What you expect: Reach your holiday place, soak up the serenity and discover something unique. What really happens: Finally manage to get there, get hurled into an overcrowded place, do the ‘been there, done that’.
Helping you unravel some unconventional travel options, we have listed out the lesser known but fascinating places in India. While some are easy, others might require work. Each though, makes for a riveting getaway.
Here is a list of some of the lesser known wonders of India:
1) The submerging and emerging wonder
Painting a rather unique and dreamy picture, the birth of the Rosary Church, Shettihalli, dates back to the 1860s and rests on the banks of Hemavathi River near Hassan. However, do not expect to catch a full glimpse of it every time you are here. The fascinating structure built by French Missioners, is said to submerge during the rains and emerge again once the water has receded. Echoing the splendour of Gothic architecture, it is only left with its skeleton today.
The destiny of the church changed when the government decided to build Gorur Dam that floods the Hemavathi Reservoir. As per the scheme, the villagers were relocated and the revered building was left behind. Standing the test of time and weathering the waters, it is evocative.
2) Earliest trace of human life on the Indian subcontinent were found here
If you are the sort who fancies history, then this is for you. The Cave Paintings at Bhimbetka is where you can get a glimpse of the earliest trace of human life on the Indian subcontinent. They depict animals, cultures, festivals and rituals of their time.
What is remarkable is that you can catch sight of art traced back epochs ago from the Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Chalcolithic periods along with Medieval Age. And they were actually paintings and not etchings being carved into stone. It is a mystery how most of the paint has remained intact throughout centuries. Discovered in 1957, there are around 15 caves that are open for public viewing.
3) Untouched cutting-edge canyons that make you dizzy as you look down
Be one of the first few to witness the marvels of nature. Among the exotic places in India that have not been infringed upon, the Laitlum Canyons in the outskirts of Shillong, Meghalaya make for a stunning sight.
4) A remote hamlet where sands seem to roll out into eternity
Most of us are aware of Rajasthan and its several gems like Jaipur and Udaipur. But how many of us actually know about the Khimsar Dunes Village, which embodies the very desert nature of the state. It resides about 15 minutes from the Khimsar Fort.
5) A temple where a vegetarian crocodile resides
Ever heard of vegetarian crocodiles? The reptile in question goes by the name of Babiya and is a guardian of the Ananthapura Lake Temple. She is said to be around 150 years old.
This place of worship can only be reached through a bridge and dates back to the 9th century. It is located right in the middle of the lake in the Kasargod District of Kerala. This is sacred place is said to be the natural abode of Ananthapadmanabha, the deity of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.
6) The stunning falls in the tiny hamlet of Thoseghar
Instead of heading to good old Lonavala and Khandala to catch sight of waterfalls, you can escape to Thoseghar Falls. It is located in the tiny hamlet of Thoseghar, 20 km from Satara City. When here, you can witness a series of plunging cascades. Adding to the charm of the place is the tranquil atmospherethat abounds the forested hilly environs. On the way to the place, you also come across multiple windmills.
7) The cleanest village in Asia
If you want to learn a thing or two about cleanliness and explore great sights along the way too, pay a visit Mawlynnong Village. It is touted as the “Cleanest village in Asia”. Tucked away in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, it is also called ‘God’s Own Garden’. The community over here has made an honest attempt to maintain the pristine ambience.
Monsoons cast a magic spell here as little cascades meander into the streams and the entire region is painted green. Apart from basking in the natural beauty, other delights from here include a visit to the famed Living Root Bridge and a chance to witness a balancing rock.
8) The tallest plunge waterfall in India
To witness what is said to be the tallest waterfall plunge of India, witness the Nohkalikai Falls that cascades from a height of 1115 feet (340 metres). Located near Cherrapunji, a 3 hour-drive from Shillong and a fee of 10 rupees will take you here. Sometimes emerging from mist and a pack of clouds, the falls flanked by greenery, make for a surreal sight.
There is a morbid legend attached to this place. It is believed that a woman named KaLikai had remarried. Her husband however was jealous of his wife’s daughter from her first marriage. It so happens that he killed her daughter and cooked her flesh for a meal. The wife comes looking for her but the husband feigned ignorance and suggested eating something. After eating she found her daughter’s finger in the betel-nut basket. In a state of anguish, she jumped off the cliff. The fall is hence called “Fall of KaLikai” aka Nohkalikai.
9) ‘Second coldest inhabited place in the world’
Do you want to know what ‘the second coldest inhabited place in the world’ feels and looks like? Drass is the answer to that question and the board welcoming travellers to Drass, states just that. It is also known as ‘The Gateway to Ladakh’. The winsome valley is situated in the Kargil District of Jammu and Kashmir and begins from the base of the Zoji La Pass.
No easy feat, the temperature here can dip as low as minus 60 degrees Celsius, covering the region with a blanket of snow. However, during the balmy months of spring and summer, the entire place comes alive with flush greens and vibrant flowers.
10) The longest drive-in beach in Asia
The longest drive-in beach in Asia, Muzhappilangad Beach in Kannur is where you can surrender to unique pleasures. Drive or bike along the 4 km pristine stretch of sandy land. The sight of blue waves hitting the black rocks and clusters of green trees on the other side makes for an appealing visual experience.
The sunset too brings in its own charm. Around 7 km from Thalassery railway station, you can try your hand at the various adventure and water sports available here. Also, dig into the famous Malabar cuisine that is served in all the eateries in the vicinity.
11) The mystic monastery that lies on the edge of steep mountains
Seamlessly blending in with its magnificent surroundings, the Phuktal Monastery is built on the edge of the steep mountains in Zanskar Valley and is by far the most spectacularly situated Gompa. Built in the 12th century, around 70 monks reside at this place.
The peaceful abode is particularly known for the Cave above it. The monastery claims to owe its illustrious legacy of scholars and teachers to this cave. Also, there is a mystical hollow in the rock inside the cave from which water never reduces to spill from it. It is said to have healing powers.
12) A whole new world in the darkness of this cave discovered
People are aware of the thrills that the rocky landscape of Anthargange, (at a height of 1226m (4021ft.) in Kolar district brings along when it comes to trekking. But few know about the spelunking options. And by that we mean the experience of caving in this fascinating setting.
This involves getting in and searching your way out, exploring the routes, managing to squeeze your way into lean fissures and discovering a whole new world in the darkness of this abyss.
13) A hidden village where divine beauty lures you
People from a certain circle might come here for some specific reasons, but we recommend this place purely for its beauty and breath-taking sights. Located in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Malanalies at a height of 3029 m (9,938 ft). Breathe in the crisp mountain air and take in the divinity of the green sights.
14) Unravel unknown mountain villages and medieval monasteries
Take in the sights of rugged and untouched landscapes. Set off on an adventure as you discover some unfamiliar mountain villages and medieval monasteries. In this dream-like place, you also get to witness fascinating Buddhist art and culture.
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