Top 10 Offbeat Destinations in India

Exploring places is a therapy. Every new destination explored broadens your thinking and knowledge. The experiences, thrills, and learnings associated with them are priceless. This blog brings you the top 10 offbeat destinations in India that will take your travel experience to the next level.

1. Halebeedu, Karnataka

Halebeedu is famous for housing a beautiful collection of temples, shrines, and sculptures. This ancient temple town was the capital of the great Hoysala Empire during the 12th and 13th centuries and speaks volumes of its marvellous Hoysala architecture, grand temple complexes, and spectacular Jain sites. The illustrious Hoyaleswara and Kedareshwara temples, Belavadi, Basadi Halli, and the Archaeological Museum are sure to awe you with their magnificence.

Most Renowned for: The Hoysala Architecture

2. Shogi, Himachal Pradesh

The quaint town of Shogi in Shimla enchants visitors with its scenic beauty and serenity. It serves as a perfect tranquil retreat for both adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts, making their journey worthwhile. Major attractions of this lush suburb include Chadwick Falls, the 250-year-old Tara Devi Temple, the 19th-century Viceregal Lodge, Rashtrapati Niwas, Chail Sanctuary, and Gilbert’s Trail.

Most Renowned for: Tara Devi Temple and Chadwick Falls

3. Sandakphu, West Bengal

Famous as ‘Trekkers Wonderland,’ Sandakphu is the highest peak in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district. It has been drawing adventure buffs, who are amazed by the spectacular views of the Himalayan Range on trekking to its highest point. You can also undertake adventure sports activities, especially river rafting on the Teesta River. The unique combination of rhododendron and silver fir forests, found exclusively in Sandakphu, makes it an ecological wonder worth exploring.

Most Renowned for: Trekking Activities

4. Kanatal, Uttrakhand

Kanatal is one of the hidden gems of India that will win over you with its forest trails, abundant apple orchards, beautiful streams, and lush green grasslands. It is an ideal destination for staying close to nature and off the grid. The fragrant pine, deodar, and rhododendron forests are nothing less than a soothing balm for your soul. If you wish to witness snowy winters, then Kanatal is the right place for you. Kaudia Forest, Surkanda Devi Temple, and Tehri Dam are must-visit places in Kanatal.

Most Renowned for: Lush Greenery and Surkanda Devi Temple

5. Coonoor, Tamil Nadu

Coonoor, the second largest hill station in the Nilgiri Hills, is most loved for its vast hills, appealing viewpoints, delightful greenery, and colonial-style architecture. You can walk along its tea plantations shrouded in mist, explore its gushing waterfalls, or take up a memorable trekking experience. Sim’s Park, Dolphin’s Nose, Lamb’s Rock, Droog Fort, Hidden Valley, St. George’s Church, All Saints’ Church, Ralliah Dam, and Keystone Foundation are top tourist attractions here.

Most Renowned for: Tea Plantations and Droog Fort

6. Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh

Overlooking the Penna River gorge, Gandikota boasts a vibrant history dating back to the 12th century. Once this region was ruled by the Kalyani Chalukya, Kakatiya, Vijayanagara Empire, Qutb Shahi Dynasty, Mughal Empire, Mayana Nawabs, Kingdom of Mysore, and later the British. It offers an array of tourist attractions, such as the 13th-century Gandikota Fort, Belum Caves, Rayalacheruvu Lake, Madhavaraya Temple, Raghunathaswamy Temple, and not to miss the immensely popular Gandikota Canyon.

Most Renowned for: Gandikota Canyon, Raghunathaswamy Temple, and Belum Caves

7. Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Gujarat

If you are a history aficionado, then Champaner and Pavagadh Archaeological Park will surely bewitch you with its architectural marvels. This UNESCO Heritage Site offers you impressive structures and surrounding landscapes rich in biodiversity, whether it is forts, mosques, monuments, tombs, arches, temples, stepwells, or fortresses. The Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park displays an amalgamation of Hindu and Islamic architecture. Kalika Mata Temple, Jain Temples, Pavagadh Fort, Lakulisa Temple, Vada Nadi Stepwell, Jama Masjid, and Kevada Mosque are some of the major exquisite sites serving as a testament to India’s historical richness and architectural brilliance.

Most Renowned for: Hindu and Jain Temples and Stepwells

8. Orchha, Madhya Pradesh

Rudra Pratap Singh, the Bundela Rajput Chief, founded the historic town of Orchha in the 16th century. Situated along the Betwa River, this fascinating town showcases various historical sites, palaces, temples, and royal chhatris (cenotaphs). Exploring the 9th-century Chaturbhuj Temple, 16th-century Jahangir Mahal and Rai Praveen Mahal, 17th-century Raja Mahal, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Phool Bagh, Rani Mahal, and Orchha Bird Sanctuary is a remarkable experience. Orchha is also famous for the Ram Raja Temple, where Lord Rama is worshipped both as a God and king, which was earlier the palace of the queen of Orchha.

Most Renowned for: Royal Chhatris and Raja Ram Temple

9. Varkala, Kerala

Varkala is a tranquil coastal town in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram district, adorned with golden beaches, hills, lakes, lighthouses, holy sites, forts, stunning cliffs, and natural springs. Popular for its hippie culture, this charming paradise offers globetrotters a plethora of recreational activities. The 2000-year-old Janardhana Swamy Temple, an architectural marvel with intricately carved ceilings, houses splendid idols and is believed to cure devotees of all ailments. In addition, Varkala Beach, Kappil Lake, Anjengo Fort, Sivagiri Mutt, and Ponnumthuruthu Island are highly popular attractions among tourists.

Most Renowned for: Janardhana Swamy Temple and Varkala Beach

10. Majuli, Assam

Distinguished as the world’s largest river island, Majuli features a rich culture, surreal natural beauty, and vibrant Assamese neo-Vaishnavite culture. Anyone seeking inner peace and solace must visit Majuli, for it offers serene surroundings ideal for yoga, meditation, and spiritual rejuvenation. Being a part of Raas Mahotsav, the Paal Naam and Ali-Aye-Ligang festivals, the Folgu Utsav, and Porag Utsav, visiting the Vaishnava Satras founded by Sankardeva, witnessing the colourful tribal culture, along with mask making and pottery making, are the best things to do here. Additionally, places like Kamalabari Satara, Dakhinpat Satara, Auniata Satara, Garmur, and Tengapania will fascinate you.

Most Renowned for: Assamese Neo-Vaishnavite Culture and Pleasant Settings

Explore Unique Travel Destinations in India

Your travel bucket list must include these hidden gems of India, each offering a unique and enriching experience. Don’t wait any longer—begin your offbeat adventure with Nexuvia Travel, where you’ll create lifetime memories with the best travel packages at competitive prices.