India is both geographically and culturally diverse, making it a traveller’s paradise. However, if you dislike crowds and are looking for a beautiful destination, do not give up. There are plenty of unexplored places whose beauty glimmers through their surroundings, leaving you with enough area and time to have an enjoyable and uninterrupted experience. So, here is a list of 9 beautiful and secret places that you need to visit at least once in your lifetime
1. Gurez Valley, Kashmir
Kashmir, with its scenic landscapes, is quite literally paradise on earth. While its beautiful places usually get flooded by tourists and locals every season, Gurez Valley is relatively serene. You are going to experience the cool air, the scenery of mountains, and the water gushing from the rivers, which will make this trip totally worth it.
Where to go In Gurez Valley: Wular Lake, Razdan Pass, Peer Baba Shrine
Best Time To Visit: May To September
2. Mawlynnong, Meghalaya
Did you know that the cleanest village lies in Asia? And yes, it is none other than the harmonious village of Mawlynnnong. It has a picturesque view and everything from roads to houses is surprisingly neat. If you are a neatnik, we found you a perfect match! And in addition to being clean, it is completely harmonious, giving you a much needed break from the hustle of urban life.
Where to go In Mawlynnong: Living Root Bridge, Balancing Rock
Best Time To Visit: March To June
3. Mainpat, Chhattisgarh
If you are among those who believe Dharamshala is the only large Tibetan settlement in India, brace yourself for a surprise! This place is a heaven that everyone should explore, and the gomoas (temples) of Mainpat are exceptionally beautiful. The Thakpo Shedupling Monastery, old thangkas, and wall murals are attractions that you must see to make your trip worth it.
Where to go To Visit In Mainpat: Parpatiya Sunset Point, Mercury Falls
Best Time To Visit: October To March
4. Chembra Lake, Western Ghats
Do you want to explore the only heart shaped lake in India? Then you must plan your trip to Wayanad range in the Western Ghats. It’s beautiful and romantic, and it will offer a serene view that will calm your eyes and soul. One interesting thing about this lake is that it is believed to have never dried, not even the tiniest bit!
Where to go In Chemra Lake: Karapuzzha Dam, Lakkidi View Point
Best Time To Visit: September To March
5. Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh
Ziro valley is a mesmerising place in the north east that is very less frequented by tourists. In fact, there is a special tribe known as the Apatani tribe that inhabits this valley. The climate here is very welcoming, and there are rice fields, pine trees, rare orchids, and other flowers all around that add a special touch of serenity to this place.
Where to go In Ziro: Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Dolo Mando, Tarin Fish Farm
Best Time To Visit: May
6. Sandakphu, Darjeeling
With an altitude of 3,336 metres, Sandakphu is a beautiful yet quite dangerous place. But if you have the courage and want to experience something challenging, this is the place to go, as it is often called ‘Trekkers Wonderland’. Sandakphu literally means height of poison plants, and it is called so because of the poisonous wolfsbane plant that grows near the peak.
Where to go In Sandakphu: Phalut, Tumling, Meghma
Best Time To Visit: April To May and October – December
7. Kila Raipur, Punjab
You might have heard of this place because of its rural olympics, and while that is quite impressive in itself, Kila Raipur is also very attractive for other things, like its vibrant culture and people. The energy of the people here is very impressive, and you might even make some really cool, valiant friends here!
Where to go In Kila Raipur: Daganiya Talab, Dhamni (Bangla) Picnic Spot, Ghatarani Waterfalls
Best Time To Visit: February
8. Urakam, Kerala
Quite like Kila Raipur, Urakam is the hub of Kerala’s culture. It is both beautiful because of its beaches and backwaters as well as culturally rich with its popular cuisine, textiles and handicrafts. You can come here to simply relax and perhaps even give pottery making a chance since you will be taught by the masters of pottery.
Where to go In Urakam: Peruvanam Mahadeva Temple, Ammathiruvadi Temple
Best Time To Visit: May
9. Majuli, Assam
And to end this list, let’s go to the beautiful yet unexplored North East. Majuli is a very beautiful island that is also the world’s largest river island. Along with several small villages spread over the landscape, it has two towns: Garamur and Kamalabari, whose beauty will keep you hooked and are very distant from the hustle of city life.
Where to go In Majuli: Kamalabari Satra, Dakhinpat Satra, Auniati Satra, Garmur
Best Time To Visit: April-May
In conclusion, India is known for its diversity in every aspect. From the beautiful Gurez valley in Kashmir to the beaches and backwaters of Urakam in Kerala, there is something that will fit everyone’s taste and satisfaction.
So, if you are planning a vacation anytime soon, ditch the popular places crowded so intensely with people and instead go to these 9 beautiful and offbeat places in India that you should visit at least once in your lifetime
