India is full of hidden gems that go beyond the usual tourist trails of Goa, Manali, and Jaipur. If you’re looking for offbeat destinations that offer serenity, adventure, and breathtaking landscapes, then this list is for you! Here are 15 terribly underrated destinations in India you probably haven’t heard of but should definitely visit.
1.
Mawlyngot,
Meghalaya
How
to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Shillong Airport (68 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Guwahati (140 km)
- By Road: Well-connected by road from Shillong and
Guwahati
Where
to Stay:
- Mawlyngot Tea Retreat
– A beautiful homestay amidst lush tea gardens
Why
Visit:
- Experience the charm of organic tea plantations and
scenic views of the Umiam Lake.
2.
Chopta,
Uttarakhand
How
to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (200 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Haridwar (225 km)
- By Road: Direct buses from Rishikesh and Haridwar
Where
to Stay:
- Magpie Jungle Camp
– A cozy camp in the meadows of Chopta
Why
Visit:
- Known as the ‘Mini Switzerland of India,’ it is a great
place for trekking to Tungnath and Chandrashila.
3.
Tawang,
Arunachal Pradesh
How
to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Tezpur Airport (317 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Guwahati (440 km)
- By Road: Buses and taxis from Tezpur and Guwahati
Where
to Stay:
- Tawang Homestay
– A warm and welcoming traditional stay
Why
Visit:
- Explore the stunning Tawang Monastery and picturesque
high-altitude lakes.
4.
Sandakphu,
West Bengal
How
to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Bagdogra (110 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (100 km)
- By Road: Shared jeeps and taxis from Darjeeling
Where
to Stay:
- Himalayan Lodge Sandakphu – Offers stunning views of Kanchenjunga
Why
Visit:
- Highest peak in West Bengal, known for its breathtaking
sunrise views.
5.
Mawlynnong,
Meghalaya
How
to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Shillong (80 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Guwahati (172 km)
- By Road: Taxis available from Shillong
Where
to Stay:
- Riverside Bamboo Cottages – A unique stay experience in Asia’s cleanest village
Why
Visit:
- Recognized as the cleanest village in Asia with
mesmerizing waterfalls and root bridges.
6.
Chettinad,
Tamil Nadu
How
to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Madurai (80 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Karaikudi (15 km)
- By Road: Connected by buses from Madurai and Trichy
Where
to Stay:
- Chettinad Mansion Heritage Stay – A luxurious traditional home
Why
Visit:
- Explore the grand palatial mansions and authentic
Chettinad cuisine.
7.
Majuli,
Assam
How
to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Jorhat Airport (20 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Jorhat (15 km)
- By Road: Ferries available from Jorhat
Where
to Stay:
- La Maison de Ananda
– A traditional bamboo cottage stay
Why
Visit:
- World’s largest river island with rich culture and
serene landscapes.
8.
Lonar
Crater, Maharashtra
How
to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Aurangabad (140 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Jalna (90 km)
- By Road: Well-connected by buses and taxis
Where
to Stay:
- MTDC Lonar Resort
– Government guest house with basic amenities
Why
Visit:
- A unique lake formed by a meteor impact, surrounded by
ancient temples.
9.
Ziro Valley,
Arunachal Pradesh
How
to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Tezpur (280 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Naharlagun (100 km)
- By Road: Taxis from Itanagar and Tezpur
Where
to Stay:
- Ziro Valley Resort
– Offers scenic views of the lush green valley
Why
Visit:
- Home to the Apatani tribe and famous for the Ziro Music
Festival.
10. Gokarna,
Karnataka
How
to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Goa (140 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Gokarna Road (10 km)
- By Road: Buses available from Goa and Bangalore
Where
to Stay:
- Namaste Yoga Farm
– A serene beachside stay
Why
Visit:
- Less crowded beaches and a peaceful alternative to Goa.
11. Bhimbetka
Caves, Madhya Pradesh
How
to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Bhopal (45 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Bhopal (40 km)
- By Road: Accessible via taxi from Bhopal
Where
to Stay:
- Jehan Numa Retreat
– A boutique eco-resort
Why
Visit:
- UNESCO-listed site with prehistoric rock shelters and
cave paintings.
12. Araku
Valley, Andhra Pradesh
How
to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Visakhapatnam (114 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Araku (3 km)
- By Road: Scenic road trip from Visakhapatnam
Where
to Stay:
- Haritha Hill Resort
– Nestled among coffee plantations
Why
Visit:
- Picturesque valley with coffee plantations and
waterfalls.
13. Lepchajagat,
West Bengal
How
to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Bagdogra (70 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (75 km)
- By Road: Taxis from Darjeeling
Where
to Stay:
- Lepchajagat Homestay
– A cozy hill retreat
Why
Visit:
- A peaceful hamlet near Darjeeling with stunning
Himalayan views.
14. Munsiyari,
Uttarakhand
How
to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Pantnagar (250 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam (275 km)
- By Road: Scenic drive from Almora
Where
to Stay:
- Milam Inn
– A budget-friendly stay with mountain views
Why
Visit:
- Gateway to trekking routes in the Kumaon Himalayas.
15. Hampi,
Karnataka
How
to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Hubli (143 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Hospet (13 km)
- By Road: Buses available from Bangalore
Where
to Stay:
- Hampi’s Boulders Resort – Unique stay among the ruins
Why
Visit:
- A UNESCO Heritage site with mesmerizing ruins and
boulders.
So, which of these hidden gems are
you adding to your travel bucket list?
