If you’re looking to escape the crowds, explore nature or take an adventurous holiday, here offers plenty of amazing offbeat destinations to Visit in India. Mandu, Madhya Pradesh, is a village that stands as a testament to Prince Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati’s century-old love. It boasts stunning Islamic architectural structures such as Mandu Fort, Jahaz Mahal, Jami Masjid, Hindola Mahal and more that will leave you in awe.
Halebid Karnataka
Halebid, also known as Dwarasamudra, is an ancient town in Karnataka that showcases stunning Indian architecture. It boasts breathtaking shrines, temples and imposing sculptures throughout its majestic grounds.
Hoysala was once the capital of the Hoysala empire and is renowned for its iconic temples. Hoysaleswara and Kedareshwara stand out among other notable structures with exquisite sculptural details characteristic of Hoysala art.
In the city, there are numerous Hoysala-style temples and monuments. These structures boast stunning carvings and sculptures depicting different scenes from Hindu mythology.
Halebid is best explored during the day and is one of India’s most captivating offbeat destinations. Here you can spend hours exploring the ruins of ancient temples and other structures. It’s an excellent location for learning about history, art, and culture. Book Holiday Packages in India
Phugtal Gompa Jammu and Kashmir
Phugtal Gompa, a Buddhist monastery situated in an underground cave in Zanskar region of Jammu and Kashmir, draws visitors with its striking location and multitude of chapels.
At this temple, the monks are dedicated to upholding centuries-old traditions and spreading the dharma. They engage with local residents by visiting them during festivals and teaching them more about Buddhism and philosophy.
At the monastery, there is a monastic school which provides education to kids from nearby villages. Students often enter at an early age – sometimes as young as 5 years old! Here they learn Buddhism and philosophy alongside modern curriculum. Phugtal Gompa is best visited during the summer months between June and September. This period allows tourists to easily travel there as the road to Padum remains open. Book Maharajas Express
Khajjiar
Are you searching for an exciting place that differs from other tourist spots, Khajjiar in Chamba district is the ideal destination. This picturesque town has earned the nickname ‘Mini Switzerland of India’ due to its tranquil atmosphere and charming landscapes.
This hill station’s most captivating feature is its lake, which resembles a saucer-shaped depression and lies surrounded by lush green meadows dotted with the flower ‘vacha’. Truly one of nature’s most breathtaking sights!
What truly sets this place apart is its location amidst mountains and forests. As such, you’re sure to spot plenty of wildlife here. Khajjiar offers more than just breathtaking natural beauty; it also has some thrilling activities to keep you engaged. These include horse riding, trekking and paragliding to name a few. Adventurers will want to try your hand at hiking around Khajjiar. This famous trail takes you up a stunning landscape in no time. Book Kashmir Tour Packages
Kanatal
Kanatal, Uttarakhand’s most beloved offbeat hill station, is the perfect haven for travelers who seek peace and serenity in nature. Situated 78 km from Dehradun’s bustling capital and 38km from Mussoorie, this picturesque unexplored place makes an ideal stopover.
Kanatal offers pleasant weather year-round, making it a popular destination for a peaceful holiday. Most tourists arrive between the start of spring in April and the end of monsoon season in September to take in the scenic outdoors.
Kanatal offers a wealth of activities for visitors to explore, such as trekking through Kodia’s dense deodar-and-pine forest. Not only does the jungle attract an array of wildlife species, but it’s also ideal for birdwatching and collecting pine cones.
Another must-visit is Surkanda Devi temple, an ancient shrine that draws hundreds of pilgrims annually. Situated 3km away from Kaddukhal village, this picturesque spot offers stunning green views as you make your way through lush terrain.
Tawang
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh is one of India’s best offbeat tourist spots. It’s famous as the birthplace of His Holiness the 6th Dalai Lama and known for its picturesque hill town atmosphere and serene environment.
This town, situated amidst snow-capped mountains, is the ideal spot for those seeking to reconnect with themselves. Not only does it boast many monasteries that offer spiritual solace, but its abundance of peaceful spots make it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking spiritual renewal.
Tawang’s most iconic attractions include Shonga-tser Lake, Madhuri Lake and Bum La Pass. The former was formed after an earthquake in 1950s and boasts stunning views of snow-capped mountains.
Pavagadh Gujarat – Champaner
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an incredible repository of history and culture. Situated in Panchamahal district of Gujarat, it features several historic monuments that showcase an intriguing fusion of Hindu and Islamic styles.
This now-destruction city was once the capital of several empires, such as Rajput Chavdas and Gujarat Sultans. It served as a site of religious pilgrimage for both Hindus and Muslims alike. Pavagadh hilltop boasts a stunning blend of Indo-Islamic architecture, with the Kalika Mata temple standing atop it as an iconic pilgrimage destination that draws thousands of devotees each year.
This area boasts an interesting mix of ruins, temples, mosques, arches and tombs situated amidst lush forest. While visitors are certainly drawn to visit Kalika Mata temple itself, there are other interesting landmarks worth exploring as well.
Mawlynnong Meghalaya
If you’re seeking an escape from the bustling tourist sites, India offers some incredible offbeat destinations that still hold great value. These places provide a true breath of fresh air and offer you an unforgettable experience.
Mawlynnong village in Meghalaya is an enchanting destination. It boasts a 100 percent literacy rate, an inspiring women empowerment movement, and lush greenery that creates an ethereal haven. The residents of this village have a long-standing commitment to keeping the area clean. They are highly environmentally aware, having banned plastic bags, smoking and even dried leaves from their homes.
Mawlynnong has achieved remarkable cleanliness thanks to these efforts, becoming one of Asia’s cleanest villages with working toilets, bamboo dustbins and other sanitation practices not typically seen elsewhere in the world.
One remarkable attraction here is the Living Roots Bridge, constructed by intertwining the roots of a Ficus Elastica tree. These structures are part of Khasi architecture and can be found throughout Meghalaya.
The Lonar Crater
Travelers are increasingly choosing offbeat destinations for their holidays. Not only do these places offer an escape from the throngs of people and stunning natural sights, but they also provide unforgettable experiences and priceless memories that will last a lifetime.
One of the most remarkable offbeat destinations in Maharashtra is Lonar Crater, situated in Buldhana district. This crater was formed when a meteorite struck Earth around 50,000 years ago.
The crater has now become a saline lake that supports an array of fascinating animal species as well as some stunning rock formations. Thus, it was officially designated a National Geo-heritage Monument by the government.
Aside from being an amazing geological and scientific discovery, the lake also holds many historical significances. The crater was once a sacred site where people worshiped various gods and goddesses. Near the lake, several temples remain active: Vishnumandir, Wagh Mahadev, Mora Mahadev, Munglyacha Mandir and Kamalja Devi.
