India is a land full of different terrains, cultures and adventures and hidden beautiful places. The country is a dream come true for every traveller. From snow-clad mountains to Thar desert, river banks to beautiful serene beaches, all of it is hooded in one country. Every few hundred kilometres let you dive into a new culture, new cuisines and new landscape.
While we all love beaches in Goa, bike rides to Ladakh and river rafting in Rishikesh, there is a lot more to the country. Away from the hustle and bustle of cities, tourist and commercialisation are landscapes that will take your breath away.
Here have a look at our top 15 picks of hidden places in Indian that you must visit for an experience of a lifetime.
1. Laitmawsiang, Meghalaya
In the beautiful state of Meghalaya lies Laitmawsiang popularly known as the garden of caves. The quaint village of Sohra is the house to these caves. The place is said to be one of the most beautiful places in entire India and is a must-visit by every explorer.
These are natural caves carved by seasonal waterfalls and high rains in the area. The area is surrounded by lush green gardens and there are waterfalls on every corner. You can enjoy the waterfalls walking through the caves. The sunlight falling between cracks of rocks creates an aura of heaven. The beauty of the small village of Sohra will blow your mind.
2. Chalakudy, Kerala
Move over Munnar and make sure you visit Chalakudy when planning your next trip to Kerala. Situated on the banks of the river Chalakudy is the small village full of waterfalls, wildlife, hills and backwaters.
Spend your hours soaking in the beauty of stunning Mala, Azhicode and Munakkal beaches. Or pick your backpack and treck to Athirapilly and Vazahchal falls. The accommodation is affordable here and so is food. All of this hits the right spot with the travellers.
3. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
If you are in search of peace and want to get away from the hustle-bustle of the city, Tawang is your place to be. Situated 3048 m above sea-level, this beautiful town in Arunachal Pradesh will leave you spellbound with its natural beauty.
Tawang is home to oldest monasteries in the world. It is also the birthplace of Dalai Lama. The snow-clad mountains in winters and lush green landscapes are a sight for sore eyes. You can meditate for hours in monasteries, walk down the Tipi Orchid Sanctuary and get lost in the beauty of flowers or just trek to high peaks for a view to remember. Plan a trip to various national parks situated around the town and get lost in the beauty of nature.
4. Majuli, Assam
Majuli is the world’s biggest river island situated in river Brahmaputra in the state of Assam. The place is known as 100% population free. Majuli is also known as the cultural and festive capital of the state.
Majuli will leave you awe-struck with endless pristine water, heartwarming welcome by locals and the experience of living on an island. Don’t forget to spend a day or two in the village Majuli and explore the culture. It is said Majuli island might not even exist in 20 years because of climate change. Plan your trip asap.
5. Idukki, Kerala
Idukki is densely covered forest region of Kerala and is rich in nature. The district flourishes between two rocky mountains of Kurava and Kurathy. The place houses two of the highest arch dams. You can spot Elephants walking on the roads, waterfalls all around and reservoirs.
Go strolling in tea gardens or hike the mountains for a spectacular view. The Eravikulam National Park in the district is where the rare blue Neelakurinji flower blooms every 12 years. You’ll never want to leave this gorgeous little place.
6. Maithon, Jharkhand
Maithon is a small town in the Dhanbad district of Jharkhand. The town is situated by the sides of the river Barakar. Maithon Dam is one of the most successful river valley projects of India and its beauty will leave you enchanted.
The rocky mountains with waterfalls make it for a beautiful little town to explore. You can visit Sabujdeep island which a few kilometres and have some much needed alone time surrounded by nature.
7. Chikhaldara, Maharashtra
Chikhaldara is one of the many hill stations in the state of Maharastra. Situated at an altitude of 1118m above sea-level, it’s one of the favourite summer hideout spots for locals. If you are keen on some Tiger spotting, bathing in the freshwater of waterfalls and visit old forts all at the same time, this is where you need to be.
Also, if you are a coffee fanatic, Chikhaldara will welcome you with the smell of beans in the air. It is one of the only places with coffee plantation in the state. The picturesque spots will leave you mesmerised and asking for more. Chikhaldara also happens to be one of the best locations for camping.
8. Loktak Lake, Manipur
Loktak lake is the largest fresh-water lake of North-India and houses the world’s only floating National park. If the idea of standing on a piece of land that floats in the water fascinates you, pack your bags and leave today for Manipur.
Located just 53 km from Imphal and is famous for its circular floating swamps all across the lake. The Keibul Lamjao National Park located at the southwestern part of the lake is another major tourist attraction. You’ll be left in splits with amazement and it’ll be an experience you’ll boast about your entire life.
9. Nubra Valley, Ladakh
Next time you plan a visit Ladakh, take out a day or two and spend your time at Nubra Valley instead. Nubra is a tri-armed valley in Ladakh district and words fall short to describe the beauty it is. The Nubra Valley is one of the last treasures of our planet, living in sheer isolation for most of the year in the heart of the great Himalayas. A real Shangri La, with no ‘Baywatch’, no mobile phones and no Ray-Ban sunglasses.
Nubra is a high height desert land with lacks vegetations except for river banks. The small villages and several monasteries make it a beautiful small town. It is covered in snow most winters and will lead to into tranquillity and peace.
10. Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Located in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh is wide and gorgeous Tirthan Valley which honestly is the best-kept secret of the state. The valley gets its name from Tirthan river which winds its way through it. The valley is ideal for those who want to sit back, relax and enjoy the sound of the river by the banks.
You can plan treks, go for fishing on a sunny day or just discover new species of Flora & Fauna. Stay in homestays, eat the local food, live the life like them and surrender to the beauty of nature.
11. Maravanthe, Karnataka
For all the water babies out there this is your destination. Maravanthe is the town in Karanataka that has the Arabian sea to its right and Sauparnika river on its left. The miles and miles of the white sand beach of Maravanthe is what makes it stand out.
Pick your favourite book and spend hours reading it by the sea. You can visit places like Kodachardi hills, Kodi beach, Ottineri and many more. Take a boat ride in the calm water of the river Sauparnika or deep-sea diving in the Arabian sea.
12. Talasari, Odhisa
Talasari is a beach town Balasore district of Odhisa. It is yet untouched by human activity and is bliss. What makes Talasari beach even better is a river flowing by the side of the beach which merges with high tides into the sea.
This virgin beach has sand dunes, calmer waves amid several palm trees, coconut trees, cashew trees known to be the last beach on the northeastern coast of India. The beach is a vibe and perfect getaway for ones who want a hideout. Take a swim in the calm sea and several boats ride in the river.
13. Papikondalu, Andhra Pradesh
Papikondalu is sheer bliss to the naked eyes. The mountain range runs along the river Godavari and the scenic beauty is beyond measures. Papikondalu is also called Kashmir of South as the area around the ranges is quaint and bountiful with nature.
Apart from enjoying the view of the hills, valley and waterfalls, one can engage in activities like camping and trekking. The place is ideal for a day trip as well as an extended stay with all amenities easily accessible.
14. Bhedaghat, Madhya Pradesh
The small town of Bhedaghat in Jabalpur district is known worldwide for its 100 feet rocks on both sides of the River Narmada. The experience of sailing through the river with marble rocks on both side is spell-bounding. The rocks change their shape and colour as you travel through them.
The town is also famous for Dhuandar falls. The calm Narmada river falls in 98 feet massive falls creating the glorious Dhuandar falls. You’ll most definitely love a visit to beautiful Durga temple and boat rides in the river.
15. Gokarna, Karnataka
If beach destination is on your mind and you resist going to Goa, Gokarna should be your pick. The temple town of the western coast is also the beautiful beach destination.
There are thousands of fun activities like scuba diving, banana boat rides and many more water sports that could be done on this destination. The peaceful beaches are clean with pristine water and calm Arabian sea.
Also, read: top-5-beautiful-low-budget-countries-to-travel-from-india