Published on: 12/6/2015IST

29 November 2015 Aashna Jawal

After our regular dose of hidden places and their mind-boggling pictures, we are sure no popular or offbeat place is alien to you anymore. But we are not gonna stop flooding and surprising you.

To keep you glued and inspired, here’s a list of 20 unexplored places in India. Over-shadowed and overt, there places will leave you stumped with their untouched beauty.

1. Gurez Valley, Kashmir

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Surreal landscapes, cool air, breathtaking backdrops, and the sound of gushing river are commonplace in Gurez Valley. The regular sight of shepherds and fields feels like a scene out of Bambi. Its strategic location right below the ‘Line of Control’ makes the valley one of the most protected land in India. And yes, with continuous vigilance and constant patrolling, it is safe to go there.

May through September are the months when the weather and air are most pleasant and welcoming.

2. Phugtal Gompa, Jammu & Kashmir

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Possibly the remotest monastery in Asia, Phugtal Gompa is a striking attraction set in the mountain cave in Zanskar. As you climb up the tall mountains, you see the spectacular views of the Tsarap River. There is no road which leads to this house of peace. You need to trek for a day or two to reach this unseen place in India.

3. Chopta, Uttarakhand

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Chopta is undoubtedly the prettiest spot of all the offbeat places in India. Enjoy the spell-binding beauty of the Himalayas, snow-capped mountains, and thick forest trails. The sleepy town will enchant you with its mystical meadows, towering trees, snowy backdrops and warm people.

4. Kanatal, Uttarakhand

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Just over 80 km away from Dehradun, Kanatal is a pretty little hamlet for the romantics. One of the the most unexplored places in India, the place is full of romance with stunning views, and warm, hospitable hotels. Also, Kanatal has special terrace stays, perfect for couples.

5. Damro, Arunachal Pradesh

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Damro is the base to the longest hanging bridge (1,000 feet) in Arunachal Pradesh. Definitely a hidden route to heaven, Damro charms with thatched bamboo houses, swaying suspended bridges, and laid-back lifestyle of the locals. Among the list of unexplored places in India, it is a rural sort of a getaway for exhausted city dwellers. The sights of harvested crops, not-so-wild bison, vast expanse of meadows and grasslands are quite welcoming.

6. Mawlynnong, Meghalaya

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The village honored as ‘The Cleanest Village in Asia’ by international bodies is quite unknown in the country. The picturesque village of Mawlynnong is epitome of harmony and cleanliness, which makes it one of the worthy unexplored places in India. Well-maintained roads, polished streets, spotless houses, manicured front-yards and cobbled sidewalks give an impression of high-end cities. Their organized pits for organic and inorganic wastes, maintained public utilities, and scattered bamboo dustbins can put even the best of urban cities to shame.

7. Sandakphu, Darjeeling

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The term ‘Sandakphu’ means height of the poison plants. It is named so because of a specifically poisonous wolfsbane plant which grows naturally near the peak. Sandakphu, one of the most dangerous offbeat places in India, is the highest peak in Darjeeling with a staggering altitude of 3,336 meters.

8. Kila Raipur, Punjab

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Kila Raipur — the base to Rural Olympics, is known not just for its engaging games, but for its vibrant culture and people. The festivities and pomp, including engaging dance performances and traditional plays will take you through an unforgettable trip. The sports destination is believed to be a place where you can befriend valiant and strong people. The energy of the place is other-worldly which makes it one of the best unexplored places in India.

P.S. Mostly, the Rural Olympics take place during the month of February.

9. Jawai, Rajasthan

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Not known to many, Jawai Leopard Camp is the newest and the coolest addition to leopard spotting destinations in India. Luxurious tents, rustic lamps and authentic Rajasthani cuisine ensure that the experience is exotic as well as adventurous. And it’s not just the feline, the place is abuzz with flamingos, geese, cranes, and other migratory birds. If you are lucky, you may find a fair share of sloth bears, Indian wolves, and antelopes.

10. Mohammadpur Umri, Uttar Pradesh

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There is a very interesting twinning tale associated with this place – Mohammadpur Urmi. Out of a population of 900, the place has 65 pairs of twins, which is considered to be way high in ratio of normal standards. And it’s not just humans, cows give birth to twin calves, and even hens lay eggs with two yolks!

Mohammadpur Urmi’s attraction is not restricted to this weird phenomenon. Its simple beauty is perfect to have a mini-vacation to understand the interesting traditions and cultures of the place.

11. Amadubi, Jharkhand

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Amadubi is a village known for its skilled chitrakars and Paitkar paintings. Since centuries, Amadubi is home to many artists and pictorial storytellers. With rustic huts, local diners saturated with aroma of authentic rice delicacies, colorful festivities during festivals like Tusu Parab and Dansai, and traditional dances at various agricultural festivals, the village has much to offer.

Some of the best grabs of the village are Dokra craft, Mithila sarees, region’s rich art, and Paitkar paintings which you should take home from the most artistic of all offbeat destinations in India.

12. Mainpat, Chhattisgarh

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You may not have heard of a large Tibetan settlement in India except Dharamshala, but the gomoas (temples) of Mainpat are truly heavenly and unexplored. One of the most beautiful of all the unseen places in India, Mainpat is home to Thakpo Shedupling Monastery built in 1970. It is an important attraction here. There are several old thangkas, and wall murals that decorate the interiors of this monastery.

If you are a cholesterol or high blood pressure patient, do visit the farms of tau, commonly known as buckwheat. It is said to possess healing properties.

13. Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh

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Lepakshi, a small town in Andhra Pradesh, is a site dedicated to Lord Veerabhadra – the fiery incarnation of Lord Shiva. There are various colorful frescos painted on the walls and ceilings of buildings and temples from Ramayana and Mahabharata. However, the best part of the place is the hanging pillar in the main Lepakshi Temple. There is nothing holding the pillar to the ground, but it is still standing.

14. Parule and Bhogwe, Maharashtra

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Parule offers a farm stay experience, along with a taste of authentic local cuisine. Activities like cow milking, fishing, and plantation walking will keep you engaged. The stunning sunsets and sunrises will take your breath away.

Bhogwe, on the other hand, boasts of architectural wonders and a mystical charm. The village has rustic temples and old cottages, where you can have a laid-back vacation while munching cashews, boat-riding ,or just lazing around on the coast.

15. Velas, Maharashtra

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The people of this quaint village have taken up a cause – they aggressively protect and nurture the several, common and endangered, species of turtles. Here, you get to watch the unfurling of a life in front of your eyes, right from the moment these little friends hatch out of their shells.
PS: Don’t miss the annual turtle festival which is a one-of-its-kind mesmerizing event, of the festival. Check out their official website for more updates.

16. Halebidu, Karnataka

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Halebidu is dotted with several forgotten but charming shrines and temples. A dream destination for historians and archaeologists, the place encompasses peace and a sense of complacence that is alien to the modern world . Once a regal capital to kings, Halebidu will make you forget all other temples around.

17. Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Karnataka

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You may have heard of the famous ruins of Hampi, but have you heard of an exquisitely clean and well-maintained bear reserve known as Daroji Bear Sanctuary? It is home to more than 120 sloth bears, amongst other equally feral animals. If lucky, you might get to watch the scene of the wide gorge from the watch tower, several feet above. Watch them gorging on food from a relatively closer spot at 2 pm every day, when the authorities provide these mammoths with food and water.

Now you wouldn’t have imagined that our country has something like this, right?

18. Moodbidri, Karnataka

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Moodbidri is Jains’ paradise and historians’ dream destination. Several Jain shrines (some of them are centuries old) depicting the Digambara culture, add character to the place. The most popular one is thousand pillared Jain Temple which is said to be over 600 years old. The architecture has the Nepalese, Hoysala, and Oriental influences.

19. Chembra Lake, Western Ghats

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In the heights of Wayanad range in Western Ghats, there is a lake which is believed to be never desiccated. Not drought, not high temperature; nothing has ever been able to dry even the tiniest bit of this lake. But the most catchy thing about Chemra lake is its shape – a heart. Yes, it is the only natural lake in India in the shape of a heart.

20. Urakam, Kerala

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Majestic beauty, entrancing culture, skilled artisans, vibrant festivals, and delicious food – Urakam, the best of unexplored places in south India has all! Away from the busy town life, come here to relax, rejoice, and learn pottery from the original pottery masters.

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