If you are not interested in the touristy Taj Mahal and other touted sights of India, then you might be interested in the lesser-known corners of this wonderful country.
Here are 10 amazing places in India far from the popular tourist routes.
10. Kannur, Kerala
The small town of Kannur, located in the northern part of Kerala state, is known for its secluded beaches and an ancient form of religious worship of sacred spirits called Theyyam. The art of playing the role of a spirit is transmitted only within the Vannan caste. Teiyam season runs from October to May, and rituals are performed in residents' homes and around small temples.
9. Shekhavati, Rajasthan
If you are a connoisseur of Indian art, architecture and history, then Shekhawati should be included in your trip plan. Here you can see the beautifully decorated houses of famous merchant families, thanks to which this city gained fame as an open-air gallery.
8. Guda Bishnoy, Rajasthan
Conveniently located just outside Jodhpur, Guda Bishnoy Village will showcase the authentic life of rural Rajasthan. The locals live in harmony with the environment, and they bury rather than burn the dead (like other Hindus) to preserve the trees, since the wood is used in cremation. In the village you can buy products of local artisans, see funny clay houses and admire wild animals that walk around people without fear.
7. Mangroves, Tamil Nadu
It is the second largest mangrove jungle in the world (the largest is in the Sundarban National Park in West Bengal). This is not the most popular hiking trail in India, but a fascinating place for wildlife lovers. There are 4,400 large and small canals in the mangrove area, which can be explored by boat.
6. Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh
This small holy city is located on the banks of the Narmada River and is dedicated to the god Shiva. It is famous for its skillful weavers and ghats (stone stepped structures) in Narmada. There are several large stone temples on them. On an islet in the middle of Narmada rises the Baneshwar Temple. You can get to it by motor boat (for 100-200 rupees in half an hour). Better to go there with the pilgrims, it will be cheaper.
5. Cherrapunji, Meghalaya
The wettest place on Earth is known for its tree bridges, which seem to be the scenery from some science fiction movie. They are grown from the living roots of the rubbery ficus. It takes 10 to 15 years to grow one bridge. Living bridges only get stronger with age and can support the weight of 50 people at a time.
4. Majuli, Assam
This largest river island is located on the Brahmaputra River in the state of Assam. Here tourists are expected: a beautiful green landscape, many birds, and satras (monasteries of neo-Vaishnavs). The oldest and most basic satra is Anuati satra.
3. Spiti, Himachal Pradesh
This mountain valley (it is called "Indian Tibet") has retained its original appearance, due to the inaccessibility and sparsely populated.On it are scattered ancient Buddhist monasteries and settlements of adobe huts, huddled on the mountain slopes. The best time to travel around Spiti is from July to September. The rest of the time there is a possibility of "getting stuck" in the valley for the winter, as the roads will be impassable for transport.
2. Kutch district, Gujarat
This area of Gujarat is sometimes described as the Indian "Wild West". The name "Kutch" is associated with the alternation of wet (during the monsoon season) and dry climates. Many locals derive their income from handicrafts that have been passed down from generation to generation, making their products one of the top attractions for tourists. And in the reserve "Small Rann Kutch" you can see a wild Indian donkey.
1. Orissa
This rural state is one of the least visited areas in India. Orissa has picturesque national parks, the Bhubaneshwar and Puri temples and Lake Chilka, which is home to freshwater dolphins. It is also home to the ancient Adivasi tribes that have preserved their archaic way of life and customs.