India is known for popular tourist spots like Goa, Shimla, Manali, Kashmir, Jaipur, and Nainital. But the problem with visiting popular places is the crowd. You cannot truly enjoy a place if there are so many people there. If you want a peaceful trip, you should try visiting less popular places. There are many hidden places that are just as beautiful, and much less crowded. These offbeat destinations are perfect if you want peace, nature, and a break from busy city life. They are ideal for solo travelers, couples, and anyone who wants to explore something different.
Off-Beat Places
Offbeat places are destinations that are less explored, less crowded, and often away from mainstream tourist routes. These are hidden gems that offer unique experiences. These plans are not very commercial, not overrun with tourists, and give you a more peaceful and authentic travel experience. For example, instead of going to Manali, you visit Jibhi. Instead of Goa, you explore Gokarna or Honnavar.
Best Offbeat Places in India
Here is a list of the best offbeat places in India that you should visit.
1. Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
Ziro is a quiet valley in Arunachal Pradesh surrounded by green hills and pine trees. It is home to the Apatani tribe and is known for its traditional culture. The Ziro Music Festival, held every year in September, also attracts music lovers from across the country.
Best time to visit is from March to October.
You can explore tribal villages, enjoy scenic views, go trekking, and try local food.
2. Jibhi, Himachal Pradesh
Jibhi is a peaceful village in the Tirthan Valley region of Himachal Pradesh. Surrounded by pine forests, rivers, and mountains, it is perfect for travelers looking for a quiet escape. The village has charming wooden cottages, small cafes, and scenic hiking trails.
Best time to visit is from March to June and September to November.
You can visit places like Jalori Pass, Serolsar Lake, and the Jibhi Waterfall. It is also a good base for exploring nearby villages like Shoja and Chehni Kothi.
3. Honnavar, Karnataka
Honnavar is a relaxed coastal town on the Arabian Sea in the Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka. Known for its laid‑back charm, it is a lovely alternative to Goa’s busy beaches. The town is surrounded by greenery and has a serene riverside estuary where the Aghanashini River meets the sea.
Best time to visit is from October to March.
You can explore beaches like Kodi Beach and Manki Beach, take a boat ride along the Aghanashini River, visit the historic Mirjan Fort nearby, and enjoy home‑cooked Malnad cuisine. It is also a great starting point for river kayaking and forest walks in the Western Ghats.
4. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Tawang is a beautiful town located near the Indo-China border. It is famous for the Tawang Monastery, the largest in India. The town is surrounded by snow-covered peaks, lakes, and scenic roads like the Sela Pass.
Best time to visit is from April to June and September to October.
You can visit monasteries, explore lakes like Madhuri Lake, and enjoy peaceful mountain views.
5. Majuli, Assam
Majuli is the world’s largest river island, located on the Brahmaputra River in Assam. It is known for its peaceful surroundings, satras (monasteries), and rich Assamese culture.
Best time to visit is from October to March.
You can explore traditional art, mask-making, attend festivals, and cycle around the island.
6. Tura, Meghalaya
Tura is a quiet town in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya. It sits on a plateau surrounded by hills, forests, and waterfalls. The town offers a mix of natural beauty and local Garo culture, making it a peaceful and authentic display of Northeast India.
Best time to visit is from October to April.
You can visit waterfalls like Rangjyrteh and Nokrek National Park. Explore the Saljong Caves and enjoy the view from Tura Peak. Don’t miss the chance to experience traditional Garo villages and festivals like Wangala, the harvest dance festival.
7. Chopta, Uttarakhand
Chopta is often called the “Mini Switzerland of India.” It is a small village surrounded by forests and snow-capped mountains. It is also the starting point of the Tungnath and Chandrashila trek.
Best time to visit is from March to May and September to November.
You can enjoy trekking, camping, birdwatching, and stargazing.
8. Gokarna, Karnataka
Gokarna is a beach town in Karnataka. The place is known for its peaceful beaches and relaxed atmosphere. It is often compared to Goa, but with fewer crowds. The town also has ancient temples and a spiritual vibe.
Best time to visit is from October to March.
You can relax at beaches like Om Beach and Kudle Beach, try water sports, and explore the local food scene.
9. Kangojodi, Himachal Pradesh
Kangojodi is a small hamlet located about 30 kilometres from Nahan, in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh. Perched on a ridge, it offers sweeping views of the valleys below and is surrounded by pine forests and apple orchards. It is ideal for travelers looking for peace and local charm.
Best time to visit is from March to June and September to November.
You can enjoy long walks on forest trails, watch the sunset over the Sirmaur valley, and stay in simple, family-run homestays that serve fresh local meals. Visit nearby temples and enjoy the calm rhythms of village life away from the usual tourist routes.
10. Tinchuley, Darjeeling – West Bengal
Tinchuley is a quiet hillside village nestled in the Darjeeling hills. It sits at around 5,000 feet above sea level, surrounded by misty tea gardens, rhododendron forests, and mountain views. It is perfect for people who want peace, nature walks, and local village life.
Best time to visit is from March to June and September to November.
You can enjoy early morning birdwatching, stroll through the tea estates, take easy treks to nearby viewpoints like Kathalbari and Kanchenjunga viewpoint, visit local nurseries, and try home-cooked Nepali and Gorkha food at small hill cafes.
11. Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand
Naukuchiatal is a peaceful lakeside village in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. Its name means “nine-cornered lake,” and it is known for its serene lake surrounded by hills and pine forests. The place offers a laid-back escape with options for water sports and nature walks.
Best time to visit is from March to June and September to November.
You can enjoy paddle boating, canoeing, and kayaking on the lake. Explore nearby trails through forests and hills. Visit the Hanuman Temple atop one of the surrounding hills for a panoramic view. Add in some camping by the lakeside and quiet evenings by a bonfire at a lake-facing homestay.
12. Kalimpong, West Bengal
Kalimpong is a quiet hill station near Darjeeling, known for its scenic views, old monasteries, and colonial charm. It is less touristy than Darjeeling and offers a more peaceful experience.
Best time to visit is from March to May and September to December.
You can visit flower nurseries, monasteries, and enjoy views of the Kanchenjunga range.
13. Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Tirthan Valley is a hidden gem located near the Great Himalayan National Park. It is perfect for people who love nature, trout fishing, and village life.
Best time to visit is from March to June and September to November.
You can go for nature walks, visit waterfalls, enjoy bonfires, and explore nearby villages.
14. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Spiti is a cold desert valley with stunning landscapes, ancient monasteries, and high mountain passes. It is remote and less commercial compared to Leh-Ladakh.
Best time to visit is from June to September when roads are open.
You can visit places like Key Monastery, Chandratal Lake, and drive through high passes like Kunzum La.
15. Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh
Gandikota is often called the “Grand Canyon of India.” It has a deep gorge formed by the Penna River and is surrounded by hills and ancient forts.
Best time to visit is from September to February.
You can explore the old Gandikota Fort, go camping near the gorge, and enjoy views from the cliff.
16. Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
Araku Valley is a quiet hill station near Visakhapatnam. It is known for its green hills, waterfalls, and tribal culture. The journey to Araku by train is also very scenic.
Best time to visit is from October to March.
You can visit coffee plantations, Borra Caves, and enjoy local tribal dances and food.
17. Vattakanal, near Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu)
Vattakanal is a peaceful village located 6 kilometers from Kodaikanal town, perched on a ridge above the Vattakanal Lake. Surrounded by dense shola forests and misty hills, it offers a serene retreat for nature lovers and peace seekers.
Best time to visit is from October to May.
You can explore easy forest trails like the Dolphin’s Nose and Pillar Rocks, enjoy birdwatching, and walk alongside mist-filled valleys. The village has simple cafes and eco-friendly stays that blend into nature. At night, sit by a bonfire and enjoy the silence and starry skies far away from city lights.
18. Ponmudi, Kerala
Ponmudi is a scenic hill station in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. Nestled around 1,100 meters above sea level, it is surrounded by rolling hills, tea and coffee plantations, and dense evergreen forests. The area is known for its cool climate, misty mornings, and rich biodiversity.
Best time to visit is from October to March.
You can enjoy trekking through mountains and plantations, visit the Meenmutty Falls and Golden Valley, explore the diverse flora and fauna at Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, and soak in views from the Ponmudi viewpoint. Stay in simple hillside cottages and enjoy traditional Kerala meals as the early morning mist clears to reveal hilltops bathed in sunlight.
19. Savandurga, Karnataka
Savandurga is one of Asia’s largest single-rock hills, located around 60 km west of Bengaluru on Magadi Road. It stands tall at 1,226 m above sea level and is actually made of two hills: Karigudda (Black Hill) and Biligudda (White Hill). This place is perfect for adventure lovers and history buffs.
Best time to visit is from November to February when the weather is cool and trekking conditions are pleasant.
You can trek or climb either hill—Karigudda is steep and suited for experienced climbers, while Biligudda offers a challenging but doable hike. Explore the Savandi Veerabhadreshwara and Lakshmi Narasimha temples at the base. On your trek, you may spot yellow-throated bulbuls, sloth bears or even leopards in dense forest areas. End the day with a view of the Manchanbele dam or the Arkavathi river below.
Conclusion
These offbeat places in India offer something unique. They are less crowded, more peaceful, and full of natural beauty. If you are tired of visiting the same old tourist spots, try exploring one of these hidden gems. Whether you love mountains, beaches, forests, or culture, India has something special waiting for you.
