India offers a variety of exciting travel destinations within its vast landscape & diversity of culture.
Depending on whether you are a leisure seeker, an adventure junkie, an explorer, or just a good ole tourist this country is brimming with unique vacation ideas for all.
Many places like the beaches of Goa, the backwaters & forests of Kerala, the historical & cultural places of Rajasthan, Agra, mountains & lush jungles of Himachal & Uttarakhand are popular among Indians & foreigners alike.
However, apart from these, there are plenty of other places that have gained traction in the number of travellers they have started to attract. Let us look at 5 such places that make for amazing offbeat locations for travel in India
Dzokou Valley, Nagaland
Located in the north-eastern part of the country bordering Manipur & Nagaland, and at an altitude of 2452 meters above sea level this valley is surrounded by dense forests that offer breathtaking views, natural greenery, beautiful hills and the most magnificent waterfalls.
That apart, Dzokou Valley is home to a variety of endangered plant & animal life. A paradise for trekkers & adventure seekers. Trekking here is quite inimitable if compared to the Himalayas where one encounters rocky & steeper climbs.
The rolling hills around Dzokou are treacherous as the treks are through dense slippery forest floors. This is one of the perfect examples of offbeat locations for travel in India, for those seeking adventures that are one of a kind. Monsoons are the best time to visit Dzokou Valley.
The best way to travel to Dzokou Valley is to travel by train to Dimapur in Kohima. From there you can hire a 4-wheeler to travel about 3-3.5 hours to the valley. A more detailed guide https://pickyourtrail.com/blog/dzukou-valley-kohima-district/ will help you plan your trip to Dzokou Valley without hassle.
Chembra Peak, Wayanad, Kerala
Chembra is the highest peak among the hills of Wayanad, Kerala. It is a picture-perfect locale with pristine nature all around.
Wayanad welcomes you with rolling hills, tea plantations, lush greenery & a beautiful misty aura. The tourism department organizes treks & guided tours to Chembra Peak. Known to be moderately difficult for seasoned trekkers, this place also offers nature walks for people who love serene nature, bird watching & bird photography experiences.
A literal walk through the clouds takes you to a heart-shaped lake with awesome panoramic views. If you trek through the tea plantations to the Peak, the first ariel view of the lake is sure to mesmerize you. The best time to trek the Chembra is between September to March.
The easiest way to travel to Chembra, would be to drive either from Bangalore or Mysore. However, if you are travelling from other parts of the country check out http://kotresh.com/chembra-peak-trek/ on how to get there with ease.
Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Spiti is a cold desert interspersed with patches of green on a parcel of parched windswept land. Located in the northeastern part of Himachal Pradesh this valley lies between Tibet and India.
It comprises of the Spiti River, its tributaries and the area surrounding it. Even though, a sort of desolate valley, it is a fascinating place that has quiet village dwellings with Buddhist & Tibetan-influenced culture. Spiti has gained popularity as a destination only in the last decade or so, for the raw natural beauty of the landscape, the rich cultural heritage, the many beautiful lakes, peaceful hamlets and winter sports.
Tabo Monastery is one of the popular cultural attractions alongside the numerous stupas, murals & ancient temples. The weather conditions here are cold and arid owing to its high altitude. Though Spiti is accessible year-round it is best to visit here between March through June. However, if you prefer to engage in winter sports and want to enjoy the bone-chilling winter feel of this place, the ideal time would be between October to February.
You have to be prepared to combat sub-zero temperatures which can hit as low as minus 25 degrees. Spiti Valley is my personal favorite among all the other offbeat locations for travel in India.
A detailed itinerary https://www.bruisedpassports.com/wheres/spiti-valley-road-trip-itinerary-himachal for a road trip of Spiti Valley from Delhi, covering all dos and don’ts is listed here for your benefit.
Valley of Flowers National Park, Uttarakhand
Located in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, Valley of Flowers has become known for its varied flora, meadows full of alpine blooms, home of some rare and endangered species of animals like the snow leopard, the Asiatic black buck, red fox, musk deer, blue sheep to name a few.
In the year 1982, it was declared a National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage site owing to its amazing biodiversity. Despite being one of the most beautiful valleys in the world, abundantly endowed with natural springs, rivulets, lovely conifer-filled woods and flowers of every color, it is on the list of offbeat locations for travel in India.
Trekking here is relatively easy so, for beginners, it could be ideal. The best season to visit the Valley of Flowers is during the monsoon months of June to October. This is the time when the National Park is in full bloom with a myriad of colors changing every so often.
For more in-depth information about Valley of Flowers visit https://valleyofflowers.info/ to get opening dates for the current year as well as itinerary and bookings.
Kalimpong, West Bengal
Kalimpong is a small hill station on the foothills of the Himalayas near Darjeeling. Although, known to the people of Bengal, it remains unfamiliar to the majority of others from the rest of the country.
Apart from its picturesque hillside scenery, Kalimpong has a confluence of Tibetan as well as Anglo-Indian culture based on the place’s history. Monasteries, churches, colonial-era mansions, and tea plantations make for quite a lovely experience for travellers.
You can catch the magnificent view of the mighty Kanchenjunga from the Deolo hills on clear days, especially during sunrise. Enjoy a rumored haunted stay at Morgan House a colonial-era manor and experience some old-world hospitality.
Kalimpong is a quaint vacation place for all seasons, though I would personally recommend it for its chilly winters. A much-recommended read for those interested is this award-winning travel blog https://goodfoodbro.com/kalimpong-travel-blog/ browse through and start planning your trip to Kalimpong.
Conclusion
Many more offbeat locations for travel in India draw low footfall but make for exciting holiday destinations. You just have to keep being adventurous & be on the lookout.
Most off-center places are usually good for solo, family or group exposures. But, more on that later. It is now time to pack your bags and get set to enjoy this beautiful country by the compass.
Travel is as much about the destination as it is about the journey itself. In most cases, you end up finding yourself in the process of discovering new places, people, culture, cuisine & making memories that will last a lifetime.
Happy offbeat trotting my friends!
Suhrita Goswami is an experienced freelance content writer. She specializes in writing educational, travel, food, lifestyle and living related content. Her ideas are fresh & unique. She is an avid reader and travel enthusiast.