One of the most diverse countries in the world, India is one of the fastest-growing countries in the world. With so much to offer to travelers, it is not surprising that people are visiting India. India has several hidden destinations that are worth exploring.
You might not be able to find many places without a guide or someone who knows about these hidden gems.
India, a spectacular subcontinent, carries the most magnificent regions within. With the number of exciting, beautiful, and adventurous places and the region of culture and spirituality, India is incredibly stunning.
India has always been a country among the world’s leading economies. It is no wonder that it hides so many secrets from the outside world. Some of them are not even known by Indians themselves (but we tried to find them for you.)
With the retirement age going up in India and the number of young people looking to travel increasing, it is important to get a chance to explore the country before you retire.
It is hard to tell which one of these places is better than the other, but some of them are worth mentioning for their beauty and charm. Here are the top 30 hidden places that you need to check out before you retire:
1. Chail (Himachal Pradesh)
Surrounded by beautiful pine and Deodar forests, Chail is a stunning hill station in Himachal Pradesh that promises a pleasing retreat from the chaotic city life. A paradise against the backdrop of the Shivalik Hills, Chail not only attracts tourists with its picturesque landscape and untouched natural beauty but boasts being the world’s highest cricket ground. With the establishment of a wildlife sanctuary and a polo ground, this beautiful hilly destination has transformed into a scenic place of interest. Today Chail is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh. This scenic place is ideal for family holidays as well as for planning a honeymoon. A nature lover would be more than happy to spend some time here appreciating the stunning beauty and quietness of the place. The Sadhupul Lake is a picturesque attraction in Chail that offers a chance to spend an eventful evening with your loved ones in a pristine environment. A famous hangout spot for tourists and adorned with tables and chairs on the river itself, this Lake is also popular for its innovative and wonderful dining experience. Chail also offers those with an inclination towards adventure a chance to relish hiking, trekking, rock climbing, and rope walking.
2. Orchha (Madhya Pradesh)
Also known as Urchha, this place is located near the banks of Betwa River, and is a beautiful tourist destination in Tikamgarh district that forms a vital part of the tourism in Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the popular tourist destinations in the state that boasts of striking palaces, forts, carved temples, and other structures. Travel attractions in Orchha including Sundar Mahal, Laxminarayan Temple, Ram Raja temple, make an inherent part of the tourism in Madhya Pradesh and add pleasant sightseeing tours in the district. Adventure junkies have can have a great time in Orchha, you can experience river rafting and boating in the Betwa River. Rafting in Betwa begins from the boat club, for which tickets are arranged at Hotel Sheesh Mahal and Betwa Retreat by MP tourism, the ticket costs Rs. 1000 per person for one hour or depending on the number of rafts you take. Also, for those who love nature, fauna, and flora the Orchha nature reserve can be an enriching experience. The reserve is part of a 44 km² wide river Island which is surrounded by the Betwa River and Jamni river. The trail is well marked and you can get tickets from the reserve office between 8 AM to 6 PM. On this trial, you can even spot a few deer, monkeys, and peacocks. This place can also be a good option for cycling.
3. Aamby Valley (Maharashtra)
The Aamby Valley is a beautiful township about 24 km from Lonavala, in the district of Pune in Maharashtra. The 10,000-acre hilly terrain that the township now occupies has been converted into a splendid landscape via designs best suited for the environment and has an urban infrastructure compatible with international standards. The luxurious urban infrastructure, the tranquil ambiance, and exclusive privileges at this exotic place attract tourists from all over the world. One can explore the greenery around on foot or go on a long drive through the scenic location.
4. Osian (Rajasthan)
Located in the Jodhpur district of Rajasthan, this place is popular for Jain and Brahmin temples. These temples have an architectural Grandeur that one must not miss. If you love diverse crafts and cultures, then this is the place to be. In Osian, you will see authentic handmade goods that are exported to various parts of India. Desert Safari is something that you must try while visiting the place. You will be mesmerized with rugged landscapes and glittering dunes for sure. The ideal time to visit this place is between November to February.
5. Murud-Janjira (Maharashtra)
If you are a history buff then this is a place where we assure you that you would love to visit. The Fort is situated on an oval-shaped rocky island in the Arabian Sea, near the coastal town of Murud, south of Mumbai. The Janjira Fort is considered one of the strongest marine forts in India, and the only unconquered one along India’s western coast. The fort is popular for its three gigantic cannons, weighing over 22 tons each, feared for their incredible shooting range. Although in ruins now, the place is a full-fledged living fort in its heydays with all necessary facilities such as quarters for officers, freshwater tanks, mosques, etc. The outer walls and all the rounded bastions of the fort are still intact.
6. Chota Char Dham (Uttarakhand)
This place is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in India. It consists of four holy sites – Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, each located at a height of more than 3000 m. The journey for Chota Char begins from Yamunotri then proceeds to Gangotri and further to Kedarnath and Badrinath. The scenic beauty is widely visible during the entire journey and is also worth mentioning. It stays open from April/May to October/ November, which is also the ideal time to visit this place.
7. Phugtal Gompa (Jammu & Kashmir)
Possibly one of the most remote monasteries in Asia, this is a striking attraction set in the mountain cave in Zanskar. As you climb up the tall mountains, you see the spectacular views of the Tsarap River. There is no road that leads to this house of peace. You must trek for a day or two to reach this unseen place in India. The best time to visit this place is from June to September.
8. Dirang Dzong (Arunachal Pradesh)
This 7th-century fort that is located between Tawang and Bomdila was once built by experienced builders to protect Bomdila. Placed at the top of the hill, the four-storied fort is held by wooden logs. November and February are the best months to travel to this place where travelers can enjoy seeing the Sangti Valley, Hot Springs, Kalachakra Gompa, and the National Research Centre on Yaks.
9. Puri (Odisha)
Located in the eastern state of Odisha, Puri is considered one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. Puri’s Jagannath Temple is one of the four Hindu pilgrimages. The city is home to numerous Hindu shrines like Astachandi Temple, Lokenath Temple, Gundicha Temple, Panchatirtha temple, Dharia Mahavir Temple, and more, but the Jagannath Puri temple is the major attraction of the pilgrimage scene of Puri. The months of the winter season, that is from October to February, are considered to be the ideal time to visit Puri.
10. Pasighati (Arunachal Pradesh)
5 hours from Dibrugarh, this old town is placed at a height of 152 m and is the headquarter of East Siang District. Apart from exploring the Fauna and Flora, travelers can enjoy various activities including River Rafting in the Siang River. The best time to visit this stunning place is from November to April. One can go for bus services from Lakhimpur, Guwahati, or Itanagar, or travel via air from airports such as Mohanbari of Dibrugarh, or North Lakhimpur, and enjoy a comfortable journey.
11. Kila Raipur (Punjab)
Kila Raipur, the base for Rural Olympics, is popular not only for its engaging games but for its vibrant people and culture. The fun activities, including traditional plays and engaging dance performances, will take you through an unforgettable trip. The exciting energy of this place makes it one of the ideal unexplored places in India.
12. Srikhola (West Bengal)
This is a charming scenic mountain village in the Darjeeling district. It is the ideal place for nature lovers and photographers. Here you can have your best vacation far away from the hustle-bustle of city life. The village is named after the river ‘Khola’ which means a stream in the Nepali language. A trek from Sandakphu to Srikhola will offer you quirky and a memorable experience. While on the trek, you can enjoy relaxing on the riverside or have lunch amidst the scenic beauty of nature.
13. Jawai (Rajasthan)
The Jawai leopard camp is one of the newest and the coolest editions to leopard sporting destinations in India. Rustic lands, luxurious tents, and authentic Rajasthani cuisine ensure that your experience is exotic as well as adventurous. And it’s not just the feline, the place also has geese, flamingos, cranes, and other migratory birds.
14. Nubra Valley (Jammu & Kashmir)
The ethereal beauty of Nubra Valley in J&K is marvelous. The alluring view of the place will let you experience the top-notch beauty of nature and you will feel complete peace.
15. Haflong (Assam)
If you are planning a trip to real hidden destinations, then no other place can offer you a peaceful delight other than Haflong. Here you can enjoy the natural beauty, fresh, landscape and sterilized air that will definitely freshen you up. Enjoy a cup of coffee on your balcony with a magic masala Maggi, and then nothing can stop you from enjoying your trip here.
16. Amadubi (Jharkhand)
Amadubi is a village popular for its Paitkar and Chitrakars paintings. For centuries, this place is home to many pictorial storytellers and artists. With the rustic huts, local diners saturated with the aroma of authentic rice delicacies, colorful festivities like Dansai and Tusu Parab, and traditional dances at various agricultural festivals, the village has much to offer. Some of the best grabs of the village are Mithila sarees, Dokra craft, and Paitkar paintings which one must take home from the most artistic of all offbeat destinations in India.
17. Velas (Maharashtra)
The people of this quaint village follow the motive of aggressively protecting and nurturing the common and endangered species of turtles. Here, you get to watch the unfurling of life in front of your eyes, right from the moment these little friends hatch out of their shells. If you visit this place, we recommend that you must attend the annual turtle festival which is a one-of-its-kind event.
18. Kashid (Maharashtra)
This small hillock by the beach offers long stretches of white beach sands and the most stunning sunset. The Kashid beach is a hidden beach, which is quite surprising given that it looks like the Phi Phi Islands of Thailand.
19. Badami Caves (Karnataka)
Hidden in the Bagalkot District of North Karnataka, this ideal location stands evocative of the great Chanakya Architecture. The town used to be the capital city of the Chalukya Empire in the 6th Century.
20. Ziro Valley (Arunachal Pradesh)
This stunning holiday destination has untapped natural beauty to offer to its visitors. This valley is famous for its Pine Hills, Rice Fields, and Tribal groups. If you are searching for a tranquil place, plan a weekend getaway to this hidden Indian gem. The weather of this place is always welcoming. Thus, you can easily plan a trip for any month of the year.
21. Majuli (Assam)
This is a beautiful and lush-green island that is located over the Brahmaputra River just at a distance of 20 km from Jorhat city. Spread across an area of one 1250 km², Majuli is regarded as one of the world’s largest river islands, which is a fascinating thing to witness for tourists. This island is home to the tribals and one can experience and understand the unique culture which this please boasts. It is also considered to be the cultural capital of Assam. The ideal time to visit this place is between April to May.
22. Mandu (Madhya Pradesh)
Still unknown to many people, this is a beautiful place located in Madhya Pradesh that offers the epitome beauty of architecture. It is proof of the love between Rani Roop Mati and Prince Baz Bahadur. The place is also famous for being the home of the oldest erected monument in India. The place offers a rich history to discover for the visitors. In the city, there are stunning palaces to explore and get a glimpse of the Royal Heritage. This place belongs to the category of least visited places in India. The ideal time to visit the place is between October to March.
23. Moodbidri (Karnataka)
This place is a paradise and a historian’s dream destination. Various Jain shrines depicting the Digambara culture, add character to this place. The most famous one is the thousand pillared Jain Temple which is said to be over 600 years old. The architecture has Oriental, Hoysala, and Nepalese influences.
24. Arvalem Caves (Goa)
Give yourself a break from visiting the commercial areas of Goa, and head to diverse locales instead. There is nothing that compares to the joy you will get as you explore more of Goa and its cultural hotspots. The green valleys of Goa are something that requires our attention now. In fact, go visit the rock-cut Arvalem caves in Goa and enjoy the historic relevance that they possess. It is believed that these caves were a hideout for the Pandavas during their exile period.
25. Chaukori (Uttarakhand)
A lesser-known place with gorgeous, astounding, and mesmerizing views of the Himalayan peaks is Chaukori. It is one of the best and offbeat destinations in India that offers you stunning views of the Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, and Panchachuli peaks. Besieged by the imperial Himalayas and the thick Woodlands, this is a place from where you would never love to come back to your own house. It has everything that a natural lover searches for while vacationing.
26. Longwa (Nagaland)
Longwa village in Nagaland, home to former head-hunters of the Konyak tribe, is easily one of the most vibrant destinations one can visit. The little village, which straddles both India and Myanmar, is ruled by the chief Angh, whose house is actually located in both countries. The place is surrounded by stunning hills and forests, typical of Nagaland. We assure you that the experience of meeting local people with a curious heritage and fascinating culture is worthwhile.
27. Urakam (Kerala)
Vibrant festivals, majestic beauty, skilled artisans, delicious food, and enriching culture, Urakam, one of the best-unexplored places in India has it all. Away from the busy town life, people come here to relax, rejoice, and learn pottery from the original pottery masters. We recommend that you must come here too. The best time to visit this place is during May.
28. Khecheopalri Lake (Sikkim)
Sikkim is home to many mystical places, including Khecheopalri Lake. Hindus and Local Buddhists alike consider this lake to be sacred. The lake water is said to have curative properties and can only be used for rituals and rites. No fishing or other recreational activities are allowed. The surface of the lake is remarkably clean. It is said that as soon as a leaf falls on the lake from one of the surrounding trees, the birds instantly swoop down to clear it away. The scenic beauty is so lovely that it is definitely worth a visit. The lake is located about 30 km northwest of Pelling. The journey takes about one hour by taxi. From the taxi stand, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the lake.
29. Shettihalli (Karnataka)
There is a Chapel in its Gothic architecture-inspired beauty that stands in the Hemavathi River in the town of Shettihalli in southern Karnataka. The view is so marvelous that one would want to get into a boat and circle the beautiful structure. Only one-third of the architecture is visible from the shore. You can experience the derelict walls and the history that comes within them. Believe us it is definitely worth it.
30. Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh)
This beautiful city is the best getaway for mountain lovers. Being popular as the birthplace of the Dalai Lama, this place owns a large Buddhist Monastery. This picturesque city is famously known as the “Land of Monpas”. When visiting, one must explore places like Madhuri Lake, Pangang Tso Lake, and the Ghelisa Range.
At Deshpee, we believe in living each moment to the fullest, and that is the reason why we wrote this article for you to enjoy and know more! In this busy world, it is very important to take out time for yourself and your loved ones!
Go for a trip to that place you’ve longing to go to!
