India is flush with iconic destinations from the greatness of Jaipur to beaches in Goa and backwaters in Kerala. But if you feel like you’re on a regular tourist itinerary? What if you want to roam around where no crowds follow and stories seem personal?
That’s where India’s lesser known gems shine loudest.
From valleys that seem like secrets to towns rich in culture untouched by mass-tourism, these are the places to take you by surprise. And the best part? Most of them do offer great value for your money with easy flight booking options and lots of ways to control the costs.
Let’s dig out some offbeat destinations that should probably be included in your bucket list — and perhaps on the next ticket of the flight.
- Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh-Impatient of Impulse [India’s Best-Kept Secret]
Framed by the foothill of Eastern Himalayas, the Ziro valley is a paradise for nature lovers and peace seekers. Serene rolling green hills, golden paddy fields and hauntingly beautiful Apatani chants… in serenity far away from the usual tourist hubbub — lies Ziro.
Why Visit:
Walk through pine forests and villages trails.
Experience a surreal experience by attending Ziro Music festival (September).
Learn about Apatani culture and green living.
How to Get There:
The two places to fly are Guwahati or Lilabari — you can book a cheap flight using HappyEasyGo. From there, there is a scenic drive that brings you into Ziro.
2. Tawang — Arunachal Pradesh — A Unique Himalayan Hamlet.
Standing 10,000 feet above sea level, Tawang is a remote, rough and spectacular place. Here we have huge 17th century monastery, glacial lakes and Indo-Tibetan vibe where spiritual calm, and natural splendor meets each other.
What to See:
See Tawang Monastery — the biggest in India.
Take the time in realizing this beautiful lake Pankang Teng Tso in one day.
Take a break at Sela Pass which is commonly snow covered<
Flight Booking Tip:
Book your ticket flight to Tezpur or Guwahati and take a road trip the rest of the way. Flight booking ahead of time tends to provide the most inexpensive flight options.
3. Gokarna, Karnataka — Goa’s Less Noisy, Cooler Cousin
Tired of Goa’s crowded beaches? Conduit to Gokarna, to get the unspoiled sands, dramatic cliffs, spiritual charm. Think yoga on the beach, treks between secret coves, seafood platters and no party prices.
Top Experiences:
How about a walk on the scenic beach trek from Kudle to Paradise Beach.
Enjoy the fall of the curtain of sun at the Om Beach cliffs.
Visit ancient temples and little cafés.
How to Reach:
Fly into Goa (Dabolim) airport. From this area, it is a logical scenic 4-hour drive to Gokarna. You’ll find a cheap flight to Goa from most cities easily with HappyEasyGo.
4. Majuli, Assam, The World’s Largest River Island
Sailing across the mighty Brahmaputra, Majuli is not just a place to arrive at, it’s as much a cultural capsule. This verdant river island in Raghunathpura is inhabited by neo-Vaishnavite monasteries, tribal artists, and seasonal landscapes.
Don’t Miss:
Live at a Satra and learn the traditional art.
Connect the Mishing and Assamese communities.
Rent a cycle and visit villages that have never been explored.
Flight Tip:
It is advisable to book a flight ticket to Jorhat — the closest airport. From here a short ferry takes you to Majuli’s enchanting stillness.
5. Madhya Pradesh — Mandu, Ruins, Romance, and Quiet Vibes.
Imagine ancient forts, echoing thru hushed palaces, and stone carved stories on love. Mandu is a history without the chaos; architecture without the entry queues.
Explore:
Jahaz Mahal (Ship Palace) which floats among the lakes
Baz Bahadur’s Palace as well as Rani Roopmati’s Pavilion
Sunset views to rival those in Udaipur
Flight Booking Made Easy:
Fly to Indore that is merely 90 km away. With flights that fly often and many cheap flight deals over HappyEasyGo, planning is a walk in the park.
6. Bhitarkanika, Odisha — India’s Crocodile Kingdom
Wildlife lovers, for you this is! Bhitarkanika National Park is India’s response to the Amazon; a confusing tangle of mangroves, creeks and estuaries; a Cocopotamus Eden filled with saltwater crocodiles and migratory birds.
Why It’s Special:
Spot the rare white crocodile
Sight kingfishers, egrets and darters in their natural habitat
Embark on a safari through the silent water of the forest by boat.
How to Go:
Fly to Bhubaneswar, after that drive to Kendrapara. Despite being hardly accessible by air with numerous inexpensive flights and freely-flowing roads, Bhitarkanika is surprisingly accessible.
7. Uttarakhand, Chaukori — small village, but great views
Picture the kerb of waking up and having the snowy peaks of Nanda Devi and Trishul to look at drinking chai in a homestay and surrounded by forests. Chaukori is a less crowded alternative to the overrun hill stations: a peaceful place perfumed with pine smell.
To-Do List:
From the Chineshwar Mahadev temple, Sunrise.
Stargazing without light pollution
Just… breathe
Travel Hack:
Book seat for flight to Pantnagar and move up by road. The most advisable thing to do is that you book your flight tickets in advance so that you can get the lower prices and in summer, in particular.
Why these Places Matter (and these Places Save You Money)
Apart from being beautiful, these hidden gems are affordable. You will not get overpricing cafes and inflated hotel rates. Rather than that, you receive authenticity, connection, and space to explore.
And as flights to smaller airports and proximate cities are becoming more common, the desire to see these remote places has never been easier to achieve. At HappyEasyGo, a myth that you have to travel on an expired budget becomes a lie because we get you those cheapest flight deals, flexible flight booking choices and just those routes that suit your pocket and your time.
Final Boarding Call
India’s greatest stories are not always told in its most famous cities. They sometimes pander from a quiet river island, a coastal cliff town or a band of ruins shrouded in mist.
So if you want to visit, try somewhere the tour groups don’t go. Find the India you haven’t discovered yet — and do it without breaking the bank.
Book your subsequent flight ticket from HappyEasyGo, book a cheap flight and go to places that few have seen — but no one ever forgets.
Source: Hidden Gems of India: Offbeat Places You’ve Never Heard Of (But Should Visit)
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