India, a country of culture and ancient customs, possesses lots of tourist sights. However, apart from the Taj Mahal and the bustling cityscape, there are more places, such as the historical ruins, the breathtaking nature and the local encounters. Here’s a deeper dive into 11 such underrated wonders:
- Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
Located within the Eastern Himalayas range, Ziro Valley is a land of spring meadows and tribal settlements. Earlier it was a British administrative center but now it is renowned for its relaxed lifestyle, walks through pine forests and Ziro Festival that is an occasion to celebrate local music and also witness indie musicians against the stunning backdrop of mountains.
- Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh
Nicknamed ‘Mini Switzerland,’ Khajjiar is a quiet hill station. This lake, which is located in the foothills of the Dhauladhar range, makes for a popular boating spot as well as a great place to laze away the day in a meadow sprinkled with wildflowers and perhaps even spot some elusive wildlife like musk deer. History enthusiasts can wander shrines dated back to the 12th century, these ruins reverent tone expressing stories of the past.
- Majuli, Assam
Majuli, the largest river island in the world, rests on the majestic Brahmaputra River. This is a land piece which is known for its diverse culture of Assamese and is a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers alike. Go over the monasteries of Satras, the centers of Vaishnavism of Assamese and discover in yourself the experience of the warmth of the Mishing tribe, skilled in mask making. Experience the island’s traditional weaving practices, where skillfully crafted threads become wondrous works of art.
- Dholavira, Gujarat
Back in time at Dholavira, the largest Harappan city of the Indus Valley Civilization (3rd-millennium BCE) lived. Discover the remnants of its beautifully designed city framework, step-wells – an example of ancient engineering, and a large fort, which will make you marvel at the abilities in town planning and architecture of this civilization.
- Haflong, Assam
Surrounded by dense vegetation, Haflong is the only hill station in Assam. This town which is well known for its picturesque beauty and Dimasa tribal culture provides a chance to witness the magnificence of the Lanka Falls, trek through the dense forests, and delve into the history of the Dimasa tribe, which is unique to this region, with its own language, festivals like the Rongker and food.
- Lambasingi, Andhra Pradesh
Labeled as ‘the Grand Canyon of India’ by tourists, Lambasingi is an amazing gorge with flat-layered rock formations in yellow, red and white whose colors were shaped by the elements over millions of years. Gorge hike, a trekker’s paradise, where you have the chance to explore some nearby caves that might hold the secrets from the ancient past. See the natural scenery of Belum Caves which are the second-highest natural caves in India and discover the stalactites and stalagmites in its chambers.
- Chaukori, Uttarakhand
Get away from the bustling crowd and experience the breathtaking views of the Himalayas at Chaukori. This hill station, secluded in tranquility, provides an unforgettable experience of waking up to the rising sun behind peaks such as Nanda Devi and Trishul and painting the sky with a palette of colors. Sweep through the rhododendron forest in spring bloom, visit the historic Maa Nanda Kot temple, one of the legends linking it to the Pandavas of the Mahabharata, and experience the tranquility of the mountains that will uplift your soul.
- Chettinad, Tamil Nadu
Explore Chettinad, which is termed as the land of beautiful palaces and mansions belonging to the Nattukottais, a wealthy group of merchants from the area. Discover the elaborately carved architecture from the Hindu, Mughal and European blend and get an impression of how these capable merchants lived. Enjoy Chettinad cuisine with its characteristic pungent tastes and scents, and a chance to immerse oneself into the culture of the past when life seems to have come to a standstill.
- Hampi, Karnataka
Experience the glory of the Vijayanagara Empire at Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the once magnificent temple complexes – Virupaksha – the carvings of which depict mythological scenes, palaces where kings and queens resided, and step-wells which bear testimony to the empire’s advanced water management system. Hampi is a heaven for bouldering, rock climbing and camping by the river with stars as the roof.
- Konkan Coast, Maharashtra
Relax on the quiet beaches of the Konkan Coast, the wonderful collection of natural beauty and historical stay. Discover the forts on the coastline such as the imposing Murud Janjira Sea Fort; explore the rich underwater marine life with snorkeling or diving; and enjoy the mouthwatering Konkani food with its unique seafood tastes and coconut flavors. While Goa has the reputation of being the more popular neighbor, the Konkan Coast gives you the chance to unplug and slow down a bit, with a touch of history added to the scenery.
- Munnar, Kerala
Munnar has beautiful scenery as a hill station. Carpeting globe green tea plantations which seem to go as far as the eye can see characterize a landscape. Visit sprawling tea gardens, follow the process of tea-making and ultimately enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea. A walk through the Shola grasslands, a wonderfully diverse ecosystem that is home to many plant and animal species, or pay a visit to Echo Point, a scenic outlook that has its name because of the echoing sounds from the waterfall is recommended.
Therefore, skip the ordinary tourist trail and take an exploration trip to these undiscovered jewels. Get involved in the intricate weave of Indian traditions, history, and scenic beauty and uncover another side of India that will amaze you.
