facebook
Destinations Bookmark This: 15 Places To Put On Your India Bucket List
Advertisement

Bookmark This: 15 Places To Put On Your India Bucket List

Here are 15 obscure destinations in India that will make you fall in love with the country all over again. Check it out!

Advertisement

By: Rashima Nagpal Published: Jul 10, 2021 07:00 AM IST

Bookmark This: 15 Places To Put On Your India Bucket List

From a canyon in Maharashtra to the ruins of a 17th-century kingdom in Sikkim, here are 15 obscure Indian destinations that are far away from the clutches of regular tourism and will make you fall in love with the country all over again. By Rashima Nagpal

India Bucket List: 15 lesser-known places to visit

1. Munsiyari, Uttarakhand

Located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand in India, Munsiyari is a quaint hamlet located at an altitude of 2,290 metres. Fenced by Indian borders with China and Nepal, Munsiyari was a restricted area until recently. Ever since it became accessible, the village has been serving as a base camp for treks to Milam Glacier, Khaliya Top, Ralam Glacier, Nanda Devi Base Camp, and Chiplakot Bugyal. Blessed with views of the snow-capped Panchachuli peaks, the hamlet also makes for an ideal destination for a slow holiday. Visit the Tribal Heritage Museum here to learn about the local crafts, culture, and traditions.

2. Bhedaghat, Madhya Pradesh (India Bucket List)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ???????? ????? (@jabalpurviews)

A recent addition to the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Bhedaghat is a little town set along River Narmada. Approximately 20 kilometres from the city of Jabalpur in India, it is home to a striking gorge made up of magnesium-limestone cliffs on either side of the river. To experience the magic of the site, commonly known as Marble Rocks, take a motorboat from the jetty at Panchvati Ghat. The river eventually plunges down a 30-metre cliff, forming the Dhuandhar Falls. Hike for a kilometre-and-a-half from Panchvati Ghat, or take the cable car across the river to catch breathtaking views of the waterfall. Also, check out the unique ‘balancing rocks’, and the 10 -century Chausanth Yogini Temple.

3. Dawki, Meghalaya

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by MOHANTY | TRAVEL (@iam_sagarmohanty)

A little less than 100 kilometres from Shillong, along the border of India and Bangladesh, is a picturesque town called Dawki. It is surrounded by the verdant Jaintia and Khasi Hills. But Dawki’s best-kept secret is a crystal-clear river called Umngot—it originates in Meghalaya and flows into Bangladesh. Also known as River Dawki, it hosts a boat race every spring. While kayaking on the river makes for a tranquil experience, a suspension bridge built over it by the British in 1932 offers panoramic views. Besides being naturally blessed, Dawki gives you a taste of the state’s tribal culture in the form of delectable food.

4. Sandhan Valley, Maharashtra (India Bucket List)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by INDIAN ROVERS ?? (@indian.rovers)

Not many know of Sandhan Valley, ‘the great canyon’ in the Sahyadri range in Maharashtra. Dubbed the Valley of Shadows, Sandhan is ideal for trekkers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Located close to the Bhandardara dam near the town of Igatpuri, it makes for an adventurous getaway just 183 kilometres from Mumbai. One of the most scenic sights in the valley is the gorge of Sandhan, formed by the towering walls of the ancient Alang, Madangad, and Kulang Forts. While the Sandhan Valley Trek is for the intrepid, there are other activities such as rappelling and moonlight camping that anyone can try out.

5. Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Srikrishna Das (@wildtalesbykrishna)

Spread over 672 kilometres, Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is a significant mangrove ecosystem in India, second only to the Sunderbans. A network of creeks and canals formed by rivers Brahmani, Baitarani, Dhamra, and Patasala, the sanctuary can be explored by boat only, and winter is the ideal time. It has the highest density of endangered saltwater crocodiles in the country, and they are the alpha predators in the area. Also present are hyenas, wild boars, monitor lizards, pythons, and eight varieties of kingfishers. Moreover, Gahirmatha Beach, which forms the boundary of the sanctuary in the east, is famous for hosting the largest colony of nesting olive ridley turtles in the world.

6. Cherai, Kerala (India Bucket List)

Featuring a 10-kilometre beach of the same name, Cherai wins hearts with its laid-back atmosphere. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, it is the smallest town on Vypin Island and a lesser-known site for spotting dolphins. Leading to Cherai Beach is the Beach Road, which is usually lined with eateries, hotels, and homestays. Drop by a shack to gorge on seafood—crabs, prawns, and squid dishes are aplenty. In the Cherai Lagoon, one can get a glimpse of Kerala’s Chinese fishing net culture, while temples like Shree Gowreeswara (famous for its winter elephant parade), and Azheekal Shree Varaha (home to a rare chariot) woo history lovers. The cultural riches of Kochi are a stone’s throw away.

7. Long Island, North Andaman Islands

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Murli (@murli8769.mobilephotography)

One of the most offbeat locations in the Andaman Islands, Long Island lies in the lesser-explored northern part of the archipelago. Eighty kilometres from the capital, Port Blair, and 35 kilometres from Havelock, the island can be reached on government-run ferry services; no need for a special permit. While the ferry service from Havelock is direct and runs on alternative days, it’s a four-stop ferry ride from Port Blair to Long Island. Once here, chances are you’d have the 15-square-kilometre rustic island pretty much to yourself. Think pristine beaches, fascinating caves, rolling green hills, and dense mangrove forests. The best, and the only, way to explore the island is on foot. Visit Merk Bay Beach for water sports, Lalaji Bay Beach for breathtaking sunsets, or sail further to Guitar Island.

8. Khimsar, Rajasthan (India Bucket List)

Located at the edge of the Thar Desert, 90 kilometres north of Jodhpur, Khimsar was once an independent kingdom. Here, the pièce de résistance is the Khimsar Dunes Village, 15 kilometres outside of the main city. A model village built around a small lake, it offers eco- huts and lodges for a rustic Rajasthani experience and is accessible only by a desert safari. Back in the city, a tour of the Khimsar Fort, spread over 11 acres of lawns, easily takes up a whole day. A part of the fort is well-preserved and doubles up as a resort with modern comforts.

9. Gavi, Kerala

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Manoj Kumar (@manoj_j_kumar)

One of the eco-tourism projects introduced by the Kerala Forest Development Corporation of India, Gavi is part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. It is located in the Pathanamthitta district, 40 kilometres from Thekkady, and can be accessed by the public as well as private vehicles (with due permits from the forest check post). Home to abundant wildlife, including Nilgiri tahr and lion-tailed macaque, it makes for a delightful discovery for nature enthusiasts. With more than 260 species of birds such as the great pied hornbill, woodpecker, and kingfisher, it is perfect for birdwatching too. If nothing else, the misty village offers an idyllic setting for forest bathing.

10. Daksum, Kashmir (India Bucket List)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by محمد سیم (@visualsofparadise)

Nestled in the snow-laden Pir Panjal range in Kashmir, the village of Daksum is charming in more ways than one. It is known as the last village in the Bhringi River Valley and leads to Sinthan Top, a 746-metre-high pass. Surrounded by coniferous forests, wooden cottages, grassy meadows, and the gushing Bhringi River, Daksum is picture-perfect. Located at an altitude of 2,438 metres, it lies at the end of a 100-kilometre drive from Srinagar. Explore a nature trail, find a picnic spot, or try angling to catch the best trout (with a permit).

11. Karkala, Karnataka

A small town about 60 kilometres from Mangaluru and 36 kilometres from Udupi, Karkala offers plenty of lessons in history and spirituality. It was a major centre for Jainism during the eras of the Maurya and Vijayanagara empires. Some of the remnants of those times include the Chaturmukha Baskadi (a symmetrical Jain temple) and the Bahubali statue. Another iconic landmark is the grand Attur basilica. In the heart of the town is Lake Ramasamudra, the waters of which are believed to have healing properties. The Western Ghats, meanwhile, lend a verdant backdrop to the town.

12. Kotagiri, Tamil Nadu

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Manisha Singh (@agirlfulloflife)

Kotagiri is a hill station in the Nilgiris that is home to the Kota tribe. Overshadowed by its ever-popular cousin Ooty, which perches 33 kilometres away, Kotagiri is quieter and mostly free of tourist crowds. With rolling tea estates, Victorian-style houses, and a tropical evergreen forest (Longwood Shola), it looks like a picture postcard. There are ample spots to check out within and around the town: Catherine Falls, eight kilometres away, makes for a stunning sight, while the John Sullivan Memorial, closer to the city centre, houses the Nilgiri Documentation Centre and the Nilgiri Museum. Kotagiri is also a treasure trove of nature trails and treks waiting to be discovered.

13. Sainj Valley, Himachal Pradesh (India Bucket List)

Four valleys constitute the Great Himalayan National Park: Sainj Valley, Tirthan Valley, Parvati Valley, and Jiwa Nala Valley. Owing to their high altitude, most parts of the Parvati and Jiwa Nala valleys are accessible to advanced trekkers and climbers only. On the other hand, Tirthan Valley has become widely popular. But Sainj Valley remains largely untouched. Away from the town of Sainj, at the foothills of the national park, there are many sites worth exploring: a mountain called Deohari, the Pundrik Rishi Lake, the twin towers of Raila, the rolling hills of Shangarh, and many waterfalls. Pack for a weekend’s hike and venture into the heart of the national park.

14. Rabdentse, Sikkim

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Karan Maheshwari (@karanmaheshwari92)

Once the second capital of the Kingdom of Sikkim (from 1670 to 1814), Rabdentse was established by the second Chogyal. Today, it is a unique archaeological site with remnants of a palace and monastery that can be reached by crossing a kilometre-long forest trail close to Pelling. Declared a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India, Rabdentse offers breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga. The Rabdentse ruins are also part of a Buddhist pilgrimage circuit that begins with the Dubdi Monastery in Yuksom, followed by Norbugang Chorten, Tashiding Monastery, Pemayangtse Monastery, Sanga Choeling Monastery, and Khecheipalri Lake.

15. Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh (India Bucket List)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Beyonder Travel (@beyondertravel)

This biodiversity hotspot in the Eastern Himalayas is also the third-largest national park in India. Spanning an area of 1,985 square kilometres, the park has a core area of over 1,808 square kilometres—making it the largest protected area in the Eastern Himalayas. Nestled between the Patkai range and Dapha Bum range of the Mishmi hills, the national park is home to around 425 species of flora and fauna. Among the wildlife highlights here is the elusive red panda. Namdapha is also one of the few national parks that allow camping within its boundaries.

Related: Future Travels: 12 Bucket List Places For Solo Travel

Written By

Rashima Nagpal

Rashima Nagpal

Never miss an update

Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest on travel, stay & dining.

No Thanks
You’re all set

Thank you for your subscription.