Top 8 Offbeat Destinations in India

Posted by Linda Wilson on January 28th, 2019

There is no shortage of tourism places in India. Thanks to the varied landscape in our country, the scope for tourism is immense. Off the top of our heads, some of the names that come to our mind are Jaipur, Delhi, Shimla, Manali, Goa, Ooty, Shillong, Darjeeling and some more. While all these options are great, there are also some lesser known destinations in India which are equally pretty and exciting.

Khajjar

In love with the beauty of Himachal Pradesh, but cannot stand the crowd of tourists in Shimla or Manali? Find your peace in the picturesque valley of Khajjar! Located in the Chamba District, Khajjar is often referred to as the ‘Mini Switzerland of India’. Surrounded by magnificent Deodar forests, the hill station is ideal for a few days of peace and quiet. The valley boasts of lush green hills and scenic meadows. Khajjar is one of the best offbeat destinations in India with beautiful panoramic views outlined by a dense cover of Pine trees. If you like adventure sports, the hill station also has activities like paragliding, horse-riding, trekking, zorbing and the like.

Spiti Valley

A hidden paradise lying in the highest altitudes of Himachal Pradesh, Spiti is a dream destination for offbeat travel. Situated on a height of 14,931 feet, the valley is nestled between snow-capped mountains, thus, offering a grand and mesmerizing view. The location is such that Spiti serves various purposes – for an adventure trip, a weekend getaway, or relaxing holiday. The valley is home to some of the oldest Buddhist monasteries. Spend time in the quaint villages of Ki, Kibber or Kaza; or engage in activities like trekking, camping or mountain biking.

Chopta

Do you always think about Mussoorie or Dehradun when it comes to vacation spots in Uttarakhand? Chopta, lying in the lap of Himalayas, is one of the most scenic offbeat destinations in India. The quaint little town is relatively unknown. It serves as a base point for treks to Tungnath temple, Chandrashila Peak, and Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary. Chopta is ideal for taking a break from our daily stressful life. Breathe in the fresh air, catch the early sunrise, and enjoy peaceful walks!

Ziro

Blessed with abundant natural beauty, Ziro is one of the most beautiful places in Arunachal Pradesh. Surrounded by lush green hills, the valley is covered in paddy fields as far as the eyes can see. Puffy white clouds float in the horizon. Ziro is also home of the Apatani tribe who welcome tourists with a friendly vibe and happy grin. If you love nature, make sure to visit this picturesque destination!

Majuli

Located in Assam, Majuli is a river island in the Brahmaputra River. The island is spread over 352 sq km of area and is listed as the largest river island in the world. The island of Majuli is only accessible via ferries which can be taken from the city of Jorhat. This is one of the must-visit places in Assam. The island is mostly inhabited by tribal people.

Manas National Park

Everyone has heard of the Kaziranga Forest famous for its one-horned rhino? But the lesser known Manas National Park in Assam is also great. Located in the Himalayan foothills, this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The national park is a Project Tiger reserve, an elephant reserve and a biosphere reserve. It is home to some of the rarest wildlife species such as the Assam roofed turtle, hispid hare, golden langur and pygmy hog. Manas National Park is among the most amazing offbeat destinations in India, ideal for both nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Valley of Flowers

The Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand is one of the most beautiful places to visit in India. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the entire region is home to indigenous mountain flowers, insects, butterflies and birds. The only way to reach here is through trekking. The best time for a Valley of Flowers Trek is between July to September. During the rainy season, the whole valley is covered in a colourful bloom of more than 300 species of flowers. It is a breathtaking sight to see.

Hemis (Ladakh)

Hemis is a small village located in the Leh District. It is one of the must-visit destinations in a Ladakh itinerary. The town is well-known for the Hemis monastery, established in 1672 AD. Another attraction here is the Hemis National Park, home to the endangered snow leopard. Hemis is truly an offbeat location for a holiday.