6 Lesser Known Places To Visit In India

The world is a beautiful place. As you travel far and wide, you realize this more often. From the Mediterranean cities like Palma and Tangier to European tourist gems like Amsterdam, London, Paris, and Prague, the list of spectacular places never seems to end. Like other continents, Asia too has plenty of beautiful and interesting places for the avid travelers to visit, experience and enjoy. India, the country known for its rich diversity of people and places, offers a reviving meditation for travelers who seek to see the wonders and magnificence of nature, historical attractions and culture of this vast Asian country. If you are planning your trip to India, don’t just include the most popular attractions. Try to include some of the following most beautiful lesser known places to visit in India:

06. SHETTIHALLI, KARNATAKA

The southern parts of the country often said to share the best of greenery and nature’s splendour in the country. Bangalore is a go-to destination for anyone who comes to South India. The city has an international airport and it is touted as the Silicon Valley of India. One spectacular attraction around is Shettihalli Lake which is about 60 miles from the city centre. If old and mysterious ruins are of great interest to you, you should love visiting lake and its Rosary Church, also called the floating chapel. It’s renowned for its gothic architecture. The church has been abandoned for more than about two centuries now. The beauty and magnificence of this place make it one of the most beautiful lesser known places to visit in India.

05. GULF OF MANNAR, TAMIL NADU

Like Bangalore, Chennai is another famous metropolitan in India. To walk at its Marina Beach, to explore is its museum, and a candid chat with the local people open up many insight into the history and culture of this vibrant city. After you are done with the city tour, it is time to head to the Gulf of Mannar, the coastal bay in the Indian Ocean. The beauty of the place is spellbinding. The panoramic scenery across the hazy blue sky hung above the turquoise spread of water below is something that comes with a Mediterranean touch. It has the virtue to make you surprise. What’s best about the Gulf of Mannar is that it is uncrowned place with a rich marine life, and your camera can stay busy for as long as you want. Spot sea gulls, turtles, whales, dolphins, etc. right at the coast. It is an unspoilt paradise.

04. LONG ISLAND, ANDAMAN & NICOBAR

No, it is not the Long Island of the Unites States of America. Travel further down the sea to arrive the Andaman’s own Long Island. Havelock is the most famous and most visited part of Andaman & Nicobar Island. But as the list offers you to see the most eclectic of all places in India, in addition to all your itineraries, make a visit to the Long Island. Forests look absolutely pristine and untouched, although they have lanes and tracks inside. Sand beaches, mangroves, and a world full of solitude is what make a trip to this secluded haven a joyful retreat, making this beautiful place one of the lesser known places to visit in India. But the problem is the whole place has just one hotel. So, it’s a good idea to book your stay in advance.

03. NARARA MARINE NATIONAL PARK, GUJARAT

Gujarat has some great wildlife conservatories and national parks, most of which are disconnected from the popular tourism areas. So, take a cue from here and visit the Narara Marine National Park along the Gulf of Kutch. From psychedelic corals octopuses, to rare fish, you spot a lot of interesting things. Narara Marine National Park is home to a wide variety of birds. Anemones cover the whole place like a design.

02. SHANTI NIKETAN, WEST BENGAL

If you ever heard of Rabindranath Tagore or came across a Bengali, you possibly have heard of Shanti Niketan as well. The place situated 120 miles from Kolkata takes you several decades back with its authentic and rustic feel. Visit this place during the Poush Mela and it all would seem like a great fair of handicrafts, countrymen and folk culture. For those with a knack for aesthetics and arts, Shanti Niketan is a sanctuary of creativity and happiness. The locals get along with guests well and the cordial atmosphere makes you feel like a part of this small world.

01. BANJAR VALLEY, HIMACHAL PRADESH

Ruins, beaches, seas, and cultural hubs, these are the various shades of little joys that paint the travel portrait of India in many ways. Till now all this would have sparked quite a plan in the back of your head. But as you travel across India, one thing that you cannot afford to miss is a mountain village. To know what it means, make a trip to the old setting of Banjar Valley in Himachal Pradesh. Just above this region is the Great Himalayan National Park which is a treat for any traveler. But before you plan to explore the park, spend a day or two in the villages below. Chaini and Jibhi are two villages in the Banjar Valley that would pique your interest with their quaint, old houses and setting. Jibhi village is especially mentionable for it offers some unique experiences for the visitors. Relax outdoor and breathe fresh air or spend time birdwatching. Fishing is quite a hobby around here and you too can try your hands at it. Hike or explore the nature trails and get to know the villagers. The hospitality of the mountain people can be infectiously full of warmth. Take a guide and take a detour of the place which has the wonderful nature and lakes around.

If all India tour is what is on your mind, the best is to divide your trips according to places. You can take city tours and fly from one metropolitan to next. Fly from Bangalore to Chennai to Mumbai as you explore and move on. Book for Mumbai to Delhi flights for the end of your city trip since Delhi is connected to a number of hill stations, which can become your next itinerary theme.

This article was written by Anjali Gupta who is a professional travel blogger with years of experience in tourism in India. www.travelnpleasure.com