Stop going to the same old places over and over because they’re convenient to reach or just because you have your relatives and friends there.
Ever thought about going to a place where you’ll literally have to cut through jungles to walk and discover sceneries you never thought existed? While there’s no denying that accessibility might be an issue here but where’s your spirit of adventure if you hesitate at that?
So, here are some of the hidden gems in India that have been long ignored and now it’s high time more people knew about them:
So, here are some of the hidden gems in India that have been long ignored and now it’s high time more people knew about them:
1. Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
Lush rice fields, gurgling rivers and picture-postcard villages of the Apatani tribe – these are the things that define Ziro Valley for you. It’s a little village in the state of Arunachal Pradesh in Northeast India where annually in the month of September the Ziro Festival of Music is organised. It is definitely one of the places in India that deserves more attention!
How to reach? Take a bus or shared taxi from Bomdila or Tezpur (also worth checking out). You could also get a cab from either of the points and go directly to Ziro.
N.B: You’ll need to get Inner Line Permit from Guwahati, Kolkata or Delhi. It’s not a very extensive task and now you can also get it online at Arunachal ILP Management System. Foreign nationals will, however, need to get a Restricted Permit from Delhi or Kolkata to get to Arunachal Pradesh (totally worth the extra effort).
N.B: You’ll need to get Inner Line Permit from Guwahati, Kolkata or Delhi. It’s not a very extensive task and now you can also get it online at Arunachal ILP Management System. Foreign nationals will, however, need to get a Restricted Permit from Delhi or Kolkata to get to Arunachal Pradesh (totally worth the extra effort).
2. Champhai, Mizoram
Overlooking the blue hill ranges of Myanmar border, Champhai is a charming place in Mizoram. Its beauty is unlike any other part of the country. There are ancient monuments and monoliths that depict the valiant history of the Mizo tribes.
How to reach? There are direct flights from Kolkata and Guwahati to the Lengpui Airport in Mizoram, a short distance away from Aizawl. You can either take a shared Sumo or a private cab from the city to reach Champhai.
N.B: You’ll need to apply for Inner Line Permit from Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Shillong and Silchar which can be obtained from Mizoram house in the respective cities.
N.B: You’ll need to apply for Inner Line Permit from Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Shillong and Silchar which can be obtained from Mizoram house in the respective cities.
3. Dholavira, Gujrat
Claimed to be larger that the two most remarkable excavations- the Indus Valley Civilisation and the Harappan culture, Dholavira will offer you a glimpse into an ancient culture that existed in the pre historic days. The surreal beauty of the place is further enhanced by the surrounding vast salt marsh of the Rann of Kutch.
How to reach? The nearest airport is either Bhuj or Ahmedabad located 4 and 6 hours away from Dholavira by road respectively.
4. Kaas Plateau, Satara
Kaas Plateau aka Kaas Pathar is a volcanic plateau located in Maharashtra. This 1000 hectare plateau has only recently gained popularity since it was declared a bio-diversity site by UNESCO in June 2012. It is not yet gained a lot of attention of the tourists, so you can spend some tranquil moments in this enchanting surrounding.
How to reach? A half an hour drive from Satara and around 130 km from the city of Pune.
5. Majuli, Assam
Majuli is one of the largest freshwater river island in Asia beached in the mighty Brahmaputra. Due to constant soil erosion it is quite possible for the entire island to submerge in another 15 to 20 years. It is extremely important for people to pay more attention to this place for proper steps to be taken to save Majuli. The unmatched beauty of the place is best experience during the winter months.
How to reach? One has to reach Neemati Ghat in Jorhat district from where you’ll have to take a ferry ride to the island. There are four flights to Jorhat from Kolkata and Guwahati. Another option is to reach Neemati Ghat directly from Guwahati by road which will take around 6 to 7 hours.
6. Lepchajagat, West Bengal
Lepchaghat in West Bengal is an untouched beauty that very few people know about. Enchanting views of the Kanchendzonga, lush green woods and misty environs of the hill station makes it a perfect hideout for the love birds.
How to reach? Lepchaghat is at a mere 19 km from Darjeeling by road. The nearest airport is Bagdogra from where you can take a cab to reach the hill town.
7. Valparai, Tamil Nadu
A pristine land located 3,500 feet above sea level on the Anamalai mountain range, Valparai is not just a small town, it’s a majestically woven green patch of divine land. The verdant vistas and forests of Valparai shares its boundaries with Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Eravikulam National Park and Vazhachal forest division.
How to reach? Coimbatore airport is the nearest international airport to Valparai located approximately 124 km away.
8. Mandu – Madhya Pradesh
Home of India’s finest examples of Afghan architecture, picturesque Mandu is perched atop of a pleasantly green, thinly forested plateau. There are also some impressive baobab trees, originally from Africa. The area is dotted with numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites including palaces, tombs, monuments and mosques.
How to reach? The nearest airport is Indore (99 km away) and the nearest rail head is in Ratlam (124 km away).
9. Chaukori, Uttarakhand
A tiny hamlet situated in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand sharing it’s boundary with Tibet, Chaukori is one of the most untouched and enchanting place in the state. Perched at an astounding altitude of 2010 meters, the village offers majestic views of the Panchachuli massif and other Himalayan ranges that will have your mind blown.
How to reach? The nearest airport is Pantnagar airport which is 205 km away from Chaukori. Taxis are available right outside of the airport. Kathgodam is the nearest railway station located 180 km away.
10. Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Madhya Pradesh
Another World Heritage Site, Bhimbetka rock shelters are cultural wonders that you just can’t miss. Said to be inhabited by Homo erectus over 100,000 years ago. Some of the Stone Age rock paintings found among the Bhimbetka rock shelters are approximately 30,000 years old. The caves also cites early evidences of dance. Isn’t that just awesome?
How to reach? Located in Bhojpur Raisen in Madhya Pradesh, Bhimbetka rock shelters can be reached from Bhopal which is 45 km away.
Timings: Open on all days of the week from 7 AM to 6 PM.
Timings: Open on all days of the week from 7 AM to 6 PM.
11. Bangaram Island, Lakshadweep
A bewitchingly beautiful and breath taking island in Lakshadweep, Bangaram is uninhabited island surrounded by a shallow lagoon enclosed by coral reef. Here the sun, sand and surf will cast a sell on you that you’ll never forget. In spite of its charming beauty the island is comparatively underrated among others in Lakshadweep.
How to reach? It is located over 400 km off Kochi & 525 km from Kollam Port in the Indian Ocean. The atoll is about 7 km northeast of the Agatti Island and 25 km to the southeast of Perumal Par in the western Lakshadweep archipelago.
12. Yousmarg, Jammu & Kashmir
Yousmarg, is a mesmerizing hill town in Kashmir with unmatched scenic beauty surrounded by mountains that are comparable to European Alps. The place comes alive during spring with unique flowers in full bloom. The mighty Doodh Ganga flows across the valley making the place even more enchanting. When people crowds Pahalgam and Gulmarg, you could very well be in Yousmarg and experience its beauty in utmost tranquillity.
How to reach? There are regular buses available from Srinagar to Yousmarg which is also the nearest airport.
So, it seems like there’s a lot that you need to add to your bucket list. Think there are more places more underrated than the ones mentioned here? Share them in the comments section below.
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