Introduction: Hidden Gems of India
India is a Land of Diversity. Its Landmarks like Forts and palaces are magnificent, but these are only a few of which this diverse country has to offer. These hidden travel gems of India are scattered across the nation. Here in this blog post we explore these lesser-known corners of India.
These hidden Travel Gems of India often offer the authentic experience than the crowded tourist attractions won’t. If you are a adventurer, a nature lover guy, a history buff, or a spiritual seeker, India has something special to offer to everyone. These hidden gems of India are awaiting to be discovered.
1.Uncover the Hill stations away from the crowds
Shimla and Darjeeling are very famous hill stations in India, However India has many hidden hill stations in its lap. Here are few mentioning of them.
- Tawang : Located in Arunachal Pradesh and part of Eastern Himalayas, and part of Buddhist pilgrimage site. Tawang’s beauty is unmatched from any other destinations. The tawang Monastery which is the biggest in India. The beauty of this monastery and surroundings very pleasant and one can have panoramic view of snow-caped mountains.
- Ziro Valley: Located in Arunachal Pradesh and beautiful picturesque valley. In this valley is you can visit the rice fields. You can go and immense with the local tribe Apatani. The valley is very peaceful, you can find the pine tree landscape, rivers, and hills.
- Munsiyari: placed in the Kumaon region far away from the crowds is a part of Uttarakhand. Munsiyari is heaven for trekkers and nature lovers. Munsiyari is perfect for those looking for offbeat adventure with the opportunity to have a glimpse of Panchachulii peaks and gives an option to trek to the Milam Glacier.
Highlights:
- Feel the peace and tranquillity far away from the hustle and busy life schedule of cities.
- One can have more options like trekking routes, lakes, and valleys.
- Encapsule yourself into local tribe and their culture and traditions.
2.Beaches you did not know
India has a huge coastline and is home for so many beautiful beaches, Some are most famous and some are very distinct and less crowded with tourists.
- Varkala: Located in the state of Gods own country Kerala, find the beautiful cliffs across the coast line. India’s coastline is home to some of the most beautiful beaches, many of which are still untouched and not crowded with tourists. This Beach is also called Papanasam for its spiritual significance, and cosy cafes offer you stunning views.
- Gokarna: This beach is located in Karnataka. This beach is an alternate for goa, Gokarna offers a pleasant environment. Here you can find the OM beach, Kudle Beach, and Half moon beach. This beach is haven for those with spiritual advancement in their life. One can escape from the crowded beaches to gokarna beach.
- Tarkarli: Located in Maharashtra, at this beach you can find the clear water, and pristine beach. This beach is perfect for diving. The beach surrounded by back waters. Coconut trees and fishing villages make a feel of calm and authentic coastal experience.
Highlights:
- Beautiful and calm beaches offer peace.
- Water activities diving, snorkelling, boating.
- Have a look into coastal life and taste fresh sea food.
You may also like to read: Top Hill Stations In Tamil Nadu
You may also like to read: Top travel Destinations in Kerala
3. Historical Places in Plain Sight
India has a rich history, diverse culture and still have some hidden gems to be explored. Paces like Kashmir, Delhi and Agra are very famous, and there are many more sites off-the-radar to be explored.
- Hampi: Located in the state Karnataka,Once the capital of Vijayanagara Empire, And a UNESCO world Heritage site. Here you can find ancient ruins of temples, till functioning temples, and boulders. At Hampi you can visit Virupaksha temple, Vittala Temple and the stone chariot.
- Orchha: being part of Madhya Pradesh situated along the Betwa River. Orchha is small town and not famous as any other Historical places. At Orchha you can visit Raja Mahal, Jahingir Mahal, and several temples.
- Dholavira: Located In Gujarat Dholavira is largest and well preserved Harappan Sites. Located on the island of Khadir. This town is lesser known and have a lesser reach to the masses.
Highlights:
- You can find the ruins and temples that tell ancient stories
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- exploration without the tourist crowds
4.The mysterious Deserts and remote villages
Deserts in India not only gigantic but also full of cultural wonders. These deserts gifts you a unique experience if you are a remote and offbeat destination lover.
- Rann of Kutch: This desert is a salt desert. It is a beautiful desert and during Rann Utsav one can experience the local traditions, culture, dance, music, and crafts. This desert’s vast and huge area offers you an incredible experience at night.
- Sppiti Valley: This valley is a High-altitude Desert Which makes this valley remains less explored beauty. This desert is also known as “Little Tibet”. You can find Buddhist monasteries, beautiful landscapes, and very old villages as Kaza and Kibber.
- Khichan Village, Rajasthan: This village is also known as “Village of Birds”. Each winter this village turns into a natural sanctuary with the thousands of migrated Demoiselle cranes.
- Key Experiences:
- Be a part of morning feeding of thousands of Demoiselle cranes
- Have a look at centuries-old havelis, and architecture
- Go and visit traditional water conservation systems and step wells
- Lathi Desert, Gujarat: Lathi Desert known as the cousin of Rann of Kutch, offers same lunar landscapes without the crowds. This region is home to unique wildlife and traditional salt harvesting communities.
- Witness the home Stay with Kutchi families in bhungas .
- Watch and learn the traditional Kutchi embroidery.
- desert camping on full moondays.
- Visit nomadic camel herder communities
- Nubra Valley, Ladakh: A high-altitude desert valley where ancient Silk Route caravans once traveled, Nubra offers a unique landscape where sand dunes meet snow-capped mountains.
Key Experiences:
- Ride double-humped Bactrian camels on sand dunes
- Visit Diskit Monastery, the oldest in Nubra
- Soak in Panamik hot springs
- Stay in traditional Ladakhi farmstays
- Trek to abandoned caravan settlements
- Visit the confluence of Shyok and Nubra rivers
5. Escape into wilderness for Nature Lovers and Adventure Seekers.
Adventure and wild life lovers can have a access to those places which are still less known to the masses in India. India has many such places that are still largely to be explored by tourists.
- Sundarbans: Sundarbans is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is the largest mangrove forest and home for wild life. You can have boat ride and explore this forest echo system. Safari in this jungle gives you a chance to witness the great Bengal Tiger. You can have a glimpse of Salt Crocodile, many more bird species.
- Namdapha National Park: This national park is less explored by tourists and has much more to present. This Park is heave for diverse eco system. From subtropical forests to alpine meadows. Namdapha National Park is home for Tigers, Snow leopards, red pandas and many more species and flowers and fauna.
- Satpura National Park: Locatedin Madhya Pradesh this park offers you a unique safari by foot. Unlike every National Parks or Jungles where you have only option by vehicle Safaris, This park offers a walking Safaries.
Key Highlights:
- Rare wildlife sightings in pure environments.
- Eco-friendly tours and safaris
- Trekking and walking safaris in untouched nature reserves
6. Rare Temples and Retreats of spirituality in India
From ancient times India has a very strong and rich spiritual heritage. There are so many famous temples besides these there are so many hidden temples and spiritual places to be explored.
- Nartiang Monoliths: Nartiang Monoliths are located in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. These monoliths are collections of ancient stone structures. These Monolithic are date back to prehistoric era and has a spiritual history.
- Offbeat Temples of Rishikesh: Rishikesh is located in Uttarakhand, and has a very significance role in spirituality on Indian history. Rishikesh is a home for yoga retreats. This place is packed with so many fewer known temples and caves which have a major role in India history.
- Hidden Temples of Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu has a huge collection of very Famous temples and lesser known off beat temples awaiting to be explored. These temples are a best example of master piece of a architecture.
Key Highlights:
- Peaceful retreats for advancement in spiritual growth, away from the crowds
- Unique temple architecture
7. Northeast: Where Nature Meets Traditions
Mechuka Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
Mecuhka Valley is known as the “Switzerland of Arunachal Pradesh”. Mechuka Valley is at 6000 feet above sea level. Here you can find the Buddhist monasteries on rugged cliffs. Memba tribe, indigenous tribe follows the ancient old traditions.
Key Experiences:
- One can Visit the 400-year-old Samten Yongcha monastery.
- Memba tribe making the traditional Yak Cheese, you can have a look.
- Trek through forests.
Dong Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
Dong valley is the most eastern valley of India. This valley welcomes the first sunrays of the country, India. Dong valley is popular for Meyor tribe. This tribe with just more than 3,000 population, still maintains the old traditions of life style and farming.
Key Experiences:
- Watching the sunrise from India’s easternmost point is a unique
- Visit organic tea plantations and learn traditional processing methods
- You can be a part of Mollong festival
- Have a nice walk-through cardamom estates
- Have a look and learn about traditional Meyor weaving techniques
Longwa Village, Nagaland
Longwa village is a boarder village of India-Myanmar. This village offers a fantastic glimpse of life style of Konyak tribe.
Key Experiences:
- Meet former head-hunters, Konyak tribe and learn about their life style.
- Have a look on traditional blacksmithing style and jewellery making
- If visiting in the month of April, be a part of the Aoling festival.
Conclusion:
Hidden gems of India are not just your travel destinations in fact they are the gateways to the old, ancient traditions and life styles. In India you can find the living root bride of Meghalaya and forgotten cities of Gujarat, each place tells a unique and different story.
India’s hidden gems of India are a treasure of life waiting to be discovered. If you are looking for a peaceful hill stations, beach, or an ancient historical site these are the best of some of them.
So, if you’re ready then pack your bags, step off, and start a journey to uncover the hidden gems of India. The adventure of a lifetime awaits you in the quiet, unexplored corners of this incredible country!
FAQ’s:
1. What is the hidden gem of India?
Located in Madhya Pradesh, Shahdol is a city that holds the promise of unique experiences for every traveler. Often overshadowed by its more famous counterparts, Shahdol is a treasure trove of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural richness, making it a hidden gem.
2. What are some lesser-known hidden gems of India worth visiting?
- Ziro Valley (Arunachal Pradesh),
- Tirthan Valley (Himachal Pradesh),
- Majuli Island (Assam),
- Spiti Valley (Himachal Pradesh)
- Gokarna (Karnataka).
3. What is special about Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh?
This Ziro Valley is full of its lush green landscapes, rice fields, and the indigenous Apatani tribe. It has much more to offer like bird watching, roaming through lush green fields, rice fileds, mingle with local tribes and learn about their life style and traditions.
4. Why is Spiti Valley considered a hidden gem?
Spiti Valley, in Himachal Pradesh, is a hidden gem because of its counterpart more famous Leh-Ladakh. This valley is known for its stark, barren beauty, Buddhist monasteries, and ancient villages, making it a perfect destination for those seeking solitude and adventure.
5. What makes Majuli Island in Assam unique?
Majuli is the world’s largest river island, located on the Brahmaputra River. It is known for its vibrant culture, monasteries, and festivals, making it a peaceful escape into Assam’s unique heritage.
6. What can I expect from Gokarna in Karnataka?
Gokarna is a coastal town known for its quiet beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and the famous Om Beach. It’s often seen as a peaceful alternative to Goa, offering spiritual experiences and nature-filled exploration.
