While we all love to explore India, there are a few secluded places we do not know much about. These are secluded, soul-soothing and simply out of bucket list experiences we must have.
Here are a few hidden gems, which will soothe your inner soul and provide you with a perfect holiday backdrop and are a must-visit.
1. Kumta, Karnataka
A beach town along the Arabian Sea Coast in Uttara Karnataka district, this hidden town has it all! From secluded beaches to ancient structures, temples dating back centuries, a fort, caves or shopping spots. Just 31 km from Gokarna, you simply cannot miss this coastal wonder.
How to reach Kumta:
By 🚇: Located on the Konkan Railway Belt, Kumta is easily accessible via train.
By ✈: The nearest airport to Kumta is Goa (GOI) Airport which is 123.3 km away.
By 🚗: You can reach Kumta via NH 66.
Places to visit:
Mirjan Fort, Yana Caves, Gore Gopalkrishna temple, Nirvana Beach, Baada Beach.
Must-Have Experiences:
The place oozed chill-out vibes. Simply relax and go back in time. You should also explore nearby areas like Honnavar ( Mangrove Forest) and Murudeshwar.
Accommodation:
Multiple resorts are available at very affordable prices. You can try Silver Sand Beach Resort.
2. Lava, West Bengal
The lush forests of Lava are ideal for nature treks, bird watching, and plant and wildlife exploration. From monasteries to waterfalls, rare red pandas, mesmerising views of Kanchenjunga, canopied hanging bridges, to radiant rhododendrons, a lot is waiting to be explored in and around Lava.
How to reach Lava:
By 🚇: New Jalpaiguri is the nearest railway station 103 km away.
By ✈: The nearest airport is Bagdogra airport in Siliguri, almost 109 km away and will take around 2 hours to reach.
By 🚗: You can reach Lava via Kalimpong or Gorubathan route.
Places to Visit:
Canopy Walk, Neora National Park, Lava Monastery, Samthar Plateau, Rachela Pass, Rametay Dara View Point, Changey Waterfall.
Must-Have Experiences:
Enjoy the Himalayan waterfall, visit the monastery for some soul searching, view the orchids and the snow-peaked mountains, trek, camp or simply watch the sunrise and sunset. The Sherpa View Point here provides an excellent view of the snow-crested mountains of Bhutan and Tibet.
Accommodation:
You will find several pocket-friendly, as well as luxury, stays in Lava. You can choose to stay in homestays as well, in case you want a rustic and local feel of the village region.
3. Hemis, Leh
A beautiful village located in the Leh district and surrounded by surreal landscapes, Hemis is worth exploring. The village is particularly known for its beautiful and famous Hemis Monastery. This place is also home to Hemis National Park where you can catch a glimpse of the snow leopards, a wide array of langurs, wolves, red foxes, deers, and marmots.
How to reach Hemis:
By 🚇: Katra railway station is the nearest railway station, 227 km away.
By ✈: The nearest airport is in Leh, around 42 km away from Hemis. You can get a bus or taxi from Leh to reach Hemis.
By 🚗: You can reach Hemis via Leh by two popular routes - from Srinagar via Kargil on the Srinagar-Leh highway and from Manali via Sarchu and Dharchu on the Manali-Leh highway.
Places to Visit:
Hemis Monastery, Hemis High Altitude National Park, Stakna Gompa, Shang Gompa, Gotsang Gompa.
Must-Have Experiences:
Spot a snow leopard at Hemis National Park, find peace in the Monastery. You can also go birdwatching. While at the Hemis Gompa, visit the Hemis Museum Shop. Get your hands on the painting, wooden dragon statues, Curios, postcards and much more.
Accommodation:
Hemis has budgeted to luxury range of hotels. The Hemis monastery provides overnight stay for travellers. Locals also offer homestay facilities.
4. Mawlyngbna, Meghalaya
Considered as the ‘Edge of India’, this place is also known as the adventure hub of Meghalaya. Nested at the Indo-Bangladesh border, the village is rich in fossils dating 200 million years ago! One can find natural geysers and ponds to swim in this place. Adventure activities include kayaking, rock climbing, zip-lining and cliff jumping. this place has fossils dated
How to reach Mawlyngbna:
By 🚇: Guwahati railway station is the nearest railway station, 172 km away.
By ✈: The nearest airport is in Shikkong, around 78.2 km away.
By 🚗: You can hire a car from Shillong to reach here via Mawsynram-Shillong Rd
Places to Visit:
Um-kha-koi reservoir, Pitcher plant farm, Oslo Waterfall, Umdikain Waterfall, Riat Riam Khasaw Falls and Ka iew Luri Lura.
Must-Have Experiences:
There are several short hikes here that will take you to beautiful waterfalls or the fossil park where you can have a look at the fossils. Be your adventurous self at Mawlyngbna.
Accommodation:
Travellers’ Nest Mawlyngbna is the best stay option. You will also find a few Airbnb's here.
5. Vembanad Lake, Kerala
Vembanad, also known as Punnamada is 96.5 km long making it the longest lake in India. Blessed with rich scenic beauty, the lake lays right by the Arabian Sea, with a narrow reef separating it from the sea. All the rivers and canals of Kottayam merge into the Vembanad Lake making it the second-largest lagoon in India. The lake provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. This lake neighbours places like Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Kottayam districts.
How to reach Vembanad:
By 🚇 : Kottayam is the nearest railway station, 13 km away.
By ✈: The nearest airport is in Cochin around 63 km away.
By 🚗: You have magnificent roads that lead to this place. The state has proper bus services from all the nearby towns and districts.
Places to Visit:
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Pathiramanal Island, Vaikom Temple, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall.
Must-Have Experiences:
You must spend a day at leisure at the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, witness the beautiful sunrise and sunsets while enjoying a houseboat ride.
Accommodation:
You will find all types of accommodations from budget to 5 stars including stays in a houseboat.
6. Nagarhole, Karnataka
Nagarhole is spread across an area of 847.981 sq km and holds an astonishing abundance of wildlife including Tiger, Leopard, Asiatic wild dog and Sloth bear, Gaur, Sambar, Chital, Muntjac, Four-horned antelope and langur. It is contiguous with Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) and Bandipur Tiger Reserve. The park has a good number of streams and rivulets. The Kabini and Taraka reservoirs are large water bodies are located in the park providing a unique viewing experience to its visitors.
The place is on the verge of being declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a hunting reserve of the Wodeyar Dynasty.
How to reach Nagarhole:
By 🚇 : Krishnarajnagar is the nearest railway station, 53 km away.
By ✈: The nearest airport is in Mysore around 82 km away.
By 🚗: One of the best road trips to take in Karnataka via NH 766.
Places to Visit:
National Park, Iruppu waterfall, Mysore, Kabini, Bandipur, Wayanad and Coorg.
Must-Have Experiences:
Be one with nature in this Park. You can also enjoy the coffee estates and magnificent waterfalls nearby.
Accommodation:
You will find many Forest Department Lodges in the area. Various 5-star resorts are also available.
Note: The Karnataka government has banned night traffic through Bandipur National Park from 9 P.M up to 6 A.M. It is closed for 2 wheelers from 6 P.M. to 6 A.M.
7. Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
Araku is a small place located on the lap of three hills namely Galikonda, Raktakonda, and Chitamogondi on the Eastern Ghats with rich offerings such as sprawling coffee plantations, reserved forests, gorgeous waterfalls, and a vibrant cultural legacy. The place has it all including magnificent mountains, greenery, waterfalls.
How to reach Araku:
By 🚇: Araku Valley is connected to major cities via the Araku Railway Station.
By ✈: The nearest airport is in Vishakhapatnam around 112 km away.
By 🚗: There are regular buses to Pachipenta, not far from Araku Valley. For those travelling by car, Araku Valley is 3.5 hours from Visakhapatnam and 9 hours from Hyderabad.
Places to Visit:
Coffee Museum, Tribal Museum, Borra Caves, Padmapuram Botanical Garden, Tyda Park, Katiki Waterfalls.
Must-Have Experiences:
If you are a coffee lover, this place is a delight. Explore the rich cultural heritage of India while you are here.
Accommodation:
You will find budgeted to luxury resorts near the valley to explore this soul-soothing beauty.
8. Barot, Himachal Pradesh
If you love trekking, Barot valley located in the Mandi district is your paradise. Perched in the breathtaking valleys, it has extraordinary natural beauty. This quaint valley village is also bestowed with rich biodiversity and forms the gateway to the Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary which lies across the Uhl. The sanctuary is home to the monal, black bear and ghoral.
How to reach Barot:
By 🚇: The nearest Rail Link is at Joginder Nagar situated at a distance of about 40 Kms.
By ✈: The nearest airport is in Gaggal around 114 km away. Another nearest airport is at a distance of about 123 Kilometers situated at Bhuntar.
By 🚗: Barot is accessible by road from Ghatasani on Pathankot - Mandi National Highway.
Places to Visit:
Uhl River, Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary, Barot Temple, Chuhar Valley, Shanan Hydel Project
Must-Have Experiences:
Enjoy Trout Fishing, trekking, chasing sunrise and sunset in nature camps while you are here.
Accommodation:
There are a lot of places to stay near Barot Valley if you are looking for a comfortable yet affordable stay. Forest guest houses are also available.
9. Sinthan Top, Kashmir
One of the rarest places in Kashmir, 12000 ft above sea level amidst snow-capped mountains, emerald valleys, fruit orchards, whispering deodar and dense pine forests, ripple streams drifting through lush green meadows, sprinkled with colourful natural wildflowers, Sinthan Valley creates an unmatchable magnificence. Two different valleys can be seen from the mountain peak.
How to reach Sinthan Top:
By 🚇: The nearest Rail Link is at Banihal railway station situated at a distance of about 92 Kms.
By ✈: The nearest airport is in Srinagar around 132 km away.
By 🚗: Well connected by the newly opened Anantnag-Kokernag-Sinthan-Kishtwar road.
Places to Visit:
Rajan Top, Margan Top, Famber Valley, Kokernag, Daksum, Achabal fall.
Must-Have Experiences:
Enjoy an unforgettable road trip with views you will remember for the rest of your life. At the spot called '360 Degree View', one can see areas of both Kashmir and Jammu Divisions.
Accommodation:
There is no accommodation available in Sinthan Top. You will have to either stay in Daksum or Kokernag ranging from extremely budget accommodation in private and Government huts to deluxe hotels.
10. Majuli, Assam
Majuli is a charming and luxuriant island which is located over the Brahmaputra river just at a distance of 20 km from Jorhat city. Spread across an area of 1250 sq. km, the island is considered to be one of the world’s largest river islands. It is also known as the cradle of the Vaishnavite culture of Hinduism. This river island is submerging due to floods and massive soil erosions. Experts believe that by 2030, the island would be completely engulfed in water.
How to reach Majuli:
By 🚇: The nearest Rail Link is at Jorhat railway station situated at a distance of about 20 Km.
By ✈: The nearest airport is in Jorhat.
By 🚗: Majuli can only be reached by a ferry ride from Jorhat.
Places to Visit:
Kamalabari Satra, Dakhinpat Satra, Auniati Satra, Garmur, Tengapania.
Must-Have Experiences:
A sunrise or sunset here is divine. Hire a bicycle to explore this island at peace while reminiscing through its history.
Accommodation:
You will find homestays, resorts, lodges, hotels and bamboo cottages in Majuli. The prices are very reasonable.
11. Kashid, Maharashtra
Located in the Konkan belt, this coastal town has one of the most alluring beaches with varied landscapes comprising cliffs, rocks, and golden sand. Its long, wide beach is lined with casuarina trees, snack stalls, and hammocks. The sun-kissed, pristine sandy beach with crystalline water offers a dream to water enthusiasts.
How to reach Kashid:
By 🚇: The nearest Rail Link is at Roha railway station situated at a distance of about 23 Km.
By ✈: The nearest airport is in Mumbai 135 km away.
By 🚗: The Konkan coastal route is magnificent. Buses ply from Mumbai and Pune regularly. You can also find a bus to Alibaug, and then hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach Kashid Beach.
Places to Visit:
Murud Janjira Fort, Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary, Revdanda Beach Fort, Korlai Fort.
Must-Have Experiences:
Laze around on the beach or chase history in the beautiful fort, this place offers you a mix of everything. You can also try adventure sports such as banana boat rides, scuba diving, snorkelling and parasailing.
Accommodation:
You will find Beach cottages, Family owned cottages and guesthouses in Kashid.
12. Dehene, Maharashtra
Overlooking the Ajoba hills, you cannot find a better place than Dehene to learn about Tribal Life. From its beautiful paddy fields, countryside landscapes, gushing river and amazing local food, this place is a must-visit. River Shahi is one of the best ‘sunset’ spots in Dehene. It is located in Dolkhamb block of Shahpur Tehsil. In the evenings you can find thousands of fireflies glow- which is a sight to behold!
How to reach Dehene:
By 🚇: The nearest Rail Link is at Atgaon Rail Way Station and Asangaon Rail Way Stations at a distance of 46 km.
By ✈: The nearest airport is in Mumbai 130 km away.
By 🚗: The drive amongst the Western Ghats via NH 160 and you will not be disappointed with the natural beauty. Buses are not very frequent so travel by car or taxis.
Places to Visit:
Dehene Village, Trek to Ajoba hills, Chinchwadi village, Ratangad fort, Sandhan Valley.
Must-Have Experiences:
Stargaze while enjoying the rural life. Fireflies in the night offer a once in a lifetime experience here. Also, find a secret waterfall while you are here.
Accommodation:
Tents with shared western-style washrooms nearby have been set up at the edge of the village. You will also find homestays.
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