21 Lesser-Known Tourist Spots In India For An Incredible Travel Experience

We have all read and by now, know it by heart that ‘India is a vast country rich in diversities’. Needless to say that there is not one person who has explored or ever can explore the whole of India. Although, we can help you reach those places which not many have heard of. It is obvious that India has an abundance of unexplored/untouched places which still maintain their old world charm.

Let us take a look at some of these off-beat places that are hidden treasures situated in various parts of India:

1. Bhimbetka Caves, Bhojpur Raisen, Madhya Pradesh

A UNESCO world heritage site, it is comprised of seven hills and 750 rock shelters adorned with paintings, spread over 10 kms. It is believed that some of the shelters were inhabited by the homo-erectus more than 1,00,000 years ago. The caves are surrounded by spellbinding natural beauty of lush green forests giving an impression of a fortress situated around 100 metres above the surrounding area. Winter and monsoon seasons are the best times to visit the caves.

How to get there- You can reach the Bhopal airport/railway station which is around 45 kms from the caves. From there, you can take a cab to reach the caves.

2. Cupan Caves, Loliem Beach, Goa

Located around around 15-20 kms from the popular beaches of Palolem and Agonda, this hidden gem is a breath of fresh air for tourists looking for something unique! This L-shaped cave, carved out by nature, is 90 m in length and is formed over a period of thousand years due to heavy waves falling on and eroding the meta basalt rocks. The most favourable time to visit these caves is from mid November to mid February.

How to get there- You can either drive down from Palolem Beach/ Agonda Beach.

3. Dzuleke, Kohima Nagaland

This village n the Kohima district of Nagaland is beauty personified. It gets its name from two words ‘Dzu’, which means water and ‘Leke’, which means underground in their local dialect; and means that the river Dzuleke flows underground in this village. Isn’t it something unique? It is a quaint village known for its culture and natural beauty. The best time to visit this village is not limited to any number of months, you can choose to explore this serene village any time of the year. However, we wouldn’t advise you to head for a trip here in monsoons.

How to get there- You can take a cab/drive down from the Dimapur railway station to reach Dzuleke.

4. Nighoj Potholes, Ahmednagar District, Maharashtra

Situated about 90 kms from Pune, the river bed of Kukadi river houses potholes and a gorge which have been naturally created by the river’s fierce flow over a long period of time. It is the largest natural potholes in Asia. These potholes are spread over 2-3 kms and have varying depths all through. The best time to visit this place is in summers, especially during the months of April and May.

How to get there- You can drive down from Pune which is around 90km away or from Mumbai, which is around 245 km away from here.

5. Krem Puri Caves, Meghalaya

These caves, situated in Meghalaya, were discovered recently in the year 2016 by the Meghalaya Adventure Association. These are the longest sandstone caves in the world with a whopping length of 24,583 metres. The underground cavern here beat the former world record holder the Cueva Del Saman in Edo Zulia, situated in Venezuela, a quartzite sandstone cave which measured 18,200 metres in length by 6000 metres. These caves also bore fossils of dinosaurs such as Mosasaurus, which lived 66-67 million years ago. The most favourable time to visit these caves is from September to May.

How to get there- You can take a train to Shillong/Guwahati and drive down to the caves.

6. Garadia Mahadev Temple, Kota, Rajasthan

This temple in Kota, Rajasthan is dedicated to lord Shiva is located on one of the cliffs on the sides of river Chambal. The river, flowing through a gorge, is surrounded by cliffs on both the sides and this provides you with a breath-taking view. This hidden gem is ideal for picnics or just for a quite time spent amidst the most peaceful and beautiful surroundings. The best time to visit this temple is from September to May, although it is said that monsoons add to the beauty of this place.

How to get there- You can take a cab from the Kota city/railway station to reach the temple.

7. Dzongu, Sikkim

Located around 70 kms away from the state capital, Gangtok, Dzongu is a triangular region which is surrounded by Teesta river in the south-east, Tholung Chu river in the north-east and mountains in the west. This region is untouched and retains its natural beauty and culture. Rich in flora and fauna, Dzongu houses cold rivulets, hot springs, lush greens and around five natural waterfalls. The ideal time to visit Dzongu is between March and May.

How to get there- From Gangtok, you can take a cab or choose to trek to Dzungo.

8. Nubra valley, Leh, Jammu and Kashmir

Think magnificent sand dunes combined with snow covered mountains, Shyok river basin, hot springs and bactrian camels in a cold desert, think Nubra valley. Public transportation is not something that you will find easily, therefore, it is best to take your own vehicle/ cab. This valley is warmer during the summers so it is the best time to visit the place as the temperature can go down to -40 degrees in winters.

How to get there- The valley is approachable through Leh which is around 120 kms from here. You can either reach Leh by train or air and then board a bus or hire a cab to take you to the valley.

9. Chandipur Beach, Balasore, Odisha

This beach is known for its unique ‘vanishing sea’ phenomenon as it recedes around 5 kms everyday during ebb (low) tide and comes back at high tide. It is a magical treat for the soul and makes you wonder at the bounty of nature! The beach is calm and houses sand dunes and a rocky coast which gives a little romantic feel to it. Moreover, during the low tide you can walk to explore the sea bed uptil a huge distance, which you usually can’t in the case of any beach. The best time to visit this beach is from September to February.

How to get there- You can reach Balasore by train and then hire a cab or take a bus/auto to get to the beach.

10. Maravanthe, Udupi, Karnataka

A place that can leave you spellbound with its magnificient surroundings, Maravanthe is considered one of the most beautiful beaches of Karnataka. Located around 55 kms from Udipi, the highway (NH66) runs right along the beach. What adds to the beauty is the river Suparnika, that flows on the other side of the highway. It makes for a spectacular drive from Udipi to Karwar and the sunsets here are not to be missed. The best time to visit this place is between September and March.

How to get there- You can reach Mangalore, which is the nearest railway station and take a cab from there on.

11. Chembra Lake, Wayanad, Kerala

This natural beauty is one of its kind in India as it is a heart shaped lake situated on the way to Chembra Peak while trekking through the Wayanad range. It is believed to have never dried up. Preferred time to visit this place would be in winters while visiting in monsoons should be avoided.

How to get there- It is around 350 kms from Bangalore and is considered one of the best weekend getaways. You can reach Meppady and head for a trek to the Chembra peak from there as this lake and place is best explored while trekking.

12. Chalakudy, Thrissur, Kerala

Located around 47 kms north of Kochi and 30 kms south of Thrissur, this beautiful town is situated on the banks of river Chalakudy and sits amidst the splendid beauty of nature. Chalakudy is surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary, a hill station, Athirapalli waterfalls, backwaters of Mala and Azhicode Munakkal beach. The best time to visit this place is from December to March.

How to get there- You can take a train from Ernakulam and reach Chalakudy. From there, you can take a cab ride to Athirapally.

13. Majuli, Assam

If you are a bird lover, this place is a must-visit. Majuli is an island in the roaring Bramhaputra river and is one of the largest islands in the world. It is home many endangered species of birds and animals along with being a host to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Although, it is most likely to disappear in the coming decades due to continuous erosion by the river. So, if you plan to visit this beautiful island, we would advise you to do that soon enough. The perfect time to visit this island is any time between October and March.

How to get there- It is located around 20 kms from the Jorhat town in Assam. You can reach Nimati Steamer Ghat by a cab and then board the ferries that would take you to the island.

14. Cola beach, South Goa, Goa

Just a 10 minutes drive from Agonda beach and 20 minutes from Palolem beach, lies this hidden jewel, located in the south of Goa. The unique thing about this beach is the lagoon which is formed by the river flowing into the sea. It is a beautiful sight considering this beach is one of most tranquil beaches in Goa and till date remains untouched by commercial tourism. As far as the best time to visit is concerned, well, Goa doesn’t need a perfect time. Once you reach here, time turns perfect!

How to get there- You can take a cab or drive down to this beautiful beach from anywhere in Goa.

15. Shettihalli Church, Hassan, Karnataka

Also known as the ‘submerged church’ or the ‘floating church’, Shettihalli Church is located around 2 kms from Shettihalli in Karnataka. Depicting Gothis architecture, this church was built in 1860s by the French missionaries in India, however, was abandoned by 1960 due to the construction of Hemavati Dam and Reservoir. During monsoons, the church is a magnificent sight as it gets half submerged in the water. Ideally, to enjoy the full beauty of this place, you should visit the place twice. One during the months of July-October when the church is partially submerged and then in December-May, when the water level receded and you can catch the beauty of the church in its full glory!

How to get there- Shettihalli can be reached by road from Bangalore, which is around 200 kms away.

16. Narara Marine National Park, Jamnagar, Gujarat

Want to experience the coral marine life without having to dive into the water? This place is just where you need to head in that case! This marine park is located close to Vadinar village. The path leading to the park is soiled and dirty, but it is totally worth the sight that welcomes you. In and around the park, you will find flamingos, pelicans, salt marshes, mangroves, sea weeds, octopus, puffer fish, stingray, sea cucumber, corals, crabs and many other marine life forms. You can also catch a glimpse of the birds feeding on the fish in the inter-tidal region of the park. It is India’s first marine national park. You can visit this place anytime during the year, however, winters and pre-monsoons are most preferred. Although, we would advise you to check the timings of the low tide before chalking any plans.

How to get there- You can reach Jamnagar, which is about 60 kms from the park and then take a cab from there.

17. Dharmadam Island, Kannur, Kerala

With an area of around 2 hectare, this island is a treat for the eyes! It is a small island covered with coconut palms and dense bush and is just 100 metres away from the mainland at Dharmadham. It is also called the ‘Green Island’ and can be reached on foot from the beach during a low tide. This island is suorounded by Anjarakandy river on three sides and the Arabian Sea on the fourth. The best time to visit this island is between the months of October and May.

How to get there- This island can be reached by a boat from the Moidu Bridge located along the Kannur-Thaleserri highway.

18. Nongkhnum river island, Nongstoin, Meghalaya

This island is the biggest river island in Meghalaya and is completely inhabited unlike the other river islands. Nongkhnum island is located around 15 kms from Nongstoin and is formed where the Kynshi river bifurcates into Phanliang river and Manliang river. There is nothing that can beat the tranquility and serenity that is offered by this island. You can just sit here and enjoy the breathtaking views. The most perfect time to enjoy this island is from October to April.

How to get there- Once you reach Nongstoin from Guwahati, you can trek your way through the villages of Lawse, Mawduh and Mawthar to reach the island.

19. Tirthan Valley, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh

This one is a real hidden treasure in the lap of Himalayas. It remains untouched and explored by most, and is one of the best kept secrets of Himachal Pradesh. We all know that the best way to reach Manali is driving all the way. The Kullu-Manali highway takes you alongside river Indus and is one of the most beautiful drives in India. Located at an altitude of 1600 metres along the highway, just before the Tirthan river meets the Indus river, is this magnificent valley rich in natural beauty and adventurous activities alike! You can even do some trout fishing here. The best time to visit this valley is from March to June and October to November.

How to get there- It falls next to the Kullu-Manali highway, around 26 kms from the Aut turn.

20. Savandurga, Karnataka

Believed to be the largest monolith in Asia, it is located around 60 kms from Bangalore. This place is haven for campers and people interested in trekking and rock climbing. The ruins of Kempegowda fort on top of the hill are also visible from a distance. The best time to visit this place is in summers as monsoons can dampen you trekking plans.

How to get there- From Bangalore, you can take a train upto Magadi and trek your way upto Savandurga hill.

21. Bhedaghat, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh

The sight of boating on river Narmada, while being surrounded by tall mountains made of marble will stay with you forever! For Bollywood buffs, this was where the song ‘Raat ka nasha’ from the movie Asoka was shot. It is located around 20 kms from Jabalpur city. While here, one must also explore the Dhuandhar falls and the Chausanth Yogini temple. For an unforgettable experience, choose a moonlight nice for the ride on river Narmada. The best time to visit Bhedaghat is between March to June and October to January.

How to get there- You can take buses or autos from Jabalpur to reach Bhedaghat. You can also take a motorboat from the Panchvati Ghat, which takes about 50 minutes of riding along the river.

So, if you think you have explored it all, think again. There is so much more to this country that most of us are not aware of. Most of us plan to explore tourist places which are popular and or tourist friendly. And considering how vast India is, it is bound to have unlimited hidden treasures. Therefore, next time you set out to explore India, do consider these options as well.

Also read- 18 Unexplored Hill Stations In India To Visit Before Everyone Else Gets There