India is a vast country with an incredibly varied range of destinations and cultural attractions. From the dramatic heights of the Himalayan mountains in the north to the beaches of the southern tropics.
There is a myriad of royal palaces and ancient temples to explore in states such as Rajasthan. An extraordinary range of landscapes and diverse wildlife, including the majestic tigers of Madhya Pradesh, the ‘tiger state”. And not forgetting the bustling cities such as Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi, India’s capital.
Many first-time visitors to India embark on guided tours, with the Golden Triangle being one of the most popular. This is the perfect introduction to the country, the tour takes in the ‘must-see’ attractions of Delhi, the Taj Mahal and Jaipur (the pink city). However, there is so much more of India waiting to be discovered.
If you are slightly more adventurous you may want to set out on your own. Or if you have previously visited India, you may be looking to venture off the beaten ‘tourist’ path. And getting to these ‘less touristy’ destinations is now so much easier with airlines like Indigo Air offering extensive domestic flights as well as many international connections.
So, here are 5 unique places to visit in India, just a small selection of what this amazing country has to offer
Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh
The tranquil Tirthan Valley lies in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, the northernmost state of India. The deep valley takes its name from the Tirthan River which flows from the Tirath glacier.
At over 5000 feet above sea level, the Tirthan valley has breathtaking views of the Himalayas. It is also the main gateway to the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP). The National Park was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2014, recognising its biodiversity and conservation efforts.
The valley is the only river valley in India to have any hydropower or dam development permanently banned.
As you would expect, the area is popular with nature lovers and hikers but don’t worry. Several hiking trails are on offer, from gentle treks to more challenging multiple-day hikes.
The Tirthan Valley is the perfect place to escape the stresses of modern life and unwind in the beautiful surroundings of the Himalayan wilderness.
Majuli, Assam
Majuli is a river island in the mighty, pollution-free, Brahmaputra River in the northeastern Indian state of Assam. Majuli is not only India’s largest river island, it holds the record as the world’s largest river island. The island is home to nearly 160,000 people.
Majuli is definitely off the beaten path and there is very little tourist infrastructure. However, if you choose to visit you will be rewarded with a traditional and unique experience. The island has been the cultural capital of Assamese civilisation since the 1500s. On the island, there are a total of 22 Satras, these are not just monasteries but centres of traditional performing arts, culture and literature.
Unfortunately, the island is slowly eroding away and floods during the rainy season. The best time to visit the island is during the dry winter period between October and March.
Jawai, Rajasthan
As mentioned, India has a diverse range of wildlife. As well as tigers, the country is home to 15 big cat species. Jawai, in the Pali district of Rajasthan, is home to a special type of big cat, the Jawai leopard.
What is fascinating and unique about the Jawai leopards is that these elusive animals happily cohabit with the human residents of the local villages.
You can get the chance to see these beautiful creatures as well as migrating birds and crocodiles on a safari. These usually take place early in the morning or in the evening. Although, make sure you take a safari with a reputable company which works with the local community and helps preserve the habitat of the leopards.
Athirappilly Falls, Kerala
The awe-inspiring Athirappilly Falls are located in the Thrissur district of the Indian southern state of Kerala. The falls lie on the Chalakudy River and at 80 feet, they are the tallest waterfalls in Kerala.
Apparently, the picturesque Athirappilly falls are popular with Indian filmmakers and have been used as a location in several Bollywood films.
The surrounding area is densely forested with lush green rainforests. It isn’t just the waterfalls which attract visitors to the Athirappolly Falls region. It is also a popular spot with birdwatchers, the forest is home to a number of rare and endangered species.
As well as the impressive falls and the rare wildlife, it is also a great spot for trekking.
If you have the budget, there is luxury tree house accommodation available which offers spectacular views over the waterfalls.
Kannur, Kerala
Also in the Indian southern state of Kerala, you’ll find the coastal city and district of Kannur. As well as the beautiful beaches, temples and rich cultural heritage, significantly influenced by the former colonial powers of the Dutch, Portuguese and British. The Kannur region is home to many amazing and colourful festivals.
One of these is the Theyyam festival, one of the most extravagant and vibrant festivals celebrated in Kannur. It consists of ancient traditions dating back thousands of years. The celebration includes performances from traditional folk dancers and is celebrated to appease the many gods and goddesses. The incredibly dressed performers wear traditional costumes, masks, elaborate headgear and colourful face paints.
Theyyam performances take place all over the northern parts of Kerala from October to May with the peak season being from November to December.
Hopefully, we have given you just a glimpse of what this extraordinary country has to offer. India has so much to be discovered by the more intrepid traveller. And once you have the confidence to escape the usual tourist trails, you will be rewarded with some amazing sights, sounds and experiences.
