18 places to discover
Bhandal Valley is a peaceful mountain valley located in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, situated beyond Salooni at an elevation of approximately 1,831 meters. Known as the Garden of Chamba, this offbeat destination features dense forests, open meadows, riverside landscapes, and traditional mountain villages. The valley serves as a base for trekking routes connecting Chamba to Kishtwar region via Padri Pass and offers abundant wildlife and flora.
Chehni Kothi is a historic fortified tower located in Chehni village within the Banjar valley of Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh. Estimated to be approximately 350 years old, this structure exemplifies traditional Kath-Kuni architecture, utilizing interlocking stone and deodar wood without cement or nails. Originally constructed as a defensive stronghold for a local ruler, it later evolved into a temple complex dedicated to Shringa Rishi and Goddess Bhagwati. The tower stands roughly 30 to 45 meters high and remains a significant example of earthquake-resistant Himalayan vernacular architecture.
Grahan Village is a traditional Himalayan settlement located in the Parvati Valley of Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, at an altitude of approximately 2,350 meters. Accessible only by a 9 km trek from Kasol, it features preserved Kath Khuni architecture, terraced fields, and dense deodar forests. The village is notable for its strict community-enforced alcohol ban decreed by the local deity and serves as the base camp for the Sar Pass trek. It offers basic homestay accommodation and limited connectivity.
Habban Valley is a verdant valley village located in Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh at an elevation of 6,770 feet. Situated approximately 70 km from Solan via Rajgarh, the valley is enveloped by dense deodar forests and apple orchards. This peaceful offbeat destination offers panoramic views of the Shivalik range and Greater Himalayas, making it ideal for nature walks, trekking, and experiencing rural mountain life.
Jalna is a small, tranquil village located approximately 30 km from Almora in Uttarakhand, situated at an altitude of around 1,675-1,700 meters. Nestled amidst the Himalayan wilderness, it offers panoramic views of the Himalayan range and is surrounded by fruit orchards producing apples, apricots, peaches, and plums. The village serves as a peaceful retreat for nature lovers, offering opportunities for trekking, bird watching, and experiencing rural Kumaoni life away from urban crowds.
Kadamakkudy Islands is a cluster of fourteen islands located approximately 15 kilometers from Kochi in Kerala's Ernakulam district. Known as the Kuttanad of Kochi, this scenic island network features tranquil backwaters, emerald paddy fields, coconut groves, and traditional village life. The islands offer visitors an authentic rural Kerala experience with opportunities for birdwatching, cycling, boating, and observing traditional fishing and agricultural activities.
Katagla Village is a small, remote settlement located in the Parvati Valley of Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh. Situated along the banks of the Parvati River near Kasol, it is known for its tranquility and traditional Himalayan lifestyle. The village serves as an offbeat destination offering natural scenery, riverside views, and cultural immersion through local homestays. It lies approximately 40 minutes' walk from Chalal and is accessible via trekking trails or road transport from Kasol.
Killar is the administrative headquarters of Pangi Valley in Chamba district, situated at an elevation of 2,600 meters in a narrow gorge of the Chenab River. This remote mountain town serves as the gateway to one of Himachal Pradesh's most isolated valleys, featuring traditional wooden homes, government buildings, and small shops. The area is known for its stunning sunsets, natural waterfalls including Mahalu Nala, and the historic Det Nag Temple.
Malari is a remote Himalayan village situated at an elevation of 3,048 meters in the Dhauli Ganga valley within the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. Located 61 km from Joshimath near the Indo-Tibetan border, it serves as a historic trading post and summer settlement for the Bhotia tribe. The village is known for its traditional slate-roofed architecture, unique migration patterns, and proximity to the Valley of Perfumes.
Munsiyari is a picturesque hill station located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand at an altitude of approximately 2,200 meters. Known as the Gateway to the Panchachuli Peaks, it offers breathtaking views of the Kumaon Himalayas and serves as a base for treks to Milam and Ralam glaciers. The town has historical significance as part of the ancient Indo-Tibetan trade route through Johar Valley and is home to the Bhotiya tribal community.
Panchachuli Base Camp is a high-altitude trekking destination in the Darma Valley of eastern Kumaon Himalayas, located near Dugtu village at approximately 4,260 meters elevation. The base camp offers spectacular views of the five snow-capped Panchachuli peaks and serves as an accessible gateway to observe glaciers and alpine landscapes. Named after the legendary five cooking hearths of the Pandavas from Hindu mythology, this remote location attracts trekkers seeking pristine mountain scenery without technical climbing requirements.
Peora is a small Himalayan village in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, situated at approximately 6,600 feet above sea level. Known as an offbeat eco-tourism destination, it offers panoramic views of snow-capped peaks including Nanda Devi and Trishul. The village features traditional Kumaoni homes, fruit orchards, and dense pine and oak forests, providing a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts.
Poombarai is a scenic hill village in the Palani Hills of the Western Ghats, located about 18 km from Kodaikanal in Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu. Situated at around 1,920 meters elevation, it is known for its terraced garlic cultivation, traditional stone houses and the ancient Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple dedicated to Lord Murugan. The village offers panoramic valley views, agricultural landscapes and a preserved rural culture within a forested hill environment.
Pulga Village is a small traditional settlement located at an altitude of 2,210 meters in the Parvati Valley, Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh. Situated on the left bank of the Parvati River above Barshaini, it is accessible only by a 30 to 40-minute trek from the nearest roadhead. The village is known for its traditional wooden Kath-Kuni architecture, apple orchards, and the nearby Fairy Forest, a dense deodar grove. It serves as a quiet retreat for trekkers and backpackers seeking an offbeat Himalayan experience.
Quang Loi Lagoon is a brackish water lagoon in Quang Loi Commune, Quang Dien District, Hue City, forming the northern section of the Tam Giang – Cau Hai lagoon system, the largest brackish lagoon system in Southeast Asia. Notable for its calm waters, traditional stilt fishing huts, and aquaculture nets, it is a center of local fishing livelihoods and a popular sunrise photography destination offering tranquil rural wetland scenery.
Shri Gugga Jahar Peer Temple is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Gugga Pir, also known as Gogaji or Jaharveer Chauhan, a folk deity worshipped across northern India. Situated on the famous plateau of Gehrwin approximately 36 km from Bilaspur town in Himachal Pradesh, this elegant temple holds significant cultural importance for local communities. The site is historically associated with the Chauhan family and attracts devotees seeking blessings from this syncretic deity who is respected by both Hindus and Muslims.
Someshwar Valley is a serene natural valley located in the Almora district of Uttarakhand, situated on the banks of the Kosi and Sai rivers. Known as the 'Bowl of Rice' due to its fertile agricultural land, the valley is surrounded by peaks named Jayanti and Airi. It is home to the ancient Someshwar Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and offers tranquil Himalayan views, terraced fields, and traditional village life.
Tarikhet is a tranquil village located approximately 8 kilometers from Ranikhet in the Almora district of Uttarakhand. It holds significant historical importance as Mahatma Gandhi stayed at the Gandhi Kutiya here during India's freedom struggle in 1929. The village is characterized by beautiful step-farmed valleys, dense pine forests, and serene Himalayan views, offering visitors a peaceful retreat into nature and history.