8 Unique Places To Head To This Year With The Gang That Isn't Manali Or Goa

Looking for the perfect vacay spot to spend some quality time with your loved ones? Well, look no further as we bring to you some of the most offbeat places in India that are super underrated. India is one of the most diverse countries in the world and has many spectacular places that go unnoticed when it comes to travel. If you're a travel enthusiast at heart who’s always on the lookout for something more unconventional, then you should check out these amazing places that have so much to offer. Scroll on and let’s get your itinerary ready!

1. Auroville, Pondicherry 

Picture Credits: ilango_muthu

Auroville is situated in the beautiful coastal region of Pondicherry and the place has so much to offer. They have aesthetic cafés serving the best authentic pizzas and its rich biodegradable makes you feel connected to nature. The Matrimandir is a sphere-shaped hall where people come to practice mindfulness; it doesn’t belong to any religion and is mainly for meditation. That’s why this place should be on your travel list!

2. Rann Of Kutch, Gujarat 

Picture Credits: touristtotravellers

This picturesque place in the Thar desert in Gujarat is also known as the white desert because of the salt that accumulates in that area. Touted to be the largest salt desert in the world, this fascinating place should be your next stop for your holidays. Spend your days in tribal tents, enjoy camel rides, and visit the magnificent temples. This place is also famous for its spectacular sunrise and sunset. While you’re, there don’t forget to witness the Rann Utsav, the most epic kite flying and folk festival. 

3. Baratang Island, Andaman & Nicobar Islands 

Picture Credits: lady_excelsior

We might run out of words to describe the beauty of this Island, situated in the Bay of Bengal, this archipelago is like paradise on earth. Baratang Island has the most splendid turquoise beaches and the island serves as the perfect escape from city chaos. The Island is known to inhabit one of the oldest human races to exist, not only that, there’s so much to explore here from the dense mangrove creeks to beaches and the mangrove tunnel. You can enjoy a boat ride, visit mud volcanoes where mud erupts instead of lava, and the limestone cave which is definitely a sight to see. 

4.  Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh 

One of the most captivating valleys in India, this valley is situated in the lap of the Himalayas and makes it the ideal spot for camping with your squad. This scenic valley shares its borders with Ladakh, Kinnaur, Kullu Valley and Tibet. thYou can also indulge in is splendid beauty by sightseeing or experience a boost of adrenaline rush as you take part in adventure sports like river rafting, safari rides, stroll around Nako Village. AND, if you’re a fan of trekking, then trek along DhanKar Lake, visit the peaceful monasteries or take part in stargazing at the wide expanse of the night sky. This place would surely make your trip a memorable one! 

5. Alibag, Maharashtra 

Picture Credits: globetravel.mumbai/

We all know how chaotic, polluted and crowded India’s beaches are but this place in Maharashtra has beaches that are peaceful, clean, less crowded and fun at the same time. That’s why you should plan your next trip to Alibag, a small coastal region in Maharashtra which is near South Mumbai. While you’re chilling at the beach, you can also try some water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, speed boating and banana boating. The place is not only famous for its calm beaches, but also for its numerous forts built during the Maratha Empire and significant temples. 

6. Kalimpong, West Bengal 

A small hilly town situated in the Himalayas in West Bengal, this place is ideal for backpackers. While you’re there, do visit the Buddhist monasteries for tranquillity, shop at the local Mall Road and the Haat Bazaar, explore the Himalayan handmade paper industry and spend time in the lap of snow-capped hills like Deola Hill and Durpin Dara Hill. Plan a  trip now! 

7. Majuli Island, Assam 

Picture Credits: the_enigmatic_escapist

You need to check out this super cool island in Assam as it’s the biggest river island, not only in India but in the world! This place is the perfect place for a peaceful vacation with your friends. It has historical places of significance like Kamalabari Satra, Dakhinpat Satra, and Auniati Satra   Garmur where you can find the rich traditional history related to arts and culture. A popular picnic spot is Tengapania surrounded by the Brahmaputra river, this place will make you connected not only to nature but to its deep history and culture as well! 

8. Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh 

Picture Credits: 7journeys.in

If you’re a nature lover then you ought to visit this spellbinding place in the northeastern state of India. The place has rice paddy fields, picturesque hills, bamboo forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and even cave temples. The valley is famous for its way of cultivating rice by the Apatani tribe. The lush paddy fields and forests, the clear blue skies, the clean air and the green scenery look no less than a painting! The flora and fauna of this capitulating valley will surely frame your breath away.

So, pack your bags and hit the road with your friends to these unconventional yet fun places this year.