As a traveller, your bucket list includes many famous and must-visit places all over the world. You might have ticked off many by now, all the more enthusiastic to continue doing so. While you might be able to relate to your fellow passenger with the similar interest as you on your every trip, oftentimes you would have also imagined savouring the beauty of a place, without being part of the multitude of travellers around. So, we understand when you would want to kick off a tour to unknown places and hence bring to you, the best five offbeat destinations in North India, where you get to explore the exotic places at peace.
India, being rich and diverse in terms of nature, wildlife, history, culture and traditions, is a welcoming host for travellers. Do not make any delay in booking cheap flight tickets to India from USA. Besides popular tourist charms, many places in India also make for perfect offbeat destinations. To all the travelers out there wishing to tread the less-trodden path, hit the ‘road not taken’, here is a list of 5 offbeat travel destinations in North India.
Five interestingly lesser-known places in North India you must consider on your offbeat exploration
1. Khajjiar – The Mini Switzerland of India
Khajjiar is a saucer-shaped hill station in Chamba district, about 24 km from Dalhousie of Himachal Pradesh. Nestled in the lap of Dauladhar Mountains, at an altitude of 2500m above sea level and surrounded by dense deodar forests, this small town has the exquisite combination of vibrant pastures, lakes and forests. If you are seeking an offbeat natural exploration in North India, Khajjiar is the destination for you! It houses wildlife sanctuaries; historically important places like Panch Pandav Tree, Khajji Nag Shrine of 12th century and Golden Devi Temple; enchanting Khajjiar Lake and snow-peaked hills. You can view the scenic beauty of Mount Khailash on your walk by the lake. Besides trekking, paragliding, horse-riding and playing golf at a nine-hole golf course, do also make sure to take part in “Zorbing” – one famous activity of the place!
How to reach:
The nearest airport to Khajjiar is the Gaggal Airport in Dharmashala, which is connected to Delhi. Local buses, private tour buses and taxis are available from the airport as well as from the nearest Pathankot Railway station.
2. Dawki – A pack of surprises
Dawki is a small border town in Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya. It is usually popular as a trade Centre between India and Bangladesh, but as your roam around this offbeat destination we have listed here, you will unravel the beauty of this fairytale-like land. One such attraction is the pristine Umngot River or River Dawki which flows into Bangladesh, forming a natural separation between Khashi and Jaintia Hills. The journey on the suspension bridge across this river amidst green hills and the boat ride on the glistening emerald river so clear that the round pebbles covering the river bed and the marine life are visible – is a dream come true for nature lovers. The pebble island along the shore of the river, filled with pebbles and stones seeming as if they have been left here by a massive wave, give you a surreal vibe.
How to reach:
Dawki is about 200km from Guwahati. You can reach Guwahati by flight, train or buses and then hire private vehicles to Dawki.
3. Kapurthala – Paris of Punjab
If you are a wanderer interested in the history and architecture of the unknown places you visit, we recommend Kapurthala. Kapurthala is abode to many glamorous gardens, architectural monuments and buildings of French and Indo-Saracen style. The Jagatjit Palace, once the residence of Maharaja of Punjab; Moorish Mosque featuring paintings; Jagatjit Club representing Greek architectural style and the Clysee Palace will spellbind you, leaving you to marvel at the architectural intricacies of these constructions. You can also rejuvenate yourself at the royal Shalimar Garden and by the tranquil waters of Kanjili Wetlands accommodating varieties of flora and fauna, where you can explore the wildlife photographer in you, alongside exploring this historic place!
How to reach:
Fly down to Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar and the local buses to Kapurthala are multiple in numbers. This city is also well- connected to other major parts of North India by train and bus routes.
4. Kasol – A perfect monsoon getaway.
One more alluring offbeat monsoon destination in Himachal Pradesh of North India is Kasol, situated in Parvati Valley on the banks of river Parvati. It is a place that can assuage your adventurous side, simultaneously soothing your soul. Plan a trek to Kheer Ganga or Rasol and a long walk to Malana; or view the sunrise in less-crowded Bhuntar village and the beauty of the Parvati River overlooked by lush green mountains and pine trees. Take a holy dip in the sacred hot springs of Manikaran Shahib (a Gurudwara) believed to clean away your sins. A local flea market is a great place for shopaholics. Choose among the various items to save as a memento of this awesome offbeat destination!
How to reach:
Taking local cabs or private vehicles from the nearest Bhuntar Airport in Kullu district or the nearest Joginder Nagar Railway Station is the most comfortable option to reach Kasol. However, the road journey (from Delhi, Punjab and Haryana by public or private buses) replete with the picturesque landscape is a treat to your eyes!
5. Majuli – Cultural capital of Assam
Do you feel like sneaking away from the hubbub of daily routine to a place only for yourself and nature? We bet Majuli is one such secret place where you wish to find yourself! Conferred with the honour of the “largest river island in the world”, Majuli is a peaceful land on the banks of the Brahmaputra River in Assam, adorned with an ethereal beauty, art and culture. The Satras (monasteries) like Kamalabari Satra, Garmur Satra and Dakkinpat Satra reflect the lifestyle and customs of the inhabitants. A stroll by the sacred river beholding the magical blend of colours during sunset, the beautiful cottage stilts, joyous festivals celebrated here like the Raas festival, sprawling tea cultivated lands, wildlife reserves, rustic cuisine, moreover the warmth of local people make you fall for this offbeat destination in North India and you would yearn to repeat this journey. Although October to March is the best time to plan a trip to Majuli, November would the ideal month as you get to witness the Raas festival, a celebration of dance, music and theatre.
How to reach:
Nimati Ghat near Jorhat is the connecting place to Majuli. Jorhat is accessible by road, railway and air transportation. The pleasing travel on the ferry boat from Nimati Ghat is to be cherished for life!
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