Unexplored destinations in India

If you are craving for a peaceful holiday, looking for hidden honeymoon spots and untouched gems in Himachal Pradesh, Coorg, Rishikesh and more then here are the best unexplored destinations in India.

There’s a different kind of vibe in places that haven’t yet made it to the brochure or viral reels. While most tourists flock to familiar places, the thrill of travelling on roads that are less travelled is unparalleled. Fortunately, away from the well-known tourist trails or bustling cities, there are unexplored destinations in India that are waiting to be discovered. It could be a small hamlet in the mountains, a forest lodge with surreal surroundings or a beach tucked away in some corner of an island surrounded by palm trees and peace and quietness.

The vast country of India has untouched places in North India like in Himachal Pradesh or Rishikesh, then in South India there are unexplored destinations in Karnataka and Coorg. These are places where you can truly connect with nature, you can spend days interacting with local communities, learn about the regional folklore and experience the traditional art of living.

So if you are looking for an unexplored place to go on your honeymoon, or a place to plan your long work-cation, this blog is your ultimate guide to the unexplored destinations in India. The places we have listed will help you embark on a transformative journey, and experiences as raw, authentic and rooted to nature and culture.

Destination	State	How to Reach	Best Time to Visit	Top Experiences
Sural Bhatori	Himachal Pradesh	Nearest Airport: Bhuntar (290 km) Nearest Rail: Pathankot (320 km) By Road: 4×4 via Sach Pass	June to early October	Monastery visit, Bhoti culture walk, Glacier trek, Trip to Killar
Kakolem Beach	Goa	Nearest Airport: Dabolim (60 km) Rail: Madgaon (35 km) Road: Trail after Cabo De Rama	November to March	Hidden beach hike, Coastal sunset, Kayaking at Cola, Fort & waterfall views
Majuli Island	Assam	Nearest Airport: Jorhat Rail: Jorhat Town Ferry from Nimati Ghat	October to March	Explore satras, Tribal culture, Mask making, Cycle tours
Wan	Uttarakhand	Airport: Jolly Grant Rail: Haridwar Road: Drive from Rishikesh to Lohajung > Wan (255+15 km)	April–June & Sept–Nov	Roopkund & Bugyal trek, Latu Devta Temple, Trout farming
Damro	Arunachal Pradesh	Airport/Rail: Dibrugarh Road: To Damro via Upper Siang	October to April	Bamboo bridge, Adi tribal life, Bamboo cottages, Nature hikes
St. Mary’s Island	Karnataka	Airport: Mangalore Rail: Udupi Road + Ferry from Malpe Beach (20–30 min ferry)	October to April	Basalt rocks, Beach picnic, Udupi temples, Beachcombing
Senchal WLS	West Bengal	Airport: Bagdogra Rail: NJP Road: 10 km from Darjeeling	March–May & Oct–Dec	Senchal lake, Birdwatching, Flora trails, Village stays, Kanchenjunga views
Nafran Valley	Kashmir	Airport: Srinagar Road: Drive to Aru Valley via Pahalgam (3–4 hrs) Trek to Nafran	Mid-June to Mid-Sept	Alpine trek, Harnag Lake, Glacier visit, Stargazing
Dampa TR	Mizoram	Airport: Lengpui (125 km) Road: Aizawl > Teirei village	November to March	Jungle safaris, Hill treks, Birdwatching, Tribal village experiences
Osian	Rajasthan	Airport/Rail: Jodhpur	Oct–Mar (Ideal), Jun–Sep (Green)	Ancient temples, Desert safaris, Stargazing, Jain heritage
Dodi Tal	Rishikesh	Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, DehradunNearest railway station: Rishikesh Railway StationBy road: From Delhi, Dehradun to Rishikesh	March to May, September to October	See the rare Himalayan trout and trek to Darwa Pass
Cheyyandane Village	Coorg	Nearest airport: Kannur International Airport, Mysore AirportNearest railway station: Mysore JunctionBy road: One can drive from Bangalore, Mysore, Hassan	October to March	Visit the waterfall, experience forest bathing

Top unexplored holiday destinations in India

Sural Bhatori, Himachal Pradesh

The remotest Buddhist hamlet of the state is still run by the culture and tradition of the Bhoti tribe. Sural Bhatori is tucked away in the Pangi Valley of Himachal Pradesh. The village is inaccessible most of the time in a year due to roadblocks and heavy snowfall as you have to cross the Sach pass to reach this village. The traditional Tibetan culture strongly influences the village and you will witness the Bhoti architecture all around the villages. While the Bhoti language boasts of rich literature, the Bhoti way of life carries tradition and history. Sural Bhatori is one of the most unexplored places of Himachal Pradesh and there is a lot waiting to be discovered here.

How to reach

Nearest airport: Bhuntur airport, Kullu (Approx 290km)
Nearest railway station: Pathankot (Approx 320km)
By road: You can take a 4×4 ride from Manali or Killar via the Sach pass

Things to experience

Visit the Sural Bhatori monastery, still rich in the ancient Tibetan prayer and meditation, you can join for Meditation.
Cultural walk in the village
Trek to the nearby glacier and meadows
Take a day trip to Killar

Best time to visit

June to early October: As the Sach Pass remains open only during these months.

Kakolem Beach, South Goa

Can you imagine a place where you can witness both the ocean and a waterfall and get a feeling of a private island? Yes, it’s possible and it’s there in our country, the Kakolem Beach, located far away from party zones of North Goa and the bustling market of South Goa. There is a certain number of people who explore this hidden beach in South Goa, who are fond of adventure and exploration. This beach is also known as the Tiger Beach, as the locals say tigers once ruled this area. The best part is you have to hike through a narrow trail, or you have to hire a boat to reach this beach. So there is promise of both adventure and relaxation at this unexplored travel destination in India.

How to reach

Nearest airport: Dabolim airport (60km)

Nearest railway station: Madgaon railway station (35km)

By road: You have to cross Cabo De Rama and then there is a trail off the main road towards the coast.

Things to experience

Visit the Cabo De Rama fort and beach
Kayak in the backwater of Cola Beach
Swim, sunbathe or simply relax in the beach
The hike till the Kakolem beach itself is surreal, you will wind through tropical greenery and witness stunning coastal view
Witness one of the best sunsets in Goa

Best time to visit

November to March: Pleasant weather, crystal clear water and amazing views.

You may want to read: North Bengal Offbeat Destination Guide

Majuli Island, Assam

The largest river island of this world which is also one of India’s most culturally rich yet unexplored destinations of North East India. Floating over the Brahmaputra river, Majuli is the home to the mystical mask-making monks. It is also the spiritual capital of Assam’s Neo-Vaishnavite culture. This place is the home to 22 satras, which are Vaishnavite monasteries and centres of art and culture. While visitors can stay in these satras and experience spirituality they also get to see the monks at work making masks, musical instruments and door frames.

Majuli is also very green, surrounded by water all around and it is an ornithologist’s paradise because of the sheer variety of birds it has.

How to reach

Nearest airport: Jorhat airport
Nearest railway station: Jorhat town railway station

Things to experience

Explore the satras like Auniati Satra, Kamalabari satra, Samaguri satra.
Experience the tribal culture with the Mising tribe who are the Sino-Tibetan ethnic group
Attend the raas mahotsav
Cycle through this beautiful Island

Best time to visit

October to March: Festivals, pleasant weather and migratory bird watching

Wan, Uttarakhand

The last motorable village of the Pindar valley, Wan is located at the edge of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. It is the base for serious trekkers who go for Roopkund trek or Ronti Saddle expedition. Rich with the tradition of Garhwali people, this village is associated with mythological folklore. It is a pristine himalayan hamlet, surrounded by ancient oak and rhododendron forest. Crisp fresh air, beautiful mountain views and simple people leading a simple life, Wan is still one of the most unexplored destinations of North India.

How to reach

Nearest airport: Jolly Grant, Dehradun
Nearest railway station: Haridwar
By road: From Rishikesh you have to drive till Tharali/Lohajung (Approx 255km) and then 15km of drive from these location to Wan

Things to experience

Experience the ancient Garhwali culture
Visit the Latu Devta Temple, known for its folklore related to Bedni Mata.
Trek to Ali Bedni Bugyal and Roopkund
Explore the Neel Ganga river
Witness the traditional way of trout fish farming

Best time to visit

April to June: Clear sky, rhododendron blooming, best for the treks and hikes
September to early November: Post monsoon greenery

Damro, Arunachal Pradesh

Damro is a remote village located in the Upper Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh. It is the southern gateway to the home of the Adi tribe, a major indigenous community of Arunachal Pradesh inhabiting the subtropical regions of Siang belt and Dibang valley. It is the starting point of the longest hanging bridge of Arunachal Pradesh.

This bridge is a sight to behold. Made of ropes and bamboo, it is an example of indigenous ingenuity. The village is inhabited by around 500 people who use the bridge to go to the other side. Since the village is still untouched by tourism they have largely kept their culture and tradition intact. They worship the sun and the moon, love to go fishing and have a distinct cuisine. This is a wonderful unexplored destination in India to have a peaceful holiday.

How to reach

Nearest airport: Dibrugarh, Assam
Nearest railway station: Dibrugarh

Things to experience

Walk to Damro hanging bridge spanning over 1000 ft of the Yamne river
Stay in the traditional bamboo cottages in the village
Learn of the traditions and culture of the Adi tribe
Hike to the nearby village and the forest trails

Best time to visit

October to April: Clear skies, best for outdoor activities and exploration

Do check out: Discover the Vibrant Culture of India

St. Mary’s Island, Karnataka

Once a part of Madagascar 90 million years ago, it is an island where foreigners started visiting in the 15th century. St Mary’s Island located off the coast of Udupi in Karnataka is a legendary island where Vasco Da Gama, when he came to India 500 years back, landed for the first time. It’s a geological marvel for its bizarre hexagonal basalt rock formations. This island was formed by volcanic activity a million years ago. Yes, the same lava flow that created Madagascar. Because of this the island doesn’t have a beach, but benches have been installed everywhere so that you can take in the breathtaking sea views.

How to reach

Nearest airport: Mangalore International airport
Nearest railway station: Udupi
By road: Reach Malpe beach, 6km from Udupi, and take a ferry to the island (20-30mins). Ferries only operate from 9 am to 5 pm only during October to May.

Things to experience

Visit the Udupi town, Daria Bahadurgad town and Vadabhandeshwara temple
Visit the Malpe beach while returning
Explore the basalt rock formation
Experience island picnic as there are no shops or shacks in the island you can carry your food and have a picnic (Do carry waste bag)
Do experience beachcombing and look for beautiful sea shells

Best time to visit

October to April: Ideal weather, clear skies and ferry ride is accessible as during monsoon the island is closed

Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, West Bengal

Located 10 km away from Darjeeling, it is the most unexplored natural escapes in West Bengal. Home to the mighty black panther and leopard this sanctuary boasts of some of the preserved floras for which Dr. Joseph Dalton Hooker a British Bonatist, visited this Sanctuary in the 19th Sanctuary as a part of his botanical expedition and has collected varieties of flora from here. The sanctuary is surrounded by beautiful villages like Chimney, Chatakpur, Rampuria, Dawaipani etc. In fact, with so many beautiful places to explore nearby, this is one of the most unexplored places in India for a honeymoon.

How to reach

Nearest airport: Bagdogra
Nearest railway station: New Jalpaiguri NJP

Things to experience

Visit the Senchal lake and Namthin Pokhri Lake home for Himalayan Salamander
Explore the trail to Mongpu and the hidden caves a trail once used by the tibetan refugees
Take a walk to Ganesh Khola and Kali Khola
Experience bird watching
Visit the local villages and stay overnight for early-morning views of Kanchenjunga

Best time to visit

March to May & October to December: Ideal time for bird watching, witnessing floras and clear sky for pristine view.

Nafran Valley, Kashmir

If you are looking for unexplored places in India for a honeymoon then Nafran Valley could be the exact place for you. A pristine alpine wonderland known by few except the trekking community, it is one of the most beautiful and unexplored destinations of India. This valley is located in the Anantnag District of South Kashmir and it is indeed a fairytale wonder. Surrounded by towering peaks, glaciers and wildflower drenched meadows, it is untouched and raw unlike Gulmarg and Pahalgam. The valley is accessible only through Aru Valley by trekking. So if you and your spouse are game for some adventure on your honeymoon, definitely try this one.

How to reach

Nearest airport: Sheikh Ul-Alam airport, Srinagar
By road: From Srinagar drive to Aru Valley via Pahalgam. (3-4 hours drive)

Things to experience

Stargazing at Nafran Valley
Explore Aru Valley
Visit the Harnag Lake via Harnag pass
Witness the Kolahai glacier

Best time to visit

Mid June to mid September: These are the only months when the trail is open and weather is ideal for visiting amazing views, clear skies, and pristine blue water.

Dampa Tiger Reserve, Mizoram

Mizoram’s largest wildlife sanctuary and one of India’s most unexplored destinations and tiger reserve. Located in the western part of Mizoram, this tiger reserve is spread over 500 sq km along the Indo-Bangladesh border. Dampa is truly special because this place is untouched and raw and is less explored for its remote location and rugged terrains. This tiger reserve boasts varieties of floras and faunas including tiger (rarely sighted), clouded leopard, hoolock gibbon and the massive Indian elephants. It’s one of the vital ecological corridors to the Eastern Himalayas and an ideal unexplored destination in India to enjoy a peaceful holiday in the lap of nature.

How to reach

Nearest airport: Lengpui (125km)
By road: Aizawl is the major town so from there you have to travel till Teirei village, the main entry point to the Dampa tiger reserve.

Things to experience

Jungle safaris for sightseeing wildlife
Trek to the viewpoints for scenic views of the hills of Bangladesh
Explore Teirei and Damparengpui hills the buffer zones and local villages
Do put up in the eco stays around and go for birdwatching for witnessing great hornbills, scarlet minivet, hill myna

Best time to visit

November to March: Best for safari, hikes, sightseeing wildlife and birds

Osian, Rajasthan

Known as the Khajuraho of Rajasthan, Osian is a town that perfectly blends history, dunes and architecture. This town was once a major trading and religious centre between the 8th and 12th century. Unlike Jodhpur and Jaipur, Osian is a relatively untouched destination of India, it has raw desert charm and stunning Hindu and Jain temples and majestic sunset view.

Osian is perfect for those who love to witness history, culture and ancient architecture. In fact, this is also a destination people on a honeymoon can explore. It throws up splendid backdrops for newly-wed photo ops.

How to reach

Nearest airport: Jodhpur
Nearest railway station: Jodhpur railway station

Things to experience

Explore the ancient temples like Sachiya Mata Temple which was built in 8th century, Surya temple and the 16 Jain and Brahmanical temple
Experience desert safaris and camel rides
Along with Jaisalmer, Osian is an amazing location for stargazing

Best time to visit

October to March: Pleasant winter weather makes ideal to travel
June to September: Monsoon greenery but might be humid

Dodi Tal, Rishikesh

After a hike, if one reaches an emerald lake that looks like a picture from a coffee table book, then what’s the feeling like? It is indeed heavenly. Then at night when the stars twinkle in the clear sky you feel truly close to heaven. And if there is an opportunity to camp right next to this beautiful lake known as Dodi Tal – one of the most stunning unexplored places of Rishikesh – then you feel life is truly worth living.

The trek to Dodi Tal is gentle and the overnight halt options at villages close by make things even easier. Surrounded by mountains and forests, the ambience is bound to give you unforgettable memories. Dodi Tal is located 94 kilometres away from Rishikesh and takes around 2-3 hours by car. People who want to savour untouched nature in Rishikesh, make an effort to be at Dodi Tal.

How to reach

Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

Nearest railway station: Rishikesh Railway Station

By road: From Delhi, Dehradun to Rishikesh

Things to experience

Witness the rare Himalayan trout here.
If you are up to it then trek further to Darwa Pass
If not, then sitting by the lake and enjoying nature in its glory is enough
You can explore the scenic spot of Chomakund Hills which is just 2 km away

Best time to visit

March to May then September to October after that it gets too cold and uncomfortable for camping

Cheyyandane Village, Coorg

This place is just 36 kilometres away from the main city of Madikeri in Coorg. It is located right in the middle of the dense Virajpet forest and is a haven for rare animals and birds. Since it is one of the most unexplored places of Coorg it is still relatively untouched. While there are eco-stays and luxury options it is a place where only the discerning traveller explores so it remains peaceful even during tourist season. A long and serene hike takes one to the beautiful Chelavara Falls that is resplendent almost all through the year. Although it swells up during monsoon and looks stunning, the hike isn’t safe in monsoon, so it is best avoided at that time.

How to reach

Nearest airport: Kannur International Airport, Mysore Airport

Nearest railway station: Mysore Junction

By road: One can drive from Bangalore, Mysore, Hassan

Things to experience

Hike to the waterfalls
Enjoy the silence and indulge in forest bathing
The crystal clear pool of the Chelavara waterfall is a sight to behold
You can explore the scenic spot of Chomakund Hills which is just 2 km away

Best time to visit

October to March is very pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities

Tips for travelling to these unexplored destinations in India

Deep research before visiting: Research beyond Google because most of these remote locations have less online presence. Explore blogs, magazines, talk with travellers and backpackers.
Always carry cash: ATMs are a myth, you will hardly find any ATM in these villages and UPI they might have but the network won’t favour you.
Pack lightly but adequately: Forget your beautiful rolling trollies. These places demand backpacking. Many places don’t have roads so you have to hike.
Respect the community: People in these places are simple, they live a very different life, by the river, forest and under the sky. They will welcome you like their family. So please don’t litter, don’t blare music and support the community
Expect delays: These places are way far from the world, they are detours, so you can’t expect everything to fall in place all the time there might be car breaks, road blocks, and sometimes a herd of yak will block the road for the whole day
Check permits: Many places which are connected with the borders need inner line permits. Do check before travelling

How Flying Squirrel Holidays can help you

There is a different kind of thrill in discovering unexplored travel destinations in India. You can pause, listen, feel and recharge. An unexplored holiday destination in India promises a peaceful holiday, an immersive experience and an understanding of local culture and tradition that you won’t get in a more touristy spot.

From Majuli to Osian from Wan to Dampa Tiger Reserve the options are plenty. Here’s what you can do:

Decide on the unexplored destination you want to explore.
What kind of stay do you want – eco-stays, tents, camping or luxury stays?
What do you want to explore – an untouched beach, a hiking trail, an island or a tiger reserve?
When do you want to go and how?

Pick up the phone and make a call to us. We will take care of everything. You just relax and enjoy a holiday in an unexplored destination in India.

Call us at +91 33 4052 5777 or go to www.flyingsquirrelholidays.com for further details.

FAQs

What are the best unexplored destinations in India for nature lovers?

Some of the top hidden gems for nature lovers include Nafran Valley (Kashmir), Damro Village (Arunachal Pradesh), Sural Bhatori (Himachal Pradesh), and Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary (West Bengal). These spots offer raw, untouched landscapes far from the tourist buzz.

Which are the best unexplored places in India for a peaceful holiday?

If you’re seeking peace and seclusion, explore Majuli Island (Assam), Kakolem Beach (South Goa), and Wan Village (Uttarakhand). These destinations are ideal for slow travel and mindful experiences.

Are there any unexplored honeymoon destinations in India?

Yes! Romantic and quiet places like St. Mary’s Island (Karnataka), Damro (Arunachal), and Osian (Rajasthan) offer unique honeymoon experiences far from typical commercial spots.

How can I reach offbeat destinations in remote parts of India?

Most unexplored places are reachable via a mix of air, road and local transport. For instance, to visit Damro, you’d fly to Dibrugarh or Guwahati, then drive through scenic rural routes. Planning ahead and hiring local guides can help.

Are unexplored destinations safe for solo travellers or couples?

While these places are lesser known, most are safe with basic precautions. Always check local weather, road conditions and accommodations beforehand and prefer traveling during daylight hours.

What are some unexplored destinations in North India?

North India has plenty of offbeat gems like Sural Bhatori (Himachal), Wan (Uttarakhand), Osian (Rajasthan), and Nafran Valley (Kashmir). These offer stunning views, cultural depth, and fewer tourists.

Which are the least crowded beaches in India?

Kakolem Beach in South Goa is often dubbed one of the most secluded and unexplored beaches. St. Mary’s Island is another serene beach destination, known for its volcanic rock formations and calm vibes.

When is the best time to visit these offbeat destinations?
Most are seasonal:

Himalayan regions (Sural, Wan, Nafran): May–October
Beaches and islands (Kakolem, St. Mary’s): October–March
Wildlife sanctuaries and jungles (Dampa, Senchal): November–April

Are there any cultural or spiritual unexplored places in India?

Absolutely. Majuli Island is a cultural treasure with ancient Satras (monasteries). Osian offers temple architecture and desert heritage. These destinations offer deep spiritual and cultural experiences.

Why should I choose unexplored travel destinations over popular tourist spots?

Choosing unexplored destinations gives you authentic experiences, fewer crowds, eco-friendly travel opportunities and a deeper connection with local communities and landscapes — all while supporting responsible tourism.