A vacation for most Indians is all about going to crowded tourist destinations like Jammu & Kashmir, Shimla, Goa, Jaipur, Udaipur, famous lakes, temples and heritage sites etc. Not many plan a trip to villages that have a lot in store for nature lovers.
The perfect escape from the hustle-bustle of cities, here you can indulge in incredible experiences. Vacations in these lesser-known locales of the country are truly memorable.
Today, many people are looking for less-frequented destinations. So, here are some of the most beautiful villages in India that you must visit at least once that not only provide a relaxing getaway but also some cherished memories. Take a look:
Mawlynnong Village is also known as God¡¯s Own Garden and for all the right reasons, it's the cleanest village in Asia. In 2003, Mawlynnong was awarded the title of the Cleanest Village in Asia. Alongside cleanliness, the village has achieved a lot- be it a 100 percent literacy rate, or a women empowerment scenario that the rest of the world can only dream of.
Soaked in the bliss of the North East, the charming Ziro Valley has a small-town charm. The verdant beauty is hidden in the hills of Arunachal Pradesh. It is one of the off-beat vacation spots in India. If you appreciate soul-satisfying music then the Ziro festival of music will surely touch the chords of your heart.
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This small undiscovered hamlet is located along the India-China border. From snow-capped mountains to pristine lakes and lush green mountains, Nako village will surely leave you mesmerised. If you visit Nako during the winters then you can go skiing with your friends and family and during the summers you can go for a boat ride and visit ancient monasteries.
Lamayouro is a village in the Leh district of Ladakh, painted with saturated shades of brown, gray and white. Lamayouro is where lovely little houses are scattered around its largest and one of the oldest Monasteries.
Sikkim's Zuluk is one such offbeat destination, which lies on the ancient Silk route. Although the place does not boast of many tourist attractions other than a cave Nag temple, it offers a glimpse into paradise in the form of a majestic sunrise view which makes one feel truly at peace and one with nature.
Poovar is a quiet coastal village tucked at the southern tip of Trivandrum. The village is filled with scenic places that you can visit. The best part about this town is that you need not leave your houseboats and can just ride to those spots through the backwaters that connect the different parts of Poovar. The famous BhadraKali temple is located in its vicinity as well.
Catch a sign of the snow-laden peaks of Kanchenjunga from this breathtaking village in Ravangla. This place is home to a variety of Himalayan birds so during the evenings you can sit outside and watch different species of birds.
One of the most beautiful villages in India¨C Malana has been called 'one of the oldest democracies in the world. The villagers believe that they have pure Aryan genes and that they are descendants of Alexander the Great's soldiers. The village offers many hiking spots like the Chandrakhani pass, the Rashol pass, and the mesmerizing Jari falls. Every nature lover must visit at least once in their lifetime.?
Diskit is set in the remote region of Ladakh. The village is surrounded by the beauty and thrill that Ladakh has to offer its many visitors. The townhouses the Diskit Monastery which was built in the 14th century. The village also plays host to the statue of Maitreya Buddha who is said to have blessed the town.?
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Majuli is the largest river island in the world and one of the best experiences of the enchanting villages in India. Located on the banks of Brahmaputra River. This village offers a great blend of culture and history which allures people from all across the globe. The island of Majuli is only accessible via ferries which can be taken from Jorhat.
Landour is a quaint little town in Uttarakhand best known for being the home to the famous author Ruskin Bond. This little, serene mountain village is slowly emerging as a popular tourist destination for those who seek solace.
This village is set at the highest point of the western ghats in the state of Kerala. With the blend of bliss of hills and the charm of a small town Idukki is a gem of Kerala. The village boasts a lot of natural beauty that includes lakes, forests, waterfalls, Jungle trails etc.
If you want to explore the spectacular relics of history, try out sports, wildlife safaris or simply relish the beauty of the desert, you should visit Khimsar, a tiny hamlet in the centre of Rajasthan. The quaint village is perfect to learn everything about surviving the desert.
Nandi Hills, nestled at a height of 1478 m above sea level is a town in Karnataka blessed with a pleasant climate throughout the year. The town is named after the famous statue of the mythical bull ¡®Nandi¡¯ who guards the Yoganandeeshwara Temple.?
Kibber is also known as Kyibar is a village high in the Spiti Valley in the Himalayas at 4270 metres or 14,200 ft in Himachal Pradesh in northern India. It contains a monastery and the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary. At the altitude of about 14000ft, Kibber village is a mesmerizing land inhabiting few locals within a gorgeous naturescape that paints perfect imagery of rough-hewn brown and white texture.
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