Written by Nikita Chandola.
They say the road less travel is the best travelled. Places which aren’t explored or exploited much are best to visit this vacation. India the country of diversity has many such beautiful places which a holiday trip is still not, but they are the places which must be seen and to be known India in an altogether different way. So, here’s a list of 8 off-beat destinations in India, which will make you pack your bags and visit these beguiling destinations.
1. Mawsynram, Meghalaya
Can’t think of not visiting the wettest place on earth! Mawsynram, have ousted Cherrapunji from the podium. It nearly rains approx. 11,861mm, the monsoon which just come as a guest in other parts of the world has become a part of Mawsynram daily lives. ‘Maw’ is a khasi word meaning ‘stone’, symbolizes the unique megaliths exhume in the khasi hill area. You can witness the cascading waterfalls and, in your route, heavy greens. A rain lover’s paradise, Mawsynram is one of the best off-beat tourist destinations. Don’t forget to take umbrellas, gum boots and raincoats, Afterall you will be planning for the wettest trip😉
2. Tamenglong, Manipur
Tamenglong known as Land of Hornbill, because of great pied hornbill and Indian pied hornbill is a perfect escape in nature. It is all hills, valleys, ranges and one of the beautiful districts of Manipur. Home to virgin forest mainly tropical forest or bamboo brakes, exotic orchids, rare and endangered plants and wildlife, Tamenglong is described as biodiversity hub. Few tourist places like River barak and the seven waterfall, Zeilad lake and Tharon cave makes it notable. You will get mesmerized from the view you’ll receive from this district!
3. Spiti, Himachal Pradesh
Covered with the thick Himalayan snow cutting from the rest of the country, Spiti valley in Himachal Pradesh is an exotic off-beat destination. Spiti means ‘The Middle Land’ as Spiti valley separates India from Tibet and is surrounded by hills all over. Summer is the best time to visit the place, as it is the only time Spiti is accessible via motorway. So far, making it the coldest places in the country.
Ancient monasteries, quaint villages, hidden meadows and spring, to beautiful sunrise, colorful sunsets and starry nights, Spiti has a lot to offer you. In addition, it’s perfect camping and trekking lover’s destination.
4. Chembra peak, Kerala
The highest peak in Western Ghats and in Wayanad district, Chembra peak is a perfect go-to destination for trekking. It’s a picturesque location route till the peak, in your way you can also spot the heart shaped lake, known as ‘hridhayathadakam’. It is one of the top attractions of this peak. You will get amazed to see whole Wayanad from the peak, but to view the enthrall beauty, you must go through a series of dense forest. Afterall, Difficult path always leads to a breathtaking view!
5. Halebidu, Karnataka
Halebidu a town located in Hassan district, Karnataka is a home to some best examples of Hoysala architecture. As it was the Hoysala Empire’s capital in 12th century. Hoysaleswara temple is the tourist place of this town, dedicated to Lord Shiva, in 14th century it was looted and fell into ruins after that. The temple has intricate carvings and two shrines, one for king and other for queen. The carvings inside the temple and outside is worth seeing. Now, the temple has been listed as a heritage site by the UNESCO.
6. Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh
It is one of the less explored romantic and mesmerizing that will make you fall in love with the place. Verdant meadows, dense forest and views of the snow-covered Kailash, Khajjiar is heaven with some in and around beautiful tourist places. It is the commencing point of Dalhousie, Chamba and Kalatop wildlife sanctuary treks. Some exploring places in Khajjiar for your long day trip are: Khajjiar lake aka Mini-Switzerland, Panch pandav tree known for its mythological tales, Kailash villages, Panchpula were you can witness astonished waterfalls and streams. It will be a beautiful trip to this off-beat place.
7. Mawlynnong, Meghalaya
Far away from all city lives, village life is always a simple and happy living and that’s why Mawlynnong village can be your good mini-holiday destination. It is the cleanest village in India and was awarded the title of ‘Cleanest Village in Asia’ in 2003. Not only this, it has proven that nothing is impossible to achieve, from being a 100% literacy rate to women empower village it has topped all. Visiting this unexplored place, you will come to know that it is home to all unique living root bridges, and silence of jungle will be broken by gushing sound of waterfall. Also, don’t miss out the bird-eye view of India and Bangladesh from Sky view point, it is 85-feet high but the top view is breath-taking.
8. Ziro, Arunchal Pradesh
An ideal destination for any or everybody who wants to explore the unexplored of Arunachal Pradesh. If you need a place to just go and chill then Ziro is the perfect escape destination to nature. It is also home to pine hills and rice fields! The climate here is what we say as cherry on the top, as it is mild throughout the year.
Visit these few off-beat destinations and share your experience about these places!