceful Rangeen Mahal here.
Mehrangarh Fort, Rajasthan
While overshadowed by Jaipur’s Amber Fort, Jodhpur’s imposing Mehrangarh Fort is just as impressive with its intricately carved palaces and magnificent sandstone architecture soaking in centuries of history.
Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa
Old Goa’s Basilica of Bom Jesus often misses tourists’ itineraries but this 16th century marvel is India’s oldest church and a stunning example of Baroque architecture. It also houses the tomb of St. Francis Xavier.
Secluded Islands
Leave crowded beaches behind by ferry-hopping to these pristine hidden island gems along India’s coastline.
Majuli Island, Assam
The world’s largest river island, Majuli is enveloped in the raw, untouched beauty of the Brahmaputra. Here, find ancient monasteries, lush green countryside, and a rich tribal heritage.
Divar Island, Goa
A quick ferry ride from Panjim takes you to the tranquil tropical charm of Divar. Away from crowded beaches, enjoy the old Portuguese era homes and sleepy village life.
St Mary’s Island, Karnataka
Located off the coast of Malpe in Karnataka, St. Mary’s Island remains an undiscovered beauty, with striking hexagonal basalt rock formations and crystal blue waters perfect for snorkeling.
Quaint Towns
For an offbeat holiday experience, spend time in India’s charming small towns that remain stuck in time.
Malana, Himachal Pradesh
Tucked deep in the mountains, Malana is inhabited by a unique tribal community that strongly preserves their ancient traditions and customs. The scenic hiking trails around the village offer splendid isolation.
Mawlynnong, Meghalaya
Hailed as Asia’s cleanest village, Mawlynnong charms with its living root bridges, picturesque cottages, and greenery. Known for its community-based ecotourism model, it’s the perfect place for sustainable travel.
Phek, Nagaland
Nagaland’s town of Phek offers an authentic Naga tribal experience through its vibrant culture, cuisine and countryside. The fascinating Khezhakenyi or “Green Village” here is a must-visit.
Spectacular Waterfalls
Plunging deep in lush forests and valleys, India has magical cascades like nowhere else on the planet.
Thoseghar Waterfalls, Maharashtra
Thoseghar’s series of cascading waterfalls hidden in Satara’s dense jungles make for an unforgettable trekking experience. Some falls like the Chandbhawan Falls even run all year round.
Soochipara Falls, Kerala
Plunging from an astounding height of 300 feet amidst the Western Ghats’ forests, Soochipara or Sentinel Rock Falls is nothing short of breathtaking, especially in the monsoons.
Ethipothala Falls, Andhra Pradesh
The River Chandravanka creates a striking 21-tiered waterfall that’s a photographer’s delight. Surrounded by the biodiverse Nagarjunasagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Ethipothala offers abundant natural beauty.
Serene Wildlife Sanctuaries
India’s famous national parks get most of the attention but venture outside the usual and spot unique flora and fauna at these wildlife havens.
Bhitarkanika National Park, Odisha
Spot the gigantic saltwater crocodiles in their natural mangrove habitat at Bhitarkanika, home to India’s second largest mangrove forests spanning 145 square kilometers.
Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, Sikkim
Sikkim’s Maenam sanctuary, just 10kms from Gangtok, shelters incredible Himalayan biodiversity like red pandas and gorgeous orchids amidst lush forests and hills.
Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa
Far from Goa’s beaches lies the Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary, the state’s largest protected wilderness spanning 240 square km. Spot sambar, leopards and even elephants wandering its evergreen forests.
Ancient Temples
Beyond Khajuraho, get spellbound by the intricate stone carvings on ancient temples tucked away in small towns and villages.
Sun Temple, Odisha
At Konark’s 13th century Sun Temple, awe-inspiring architecture fuses with extensive stone carvings and a serene beachside setting. This UNESCO World Heritage Site comes to life during the Konark Dance Festival.
Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
While Khajuraho grabs the limelight, nearby towns like Panna, Bandhavgarh and Kawardha host magnificent temples showcasing stunning Khajuraho-style erotic carvings.
Lepakshi Temple, Andhra Pradesh
The sleepy village of Lepakshi is home to the Vijayanagar-era Veerbhadra Temple adorned with murals, stone sculptures and the mysteriously hanging Lepakshi saree.
Secluded Beaches
For deserted shores minus the tourist chaos, head to these breathtaking hidden beaches along India’s stunning coastline.
Agonda Beach, Goa
Down south from Palolem, Agonda beach offers a clean and serene stretch of white sands and turquoise waters, with options for nightlife and water sports along with tranquil resorts and beach huts.
Radhanagar Beach, Andaman
Fringed by lush forests and cerulean blue waters, Radhanagar on Havelock Island is arguably India’s most pristine shore, ideal for swimming, walking, or just lazing on the soft sands.
Kavaratti Beach, Lakshadweep
Palm lined and surrounded by crystal clear lagoons, Kavaratti beach on Lakshadweep’s coral reef-fringed islands is tropics perfection with opportunities for snorkeling, glass bottom boat rides and more!
Scenic Villages
For a peaceful holiday amid nature and village life, discover these scenic hamlets across India where time moves slowly.
Kotagiri, Tamil Nadu
The old-world charm of this quaint hill station in the Nilgiris comes from its colonial bungalows, tea estates, mountain trails, and charming local culture.
Malana, Himachal Pradesh
Remotely perched in the mountains, Malana is isolated from the world by its unique ancient village community and customs, offering day hikes with splendid views.
Majuli, Assam
Regarded as the cultural capital of Assam, the incredibly scenic river island of Majuli has 22 unique tribal villages that provide an immersive experience into rural heritage and folk culture.
Unique Markets
Beyond bustling bazaars, explore India’s vibrant local markets offering everything from handlooms to handicrafts in remote pockets.
Wednesday Market, Manipur
At Manipur’s Baruni, the all-women run ‘Wednesday Market’ makes for a fascinating experience, selling hand-woven shawls, herbs, handicrafts and more in a lively local ambience.
Floating Market, Kashmir
Srinagar’s bustling floating vegetable market on Dal Lake offers a glimpse into local Kashmiri culture and cuisine, with produce sailed in on small boats from nearby villages.
Wednesday Market, Arunachal Pradesh
Near the Line of Actual Control in Kibithu, Arunachal Pradesh, this weekly market lets villagers from both sides of the Indo-China border engage in cross-border trade in a unique cultural exchange.
Magnificent Caves
Venture deep underground to explore India’s natural cave systems formed over millennia, hiding geological wonders within.
Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Maharashtra
Ajanta and Ellora’s ancient Buddhist and Hindu cave shrines contain exquisite stone carvings and paintings that provide an artistic glimpse into spirituality and mythology.
Borra Caves, Andhra Pradesh
The breathtaking stalactite-stalagmite formations, along with intriguing legends, make Araku Valley’s Borra Caves one of India’s most fascinating caves, great for spelunking beginners.
Krem Liat Prah, Meghalaya
One of Meghalaya’s countless sublime caves, Krem Liat Prah near Cherrapunji is renowned for its impressive limestone formations and crystal clear underground pools.
Conclusion
From the lofty Himalayas to tropical coastlines, India’s hidden corners offer experiences beyond your imagination. Venturing into the unexplored lets you discover the incredible diversity of landscapes, cultures, history and nature that India has to offer. As tourism recovers in the post-pandemic world, sustainable and meaningful travel will be key. Visiting hidden gems allows you to travel responsibly while creating priceless memories. Slow travel also enables deeper cultural exchange. So take the path less trodden, wander off that tourist trail, ask the locals, and uncover the secrets of Incredible India!
FAQs
Q: Which is the cleanest village in India?
A: Mawlynnong in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya is renowned as the cleanest village in India. It is known for its community-based ecotourism initiatives and natural charm.
Q: Which hill station is best to visit in summer in India?
A: Some of the best hill stations to visit in summer are Coorg (Karnataka), Mahabaleshwar (Maharashtra), Araku Valley (Andhra Pradesh), Munnar (Kerala) and Kasauli (Himachal Pradesh) which remain pleasant in summer.
Q: Which is the most pristine beach in India?
A: Radhanagar on Havelock Island in the Andamans is widely regarded as the most pristine and cleanest beach in India owing to its remote location, lack of commercialization and turquoise blue waters.
Q: What is the cultural capital of Assam?
A: The river island of Majuli in Assam is considered to be the cultural capital of the state, renowned for its Satras (Vaishnavite monasteries) that preserve Assamese dance, music, art and craft traditions.
Q: Where is the cleanest village in India located?
A: Mawlynnong, touted as Asia’s cleanest village, is located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, about 90 kilometers from the capital city of Shillong. It is renowned for its community-based ecotourism model and natural charm.