39 hidden gems of India
Lesser-known places that reward the extra effort: canyons, river islands, carved hillsides and villages off the usual circuit.
Hidden gemGandikota
A medieval fort perched on the rim of a deep Pennar river gorge, often called the Grand Canyon of India. Camp on the edge for sunrise.
Hidden gemLepakshi
The 16th-century Veerabhadra temple is known for its painted ceilings, a giant monolithic Nandi and the famous hanging pillar.
Hidden gemZiro Valley
Pine-ringed rice fields of the Apatani people and the home of the Ziro music festival each September.
Hidden gemDirang
A quiet valley stopover with hot springs, apple orchards and an old stone dzong village.
Hidden gemNamdapha National Park
Remote rainforest on the Myanmar border, one of the few parks with four big cats. Treks need a guide and permits.
Hidden gemMajuli
One of the largest river islands in the world, home to centuries-old Vaishnavite satras, mask-making and slow village life.
Hidden gemManas National Park
A UNESCO-listed tiger reserve in the Himalayan foothills, quieter than Kaziranga and rich in birdlife.
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Hidden gemVaishali
An early republic where the Buddha preached his last sermon, with an Ashokan pillar still standing.
Hidden gemChitrakote Falls
A horseshoe-shaped waterfall on the Indravati river, often called the Niagara of India. At its widest during the monsoon.
Hidden gemTirathgarh Falls
Tiered falls inside Kanger Valley National Park, close to limestone caves.
Hidden gemSirpur
Ancient Buddhist, Jain and Hindu ruins, including the brick Laxman Temple from the 7th century.
Hidden gemFontainhas
Panaji's Latin quarter of colourful houses, tiled balconies and small cafes.
Hidden gemModhera Sun Temple
An 11th-century Solanki temple with a magnificent stepped tank.
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Hidden gemDholavira
Remains of a planned Harappan city on Khadir island, inscribed as a UNESCO site in 2021.
Hidden gemSultanpur National Park
A small wetland near Gurugram that draws flamingos, pelicans and other migrants in winter.
Hidden gemNetarhat
A pine-covered plateau town known as the Queen of Chotanagpur for its sunrises and sunsets.
Hidden gemBetla National Park
Part of the Palamau Tiger Reserve, with elephants, bison and two old forts inside the forest.
Hidden gemBadami
Sandstone cave temples of the Chalukyas, close to Aihole and Pattadakal.
Hidden gemOrchha
Riverside palaces, cenotaphs and the soaring Chaturbhuj Temple of the Bundela kings.
Hidden gemKaas Plateau
A UNESCO-listed plateau that bursts into wildflowers from late August to early October.
Hidden gemMawlynnong
A spotless village with bamboo skywalks and a living root bridge nearby.
Hidden gemVantawng Falls
The highest waterfall in Mizoram, set in thick bamboo forest near Thenzawl.
Hidden gemPhawngpui (Blue Mountain)
The state's highest peak, a national park with rhododendrons and rare birds.
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Hidden gemDzukou Valley
Rolling green hills on the Nagaland-Manipur border, famous for seasonal lilies. A popular overnight trek.
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Hidden gemKhonoma
A green Angami village known for its conservation efforts and terraced fields.
Hidden gemBhitarkanika
Mangrove creeks with large saltwater crocodiles, best explored by boat.
Hidden gemBundi
A small town of stepwells, blue houses and painted palace walls, still free of crowds.
Hidden gemChettinad
Grand merchant mansions, Athangudi tiles and one of India's most celebrated cuisines.
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Hidden gemRamappa Temple
A 13th-century Kakatiya temple built with floating bricks, a UNESCO site since 2021.
Hidden gemUnakoti
Giant rock-cut Shaiva images carved into a forested hillside.
Hidden gemDudhwa National Park
Terai grasslands near the Nepal border, with tigers, rhinos and swamp deer.
Hidden gemChopta
Meadows that lead to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple, and Chandrashila peak.
Hidden gemBishnupur
Terracotta temples of the Malla kings and Baluchari sarees.
Hidden gemSantiniketan
Tagore's university town, a UNESCO site since 2023, with the Saturday Sonajhuri haat.
Hidden gemShaheed Dweep (Neil Island)
A small, slow island of coral beaches, natural rock bridges and cycling.
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Hidden gemDiu Fort
A 16th-century Portuguese sea fort with a lighthouse and views over the Arabian Sea.
Hidden gemGurez Valley
A remote valley along the Kishanganga with wooden villages and Habba Khatoon peak.
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Hidden gemTso Moriri
A quieter high-altitude lake in Changthang, home to nomadic herders.
Hidden gemBangaram
A tear-shaped atoll ringed by white sand and coral.
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