Being a traveler I have traveled almost 60% of India till date. I would like to mention the places (list is going to be long, you might get bored in the middle) state wise. I have visited many of these & some are yet to visit. Google has helped me a lot to gather these knowledge & I have tried my best to sum up all the information here :
Being a Bong I would like to start from West Bengal :-)
1. West Bengal
i) Henry Island (visited) :
Henry Island is an island near Bak Khali in South 24 Parganas District. It is around 130 km (81 mi) from Kolkata. Henry Island is named after a European who surveyed land in the area in the late 19th Century. This is an underrated tourist spot. Most of the people do not know about this place. Walking through the beach is simply romantic.
ii)Tajpur (visited):
Tajpur is 170 km from Kolkata. It takes three hours to reach Tajpur by car. Winter is good time to visit Tajpur. It is the latest addition in tourist map of Bengal. The prime attraction of Tajpur is its pristine sea beach fringed with a dense forest of tamarisk trees. The beach is infested with infinite number of red crabs which play hide and seek in the sand. Their presence makes the beach look crimson. There are fishermen's villages in the vicinity, where one can observe the mundane life of fisherman.
You can do paragliding, rafting over there.
iii) Chalsa (visited):
Chalsa is a few kilometers from Malbazar on the way to Dooars from Siliguri. Itsa small town situated just on the foot of the Himalaya in the Dooars surrounded by hills, tea gardens, rivers and forests.
iv) Lepchajagat (visited):
Lepchajagat is a small village located in wilderness and only 19kms away from Darjeeling hill town. If you are a nature lover or looking for a romantic stay for couple of days, then Lepchajagat is the place for you.
As the name suggests, it once used to be a hamlet of the Lepcha tribes. The word 'Jagat' actually means "the world', so it was the world of the lepchas. Subsequently it was taken over by the West Bengal Forest development Corporation (WBFDC) and now a reserved forest area.
In short, Lepchajagat is all about dense forested area full with pines, oaks and rhododendrons. And all that is combined with magnificent views of Kanchenjunga peaks, wonderful birdlife and serene tranquility. So during the day time, you engage with nature in its full bloom, and when the night falls, you sit next to the fireplace and read a book, hear the sounds of crickets from the jungle around (that's the only sound you will hear), or just recapitulate your day's experience as you sip a cup of Darjeeling tea and relax. There are no shops or other nightlife attractions around to disturb the quietness that you have been longing for.
2. Bihar
i) Golghar (visited): It is a historical place from the British is situated in Patna near Gandhi Maidan. This was built to store corn . This is so high that from it's top u can see Patna town. It is having more than 200 steps, from the top of Golghar you can enjoy the beauty of river Ganga.
ii) Vikramshila (visited): Not many people are aware that India had many excellent educational centers in the past including Vikramsila University, located 50 km east of Bhagalpur. It was one of the largest Buddhist learning centers, spread over hundred acres of land. As you enter the campus you cannot help but be envious of the scholars who once studied here. The centre has an astonishing fifty two rooms spread on both sides of the corridor with an elaborate stupa at the center. What is even more marvelous is the enormous library that has been excavated and testifies to the rich history of India. A visit to this glorious university is highly recommended just to get a sense of advancement that India had thousands of years ago.
3. Assam:
i) Majuli (visited): Majuli is the largest river island in the world and is located in the banks of Brahmaputra River. Its wide blue sky, Holy River floating across the banks, and beautiful landscape is the best example of God’s creation. Once you visit this place you will feel like getting touched with heaven and you consider visiting again and again.
ii) Garamur (visited) : Garamur is one of the many satras in Majuli, the world's largest river island. Majuli has been the cultural centre of the Ahom Kingdom but the tragedy it faces today is that of land erosion, owing to the aggressive flooding in this region. Dance, theatre, mask-making, Vaishnavite culture are all parts of everyday life in Majuli. Garamur, in particular, is one of the key attractions in this region.
iii) Kaziranga National Park (visited)– A world heritage site, the park hosts two-thirds of the world’s Great One-horned rhinoceros. Go for Elephant ride safari. It is a memorable experience, as you get to see one horned rhino from very close distance
iv) Haflong (Wish List):
North-East India is dotted with hill stations but surprisingly, Haflong is the only one in Assam. The center of the Dima Hasao district, Haflong is known for its cool climate, local liquor and an overwhelming love of pork. The Haflong Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the entire North-east. Not visiting this hill town would be a huge mistake.
4. Odisha:
Daringbadi (Visited) : Considering summers are pretty hot in Odisha, with temperatures going well above 45°C in many places, it is quite surprising that the state also has a place like Daringbadi, which is known to receive snowfall in winter. This little hill station is surrounded by thick rain forests with an abundance of wild animals. It is widely known as "Kashmir of Odisha", situated at a height of 915 m in Kandhmal district.
5. Tripura:
Unakoti (Wish List): The stone carvings in Unakoti in Tripura are one of the most detailed ones in India and yet, this place is rarely visited. As per Hindu mythology, when Lord Shiva was going to Kashi along with one crore gods and goddesses, he made a night halt at this location. He asked all of them to wake up before sun rise. It is said that in the morning, except Shiva himself, no one else woke up on time. So Shiva set out for Kashi on his own cursing the others to become stone images. Perfect for both spirituality and history enthusiasts, this is truly one of the most underrated places in the country.
6. Arunachal Pradesh:
i) Nuranang Falls (Visited) : Located about 2 km away from the town of Jang on the road connecting Tawang and Bomdila in Arunachal Pradesh, Nuranang Falls is one the most attractive ones in Northeast India. After a song from the 1997 Bollywood film Koyla was filmed here, the place attracted more tourists.
ii) Tawang (Visited) : Hope you don't need anymore explanation after viewing the picture. For your information Tawang Monastery is the second biggest and oldest in Asia known as Tawang Ganden Namgyal Lhatse.
iii) Ziro (Visited): Ziro is a town in the Lower Subansiri district in Arunachal Pradesh and it has been hosting the Ziro Festival of Music for the past three years. But here's the thing - the quaint little town is so attractive, that even without a crowd pulling event, it would find a spot on this list.
7. Meghalaya
i) Mawlongbna (Visited): About three and a half hours away from Shillong, Mawlongbna is part of around 7 villages that have newly opened up to tourism. Crystal clear lakes and several spots to base jump and trek make this an ideal place to go to with friends.
ii) Living Root Bridge (visited): Situated at the north eastern part of India, Cherrapunji is blessed to be the wettest part of the world, where bridges are not built but grown! It’s Mother Earth’s gift to mankind. The Indian Rubber Tree is grown in abundance. These trees produce secondary roots from higher up its trunks and contentedly stretch to the top of huge boulders along the riverside.
These root bridges, as old as 500 years are so strong that they can easily resist fifty people at once! As these trees are alive and growing they become stronger by every passing day. Believe it or not, this place houses a double Decker bridge, one of its kind in the world, where two bridges are sacked one over the other and are called “Umshiang double Decker bridge Root Bridge.”
8. Manipur:
i)Keibul Lamjao on Loktak Lake (Wish List): Keibul Lamjao, in Bishnupur district in Manipur is the world's only floating park and it's also home to the endangered Sangai deer. The floating garden on Loktak Lake is a result of decomposing plant material, locally called phumdis. You have to see it to believe it.
ii) Thalon Cave (Wish List): 900 meters above sea level, the cave might scare you with its darkness but it’s quite interesting. The caves are an attraction as part of the Manipur Tourism Festival and three-week expeditions are organised for tourists. Located at a distance of 80 km from Imphal, the caves can be reached by trekking from Thalon Village.
9. Mizoram:
i) Phawngpui (Wish List) :Quite frankly, Mizoram doesn't get the credit it deserves when it comes to tourism. Once you visit the state, you'll realize the abundant varieties of flora and fauna that can be found there. Phawngpui Peak is the highest one in Mizoram and it offers an amazing view of the Myanmar border and the hills and valleys below.
10. Nagaland:
i) Touphema Village (Visited): Situated on a gentle hillock with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys at a distance of 41 km north of Nagaland’s capital Kohima, Touphema offers exquisite traditional Naga life in the lap of nature. Set up to preserve and showcase the Naga traditional life style, this village is recognized s a tourist village by the local government. It offers basic comforts with an ethnic setting, the interiors providing fascinating insight into the history, tradition and ancient myths of the Naga people
11. Sikim
i) Gurudongmar Lake (Visited): Located at a height of 17,100 ft, Gurudongmar Lake in Sikkim is one of the highest lakes in the world. It is believed that Guru Nanak Dev Ji, on his way to Tibet, stopped here to quench his thirst. With his stick, he cracked the ice which led to the formation of the lake. It is said that even during the roughest winter, there is always some part of the lake that remains unfrozen.
ii) Pelling (Visited): This small town in West Sikkim is slowly waking up to its strategic importance, especially for trekkers and mountaineers. However, most of the land around Pelling is still pretty much untouched by "tourism" making it one of the best places to visit in the state. The holy Khecheopalri Lake and the ancient Pemayangtse Monastery are other potential crowd pullers in the area.
12. Chhattishgarh:
i) Mainpat (Wish List): You've heard of the Tibetan settlements in Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka but did you know there's another one in Chhattisgarh? In the 1960s, a group of Tibetan refugees who were working as road construction workers in nearby Sitapur, settled in Mainpat. The Thakpo Shedupling Monastery is one of the main attractions here, apart from the awesome food and warm Tibetan hospitality, of course.
13. Maharashtra :
i) Nighoj (Wish List): Situated 90 kms away from Pune, this village in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra is famous for the unusual but naturally created potholes on the Kukadi riverbed. Geologists say that sometime in the past, the Kukadi river must have flowed out of the highlands and hit the rocks with such force that it resulted in these potholes and even a gorge that runs along the riverbed.
ii) Kass Plateau (Wish List): The Kaas Plateau also known as the "Kaas Pathar" which is situated in the Western Ghat Sahyadri range, 22 kilometers from Satara city in Maharashtra state of India. The name Kaas originates from Kaasa tree (Elaeocarpus glandulosus). Leaves of this tree turn green to red as they mature. The 1000 hectare plateau is layered with wild flowers and if you were to visit the place in August or September, there's a chance you might think you've ended up in a B.R. Chopra film or a scenic HD wallpaper - it's just that beautiful.
iii) Tarkarli (Visited) : Frankly, almost any beach on the Konkan coast could have qualified for this spot. Tarkarli, in Sindhudurg district in Maharashtra, with its pristine waters, long and narrow beaches with Shuru trees in the background, managed to earn some extra points. It's one of the most peaceful and non-commercialized beaches in India.
iv) Lonar Crater (Wish List) : Located in Buldana district in Maharashtra, the Lonar Crater Lake was formed around 570,000 years ago due to a meteor impact. Owing to its high concentration of carbonate salts it's categorized as a saline soda lake. So, it's a soda lake formed by a crater.
14. Uttarakhand:
i) Dharchula (Wish List) : On the way to Mansarovar Lake, lies Dharchula, a scenic town in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. It's a border town between Indian and Nepal and yet people from both sides pass through without any restrictions, as long as they aren't carrying any cargo.
ii) Auli (Wish List) : We Indians usually tend to associate snow with places like Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir or Sikkim but did you know Uttarakhand actually has one of the most exciting ski destinations? The picturesque town of Auli hosts the National Championships of Snow Skiing and the town also has the world's highest artificial lake
iii) Kasar Devi/Crank's Ridge (Visited): If you're interested in the hippie-way of life but are tired of the huge number of tourists in Himachal Pradesh, you need to make it a point to visit Kasar Devi village near Almora in Uttarakhand. Crank's Ridge, or Hippie Hill as the locals call it, on the way to Kasar Devi temple is also a historical place for hippies. Legends like Allen Ginsberg, Bob Dylan and Cat Stevens are some of the few people who visited this place during the peak of the Hippie movement in the sixties.
iv) Roopkund Lake (Wish List) :Roopkund Lake, better known as “Skeleton Lake,” is one of those dreadful secluded places, located in the most inhospitable regions of the Himalayan Mountains. This extremely frightening area of Himalayan Mountains is known for the hundreds of corpses between 300-600 skeletons, which date back to the 15th century AD.
What would have killed these people and why were so many of them on such a gruelling journey in the middle of nowhere? Did they die in ritualistic suicide or in an epidemic? According to the local folklore, the entourage earned the fury of the local deity, Latu. They were caught in a dreadful hailstorm and were thrown into the Roopkund Lake.
v) The Valley of Flowers (Visited) : The great Himalayan range is the house of most exotic fauna and flora and is a popular meadow for endemic alpine flowers and dazzling natural beauty. The Himalayan ranges of Garhwal hills of Uttaranchal dwell the most charming Valley of Flowers National park which features the rugged and Rocky Mountain wilds of Nanda Devi National Park.
15. Himachal Pradesh:
i) Tosh (Wish List): Tosh is the new Kasol. Imagine Kasol without its shops, plethora of restaurants, hotels and you have Tosh. Still mostly a village with slate roof houses, Tosh is soon turning out to be the new favourite of hippies coming to Himachal for the good stuff. Located 3 kms up from Bharsheni, Tosh is connected to the rest of the world through a wooden bridge. But once you go there, you might feel you're in a different era altogether. Or it could be other substances. You never know.
ii) Bir Billing (Wish List): Located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, this village is a hotspot for paragliding. However, seeing their kids soaring from one mountaintop to the other, stunning though it may be, is something most parents would freak out about, unless you're the Osbournes.
iii) Tirthan valley (Wish List): Tirthan Valley is one of the most beautiful place in Himachal Pradesh. Thirthan Valley draws its name from Tirthan River, which originates from glaciers of Himalaya. It is perennial river of cold and clear glacier water. It is abundant of trout fish. A virtual paradise for anglers.
It is an off beat tract far from the meddling clouds. Ideal for trekker and natural lovers.
iv) Khajjiar (Visited): Khajjiar, often called as India’s Switzerland, is a hill station in Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh. The hill station is picturesquely set in the midst of magnificent ‘Deodar’ forests. The clump of reeds and the green meadow add an exquisite charm to this place. A small plateau in its green turf of dense pine and Deodar forests along its fringes adds to the pastoral scenery.
This offbeat place in India has the rarest combination of three eco systems. The lakes, the pastures and the forests come together to make a visit to this place a unique experience. Hence, it is also popularly called theMini Switzerland of Himachal Pradesh.
v)Malana (Wish List): Malana is a tiny unique village with about 100 houses and is situated to the north-east of Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh. It is believed that one of the finest Charas or ” Malana Cream” is grown in this region. It is believed that Malana Cream is the most strongest and top-notch Charas till date .
This ancient solitary village in Malana is isolated from the rest of the world. The majestic peaks of Chandrakhani shadow the village and it is among the must visit offbeat places in India. They are considered to be one of the first democracies in the world and do not follow the Constitution of India. They follow an indigenous system and they believe they are independent and superior. Malana is also called as the “Little Greece in Himachal Pradesh” as the Malanis believe that they are the descendents of Alexander-The Great!
16. Jammu & Kashmir:
i) Phuktal Monastery (Wish List): Imagine a monastery built like a honeycomb. Well, you don't really have to if you've seen the Phuktal Monastery in Ladakh. This cliff-side monastery was built in the 12th century and it houses about 70 Buddhist monks. The foundation of the entire thing is merely built with clay and twigs. The monastery is built right under a cave entrance on the cliff. The earliest inhabitants of the cave were the 16 legendary followers of Buddha, whose images can still be found on the cave walls.
ii) Killar-Kishtwar Highway (Wish List): You cannot be a true traveler until you go on an exciting road trip. Speaking of which, the one trail you need to experience is the treacherous but life-changing ride from Himachal Pradesh to Jammu & Kashmir through the Killar-Kishtwar Highway. Not for the faint hearted, this scenic mountain pass is even more fun if you're traveling with fellow bikers. Just keep yourself updated on news about landslides and roadblocks.
iii) Drass (Wish List): You may have heard about Markha Valley, but very few people know about Drass. Drass, a charming valley bustling on riverbanks, starts from the base of the Zoji La pass. It is often referred to as ‘The Gateway to Ladakh’ and is situated in the Kargil District of Jammu and Kashmir. It has a wide-spread of extensive copse along the river. The valley is situated at an altitude of 10990 feet from sea level and the mountain ridges range from 16,000 to 21,000 feet.
This offbeat destination is famous as the “Second Coldest Colonized Place in Asia” by virtue of the sheer cold that cascades upon it along with the intense snowfalls during winters. The temperature can tumble as low as 60 degree Celsius below freezing point. However, during spring and summer, the valley becomes very picturesque as the hillsides turn into lush green pastures with variety of vivid and vibrant wild flowers.
iv) Chadar Trek (Wild Dream List): Walking on the frozen river of Zanskar is an amazing experience for an adventure lover. Experiencing the thrilling walk on Chadar Trek in the windswept moorland of the Buddhist kingdom of Ladakh, where sub-zero temperatures fit. The frozen sheet is the only way out for Zanskaris during winter when all other ways are filled with heaps of snow
It is also famous for winter trekking for all those dauntless people. On the way back are the ancient monasteries of Karsha and Zangla which pledge to heighten your imminent mysteries of this Shangri-la, a land and culture frozen in time behind the parapets of the Zanskar Mountains, stiffed between the mighty Karakoram and the Great Himalayan ranges.
17. Andhra Pradesh:
i) Gandikota (Wish list): India's answer to the Grand Canyon, Gandikota in Andhra Pradesh is a amazing place to visit. The village has a fort, some temples and even a Jamia Masjid. But the best part about this place is the Pennar river, which cuts through the canyon. Still a relatively quiet place, this village has huge potential for tourism.
ii) Lambasingi (Wish List) : The very fact that Lambasingi, in Vishakhapatnam district in Andhra Pradesh, is one of those rare places in South India that boasts of snowfall makes this village an amazing place. Throughout the year, the temperature there ranges from 0°C to 10°C, earning it the nickname, 'Kashmir of South India'. Better go there before the others do.
iii) Lepakshi: Lepakshi is a small town in the Ananthpur district of Andra Pradesh which is a very important historical and archaeological site. Lepakshi, a famous temple, dedicated to Lord Veerabhadra, the fiery incarnation of Lord Shiva, is famous for its architecture and painting.
18. Tamil Nadu:
i) Dhanushkodi (Wish List) : After a cyclone washed out the entire railway line leading to the Pamban Island station in 1964, which also saw 100 passengers in a train get washed away into the sea, this place has become a ghost town. And that's what makes it supremely creepy and yet beautiful. The ruins of the church and the railway station add to the eerie setting.
ii) Alamparai Fort (Wish List) : The ruins of Alamparai Fort (also calledAlampara) lie near Kadappakkam, a village 50 km from Mamallapuramon the land overlooking the sea. Constructed in the late 17th century during the Mughal era, the Alamparai Fort once had a 100-metre long dockyard stretching into the sea, from which zari cloth, salt, and ghee were exported.
19. Rajasthan:
i) Osiya (Visited) : Osian village in Jodhpur district in Rajasthan is a delight for those who love historical architecture and the fact that you get to see all of it in an oasis in the Thar Desert makes it a double whammy. The 8th to 11th century temples there make this village a must-visit destination.
ii) Kumbalgarh (Wish List) : Its the jewel of Mewar, is situated in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan. History, royalty , power and culture are all packed in this place. It is a treat for human eyes and mind. The fort accommodates three hundred and sixty temples (yes it’s possible) three hundred jain and the rest hindu. And it does not end here, the place has one more major attraction, the Kumbalgarh wildlife sanctuary. You can take heritage walk, adventure activities, spend time in the lap of nature. The seven tall fortified gates of this masterpiece are open for you.
20. Kerala:
i) Gavi (Wish List) : We usually associate trekking with mountains and hills. But this is one wildlife trek you wouldn't want to miss. Located in Pathanamthitta district in Kerala, on the highway connecting Kollam and Madurai, Gavi is part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. It is said that the only two gopher trees in India can be found in Gavi.
ii) Wayanad (Wish List): This piece of trivia goes out especially to those trying to escape the city life for a while - Wayanad district is only 3.79% urbanized. Yep, lots of greenery here. Ancient history geeks can also trip out on the Edakkal caves where they can see actual pictorial writings from the Neolithic period.
21. Jharkhand:
i) Ghatshila (Visited) : Ghatshila is a census town in Purbi Singhbhum district in the state of Jharkhand, India. The city is located on the bank of the Subarnarekha River, and it is situated in a forested area
22. Gujrat:
i) Rann of Kutch (Wish List): Little Rann of Kutch is a unique place on earth with endless opportunity to explore. With numerous places to visit one can experience something they have never experienced before! The desolate, blindingly white land of Little Rann is nature at its harshest and most convincing. It is also home to India’s last refuge population of Khur – Asiatic wild ass and for it is for the conservation of Khur, that this has been declared as the “Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary”.
23. Punjab:
i) Kila Raipur (Wish List: Kila Raipur is a noted village of Ludhiana district in Punjab, India as it hosts the annual Kila Raipur Sports Festival, known as the Rural Olympics. The events played often demonstrate the physical strength and valor of the Punjabi men and women. This festival helds every year during 1st-28th Feb.
24. Haryana:
i) Narnaul: Its in Mahendragarh District. I am not able to gather much more info about this place. But as per Wikipedia Narnaul was also closely associated with the Sur-Afghans
25. Delhi:
i) Agrasen Ki Baoli (visited): Agrasen ki Baoli (also known as Agar Sain ki Baoli or Ugrasen ki Baoli), is a 60-meter long and 15-meter wide historical step well on Hailey Road near Connaught Place. Although there are no known historical records to prove who built Agrasen ki Baoli, it is believed that it was originally built by the legendary king Agrasen during the Mahabharat epic era and rebuilt in the 14th century by the Agrawal community which traces its origin to Maharaja Agrasen.
ii) Kharera (Idgah)-(visited): Its a mosque situated in Hauzkhas. Most of the people in Delhi do not know about this place.
26. Uttar Pradesh:
i) Chunar Fort (Visited) : Were you a fan of "Chandrakanta" ? Remember the mega serial of DD National? Naugarh, Vijay Garh, Chunar Garh? Yes This Chunar Fort is that Chunar Garh of "Chndrakanta" serial.
Chunar, located in Mirzapur District of Uttar Pradesh state, India, is an ancient town. In spite of being a small town, Chunar has a great influence in history. The Chunar Fort was established by Maharaja Vikramaditya, the King of Ujjain, in honour of the stay of his brother Raja Bhrithari. As per Purans, Hindu book of preachings, the oldest name of Chunar was Charanadri as Lord Vishnu had taken his first step in his Vaman incarnation in the dynasty of Great king Bali in the age of Satyug. It was also well known as Nainagarh. The top view of this fort resembles to human eye.
27. Madhya Pradesh:
i) Badal Mahal (visited): This structure, the most eminent among all monuments in Chanderi, is situated at the southern end of the inner city. Located within one of the seven interlocking walls which enclosed specific areas of the town, the darwaza was built in the 15th century, during the reign of Sultan Mahmood Shah Khilji I. It is said that this gateway stood at the entrance of a palace, Badal Mahal, but this palace no longer survives.
28. Andaman:
i) Rutland Island (Dream List): Rutland Island is an island located across the Macpherson Strait from South Andaman Island. As one of the Andaman Islands of India, Rutland Island forms the southernmost main island of the closely situated Great Andaman archipelago. It is separated from Little Andaman by the Duncan Passage.
29. Lakshadweep (Dream List): Lakshadweep, the group of 36 islands is known for its exotic and sun-kissed beaches and lush green landscape. The name Lakshadweep in Malayalam and Sanskrit means 'a hundred thousand islands'.
Lakshadweep Airport is one of the World's top 10 most beautiful Airport.
Bibliography: Google, Wikipedia.
Photo credits: Self, Facebook, Google.
Thanks for your patience to read it.
PS: You might find lots of grammatical error above. Sorry :-(
Being a Bong I would like to start from West Bengal :-)
1. West Bengal
i) Henry Island (visited) :
Henry Island is an island near Bak Khali in South 24 Parganas District. It is around 130 km (81 mi) from Kolkata. Henry Island is named after a European who surveyed land in the area in the late 19th Century. This is an underrated tourist spot. Most of the people do not know about this place. Walking through the beach is simply romantic.
ii)Tajpur (visited):
Tajpur is 170 km from Kolkata. It takes three hours to reach Tajpur by car. Winter is good time to visit Tajpur. It is the latest addition in tourist map of Bengal. The prime attraction of Tajpur is its pristine sea beach fringed with a dense forest of tamarisk trees. The beach is infested with infinite number of red crabs which play hide and seek in the sand. Their presence makes the beach look crimson. There are fishermen's villages in the vicinity, where one can observe the mundane life of fisherman.
You can do paragliding, rafting over there.
iii) Chalsa (visited):
Chalsa is a few kilometers from Malbazar on the way to Dooars from Siliguri. Itsa small town situated just on the foot of the Himalaya in the Dooars surrounded by hills, tea gardens, rivers and forests.
iv) Lepchajagat (visited):
Lepchajagat is a small village located in wilderness and only 19kms away from Darjeeling hill town. If you are a nature lover or looking for a romantic stay for couple of days, then Lepchajagat is the place for you.
As the name suggests, it once used to be a hamlet of the Lepcha tribes. The word 'Jagat' actually means "the world', so it was the world of the lepchas. Subsequently it was taken over by the West Bengal Forest development Corporation (WBFDC) and now a reserved forest area.
In short, Lepchajagat is all about dense forested area full with pines, oaks and rhododendrons. And all that is combined with magnificent views of Kanchenjunga peaks, wonderful birdlife and serene tranquility. So during the day time, you engage with nature in its full bloom, and when the night falls, you sit next to the fireplace and read a book, hear the sounds of crickets from the jungle around (that's the only sound you will hear), or just recapitulate your day's experience as you sip a cup of Darjeeling tea and relax. There are no shops or other nightlife attractions around to disturb the quietness that you have been longing for.
2. Bihar
i) Golghar (visited): It is a historical place from the British is situated in Patna near Gandhi Maidan. This was built to store corn . This is so high that from it's top u can see Patna town. It is having more than 200 steps, from the top of Golghar you can enjoy the beauty of river Ganga.
ii) Vikramshila (visited): Not many people are aware that India had many excellent educational centers in the past including Vikramsila University, located 50 km east of Bhagalpur. It was one of the largest Buddhist learning centers, spread over hundred acres of land. As you enter the campus you cannot help but be envious of the scholars who once studied here. The centre has an astonishing fifty two rooms spread on both sides of the corridor with an elaborate stupa at the center. What is even more marvelous is the enormous library that has been excavated and testifies to the rich history of India. A visit to this glorious university is highly recommended just to get a sense of advancement that India had thousands of years ago.
3. Assam:
i) Majuli (visited): Majuli is the largest river island in the world and is located in the banks of Brahmaputra River. Its wide blue sky, Holy River floating across the banks, and beautiful landscape is the best example of God’s creation. Once you visit this place you will feel like getting touched with heaven and you consider visiting again and again.
ii) Garamur (visited) : Garamur is one of the many satras in Majuli, the world's largest river island. Majuli has been the cultural centre of the Ahom Kingdom but the tragedy it faces today is that of land erosion, owing to the aggressive flooding in this region. Dance, theatre, mask-making, Vaishnavite culture are all parts of everyday life in Majuli. Garamur, in particular, is one of the key attractions in this region.
iii) Kaziranga National Park (visited)– A world heritage site, the park hosts two-thirds of the world’s Great One-horned rhinoceros. Go for Elephant ride safari. It is a memorable experience, as you get to see one horned rhino from very close distance
iv) Haflong (Wish List):
North-East India is dotted with hill stations but surprisingly, Haflong is the only one in Assam. The center of the Dima Hasao district, Haflong is known for its cool climate, local liquor and an overwhelming love of pork. The Haflong Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the entire North-east. Not visiting this hill town would be a huge mistake.
4. Odisha:
Daringbadi (Visited) : Considering summers are pretty hot in Odisha, with temperatures going well above 45°C in many places, it is quite surprising that the state also has a place like Daringbadi, which is known to receive snowfall in winter. This little hill station is surrounded by thick rain forests with an abundance of wild animals. It is widely known as "Kashmir of Odisha", situated at a height of 915 m in Kandhmal district.
5. Tripura:
Unakoti (Wish List): The stone carvings in Unakoti in Tripura are one of the most detailed ones in India and yet, this place is rarely visited. As per Hindu mythology, when Lord Shiva was going to Kashi along with one crore gods and goddesses, he made a night halt at this location. He asked all of them to wake up before sun rise. It is said that in the morning, except Shiva himself, no one else woke up on time. So Shiva set out for Kashi on his own cursing the others to become stone images. Perfect for both spirituality and history enthusiasts, this is truly one of the most underrated places in the country.
6. Arunachal Pradesh:
i) Nuranang Falls (Visited) : Located about 2 km away from the town of Jang on the road connecting Tawang and Bomdila in Arunachal Pradesh, Nuranang Falls is one the most attractive ones in Northeast India. After a song from the 1997 Bollywood film Koyla was filmed here, the place attracted more tourists.
ii) Tawang (Visited) : Hope you don't need anymore explanation after viewing the picture. For your information Tawang Monastery is the second biggest and oldest in Asia known as Tawang Ganden Namgyal Lhatse.
iii) Ziro (Visited): Ziro is a town in the Lower Subansiri district in Arunachal Pradesh and it has been hosting the Ziro Festival of Music for the past three years. But here's the thing - the quaint little town is so attractive, that even without a crowd pulling event, it would find a spot on this list.
7. Meghalaya
i) Mawlongbna (Visited): About three and a half hours away from Shillong, Mawlongbna is part of around 7 villages that have newly opened up to tourism. Crystal clear lakes and several spots to base jump and trek make this an ideal place to go to with friends.
ii) Living Root Bridge (visited): Situated at the north eastern part of India, Cherrapunji is blessed to be the wettest part of the world, where bridges are not built but grown! It’s Mother Earth’s gift to mankind. The Indian Rubber Tree is grown in abundance. These trees produce secondary roots from higher up its trunks and contentedly stretch to the top of huge boulders along the riverside.
These root bridges, as old as 500 years are so strong that they can easily resist fifty people at once! As these trees are alive and growing they become stronger by every passing day. Believe it or not, this place houses a double Decker bridge, one of its kind in the world, where two bridges are sacked one over the other and are called “Umshiang double Decker bridge Root Bridge.”
8. Manipur:
i)Keibul Lamjao on Loktak Lake (Wish List): Keibul Lamjao, in Bishnupur district in Manipur is the world's only floating park and it's also home to the endangered Sangai deer. The floating garden on Loktak Lake is a result of decomposing plant material, locally called phumdis. You have to see it to believe it.
ii) Thalon Cave (Wish List): 900 meters above sea level, the cave might scare you with its darkness but it’s quite interesting. The caves are an attraction as part of the Manipur Tourism Festival and three-week expeditions are organised for tourists. Located at a distance of 80 km from Imphal, the caves can be reached by trekking from Thalon Village.
9. Mizoram:
i) Phawngpui (Wish List) :Quite frankly, Mizoram doesn't get the credit it deserves when it comes to tourism. Once you visit the state, you'll realize the abundant varieties of flora and fauna that can be found there. Phawngpui Peak is the highest one in Mizoram and it offers an amazing view of the Myanmar border and the hills and valleys below.
10. Nagaland:
i) Touphema Village (Visited): Situated on a gentle hillock with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys at a distance of 41 km north of Nagaland’s capital Kohima, Touphema offers exquisite traditional Naga life in the lap of nature. Set up to preserve and showcase the Naga traditional life style, this village is recognized s a tourist village by the local government. It offers basic comforts with an ethnic setting, the interiors providing fascinating insight into the history, tradition and ancient myths of the Naga people
11. Sikim
i) Gurudongmar Lake (Visited): Located at a height of 17,100 ft, Gurudongmar Lake in Sikkim is one of the highest lakes in the world. It is believed that Guru Nanak Dev Ji, on his way to Tibet, stopped here to quench his thirst. With his stick, he cracked the ice which led to the formation of the lake. It is said that even during the roughest winter, there is always some part of the lake that remains unfrozen.
ii) Pelling (Visited): This small town in West Sikkim is slowly waking up to its strategic importance, especially for trekkers and mountaineers. However, most of the land around Pelling is still pretty much untouched by "tourism" making it one of the best places to visit in the state. The holy Khecheopalri Lake and the ancient Pemayangtse Monastery are other potential crowd pullers in the area.
12. Chhattishgarh:
i) Mainpat (Wish List): You've heard of the Tibetan settlements in Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka but did you know there's another one in Chhattisgarh? In the 1960s, a group of Tibetan refugees who were working as road construction workers in nearby Sitapur, settled in Mainpat. The Thakpo Shedupling Monastery is one of the main attractions here, apart from the awesome food and warm Tibetan hospitality, of course.
13. Maharashtra :
i) Nighoj (Wish List): Situated 90 kms away from Pune, this village in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra is famous for the unusual but naturally created potholes on the Kukadi riverbed. Geologists say that sometime in the past, the Kukadi river must have flowed out of the highlands and hit the rocks with such force that it resulted in these potholes and even a gorge that runs along the riverbed.
ii) Kass Plateau (Wish List): The Kaas Plateau also known as the "Kaas Pathar" which is situated in the Western Ghat Sahyadri range, 22 kilometers from Satara city in Maharashtra state of India. The name Kaas originates from Kaasa tree (Elaeocarpus glandulosus). Leaves of this tree turn green to red as they mature. The 1000 hectare plateau is layered with wild flowers and if you were to visit the place in August or September, there's a chance you might think you've ended up in a B.R. Chopra film or a scenic HD wallpaper - it's just that beautiful.
iii) Tarkarli (Visited) : Frankly, almost any beach on the Konkan coast could have qualified for this spot. Tarkarli, in Sindhudurg district in Maharashtra, with its pristine waters, long and narrow beaches with Shuru trees in the background, managed to earn some extra points. It's one of the most peaceful and non-commercialized beaches in India.
iv) Lonar Crater (Wish List) : Located in Buldana district in Maharashtra, the Lonar Crater Lake was formed around 570,000 years ago due to a meteor impact. Owing to its high concentration of carbonate salts it's categorized as a saline soda lake. So, it's a soda lake formed by a crater.
14. Uttarakhand:
i) Dharchula (Wish List) : On the way to Mansarovar Lake, lies Dharchula, a scenic town in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. It's a border town between Indian and Nepal and yet people from both sides pass through without any restrictions, as long as they aren't carrying any cargo.
ii) Auli (Wish List) : We Indians usually tend to associate snow with places like Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir or Sikkim but did you know Uttarakhand actually has one of the most exciting ski destinations? The picturesque town of Auli hosts the National Championships of Snow Skiing and the town also has the world's highest artificial lake
iii) Kasar Devi/Crank's Ridge (Visited): If you're interested in the hippie-way of life but are tired of the huge number of tourists in Himachal Pradesh, you need to make it a point to visit Kasar Devi village near Almora in Uttarakhand. Crank's Ridge, or Hippie Hill as the locals call it, on the way to Kasar Devi temple is also a historical place for hippies. Legends like Allen Ginsberg, Bob Dylan and Cat Stevens are some of the few people who visited this place during the peak of the Hippie movement in the sixties.
iv) Roopkund Lake (Wish List) :Roopkund Lake, better known as “Skeleton Lake,” is one of those dreadful secluded places, located in the most inhospitable regions of the Himalayan Mountains. This extremely frightening area of Himalayan Mountains is known for the hundreds of corpses between 300-600 skeletons, which date back to the 15th century AD.
What would have killed these people and why were so many of them on such a gruelling journey in the middle of nowhere? Did they die in ritualistic suicide or in an epidemic? According to the local folklore, the entourage earned the fury of the local deity, Latu. They were caught in a dreadful hailstorm and were thrown into the Roopkund Lake.
v) The Valley of Flowers (Visited) : The great Himalayan range is the house of most exotic fauna and flora and is a popular meadow for endemic alpine flowers and dazzling natural beauty. The Himalayan ranges of Garhwal hills of Uttaranchal dwell the most charming Valley of Flowers National park which features the rugged and Rocky Mountain wilds of Nanda Devi National Park.
15. Himachal Pradesh:
i) Tosh (Wish List): Tosh is the new Kasol. Imagine Kasol without its shops, plethora of restaurants, hotels and you have Tosh. Still mostly a village with slate roof houses, Tosh is soon turning out to be the new favourite of hippies coming to Himachal for the good stuff. Located 3 kms up from Bharsheni, Tosh is connected to the rest of the world through a wooden bridge. But once you go there, you might feel you're in a different era altogether. Or it could be other substances. You never know.
ii) Bir Billing (Wish List): Located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, this village is a hotspot for paragliding. However, seeing their kids soaring from one mountaintop to the other, stunning though it may be, is something most parents would freak out about, unless you're the Osbournes.
iii) Tirthan valley (Wish List): Tirthan Valley is one of the most beautiful place in Himachal Pradesh. Thirthan Valley draws its name from Tirthan River, which originates from glaciers of Himalaya. It is perennial river of cold and clear glacier water. It is abundant of trout fish. A virtual paradise for anglers.
It is an off beat tract far from the meddling clouds. Ideal for trekker and natural lovers.
iv) Khajjiar (Visited): Khajjiar, often called as India’s Switzerland, is a hill station in Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh. The hill station is picturesquely set in the midst of magnificent ‘Deodar’ forests. The clump of reeds and the green meadow add an exquisite charm to this place. A small plateau in its green turf of dense pine and Deodar forests along its fringes adds to the pastoral scenery.
This offbeat place in India has the rarest combination of three eco systems. The lakes, the pastures and the forests come together to make a visit to this place a unique experience. Hence, it is also popularly called theMini Switzerland of Himachal Pradesh.
v)Malana (Wish List): Malana is a tiny unique village with about 100 houses and is situated to the north-east of Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh. It is believed that one of the finest Charas or ” Malana Cream” is grown in this region. It is believed that Malana Cream is the most strongest and top-notch Charas till date .
This ancient solitary village in Malana is isolated from the rest of the world. The majestic peaks of Chandrakhani shadow the village and it is among the must visit offbeat places in India. They are considered to be one of the first democracies in the world and do not follow the Constitution of India. They follow an indigenous system and they believe they are independent and superior. Malana is also called as the “Little Greece in Himachal Pradesh” as the Malanis believe that they are the descendents of Alexander-The Great!
16. Jammu & Kashmir:
i) Phuktal Monastery (Wish List): Imagine a monastery built like a honeycomb. Well, you don't really have to if you've seen the Phuktal Monastery in Ladakh. This cliff-side monastery was built in the 12th century and it houses about 70 Buddhist monks. The foundation of the entire thing is merely built with clay and twigs. The monastery is built right under a cave entrance on the cliff. The earliest inhabitants of the cave were the 16 legendary followers of Buddha, whose images can still be found on the cave walls.
ii) Killar-Kishtwar Highway (Wish List): You cannot be a true traveler until you go on an exciting road trip. Speaking of which, the one trail you need to experience is the treacherous but life-changing ride from Himachal Pradesh to Jammu & Kashmir through the Killar-Kishtwar Highway. Not for the faint hearted, this scenic mountain pass is even more fun if you're traveling with fellow bikers. Just keep yourself updated on news about landslides and roadblocks.
iii) Drass (Wish List): You may have heard about Markha Valley, but very few people know about Drass. Drass, a charming valley bustling on riverbanks, starts from the base of the Zoji La pass. It is often referred to as ‘The Gateway to Ladakh’ and is situated in the Kargil District of Jammu and Kashmir. It has a wide-spread of extensive copse along the river. The valley is situated at an altitude of 10990 feet from sea level and the mountain ridges range from 16,000 to 21,000 feet.
This offbeat destination is famous as the “Second Coldest Colonized Place in Asia” by virtue of the sheer cold that cascades upon it along with the intense snowfalls during winters. The temperature can tumble as low as 60 degree Celsius below freezing point. However, during spring and summer, the valley becomes very picturesque as the hillsides turn into lush green pastures with variety of vivid and vibrant wild flowers.
iv) Chadar Trek (Wild Dream List): Walking on the frozen river of Zanskar is an amazing experience for an adventure lover. Experiencing the thrilling walk on Chadar Trek in the windswept moorland of the Buddhist kingdom of Ladakh, where sub-zero temperatures fit. The frozen sheet is the only way out for Zanskaris during winter when all other ways are filled with heaps of snow
It is also famous for winter trekking for all those dauntless people. On the way back are the ancient monasteries of Karsha and Zangla which pledge to heighten your imminent mysteries of this Shangri-la, a land and culture frozen in time behind the parapets of the Zanskar Mountains, stiffed between the mighty Karakoram and the Great Himalayan ranges.
17. Andhra Pradesh:
i) Gandikota (Wish list): India's answer to the Grand Canyon, Gandikota in Andhra Pradesh is a amazing place to visit. The village has a fort, some temples and even a Jamia Masjid. But the best part about this place is the Pennar river, which cuts through the canyon. Still a relatively quiet place, this village has huge potential for tourism.
ii) Lambasingi (Wish List) : The very fact that Lambasingi, in Vishakhapatnam district in Andhra Pradesh, is one of those rare places in South India that boasts of snowfall makes this village an amazing place. Throughout the year, the temperature there ranges from 0°C to 10°C, earning it the nickname, 'Kashmir of South India'. Better go there before the others do.
iii) Lepakshi: Lepakshi is a small town in the Ananthpur district of Andra Pradesh which is a very important historical and archaeological site. Lepakshi, a famous temple, dedicated to Lord Veerabhadra, the fiery incarnation of Lord Shiva, is famous for its architecture and painting.
18. Tamil Nadu:
i) Dhanushkodi (Wish List) : After a cyclone washed out the entire railway line leading to the Pamban Island station in 1964, which also saw 100 passengers in a train get washed away into the sea, this place has become a ghost town. And that's what makes it supremely creepy and yet beautiful. The ruins of the church and the railway station add to the eerie setting.
ii) Alamparai Fort (Wish List) : The ruins of Alamparai Fort (also calledAlampara) lie near Kadappakkam, a village 50 km from Mamallapuramon the land overlooking the sea. Constructed in the late 17th century during the Mughal era, the Alamparai Fort once had a 100-metre long dockyard stretching into the sea, from which zari cloth, salt, and ghee were exported.
19. Rajasthan:
i) Osiya (Visited) : Osian village in Jodhpur district in Rajasthan is a delight for those who love historical architecture and the fact that you get to see all of it in an oasis in the Thar Desert makes it a double whammy. The 8th to 11th century temples there make this village a must-visit destination.
ii) Kumbalgarh (Wish List) : Its the jewel of Mewar, is situated in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan. History, royalty , power and culture are all packed in this place. It is a treat for human eyes and mind. The fort accommodates three hundred and sixty temples (yes it’s possible) three hundred jain and the rest hindu. And it does not end here, the place has one more major attraction, the Kumbalgarh wildlife sanctuary. You can take heritage walk, adventure activities, spend time in the lap of nature. The seven tall fortified gates of this masterpiece are open for you.
20. Kerala:
i) Gavi (Wish List) : We usually associate trekking with mountains and hills. But this is one wildlife trek you wouldn't want to miss. Located in Pathanamthitta district in Kerala, on the highway connecting Kollam and Madurai, Gavi is part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. It is said that the only two gopher trees in India can be found in Gavi.
ii) Wayanad (Wish List): This piece of trivia goes out especially to those trying to escape the city life for a while - Wayanad district is only 3.79% urbanized. Yep, lots of greenery here. Ancient history geeks can also trip out on the Edakkal caves where they can see actual pictorial writings from the Neolithic period.
21. Jharkhand:
i) Ghatshila (Visited) : Ghatshila is a census town in Purbi Singhbhum district in the state of Jharkhand, India. The city is located on the bank of the Subarnarekha River, and it is situated in a forested area
22. Gujrat:
i) Rann of Kutch (Wish List): Little Rann of Kutch is a unique place on earth with endless opportunity to explore. With numerous places to visit one can experience something they have never experienced before! The desolate, blindingly white land of Little Rann is nature at its harshest and most convincing. It is also home to India’s last refuge population of Khur – Asiatic wild ass and for it is for the conservation of Khur, that this has been declared as the “Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary”.
23. Punjab:
i) Kila Raipur (Wish List: Kila Raipur is a noted village of Ludhiana district in Punjab, India as it hosts the annual Kila Raipur Sports Festival, known as the Rural Olympics. The events played often demonstrate the physical strength and valor of the Punjabi men and women. This festival helds every year during 1st-28th Feb.
24. Haryana:
i) Narnaul: Its in Mahendragarh District. I am not able to gather much more info about this place. But as per Wikipedia Narnaul was also closely associated with the Sur-Afghans
25. Delhi:
i) Agrasen Ki Baoli (visited): Agrasen ki Baoli (also known as Agar Sain ki Baoli or Ugrasen ki Baoli), is a 60-meter long and 15-meter wide historical step well on Hailey Road near Connaught Place. Although there are no known historical records to prove who built Agrasen ki Baoli, it is believed that it was originally built by the legendary king Agrasen during the Mahabharat epic era and rebuilt in the 14th century by the Agrawal community which traces its origin to Maharaja Agrasen.
ii) Kharera (Idgah)-(visited): Its a mosque situated in Hauzkhas. Most of the people in Delhi do not know about this place.
26. Uttar Pradesh:
i) Chunar Fort (Visited) : Were you a fan of "Chandrakanta" ? Remember the mega serial of DD National? Naugarh, Vijay Garh, Chunar Garh? Yes This Chunar Fort is that Chunar Garh of "Chndrakanta" serial.
Chunar, located in Mirzapur District of Uttar Pradesh state, India, is an ancient town. In spite of being a small town, Chunar has a great influence in history. The Chunar Fort was established by Maharaja Vikramaditya, the King of Ujjain, in honour of the stay of his brother Raja Bhrithari. As per Purans, Hindu book of preachings, the oldest name of Chunar was Charanadri as Lord Vishnu had taken his first step in his Vaman incarnation in the dynasty of Great king Bali in the age of Satyug. It was also well known as Nainagarh. The top view of this fort resembles to human eye.
27. Madhya Pradesh:
i) Badal Mahal (visited): This structure, the most eminent among all monuments in Chanderi, is situated at the southern end of the inner city. Located within one of the seven interlocking walls which enclosed specific areas of the town, the darwaza was built in the 15th century, during the reign of Sultan Mahmood Shah Khilji I. It is said that this gateway stood at the entrance of a palace, Badal Mahal, but this palace no longer survives.
28. Andaman:
i) Rutland Island (Dream List): Rutland Island is an island located across the Macpherson Strait from South Andaman Island. As one of the Andaman Islands of India, Rutland Island forms the southernmost main island of the closely situated Great Andaman archipelago. It is separated from Little Andaman by the Duncan Passage.
29. Lakshadweep (Dream List): Lakshadweep, the group of 36 islands is known for its exotic and sun-kissed beaches and lush green landscape. The name Lakshadweep in Malayalam and Sanskrit means 'a hundred thousand islands'.
Lakshadweep Airport is one of the World's top 10 most beautiful Airport.
Bibliography: Google, Wikipedia.
Photo credits: Self, Facebook, Google.
Thanks for your patience to read it.
PS: You might find lots of grammatical error above. Sorry :-(
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