Offbeat Destinations to Visit in India in 2016

Filled with innumerable mysteries and charms, there are many offbeat destinations in India which are truly unique in many ways. You will not find such abundance and a confluence of varied customs, beliefs, language and heritage, anywhere in the world except in India. This country is a dream land for any traveller because there is so much to explore and experience. Let us talk about the various exotic destinations, which are hidden across India and do not feature in those typical tourist trails. We have comprised a list of some offbeat destinations, which you should visit in 2016:

Nubra Valley, Jammu & Kashmir

Nubra Valley is located about 140km from Leh and it is a part of the famous Silk Route. The land of ethereal and everlasting gorgeousness, Nubra valley is nestled amidst the glaciated peaks of the Karakoram Range. This austerely beautiful and undefiled place presents an awe-inspiring imagery, which appears as if it is taken from the books on modern art. Two rivers, which are named as Nubra and Shyok also pass through the valley, which are vital to the sustenance of flora and fauna of this place. This is certainly a place to visit, if you are looking for a destination, which appears like a captivating canvas made up of the colours and contours of your imagination.

Best time to visit: June to October

How to reach:

By Air:  Leh is the nearest airport. You can take a taxi or board a bus to reach Nubra Valley from there.

By Train: The nearest railway station is Jammu. You can take a taxi or board a bus to reach Leh and then Nubra valley.

Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh

One of the most gorgeous places in India, Ziro valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its consummate natural beauty. It is a part of the Subansiri District in Arunachal Pradesh and located at an altitude of 1500 meters, above sea level. This picturesque region is filled with verdant paddy fields and rich flora. One of the most terrific things about this place is that the climate stays soothing and agreeable throughout the year. It is also a home to the Apa Tani tribe, which is known for its great hospitality and obliging nature. Many tourists visit this place to spend a few days with the tribe to experience their way of life and culture. Each and every part of this place is filled with natural splendour and spectacular views, which make it a must-visit destination for anyone, looking forward to explore a treasure of natural beauty.

Best time to visit: Throughout the year

How to reach:

By Air:  Tezpur is the nearest airport, which is located at a distance of 300 km. The airport at Tezpur is connected to Kolakata and Silchar by weekly flights. You can take a taxi from Tezpur airport to go  to Ziro.

By Train: The nearest railway station is at Tezpur, which is located at a distance of 300 km. Tezpur is well connected to various parts of the country via trains. You can hire a taxi from Tezpur railway station to reach Ziro.

Majuli Island, Assam

 

Majuli Island is popular as the “World’s largest freshwater island” and it is located on the river Brahmaputra in Assam. It is located 20 kilometers away from the city of Jorhat. This island is a home to innumerable migratory birds spread across an area of around 900 square km. It has been also known as the cultural capital of the Assamese civilization with roots tracing back to the 16^th century. The inhabitants of this island also host various important events and festivals which are related to the Assamese culture.

Best time to visit: September to March

How to reach:

By Air: The nearest airport is at Jorhat. There are daily flights to Jorhat from Guwahati, and four flights a week from Kolkata. You can book a taxi or take a bus ride to reach this place.

By Train: The nearest train station is also at Jorhat. You can book a taxi or take a bus ride to reach this place.

Phugtal Gompa, Ladakh

Phugtal Gompa, colloquially called as Phuktal, is a Buddhist monastery, which is located in the Lungnak Valley in the southeastern Zanskar region in Ladakh. Overlooking an exquisite ravine and mountains, the location of this Monastery is breathtaking, as it is situated on a cliff face and premised upon a foundation, which is built by using the age-old methods of construction and material that include mud and twigs. It is located at a height of 3,800 meters. This serene place is also a popular Buddhist learning centre and has a treasure of sacred artwork, paintings and statues. It is a must-visit place for someone seeking solace amidst awe-inspiring natural settings.

Best time to visit: Mid July to September

How to reach:

By Air: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee is the nearest airport in Leh Ladakh. There are many flights for Kushok Bakula airport from the major cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Jammu and Srinagar.

By Rail: Nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi, Located on the distance of approximately 708 km from Leh. You can take a taxi/bus service to reach Kargil and then book another taxi or jeep to reach Phugtal.

By Road: One can book a taxi or jeep to cover the 240-km long Kargil-Padum road, which remains opened from around mid July to early November. Bus service is also available from Kargil.

Shojha, Himachal Pradesh

Serene and picturesque, Shoja is a lovely hill village, which is located in the Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh. This village is a home to wonderful temples, which have intriguing pyramidal roofs. The wooden structures of these temples are built by using the precisely placed layers of woods. These wood temples exhibit a perfect paradigm regarding the opulence and significance related to the hill architecture, which appears breathtaking amidst these natural settings made up of the beautiful mountains and apple orchards.

Best time to visit: March to November

How to reach:

By Air:  The nearest airport is Bhuntar 54 km. You can book a taxi or jeep from there

By Rail: Nearest railhead is Chandigarh 279 km.

By Road: You can access the Tirthan Valley by the Chandigarh-Manali NH21. Book a taxi from  Chandigarh via Ambala to reach the place.

Champaner, Gujarat

 

A treasure-trove of heritage, Champaner is a historical city, which is located 47 kilometers from the city of Vadodara in Gujarat. It is one of those UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which holds a special place in the mythical history of India. It is believed that the Pavagadh hills of Champaner are a chunk of the Himalayan hills, which were carried over to Sri Lanka by the Lord Hanuman during the battle of Ramayana. Another main attraction of this town is the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, which showcases some mind-blowing designs of the ancient Hindu and Islamic styles.

Best time to visit: October to February

How to reach:

By Air: The nearest airport is Vadodara airport 42 kilometres from the place. Vadodara airport has several domestic flights connecting with major Indian cities. You can take a taxi from the airport to reach Champaner.

By Rail: Vadodara railway station is the nearest railway station at a distance of 53 kilometres from the city. It has a good connectivity with other cities of India.

By Road:  You can board a bus from Ahmedabad and Vadodara connecting with the city of Champaner. You can also book a taxi from these two places.

Gokarna, Karnataka

Though, it is a small temple town, Gokarna is known for its pristine and unspoilt beaches. It is located on the western coast of India in the Uttara Kannada district of the state of Karnataka. It is believed that the main temple of this place has the original image of the Lord Shiva’s lingam or Atmalinga, which makes it one of the important Hindu pilgrimage centres in India. The laid-back and rustic nature of this place attracts many visitors towards it every year.

Best time to visit: November to February

How to reach:

By Air: The nearest airport is Dabolim Airport (Goa) 91 km away, which has several  domestic flights connecting with major Indian cities.

By Train: Gokarna railway station get regular trains from other major cities of the country.

By Road: Gokarna is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular buses.

The Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

 

The Spiti Valley is located in the Himalayan Mountains Range. It is a desert mountain valley, which is located in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The name “Spiti” means “The Middle Land”, i.e. the land between Tibet and India. This destination is popular as a virgin hill resort, which has many opportunities for adventure sports lovers. It is also one of the least populated regions in India, which has its own natural grandeur and charm. There are various Buddhist temples and monasteries in the region that attract many tourists.

Best time to visit: May to October

How to reach:

By Air: Kullu Airport is the nearest airport. You can board a taxi or rickshaw from the airport to reach the destination.

By Train: Shimla is the nearest railway station. You can hire cabs and Jeeps from the railway station to reach Spiti. Buses are also available from Shimla to reach the Spiti Valley.

By Road: The roads in Spiti are almost open throughout the year. You can board a bus or book a taxi from Shimla or Kullu to reach the place.

Bhimbetka, Madhya Pradesh

 

Besides its natural beauty, Bhimbetka is that coveted place in Madhya Pradesh that witnessed the dawn of the South Asian Stone Age. It was chosen as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. The main attraction of this place are the earliest rock paintings, as old as 30,000 years old – which are the first real evidence regarding the existence of human life in the Indian subcontinent. If you are interested in tracing the evolution of the human race in India, this is the place to visit.

Best time to visit: October to April

How to reach:

By Air: Raja Bhoj airport is the nearest airport to Bhimbetka located at a distance of around 45kms from Bhimbetka, the airport is connected to the major domestic airports via regular flights. You can hire a taxi or a cab from Raja Bhoj airport to Bhimbetka.

By Train: The nearest railway station is Bhopal, which is around 37kms away from Bhimbetka and is connected to all the domestic railheads.

By Road: Bhimbetka is well connected to the neighbouring cities of Madhya Pradesh via road. One can board the state run buses or hire a taxi from Bhopal to reach the destination.

Lonar, Maharashtra

It is a serene little town, which is spread around a lake. The interesting thing is that this mesmerizing salt water lake was formed due to a meteorite strike around 52,000 years ago. This place has remained one of the top hotspots in the world, for various scientific researchers. Besides this lake, there are many temples in Lonar, which have their own significance. You should visit this place to behold the traces of a fascinating impact of a cosmic phenomenon.

Best time to visit: October to March

How to reach:

By Air: The nearest Airport is Aurangabad, which is 136kms away from Lonar. One can book a taxi or board a bus from the Airport to reach Lonar.

By Train: The nearest railway station is Aurangabad, which is well connected with the major Indian cities via rail.

By Road: Lonar is well-connected to Aurangabad via road.