5 Lesser-Known Destinations in India That Are More Captivating Than You Think

India is full of surprises! If you think you’ve seen the length and breadth of the country, and nothing will inspire you anymore, head out to these five hidden gems. We promise you will come back satiated, yet yearning for more!

1.  Lachung, Sikkim

Lachung is one of the remotest mountain villages in India. Close to the Tibetan border, it is at a height of 8,600ft above sea level, which makes it even higher than the city of Leh in Ladakh. The nearest railway station is in Darjeeling, and the nearest airport is in Siliguri, from where one needs to travel to Lachung by road. The roads are rough, and true to the off beat spirit, offering snow peak views, cool weather even in peak summers, and stunning Himalayan landscapes. While there, plan excursions to Yumthang Valley, a plateau surrounded by beautiful snow peaks. The furthest point towards the China border is Yumesamdong or the ‘Zero Point’ where you can sight the rare Himalayan Blue Sheep if you’re lucky. Other places to see include, the beautiful 19th-century Lachung Monastery, Katao, hot water springs, Chopta Valley, Seven Sister’s Falls, Phodang Monastery and the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary. Experienced trekkers can undertake a trek to Thangu Top.

Book Your Flight to Bagdogra

Read more: Sikkim: What Makes Gangtok and Pelling Special

2.  Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan

Kumbhalgarh is an important landmark in Indian history as the birthplace of Mewar’s legendary King, Maharana Pratap. Located 84 km north of Udaipur, Kumbhalgarh is the second most important fort in India after Chittorgarh. This invincible fort was built conquering the inaccessibility and hostility of the Aravali Range and gave refuge to many kings of Mewar in times of strife. The fort’s massive wall stretches over 36 km, making it the second largest in the world after the Great Wall of China! The fort also houses 360 Hindu and Jain temples built by the Mauryas, out of which the Shiva Temple is the most famous for its gigantic ‘Shivalinga’. The most picturesque corner of the fort is Badal Mahal or ‘the palace of the clouds’, which offers the best views of the majestic Aravali Ranges.

Book Your Flight to Udaipur

Read more: Hidden Gems of Rajasthan: Beyond The Major Tourist Attractions

3.  Jamnagar, Gujarat

With exquisite examples of Rajputana-style architecture and a prominent pearl fishing center, Jamnagar is one of Gujarat‘s lesser-known gems. It is accosted by 42 islands off the coast, all of which have their own serene beaches. Known as Chhoti Kashi, Jamnagar is home to several Hindu and Jain temples, the most famous being the Sun Temple and Bal Hanuman Temple. It is also an ideal base to explore the coastline that stretches till Dwarka, home to the Dwarkadhish Temple, one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites. Admire the Rajputana style architecture at Darbargadh Palace and Pratap Vilas Palace, or visit the Lakhota Palace and Museum for a date with history. Spend an evening at the Lakhota River, or drive up to the Narara Marine National Park (40 km from Jamnagar) to see the exotic sea creatures.

Book Your Flight to Jamnagar

Read more: 7 Weekend Getaways from Ahmedabad for the Beach Lover

4.  Tso Moriri, Ladakh

Nestled in the beautiful Rupshu Valley within the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, the Tso Moriri is the lesser-known cousin of the famous Pangong Tso in Ladakh. Flanked by lofty mountains on both sides, this serene lake sparkles with crystal-clear waters and multi shades of blue. Go here to experience the magnanimous beauty of the Himalayas, and carry enough gigabytes and storage space to capture its infinite beauty and wildlife. Tso Moriri has been declared a wetland reserve and attracts a range of migratory and other exotic birds including the Bare-Headed goose, Great-Crested Grebe, Brahmin Duck and Brown-Headed Gull. You can also spot marmots on the way to the lake, and if you’re lucky, you might sight Tibetan wolves too! Tso Moriri is about 250 km from Leh and you need a permit to visit the lake. Camp overnight at one of the tented accommodations at the lake, much like Pangong Tso, but minus the crowd.

Book Your Flight to Leh

Read more: Try These Offbeat Things to Do in Ladakh

5. Poovar, Kerala

A little piece of paradise, Poovar is an island in the district of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Take a cruise along the coconut tree-lined backwaters, away from the crowds and bustle of other places like Alleppey. Rivers alternate with the sea, and little palm-fringed islands greet you as you navigate the waterways. Visit the Poovar Beach to enjoy the golden sands and gentle breeze. Nestled between the River Neyyar and the Arabian Sea, the beach is accessible only via a water taxi. Go for a night fishing tour at the local fishing village, and learn the art of fishing with Chinese fishing nets. You can also visit the Thirparappu Falls 13 km from Poovar, which are famous for their 50-feet drop. For some shopping and city life, you can take a day tour to Trivandrum, and visit the popular Kovalam Beach and Vizhinjam Lighthouse.

Book Your Flight to Thiruvananthapuram

Read more: 10 Things to Shop for in Kerala

So there you have it—a list of 5 lesser known destinations to explore on your next trip! The only question is, which one will you pick?