Offbeat India: 10 places to skip the crowd and social distance

COVID-19 is still around, and revenge travel has emerged as a fad. A fad that is not to be celebrated or followed, as we see videos of tourists pouring in at India’s famous destinations. The smarter ones, of course, are keen to stay offbeat and stay safe.

Of course, India, being the seventh largest country in the world, is brimming with places that are still unexplored and untouched. These offbeat places and attractions in the country help the local economy along with taking the burden off from overly touristy spots and attractions. Not only this, such offbeat places offer people with more authentic cultural experiences.

So if you are somebody who is looking for lesser-explored and offbeat destinations in India, do have a look at this list.

If Urakam doesn’t ring a bell, it’s fine because the place is not at all under tourist radar. Urakam is one of the best offbeat travel destinations in India, where one can experience entrancing culture and meet with some skilled artisans. Peruvanam Mahadeva Temple and Ammathiruvadi Temple are the two famous temples here.

This lesser-known region in Mandi District of Himachal Pradesh is a bliss for nature seekers. The magical valley is blessed with nature and makes for a perfect offbeat place to visit in India. You can barely see any tourists in the region, just the locals immersed in an essential Himalayan lifestyle.

Sanchi is another beautiful offbeat travel option in India, where Buddhism is one of the major religions. In the 3rd century, the great Indian emperor Ashoka spread Buddhism across India and built the Great Stupa of Sanchi. Sanchi is only an hour drive from Bhopal, capital city of Madhya Pradesh.

Longwa in Nagaland is home of former head-hunters of the Konyak tribe. The most interesting thing about this village is that it is in both India and Myanmar. The village is ruled by the Chief Angh, whose house is located in both countries.

You might not have heard of this particular lake in Sikkim and that is why it made to the offbeat travel list. The joy of discovering lies in finding such places, where nature is supreme. Local monks consider Khecheopalri Lake extremely sacred and believe that the lake water has curative properties.

Another offbeat and underrated city to explore in India is Jabalpur. The city has a lot to offer to travellers, from Kanha Wildlife Sanctuary and Bandhavgarh National Park, the place is a paradise for wildlife seekers. Besides, the place is also home to one awe-inspiring waterfall at Bhedaghat.

Situated in the Leh district, Hemis is a breathtaking village surrounded by the surreal landscapes. This absolutely stunning village is renowned for the beautiful Hemis Monastery and is home to exotic wildlife including langurs, red foxes, and marmots.

The Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) is an Himalayan utopia in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. The park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, and yet has stayed off the tourists’ radar.

Ever heard of Damro? Well, this gorgeous destination is one of Arunachal’s best kept secrets. It is also the base to the longest hanging bridge (1000 ft) in Arunachal Pradesh! The route to this heavenly place is well-hidden and reaching here could be a task, but once you are here, you’ll be charmed by its thatched bamboo houses, swaying bridges and beautiful natural surroundings.

If you thought there’s just one Golden Temple in India, you definitely need to visit Bylakuppe, a small town in Karnataka. Bylakuppe Golden Temple is basically a monastery. The town is also the second largest Tibetan settlement in India, owing to which there are several Tibetan cafes and restaurants offering authentic Tibetan food.