There are hardly any tourists and it is possible to have all of Ladakh to yourself. It is a chance to see Ladakh as it has existed for centuries.

It can be heart-stopping and heart warming at the same time. A trip to Ladakh in the winters is all about the cold, and your whole sojourn will depend on your ability to adapt to it.

It turned out to be the most epic adventure of my life. From getting stuck in a snowstorm at Khardung La to finding a homestay where none existed in Biamah past the green waters of the Indus; enjoying masked dances at the Spituk Gustor to walking on a frozen Pangong Tso, narrowly missing spotting the snow leopard deep into Markha Valley and stumbling onto history in Turtuk – and much much more; all alone and on a budget.

Whatever happens, life will never be the same once you are back from this unforgettable journey.

********

This is THE GOAT VILLAGE – a green people initiative that promotes all this local – local stay, local food, local produce, local lifestyle in a hope of a reverse migration of the Himalayan farmers of Garhwal. So if you have been looking for an offbeat location for trekking, peace of mind and some mountains – my instant suggestion would be to hop onto a bus to Musoorie or Dehradun and take a cab right to the village for an authentic farm-based homestay experience. Bonus – the homestay is situated right next to the famous Nagtibba trek.

********

The dominant community here are the Membas who follow Tibetan Buddhism and framed photographs of Dalai Lama adorn every home and every shop. In fact their trading routes across the border were only closed after the 1962 war due to security reasons. On other hand, it had minimal links with the mainland India till 2007 when finally this motorable road was completed. Till then, they had to trek for days to reach any of the bigger towns. However, the place seems to be expanding now and the value of tourism has been realized. I noticed that several homestays, just normal homes turned into lodges, have cropped up all around in order to cash in on the tourist influx.

********

Every year, I prefer going for one high altitude trek in the Himalayas. The blanket of snow and clear skies makes me feel rejuvenated. I either opt for climbing a peak or a cross over trek with a high altitude pass. Rupin Pass belongs to the 2nd category in which trekkers cross the pass located at an altitude of 15,250 Feet. This crossover trek starts in Dhaula, Uttarakhand and ends in Sangla, Himachal Pradesh. Given the high altitude and a strenuous trek of 9 days, Rupin pass is not frequented by tourists but only mountaineering enthusiasts making it perfectly offbeat.

8. Gondola Ride at Gulmarg by Surbhi Bagri, A Contributor to EverythingCandid

Alluring Coastal Destinations

12. Andaman and Nicobar Islands (India) by Sonal of Drifter Planet

13. Diu by Priyanka Mukerjee of Speaking Aloud Magazine

18. Dudhwa national Park in Uttar Pradesh by Abhinav Singh of Soul Window

Post our safari in Dudhwa, we planned to drive to Dhangadhi from the national park. Dhangadhi is a small town in Nepal. The drive to Dhangadhi was spectacular. We stopped near a natural pond. I spent hours just watching the antics of otters and birds. A local lady offered me fresh sugarcane from the field as tens of cattle passed by me. The yellow mustard fields throughout our journey made it a sunshine trip for us.

********

Kerala is as green as it gets and Nelliyampathy in the picturesque district is no different. Except that it also has emerald green paddy fields, water falls, orange groves, coffee plantations, tea gardens and lush tropical forest. Rows of betel nut and rubber plantations mark its approach and blue misty rolling Western Ghats envelop you. Once a region, belonging to the local indigenous community, British officers had cultivated spices, tea and coffee there and their old fashioned bungalows can still be seen perched here and there amidst the dense green. Wild animals had roamed there once freely and now they have become rare sightings. The dwindling shola grasslands can be found there too and sight of the historic Palghat Gap on clear days is simply breathtaking.

How to reach – Nelliyampathy is easily reachable from Cochin by taxi (around 153 kilometres). The other alternative is to reach Palakkad by train and take a local bus or taxi from there to Nelliyampathy. Go there in monsoon to witness glistening green hills and gushing waterfalls.

********

Until last year, I only knew the legendary Chambal valley for its ravines and hideout of ‘Bandit Queen’ but my visit to this reclaimed woodland changed my perception about it forever. I came back impressed with its unembellished expanse. In fact, I loved exploring Mela Kothi, Bateshwar Temples, the cursed Chambal river aka Charmanvati (the river on the banks of which leather could be dried), the severely eroded river banks and adjacent ravine lands. 80 KMs South of Agra, Chambal provides for a comprehensive eco-tourism experience.

The folklore says that after the dice game, Queen Draupadi had cursed everyone from drinking from the river or using it for anything. In the years that followed, this valley earned its infamy for the legendary bandit tales and dacoit hideouts. Today, as it flows through three states- Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, the region has been identified as the land of vibrant diversity and unique eco-system.

The valley is still raw, rustic and untamed but at the same time it has lots to tap in our interest. While the bird lovers have always known it, it has actually graduated into a haven for migratory birds. The International Bird Festival that has been taking place for last two years has made it a famous bird watching destination. The National Chambal Sanctuary (since 1979) is also listed as an important bird area and is a riverine sanctuary stretching approximately 425 km length of the Chambal River. It also happens to be the largest breeding center for Ghariyals in India.

Of all the things, I was delighted to know that the curse has acted like a boon to this pristine Chambal River. Humankind has kept away from it for years and thus it stands to be one of the cleanest rivers in the country.

********

Temple of Consciousness in Pollachhi

Derived from the Tamil expression, ‘PozhilVaichi’ or ‘land of prosperity’, Pollachi lies on the cusp of the Annamalai hills and the plains of Coimbatore. Dominated by a rich cultural, religious and natural lineage, the destination is sure to delight travellers with diverse sensibilities. The charm of discovering ancient temples, walking through the million shades of green that surround coconut and banana plantations and being a roar away from the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary never withers away. Sway to the rhythm of simple village life and lose yourself to the luxury of nature’s marvels.

Engrossing Historical, Archaeogical and Cultural Destinations

22. Amritsar in Punjab by Mar Pages of Once In A Lifetime Journey

Amritsar is a mystical peaceful city in the Punjab region of India, right by the border with Pakistan. As the host city to the Sikh’s holiest shrine, The Golden Temple, Amritsar is a spiritual pilgrimage place where even the busiest most stressed visitor will find tranquility. Wander the temple’s grounds and the many buildings around it and get lost in the quiet noise of thousands of visitors circumambulating around the Golden Temple and pond.

23. Majestic Chitrashala of Bundi in Rajasthan by Jayanti Pandey of And So i Felt

Descending from a hill to the narrow streets of Bundi (across the Chambal from Kota, in Rajasthan) the first sight of the blue roof tops is breathtaking. The piece de resistance is obviously the Garh Palace of Bundi which rises high on a sloping hill.

Rudyard Kipling wrote of Bundi, ‘Jeypore Palace may be called the Versailles of India; Udaipur’s House of State is dwarfed by the hills round it and the spread of the Pichola Lake; Jodhpur’s House of strife, gray towers on red rock, is the work of giants, but the Palace of Bundi, even in broad daylight, is such a palace as men build for themselves in uneasy dreams – the work of goblins rather than of men.’                                                       Rudyard Kipling, ‘Letters of Marque’, (1899)

The Garh Palace is reached via a series of gates and each level of the monument is rich in sculpture and painted walls and ceilings. Paradise is found in the Ummed Bhavan or the Chitrashala, which epitomises the Bundi style of miniature painting., intermingling the Rajput with the Mughal style.

Each square mm is painted in rich indigo, soothing emerald or a brilliant turquoise – mingled with white.

Krishna Ras Leela, Krishna lifting Goverdhan Parbat and Krishna stealing the clothes of the Gopis are panels which take up an entire wall. Scenes of women playing chausar, dancing and even hunting are very pleasing to the eye. War accounts, societal anecdotes and scenes from the Ramayana are also clearly identifiable.

Visit Bundi for a walk back in time. The town has not lost any of its old-worldly charm and seems lost in a time warp. But do not forget to keep at least a better part of the day to absorb the Chitrashala and other similar Mahals in the Palace.

Bundi – because some places have to be felt, not just visited

********

24. Orchha in Madhya Pradesh by Jon Algie of Jon Is Travelling

Orchha isn’t far from Agra and its tourist magnet (The Taj Mahal), but few foreigners tend to make the five hour journey. This small town, home to less than 10,000 people, is teeming with stunning examples of ancient architecture. From the grand palaces in the centre of town to the riverside chhatris (memorials to former rulers) and the crumbling temple ruins found scattered throughout the countryside, you could spend days exploring Orchha. The laid back pace of life and the lack of hassle makes Orchha the perfect place to visit after the bustle of India’s bigger cities — don’t miss it!

There is an overwhelming amount of things to see and do in the popular tourist centers of India, however, there is just as much to experience outside of these areas. Serenity at Kanam Estate is one of our family’s favorite places in India. This 1920’s era bungalow aka hotel is located on a small hilltop in the middle of no where in Kerala. The house is surrounded by picturesque rubber tree plantations and beautifully smelling spice gardens.

.

With only 5 rooms, this is the perfect retreat for a friend and/or  family gathering. The house is furnished with beautiful period furniture, eclectic pieces of art in all forms and provides numerous nooks and crannies to hide yourself away in. With custom menus and personal staff catering to your every need, you will feel like you are in the lap of luxury even tucked away in the middle of the jungles of Kerala!

The bungalow also has a beautiful refreshing swimming pool, a cool  rope swing (for all ages!) and numerous verandahs to sit out and watch the day pass before you. As an added adventure you can request a visit from Lakshmi the local elephant. You can ride Lakshmi, or just walk with her to the river for her bath. She is a wonderfully gentle giant that will fill you with peace, just as a visit to Kanam Estates will.

********

26. Mandu in Madhya Pradesh by Shilpa Shinde of ASPIRITBEDOUIN

Some places are like pockets stuck in the realm of time, inhabited and yet quite secluded. You walk through them and can’t help but feel you are witnessing some huge exhibition space, quite and sparse and very highly engaging. MP is full of such spaces, where the modern mingles with the priceless past. Mandu is one such fascinating expression of the 14th century kingdoms .The architecture here bores beautiful expressions for both the Hindu and Persian kingdoms. Huge palaces,tombs,mosques stand as mute testimonials to the likes of Baz Bahadur and Ghiasuddin Khilji. The gems like Jama Masjid, Asharfi Mahal, Roopmati pavilion and the beautiful Jahaz Mahal all welcome you to peep into the glorious past of this fortified town.

Post the rains the magic of Mandu would leave you speechless as you walk into the ruins strewn across the green carpets of this hill terrain and watch with bated breaths the stone beauty unveiled by the parting mists. This is a place stuck in a time lapse waiting for you to find it.

When we parked the car in front of the gates that lead to the old part of the town, I was full of excitement. So much had I read about Maheshwar, this beautiful city on the banks of the holy river Narmada in Madhya Pradesh, that is mentioned in the Mahabharata und Ramayana and whose history is closely linked to an extraordinary woman – Ahilya Bai Holkar. It is thanks to the Maharani who ruled the city of Maheshwar from 1765 to 1795, that visitors who come here find more than 100 picturesque temples, most of them at the foot of the palace hill and along the ghats.

The Maharani’s palace is the first sight that visitors would usually stop at – a simple, white garden palace, representative for the modesty that Ahilya Bai Holkar was famous for. From the balcony of the palace I caught sight of some other gems of Maheshwar – the fort that stems from the 16th century and also houses a beautiful temple which has been added under the reign of Ahilya Bai Holkar. Although I have been visiting many temples in India, but this one captivates me with its Shiva Lingams, the Nandis and the vivid and at the same time devout atmosphere.

With a short stop at a silk manufactory where the famous Maheshwari saris are woven, I found my way down to the ghats. The life at the holy rivers of India never stop to mesmerize me. Pilgrims who take their ritual bath mingle with chai wallahs and women who sell chana masala. I passed women doing their laundry and children playing in the river. I could have spent hours and hours here. And would have loved to stay in one of the lovely heritage hotels in the old city. But it was my last day in beautiful Madhya Pradesh so I had to leave. But I will return to also visit the nearby places such as Mandu, the city of love, and Omkareshwar, that are easily reachable from Maheshwar.

********

As I stepped inside the giant rock formation of Bhimbetka, located in the foothills of Vindhya Range in Central India, it gave me the mirror resemblance of the famous Petra of Jordan.  Tucked in the rocky terrain of dense forest and craggy cliffs, Bhimbetka will take you to the pre-historic era of human civilisation and introduce you to their lifestyle through the rock paintings. Discovered in 1957, Bhimbetka was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site only in 2003. It was Mr. W S Wakankar, an Indian archaeologist, who happened to be travelling in the region and stumbled upon the rock formations and discovered this hidden treasure.

Bhimbetka consists of 700 shelters, out of which only 133 shelters contain rock paintings. The great repository of pre-historic art, Bhimbetka depicts not just art, but the human evolution stories of different civilisations through these paintings. The paintings give a glimpse of the early lifestyle that includes scenes like hunting, dancing, music, horse and elephant rides, wedding, royal procession, animal fighting, war, decoration of bodies, masking and household scenes. The dominance of animal paintings is prominent in the rock shelters. Animals such as Elephants, Bisons, Tigers, Wild boars, Antelopes are evident in these pre-historic paintings. Interestingly, these paintings are mostly found in two colors- White and Red. The age of these paintings can be classified in seven different periods in history such as Upper Paleolithic , Mesolithic , Chalcolithic, and Early Historic and Medieval period.

I was blown away by the history behind these rock paintings. How each painting narrates a different story of those cave dwellers, who used to paint these rocks, to entertain during these times, was simply enriching. The impression of their thought process is so vivid that it takes you to a new journey of exploration of human civilizations.

********

Did you know that the World’s longest festival was celebrating in India? And did you know it was a Tribal festival? These two facts can only make Bastar one of the most tempting destinations in India.

The cultural breeding ground and the pilgrimage for art, music and dance – Shantiniketan, meaning “abode of peace” was previously known as Bhubandanga, but Maharshi Devendranath Tagore renamed this place as Santiniketan. It was last year during Basanta Utsav (or Holi as we know it) I happened to visit this land of Rangamati and music.

The serenity of the place is gives you a chance to meet, greet and interact with the artsy community who call this area home. In this culturally intoxicating place, each season is celebrated in its own way. Winter marks the Poush Mela (a local fair of art and craft), followed by Basanta Utsav where abeer (gulal) smeared faces greets one other. Where nature is footloose, where Kopai River romances with its banks and love is free and happiness is all you can smell – Shantiniketan thy name it is.

********

Uttar Pradesh rarely gets tourist attention beyond Agra (Taj Mahal) and Lucknow. I believe UP is one of the least discovered states in India from the tourist point of view. Thanks to a few of my friends whose hometown is in UP, I had a chance to see this state from a different perspective: from visiting beautiful sites in the villages to staying in a traditional Indian family and experiencing the local culture.

Bithoor is a small town in UP, known mainly for its religious places. It lies on the banks of the Ganges River, which adds the scenic touch.

The picture is taken in Dhruv Teela stretching along the Ganges River. This is a nice place to relax, meditate and take a boat ride to enjoy the nature. Though I would love to keep the authenticity of this place, I also wish more people experience this view.

********

32. Khurja in Uttar Pradesh by Akanksha Dureja of Direct Dil Se

I had always seen Khurja from inside a train compartment during my travels from Delhi to Kanpur.Except the green fields visible from the train window, I thought there was nothing more to Khurja. Thanks to a few fellow travelers who shared their interesting stories of this small town tucked away between the agricultural and industrial belt of Uttar Pradesh, I realized what Khurja really is and  I set out to explore the town of blue pottery.

Nothing could have prepared me for Khurja beyond the railway platform. It took around three hours to reach Khurja from Delhi and I was pleasantly surprised.Lush green farms with ripe crop of corn, rice and countless summer bounties lead the way to a string of chimneys as we approached Khurja. Soon, we entered the town and a boring landscape turned into colorful ceramic artifacts lining the narrow streets. Thanks to an incorrect location set on Google Maps, I had skipped a big, fancy ceramic shop by the highway and had landed straight inside the town. That meant, this was the real deal. We stopped at a shop which looked like a small one from outside. As I went inside, I realized this was not just a shop, it was almost a warehouse. Walking through three floors of pretty pottery, I shopped my heart out! Talking to the people around, I realized that these artisans have been involved in the art since centuries. Some of them claim that their forefathers came to India from Afghanistan who migrated here for prosperity. Honestly, their stories were as intriguing as the beautiful pottery they make.

Badami looks like a sleepy, small town in one of the most rural area of Karnataka. However, between the two high rock cliffs of Badami lies some glorious milestones of the Indian History. The testimony of powerful Chalukyan Empire is scattered all around, the beautiful Agastya Tirtha Lake, Bhootnath Temple Complex, Badami Fort and

Archaeological Museum near the Northern Cliff , The famous four cave temples of Badami near the Southern Cliff on other side of the lake. The first three cave temples are famous for the carvings of Hindu God and Goddess -all cut out of a monolithic (single) rock of sandstone , and the fourth cave is dedicated to Jain Tirthankars.

Going slightly beyond the town of Badami, just 22 kms away, one can visit the Temple Complex at Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ancient temples at Aihole are further 12 kms away. Add the Gol Gumbaj of Bijapur and the vast open air archaeological museum of Hampi in a 4-5 days itinerary and it guarantees one of the most memorable experiences of the ancient Indian History.

Shekhawati Havelis  of Mandawa – also known as World’s largest open-air art gallery because of flawlessly painted frescoes on the walls of elaborate havelis in the area, Shekhawati—around 160 km (100 miles) from Jaipur or 200 km (124 miles) from Delhi—makes a charming day trip.

35. Bhainsrogarh in Rajasthan by Rishabh Shah of Gypsy Couple

Bhainsrorgarh is a fortified outpost of the Kingdom of Mewar, east of Chittorgarh in Rajasthan. Coveted because of its location, it has been owned the same family since 1741.

The Bhainsrorgarh Fort is a small living fort perched on a cliff overlooking the Chambal River with roughly about 5000 people living inside the fort walls. The fort was in a state of disrepair before being gradually and sympathetically restored by the owners and converted into a boutique luxury heritage hotel. More of a homestay given the personal attention and the fact that the owners live in the same fort albeit in a different wing. The fort itself is flanked by two rivers, the smaller river Bamani moves at a sluggish pace depositing its load into the ferocious river Chambal when they merge. The region abounds in farms and meadows growing over hilly outcrops and resembles the Scottish moors in the monsoons with the heavy mist and green cover.

36. Kurukshetra by Arvind Passey

Kurukshetra is not on the Delhi-Chandigarh highway though a short detour of around two and a half kilometres from Pipli takes you there. When you go to Kurukshetra, you are literally hopping from a modern day circus to a place where the Gods, the zodiac, cows, and a lot of stories come together in myriad ways. So you may be dazzled, confused, horrified, impressed, or even remain detached depending on what you are actually seeking.

The ghats like Arjun ghat or Yudhishtra ghat, the Kurukshetra Panorama Science Centre, and the Sannehit Sarovar revolve around Indian Gods and Goddesses like Krishna, Laxmi, Laxmi Narayan, Ganesh, and Kuber in ample space and sometimes air-conditioned environs. The cramped bazaars with their destiny of dust and traffic fumes effectively coat the excitement of rural shoppers, giving them a strange glow that seems to say, ‘I’m not bothered about what the pundits here say. I’m busy living my life.’

This place is full of formulas to appease every sort of grihas and gods… for instance, you are asked to offer water to the moon, salt or jaggery to the sun, yellow chanadal to the Guru, and then feed fresh green grass to the cows to appease Buddhgriha. It is also believed that anyone who performs shradh the right way at Sannehit, is freed of any debt to the ancestors.

This place is great for photographers as the place has thrilling opportunities where even rickshaw pullers love to pose as sadhus. This place is also full of stories if the writer within wishes to explore our link with all sorts of myths. Kurukshetra is for anyone who is a traveler and not a mere tourist.

********

Now, i have an interesting place, Majuli – The Biggest River Island in the world, to share with you all, which is being presented to us by Dr. Navina Jafa. Although I could not find an appropriate category for this but found it too tempting to miss. So here comes, natural wonder from India, The Majuli Island on Brahmaputra.

37. The River Island of Majuli in Assam

Looking at other geographical spaces and responses of humans manifested in tangible and intangible heritage and living cultures reflecting spiritual, economic, political or sociological impulses provides traveler to discover themselves. As an illustration of this I seek to introduce Majuli one of the largest river islands in the world in Jorhat district of the North Eastern State of Assam on the mighty Brahmaputra.

Ideally, one boards a ferry from Neemati Ghat in the morning and takes a return last ferry back at 4 pm. The island communicates a slow tempo of life’s rhythm and  eyes encounters the hypnotical green environment of  agricultural fields, swaying grasslands, waterbodies, sandbars and alluring houses on stilts.

The idea of retreat is highlighted with a visit to one of the 22 Satras. The Satra an organic socio-economic spiritual institution was initiated by the 15^thc religious Vaishnav activist Shankerdev and his disciples like Madhavdev. The sanctum carries not an idol but a beautifully wrapped scripture of Bhagwat Gita. The hierarchically organized monks are endowed with a host of traditional knowledge skills of painting, wood carving, mask making, agrarian culture, boat making, sculpture, drama, music, dance and cuisine. Most Assamese families consider Majuli their cultural spiritual nucleus and are affiliated to one Satra. The Satra performances with drums and cymbal bells draws the traveler to retreat within and hear the rhythm of oneself.

From the Satra, the traveler visits a Meshing village. The Meshings one of the largest indigenous groups in Assam are fascinating. On the religious front they worship both the sun and the moon, however, many of them today practice Christian and Hindu rituals. Apart from their fishing, boat making skills Mishings are master weavers whose textiles are defined by vivid colors and symbols from their myth.  An ideal step into their culture is to have a meal with them which is as exotic as their persona incorporating ferns, banana flowers and fish cooked and served in bamboos.

The reality that Majuli will soon disappear because of flooding and bank erosion looms large, and so does the overwhelming energy of the Branhmaputra River. Man seems so helpless, and this comes out clearly in two wonderful examples in Majuli, the initiative of the boat clinics by Centre for North East Studies and Policy Research which cater to inhabitants in sand bar islands on the river, and the story of the forest Meshing man Padma Sri awardee – Molai, or Jadav Payeng who believes Majuli can be saved by afforestation and has planted trees all his life such that a forest is called Molai.

While our senses at home are mesmerized by materialism and caught in an existentialist mode, such travels renews our souls looking at alternatives to life. Travelling to Majuli makes us realize that travel is among other things about personal renewal and transformation.

********

I am certain, now you have many more reasons to visit India 2017. Go Offbeat!

I am sure you have liked this list as this is the most comprehensive list of less explored places in India where leading travel bloggers have shared their favorite place. So, shower some more love and share this.

And, also comment below with the destination that has intrigued you the most and say thank you to the blogger for bringing that to you 🙂

********

Follow me on Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

#gooffbeat #incredibleIndia #everythingcandid #travelblogger #Himalayan #Coastal #Natural #Historical #Cultural

********