- Gurez Valley, Kashmir:
Surreal landscapes, cool air, breathtaking backdrops, and the sound of gushing river are commonplace in Gurez Valley. The regular sight of shepherds and fields feels like a scene out of Bambi. Its strategic location right below the ‘Line of Control’ makes the valley one of the most protected land in India. And yes, with continuous vigilance and constant patrolling, it is safe to go there. - Chopta, Uttarakhand:
Chopta is undoubtedly the prettiest spot of all the offbeat places in India. Enjoy the spell-binding beauty of the Himalayas, snow-capped mountains, and thick forest trails. The sleepy town will enchant you with its mystical meadows, towering trees, snowy backdrops and warm people. - Damro, Arunachal Pradesh:
Damro is the base to the longest hanging bridge (1,000 feet) in Arunachal Pradesh. Definitely a hidden route to heaven, Damro charms with thatched bamboo houses, swaying suspended bridges, and laid-back lifestyle of the locals. Among the list of unexplored places in India, it is a rural sort of a getaway for exhausted city dwellers. The sights of harvested crops, not-so-wild bison, vast expanse of meadows and grasslands are quite welcoming. - Mawlynnong, Meghalaya:
The village honored as ‘The Cleanest Village in Asia’ by international bodies is quite unknown in the country. The picturesque village of Mawlynnong is epitome of harmony and cleanliness, which makes it one of the worthy unexplored places in India. Well-maintained roads, polished streets, spotless houses, manicured front-yards and cobbled sidewalks give an impression of high-end cities. Their organized pits for organic and inorganic wastes, maintained public utilities, and scattered bamboo dustbins can put even the best of urban cities to shame. - Sandakphu, Darjeeling:
The term ‘Sandakphu’ means height of the poison plants. It is named so because of a specifically poisonous wolfsbane plant which grows naturally near the peak. Sandakphu, one of the most dangerous offbeat places in India, is the highest peak in Darjeeling with a staggering altitude of 3,336 meters. - Jawai, Rajasthan:
Not known to many, Jawai Leopard Camp is the newest and the coolest addition to leopard spotting destinations in India. Luxurious tents, rustic lamps and authentic Rajasthani cuisine ensure that the experience is exotic as well as adventurous. And it’s not just the feline, the place is abuzz with flamingos, geese, cranes, and other migratory birds. If you are lucky, you may find a fair share of sloth bears, Indian wolves, and antelopes. - Velas, Maharashtra:
The people of this quaint village have taken up a cause – they aggressively protect and nurture the several, common and endangered, species of turtles. Here, you get to watch the unfurling of a life in front of your eyes, right from the moment these little friends hatch out of their shells - Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh:
Adorning the north east region, Ziro is one of the best attractions of Arunachal Pradesh which is known to be a home to a unique tribal group. Ziro valley is an ideal location for the peace seekers who are looking for an escape from the hustle-bustle. The Apatani tribe resides here and there are pine hills and rice fields which makes this place famous. Alongside the weather here is very welcoming and remains pleasant throughout the year.
- Mainpat, Chhattisgarh:
You may not have heard of a large Tibetan settlement in India except Dharamshala, but the gomoas (temples) of Mainpat are truly heavenly and unexplored. One of the most beautiful of all the unseen places in India, Mainpat is home to Thakpo Shedupling Monastery built in 1970. It is an important attraction here. There are several old thangkas, and wall murals that decorate the interiors of this monastery. If you are a cholesterol or high blood pressure patient, do visit the farms of tau, commonly known as buckwheat. It is said to possess healing properties. - Mohammadpur Umri, Uttar Pradesh:
There is a very interesting twinning tale associated with this place – Mohammadpur Urmi. Out of a population of 900, the place has 65 pairs of twins, which is considered to be way high in ratio of normal standards. And it’s not just humans, cows give birth to twin calves, and even hens lay eggs with two yolks! Mohammadpur Urmi’s attraction is not restricted to this weird phenomenon. Its simple beauty is perfect to have a mini-vacation to understand the interesting traditions and cultures of the place.
