Not many countries can boast to be as diverse as India; be it geographically, ethnically, culturally, or historically, India is diverse but not many travellers who visit this bounteous land get a taste of the real India which is far more than the royal palaces of Rajasthan, the Ayurveda centres of Kerala, the breathtaking treks in the Himalayas, the beaches of Goa, or even the spiritual halo of Varanasi and to give you a taste of India beyond the tried and tested, some of our favourite bloggers talk about offbeat Indian gems. Read about offbeat Indian destinations, regional cuisines and architecture, textile and festivals, festivals and languages that you can explore on your next trip to India.
Offbeat India
- 1. Vadodara, Gujarat
- 2. Udupi, Karnataka
- 3. Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh
- 4. Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh
- 5. Bodoland, Assam
- 6. Padum, Ladakh
- 7. Karwar, Karnataka
- 8. Murshidabad, West Bengal
- 9. Kohima, Nagaland
- 10. Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
- 11. Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh
- 12. Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
- 13. Kalpa, Himachal Pradesh
- 14. Badami, Karnataka
- 15. Vattavada, Kerala
- 16. Bardhamman, West Bengal
- 17. Bhubaneshwar, Odisha
- 18. Nawalgarh, Rajasthan
- 19. Serampore, West Bengal
- 20. Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu
1. Vadodara, Gujarat
By Sarah Carter of A Social Nomad
Vadodara is home to my best ever breakfast at an Indian train station: Sublime chickpeas, excellent dhal, and amazing chapatti. The Gujarati thali, with its assortment of colourful vegetable curries, pickles, and papad, is magnificent and reason enough to visit this city in the dry (alcohol-free) state of Gujarat but if you aren’t the type that would travel for food and food alone, there are several other quite remarkable reasons to visit Vadodara. At the top of the list is Laxmi Villas, a stunning palace built in the Indo-Saracenic Revival style by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1890. It’s the home of the current royal family of Vadodara. This stately home, with its stunning architecture and fantastic audio tour, receives precious few visitors and is a million miles away from the crowds of more touristed cities in India. While in Vadodara you’ll also want to head to Tambekah Wada. While it’s not much to look at on the outside, this house that was built for a wealthy merchant is home to some of the most stunning interior artwork. Vadodara is also the closest city to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Champaner-Pavagadh. Come to uncrowded Vadodara for architecture, artwork, and incredible food.
2. Udupi, Karnataka
By Madhurima Chakraborty of the Orange Wayfarer
When you think of beach towns in India your mind invariably veers towards Goa. True, Goa has some of the finest beaches in the world and a number of offbeat attractions; however, the state lacks the charm of the laidback coastal town. But, if you need to reach ennui, you got to travel further down the south and reach Karnataka. Udupi, on the Arabian Sea, is one such gem of coastal Karnataka. Historically, Udupi evokes a lot of reverence amongst pious Hindus. It houses the seat of Sri Krishna mutt; a meal here is equivalent to garnering “punya”, good deeds. Sri Krishna matha gave way to a specific type of cuisine in Indian culinary history, also known as Sattik style of food. Even the aubergine used is of a specific kind and grown in this part of the world only. Close to Udupi, a new city has emerged. Manipal. Famous for university and healthcare, Manipal is home to students from around the globe. We spent a week in Udupi exploring her coastal villages and ethereal beaches. Some of the prominent beaches are Malpe, Kapu, Malavanthe. The town remains far off from the tourist trail and safeguards the eternal goodness and simplicity of rural India. Try out coastal food like fiery spiced prawns and toddy, a local moonshine created from palm sap, when in Udupi. Also take a day trip to Saint Mary’s Island, whose rock formations are similar to those of Seychelles.
3. Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh
By Arnav Mathur of Eat | Travel | Live | Repeat
For starters, Bir – Billing is the paragliding capital of India. If that’s not a reason in itself, how about this: Bir is home to one of the most significant Tibetan refugee settlements in India, and is just a couple of hours’ drive from weekend destinations like Dharamshala, McLeodganj and Palampur? Also, Bir has become quite a popular destination for creative minds to come and settle in, making Bir one of the most promising and upcoming destinations for digital nomads in India. Some of the things that you shouldn’t miss out on are paragliding and paracycling, going cafe hopping, chasing sunsets at the landing site, a visit to the nearby Sherabling monastery, among others. When it comes to the food, you won’t be disappointed for sure. Over the past few years, a number of quaint cafes have opened up in Bir, offering not only picturesque views but also yummy food. To suggest a few as recommended in this Bir – Billing Food Guide: Try the south Indian food at Avva’s Cafe, the mint ice tea at Musafir Cafe, fried momos at Ram Bahadur Cafe, and devil momos at Nyingma Restaurant.
4. Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh
By Zinara of Nat n’ Zin
While I loved Vizag, Rajahmundry has to be my favorite Andhra Pradesh town. It’s not too big nor too small, but big enough to have a domestic airport. This coastal town is frequented by pilgrims coming to the ISKCON temple. I highly recommend you go to Pushkar Ghat during sunset and take a boat ride in River Godavari. The town bustles with life in the late evenings. Take a stroll along the river banks and have a glass of musk melon juice and Andhra thali served with fiery-red fish curry. The subtle hints of tamarind in the fish curry are a delight to your tastebuds. Take a small trip to Kadiyapulanka Flower Market in the morning to see the daily humdrum and smell the fragrance of fresh flowers coming from rural flower gardens.
5. Bodoland, Assam
By Dev of Footloose Dev
Less than 200 km from Guwahati, in Assam, is the home of the Bodo tribe and a new destination-in-making: the untouched region of Bodoland. At the moment, Bodoland as a territory isn’t very popular among tourists but some of the places in Bodoland are. Manas National Park, for example, is one such place, that happens to be a recognised UNESCO world heritage site and a popular tiger reserve. The annual cultural fest, the Dwijing Festival, is another popular highlight in Bodoland that takes place every year around the new year. Similar to Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival, it is a venue for cultural dance/music performances, local games, art exhibitions, and a lot of food. Other than that Dwijing Festival and Manas National Park, you can visit Bodoland for tribal culture, picturesque villages and beautiful landscapes. For people looking for an offbeat destination with an unmatching beauty, Bodoland is certainly a no-miss.
Also read: Love to collect food-related souvenirs? Read all about the best edible souvenirs you can take home from India such as Darjeeling tea, Chikmagalur coffee, Osmania biscuits and more.
6. Padum, Ladakh
By Anya Carion of Unexpected Occurrence
Padum is the main town in the Zanskar Valley, one of India’s hidden gems. From the tall mountains to the green hills and hundreds of kilometres of hiking trails, this town is the ultimate adventure paradise. There are so few tourists here that it feels as if you’re exploring somewhere untouched. While in Padum, don’t miss the gompa with sweeping views of the valley! We loved going here and hiking around the area to find the best viewpoints, and we weren’t disappointed. When you’re in Padum, don’t miss the Korean restaurant. This little place is run by two women and its some of the best Korean food I’ve ever had! Also, try the local fare: Ladakhi butter tea, bread, dumplings, and more. Padum has so much to offer and is a can’t miss destination if you’re in the Zanskar valley.
7. Karwar, Karnataka
By Samantha Shea of Intentional Detours
Located at the very top of Karnataka, Karwar is a small city on the sea minus the crowds. Most travellers completely overlook Karwar, or simply pass by on their way to neighbouring Goa or elsewhere in Karnataka. The vibrant city not only has a long coastline but is also a true foodie spot. Dozens of delicious breakfast spots and seafood-friendly joints can be found all throughout the city. If you’re looking for some affordable seafood, Karwar has certainly got you covered. Though there’s plenty to keep you busy within Karwar, the true highlight of this off-beat city lies a few kilometres away: the picturesque fishing village of Majali. While Karwar’s beach is nice, Majali Beach is paradise. With virtually no tourists, you’ll most likely have the place to yourself aside from local fishermen. What’s more is that Majali Beach is where a short trek to a true rarity begins: Tilmati Beach, one of India’s very few black-sand seasides. From Karwar, Majali can be reached by a hired rickshaw or a local bus, though I definitely recommend the bus as it’s fast (about 10 minutes) and very affordable. While you might need a rickshaw to reach Majali, another great thing about Karwar is it’s very walkable for the most part. The best thing to do in the city is to simply get lost amongst the small, colourful streets and see what the day will bring!
8. Murshidabad, West Bengal
By Debjani Lahiri of the Vagabong
When it comes to West Bengal, travellers are often drawn towards either Kolkata or the Queen of Hills, Darjeeling but there are several other places in Bengal that are hardly on the tourist radar. One such place is Murshidabad, which was the last capital of Bengal before the British annexation. This was where the great Battle of Plassey was fought in which the defeat of Siraj -Daula by the British army led their strong foothold in India and thus ended the great Nawab regime. Murshidabad was proudly known as the Land of Nawabs of Bengal. Bengal was then known to contribute, singlehandedly, a staggering 5% of the world market, mainly because of the prosperity of Murshidabad. Several remains of palaces, royal mansions, temples that were built around the cities, by the merchants and Nawabs, tells us about the glorious past of erstwhile capital even now. The Hazaar Duari Palace, literally 1000 doors, is one of Murshidabad’s iconic monuments. Several other historical monuments, all remnants of a bygone era, pepper the town. Murshidabad is also the birthplace of the Sheherwali cuisine, a unique cuisine that marries Jain culinary sensibilities with the decadence of Nawabi food with hints of Bengali and Rajasthani flavours. Dishes like kheere ki kachori and saloni mewa ka khichri that are unheard of in the rest of the country can be found in some of Murshidabad’s oldest kitchens.
9. Kohima, Nagaland
By Vaibhav Mehta of The Wandering Vegetable
Kohima, the capital city of Nagaland in India’s northeast, is an underrated gem with a rich history, vibrant culture, alluring natural beauty, impressive arts and crafts, elegant architecture, and delectable local cuisine. The city and its surrounding areas saw some of the bloodiest battles in history. At the Second World War museum and the Kohima War cemetery, you can learn about Kohima’s strategic significance in the world war. Other important places to visit in Kohima Cathedral, Kisama Heritage Village, Shilloi Lake, Kohima State Museum, Sumi Baptist Church, Dierhezo food market, and Kohima Zoo. You can also India’s first “Green Village”, Khonoma Village, or hike to the Dzukou Valley. The locals are extremely hospitable and warm. Their traditions and culture can be experienced first-hand by visiting the Naga tribe villages. You’ll especially love the Khonoma village which is one of the cleanest villages in India and gives you a picture of how gorgeous the northeast actually is!
10. Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
By Zinara of Nat n’ Zin
If you are visiting South India, definitely add Vizag (or Visakhapatnam) to your list. It’s very much less touristy but it’s an incredibly beautiful place with beaches and mouthwatering food. Ramakrishna Beach in the center of the city is a crowded space, but don’t miss it during the sunset hours. Order an Araku (Andhra Pradesh’s very own coffee country) coffee from one of the kiosks and settle down to see the fading sun as dusk settles in. Take a small trip to Rushikonda Beach, about 9 km from the city center. Near Rushikonda, Kailasagiri is a park where you could enjoy a cable car ride as the views of the blue sea mesmerizes you. As a foodie, I loved the Andhra mutton biryani served at Alpha Hotel. Nellore Vari Meals is another popular place in the town for a plate of biryani packed with a spicy punch. Vizag is a well-organized city with comparatively better infrastructure, so getting around is not a hassle.
11. Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh
By Sandy and Vyjay of IMVoyager
Chanderi, a small town located in Madhya Pradesh is a historical gem that is relatively unknown. As a town it is synonymous with sarees woven here known as Chanderi Sarees, however, the town with hundreds of historical sites strewn in the vicinity is a treasure trove of heritage. There are archaeological sites with ruins from the Gupta period and later. There are rock-cut caves with paintings dating back to the Neolithic period. Monuments from more recent periods of history include the Chanderi Fort which has within its ramparts the tomb of the legendary singer Baiju Bawra. Also inside the fort is the Johar Smarak which marks the spot where thousands of women jumped to their death as the army of Babur lay siege to the fort. Other interesting monuments include the Kati Darwaza, which is actually a passage that has been cut in the sheer rock face and the Badal Mahal. Chanderi is an entire chapter of history waiting to be explored.
12. Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
By Mariellen Ward of Breathe Dream Go
Bhopal is known as the City of Lakes — and the shimmering lakes that weave through the city are indeed one of its many attractions. The capital of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal makes for a good starting point to explore the state. But don’t make the mistake of skipping Bhopal as you would be missing out on one of India’s most underrated cities. Bhopal is a historical city, and is also known as the City of Begums. From the time it was founded in 1707, Bhopal was ruled by Muslim Nawabs (kings). History took an unprecedented turn when, in 1819, a young ruler died and his 18-year-old wife, Begum Qudsia (a begum is a queen), seized the reigns of power. For the next 107 years, four begums successively ruled Bhopal, each making it even more sophisticated and prosperous. The consequence of this history is that Bhopal is an enjoyable city to visit (and probably live, too). On a walking tour of the old city, you will see the Taj-ul-Masijid Mosque, the largest mosque in India, which was commissioned by one of the begum rulers, Shahjehan Begum in 1878. Nearby is the ruins of Benazir Palace (also commissioned Shahjehan Begum) and bustling Chowk Market. Another attraction well worth seeing is the Tribal Museum, which is unique and fascinating, and the word museum does not do it justice. I’ve never seen anything like it. Aside from the delights you will find within Bhopal, there are also two UNESCO World Heritage sites within driving distance: Bhimbetka Caves with 30,000 year old paintings, and Sanchi Buddhist Stupa, built by Emperor Ashoka. Bhopal is one of the best places to visit in Madhya Pradesh.
13. Kalpa, Himachal Pradesh
By Soujanya Rai of The Spicy Journey
Kalpa is a small Himalayan village located in Kinnaur Valley, Himachal Pradesh, overlooking the Kinner Kailash range. Even though Kalpa is located just a 30-minute drive from Reckong Peo, the district headquarters of Kinnaur, it’s one of the most serene and picturesque places in all of Himachal. The primary reason for visiting Kalpa is to enjoy the slow-paced life while staying in a village with a breathtaking view. Apart from visiting the temple and monastery, you can hike 8 km to another peaceful village called Roghi. In order to take in the beauty of Kalpa village, it’s essential to stay in one of the hotels on the upper side of Kalpa. This is where you’ll get the best view of the mountain range towering against the idyllic village.
14. Badami, Karnataka
By Sumit Walia of Travel Dreams
Badami erstwhile, known as Vatapi, was the capital of the Chalukya dynasty for close to two hundred years. It is a significant destination of the North Karnataka rock-cut architecture circuit and complements the architectural grandeur of the temple ruins of Hampi (UNESCO Heritage site). The Badami cave temples are some of the finest examples of rock-cut architecture dating back to the 6th century in the world. Another must-see is the Badami Fort and the Malegitti Shivalaya. Built by Tipu Sultan, the fort’s ramparts encircle the town of Badami. Other places of interest are the Agastya Theertha lake, a lake ringed on three sides by the limestone cliffs which house the Badami Caves as well as the Badami fort, the Bhootanatha Group of Temples, and the Archeological Museum. Badami lies in the north Karnataka jowar belt and the food here is primarily vegetarian. Rustic jowar chappatis with delicious vegetable curries are served in the Lingayat eateries here; visit Basaveshwara Khanavali, whose kitchen is running since 1930, for a taste of the local fare.
15. Vattavada, Kerala
By Athul Menon of The Backpack Tales
As offbeat Indian as an offbeat Indian destination can get, Vattavada is a quaint village located among the mountains of the Idukki district of Kerala. Known to be Kerala’s first and only self-sufficient village, Vattavada is one of the must-visit places on your trip to Munnar. Vattavada produces many fruits and vegetables that are not usually grown in other parts of the state like apple, orange, plum, blackberry and peach. Farmers at work and daily transportation of organic produce to markets are some of the common sights to witness in this beautiful village. At an elevation ranging between 4000 to 9000 feet above sea level, Vattavada is the perfect place to unwind and get a flavour of the village life. The village is also located close to some of the popular wildlife sanctuaries like the Eravikulam National Park and the Kurinjimala Sanctuary which are known to be home to some of the most exotic flora and fauna in India.
16. Bardhamman, West Bengal
By Ruma Dey Baidya of Holiday Stories
For most travellers, Bardhamman is just another station on the Kolkata – New Jalpaiguri railway route but this city, whose history dates back to 5000 BC is a treasure trove for history lovers. Places of interest include the Rajbari, Sarbamangala Temple, Meghna Saha Planetarium, Ramnar Bagan Wildlife Sanctuary, Curzon Gate, Tomb of Khwaja Anwar Berh, Kankaleshwari Mandir, 108 Shiv Mandir, and Christ Church. If you want to spend a thrilling night in a jungle, don’t miss the Valki machan tour in West Bengal. On the way, there is an ancient dokara artist village where you can buy learn about the art of dokara and buy some souvenirs. If you have a sweet tooth, Bardhamman won’t disappoint either. The city is famous for its mihidana and sitabhog, two sweets much loved by Bengalis. In the nearby town of Shaktigarh, you can find rows of shops selling a local speciality, langcha, a sweet
17. Bhubaneshwar, Odisha
By Anwesha Guha of Going Places with Anwesha
Bhubaneshwar has a strong foothold in Indian history. The capital of Orissa is often depicted as Ekamra Kshetra (City of Temples). This ancient city has been mentioned in the Mahabharata to be under the Chedi Kingdom led by King Sisupala. In fact, the Ruins of Sisupalgarh, the ancient capital of Kalinga was exhumed near Bhubaneshwar which is believed to predate the Mauryan Empire. Bhubaneswar is surrounded by significant sacred cultural landscapes which is why it is an ideal place to embark on unforgettable weekend trips with your friends and family. The top places that you shouldn’t miss in Bhubaneshwar city are the Lingaraja Temple, Mukteswara Temple, Nandankanan Zoological Park, Shanti Stupa at Dhauligiri Hills, Udayagiri and Khandgiri Caves, Biju Patnaik Park and Odisha Modern Art Gallery. All these places are easily accessible via the local transport. You can also opt for the one-day tour package from Odisha Tourism Department Corporate Ltd (OTDC) that includes all these places and more for a very nominal price of Rs 400 per person. When at Bhubaneshwar, don’t forget the authentic Odisha thali which usually has Phakala, Janta Roti, Dalma, Aloo Posto, Baingan Chakata, Potato Ivy Gourd Chips, Phala Rasgulla, Kanika and Pana Sankranti. Sweet lovers can never miss the Chenna Poda and Khaja of Bhubaneshwar. Unleash your inner foodie in this city and leave with a contented heart.
Also read: Love books on places? Read our post on India in Books: People, Culture, Travel, and Food.
18. Nawalgarh, Rajasthan
By James Ian of Travel Collecting
Nawalgarh, in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan, is a small and often overlooked town that you should absolutely visit. It is most famous for the painted havelis. There are dozens of havelis (former merchants’ houses) that are covered in ornate, brightly coloured frescoes. A few are open to the public, including the Morarka Haveli and the Podar Haveli Museum; however, most are private residences. It is best to hire a local guide who can give insight into the havelis’ history and arrange for you to step inside some of the private homes. The other great thing to do is to take classes and workshops and learn traditional Rajasthani arts like tie and dye, lac bangle making, and cooking traditional Rajasthani fare.
19. Serampore, West Bengal
A 30 min train ride from Kolkata will bring you to Serampore, the erstwhile Danish trading post on the Ganges. Apart from the usual ugly clutch of apartments that have mushroomed everywhere in India, Serampore has a rich architectural inheritance. The town is a study in conservation: the West Bengal government has partnered with the Danish Ministry of Culture in restoring some of the town’s iconic buildings. The Danish Tavern overlooking the Ganges and St. Olav’s Church have been restored and draw locals and travellers alike. When we visited, the catcherie was in the process of restoration as were many big and small buildings around town. Besides European-style buildings, Serampore also has many Indian homes built by rich Bengali rajas and traders. The Serampore rajbaari, Kishorilal’s rajbaari, the Seal mansion and Dey mansion deserve special mansion. Beautifully carved friezes, ornate brackets, Corinthian pillars, and airy verandahs are the hallmarks of these buildings. When you are tired of exploring, settle down for a Bengali lunch of rice, dal, fritters, and fish curry, at Vheto.
20. Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu
Home to the famed Navagraha temples, Kumbakonam is a must-visit for those interested in Hindu temple architecture, both Shaivite and Vaishnavite, and the history of the Dravidian civilization. Magnificent temples, adorned with intricate stone carvings and extraordinary frescoes, dot this dusty town in the Tamil heartlands. A day trip to Kumbakonam will include tours of some of the town’s most revered temples: Kasi Viswanathan Temple, Adi Kumbeshwar Temple, Someshwar Temple, Chakrapani Temple, Sarangapani Temple, and the Brahma Temple. 4 km away in Dasaram is the magnificent Airavateswara Temple, one of the three Great Living Chola Temples and a UNESCO heritage site. Kumbakonam is also known for its degree filter coffee; order a cup alongside a plate of fluffy idlis or a masala dosa to recharge!
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