What comes to your mind when you think of India? Taj Mahal, Jaipur forts, Kerala backwaters, and the mighty Himalayas, right? No doubt, these destinations are amazing. But let’s be real: these are really packed. What if I told you there is a whole other side to India? If you want to have a quieter and more personal experience, you're in the right place. Let's skip the crowds and check out some of India's seriously underrated gems. You might find your new favourite spot.
List of Secret Gems of India
Goa
If you're into beaches and parties, you've heard of Goa. But the famous beaches of Goa are quite crowded. Instead of the crowded beaches, imagine relaxing on amazing stretches of sand in the south, such as Kakolem, Galgibaga, or Betul. And don’t even think about the beaches. You can wander through spice farms in Ponda. Explore the colourful old streets of Fontainhas in Panaji. Or spot some amazing birds at Salim Ali Sanctuary. And if you're looking for something more peaceful, there are amazing old temples, like Tambdi Surla. These are hidden waterfalls like Netravali. So, if you're planning Goa holidays from the UK, trust me, a whole other Goa is hiding in plain sight.
Tarkarli
Tarkarli is a great place to visit if you enjoy the beach and are tired of the crazy crowds in Goa or Mumbai. It is like a breath of fresh air. The clear water is perfect for diving. You can actually hear yourself think. It is hidden in Sindhudurg, which you might not have even heard of. But trust me, it's worth it. Moreover, you can even chill on houseboats in the Karli backwaters. It gives you that whole Kerala vibe but without the crowd of tourists. It's a great spot for a romantic escape. Also, you can have a family trip away from the beach crowds. It is like finding a secret beach paradise.
Bundi
Everyone talks about Jaipur and Udaipur, right? Totally gorgeous. But those are seriously crowded. Let me tell you about Bundi: it's like stepping into a fairytale that nobody else knows about. Just think of it: blue houses and winding little streets. And there are these amazing ancient step-wells called baoris. It feels like time just stopped there. And the history is unreal. The Bundi Palace is covered in incredible old paintings. And the Taragarh Fort is where you can practically feel the Rajput history. Bundi have this super chill, elegant vibe. It has tons of cool history and culture but without all the tourist madness. It's like finding a secret, magical little town.
Dawki
Imagine a river so clear that the boats look like they're floating in mid-air; that's Dawki. It is hidden near the border with Bangladesh. Seriously, it is like something out of a dream. Dawki is surrounded by lush green hills and tiny, adorable villages. If you love nature or adventures, you'll feel like you're in heaven. You can go boating on that crazy clear river. You can also camp right by it or explore waterfalls and caves hidden in the limestone. And here's a little secret! You'll get the best weather and the clearest views between October and April. Dawki's one of those hidden gems in Meghalaya that'll blow your mind.
Chanshal Pass
Suppose you're way up in the Himalayas, in this place called the Pabbar Valley in Himachal Pradesh. There is a crazy beautiful mountain pass, Chanshal Pass, or Chanshal Ghati. Nobody knows about it. It's seriously high up, like 4,520 meters. It connects the tiny villages of Rohru and Dodra-Kwar. You have to drive through thick forests, past apple trees, and then these fantastic meadows open up. If you're into adventure, like biking, or just want to be alone with nature, this is your spot. It is covered in snow most of the year. So you can only go between May and October. It's a real hidden gem, for sure.
Khonoma Village
Khonoma is a village hidden in the Nagaland hills. It's seriously cool. Like, they're all about taking care of the environment. It's the first "green village" in India. You can see how the Angami tribe lives and learn about their history and traditions. You can go trekking through these crazy green landscapes. Check out old war memorials and get into their whole vibe. October to March is the best time to visit this place because the weather's perfect. Khonoma is a one-of-a-kind experience. It's like finding a secret, eco-friendly world.
Chettinad
Have you ever heard of Chettinad? It's in Tamil Nadu. Honestly, it's like stepping into a time machine. Think of super-fancy old mansions with amazing carved doors and temples bursting with colour. The Chettiar community used to live here. Additionally, you can see how they used to do things. You can wander through these old palaces, go on a food adventure, or enjoy the countryside. Chettinad is a hidden gem with tons of culture, fantastic food, and a cool vibe. You've got to see it to believe it.
Final Thoughts
Forget the busy tourist spots for a minute! India has lots of amazing places that most people don't know about. Imagine beaches where you can actually relax, towns that feel like fairy tales, and rivers so clear you can see right through them. These hidden places let you see a different, quieter side of India. It's like finding secret treasures. Pack your bags and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
