You might have Googled for hidden destinations and end up getting the same old clichéd places that have now become crowded and spoiled. Why stop at Kullu, Manali, Munnar, Kodaikanal etc when you can travel new destinations i.e. ones that have not been travelled much and are as lovely as a newborn child?
India has a plethora of places that are untouched and utterly beautiful where human interference hasn’t reached yet. If travelling is what your heart seeks, then heading to these destinations is surely going to be a rewarding experience that is bound to transform your life. These stunning places will not only warm your heart but will give you the inspiration you need in your life. They are indeed an absolute gem of places to feel connected to yourself and with nature.
From deep jungles to riverfronts, these hidden and unbelievably gorgeous places are where you can set yourself free and relax in the lap of nature. No matter if you’re a photography enthusiast, adventure lover, nature lover or someone who just needs time away from the commotion of the cities, these places are going to blow your mind and steal your hearts forever. Grab a cup of tea/coffee and enjoy the post as it walks you through the best offbeat destinations in India for a fantastic vacation/trip.
Ayyankere, Chikmagalur (Karnataka)
Ayyankere is a lake located on the outskirts of Chikmagalur (another offbeat destination), the view of which gives a tough competition to some of the well-known ones. Nestled amidst mountains, the picturesque view of the lake will make you lose yourself in the tranquility of nature. The place doesn’t attract tourists much which is a plus side for wanderlusts seeking solace in nature.
Ayyankere is also an ideal spot for a picnic with friends and family where you can strengthen your bond with your loved ones. Despite ragged roads and sluggish maintenance, Ayyankere takes pride in its untouched beauty (breezy environment, intermittent drizzling, awe-inspiring sunset and sunrise and lush greenery) that can put any other lake to shame!
Maguri Beel, Tinsukia (Assam)
If you love bird watching, then there could be no better place than Maguri Beel where you get a close view of thousands of rare species of birds including migratory ones. Located outside the Dibru Saikhowa National Park, Maguri Beel is a wetland rich in aquatic life and biodiversity.
Striated Grassbird, Little Cormorant, Purple Swamphen, Northern Shoveler, Widgeon, Garganey, Gadwall, Mallard, Northern Lapwing, Grey-headed Lapwing, Little Ringed Plover, Little Grebe, Asian Openbill Stork, Bar-headed Goose, White wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, Citrine Wagtail, Northern Pintail, Little Egret, are some of the species of birds found at Maguri Beel.
A boat ride into the waters early in the morning is an experience that mustn’t be missed at all. You can sport fisherman catching fish, snails and shrimps while others collecting grass on your way. One look at this eye-pleasing place will make you concerned and conscious about environment protection.
Jibhi, Banjar Valley (Himachal Pradesh)
In the periphery of the great Himalayan national park lies Banjar and Tirthan valley that houses extremely beautiful places that are hidden from mankind and all for the right reasons. One such pastoral paradise is Jibhi that boasts of its simplistic beauty where the sound of gurgling river and birds do nothing but soothe your ears.
The misty mountains packed with pine and cedar trees make one feel like walking in the clouds. The unpretentious tiny villages fit right into the context ‘simplicity is the ultimate sophistication’. Every house has apple orchards and galgal trees in their backyard. This tiny hamlet is one of the best offbeat places in the country that makes you understand the concept of cherishing life no matter the hurdles it throws. If you are a person who loves spending time in nature, capture its beauty on camera, and explore unknown/less-travelled places, Jibhi is the place to be.
Tso Moriri, Ladakh (J & K)
Loaded with mighty mountains, snow-capped peaks, lush green fields, and deep blue water, Tso Moriri is an offbeat place to soak the best nature has to offer. The lake ‘Tso Moriri’ is truly an enchanting sight where you will want to stay endlessly. Bordered by Tso Moriri wildlife reserve where you can see tibetan wild donkey, marmots and many migratory birds, the place is so soothing that you’ll feel as if time has stopped. Rich in flora and faunda, Tso Moriri is an offbeat hidden place in India that is worth a visit in this life. A visit to Tso Moriri is a great reminder of what the shores of Pangong Tso use to be before it got commercialized.
Chandrashila, Tungnath (Uttarakhand)
Chandrashila is a peak of the Tungnath that is not yet touched by the waves of commercialization. However, many offbeat travelers have finally started hiking chopta-chandrashila trail. Chandrashila literally means ‘moon rock’ that gives unbelievable view of great Himalayan peaks – Nandadevi, Trisul, Kedar, Bandarpunch and Chaukhamba. A trek to Chandrashila takes you through beautiful meadows, unpaved trails and spectacular panorama of the great Himalaya. The warm hospitality of local is sure to steal your heart.
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, Theni (Tamil Nadu)
If you have a soft corner for tea plantations, then Kolukkmalai will bedazzle you to the core. At 8000 ft, it is the highest tea estate in the world offering stunning views of Meesapulimala and Tamil Nadu. The dense wilderness of the tea estate is surely going to leave you stupefied. The estate uses orthodox techniques of producing fine tea using 7 step processes. Despite the bumpy roads, extreme wind conditions and challenging steep terrains, travelling to Kolukkumalai is worth taking a risk. As you tour the estate, you’ll observe colorfully attired women carrying a basket full of leaves, gossiping and singing as they pluck tea leaves. The view is certainly a treat to the eyes. This extraordinary destination is a dream come true to nature lovers not to forget tea lovers!
Marayoor (Kerala)
Marayur or Marayoor is a place in Idukki district of Kerala popular for Dolmens, a megalithic burial chamber with large stone slabs dating back to 10,000 BC. It is one of the highly underrated places in the country that is far more beautiful and captivating than some famous ones. To stand amidst a place that was built by our early ancestors belonging to stone age/iron age is simply an out-of-the-world experience. Marayur is a heavenly destination that is a heady mix of beauty, nature, history, religion and belief that surpasses timelines. It’s an unconventional weekend getaway to rewind memories of the past. The sandalwood forests nearby will arouse your nostrils with the fragrance of sandalwood.
Kugti (Himachal Pradesh)
Himachal Pradesh is a jewel of offbeat places to enjoy your vacation and chill amidst nature. Kugti pass is one of the most beautiful and unexplored treks that takes you to a daunting altitude of 16,000 ft. The pass falls in Pir Panjal range is a perfect trekking destination for adventure lovers that offers splendid views of snow-capped mountains, alpine meadows, and shepherds moving with their flock of sheep. Kugti village is untainted by commercialization and is surrounded by Kugti wildlife sanctuary that doubles up its beauty. The gurgling glacial streams and emerald green meadow are sure to take your breath away when exploring the place.
