India is the land of treasures, adventures, and surprises. It’s the land of many hidden gems that wait to be discovered by curious travelers. From the ruins of the Kingdom of Sikkim from the 17th century to the canyon in Maharashtra, many destinations are far from the sight of tourism and are only accessible through certain routes.
You can enjoy the crystal waterfalls, the exquisitely grand mountains, serene beaches, and bustling cities while soaking in the Indian culture and heritage.
India has an unlimited number of destinations that travelers can choose from. There’s something for each taste, from historically enriched temples to culturally soaked monuments. And here are the top places you must visit in India, regardless of your taste or travel preferences.
1. Gokarna
Gokarna is a hidden gem and an offbeat place that can be explored via an India tour. If you ever get bored of going to Goa, you can spend a couple of hours in this newly discovered hipster place. Gokarna is not yet popular among tourists, which makes it even more special and unconventional.
2. Munsiyari
Munsiyari is a quaint hamlet located in the district of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 2,290 meters. It faces the borders of Nepal and China and has been a restricted area for tourists, well, at least until recently.
Since the place has become accessible to tourists, it’s been serving as the main camp for hikers who tend to visit the Ralam Glacier, Milam Glacier, Nanda Devi Base Camp, Khaliya Top, and Chiplakot Bugyal.
The village is an ideal destination for your next winter holiday if you want to spend a peaceful couple of days enjoying the magnificent views and snow-capped peaks of Panchachuli.
3. Dawki
India is full of natural wonders and Dawki is one of them. It’s located along the border of India and Bangladesh, less than 100 km from Shillong. Dawki is a town surrounded by Khasi Hills and Jaintia, a secret kept from the Indians who want to preserve their natural wonders.
Dawki river flows into Bangladesh, but its main origin is from Meghalaya and is known as River Dawki. Its crystal clear waters make this special place one of the true hidden gems of India and the ultimate location for a tranquil experience. You can kayak over the river, bathe and hike along the hiking trails.
The river hosts a bridge that was built in 1932 by the British, so you can take a stroll over it and take panoramic pics for your Instagram profile. This way, you can let your followers know of Dawki, the place that everybody must visit!
4. Cherai
Cherai is a small town located on Vypin Island, however, it’s a lesser-known location to tourists. The beach road leads to Cherai Beach, lined with hotels, bars, restaurants, and gift shops.
You can taste a piece of the seafood – and enjoy the delicacies made of prawns, crabs, or squid dishes. You’ll be able to take a glimpse of the Chinese fishing net culture in Kerala, and enjoy the views of the Azhekal Shree Varaha and Shree Gowreeswara temples.
5. Gavi
Gavi is another gem hidden in Kerala and one of the eco-touristic projects from the district of Kerala. It’s a Periyar Tiger Reserve, located 40 km from Thekkady. Tourists can access the location via private or public vehicles and obtain permits from the forest check post.
Gavi is the home to the lion-tailed macaque and the Nilgiri tahr, and it’s the perfect spot for nature enthusiasts. You can witness the abundance of wildlife and see endemic species and more than 260 species of birds, like the kingfisher, the great pied hornbill, and the woodpecker.
The idyllic views attract tourists for a bath in the forest while having the ultimate experience from the movies. The scenery is enriched with the misty village alongside and it’s a place that must be on your travel bucket list.
6. Sainj Valley
The Great Himalayan National Park consists of four valleys known as the Tirthan Valley, Sainj Valley, Jiwa Nala Valley, and the Parvati Valley. Most of the valleys are accessible to climbers and advanced trekkers, however, you can visit Sainj Valley even if you are an inexperienced hiker.
This valley is untouched by human hand and it’s far from the Sainj town. It’s located at the foothills of the National Himalayan Park, where you can enjoy a walk to the Pundrik Rushi Lake, or see the stunning waterfalls.
Visit India Now!
While there are many more places that we could talk about, this should be enough to spark your curiosity and make you want to visit India as soon as possible. To learn more about the common traveling tips to India or things you should consider before planning your trip, check our blog.