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India is a country that has a plethora of travel destinations to offer to its tourists. From the majestic Himalayas in the north to the pristine beaches in the south, India has it all. However, there are some off-beat travel destinations that are not as popular as the mainstream ones but are equally mesmerising. If the travel bug has caught you, be sure to add these offbeat places in India on your bucket list. We bet you won’t regret it.
Best offbeat travel destinations in India
1. Mawlynnong, Meghalaya
Mawlynnong is a small village located in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. It is famously known as the cleanest village in Asia. The village is known for its eco-tourism initiative and has won many awards for its efforts in maintaining cleanliness and preserving its natural beauty. Mawlynnong is surrounded by lush green forests, and the highlight of this offbeat travel destination in India is the Living Root Bridge, which is a must-visit. The village is perfect for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and experience the simple and peaceful life of the villagers.
2. Halebid, Karnataka
Halebid is a small town located in the Hassan district of Karnataka. The town is famous for its Hoysala architecture, which is evident in the many temples located in the town. The temples in Halebid are a perfect example of the Hoysala architecture, with intricate carvings and sculptures that are a feast for the eyes. The highlight of the town is the Hoysaleswara temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And, that’s why this is an offbeat place worth visiting. Halebid is a must-visit for anyone interested in history and architecture.
3. Majuli, Assam
Majuli is a river island located in the Brahmaputra River in Assam and is an offbeat place to visit in India. The island is known for its unique culture and traditions, which are deeply rooted in the Assamese way of life. The island is home to many Satras, which are traditional Vaishnavite monasteries that have been around for centuries. The Satras are the centre of the island's cultural activities and are a must-visit for anyone interested in Assamese culture. Majuli is also known for its scenic beauty, with lush green fields and the Brahmaputra River providing a picturesque backdrop.
4. Champaner – Pavagadh, Gujarat
Champaner–Pavagadh is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Panchmahal district of Gujarat. The site is a perfect example of the architectural and cultural fusion that happened during the reign of the Sultanate of Gujarat. The site is home to many historical monuments, including the Champaner fort, the Jama Masjid, and the Kalika Mata temple. The site is perfect for those interested in history and architecture and is perfect for offbeat travel while exploring Gujarat.
5. Hemis, Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir
Hemis is a small village located in the Ladakh region of Jammu & Kashmir. The village is known for its famous Hemis monastery, which is the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh. The monastery is known for its colourful festivals, with the Hemis festival being the most famous. This experience makes a visit to Hemis perfect for offbeat travel. The festival is held every year in June and is a celebration of the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. The village is perfect for those interested in spirituality and is a must-visit for anyone visiting Ladakh.
6. Mandu, Madhya Pradesh
Mandu is a small town located in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh and is an ideal offbeat place to visit in India. The town is famous for its historical monuments, including the Jahaz Mahal, the Hindola Mahal, and the Jama Masjid. The town was a flourishing centre of the Mughal Empire during the 15th and 16th centuries and has many stories to tell. The highlight of the town is the Jahaz Mahal, which is a beautiful palace built in the shape of a ship. The town is perfect for those interested in history and architecture, this is an offbeat travel destination you definitely want on your bucket list.
7. Lunglei, Mizoram
For a real taste of offbeat travel, head to Lunglei, a small town located in the southern part of Mizoram. The town is known for its natural beauty, with lush green forests, waterfalls, and caves providing a picturesque backdrop. The town is perfect for those interested in trekking and adventure sports, with many trekking routes and rock climbing opportunities available. The town is also home to the Lunglei cultural village, which is a must-visit for anyone interested in Mizo culture and traditions.
8. Mokokchung, Nagaland
Mokokchung is a small town located in the state of Nagaland and the scenic beauty here makes it an ideal offbeat place to visit in India. The town is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to many traditional Naga villages. The town is perfect for those interested in exploring the Naga way of life and is a must-visit for anyone interested in Naga culture.
9. Bundi, Rajasthan
Yet an other offbeat place to visit in India is the town of Bundi in the Hadoti region of Rajasthan. The town is known for its historical monuments, including the Bundi Palace, Taragarh Fort, and the Raniji ki Baori stepwell. The town is perfect for those interested in history and architecture and is a must-visit for anyone visiting Rajasthan. The highlight of the town is the Bundi Palace, which is a beautiful palace known for its intricate murals and paintings.
10. Kalimpong, West Bengal
If your heart was set on Darjeeling but you would rather go to an offbeat destination, consider Kalimpong. The small town in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal is known for its natural beauty. With lush green hills, waterfalls, and tea gardens providing a picturesque backdrop, this is a great offbeat travel destination. The town is perfect for those interested in trekking and adventure sports, with many trekking routes and mountain biking opportunities available. The town is also home to many Buddhist monasteries and is a must-visit for anyone interested in Buddhist culture and traditions.
India has many off-beat travel destinations that are a must-visit for any travel enthusiast. From the cleanest village in Asia to the historical monuments of Bundi, each destination has its unique charm. But you can also look for other budget-friendly destinations or explore other travel destinations in India in 2023.
Disclaimer: The details mentioned throughout this blog are sourced from publicly accessible platforms. At Zeezest, we intend to share factual and verified information. Should there be any inconsistencies or variances in the information provided, please understand that these are entirely unintentional and not meant to mislead.