7 Off-Beat Destinations to Cover in India

7 Off-Beat Destinations to Cover in India

Pissed off of listening about the same holiday destinations like Laddakh, Goa: The Smallest State of India, Shimla: The Queen Of Hills, etc. ? and searching for some off-beat destination for equal fun, and adventure. So, get ready again. I have shortlisted some of the best places across India to quench the thirst of a traveller inner you. Because I know that the wanderlust in you, can never keep you away from travelling. At least for not so long. So just scroll down and have a look at these beautiful locations.

1. Mandu, Madhya Pradesh

Mandu, the city of joy is a masterpiece of architectural beauty, cultural heritage, and a memorable love story. Built-in the 6th century AD and falls in the Dhar district of the state of Madhya Pradesh. This city is in the lush green hills of the Vindhya ranges. This offbeat destination has marvellous forts, Baobab trees native to Africa, 12 big gateways, and many other mesmerizing places. And the air of the city is enchanted with the love story of Prince Baz Bahadur and Queen Rupmati. This makes Mandu a romantic destination to explore.

This city achieved the zenith of its beauty in the monsoon season and especially that of Jahaaz palace. It is to believe that the royal family and other people stay in this ship shape palace during the monsoon. And keep themselves safe from monsoon rains. Apart from this, the ‘Mandu festival’ is the most popular festival in the Malwa region. Every year, this festival is celebrated with great pomp and zeal.

Amazing light shows are the main attraction. So, either you are travelling alone or with friends or even with your better half, this city has a variety of surprising places with delicious Malawi and other cuisines, folk music, and heart-touching warmness.

When to visit Mandu ?

The Monsoon is the best time to visit Mandu.

Places To Visit in Mandu

  • Ashrafi Mahal
  • Jain temples
  • Hindola Mahal
  • Jami Masjid
  • Pavilion of Rupmati
  • Rewa kund
  • Mausoleums

How To Reach Mandu?

By Air: Mandu has no airport. The nearest airport is Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport, Indore, which is around 97km from Mandu.

By Rail: To reach Mandu, Indore and Ratlam are the two nearest railway heads to the city. They are around 97km and 124km respectively from Mandu city.

By Road: Mandu is a well-connected city with well-built roads. It covers all the major routes and locations of the big cities of Madhya Pradesh.

2. Majuli, Assam

Majuli, a pollution-free, shrinking, and beautiful river island, is in the heart of the seven sisters state of Assam on the mighty river the Brahmaputra. This is the world’s largest river island. Its record is in the Guinness book of the world records. This mystic and offbeat destination is home to the famous Sattariya culture, which beliefs in Neo-Vaishnavism. Majuli is also called the cradle of Assamese civilization. It is the first river island to be declared as a district in 2016. This island covers an area of 352km2. And lies at an elevation of 84 m from the mean sea level

This island of eternal beauty has 500 years long and rich history. Every tourist welcomes here wholeheartedly. The local cuisines, handmade potteries, and other handmade stuff can quickly become your loved souvenir to buy. On this island, nature’s lap has flora and fauna, biodiversity, blue and pure water, forest, wildlife, and many more things. One can reach here through ferries which are making this culture safe till today.

Except for monsoon season, just because of the flood in the river Brahmaputra, one can visit this island of nature’s bliss throughout the year and enjoy the water activities like boating, trekking, windsurfing, and others.

When to visit Majuli ?

Winter is the best time to visit Majuli island. Because here summer becomes too hot and rainy season becomes too risky to visit here.

Places to visit in Majuli

  • Kamlabari Satra
  • Dakshinapat satra
  • Auniati satra
  • Garmur
  • Molai forest reserve

How to reach Majuli ?

By Air: Majuli has no airport. The nearest airport to Majuli is Jorhat airport. And Jorhat is connected to domestic airports of different states.

By Ship/Waterway: Majuli is an island, efforts are being made to maintain it in an all-natural way. Ferries are the only way to get on this island. Two ferries in a day and other boats can land you in and out of this island.

By Road: Majuli is not so connected in terms of roads. The only option to reach this island is Jorhat. It is the nearest link to Majuli. ASTC (Assam State Transport Corporation) can avail you of buses near to the Ghats and from there you can take a ferry to the island.

3. Mawsynram, Meghalaya

The beauty of the northeastern states of India is known to everyone. A rain blessed place is titled as the wettest place on earth. Mawsynram is a place for rain lovers and adventure and travel freaks. This paradise lies in the famous East Khasi hills of the Indian state of Meghalaya. It is at a distance of 61km from Shillong, the capital, and at 1400meters above sea level.

This rainy place covers itself with all greenery, natural beauty, forest, clouds, and streams. This is away from direct reach with a totally different lifestyle. Forget the hustle-bustle of city life and live a different local life here. Taste the meals like rice and Pork with other local cuisines to feel the real place visit. Celebrate the local Meghalaya festivals. And also learn about the tactics of, how to protect ourselves against all-season rains. Truly enjoy trekking and other adventure activities in near and far spots.

It is a land of rich biodiversity, flora and fauna, and orchids. A large stalagmite of the Hindu god Lord Shiva is considered sacred. People of monsoon lovers or clear clouds types can visit here anytime as per their interest.

When to visit Mawsynram?

The months of April-June have a pleasantly warm climate. And this is the most favourable season to visit here. But, people love to visit here in July-September month also. These months record moderate to heavy rainfall.

Places to visit near Mawsynram

  • Mawsmai caves
  • Mawsmai falls
  • Nohalikalai falls
  • Mawlyngbna
  • Cherrapunjee
  • Mawlynnong

How to reach Mawsynram?

By Air: The nearest flight is the Shillong airport or Umroi airport. It is around 87km from the capital city Shillong.

By Rail: To reach Mawsynram, one can take up the rail route. The nearest railway station to Mawsynram is the Guwahati railway station. It requires around 4 and a half hours to reach Mawsynram.

By Road: Mawsynram has a well-connected road route to the major cities like Guwahati, Kolkata. Even you can drive down to the city by itself.

4. Daman and Diu, Gujarat

Goa is the so-go location for vacay minds. A place full of beaches and adventure rides is a dream destination for travellers. But if you’re searching for a less crowded yet good tourist spot near the sea. Then, Daman & Diu can be a paradise and an offbeat destination for you. These beautiful islands lie on the western coast of India. Titled as union territories, these islands attained their freedom in the year 1961 even after Indian independence.

Daman is dividing by the river Daman Ganga which flows through the middle of the city. And Diu has situated off the coast of Gujarat.

Both of the UTs are rich in shiny sand beaches and tall palm trees. Clean water, and world-class water adventure activities like parasailing, jet Skiing, Scuba diving, etc. are a part of Daman and Diu life. With rich cultural heritage, colonial architecture, historic churches way back to the 16th century, amusement parks, lighthouse, and Portuguese style of forts all can give you a good antique vibe.

The wide variety of local and international cuisines, sea-view accommodations make for feel surreal. And also experiences of lifetimes are best and different from other places. Some beaches like Nagoa of Diu and Devaka of Daman are some of the famous spots for shutterbugs. Nature admirers came here to enjoy local festivals with some of the exceptional sea views.

When to visit Daman and Diu?

The best time to visit Daman and Diu is from August- February.

Places to visit in Daman and Diu

  • Devka Beach
  • Chakratirth beach
  • St. Jampore Fort
  • Amusement park
  • Bom Jesus church
  • Nagoa beach
  • light house

How to reach Daman and Diu ?

By Air: Nani Daman or Little daman is the nearest airport to the city. This airport has regular flights to Mumbai and Baroda. Surat airport is the another nearest airport at 90km to the city. Mumbai airport is the only international airport near the city.

By Rail: Vapi is the nearest railway station around 10km to Daman city. Trains of different Indian cities cross through this route.

By Road: Daman and Diu have a very good web of roads. A journey either from buses or with a personal vehicle can give you smooth experiences.

5. Varkala, Kerala

Kerala is a naturally blessed state with the best beaches in the world. It attracts tourists from all over the world. Varkala, a holy and tourism town in the Thiruvananthapuram District, is famous for its beach – The Varkala Beach. It adjoins the red cliff with coastal water in the Arabian sea. This offbeat destination has some main attractions which are Paapnashini beach, 2000-year old Janardanswamy temple of Lord Vishnu, natural spring of Ayurveda Qualities, Sivagiri mutt. Some ayurvedic centers are also opened here just to magnify the essence of the place.

Varkala has many mythological tales about its name. A popular beach, Paapnashini beach in Varkala is a holy place where a dip in the pristine waters can get you rid of all of your worldly sins. From the top of the adjacent red cliffs, a mesmerizing and calming view can be seen. This clean and beautiful beach offers you some amazing water adventure activities like- parasailing, surfing, boating, etc.

Generally, Kerala receives rainfall from both the southwest and northeast monsoon. Thus, the best time to visit here is post-monsoon from October-December. This less crowdy yet the breath-taking place has some mouth-watering cuisines from local to international level. Here hotels offer accommodations near the seaside. So that tourists and pilgrims can take sunbathe, play with sea waves, take walks, learn the rich values and culture of the place and enjoy the whole of the beach life in Varkala.

When to visit Varkala ?

The Winter season is considered the best time to visit Varkala. October-March months are the favourable months for travelling.

Places to visit near Varkala

  • Varkala beach
  • Kappil beach
  • Anjengo fort
  • Varkala cliff
  • Ponnumthuruth island
  • Water sports

How to reach Varkala?

By Air: Although Varkala has no direct flight connectivity. Yet the reachability is not so difficult. Thiruvananthapuram is the nearest airport to the city at 40 km of the distance. Then Taxis and private vehicles can drop you in Varkala.

By Rail: Around 2km from Varkala, Varkala Railway station connects Varkala to the major cities of Kerala. i.e. Kochi, Mangalore, Trivandrum, Coimbatore, etc.

By Road: Varkala has smooth road connectivity. Kerala state buses, taxis, cars, and other personal vehicles can easily connect you through this city.

6. Valley of flowers, Uttarakhand

Mesmerizing Uttarakhand is a mine of religious and tourist places. One such amazing place is the valley of flowers. This breathtaking place was first discovered by three British mountaineers in the year 1931, who lost their ways and later find themselves in this paradise of flowers. They named it a valley of flowers. Just by uttering its name, it gave us a glimpse of long meadows, a variety of Indian and exotic flowers, the chirping of birds, and a perfect sunrise with the mixed fragrance of hundreds of flowers.

This valley covers an area of 872 km of Chamoli district. It lies at an altitude of 3600m in the west Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. It is a home of Alpine forest, Flora, and fauna with several other exotic species like poppies, marigolds, orchids, daisies, and primula. Many others flowers like Brahmakamal and several other rare wildlife species like grey langur, flying squirrel, lime butterfly, snow leopard, and Himalayan Monal are also the inhabitants of this park.

The Valley of flowers is the oldest Himalayan trek. This is not a city, this is a national park. And it was set up by the government of India in 1980. It also became a UNESCO world heritage site in 2002.

The divinity of place rests in your breaths. The eyes sparkle like fireflies and the bliss of being here can be no other. But you can’t stay here at the night. You have to trek back for the accommodation where you can have some amazing food delights like Punjabi, Chinese, Garhwali. and typical north Indian too. This is an eye-catching site for nature lovers, wildlife photographers, botanists, adventure minds, and others.

When to visit valley of Flowers

This valley earns its full glory in the months of July- August.

Place to visit in valley of Flowers

  • Hemkund sahib
  • Ghangaria
  • Hemkund lake

How to reach Valley of Flowers ?

By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant airport which is in Dehradun. It offers direct flights from the national capital Delhi and makes a sweet journey.

By Rail: Rishikesh railway station is the nearest railway station which is 273km from Govindghat. After that, roads help you to reach in Valley of flowers.

By Road: After Govindghat, a 16km trek left the only means to reach the Valley of flowers.

7. Tsomgo lake, Sikkim

Yak ride, ice skating, ice sports, frozen lake, and the Himalayas sounds so uneven and fascinating, Right? Want to have all these in one go? Then just visit Sikkim and its Tsomgo lake where these amazing experiences are awaiting you.
Tsomgo lake or Changgu lake is basically a glacial lake that gets its water when the snow melts. It is located at 38km from Gangtok, the capital, and lies at an altitude of 12,400m above sea level. This immensely beautiful and mountain-clad lake is one of the highest altitude lakes in India. Here, this lake changes its colour according to the season.

In winters, it remains frozen. And Ice-skating, walking, and other ice sports are organized on frozen ice. In summer, flower-like poppies, flora and fauna, Rhododendron(state tree), and others left their impact.

Brahminy duck and species of birds can be seen, near the lake. Also, some of the wildlife species like the red panda can also be visible here. Rides on colourful decorated tall Yaks through the forest and mountains can help to reach the lake site. This lakeside has a small Hindu god Shiva temple.

Many myths and mythological tales are also speculated here. This snow-covered and white mountainous site is enhancing the beauty of Sikkim and making for you an unforgettable journey. This off-beat destination can be a different, refreshing, and chilled experience of your life.

When to visit Tsomgo lake

May month is considered the best month to visit Tsomgo lake. But you can also visit this place in the same in March & April, as the orchids & rhododendrons start blooming. 

Places to visit near Tsomgo lake

  • Gangtok, The Capital
  • Ganeha tok view point
  • Ghumo ghumaao
  • Himalayan zoological park
  • Lal bazaar
  • Enchey monastery

How to reach Tsomgo lake ?

By Air: Pakyong airport in the capital city, Gangtok is the only nearest airport to Tsomgo lake.

By Road: You can reach Tsomgo Lake from Gangtok. Vehicles and especially heavy vehicles can ease your journey up to Tsomgo lakes. From there, Yak rides up to the lake can give you amazing travel experiences.

India has hundreds of locations with their own regional and environmental importance. These some off-beat destinations are showing their natural aura and surreal beauty. These tourism-friendly places are worth visiting. So stay tuned. We will list up for you some really fascinating places for your travel.

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