Author – Sachin Malik
From the picturesque mountains of the Himalayas to the breath-taking wildlife in Kutch, the slums of Dharavi to the ghats of Banaras, India and its colours are diverse.
While you might have visited the mainstream travel destinations of India, there are certainly some offbeat places you’ve missed on. Scroll down to discover some beautiful places that stand apart from the mainstream Indian destinations and showcase the true beauty of India.
Chopta, Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand is a treasure that stores natural beauty in India. Everybody knows that the charm of nature can be easily found at this alluring destination. Next time you go to Uttarakhand, visit the graceful yet lesser known hill-station, Chopta. With fewer life luxuries and more soul-satisfying pleasures, the place is a perfect escape from the city life cycle. The grassy meadows and green slopes are enough to make anyone go gaga over the Mother Nature.
To witness more of nature’s beauty, you must visit Deori Tal, Tunganath Temple, Ukimath. Trek lovers can head to the Tunganath and Chandrashila Trek.
Hogenakkal Falls, Karnataka
India has its own Niagara Falls in Karnataka in the form of Hogenakkal Falls in Karnataka. The roars of the falling water enhance the scenic beauty of the highlands around. Words can’t do justice to the actual beauty of the view. The place is actually a raw beauty of our mesmerising nature.
Sam Sand Dunes, Khuri, Rajasthan
Sand Dunes in Khuri about 50 km from Jaisalmer in Rajasthan is one of the most authentic desert destinations of India. Here, you will witness the massive 30 to 40 metres tall sand dunes. To enjoy the best of the place, make sure to visit between October and March. The specialty of this authentic desert destination are the views of sunset and sunrise. Try to visit either early morning or between 4 to 7 am and evening around 5 pm.
Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh
Imagine waking up to the clouds sneaking in from the window. This imagination can come true it in Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh. Without doubt the most beautiful place in Arunachal Pradesh gives some serious travel goals. The beauty of the green patches and the rice fields are enough to show that India is really not only about the Taj Mahal.
Some of the main attractions of this place are Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a wide range of flora and fauna with an area of 337 sq.km. Also, there is a view point Kile Pakho that gives a beautiful view on both its sides. On one side there is the Ziro Plateau and Snow Hidden Himalayas on the other. Also, you can visit the famous Shiva Linga and Meghana Cave Temple if you wish to see some historical sites.
Mawlynnong, Meghalaya
Bestowed with the charm of the Northeast Indian Beauty, Mawlynnong in Meghalaya was awarded the title of cleanest village in Asia in 2003. One of the unique features of this place is the living roots bridges here. The roots are extended and curled up in a way that they form a path-way. These bridges have been announced as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Waterfalls, beautiful dark caves, untouched peaceful spots, and whatnot; reasons are many to include this in your travel bucket list.
Varkala, Kerala
Imagine waking up to serene beauty of the Arabian shores, breathtaking view from hills like Ponmudi, pristine beaches like Varkala Beach, Thiruvambadi Beach, and Edava Beach, and you’re imagining Varkala located in Kerala. Away from the cities and curled up on the coasts of Arabian Sea, it’s a must visit place to have a divine experience of nature’s beauty.
Araku Valley, Visakhapatnam
The alluring Eastern Ghats have something unique in store. Araku Valley in Visakhapatnam truly justifies the phrase “Heaven on Earth”. If you are looking for some amazing adventures, just pack your bags and say Hello Araku! The place is eternally beautiful. Famous attractions are the Ananthagiri Hills, Katiki Waterfalls, and Bheemunipatnam Beach. Don’t skip these places while planning a trip here.
India is much more than the monuments and its fast paced party cities. Being a country developing at a rapid pace, its beauty is still in its roots; its villages, these offbeat places. The one thing you need to keep in mind to have the best experience is, don’t just visit that place but stay as a local!
