India’s potential as a great tourist destination is endless. It offers a great variety of amazing places to be such as beaches, mountain trails, resorts, rainforests, deserts, historical infrastructure, and even villages that contain India’s rich and diverse culture. So whether you’re one for traditional tourist hotspots or you want something off-the-path, surely there’s enough places in India to satisfy your wants.
Here we list 10 off-beat destinations that you simply must see while you’re in India. Enjoy!
1. The Roopkund Lake
Located in one of the most inhospitable regions of the Himalayan mountain range, the Roopkund Lake or more commonly known as “The Skeleton Lake” is truly a sight to behold. Beautiful in an almost dreadful and haunting fashion, this lake houses about 300-600 skeletons dating back to the 15th century.
2. The Magnetic Hill of Ladakh
One of the more modern curiosities of India, the Magnetic Hill located in Ladakh is named for its… well, magnetic capabilities. Position your car at the bottom of this hill, turn the ignition off, and watch your car move up the hill by some almost unexplainable magnetic force.
3. The Phugtal Monastery
Built inside a massive cave carved beside a steep mountain, the Phugtal Monastery is certainly a unique tourist destination. The architecture of this simple monastery is astounding, both in the aesthetical and structural levels, seeing as it has been built back in 12th century.
4. The Andretta Village
Also known as the artist’s village in Northern India, the Andretta Village attracts people with artistic souls from all over the world. Its quiet and meditative environment is also bursting with inspiration from all sides, from the snow-white mountains surrounding it to the vast plains that lie beyond its paths.
5. The Chadar Trek
The Chadar Trek is also known as the Frozen River Trek and is a must-see place if you’re craving for a one-of-a-kind experience. With the sub-zero temperature sweeping across the treks Zanskar, the result is a collection of natural icy sculptures of different shapes and designs.
6. Valley of Flowers, Uttaranchal
The natural flora and fauna of India will certainly not disappoint. For instance, one look at the Valley of Flowers in Uttaranchal will definitely send you to a state of frenzy; with its collection of alpine flowers endemic to the area – orchids, marigolds, poppies, and even anemones – will feed your senses with bursts of color and scents.
7. Orchha Palace
India is known for its rich and exciting history and what better way to get a glimpse of this than by visiting the Orchha Palace in Madhya Pradesh? The buildings here splendidly made, and hidden within their walls are stories of India’s historical royal figures such as Maharaja Rudra Pratap Singh.
8. Karni Mata Temple
In India, it is believed that sometime in the 14th century, the goddess Durga reincarnated herself as a human being through a woman called Mata. She is honored by the people through the Karni Mata Temple in Bikaner, Rajasthan. You will find that the rats here are worshiped and considered holy as they are believed to be Mata’s children.
9. The Vadi Tribe
If you are looking for some exotic treats, you should really go out and see the Vadi Tribe located in Gujarat. This tribe is known as professional snake charmers, with practices dating as far back as the 10th century. Even children as young as two years old are taught of the ancient practices to prepare them for their eventual task for their village.
10. The Pangong Lake
Situated 4350 meters above sea level, the Pangong Lake is a great place to be during summertime when the icy waters of the lake can definitely beat the scorching heat of the Indian desert. Pair that with the crystal blue sky and refreshingly barren mountains surrounding the area, you’re left with a tourist paradise that is one-of-a-kind!
If you know of any other off-beat destinations of India, be sure to leave them in the comments section below.
