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India is a place of many mysteries and majestic beauties. The number of tourist destinations in the country which are flocked every year by thousands of tourists from all over the world is numerous. But only a few true travellers make their way to the less visited locations in India, which match in every aspect the uniqueness and beauty of any other popular travel destination but are less frequented by tourists who aren’t aware of its significance in the first place.
So here are ten such travel destinations that you can visit this year without much ado:
1. Listen to an Ancient Story in Sun Temple, Odisha
Odisha’s Sun temple, situated in Konark, is one of the most underrated travel destinations in the country. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the ruins of this ancient temple sees fewer tourists every day. You can travel to Puri and then make your way to the Sun temple, which is located at a distance of 36 kilometres from there. The thirteenth-century temple was originally located by the sea, but the sea has retreated by 3 kilometres since then. The temple is also known as the “Black Pagoda” because of its signature dark colour. In ancient times, the temple was said to have magnetic powers, which drew ships in close proximity to the shore and caused shipwrecks.You can visit the Chandrabhaga beach that is close to the Konark temple.
Why we recommend this place:
Located close to the famous Jagannath temple of Puri, the Konark temple is a must see for anyone who loves historic places with less tourists. The roads are clean, the beach cleaner. The temple is an architectural marvel from the past that calls for a visit.
2. Your Romantic Getaway can be the Heart-Shaped Lake in Kerala
Located in the Wayanad district of Kerala, the Chembra Peak is the crown of the Western Ghats. At a height of 2100 meters, the Chembra Peak gives you a view of the Wayanad hills like no other. You can hike to the Chembra Peak only after obtaining permission passes from the Forest Department, which are mandatory, keeping in mind the preservation of flora and fauna in the region. The picturesque views are not all that this trek offers you, you will also come across a heart-shaped lake enroute to the peak! This makes your trek ideal for a romantic getaway with your loved one. So make your way here to discover love in the midst of the Western Ghats. Won’t it be amazing to win a trip to Kerala?
Why we recommend this place:
A natural heart-shaped lake is much more mysterious than it is beautiful! So come here for a romantic hike and sit by the lake in the wilderness.
3. Experience the Innocence of Dooars in West Bengal
The floodplains of northern Bengal constitute a world of its own as it runs between Sankoshi and Teesta rivers around Bhutan. The altitude of the place varies from 90-1750 meters. Dense forests, the crisp cold mountain air, and the Himalayan ranges lines along the horizon sum up this beautiful destination. Stretches of tea estates, green meadows, cottages and lakes, everything about Dooars is a perfect blend for the curious traveler. You can visit the Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary, Buxa Tiger Reserve, Gorumara National Park, Jaldapara National Park, and Rasikbil Bird Sanctuary in the region.
Why we recommend this place:
Dooars has a very different scenic beauty here in foothills of the Himalayas. Come and see the Himalayas from a different perspective in West Bengal’s Dooars, you will fall in love with the wild beauty of the region.
Click Here to Win a FREE TRIP!4. Discover the Grandeur of the Chavda Rulers in Patan, Gujarat
Founded by the Chavda dynasty, Patan served as the capital of Gujarat for 650 years. Now one of the country’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, Patan stands tall, reminding the world of its rich heritage, grandeur, and architectural marvel through its temples, stepwells, lakes, and the famous Rani Ki Vav. It takes about three hours to reach Patan from Ahmedabad (125 kilometres), the current capital of Gujarat.
Why we Recommend this Place:
Patan is ideal for you if you seek a place that’s deep-rooted in history. The place sees curious travellers who have done their research well, archaeologists, photographers, and the like. Perfect for a two-day vacation, Patan will tell you a thousand stories.
5. Listen to the romantic tale of Rani Roopmati and Baz Bahadur in Mandu, Madhya Pradesh
The small town of Mandu (or Mandavgad) is situated in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh. Located just 100 kilometers from Indore, this 6th century town sports some of the most prominent architectures in the country. The town is famous for its very own tale of love and loss, that of Rani Roopmati and Baz Bahadur. Combine the story to the historical sites in the town, and you have the perfect offbeat setup for a trip. You can visit Jami Masjid, Baz Bahadur’s Palace, Mandu Fort, Rewa Kund, Jahaz Mahal, Hindola Mahal etc.
Why we Recommend this Place:
If you love Islamic architecture, there is no place better than Mandu for you to visit. The town gives you a strong sense of grandeur of the bygone era, a deep insight into ancient islamic architecture and legends. Win a trip like this now!
6. Discover the Uniqueness of the Northeast in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
If you must truly find out the charm of Northeast India, Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang is the town to visit this season. Popular for being the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama, Tawang is a haven for travelers seeking tranquility. The town is set in the backdrop of the Gorichen Peak, fresh air, and thick forests all around. Tawang is ideal for a backpacking trip, a quick getaway from the crowd. Tawang is a holy place for the Tibetan buddhist, hence visit places such as the Tawang Monastery and Taktsang Gompa etc. And then there are nature’s marvels such as the Sela Pass, Nuranang Waterfalls, Shonga-tser lake, Pankang Teng Tso lake, Bumla Pass etc, which are a must visit for the adventurer in you. Win a trip to a majestic place like this!
Why we recommend this place:
Tawang is the perfect combination of adventure, holy sites, and blissful natural beauty. If you are a mountain buff with a penchant for something different everytime, come to Tawang.
7. See the Ancient Monasteries of Spiti Valley
Situated at an altitude of 14,931 feet, Spiti is a place unknown to the average tourist and frequented by only a few daredevils who can scale the height. If you are in love with extreme adventure, Spiti Valley is the place for you. See ancient monasteries, go for treks, ride a mountain bike, camp in the snow, and discover the white beauty of snowclad mountains all around you. You can take a bike and travel all the way to Spiti from Manali, which is located about 200 kilometers away. Love road trips? Here’s your chance to win one!
Why we recommend this place:
At 14,931 feet, Spiti Valley’s skies are remarkable because you can actually see the stars and constellations here. Discover your own version of Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night in the valley as you lie beneath them on a cold night. Spiti Valley is a must on yout bucket list.
8. The Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand is a Treat for the Traveller
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Valley of Flowers lives up to its name. Located just 287 kilometers from Nainital, the valley has more than 300 diverse species of flowers in every possible color dotting the place. The valley looks especially spectacular in monsoon, when the flowers are in full bloom. Because of such variety of mountain flowers and such, you will find beautiful butterflies and several types of insects in the valley that you are unlikely to find anywhere else.
Why we recommend this place:
The Valley of Flowers is unique in its natural beauty and surpasses your expectations from a mountainous travel destination. It’s easier to come by dense forest and snowclad mountain peaks, but a valley full of flowers?! We don’t think so! Get a chance to visit a place like this today!
9. A Trekker’s Ultimate Adventure is J&K’s Phugtal Gompa
Situated in southeastern Zanskar (Ladakh), in the remotest possible corner of the Lung Nak Valley, Phugtal Gompa is one of the most enchanting places you will ever come across. The Phugtal Monastery has been built in and around a natural cave, which is the primary attraction here. The cave monastery gives you a breathtaking view of the Gompa from afar, making it one of the best offbeat places to travel to. Phugtal Gompa is located just 231 kilometers via the Leh-Manali highway.
Why we recommend this place:
Phugtal Gompa is a perfect destination for someone seeking a peaceful place high up in the mountains. If you derive pleasure from extensive and difficult treks, Phugtal Gompa is just the place for you.
10. Discover the Significance of Mahabharata in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh
According to the holy book of Mahabharata, Kinnaur was the place where Pandavas spent their last year of exile. Kinnaur is believed to be a place where the mysterious kinners once lived, who were part god and part human. The remote region is mostly home to a few tribal communities now, who live life the traditional way, holding onto the past. Kinnaur is located about 260 kilometers away from Shimla, a distance you can cover by bus, car, or trek your way there.
Why we recommend this place:
Rich in mythical significance, Kinnaur is the place for you if you indulge in myths, legends, and stories of historical significance. Come here to see the lifestyle of simple mountain people, discover the connection of Mahabharata to Kinnaur, and enjoy the scenic beauty around you.
