These Beautiful And Hidden Places In India Should Be In Your To-Do List This Year!

Hey there, wanderlusters! We’re finally done with the first half of the year and if you haven’t had a vacay yet, then it’s high time you plan a trip! Don’t worry, we got you. Here are 9 rare places in India you can travel to find solitude and enjoy the fresh air away from the city. So, start digging out your travel bag and start packing because this list is too exciting to just sit and read. Take out your pen and notepad, and let’s go!

1. Chopta, Uttarakhand

Touted as the ‘Mini Switzerland Of India,’ Chopta is a small town in Uttrakhand with all the great scenic beauty of Uttrakhand entrapped in it. It goes without saying it is an aesthetic wonder and will fill your phone memory and heaven for lazy people who just enjoy solitude, breathe pure air and hear exquisite birds chirping all day. But if you are one of the extra athletic ones, Chopta is the base of Tungnath and Chandrashila treks, so pack ‘em bags!
P.S. Chandrashilla is the holiest of the five temples in Uttarakhand.

2. South Sikkim

Lesser-known of the Sikkim brothers, South Sikkim is a paradise, especially for a romantic getaway for couples (warm hug for our single peeps). With rich flora and fauna, soul-satisfying weather and snow-capped mountains, South Sikkim is a perfect picturesque district for a hill station. Surrounded by snow-covered mountain peaks, providing a gorgeous view of the Kanchenjunga Peaks, the tranquil town of Ravangla is mesmerising. If you are in Sikkim, you’ve gotta try the fresh International standard tea from the garden. So, make sure you do that. 

3. Shillong

Being the capital city of Meghalaya and also the wettest place on earth, you can go in expecting a lot of insane water bodies that would force you to pick up your jaw from the floor. Awe-inspiring waterfalls and crystal clear lakes are what your gallery is sure to be filled with. And if you get time from gawking all day at these wonders of the earth, you’ll be welcomed by some of the most affable people you’ve ever met. Also, Shillong is known as the ‘music capital of India’, so you know culture and art would be on display in the streets of Shillong. So, just let yourself go for this one!

4. Laitmawsiang, Meghalaya

Picture Credits: dipti.nath.315

Another hidden gem in India, Laitmaswiang is a veiled village on the East Khasi Hills in Meghalaya. A trip to the region will seem like you’ve landed in a fantasy movie, and you’re sure to be left wide-eyed with bewilderment at the gorgeous sights! One of the main attractions is the Garden of Caves filled with perennial flowing water and waterfalls accompanied by unfathomable caves. We are not pressuring you, but this is a must for your next plan because its beauty lies in its unexplored world. Catch the mystic wonder in its rawest form and thank us later. #IndianaJones’Vibes

5. Idukki, Kerala

Picture Credits: xap_tured

This one is for our beloved flora lovers. Located in the Western Ghats in Kerala, Idukki is one-third covered with dense forest and therein lies its beauty. Of course, for the main attraction, Idukki Dam goes first but the high mountain peaks here are just too wondrous to leave unnoticed. This is the place that will ignite the inner ‘Bunny’ in you so that you get to explore to your heart’s content. There is an Elephant Junction to let you reminisce on your joyous childhood and be adored by that massive cutie of an elephant. Psst… They let you bathe the elephant too.

6. Jawai, Rajasthan

Jawai in Rajasthan is famous for its ‘human-friendly leopards’ - yup, you read that right. Along with them, they have 100-plus species of exquisite animals like crocodiles, panthers, bears and wolves. So, just imagine, it’s like Delhi Zoo but bigger and all the animals are out in the open. Also, when you get some time from clicking Insta-worthy images of these animals, you can get some quality pictures of yourself on the granite rocks and hills of Jawai!

7. Lunglei, Mizoram

Picture Credits: mytriptoindiadelhi

Hola, history and nature lovers, did you think that we forgot about you guys? Of course, we didn’t! Here’s Lunglei in Mizoram which is rich in culture, flora and fauna and is filled with an absolute abundance of endangered species like Slow Loris, Leopard Cat, Asiatic Black Bear etc. For a fascinating look at the place’s history, visit the District Museum with Archaeological Findings. Another main mystic attraction is the Buddha image engraved near Mualcheng village and *Wait For It* nobody knows how or who engraved it! Also, for cool Insta reels, Phawngpui (Blue Mountain) would be a great backdrop. Yes, that means trekking and we know you’re dying to visit the place soon! 

8. Hampi, Karnataka

Situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a straight-up call for all the travel freaks out there. Also known as the ‘open museum’, Hampi in Karnataka is filled with intricate historical details where every stone and every wall is a backdrop of some interesting saga. We’d advise you to take a stroll through the sites and monuments to breathe in the culture and aesthetic beauty. For all the history nerds, archaeology buffs and photographers get ready to take out your book on the 100 facts about Hampi and book your ticket to Karnataka ASAP!

9. Butterfly Beach, Goa

We obviously make sure everyone gets something, and here’s an exclusive gem for all beach lovers out there. Butterfly Beach in Goa is a sight to behold because of its exclusivity and limited reach, but we know a little effort always gets the best result and the same applies here. The beach is filled with exotic butterflies lurking around on the beach along with goldfish. For picturesque scenes, take a stroll up the hilltop and lay down to enjoy the most alluring sunset ever.

P.S. If you are lucky, you might get to see some Dolphins. Butterfly, empty beach, sunset and dolphins, how perfect does that sound? Now hush and apply for leave at your office and start packing. Do tag us if you click some awe-inspiring pictures of these places and spam Instagram with your sweet memories!