30 Offbeat travel destinations in India

With a topography of mountainous terrains, gently undulating hills, deep valleys, ancient ruins, and vibrant capital cities, there are many, many offbeat travel destinations in India.

A journey in India is an extraordinary excursion through popular tourist attractions, exquisite offbeat destinations, completely isolated locations, ancient rainforests, blossoming historic sites, and architectural wonders. While some of the places are hidden gems, some others are once-forbidden regions eager to welcome visitors now. With its scenic beauty and mystical charm, India has an enigmatic yet buoyant nature.

From India’s oldest ethnic tribes in North East India to the scenic Western Ghats, from the snowy mountains in the North to the backwaters in the South, India has the most beautiful tourist destinations to provide you with the perfect fairytale vacation.

Here are 30 of the best offbeat places in India for your next trip or offbeat family vacation.

Find the best offbeat destinations to travel in India

Nubra Valley, Ladakh

Nubra Valley in Tibetan language means the Valley of Flowers. You need to apply for a permit to visit this stunning valley, since it is home to many endangered wildlife species. You can explore ancient monasteries and villages around the valley, including the popular Diskit Village. You can try activities such as camel riding and river rafting.The best time to visit Nubra Valley is between May and September.

Nubra Valley

Hemis, Leh

Hemis, or Hamis, is a small town on the banks of the Indus River. The beautiful village located in Leh district is famous for the Hemis Monastery. Built by the king of Ladakh, it is one of the wealthiest monasteries in India. The monastery has an incredible statue of Lord Buddha made of copper, with stupas made of gold and silver, thangka paintings, and beautiful murals. The annual Hemis Festival is held here in June every year. Hemis is also known for the Hemis National Park. While the park houses a variety of wolves, langurs, marmots, deer, and red foxes, the most spectacular animal here is the rare and endangered snow leopard.

The best time to visit Hemis is from April to June.

Hemis National Park

Gurez Valley, Kashmir

Kashmir is a popular destination in India among tourists, but not many people have heard about the Gurez Valley in Kashmir. A perfect camping and trekking destination, the remote town is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and cold water streams all around.

You can witness the nomadic life of shepherds in the valley, and experience the local food and culture. Besides watching the mesmerizing views of the Himalayas, you can also explore Wular Lake, Peer Baba Shrine, and Razdan Pass.

The best time to visit Gurez Valley is between June and September.

Gurez Valley

Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba Valley is a popular tourist destination, but there is another place in this gorgeous state that you must visit – Khajjiar, often called the “mini Switzerland of India”. Surrounded by lush green meadows and snow capped mountains, Khajjiar is well-known for its pristine picture-postcard environs, including a brook-fed lake and the massive Western Himalayan Alps.

Relax by taking a walk in the meadows or exploring the nearby temples. The Khajjiar Lake is a popular place for boating and horse riding. You can trek to the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, or try some adventure sports like paragliding, zorbing, and more.

The best time to visit Khajjiar is during the summer months between April and June, when there are beautiful blue skies and a pleasant climate.

Khajjiar

Andretta, Himachal Pradesh

Around 13 kilometers from the massive tea gardens of Kangra Valley Palampur district in Himachal Pradesh is the small village of Andretta, an artists’ colony. An Irish theatrical artist and environmentalist, Norah Richards, moved to this peaceful village from Lahore in the 1920s. She founded the artists’ community here, which is frequented by many artists.

Many art enthusiasts from all over have admired Andretta’s pottery work and art collection. What makes this town with its artistic plethora even more picturesque is its location, surrounded by the Himalayas.

The best time to visit Andretta is from March to June and mid-September to November.

Andretta pottery

Thanedhar, Himachal Pradesh

In the state of Himachal Pradesh, against the backdrop of the mighty Himalayas, lies the town of Thanedhar, an untouched beauty devoid of any chaos. This offbeat destination offers a stunning view of the snow-capped mountains, especially during sunrise or sunset when the sun’s fiery red hits the white snow.

The town is renowned for its apples – you can find the entire valley filled with vividly-colored apple trees that change colors with the changing seasons. It is the ideal location to simply relax. You can stay at the Banjara Retreat and enjoy fabulous views from your room of this unexplored area in India.

Banjara Retreat, Thanedhar

Mana, Uttarakhand

Situated on the Uttarakhand-Tibet border, Mana is the final village of India. Mana sits at an elevation of 3219 meters above sea level on the banks of the Saraswati River, home to the Bhotias, or the Mongol tribe.

Known as the ‘Tourism Village’ in Uttarakhand, Mana is considered India’s spiritual glory with some beautiful waterfalls, lakes, hiking trails, and mountain peaks in the world. On clear nights, you can see shooting stars and the Milky Way from this village. The surreal beauty of Mana makes it one of the best places to visit.

The natural beauty of Mana is best seen from May to early November.

Mana Village

Damro, Arunachal Pradesh

If you are looking for an authentic hidden gem in India, you should not miss Damro in Arunachal Pradesh. You will be able to get a glimpse into the tribal lifestyle here – bamboo houses with thatched roofs, or wooden bridges that sway when you walk. In fact, you can even walk over the longest hanging bridge as you cross a river below!

You can find tamed bison in this region. The Damro Labokellie Tea Garden is a beautiful place to visit here. Talk to the locals and try your hand at working in the fields alongside them!

This will be a trip unlike any other, and once you visit, you may not want to go back to your city life! The best time to visit Damro is between October and April.

Damro

Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

With majestic mountains, deep valleys, and lush greenery everywhere you look, Ziro Valley is a small piece of pristine natural beauty in Arunachal Pradesh. It is known for its rice fields, and bamboo and pine forests. You can explore the tranquil local villages in the region and learn more about the tribes and their culture.

Ziro Valley is also a treasure trove of culture. It is home to the Apatani tribe, known for their warm hospitality and love for music. The valley is renowned for the famous Ziro Music Festival, which usually takes place in September or October. Music lovers from all over the country gather here for this festival. The tribe’s unique culture, vibrant festivals, and daily activities show the harmony between man and nature.

The best time to visit Ziro Valley is between March and October.

Ziro Valley

Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh

Namsai in Arunachal Pradesh is home to the Tai Khampti and Singpho tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. The breathtaking scenery of this beautiful town is characterized by lush paddy fields, rivers, grand pagodas, bamboo houses, and lush green tea plantations.

The slow and relaxed atmosphere, along with the breathtaking natural beauty of the place from almost every vantage point will leave you mesmerized. It also houses the main attraction of Arunachal Pradesh, the Golden Pagoda.

The best time to visit Namsai is from November to February.

Golden Pagoda, Namsai

Yumthang Valley, Sikkim

Known as the Sikkim Valley of Flowers, Yumthang Valley is located in the North Sikkim district of Sikkim. The valley looks picture-perfect, with abundant greenery, rivers, hot springs, and meadows where you can spot yaks, all surrounded by the snowy mountains.

The Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is located in this valley. It has more than 24 species of rhododendron, the state flower. Countless flowers bloom in vibrant colors from late February to mid-June.

The best time to visit Yumthang Valley starts from late February and continues till mid-June.

Yumthang Valley

Majuli, Assam

Floating on the Brahmaputra River in Assam, Majuli is one of the world’s largest river islands, and the world’s largest river island which is inhabited. You can reach the island via a ferry ride, and explore it on a rented bicycle. You can experience the lifestyle of the tribes on the island and partake in the cultural activities. You can also try Assamese cuisines and try your hand at traditional handicrafts.

The best time to visit Majuli is between October and March.

Majuli

Mawlynnong, Meghalaya

Meghalaya is truly one of the best offbeat destinations in India, not frequented by tourists. Mawlynnong is a very small village located in Meghalaya which holds the title of the cleanest village in Asia, and rightfully so. Along with the unspoilt natural beauty of the village, there are waterfalls and beautiful flower gardens in the peaceful village, as well as a living root bridge, which will require you to climb down many steps. You can also experience the local cuisine and lifestyle of the people.

The best time to visit Mawlynnong is between September and May.

Mawlynnong

Kongthong, Meghalaya

The green hills of East Khasi are home to the village of Kongthong, three hours away from Shillong. With a population of around 900 people, the town is known as the “whistling village of India”. This is because the names of the villagers are tunes!

This unique tradition draws visitors to Kongthong, apart from the untouched natural beauty of the place. When a baby is born, it is given a regular name, and a unique tune by the residents of the village, and the people call each other with their tunes!

The best time to visit Kongthong is from October to May.

Kongthong

Unakoti, Tripura

Unakoti in Tripura is a gem hidden in plain sight, right out of a fantasy movie. 178 kilometers from Agartala, an ancient stone gate opens to massive stone and rock sculptures carved out of a hillside. The rock carvings depict Lord Shiva’s life and scenes from Hindu mythology. You can spot sculptures of Hindu deities such as Lord Ram, Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman, and Nandi Bull.

The geographical terrain of the region also makes Unakoti a great place for trekking and hiking.

Unakoti is one of the most offbeat travel destinations to visit in India, best visited from October to April.

Unakoti

Lunglei, Mizoram

Known as the “Bridge of Rock”, Lunglei in Mizoram is a pristine paradise, away from the bustling city life. The rolling meadows surrounded by massive hills, surreal landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, peaceful ambiance, the local Mizo culture, and the untouched beauty of Lunglei will leave you wanting more.

Rich in biodiversity, Lunglei is home to the Khawnglung Wildlife Sanctuary, Thorangtlang Wildlife Sanctuary, and Saza Wildlife Sanctuary. These sanctuaries house animals like tigers, leopards, deer, monkeys, migratory birds, and more.

You can go bird watching, camping, or trekking in Lunglei amidst nature, or you can visit the Saikuti Hall to learn more about the cultural traditions of the region.

The best time to visit Lunglei is from October to June.

Lunglei

Shekhawati, Rajasthan

The Shekhawati region of Rajasthan has been called the “open art gallery of Rajasthan”, thanks to its beautifully painted Havelis, vibrant murals, and grand palaces, mansions, castles, and forts. Situated in the northeast corner of Rajasthan, the semi arid retreat filled with history and heritage, displays stunning frescoes, and  architectural splendour.

Shekhawati is an ideal tourist attraction for a family vacation, best visited between October to May.

Shekhawati

Osian, Rajasthan

The desert town of Osian in Rajasthan is known for its vast sand dunes, desert plants, heavy winds, and dramatic landscapes. Located on the edge of the Thar desert, you can experience the remote desert life in this place.

Osian city is also known as the Khajuraho of Rajasthan, owing to the abundance of ancient temples with elegant architecture and design. If you do visit Osian city, do not miss out on the experience of camping under the stars in the Thar Desert. Osian is one of the best offbeat destinations in India.

The best time to visit Osian is from November to March.

Osian

Mandu, Madhya Pradesh

Visiting Mandu in Madhya Pradesh is like going back in time. The majestic palaces and ruins give a glimpse into the grandeur of India’s past. Also called the “City of Joy”, Mandu displays a blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture in its magnificent tombs, mosques, and palaces.

The Jahaz Mahal appears to be floating over twin lakes. Other attractions here are Rani Rupmati’s Pavilion, Champa Baoli, and Baz Bahadur’s Palace.

The best time to visit Mandu is from October to March.

Jahaz Mahal, Mandu

Netarhat, Jharkhand

Surrounded by hills, lush forests, and natural springs, Netarhat is a tiny hill station in Jharkhand which will fascinate nature lovers. Nestled in the heart of Jharkhand, Netarhat was built by British rulers due to the serenity that this area provided. This charming hill station has some of the best sunrise and sunset views, especially in summers. It is an ideal tourist attraction if you are looking for some solace.

If you travel by road to Netarhat from Ranchi, you pass through seven hills! Netarhat is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations to visit in India from October to March.

Netarhat

Sandakphu, West Bengal

A popular trekking spot, Sandakphu is situated in SIngalila National Park in Darjeeling district in West Bengal. While the trek is long, the view from the top is worth it. The Sleeping Buddha peak offers phenomenal views of the Kanchenjunga range, and you can see four of the five highest peaks in the world – Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Lhotse, in a continuous snow clad arc. This is why Sandakhpu is called Trekkers’ paradise.

The best time to visit Sandakphu is from March to May and late September to early December.

Sandakphu

Mainpat, Chhattisgarh

Mainpat in Chhattisgarh is an interesting offbeat destination in India. It is a temple town primarily for Tibetans. This pure destination has many temples built by the Tibetan settlers in the region. If you visit this place, you should visit the Takpo Shedupling Monastery here, along with Mercury Falls and the Parpatiya Sunset Point.

The best time to visit Mainpat is between October and March.

Mainpat

Velas, Maharashtra

Velas in Maharashtra is well-known for its annual turtle festival. Every year between March and April, you can watch Olive Ridley turtles hatching from their eggs on the Velas beach, in their natural habitat. You can also take part in the conservation efforts along with the villagers.

Other attractions near Velas are the Bankot Fort and Harihareshwar Beach. The best time to visit Velas is between March and April.

Velas

Gokarna, Karnataka

Known for its beautiful beaches and adventure activities, Gokarna in Karnataka is a great place for travelers looking for spirituality and adventure. The Mahabaleshwar Temple is a popular tourist attraction in Gokarna. The town has many pristine beaches, such as Om Beach, Half Moon Beach, and Kudle Beach.

The best time to visit Gokarna is between October and March.

Om Beach, Gokarna

Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Karnataka

You may be familiar with the magnificent medieval metropolis Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka, but you may not know about Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary, a wildlife reserve near Hampi.

Established in 1994, the reserve protects the Indian Sloth Bear and currently houses 120 sloth bears. Visitors can observe these animals in their natural habitat. Along with sloths, the sanctuary also has animals like leopards, hyenas, jackals, wild boars, and many species of birds.

The best time to visit Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is between October and February, when the bears are most active.

Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary

St Mary’s Islands, Karnataka

St Mary’s Islands is a group of four small islands off the coast of Malpe in Karnataka. Due to the abundance of coconut trees in the area, it is also known as Karnataka’s Coconut Island. The islands are full of basalt rock formations, designated as one of the 34 National Geological Monuments in India by the Geological Survey of India. Millions of years ago, hot molten lava oozed from the Earth’s surface and was cooled by the waters of the Arabian Sea, resulting in the igneous rocks with a unique hexagonal shape.

While the islands are uninhabited, they are open for tourism. There are many security measures in place in order to preserve the natural environment and protect the visitors. The best time to visit Coconut Island is from October to January.

St Mary’s Islands

Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh

Popularly known as the Grand Canyon of India, the Pennar river gorge is a 300-foot-deep gorge in the village of Gandikota. The village of Gandikota was technically built by Kapa Raja on the picturesque Pennar river gorge in 1123 A.D. This makes it one of the best places to visit in India.

The word Gandikota roughly translates to “gorge fort”.This stunning geological formation in India has numerous narrow valleys, streams, the ancient fort, and a rich history of a 300-year-old dynasty.

The best time to visit Gandikota is from October to March.

Gandikota Canyon

Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh

The small town of Lepakshi is situated in Andhra Pradesh in South India. Steeped in history and rich tradition, the town houses the Veerabhadra Temple. The temple has a beautiful idol of Lord Shiva, and the famous hanging pillar. It has stunning frescoes depicting scenes from Hindu epics Mahabharata and Ramayana.

Lepakshi is also home to the Jatayu Theme Park, which has a big statue of Jatayu, a vulture from Ramayana. Lepakshi has a rich historical past. According to legends, this town is where Jatayu fell when he was killed by Raavan.

The best time to visit this historical town is from November to March.

Lepakshi

Tharangambadi, Tamil Nadu

Tharangambadi is a tiny beach town in Tamil Nadu’s Nagapattinam district. Built in the 14th century, it used to be a Danish colony named Tranquebar. The town is also known as the land of the singing wave, a beautiful cultural playpen located in South India, sitting at the confluence of the Kaveri river and the Bay of Bengal.

The best time to visit Tharangambadi is between November and March.

Fort Dansborg, Tharangambadi

Ponmudi, Kerala

Nestled in the Western Ghats in Kerala, Ponmudi town is a picturesque hill station, fairly unexplored by tourists. The town has misty hills, lush green valleys, and gurgling streams, with a view of the massive tea gardens and coffee plantations.

If you want to get away from the chaos of city life, Ponmudi is a peaceful hill station perfect for nature lovers. You can explore the Golden Valley or sit near the freshwater springs or Kallari River. Take a walk through the deer park, or go trekking to the highest peak in the region, Agasthyarkoodam.

One of the most gorgeous offbeat places in India, Ponmudi is at its best from October to March. You can also visit immediately after monsoon season, when the region is abundant with verdant greenery.

Ponmudi

Usually, most tourists visit the popular tourist destinations of any region, and do not include offbeat places in their list of places to visit. However, these places are often crowded. Offbeat travel destinations, on the other hand, can balance your itinerary, and are pristine and untouched in their beauty.

While exciting, these destinations can be tricky to find and navigate.  Get in touch with us and we will help you find some of the best places to visit in India. We can customize the perfect trip for you based on your preferences and budget, ensuring you go back with unforgettable memories.