There’s nothing quite like enjoying the charms of the great outdoors during a slow and laidback vacation. India is truly blessed with picturesque little villages that offer a nice hideaway from our busy city lives. If you are someone who loves being away from people, we recommend some of the least visited villages in India for a soulful trip. By Karan Kaushik
Embrace solitude at these least visited villages in India
Kalap, Uttarakhand
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Nestled in the upper Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, Kalap sits at an altitude of 7,500 ft. Its stunning landscape is dotted with dense pine and deodar forests and the gurgling River Supin. Kalap can be reached by a trek from Netwar. The locals of Kalap are believed to be the descendants of the Pandavas and Kauravas from the Mahabharata. Most villagers are involved in organic farming for their livelihood. When in Kalap, try local delicacies prepared from fresh produce like linguda, papra, bichoo ghaas, and wild mushrooms. Don’t miss the popular gaushau, a dish made from poppy seeds and jaggery.
Laitmawsiang, Meghalaya
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This quaint village in Meghalaya is located in the Khatarshnong Laitkroh neighbourhood of the East Khasi Hills. Laitmawsiang is blessed with dazzling waterfalls, mystical ponds, secret caves, and lush thickets. Dotted with thick floral hedges and emerald bushes, the remote village is home to prehistoric fossils in ancient caves. The main highlight of this village is the Garden of Caves or Ka Bri Synrang. The natural park boasts enchanting waterfalls and stunning foliage.
Dharwas, Himachal Pradesh
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Sequestered in Chamba district’s Pangi Valley, Dharwas lies on the Dalhousie-Kishtwar trek route. The remote village is known for its natural hot spring called Tilmili with water that’s rich in minerals. The quaint hilly hamlet is Chamba’s remotest village. Located at an elevation of 8,000 ft above sea level, the village serves as a base camp for some of the most stunning treks in the Pangi Valley. One of the most amazing trails you could embark on from Dharwas is the one leading to Sural Valley and Sanskar.
Chatpal, Jammu and Kashmir
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Located in South Kashmir’s Shangus district, 90km from Srinagar, Chatpal is blessed with lush forests, lofty mountains, and gushing rivers. Beautiful white and yellow wildflowers and massive pine trees dot its majestic meadows. From trekking around the woods to exploring apple and walnut orchards to meeting the friendly locals, Chatpal is all about enjoying the little pleasures of life. The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism department has set up a cottage in Chatpal, which makes for a comfortable stay amidst nature.
Pentong, Sikkim
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What if we told you that there’s a place in North Sikkim, where it’s not easy to get a phone network? Yes, Pentong in Dzongu is one such place. Home to the aboriginal Lepcha community of Sikkim, Dzongu will leave you in awe of its stunning landscapes and wilderness. Pentong is one of the 30 sparsely populated but charming villages that form Dzongu. Visit monasteries, join your homestay host for a farming session, go for a nature trail, sip some traditional chee, and learn to be happy in your own company. Note that you will need an Inner Line Permit to visit Dzongu, which can be easily obtained from Mangan, North Sikkim’s capital.
Nako, Himachal Pradesh
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Next up on our list of least visited villages in India is Nako. Located in the Trans-Himalayan region of Kinnaur near the Indo-China border, Nako offers unparalleled bliss. The village is home to the serene Nako Lake. The small lake provides a sudden sense of calm, and the clear waters are icy cold because of the high temperatures. Be assured that the spot will make a permanent place in your heart. Nako lies on the route from Shimla to Kaza.
Choravane, Maharashtra
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If you are a trekking enthusiast, head to Choravane village in the Khed tehsil of Ratnagiri. Set amidst the majestic Sahyadris, the village is best visited during the monsoons. When here, hike up to the Nageshwar Temple. One of the 12 jyotirlingas, the temple houses an old basaltic rock of Lord Nageshwar in a cave that lies underneath a mountain. From Choravane, you can also visit the Mahimangad Fort.
Feature and hero image courtesy: Shutterstock
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