Offbeat destinations in India offer a unique travel experience that differs from the more popular tourist hotspots. These lesser-known places are less crowded, providing a more authentic and peaceful experience. Since they are yet to be commercialised, they still have their innocence intact.
In this article, we have created quick sections for you to decide which offbeat places you would like to tick off your list (if not all, that is)!
16 Offbeat Destinations In India Across Landscapes & Terrains
2 Offbeat Honeymoon Destinations In India
1. Andaman & Nicobar Islands
The Andaman and Nicobar Island is one of the best offbeat honeymoon destinations in India for couples looking for a secluded and romantic getaway. Ideal for family trips and solo travel as well.
- Best time to visit: November & May.
- How To Reach: You can reach the Andaman and Nicobar Islands by taking a flight to Port Blair and then taking a ferry or a helicopter to the islands.
- Things To Do: Once there, couples can explore the beautiful beaches, go snorkelling and scuba diving, and visit the Cellular Jail.
2. Puducherry (Formerly Pondicherry)
This charming coastal town is known for its French colonial architecture, beaches, and spiritual ashrams.
- Best time to visit: October & May
- How to reach: You can reach Puducherry by taking a train or a bus from major cities such as Chennai.
- Things to do: Once there, couples can explore the beautiful beaches, visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, take a stroll in the French Quarter and enjoy the local cuisine. They can also take a bike ride to the nearby Auroville village, known for its spiritual and meditation centres.
2 Offbeat Hill Stations In India
1. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Tawang is a remote hill station located in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, known for its beautiful monasteries, stunning landscapes and rich culture.
- Best time to visit: April & October
- How to get there: You can reach Tawang by taking a flight to Tezpur or Guwahati and then taking a bus or a taxi.
- Things to do: Visitors can explore the Tawang Monastery, the largest Buddhist monastery in India, take a trek to the Sela Pass and Jaswant Garh War Memorial, and visit the nearby waterfalls and hot springs.
2. Munnar, Kerala
Munnar is a picturesque hill station located in the southern state of Kerala, known for its tea plantations, spice gardens, and wildlife.
- Best time to visit: September & May
- How to get there: You can reach Munnar by taking a train or a bus from major cities such as Cochin or Madurai and then taking a taxi.
- Things to do: You can explore the tea plantations, visit the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, and take a stroll through the Rajamalai National Park and watch the wild elephants. They can also take a tour of the nearby spice gardens, where they can learn about the various spices grown in the area.
2 Offbeat Places In South India
1. Hampi, Karnataka
Hampi is an ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the state of Karnataka, known for its historic temples, palaces, and monuments.
- Best time to visit: October & February
- How to get there: You can reach Hampi by taking a train or a bus from major cities such as Bangalore or Hospet and then taking a taxi.
- Things to do: Visitors can explore the historic temples and monuments such as the Virupaksha Temple, the Vittala Temple, and the Hampi Bazaar, take a walk along the Tungabhadra River, and take a day trip to the nearby Anegundi village, known for its colonial-era architecture and temples.
2. Coorg, Karnataka
Coorg is a picturesque hill station located in the state of Karnataka, known for its coffee plantations, spice gardens and scenic beauty.
- Best time to visit: October & May
- How to get there: You can reach Coorg by taking a train or a bus from major cities such as Bangalore or Mysore and then taking a taxi.
- Things to do: You can explore the coffee and spice plantations, visit the Abbey Falls and the Raja’s Seat, take a hike to the top of Tadiandamol Peak, and indulge in local cuisine. They can also take a visit to the nearby Dubare Elephant Camp and interact with the trained elephants.
2 Offbeat Luxury Resorts In India
1. The Serai – Chikmagalur, Karnataka
The Serai is a luxury resort located in the picturesque Western Ghats in Chikmagalur, Karnataka.
- Best time to visit: October & May.
- How to get there: You can reach the resort by taking a flight to Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru and then taking a taxi or renting a car.
- Things to do: Once there, guests can indulge in a variety of outdoor activities such as trekking, hiking, bird-watching, and plantation walks, relax in the spa and yoga centre, and enjoy the local cuisine. The resort also offers a variety of indoor activities such as chess, carom, table tennis, and billiards.
2. Saffron Stays – Alibaug, Maharashtra
Saffron Stays is a luxury resort located in the coastal town of Alibaug, Maharashtra.
- Best time to visit: October & May
- How to get there: You can reach the resort by taking a ferry from Gateway of India, Mumbai and then taking a taxi or renting a car.
- Things to do: Once there, guests can enjoy the resort’s private beach, indulge in water sports such as kayaking and stand-up paddling, and relax in the spa and yoga centre. The resort also offers a variety of indoor activities such as chess, carom, table tennis, and billiards. Guests can also take visit the nearby temples, forts and beaches in the area.
2 Offbeat Places In Northeast India
1. Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh
Ziro is a small town located in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, known for its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and the Ziro Music Festival.
- Best time to visit: April & October
- How to get there: You can reach Ziro by taking a flight to Tezpur or Guwahati and then taking a bus or a taxi.
- Things to do: Explore the nearby villages and interact with the local Apatani tribes, take a trek to the Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary and explore the biodiversity of the region, and attend the Ziro Music Festival, which is held annually in September and features a lineup of indie musicians from across the country.
2. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Tawang is a remote hill station located in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, known for its beautiful monasteries, stunning landscapes, and rich culture.
- Best time to visit: April and October.
- How to get there: You can reach Tawang by taking a flight to Tezpur or Guwahati and then taking a bus or a taxi.
- Things to do: Explore the Tawang Monastery, the largest Buddhist monastery in India, take a trek to the Sela Pass and Jaswant Garh War Memorial, and visit the nearby waterfalls and hot springs. Visitors can also take a visit to the nearby villages to explore the rich culture and traditions of the Monpa tribe.
2 Offbeat Destinations In North India
1. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Spiti Valley is a remote and rugged valley located in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh, known for its beautiful landscapes, unique culture, and ancient monasteries.
- Best time to visit: June & September
- How to get there: You can reach Spiti Valley by taking a bus or a taxi from Shimla or Manali, or by taking a flight to Bhuntar and then taking a bus or a taxi.
- Things to do: Explore the ancient monasteries such as Ki, Tabo, and Dhankar, take a trek to the Pin Parvati Pass, and explore the unique culture and lifestyle of the local people.
2. Auli, Uttarakhand
Auli is a remote hill station located in the northern state of Uttarakhand, known for its beautiful landscapes, skiing, and yoga retreats.
- Best time to visit: December & March for Skiing
- How to get there: You can reach Auli by taking a bus or a taxi from Rishikesh or Dehradun, or by taking a flight to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun and then taking a bus or a taxi.
- Things to do: Enjoy skiing in the snow-covered slopes of Auli, take a trek to the nearby valleys and peaks, and attend yoga retreats and meditation sessions.
2 Offbeat Places In India For Solo Travel
1. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Rishikesh is a small town located in the northern state of Uttarakhand, known for its spiritual and adventure activities.
- Best time to visit: September & May.
- How to get there: You can reach Rishikesh by taking a flight to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun and then taking a bus or a taxi, or by taking a train to Haridwar and then taking a bus or a taxi
- Things to do: Take part in adventure activities such as river rafting, bungee jumping and zip-lining, explore the many ashrams and temples, attend yoga and meditation classes, and take a dip in the holy Ganges River.
2. Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
Dharamshala is a beautiful hill station located in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh, known for its serene atmosphere, natural beauty, and Tibetan culture.
- Best time to visit: April & June, & September to November
- How to get there: You can reach Dharamshala by taking a flight to Gaggal Airport in Kangra and then taking a bus or a taxi, or by taking a train to Pathankot and then taking a bus or a taxi.
- Things to do: Explore the local Tibetan culture, take a trek in the nearby Dhauladhar mountain range, visit the many monasteries and temples, and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings.
2 Offbeat Beach Destinations In India
1. Tarkarli, Maharashtra
Tarkarli is a small village located in the western state of Maharashtra, known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and scenic backwaters.
- Best time to visit: October & May
- How to get there: You can reach Tarkarli by taking a flight to Goa airport and then taking a bus or a taxi, or by taking a train to Kudal and then taking a bus or a taxi.
- Things to do: Enjoy various water activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling, and boat rides, explore the nearby temples and forts, and take a backwater cruise to experience the local village life and culture.
2. Gokarna, Karnataka
Gokarna is a small coastal town located in the western state of Karnataka, known for its beautiful beaches, temples and spiritual significance.
- Best time to visit: October & May
- How to get there: You can reach Gokarna by taking a flight to Goa or Mangalore airport and then taking a bus or a taxi, or by taking a train to Gokarna railway station and then taking local transport.Â
- Things to do: Visit the famous Mahabaleshwar Temple, explore the local culture and heritage, take a dip in the holy water of the Gokarna beach, and visit the other nearby beaches such as Om Beach, Kudle Beach, and Half Moon Beach.
India is a vast country with a rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes. While the country is known for its popular tourist destinations, there are many offbeat places that are equally beautiful and offer unique experiences. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a solo travel adventure, or a chance to immerse yourself in local culture, these places are sure to leave a lasting impression. These offbeat destinations are a perfect way to escape the crowds and discover the true essence of India.
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