Travelling is not always about exploring historical monuments and forts, residing at luxurious hotels or having scrumptious meals at lavish restaurants. A true wanderer or traveler at heart is one who has that incitement to explore the lesser known or smaller destinations enveloping immense beauty, friendly locales, rich history and some deep secrets. Yes, I am taking about villages and towns often overlooked by travelers. As we know, India is a diverse land with multiple religions, castes and tribes existing together. In this vivid diversity are some of the most appealing villages, one must visit once in a lifetime.
Get your bags packed and head on to these beautiful villages in India!
Idduki, Kerela
Idduki, a small yet one of a kind village in Kerela has a blend of charm of a village and serenity of the high hills. There’s no match to its scenic beauty and placidity as one gets to unfold the layers of nature. The village has everything a traveler craves for – lakes, adventurous treks, waterfall, wildlife and you name it. This is indeed a must-visit village in the state. Get your business class flights booked for Kochi on indianeagle.com and treasure the experience for life.
Things to do:
Explore the forests of Devikulam, get your adrenaline rushing by trekking to Anamudi Peak, get amazed by the wilderness at Idduki Wildlife Sanctuary. Relax and relish nature by the Cheeyappara Waterfalls.
Best Season: October – May
Malana, Himachal Pradesh
Malana is one of the most amazing villages in India a traveler should visit to quench the thirst of getting close to nature. This small village, also called as ‘village of Taboos’ is located in Kullu valley, Himachal Pradesh and serves to be a perfect getaway to get closer to the village life of India. Here people follow and believe a different culture where they are the descendants of Alexander protecting their customs. Even being the oldest democracies in the world, Malana has a lot to offer when it comes to adventure, relaxation and of course serenity.
Things to do:
Understand local customs and listen to their stories, trek to Naggar, Chandrakhani Pass, 17 kms trek to Kasol with a halt in Rashol village and an adventurous 6km trek to experience the beautiful waterfalls in Jari.
Best season: September – October and March – June
Chikmagalur, Karnataka
Well-known as Karnatakea’s ‘coffee land, this enchanting town is amongst the most beautiful villages to visit in India. Unlike other destinations, travelers need not wait for a suitable time to visit the place for its amazing climate throughout the year. So, book your last minute flights to India at affordable prices offered by Indian Eagle. Once there, you will be overwhelmed by the beauty of the picturesque landscape, waterfalls and not-to-forget the coffee plantations.
Things to do:
Know the history of coffee cultivation, relax by the Hebba falls, Manikyadhara falls, Kalhatti falls and go spotting wildlife at Kudremukh National Park and Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. If seeking some adventure, hike to kemmanagundi or go on a trek to Mullayanagri.
Best season: The village welcomes tourists throughout the year.
Khimsar, Rajasthan
Cuddled by the Great Indian Desert (Thar), Khimasar in Rajasthan embraces a typical village setting. If you want to experience the feeling of survival amidst desert, know about the relics of history and want to savor the golden sands of the beautiful desert, ensure you get to visit this amazing village in India. The small town of Khimsar is blessed with spectacular sunsets that one ought to experience.
Things to do:
Go camping and experience camel safari in the desert area of Khimsar village, delve into wildlife at Panchala Black Buck Reserve and Dhawa Doli Wildlife Sanctuary.
Best season: October – March
Ziro valley, Arunachal Pradesh
Being a small yet charming village of Arunachal Pradesh, Ziro Valley welcomes travelers from across the world to explore its blooming beauty, snow-peaked mountains, rice fields, divine music and thick pine forests. Out of the several beautiful villages in India, Ziro is a fantastic escape to cherish the simple pleasures of life.
Things to do:
Learn about the life of the tattooed tribe Apatani, get engrossed in the wildlife diversity at the Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary and for music lovers, The Ziro Music Festival is a must-watch!
Best season: March – October
Mawlynnong, Meghalaya
Mawlynnong is one of the best villages to visit in India. Declared to be the cleanest village of Asia, back in 2003, the government and community abides by the norms of eco-tourism representing strong commitment. Its scenic beauty and the engineered living roots bridge is a sight to be captured for long. The locals are friendly and warm-hearted welcoming guests with a charming smile.
Things to do:
Get some adventure while trekking to Living Roots Bridge from the base at Mawlynnong. Relish the delicacies cooked in bamboo shafts, explore the caves around and allure the beautiful waterfalls.
Best season: October – April
Diskit, Ladakh
True, Ladakh is remotely sirtuated region in our country but still has a lot to offer the tourists and wanderers come to explore the hidden layers of the beautiful land. Settled by the Diskit Monastery, the diskit town is indeed blessed! The center of attraction is the ancient monastery known for the tall statue of Maitreya Buddha (106ft).
Things to do:
Go on a short-day trip to Nubra Valley, enjoy the masked dances and more at the Dosmoche festival, learn about the locals’ rituals at the monastery and go trekking for a change in your adrenaline level.
Best season: June – September
There are numerous lesser known villages in India that one should visit to unfold different rituals, customs and lifestyle existing in our country. These are only some of the many beautiful villages in India you must visit as wanderlust. Head towards the enchanting landscapes of these amazing villages!
