The 10 most underrated destinations in India

This village tucked in Tirthan Valley has long conquered hearts thanks to its scenic views, lush greenery and scrumptious traditional Himachali cuisine. On your way through town, be sure to stop by Firgun Cafe to chat with some locals, sample the delish hot chocolate and nibble on Himachali siddu (a tangy sort of bread). 

There are plenty of unique bridges in the world, but how many are made out of living tree roots? Not many, that’s for sure. Mawlynnong’s marvellous bridge was made from weaving the roots of the Ficus Elastica tree, a practice that has been repeated over generations. But the bridge is far from the town’s only attraction. Take a dip in some of Mawlynnong’s many rivers, stroll through its fruit orchids and learn about the rich culture of the local Khasi tribe.

Perched nearly 7,000 feet above sea level, the small village of Pelling is one of the most peaceful getaways in northeast India. The village, which sits on a ridge between two Buddhist monasteries, offers tourists village tours and meditations, as well as views out over the mighty Kanchenjunga mountain. Decisively less meditative adventures like mountain biking and rock climbing can be done nearby, too. 

Munroe Island technically isn’t one island but many: a cluster of isles located off the Keralan coast. Those who want to escape the crowded beaches of Goa for a peaceful beach break are sure to like it around here. Unmissable attractions? If you ask us, the narrow waterways and canal cruises. August and September are the best months to visit, when the grand harvest celebration of Onam and the raucous Kallada Boat Race both take place.

A small village in Uttarakhand, Chakrata offers the perfect break from the chaos of India’s big cities. Think glistening dewdrops on the grass, chirping birds and cool mountain breezes. The vast green forests enveloping Chakrata add to its calm, while the snow-capped Himalayas loom in the distance. Chakrata is also home to Asia’s biggest Deodar tree – called Kanasar – which is a symbol of unity and resilience. 

Rolling green meadows, cute mountain dogs and a mysterious temple await you in this quaint Himachal Pradesh village. The famous wooden temple is believed to be the residence of the deity Shangchul Mahadev, who the villagers claim has complete jurisdiction over the land. It’s particularly popular amongst couples, thanks to a folkloric tale telling of how the deity once gave shelter to couples scorned by society.

Fancy visiting spiritual hub Varanasi but don’t fancy the crowds? Maheshwar is the perfect alternative. Located in the heart of central India, this spiritual destination features tonnes of riverside temples with overhanging balconies (and great views), as well as plenty of boat ride opportunities down the Narmada River. Also worth a look is Maheshwar Fort, which houses an archaeological museum and a statue of the famous revolutionary queen of the Maratha Empire, Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar.

Where better to turn to for peace and tranquillity than nature? You’ll find heaps of all that and more at Chaukori, a hill station surrounded by breathtaking views of the Himalayas and vast tea gardens. And if you prefer your nature holidays to be a bit more active, thanks to its trekking, camping and bird-watching opportunities, Chaukori is fab for adventure holiday enthusiasts, too. 

The 500-resident village of Agumbe is surrounded by one of India’s finest patches of unspoiled rainforest. So, as you’d expect, it makes for an especially exciting adventure holiday destination. Here you can trek, raft and bike, as well as explore the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary Unesco World Heritage Site. 

Coffee aficionados, assemble! Chikhaldara offers visitors the only coffee estate in Maharashtra and an unforgettable escape from the bustle of Mumbai. Here you can experience the small joys of life in a remote village. Be sure to also go for a forest safari to take in the region’s diverse flora and fauna. If you’re lucky, you might even catch sight of a tiger.