#HomegrownBazaar | 5 lesser-known Indian destinations to discover on your next vacation

With a country as vast and diverse as India, it’s natural that there are still many places that have managed to remain hidden from the gaze of tourists and are waiting to be explored. So, if you’ve already exhausted all the popular haunts and are in search of lesser-known options, then look to this list for inspiration. From a secluded island in Goa, to a remote town with a rich past in Rajasthan, there’s something for every kind of traveller. 

Majuli, Assam

Being the world’s largest river island, one would expect Majuli to be more popular than it is, but the country’s travellers are only now slowly opening up to its charm. Located in the heart of Assam on river Brahmaputra, the serenity, rich natural offerings, and a peek into the Assamese culture that the island offers will surely pull you in. Majuli is also a bird lover’s paradise—be prepared to spot several native and migratory birds such as the greater adjutant stork, Siberian crane, and pelicans.

Where to stay: Thengal Manor, a neoclassical mansion in Jorhat that has been converted into a hotel is roughly two hours away from Majuli. 

Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu

Popularly called the ‘lost land’, Dhanushkodi is a deserted town on the tip of Pamban Island in Tamil Nadu. It is a must-visit for history aficionados. A bustling village earlier, it was abandoned after a cyclone in 1964 rendered it inhabitable. Today, you can drive from Rameshwaram to explore Dhanushkodi. Expect ruins of churches and temples, pristine white sandy beaches, and stunning views of the aquamarine waters. Plus, if you choose to stay till the evening, then you’ll be rewarded with one of the dreamiest sunsets. 

Where to stay: Make Courtyard by Marriott Madurai your base; you can make the two-hour drive to Dhanushkodi from here. 

Chorao Island, Goa

Think Goa and the things that instantly come to mind are crowded beaches, and tourists making the most of its thriving party scene and jet-setting through the winding streets on scooters. If you’re looking for a more offbeat and secluded experience in the sunshine state, then choose Chorao, one of the 17 islands that make Goa, which is located on river Mandovi. Here, you can truly experience susegaad—the Portuguese-derived term for a relaxed and laid-back attitude towards life. Rent a cycle to explore the Chorao’s many historical offerings like the St. Bartholomew’s Church, the Chapel of St. Jerome, or the Shree Devki Krishna Temple. Or, you could unwind in your hotel amid the lush greenery. 

Where to stay: StayVista at Terra Rosa is a chic option right in the middle of Chorao. 
 

Chhatra Sagar, Rajasthan 

Rajasthan’s cities like Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaipur might hog all the limelight when it comes to being hot tourist destinations, but there’s a plethora of other small towns and cities that are just as picturesque and worth exploring. Chhatra Sagar is one of them. The remote town is known for the 130-year-old reservoir built by a Marwari noble in the late 19th century (from whom it gets its name from). During your stay here, enjoy ethereal views of the lake, where you’ll find flamingos every year during the migration season, or go on an exciting jungle trail to try your luck at spotting the other wild residents of the region. 

Where to stay: RAAS Chhatrasagar offers the perfect glamping experience. 

Jibhi, Himachal Pradesh 

For your next mountain getaway, give the usual tourist hotspots like Manali and Nainital a miss in favour of Jibhi, a small town in Himachal Pradesh that promises a tranquil vacation in the heart of the state’s Banjar Valley. The settlement is dotted with quaint wooden houses built in the traditional cantilever style on slopes, and the elaborate details on the houses are a marvel to look at. If you’re more of a nature enthusiast than an admirer of architecture, then be rest assured, there’s plenty of unspoilt landscape, too, for you to enjoy—think lush pine and cedar forests, the stunning Jalori Pass, and ample opportunity to spot local birds or go fishing.

Where to stay: Norwegian Wood Cafe and Cottages in Banjar has cosy, rustic wooden cabins.. 

Lead image: Pexels