As the winter chill sets in, many of us start planning our next vacation. While popular destinations like Shimla, Manali, and Goa are always a hit, why not try something new this winter? Here are 10 offbeat tourist spots to visit in India this winter vacation:
Introduction
Are you tired of visiting the same old tourist destinations in India? Do you want to experience the real India, beyond the crowds and chaos of the popular tourist spots? Then join us on a journey to 10 offbeat tourist spots in India that will take you off the beaten path and into the heart of this incredible country. From the stunning natural beauty of the Himalayas to the vibrant culture of the south, these destinations offer a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers.
1. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh:
This picturesque town is nestled in the Himalayas and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Visit the Tawang Monastery, one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in India.
Where to Visit:
- Tawang Monastery: One of the largest Buddhist monasteries in India, located at an altitude of 10,000 feet.
- Sela Pass: A high-altitude mountain pass that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
- Nuranang Falls: A beautiful waterfall located near the town of Tawang.
What to Do:
- Trekking: Tawang offers several trekking routes, including the Tawang Chu Valley trek and the Gorichen Peak trek.
- Sightseeing: Visit the Tawang Monastery, Sela Pass, and Nuranang Falls.
- Culture: Experience the local Monpa culture and try their traditional cuisine.
Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
This remote valley is a trekker’s paradise, with its rugged terrain, snow-capped mountains, and picturesque villages. Visit the Key Monastery, one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the region.
Where to Visit:
- Key Monastery: One of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the region, located at an altitude of 13,668 feet.
- Dhankar Monastery: A 16th-century Buddhist monastery located at an altitude of 12,774 feet.
- Chandratal Lake: A beautiful high-altitude lake located at an altitude of 14,100 feet.
What to Do:
- Trekking: Spiti Valley offers several trekking routes, including the Spiti Valley trek and the Pin Parvati trek.
- Sightseeing: Visit the Key Monastery, Dhankar Monastery, and Chandratal Lake.
- Culture: Experience the local Buddhist culture and try their traditional cuisine.
3. Nubra Valley, Ladakh:
Located in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, Nubra Valley is a stunning destination that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Visit the Diskit Monastery, one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the region.
Where to Visit:
- Diskit Monastery: One of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the region, located at an altitude of 10,300 feet.
- Hunder Sand Dunes: A unique landscape of sand dunes located at an altitude of 10,000 feet.
- Panamik Village: A picturesque village located at an altitude of 10,400 feet.
What to Do:
- Trekking: Nubra Valley offers several trekking routes, including the Nubra Valley trek and the Panamik trek.
- Sightseeing: Visit the Diskit Monastery, Hunder Sand Dunes, and Panamik Village.
- Culture: Experience the local Buddhist culture and try their traditional cuisine.
4. Kovalam, Kerala:
This picturesque beach town on the Arabian Sea is a perfect destination for those looking to escape the cold winter weather. Enjoy water sports, visit the Kovalam Lighthouse, and relax on the beach.
Where to Visit:
- Kovalam Beach: A picturesque beach located on the Arabian Sea.
- Lighthouse Beach: A popular beach located near the Kovalam Lighthouse.
- Vellayani Lake: A beautiful lake located near the town of Kovalam.
What to Do:
- Water Sports: Enjoy water sports like surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding on the Kovalam Beach.
- Sightseeing: Visit the Kovalam Lighthouse, Vellayani Lake, and the nearby town of Trivandrum.
- Relaxation: Relax on the beach, enjoy a massage, or try yoga and meditation.
5. Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh:
This hill station in central India is a hidden gem that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Visit the Pachmarhi Lake, the Jata Shankar Cave, and the Pandava Caves.
Where to Visit:
- Pachmarhi Lake: A beautiful lake located in the heart of the town.
- Jata Shankar Cave: A unique cave located near the town of Pachmarhi.
- Pandava Caves: A group of five caves located near the town of Pachmarhi.
What to Do:
- Trekking: Pachmarhi offers several trekking routes, including the Pachmarhi trek and the Satpura National Park trek.
- Sightseeing: Visit the Pachmarhi Lake, Jata Shankar Cave, and the Pandava Caves.
- Wildlife: Visit the Satpura National Park, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and sloth bears.
6. Cherrapunji, Meghalaya:
This picturesque town in northeastern India is known for its stunning natural beauty, with rolling hills, waterfalls, and caves. Visit the Seven Sisters Falls, the Mawsmai Cave, and the Thangkharang Park.
Where to Visit:
- Seven Sisters Falls: A beautiful waterfall located near the town of Cherrapunji.
- Mawsmai Cave: A unique cave located near the town of Cherrapunji.
- Thangkharang Park: A beautiful park located near the town of Cherrapunji.
What to Do:
- Trekking: Cherrapunji offers several trekking routes, including the Cherrapunji trek and the Mawsmai trek.
- Sightseeing: Visit the Seven Sisters Falls, Mawsmai Cave, and the Thangkharang Park.
- Culture: Experience the local Khasi culture and try their traditional cuisine.
7. Auli, Uttarakhand:
This ski resort town in the Garhwal Himalayas is a perfect destination for adventure seekers. Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and trekking in the surrounding hills and valleys.
Where to Visit:
- Auli Ski Resort: A popular ski resort located at an altitude of 9,500 feet.
- Gurson Bugyal: A beautiful meadow located at an altitude of 10,000 feet.
- Chenab Lake: A picturesque lake located near the town of Auli.
What to Do:
- Skiing: Enjoy skiing and snowboarding at the Auli Ski Resort.
- Trekking: Auli offers several trekking routes, including the Auli-Kuari Pass trek and the Gurson Bugyal trek.
- Sightseeing: Visit the Gurson Bugyal, Chenab Lake, and the nearby town of Joshimath.
8. Majuli Island, Assam:
This picturesque island in the Brahmaputra River is a hidden gem that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visit the Kamalabari Satra, the Auniati Satra, and the Garmur Satra.
Where to Visit:
- Kamalabari Satra: A 16th-century monastery located on the island.
- Auniati Satra: A 17th-century monastery located on the island.
- Garmur Satra: A 17th-century monastery located on the island.
What to Do:
- Culture: Experience the local Assamese culture and try their traditional cuisine.
- Sightseeing: Visit the Kamalabari Satra, Auniati Satra, and the Garmur Satra.
- Wildlife: Visit the Majuli Island Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, fish, and turtles.
9. Kalimpong, West Bengal:
This picturesque hill station in the Darjeeling Hills is a perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Visit the Kalimpong Monastery, the Deolo Hill, and the Morgan House.
Where to Visit:
- Kalimpong Monastery: A beautiful Buddhist monastery located at an altitude of 4,100 feet.
- Deolo Hill: A picturesque hill located at an altitude of 5,500 feet.
- Morgan House: A historic house located near the town of Kalimpong.
What to Do:
- Culture: Experience the local Buddhist culture and try their traditional cuisine.
- Sightseeing: Visit the Kalimpong Monastery, Deolo Hill, and the Morgan House.
- Trekking: Kalimpong offers several trekking routes, including the Kalimpong trek and the Deolo Hill trek.
10. Dhanaulti, Uttarakhand:
This picturesque hill station in the Garhwal Himalayas is a hidden gem that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Visit the Dhanaulti Hill, the Surkanda Devi Temple, and the Eco Park.
Where to Visit:
- Dhanaulti Hill: A picturesque hill located at an altitude of 7,800 feet.
- Surkanda Devi Temple: A beautiful temple located near the town of Dhanaulti.
- Eco Park: A beautiful park located near the town of Dhanaulti.
What to Do:
- Trekking: Dhanaulti offers several trekking routes, including the Dhanaulti trek and the Surkanda Devi trek.
- Sightseeing: Visit the Dhanaulti Hill, Surkanda Devi Temple, and the Eco Park.
- Relaxation: Relax in the peaceful surroundings of Dhanaulti and enjoy the scenic views.
These offbeat tourist spots offer a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers. So why not try something new this winter and explore these hidden gems?
Conclusion:
India is a vast and diverse country, offering countless options for travelers looking to explore offbeat destinations. The 10 offbeat tourist spots mentioned in this article offer a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage, breathtaking natural beauty, and exciting adventure opportunities.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a culture enthusiast, or an adventure seeker, these offbeat destinations are sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience. So why not venture off the beaten path and explore the uncharted territories of India? With its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, India is a traveler’s paradise waiting to be discovered.
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Final Tips:
| Always research and plan ahead before visiting any offbeat destination. |
| Be respectful of local cultures and traditions. |
| Take necessary precautions to ensure your safety and well-being. |
| Don’t forget to capture the breathtaking scenery and memories with your camera! |
Destination-Specific FAQs
1. Q: What are the must-visit places in Tawang?
The must-visit places in Tawang include the Tawang Monastery, Sela Pass, and Nuranang Falls.
2. Q: What are the adventure activities available in Spiti Valley?
The adventure activities available in Spiti Valley include trekking, camping, and white-water rafting.
3. Q: What are the best places to visit in Nubra Valley?
The best places to visit in Nubra Valley include the Diskit Monastery, Hunder Sand Dunes, and Panamik Village.
4. Q: What are the must-try foods in Kovalam?
: The must-try foods in Kovalam include seafood dishes like fish curry and prawns, as well as traditional Kerala dishes like idli and dosa.
5. Q: What are the best places to visit in Pachmarhi?
The best places to visit in Pachmarhi include the Pachmarhi Lake, Jata Shankar Cave, and Pandava Caves.
6. Q: What are the adventure activities available in Auli?
The adventure activities available in Auli include skiing, snowboarding, and trekking
7. Q: What are the must-visit places in Majuli Island?
The must-visit places in Majuli Island include the Kamalabari Satra, Auniati Satra, and Garmur Satra.
8. Q: What are the best places to visit in Kalimpong?
The best places to visit in Kalimpong include the Kalimpong Monastery, Deolo Hill, and Morgan House.
9. Q: What are the adventure activities available in Dhanaulti?
The adventure activities available in Dhanaulti include trekking, camping, and horse riding.
10. Q: What are the must-try foods in Cherrapunji?
The must-try foods in Cherrapunji include traditional Khasi dishes like jadoh (rice and meat dish) and dohkhlieh (fermented soybean dish).