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India is full of amazing places to visit, but some of them don’t get as much attention as they deserve. Most people visit popular places like Goa, Ladakh, and Jaipur but they don’t know about the hidden gems that are beautiful, peaceful and less crowded. If you’re looking for unique and less crowded spots to explore, here are top 7 underrated travel destinations in India that are definitely worth a trip.
1. Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
Ziro Valley is a peaceful and beautiful spot in the Northeast. It’s perfect for nature lovers and those who want to experience tribal culture. The Apatani tribe lives here, and they are known for their unique customs.
- Key Attractions:
- Beautiful Landscapes: Rolling hills and green fields.
- Apatani Tribes: Learn about the Apatani tribe’s unique culture.
- Ziro Music Festival: A popular outdoor music festival (if you visit in September).
- Best Time to Visit:
- March to October
- Things to Do:
- Trekking, bird watching, and learning about local culture.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is in Tezpur (280 km away).
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Naharlagun.
- By Road: You can take a bus or taxi from Naharlagun or Itanagar.
2. Majuli, Assam
Majuli is a serene island in the Brahmaputra River. It’s a great place to experience traditional Assamese culture, with its unique dance, music, and crafts. The island is also known for its friendly people and beautiful landscapes.
- Key Attractions:
- World’s Largest River Island: Majuli is the largest river island in the world.
- Satras (Monasteries): Explore the unique culture with ancient monasteries.
- Local Handicrafts: Shop for traditional Assamese handicrafts.
- Best Time to Visit:
- October to March.
- Things to Do:
- Visit the Satras, explore local villages, and enjoy bird watching.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jorhat Airport (around 20 km away).
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Jorhat Town.
- By Road: From Jorhat, you can take a ferry to reach Majuli.
3. Gokarna, Karnataka
Gokarna is like a quieter version of Goa. It’s a small beach town with beautiful, less crowded beaches. It’s a great place to relax, meditate, and enjoy some peaceful time by the sea.
- Key Attractions:
- Pristine Beaches: Less crowded than Goa with beautiful beaches.
- Om Beach: A famous beach shaped like the Om symbol.
- Mahabaleshwar Temple: An important Hindu pilgrimage site.
- Best Time to Visit:
- October to March.
- Things to Do:
- Beach hopping, visit the temple, and try yoga sessions.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Dabolim Airport in Goa (140 km away).
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Gokarna Road.
- By Road: Buses and taxis are available from Goa and Bangalore.
4. Patan, Gujarat
Patan is a historic town known for its beautiful stepwell, Rani ki Vav, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is also famous for its Patola silk sarees. It’s a great place to explore India’s rich history and craftsmanship.
- Key Attractions:
- Rani ki Vav: (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Ancient Jain temples: The Panchasara Parshwanath Jain Derasar is one of the most famous temples
- Sahastralinga Talav: (a historic water tank)
- Best Time to Visit:
- October to March
- Things to Do:
- Explore the stepwell, visit temples, and shop for Patola sarees.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad (125 km away).
- By Train: The nearest major railway station is in Mehsana (50 km away).
- By Road: From Ahmedabad or Mehsana, you can take a bus or taxi to reach Patan.
5. Mandu, Madhya Pradesh
Mandu is a beautiful old town filled with ancient palaces, forts, and gardens. It sits on a hill and offers amazing views of the surrounding landscape. The town’s unique architecture and peaceful atmosphere make it a great place to explore history and nature.
- Key Attractions:
- Historical Monuments: Explore the beautiful ruins of palaces and mosques.
- Jahaz Mahal: A ship-like palace that looks stunning during the monsoon.
- Rani Roopmati Pavilion: Offers panoramic views of the Narmada River.
- Best Time to Visit:
- October to March.
- Things to Do:
- Explore the Hindola Mahal and Rani Roopmati Pavilion, Go through the Royal Enclave and see ancient Afghan architecture.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Indore Airport (100 km away).
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Ratlam Junction.
- By Road: Buses and taxis are available from Indore and Bhopal.
6. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Spiti Valley is a cold desert mountain valley, perfect for those who love adventure and solitude. The stark landscapes, old monasteries, and starry skies make it a unique place to visit.
- Key Attractions:
- Breathtaking Landscapes: Surrounded by mountains and rivers.
- Monasteries: Visit the ancient Key Monastery and Tabo Monastery.
- Chandratal Lake: A stunning high-altitude lake.
- Best Time to Visit:
- May to October.
- Things to Do:
- Visit monasteries, go trekking, and enjoy stargazing.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport near Kullu.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Shimla.
- By Road: Buses and taxis are available from Manali and Shimla.
7. Chopta, Uttarakhand
Chopta is often called the ‘Mini Switzerland’ of India because of its green meadows and stunning mountain views. It’s a great spot for trekking and nature walks, especially if you’re looking for a quiet escape.
- Key Attractions:
- Mini Switzerland of India: Known for its lush meadows and snow-capped peaks.
- Tungnath Temple: The highest Shiva temple in the world.
- Chandrashila Trek: A beautiful trek offering panoramic views of the Himalayas.
- Best Time to Visit:
- March to June and October to December.
- Things to Do:
- Trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila, camp by the lake, and enjoy bird watching.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Haridwar.
- By Road: Buses and taxis are available from Dehradun and Rishikesh.
Conclusion
These are the top 7 underrated travel destinations or hidden gems in India offer a perfect mix of nature, culture, and history. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or someone who loves to explore new cultures, these destinations have something special for everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready to discover the lesser-known beauty of India!