Villages in India offer a refreshing respite from the monotonously chaotic daily life in a metropolitan city. While the raw natural beauty and old-world charm of these villages are soothing to the city-worn soul, the cultural heritage and a simple rustic lifestyle reflect the authentic beauty of culturally rich Hindustan. Discover the true essence of India by visiting its serene villages. So, if you are in the mood to move away from the crowded tourist hotspots and wish to spend some time in the raw beauty of nature, then this list of the 5 most beautiful villages in India is for you. Continue reading!
Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh:
Nestled in the hills of Arunachal Pradesh, Ziro Valley is a hidden gem boasting amazing scenery of snow-capped mountains, lush pine forests, paddy fields, exquisite flora and fauna. This village in India is inhabited by the Apatani tribe, whose distinctive culture and customs are just as interesting. Get acquainted with the tribal life, and enjoy a variety of activities such as trekking, caving, wildlife spotting, and more! If you are a music lover, then you must not miss the famous Ziro Music Festival that encourages new talent. You’ll need an Inner Line Permit to visit the Ziro Valley.
Best time to visit: March to October
Top places to see in Ziro: Talley Valley Wildlife sanctuary, Meghna Cave Temple, KilePakho, ZiroPutu, and Midey.
Nako, Spiti Valley:
Blessed with a surreal moon-like landscape, Nako is a peaceful lakeside hamlet tucked away in the Trans-Himalayan belt of the Kinnaur District in Himachal Pradesh. The highlight of this remote village in the Spiti Valley is its pristine Nako Lake surrounded by willow trees. With snow-covered mountains in the backdrop, the lake offers soothing boat rides during summer, and come winter, it freezes into a sheet of ice drawing ice skaters. An Inner Line Permit is required for foreigners to visit this village situated close to the Tibetan border.
Best time to visit: April to October
Top places to see in Nako: Nako Lake, Nako Monastery, Buddhist Temples, Guru Padmasambhava, and Lipa-Asrang Sanctuary.
Idukki, Kerala:
Idukki, located high in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is one of the mesmerizing villages in India. The natural beauty and tranquility of this place is what entrances tourists who wish to spend a peaceful holiday away from the hustle and bustle of the cities. This rugged hill resort is known for its massive peaks, dense forests, rolling hills, misty valleys, wildlife sanctuaries, lush tea/ spice plantations, rushing rivers, streams, waterfalls, lakes, and more! Trekking, hiking, camping, picnics, and elephant rides are some of the refreshing activities to enjoy at this beautiful place in God’s Own Country.
Best time to visit: October to May
Top places to see in Idukki: Idukki Arch Dam, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Hill View Park, Periyar National Park, Keezharkuthu Falls, IlaveezhaPoonchira, Thommankuthu Waterfalls, Painavu, and Kalvari Mount.
Landour, Uttarakhand:
Embraced by majestic mountains on all sides, Landour is a charming little town in Uttarakhand blessed with pleasant weather all through the year. This Himalayan town is where the famous author Ruskin Bond lives! If you are someone seeking the solace of mountains, then this is the place you need to be at! Plan your vacation and book your flights with Indian Eagle ! This scenic town is waiting for you to explore its trekking trails, feel rejuvenated in its blissful natural spots, and be impressed by its well-preserved colonial heritage sites.
Best time to visit: October to June
Top places to see in Landour: LaalTibba, Rokeby Manor, St. Paul Church, Kellogg’s Memorial Church, and Char Dukan.
Yana, Karnataka:
Hidden away in the thick evergreen forests of the Western Ghats in Karnataka is this beautiful village called Yana. Best known for its karst rock formations, this lesser-known village in India draws all types of tourists, including nature lovers, pilgrims, and trekking enthusiasts. One of South India’s cleanest villages, Yana is also one of the wettest places in India. Coming back to the rock formations that are the major tourist attraction here, Bhairaveshwara and Jaganmohinishikharas are the most famous ones. These wonderful natural formations also have a mythological significance, which makes them popular among pilgrims.
Best time to visit: January to March and September and October.
Top places to see in Yana: Yana Rocks, Swayambhu (self-manifested) Shivalinga, Yana Caves, and Vibhooti Falls.