10 Best Off Beat Destinations in India
Check out some of these places for a taste of the real India.
Kutch, Gujarat
Known sometimes as the Wild West of India, these vast lands
are a much lesser traveled region than they should be. In Gandhi ji’s home state of Gujarat, a large
portion of Kutch is made of seasonal wetlands and is known as the Great Rann of
Kutch – it’s also well known for its salt desert. Also calling Kutch home is the smaller Little
Rann of Kutch, which claims the Wild Ass Sanctuary as one of its
highlights. Kutch’s handicraft villages
are another great reason to visit this lesser touristed region of Gujarat.
Majuli Island, Assam
This island on a river sits on the mighty Brahmaputra River
and is home to a green and lush landscape, 22 neo-Vaishnavite monasteries, and
close to 100 bird species that allow for a scene of unparalleled beauty. Majuli Island is the largest river island at
a size of about 450 square kilometers, and every Monsoon season much of the
island is devoured by torrential rains.
The beauty is bittersweet, as surveys indicate that due to current
levels of erosion, the island will no longer exist in 20 years time.
Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh
Set along the banks of the Narmada River, this holy city is
dedicated to Lord Shiva. It’s for this
reason that it is often referred to as the Varanasi of central India. In fact, those who may find the chaos of
Varanasi to be a bit too much will find their peace while strolling along the
ghats of the river. Holkar Fort is a place
to stay if you can afford it. Textiles
and weaving in Maheshwar are also top notches.
Enjoy a sunset boat ride along the river and visit the Baneshwar Temple.
Pichavaram Mangroves, Tamil Nadu
These are one of the world’s largest mangrove jungles in the
world and spread over 3,000 acres, it has close to 4,400 large and small canals
that can be explored by boat. Not on the
tourist trail, this jungle is for those looking for a tranquil jungle experience
in the heart of the south of India.
Osian, Rajasthan
If you’re looking for an alternative to touristy Jaisalmer,
Osian is your winner. It is known as the
“Khajuraho of Rajasthan” due to the fact that it boasts its own set of temples
with intricate carvings. Located about
1.5 hours from Jodhpur to the north, and on the way to Bikaner, Osian’s
location in the Thar Desert creates the opportunity for camel safaris in a much
less crowded and more authentic atmosphere through the sand dunes.
Spiti, Himachal Pradesh
This crown in the heights of India is at an average height
of 12,500 feet above sea level. It is
bordered by Kullu Valley to the south, Ladakh in the north, Kinnaur to the
southeast, and Tibet to the east. There
are several soaring peaks with snow and picturesque monasteries and small
villages. Spiti is a wonderful
alternative to Leh Ladakh for those looking for an advanced destination in
India.
Kannur, Kerala
Northern Kerala is home to this small town known for theyyam
rituals – mysteriously masked spirit possession! The theyyam season is heavily promoted by
Kerala’s Tourism Board and the season runs from October to May. Beach houses also dot the secluded beaches
and they are relaxed and generally quite affordable. The district of Kannur also has a Drive-In
Beach, and you can drive all the way along its vast stretch of sand.
The state of Nagaland
On the border of Myanmar, Nagaland is the wild east of
India. There are dazzling hills and
valleys, no doubt. But in the north,
there is a good chance that you could meet local tribesmen and women who
continue their traditional way of life, and are still clad in exotic
attire. The region is uncontested, but
you should continue to monitor the situation as there may be a number of insurgent
groups active in the state.
Champaner-Pavagadh, Gujarat
Located about 90 miles from Ahmedabad, Chamapaner-Pavagadh
is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to historical highlights from the
8th and 14th centuries including Jama Masjid, palaces, and a hill
fortress. A former capital of Gujarat,
there is a large concentration of unexcavated archaeological, cultural, and
prehistoric sites to explore. The site
is also the only complete and unchanged Islamic pre-Mughal city. It should not be missed.
Sikkim
Far in the northeast of India lies the beautiful region of
Sikkim. It is home to the world’s 3rd
largest mountain peak – Kangchenjunga.
Due to its isolation, it was once not well known but is now definitely
coming into its own as a popular destination.
The state is overflowing with wildlife such as the Tibetan Wolf,
Himalayan Tahr, red panda, and snow leopards.
There are also many hot springs to soak yourself in while taking in the
amazing biodiversity.