India is a country renowned for its extraordinary diversity, rich cultural heritage, profound spiritual significance, and delectable cuisine. It boasts the majestic Himalayan mountains in the north, the arid Thar Desert in the west, lush green backwaters and pristine beaches in the south, and a vibrant tapestry of wildlife. While India is widely celebrated for iconic landmarks such as the Taj Mahal in Agra, the forts of Jaipur, the beaches of Goa, and spiritual capitals like Varanasi and Rishikesh, the country also harbours numerous hidden gems, the lesser known destinations that warrant inclusion on your travel itinerary.
Mawlynnong, Meghalaya
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Mawlynnong, situated in Meghalaya, India, is renowned for its distinction as “Asia’s Cleanest Village.” This picturesque village boasts pristine environments, lush greenery, and rich landscapes. Nestled within the eastern Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, it is often referred to as “God’s Own Garden” and serves as a serene escape for travel enthusiasts. Mawlynnong is celebrated for its cleanliness, traditional bamboo dustbins, and a comprehensive ban on plastic usage and smoking.Tourists can explore the village’s main attractions, including the Nohwet Living Root Bridge, Sky View Tower, and Balancing Rock. Additionally, they can savour the delectable Khasi cuisine, such as Jadoh, Dohkhleh, and Pudau, at local eateries and homestays.
While Mawlynnong enjoys beautiful weather throughout the year, the best time to visit is from October to April. During the monsoon season, Meghalaya experiences heavy rainfall, resulting in powerful waterfalls and landslides. These weather conditions can hinder outdoor activities and make trekking and other routes extremely slippery. Therefore, it is advisable to visit after the monsoon to fully experience the village’s attractions.
Majuli, Assam
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Majuli is the world’s largest river island located in the Brahmaputra River in Assam, India. It is also considered as the “cultural capital of Assam” and is the centre for the Neo-Vaishnavite movement founded by the 15th century saint, Srimanta Sankardeva. The island is famous for its Satras (monasteries) which are institutions for spiritual teaching, Classical Sattriya dance, music and crafts like pottery. Majuli is a unique blend of natural beauty, rich tribal culture and biodiversity.
Tourists can visit the numerous monasteries to learn about Assam’s cultural and spiritual heritage, participate in enjoyable pottery and mask-making workshops, cycle through verdant fields and unique bamboo bridges, and observe birds as Majuli’s wetlands attract migratory birds such as the Siberian crane, Siberian ruby-throat, pelicans, and citrine wagtail. The optimal time to visit Majuli is from October to March, during which the island enjoys pleasant and cool weather, ideal for sightseeing and engaging in outdoor activities. This period also coincides with the arrival of migratory birds and significant cultural festivals.
Orccha, Madhya Pradesh
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Orccha, a historic town in Madhya Pradesh, is renowned for its distinctive fusion of 16th-century Bundela Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. It boasts palaces, temples, and cenotaphs (Chhatris), all set against a picturesque backdrop along the banks of the Betwa River. The town’s rich religious heritage is deeply ingrained in its fabric. Founded by Bundela Rajput chief Rudra Pratap Singh in the 16th century, Orccha is celebrated for its well-preserved palaces and temples.
Among its notable attractions is the Orccha Fort Complex, which houses several magnificent palaces, including the renowned Raja Mahal and the Jehangir Mahal, renowned for their exquisite designs, intricate carvings, and vibrant murals. Additionally, the Ram Raja Temple stands as a prominent landmark, where Lord Ram is revered as a sovereign King. The Chaturbhuj Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is another standout attraction, constructed on a unique architectural plan that seamlessly integrates features of a temple with fort. It is best to visit this beautiful town frozen in time during winter from October to March to enjoy a pleasant weather.
Chettinad, Tamil Nadu
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Chettinad, a culturally rich region in Tamil Nadu, is situated within the Sivaganga district, with portions extending into Pudukottai. Renowned for its opulent architecture and delectable cuisine, Chettinad is home to a prosperous mercantile and banking community known as the Nattukottai Chettiar community.The region boasts thousands of palatial mansions constructed during the 19th and early 20th centuries. These magnificent structures, crafted by wealthy Chettiar merchants, feature intricate woodwork, Italian tiles, Burmese teak, and exquisite courtyards, such as the grand Chettinad Palace and the Athangudi Palace.Chettinad is also home to numerous ancient temples, each meticulously crafted in the Dravidian style. Notable examples include the Pillaiyarpatti Karpaga Vinayagar Temple and the Kundrakudi Murugan Temple.
Chettinad cuisine is celebrated for its use of freshly ground spices, including star anise, black stone flower (kalpasi), and dried red chilies. The cuisine is renowned for its spicy and aromatic flavours, making dishes like Chettinad chicken, mutton chops, and Kuzhi Paniyaram (savoury rice dumplings) must-tries for tourists. The best time to visit Chettinad is from October to March, during which the weather is favourable for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
ZIRO VALLEY, ARUNACHAL PRADESH
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Ziro Valley, a picturesque high-altitude plateau nestled within the Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh, presents itself as an idyllic destination for both travel enthusiasts and nature aficionados. Characterised by its pine-clad hills, bamboo groves, lush greenery, and picturesque terraced rice fields, Ziro Valley offers an unparalleled natural experience. For those who partake in trekking, hiking, and wildlife spotting, this plateau promises an unforgettable adventure.
Recognised for its distinctive and sustainable agricultural practices, Ziro Valley has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list. Moreover, it is home to the Apatani tribe, renowned for their ingenious system of paddy-cum-pisciculture, wherein fish are directly reared within the flooded rice fields. Travellers can visit the Tarin Fish Farm, a destination that invites visitors to witness this extraordinary system firsthand.
Ziro Valley is also famous for its globally acclaimed, eco-friendly outdoor music festival held in late September annually. The festival showcases independent music on stages built from locally sourced bamboo. Other famous attractions that travellers can enjoy are the Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary which is a biodiversity hotspot in the Eastern Himalayas, 30 km from Ziro Valley. It is home to numerous rare and endangered species of flora and fauna like the elusive clouded leopard, Malayan giant squirrel, Himalayan black bear and various varieties of rare plants and flowers.
The best time to visit Ziro Valley is either from March to May or from October to November. In these months, the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities. Indian nationals need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) and foreigners need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to enter Arunachal Pradesh to safeguard the indigenous tribal communities , their unique cultures and the region’s delicate environment.
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