10 Best Little-Known Destinations in India

“Without new experiences, something inside of us sleeps. The sleeper must awaken.”
– Frank Herbert

Indeed, some beautiful lines by Frank Herbert! But the question is do we really apply such quotes in our lives? Well, I am saying this thing because I can easily relate it with this blog. I mean, it’s true that whenever it is about planning a holiday we tend to opt for the same old vacation destinations which we already have visited a number of times. Why don’t we go for some new, lesser-known, and unexplored travel destination? Maybe because we hardly want to know about such places which are underrated or offbeat destinations or it’s because most of the time the travel sites just write only about those popular tourist spots or maybe both. The answer could be anything but the question is, do we actually want to travel to such destinations? For me, a traveller never classifies a place on its popularity of being a tourist destination. And if you’re amongst those then I have something for you to binge on. So, with all that curiosity and excitement, here I present my handpicked list of top 10 underrated travel destinations in India. Just give it a read, who knows maybe you’ll get your destination to plan your next holidays.

Keibul Lamjao – The Only Floating National Park in the World

A special destination to start this special list! A kingdom of waterways and floating meadows, Keibul Lamjao in Bishnupur district, Manipur is the only floating national park on our planet. Initially, the park was declared to be a sanctuary in 1966, however, late in 1977, it was subsequently given the status of national park. The region of the park is defined by phumdis – a local word relating to floating mats of soil and vegetation that make this place the only one of its kind in the world. The 80 percent of the park’s flora is submerged, whereas, the vegetation constitute a 90-120 cm thick encrust on the water.

Besides the floating vegetation, a major highlight of the park is the Loktak Lake – India’s largest freshwater lake. A major portion of the lake also falls within the national park. Sprawling over an area of 40 sq km, this beautifully located park has a unique and rare fauna which include the endangered deer subspecies, known by the name Sangai (found in only in Manipur), that has made tremendous comeback as they were once on the brink of extinction. Despite being so surreal, this place is so hidden that only a few have heard about this little-known travel destination in India. See it by yourself, if you haven’t believed us.

How to Reach?

From Imphal, Keibul Lamjao is located at a distance of around 53 km and is well connected by road. Both buses and taxis are available from Imphal that will take you to the Keibul.

Best Time to Visit

The months from October to April are considered as the best time to visit Keibul National Park.

Ziro Valley – A Utopian Land of Perennial Beauty

Probably the most enticing place in this list, Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh is so blessed with beauty, grandeur, and serenity that one simply can’t ignore this place from adding it in (after knowing about it) his/her bucket list of places to visit in India. While being here, you can expect the pulchritudinous view of puffy white clouds sailing in the skyline and the verdant sheets of meadows and rice fields sprawling all over the valley. Ziro Music Festival is the perfect time to visit the place as during this you not only get a chance to explore the place but also to relish it to its fullest through this event.

Another way to get to know more about this pretty landscape is meeting and interacting with people of Apatani tribe. Undoubtedly, they are the most friendly, modest, and warm-hearted people with an interesting culture and legacy which you obviously will come to know while interacting with them. If you are a photographer, then this place promises to give you some best clicks of serene nature, tribal people, and a lot more.

How to Reach?

The nearest airport from Ziro Valley is in Jorhat (Assam) which is 188 km away. However, the nearest railway stations are at North Lakhimpur and Naharlagun located at a distance of 117 km and 102 km, respectively. From Guwahati, night bus is available that takes you to Ziro.

Best Time to Visit

The seasons of both summer and winter are ideal to visit the Ziro Valley.

Khajjiar – An Underrated Paradise in Himachal Pradesh

Undoubtedly, the state of Himachal Pradesh has numerous picturesque hill stations in its fold that we really can’t get over. But amidst the glitz and glory of Shimla, Manali, and Kufri, the other hill stations are left untouched. And Khajjiar is amongst them. Although, there are people who have heard about it, yet, a larger chunk is still aloof. The naturally blessed environ – lofty hills, and rolling meadows compliment the sublime trekking trails or a leisure stroll making Khajjiar an absolute must-see tourist destination for all the nature aficionados. While spending your time here at Khajjiar, you will also get to experience the thrill of various adventure activities like zorbing, horse-riding.

How to Reach?

Those travelling from abroad and also from far states of India, the nearest airport to Khajjiar is in Kangra Airport 117 km which is in Gaggal. The nearest railway station from the place is in Pathankot 97 km. From the airport and station, one can hire a taxi.

Best Time to Visit

The months from March to November are the best time to visit Khajjiar.

Lonar Crater – A Meteor-Created Lake that Will Blow Your Mind

Some 52,000 years ago, Lonar Crater Lake in Maharashtra was created as a result of a meteor impact on the earth. A notified National Geo-heritage monument, Lonar Crater supports microorganism that are rarely found elsewhere on the earth. Apart from this quirky fact, the place is also an ideal trekking destination in the region. This stunning underrated tourist place in Maharashtra not only serves travellers with nature’s bounties, but one can also relish the indelible experience of wildlife and pilgrimage around this beaut lake as there are a number of temples in its vicinity. A number of birds, both migratory and local, can also be seen in the serene ambiance of this place.

How to Reach?

Aurangabad Airport serves as the nearest airhead from Lonar Crater which is located at a distance of 133 km. However, Jalna Railway Station is the closest railhead from Lonar Crater that is situated 79 km away. Aurangabad also endeavours a good connectivity of road and highways. Besides, both private and government buses are also available from Aurangabad that passes through Jalna. It is preferred to get down here; from Jalna buses to Lonar Crater run on regular basis that take around 2-3 hours to reach destination.

Best Time to Visit

In the winter season, i.e., from November to February, is the time when the place marks a heavy gathering of tourists, and thus, is the best time to visit the Lonar Crater.

Dholavira – A Charming Ancient Destination offering the Glimpse of Harappan Civilization

Well, I suggest you to skip this point if you’re not a history buff as you’ll not find it much interesting, but, if you are, then hang on as this place is going to bewilder you with its ancient charm. Once a Harappan city which represents an ancient civilization, Dholavira in Kutch district of the state Gujarat is renowned for its town planning and aesthetic architecture that takes you back to the ancient culture of prehistoric times. Here you’ll find residential zones, water tanks, and even the open spaces.

How to Reach?

The nearest airport to Dholavira is Bhuj Airport situated at a distance 215 km. Like the airport, the closest railway station is also in Bhuj, 213 km away from Dholavira. From the station, one can hire a taxi to reach the place. Buses, both private and government, are also available from Bhuj to Rapar and then further to Dholavira.

Best Time to Visit

The month of October marks the beginning of best time to visit Dholavira that lasts till March.

Haflong – A Concealed Gem of North East

Though the North East region of India has numerous hill stations, Haflong is the only one in Assam. Also dubbed the White Ant Hillock, Haflong is adorned with the mighty hills, picturesque landscape, gorgeous valleys, and most importantly the hushed setting that altogether make this hill town one of the most beautiful hill stations in North East India. Despite being a prominent hideaway for all the camper’s nature buffs, this place is still considered as one of the underrated travel destinations in India, and thus, a lot of travellers does not even know about such place. Apart from this, trekking and paragliding are some significant adventure activities in the town making an ideal destination for adventurers also.

How to Reach?

Silchar Airport, located at a distance of 106 km, is the nearest airhead from Haflong. Whereas, the town has its own railhead which is Haflong Railway Station. From the airport and station, you can hire a taxi to reach Haflong.

Best Time to Visit

The best season to explore Haflong is winter season which starts in October and ends in April. During these months, the temperature of the town remains pleasant for sightseeing.

Lepchajagat – Perfect Hideout for Lovebirds

Lepchajagat is a small village in the state of West Bengal and is often treated as a day trip away from Darjeeling as the distance between the two destinations is just 13 km. Nurtured by the rich wilderness, this place is perfect for all the honeymooners looking out for lesser-known hill stations in India to plan their romantic trip. The awe-struck vistas of misty environ engirdled by the dense forests, mainly consisting pine, oak, and rhododendron trees, and the snow-clad Kanchenjunga peaks are something which you can’t get to see daily in your life. One can also plan a short stay at Lepchajagat with his/her trip to Darjeeling.

How to Reach?

Siliguri houses the nearest airhead which is located at a distance of 67 km from Lepchajagat. New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is the nearest railhead (74 km) to Lepchajagat. From both airport and station, you can hire a taxi to reach Lepchajagat.

Best Time to Visit

The months from October to April are the best time to visit Lepchajagat as, during these months, the town remains at the peak of its beauty.

Valparai – A Green Little Gem You Will Fall in Love With

Such is the charm of this beaut hill station that you won’t be able to take off your eyes even while heading to this place. Opulent greenery, beautiful wildlife, well-paved roads, gorgeous waterfalls, along with lakes, reservoirs, and dams make Valparai an ideal hill station in Tamil Nadu to visit. Despite being so rich and luxurious in nature and serenity, this place is still a lesser-known and is one of the best secret getaways in India. The hill station is located in the Anamalai Hills of Western Ghats and is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty which include tea estates, waterfall, dams, and reservoirs.

How to Reach Valparai?

Cochin International Airport is the nearest airhead from Valparai that is situated some 116 km away. Apart from the airport, one can also reach here by boarding a train to Pollachi Junction which is located at a distance of 66 km from Valparai.

Best Time to Visit

Since Valparai is a hill town and witnesses a moderate temperature throughout the year, both summer and winter are the ideal seasons to visit the place.

Osian – Khajuraho of Rajasthan

Some 68 km north of Jodhpur city, there is located a heritage site, Osian, often known as the Khajuraho of Rajasthan because of the erotic sculptures carved on the walls of the temples. Osian is renowned as the group of ruined temples, both Hindu and Jains that date back to 8th-11th centuries. In total, there are 18 shrines; Sun Temple and Sachiya Mata Temple being two popular of them. Apart from the being a heritage attraction, the place is also popular for camel safaris.

How to Reach?

Jodhpur Airport serves as the nearest airhead from Osian and the distance between the two destinations is 66 km. Similarly, the nearest railway station from Osian is also in Jodhpur. From Jodhpur, both bus and taxi services are available that can take you to the town of Osian.

Wayanad – A Fine Blend of Nature and Wildlife

Step into the new world of pristine and cleanest nature here at Wayanad that one could ever get to see and relish! Nurtured by the mountains of Western Ghats, Wayanad is a winter destination in Kerala and can be perfectly described as the concealed solitaire of Kerala and, the fact is, it truly stands on it. Just for a moment, forget about the renowned Coorg, Munnar, and Ooty as Wayanad will be taking over the place of these hill stations in southern India. From being a honeymoon getaway to a nature’s paradise, this place boasts its unique grandeur that entices all sought of travellers. Blessed by the salubrious weather that goes round the year, Wayanad is rich in everything; from wildlife and plantation to the clean ambiance that makes it a perfect destination to be on the top of the list of best hill stations to visit in Tamil Nadu. However, the most attractive feature of this beaut destination is the forests, which are more than 3000 years old.

How to Reach?

Calicut International Airport, located at a distance of 98 km from Wayanad, is the closest airport. However, Kozhikode Railway Station serves as the nearest railhead which is 86 km away from Wayanad. From the airport and station, one can avail the services of taxi and buses to reach Wayanad.

Best Time to Visit

Winter season is considered the best time to visit Wayanad because of the pleasant weather. The season starts in the month of November and lasts until February.