Unexplored Places of India – Offbeat Destinations
1. Nako – a Walk on the Moon
Nako can make you believe
that you’ve landed on the moon. Skirting the Tibetan border, it is a
picturesque hamlet set amidst barren splendour. There is an ancient monastery
and the Nako lake offers boating during summer and ice skating in the winter
months.
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Visit Tabo 70 km away , a UNESCO heritage site with a
monastery built in 9th century AD. Another curious village to see is Kibber,
the highest village in the world, with an interesting monastery and sanctuary.
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Take in Ladakhi life and explore the village’s stone houses,
monasteries and its fields.
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Trek for 3 – 4 hours to the Tashigang village perched high
above the the Sutlej river below and be rewarded with unforgettable views.
Sheep will be your occasional friends.
Distance
Calculator : Chandigadh is 425 km
from Nako.
2. Mawlynnong – Ever
seen a ‘Living Root Bridge’
Tribal,
misty, pristine and utter clean – welcome to Mawlynnong in Meghalaya, about 90
km south of Shillong. Awarded the as the cleanest village in Asia in 2003, it
is a wild paradise where you can witness a powerful commitment to ecology –
tourism by the community and government. The Living Roots bridge engineered out
of the roots of the trees is a sight to behold and is said to be over a 1000
years old.
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Experience the rich wilderness of this place by trekking
from Mawlynnong to the living bridge and back with a picnic stopover at the
scenic Umterming waterfall.
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Live the high life by staying in homestays on stilts and get
treated to some delicious local cuisine.
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Take a dip in a stream, discover unique waterfalls
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Get a glimpse of Bangladesh from a tower
Distance
Calculator : Mawlynnong is 180 km
from Guwhati
3. Tarkarli – Kiss
Dolphins here
Tarkarli – an Untouched white sand beach of Maharashtra is situated in
the Sindhudurg district. The white sand, clear blue water and the suru
(casurina) trees add to the splendor of the beach. The sea at Tarkarli is
crystal clear and the seabed can be seen up to a depth of 15 ft or more on a
sunny day.
§ Enjoy backwaters of Karli River
§ Enjoy scuba dive which is
recently started.
§ Taje a guide and explore
Sindhudurg Fort.
§ Forget the world at Dharampur
lake.
Distance
Calculator : Mumbai is 530 km from
Tarkarli
4. Munsiyari - Feel
like Heaven
Munsyari -
Uttarakhand A heaven situated on the banks of Goriganga river has is multifold
beauty. It lies on the ancient Salt Route to Tibet and is a lush green secret
ensconced in the Kumaon hills. Surrounded by snowcapped mountains and dense
forests with the Goriganga river caressing it, this place is a delight for
nature lovers and adventurers.
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You can trek to glaciers of Milam and Ralam.
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Witness the magnificent views of the Panchachuli peaks on an
easier 2 day trek to Khuliya Top.
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Munsyari paints a gorgeous picture with its pink golden
dawns and crimson sunsets.
Distance
Calculator : Munsyari is 600 km from
Delhi
5. Malana - Solve a mystery
Malana, an
ancient and isolated village in north eastern Kullu Valley. Visit this place
not just for its fantastic views and fresh air but also to discover a unique
clan. Legend has it that a tribe from Alexander’s army broke away and decided
to make this beautiful valley their home.
Said to be
one of the world’s oldest democracies,the people are reserved and very
protective of their customs so it would be wise to be informed and respectful
of their “Dos and Don’ts”.
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Until recently, Malana was accessible only by trekking for 2
days from Naggar – this is still an enchanting and easy trek, taking you over
the Chandrakhani pass.
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Trek for 17 km to Kasol over the awe inspiring Rashol Pass,
with a stopover at the Rashol village. Do carry your passport as there are many
checkpoints.
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Stay there to unfold some unknown and interesting mysteries
of Malana
Distance
Calculator : Malana is 550 km from
Delhi
6. Ziro – Where
camera needs wider lenses
Every
angle is above perfect and every view is spectacular. no wonder the best
camera Fails to do justice to the beauty of Ziro. Ziro valley, hidden in the hills of Arunachal
Pradesh is home to all creatures exotic. All visitors need an Inner Line Permit
which can be procured here easily.
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Wind through its expansive rice fields and acquaint yourself
with the heavily tattooed Apatani tribe.
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Get lost in the rich bio diversity of the Talley Valley
Wildlife sanctuary.
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If you love music, then head to the ‘Ziro Music Festival’ guaranteed
to satisfy your soul with eclectic performances from India and around the
world.
Distance
Calculator : Guwhati is 470 km
from Ziro
7. Yana – A secret to unfold
This little
village, 40 km away from the sunny coastal village of Gokarna, is hidden away
in the forests and in it lies a secret. A passage through the overhanging rocks
leads to a cave (a symbol for the self manifested Shiva Lingam) with an idol of
the goddess Parvati inside.
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Trek up a spectacular route to the rocks. Meandering streams
in lush green surroundings and the occasional cicada will greet you.
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The Vibhooti waterfalls nearby is an amazing spot to camp
out under the stars.
Distance
Calculator : Goa is 200 km from
Yana
8. Valparai – Land of
Many Flavors
The approach
to Valparai is one of the most enjoyable hair raising experiences you will ever
have. A snakelike road from Pollachi takes you through 40 hairpin bends concealed
in majestic green mountains. Rich wildlife, tribe spotting, neverending tea
estates, silver waterfalls and soulful hikes – Valparai promises to satisfy all
types of travellers.
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Wildlife and nature photography
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A variety of trails to explore, from gentle 2 hour hikes to
6 hour treks, with or without a guide.
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Indulge in all the tea that you can – its a tea country!
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Permissions are required at most entry points.
Distance
Calculator : Coimbatore is 125 km
from Valparai
India is a
treasure trove of over 6 lakh villages. What we have penned down here is just a
small footprint on the rural eco. Get out of your comfort zone and discover new
places. Come on! The world is yours…
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