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This Pandemic has not only affected our physical well-being but has also affected our psychological health by taking what we love the most “the adventure” that gives us a zeal to live. But worry not, after it all ends you can embark on a new journey to quench the thirsty traveller in you.
If you are one of the “let’s take the road less travelled by” souls then treading the below is just your cup of tea. Here are the 25 underrated and less travelled destinations around our beautiful country that you should definitely try!!
1. Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple
If you are a Banglorite and tired of the monotonous routine of everyday work, you can choose this exquisite and spiritual spot to reconnect with yourself.
Situated at the base of Nandi Hills, you will find yourself at one of the oldest Shiva temples of Karnataka, a 9th century Marvell. Known for its beautiful and large “Kalyani” or “Pushkarni” pond encompassed by steps leading to it.
Later extended by the reputed dynasties of the Gangas who built The Arunachaleshwara temple which represents Lord Shiva in his childhood, the Hoysalas built the Uma Maheshwara Temple depicting the marriage of Shiva and Parvati and the main Shiva temple Bhoga Nandeeshwara built by the Cholas representing Lord Shiva’s youth.
Also, the Yoga Narasimha temple which depicts Shiva’s renunciation is present at the top of the very famous and popular Nandi hills.
2. Kopatty Trek
This is one of the untouched treks, you can expect to find little or no people on the trail. This trek starts from the Charambane temple and the trail can be found from the Kopatti temple.
If you are kind of sceptical about trekking in this secluded place on your own, you can join one of the many trekking groups from Bangalore like the “Nature Walkers”. One of the most unique aspects of this trek is that you can find all range of landscapes ranging from paddy fields, which continues to forest trails, opens out to a meadow, water streams, outspread meadow and lush green grassland towards the peak, which is one the best experience for the trekking passionate and the distance from Bangalore makes it the most convenient trek for a weekend.
3. Chota-Ladakh
Dream to go on a trip to Ladakh but can’t due to these unprecedented circumstances you can visit one near Banglore! There’s a place called Chota Ladakh which falls within 100kms from Bangalore. Also called ‘Dodda Ayur’, with crystal blue water, surrounded by the dry white stone hills, the landscape here closely resembles that of Ladakh.
This short-trip for you can be a perfect combination of a long drive, passing through a secluded village and then a bit of off-roading on the last stretch of the road. Since this is an open space, it is recommended to visit there early in the morning to avoid the scorching heat.
Also, a word of precaution to not try to swim in those waters since a lot of drownings have been reported here and the water is known to be chemical-ridden from where it supposedly gets its blue colour.
4. Chikmagalur
It is a hill station situated in Karnataka and is known for its coffee plantations and pleasant weather. And is also know for it’s Baba Budangiri range. You can go for site seeing, off-road jeep safari and if you are a fan of adventure, you can take yourself to Kayaking or river rafting!
5. Masinagudi
For a nature buff, Masinagudi is just the right place! Located in the Nilgiri district is the most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries. With so much of vegetation and wildlife to see here, the place offers incredible natural beauty.
6. Kodachadri
The Kodachadri hill is a Natural Heritage Site, which is part of the Western Ghats and forms a lovely backdrop to the famous Kollur Mookambika Temple. Famed for its glorious sunrises and sunsets, this hill range is part of the Mookambika Temple Nature Reserve. The peak of Kodachadri (at an altitude of 1343 m above sea level) can be reached by a five-hour trek. Trekking in Kodachadri hill with friends or as a bunch of solo travellers can be an adventurous and spiritual experience.
On the western side, the hill descends steeply for about 1220 m, meeting the forests of the Udupi district. The trek up to the ancient temple from this point involves a climb of 4 km through thick jungle trails. Kollur is an ideal base from which to explore the hills. The name Kodachadri is derived from the Sanskrit language word Kutaja, meaning Jasmine of the Hills.
7. Iruppu Falls
Iruppu Falls are located at the Brahmagiri Range in the Kodagu district in Karnataka. It would be the best place to go on a one-day trip for those from Kozhikode, Malappuram and Wayanad districts.
This place is believed to possess the power to cleanse one’s sins and is visited by thousands of devotees from far and near on Shivaratri day.
8. Galta Temple
Located on the Delhi-Agra highway this is a serene location on the mountains. You can climb up to reach the Galta Ji Temple and descend down to get inside the temple. One of the best unexplored places near Jaipur, it also has a holy pond.
The walls of this temple, inside the City Palace, are beautifully decorated with carvings and paintings that make this place worth visiting. The temple of Galtaji is unique in its architecture and was built like a palace.
9. Vizag
Also known as the “Goa of the East Coast” is the largest city in Andhra Pradesh. it has beautiful virgin beaches, laterite hillocks, and stunning landscapes.
This port town, named after Baisakha, the god of valour, cradles vast stretches of golden sun-kissed beaches, ancient monuments, and thriving industries.
10. Bhalukhop
Located at an altitude of 5300 feet, Bhalukop mostly remains covered with fog. The weather here is truly pleasant during the summers and freezes during the winter. The clean air, healthy food, and chirping of birds will make your stay here a memorable one. Some of the attractions here are the Delo Park and viewpoint, Hanuman Temple, Buddha Statue, etc.
11. Borong
With Himalayas at its backdrop, you can stay at a cottage in Borong among the pines and firs. The sunrise over the mighty Himalays range is a spectacular sight that you must not miss. You can also experience the hot water springs at the banks of Rangit river.
12. Kolakham
A small picturesque village, inside of Neora Valley. Kolakham offers a majestic view of mighty Kanchenjunga, it is also the only pollution-free village in India! But the best time to visit Kolakham is from March to April.
One of the major attractions of Kolakham, this 100 feet waterfall located about 6 kilometres from the village is worth visiting. Kolakham is perfect for nature lovers and tourists who look out for less crowded places.
13. Asirgarh Fort, Burhanpur
Asirgarh Fort is an Indian fortress that is located in the Satpura Range. It is known as the “key to the Deccan”. The beauty of Asirgarh Fort lies in its marvellous architecture and surreal location.
From the top of the fort, you can enjoy beautiful views of the Satpura Range and photograph its nascent beauty.
14. Kangra Fort
Kangra Fort is located at the outskirts of Kangra town. It is one of the largest forts in the Himalayas.
The river Banganga and Patal Ganga embrace each other at the base of this majestic fort. There are three temples inside the fort ~ Ambika Devi Temple, Shitalamata Temple and Lakshmi Narayan Temple.
The Kangra Fort is said to have 21 treasure wells which are a significant attraction.
15. Majuli, Assam
Majuli is a surreal place. It is the world’s largest freshwater island in the river Brahmaputra. This place is inhabited by tribals. It is the spot for migratory birds, the Lesser Whistling Duck Dendrocygna javanica sometimes gathers in hundreds on large bells, along with other waterfalls. This unmatched beauty with mesmerizing sunsets is a must-visit.
16. Bishnupur, West Bengal
Every year the weeklong festival “Bishnupur Mela” held in Poush (December-January) is a unique experience of the ‘Bishnupur culture’ in the West Bengal.
You can marvel at the beautiful architecture and detailed terracotta work as the carvings on the temples.
17. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Spiti, the middle land is situated between India and Tibet. The valley boasts a jagged landscape that is cut by the pristine and fast-flowing Spiti river. The spectacular view of the majestic Himalayan deserts is worth experiencing. t is also home to the world’s oldest Buddhist cultural centre –
Tabo Monastery, Dhankar Monastery, and Key Monastery. The Spiti Valley Road is one of the toughest adventure roads left on this planet.
18. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
The Tawang Monastery is one of the gems in Arunachal Pradesh recognized as the second-largest monastery in the world. It use to be a part of Tibet inhabited by the Monpa people.
19. Mechukha, Arunachal Pradesh
Also known as the the Land of Dawnlit Mountains. It’s a small town at an elevation of 6,000 ft in the Mechuka Valley in West Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh.
It is popularly known for the 400 years old Buddhist Monastery, which is located at a hilltop in the westernmost part of Mechuka. With an enthralling beauty, this place is quaint and extremely beautiful.
20. Kohima
Known as the land of festivals, it is the hilly capital of the state of Nagaland. It is home to the Angami Naga tribe. The place is very peaceful and un faltered by the outside world. The place is wrapped in breathtaking scenic views at the foothills of the lustrous and evergreen hills on the borderline of this village.
Hornbill festival is most sought after in the northeast, it is from December 1-10 every year. This festival is very important and considered sacred.
21. Mandu, Madhya Pradesh
With great views to offer, Mandu is a small town in Madhya Pradesh near Indore. Mandu bags historical places and their related stories. Moderate climate in mandu makes the visit happening. You have to visit the Rani Roopmati Pavilion here. It bears witness to the incomplete and tragic love story between the beautiful queen and Baz Bahadur and offers a picturesque view.
22. Auli, Uttarakhand
Auli is a Himalayan ski resort and hill station in the north Indian state of Uttarakhand. North of Auli is the colourful Badrinath Temple, a Hindu pilgrimage site, and the Valley of Flowers National Park, with its alpine flora and wildlife like snow leopards and red foxes.
Auli can be visited all through the year. Auli is a magical place. It will be an absolutely amazing and relaxing experience once you get there. You could go for the unique skiing experience at Auli.
23. Patan, Gujarat
With a rich history, vibrant culture, beautiful architecture and an impressive tradition of folk art, the town of Patan is one of Gujarat’s historical ancient cities and most visited by tourists. The city contains many Hindu and Jain temples as well as few mosques, dargahs and Rojas.
It is famous for Patola sarees, one of the finest hand-made textiles in the world.
24. Bodh Gaya, Bihar
Considered one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, it’s dominated by the ancient brick Mahabodhi Temple Complex, built to mark the site where the Buddha attained enlightenment beneath a sacred Bodhi Tree. The statue is 80 feet high developed in collaboration with japan government and engineers. You can not go inside this statue.
A beautiful tribute to a great soul the proponent of the compassionate Buddhism religion So well kept a tall tranquil Beauty!
25. Unakoti, Tripura
Tripura is identified for its marvellous rock carvings, murals with their primitive beauty, and waterfalls. It makes a nice place for hiking, trekking, and other activities as the natural offerings of the area. It is ‘Shaiba’
pilgrimage that dates back to the 7th – 9th centuries almost. If you’re looking for a truly unique and wonderful travel experience, this is it!
A unique site where Siva is depicted as a tribal god, The place is open from sunrise to sunset. During rainy time, one can also see beautiful waterfalls in these images.
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