5 Underrated Destinations In India You’ll Thank Us For Recommending
There was a time when April used to be the best season for summer travel. While spring in India is now too hot to handle, it is still better than May and June, when crowds will take over popular tourist spots, all thanks to summer vacations. But this year, you can avoid the throngs of people and instead, make your way to some destinations in India that have still not popped up on Insta algorithms.
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
While Tawang is most known for India’s largest monastery (called Tawang Monastery), this hill station is still thankfully one of the country’s lesser-known destinations. Tucked away in the northeastern Himalayas, Tawang is beautiful in spring, when snow gives way to rhododendron blooms in shades of pink and red. Drive through the Sela Pass, which still retains the region’s last snow-covered vistas, to reach lakes like Madhuri Lake and Pankang Teng Tso.
Bundi, Rajasthan
While Jaipur and Udaipur are crowded all year, Bundi remains one of Rajasthan’s best-kept secrets. Rudyard Kipling is said to have written part of his famous novel ‘Kim’ while staying in Bundi. He wrote, “…the Bundi Palace, even in daylight, looks as if man has decorated his unfulfilled dreams. It has not been built by man but by a genie. The charm of Bundi with its palaces and forts like those in fairy tales and Cinderella’s times has not diminished even after centuries.” Here, you can visit Bundi’s grand fort with carved latticed windows, and Raniji ki Bawdi, known as the ‘Queen of Stepwell’ for all the right reasons.
Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
Yes, we’ve all heard of the incredibly sustainable and downright incredible Ziro Festival but this quiet town has much more to offer in April. Think rolling green hills, rice fields, and forests. You can meet the Apatani tribe, known for their sustainable farming techniques or visit Meghna Cave Temple, which is home to an ancient Shiva temple and offers stunning views of the region. Wildlife enthusiasts can also bookmark birdwatching and hiking through the Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.
Gokarna, Karnataka
If you love the beach but want to avoid Goa’s tourist rush, Gokarna is the answer. While it is still making its way to our regular bucket lists, you can take advantage of quiet mornings at secluded beaches like Om Beach, Kudle Beach, and Half Moon Beach. There are temples and local markets to keep you busy in the evenings and you can also embark on short treks in the area if you’d like.
Chaukori, Uttarakhand
You’d never expect it but some of the best Himalayan sunrises that we experienced were from a quiet hamlet in this small town in Uttarakhand. A good day here affords you spectacular views of the gorgeous Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, and the Panchachuli peaks. It is also one of the few places in Kumaon that boast lush tea gardens! When in this untouched hill town, make sure to go on orchard walks, visit local temples like Dhaulinag or just sip your tea with unfettered views of India’s most beautiful mountains.
