Are you someone who likes to explore new things? Or maybe you’re tired of retreating to the same crowded tourist spots? Whatever the situation, it’s time to break the monotony and plan a vacation for yourself. And no, you don’t have to go to the same old hills or beaches. I have found some hidden but marvellous travel destinations in India. And since I’m not a gatekeeper, here are some offbeat spots to enjoy the scenic views, vibes, and some time away from your busy routine.

1. Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh

When we think of Himachal Pradesh, we always think of Manali or Shimla, but Tirthan Valley is an unexplored haven. Surrounded by towering deodar trees and snow-capped peaks, it’s like Mother Nature went all out here! People usually go here for the Great Himalayan National Park, located close to Tirthan, but the place in itself is a great getaway from crowded tourist spots. Plus, you get to enjoy the rare flora and fauna in full swing.

How to reach: The easiest way is to take a Volvo bus from Delhi that goes to Manali and costs ₹1,500. Get down at Aut, and from there, you can either take a taxi or a local bus. Taxis will cost you somewhere around ₹800-1,000, whereas the bus will cost you ₹40-50.

Where to stay: You can opt for resorts or even hostels near Tirthan Valley. The prices start from around ₹1,500 depending on how far or near you stay to the valley and the kind of property you choose.

Things to do: Witness village life, trekking, fishing, and wildlife spotting.

2. Majuli, Assam

If you are a history enthusiast, Majuli is the perfect destination, as it is one of India’s most culturally rich places. Majuli, situated on the Brahmaputra River, offers a close insight into Assamese culture through its ancient monasteries called Satras. Majuli is also a perfect getaway because of its greenery and unique agricultural practices and is the largest river island in the world.

How to reach: To reach Majuli, you can take a flight from Delhi to Jorhat, which costs around ₹7,700. From Jorhat, you can get a taxi to Nimati Ghat, from where you can take a ferry to Majuli. The trains also follow the same route; get the train at Jorhat station and then reach Nimati Ghat.

Where to stay: You can find hotels in Majuli for as cheap as ₹600, going up to ₹3,000.

Things to do: Visit ancient Assamese monasteries (Satras), go bird watching, and witness traditional Assamese arts and crafts.

3. Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

Want to spend a vacation in the midst of nature? Welcome to Ziro Valley! The place is known for its terraced rice fields, vibrant festivals, and the unique culture of the Apatani tribe. The valley is especially popular during the annual Ziro Music Festival, which is cooler than Coachella and also really popular.

How to reach: You can take a flight to Tezpur or Lilabari; both cost around ₹8,800 from Delhi. But plan your trip in advance, as there are limited flights. From there, you can take either a taxi or bus to reach Ziro Valley. You can also opt to go by rail; North Lakhimpur in Assam is the nearest railway station. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to Ziro Valley.

Where to stay: There are very few properties in the valley itself, so you can find a hotel near Ziro Valley. The prices start from ₹2,500.

Things to do: Visit the Ziro Music Festival, explore the Apatani tribe’s rich culture, and visit scenic rice terraces and lush landscapes.

4. Chopta, Uttarakhand

Want to visit Switzerland but your wallet says “nope”? It’s time to visit Chopta in Uttarakhand! Popularly known as the “Mini Switzerland of India,” it is perfect for trekking enthusiasts who want to avoid crowded routes. Also, Tunganath, situated close to Chopta, is one of the highest Shiva temples in the world. This makes Chopta a perfect spot to indulge in some adventure and spirituality.

How to reach: The best way to reach Chopta is by road, as it has well-connected roads. The route via flight or train is a little difficult as the nearest airport as well as the railway station is at a distance of 230 km (approximately). There’s also no public transport in Chopta, so a taxi is the best way to reach different places.

Where to stay: You can find resorts and hotels in and around Chopta. The prices start from ₹2,500.

Things to do: Go for Tungnath and Chandrashila treks, enjoy panoramic Himalayan views, camping, and bird watching.

5. Daringbadi, Odisha

I bet you weren’t expecting a hill station in Odisha. Welcome to Daringbadi, the “Kashmir of Odisha.” The place is filled with pine forests and coffee plantations and offers a cool climate. Daringbadi is one of the most beautiful hidden travel destinations in India and is a year-round destination, so you can visit this offbeat retreat anytime you like.

How to reach Daringbadi: You can reach Daringbadi either by flight or train. The nearest airport, which is Biju Patnaik Airport, is 291 km from Chopta, whereas the nearest railway station, Berhampur, is 125 km away. You can easily get private cabs from both places. The flight prices start from ₹6,000 from Delhi.

Where to stay: You can find hotels, resorts, and even cottages in and around the place. The prices start from ₹2,500 and go higher depending on the kind of property you opt for.

Things to do: Witness pine forests and coffee plantations; enjoy stunning waterfalls and wildlife.

6. Auli, Uttarakhand

We have been treating Auli in Uttarakhand like that cool cousin nobody talks about at family gatherings. But trust me, it’s a total snow paradise! Perched at an altitude of 2,800 meters, Auli offers amazing views of the Himalayas, including peaks like Nanda Devi and Mana Parbat. If you are a skiing lover or want to try it, this is the best place. It’s also home to the Auli Artificial Lake, one of the highest man-made lakes in the world.

How to reach: The route to Auli via flight or train is a little tiring, as the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, which is 288 km from Auli. The nearest railway station is Haridwar, which is 281 km from Auli. You can take a private cab from both places. You can also take a state-run or privately-owned bus from Haridwar.

Where to stay: There are a good number of hotels in Auli that range from ₹5,000 to ₹14,000.

Things to do: Winter skiing and snowboarding, witness breathtaking views of the Himalayas, trek to nearby Gorson Bugyal and Joshimath.

7. Osian, Rajasthan

Whenever someone talks about visiting Rajasthan, all you can think about is Udaipur and Jaipur, but never Osian. Osian is an ancient oasis in the Thar Desert, known as the “Khajuraho of Rajasthan” for its stunning temples. Osian is also a gateway to the desert experience, offering camel safaris and sand dunes camping. The Sachiya Mata Temple and the Jain temples are a must-visit for their intricate carvings and spiritual ambience.

How to reach: You can reach Osian via a flight to Jodhpur, which is the nearest airport. You can also catch a train to Jodhpur junction, which is just 70 km from Osian. The flight costs around ₹5,000 from Delhi. Osian is also well connected to other major cities of India via bus.

Where to stay: You can find hotels, guest houses, as well as camps with prices starting from as low as ₹1,600.

Things to do: Visit ancient Hindu and Jain temples, go for camel safaris and camping, and immerse in local culture and spirituality.

8. Haflong, Assam

Let’s cruise to Haflong, Assam’s only hill station. It’s the underdog of hill stations, but boy, does it pack a punch! Do you know it’s because of Haflong that Assam is called the Land of Blue Hills and Red River? Haflong offers a peaceful retreat with its scenic beauty and vibrant tribal culture.

How to reach: You can reach Haflong either by train or flight. The nearest railway station is Haflong railway station; you can easily get a private cab or bus from there to take you to the main town. The nearest airport is Kumbhirgram Airport; from there, you can also take a cab or a bus. The flight costs somewhere around ₹7,500 from Delhi.

Where to stay: There are many hotels available in Haflong at very reasonable prices. The prices start from ₹2,000.

Things to do: Go boating and plan picnics at the Haflong Lake, go trekking and birdwatching, and explore the unique tribal culture.

So, pack your bags and be ready to explore these hidden travel destinations in India that tourists rarely visit. You’ll have a great time making your ‘gram followers wonder where you are!

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