#werecommend Top Five Lesser-known Tourist Spots of India
Popular tourist locations frequently take center stage in travel accounts about India's
vast and culturally diverse geography. Many hidden jewels go unnoticed since most
tourists are drawn to busy cities and well-known landmarks. Still, there are less-known
locations with just as magical experiences to be found off the well-traveled routes.
These locations have mostly escaped the attention of mass tourism, which has
preserved their raw beauty, rich cultural diversity, and distinct character. These hidden
gems offer a taste of India's undiscovered beauties for the discriminating tourist looking
for seclusion, genuineness, and adventure. This essay digs into some of these hidden
jewels, presenting a fresh perspective on travel and the unknown beauty of India's
different regions.
Exploring these places not only reveals their natural splendor but also immerses
travelers in deep-rooted traditions and cultural expressions, as highlighted in various
travelogues published by Niyogi Books.
The Little Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
Located in Gujarat, India’s Little Rann of Kutch is a distinctive travel destination. Renowned for
its expansive, salted desert terrain and abundant wildlife, it presents a unique fusion of natural
beauty and thrilling exploration. The Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, the last remaining home for the
critically endangered Indian Wild Ass (Equus hemionus khur), is located there. In addition to the
wildlife, visitors can explore salt pans, engage with the local people, and take in the customs
and crafts of the area.
The months of November through March are the ideal times to explore the Little Rann because
of the more hospitable weather for exploring the eerie but captivating terrain. In addition to
wildlife safaris, migrating birds like flamingos and pelicans converge to the area in the winter,
making birdwatching a popular activity. Photographers will have many chances to capture the
bleak beauty of this desert wasteland, especially at sunrise and dusk when the light creates
stunning vistas out of the wide stretches.
The Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, India, is highlighted in Hugh and Colleen Gantzer’s book
The Vibrant West, which was published by Niyogi Books, as a part of their Intriguing India
series. Travelers looking for adventure and seclusion in one of India’s most isolated areas will
find plenty to savor in this mysterious area of desolate salt flats. One can reach the Little Rann
of Kutch by multiple ways, which include : –
By Road: The nearest towns and cities to the Kutch region include Ahmedabad, Rajkot,
Viramgam, and Bhuj. The Little Rann of Kutch is well-connected by road from these places, with
options such as state transport buses and private cabs. It is approximately 130 km from
Ahmedabad, 175 km from Rajkot, 45 km from Viramgam, and 265 km from Bhuj.
By Air: There are three airports located near the Kutch region—Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Bhuj.
Ahmedabad and Rajkot airports are about 190 km away, while Bhuj is around 200 km from the
Kutch Sanctuary. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad is a major hub,
offering both domestic and international flights. From any of these airports, you can easily reach
the Little Rann of Kutch by road.
By Rail: The closest railway stations to the Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary are Ahmedabad (130 km),
Rajkot (175 km), and Dhrangadhra (16 km). Dhrangadhra Railway Station is the nearest and
serves as the main entry point to the sanctuary. There are also various accommodations
available in Dhrangadhra, including private hotels and government-run guest houses.
Mardum Haat, Chattisgarh
At Mardum Haat, a traditional village market in the Bastar District of Chattisgarh one can clearly
see the rhythms of rural life. The writers portray the vibrant atmosphere of the haat, where
locals from surrounding districts congregate to exchange merchandise, agricultural products,
and handicrafts, providing tourists with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the genuine
customs and way of life of the area. The market serves as a community center where people
gather to share tales, build relationships, and get a close-up look into rural India. It is more than
simply a place for business.
Written by Hugh and Colleen Gantzer and published by Niyogi Books, The Colourful East,
another part of the “Intriguing India” series, introduces Mardum Haat as one of the lesser-known
yet fascinating destinations for travelers in Eastern India. Mardum Haat is portrayed by the
Gantzers as a hidden gem that is filled with charm and local significance but is sometimes
ignored by popular tourists.
Even though it is quite far away from the main urban areas of the state, Here’s how you can
reach the Mardum Haat : –
By Road:
Mardum is easily accessible by road from nearby towns and cities. The closest major town is
Jagdalpur, situated about 30-40 km away. You can take state transport buses or hire private
taxis from Jagdalpur to reach Mardum. The roads are generally in good condition, and the
journey allows you to enjoy the region’s picturesque scenery.
By Air:
The nearest airport to Mardum Haat is Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur, the capital of
Chhattisgarh, which is approximately 300 km away. From Raipur, you can catch a bus or hire a
taxi to reach Jagdalpur, and then continue your journey to Mardum.
By Rail:
The closest railway station is Jagdalpur Railway Station, which is well-connected to Raipur and
other major cities in the state. From Jagdalpur, you can take a local bus or a private cab to
Mardum Haat.
Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh
Readers are introduced to the lesser-known jewels of the Himalayan region through Sohini
Sen’s lively travel narrative, From Zanskar to Ziro – No Stilettos in the Himalayas, published by
Niyogi Books. The book features Arunachal Pradesh’s tranquil and comparatively unexplored
Ziro Valley as one of its highlights. Travelers can enjoy a unique blend of rich cultural heritage
and natural beauty at Ziro, a tranquil sanctuary located far from the usual route. A contemporary
addition to this historic venue, the yearly Ziro Music Festival draws in crowds of local and
foreign music enthusiasts since it began to acquire prominence recently. Sen thinks that Ziro is
a haven for unconventional tourists who want to get away from the bustle of well-known tourist
destinations and instead reconnect with nature, culture, and the ageless rhythms of a simpler
life.
Trekkers and environment enthusiasts will find Ziro to be the perfect location as Sohini Sen
successfully captured the area's natural grandeur. The valley is the ideal getaway for anyone
looking for peace and quiet because of its abundant biodiversity, breathtaking sunrises, and
mist-covered scenery.
Here’s how you can reach Ziro : –
By Air :
The nearest airport to Ziro is Tezpur Airport in Assam, located about 120 kilometers away. From
Tezpur, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Ziro. Another option is to fly into Lokpriya
Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, which is approximately 500 kilometers from
Ziro. From Guwahati, you can take a train to Naharlagun or use a bus or taxi to get to Ziro.
By Train :
If you prefer traveling by train, the closest station is Naharlagun Railway Station, situated
around 100 kilometers from Ziro. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus from the station to reach
your destination. Alternatively, you could travel to Itanagar by train, which is about 115
kilometers away from Ziro, and then take a cab to finish your journey.
By Road :
Ziro is well-connected by road, making it easy to access from various towns and cities. You can
take a bus or hire a taxi from nearby locations such as Itanagar (about 115 kilometers), Tezpur,
or Naharlagun. The roads provide beautiful views of the landscape, enhancing your travel
experience.
Since Ziro is in a remote area, it’s a good idea to check road conditions and travel advisories,
particularly during the monsoon season. Additionally, make sure you have the necessary
permits to enter Arunachal Pradesh, as these are required for non-Indian citizens and some
Indian tourists.
Archaeoastronomy of Megalithic Sites, Jharkhand
The Archaeoastronomy of a Few Megalithic Sites of Jharkhand by Subhashis Das, published by
Niyogi Books delves into the significance of megaliths in Jharkhand, India, revealing their
multifaceted roles as both astronomical calendars and temples. The book argues that megaliths
serve purposes beyond simply marking graves; they were also dedicated to the Mother
Goddesses of the fertility cult. Additionally, some megaliths are aligned with fundamental
principles of mathematics and observational astronomy. Prehistoric astronomer-priests utilized
these structures to determine important dates for fertility rites, highlighting their calendrical
functions. Furthermore, the widespread presence of megaliths across India reflects the country’s
rich tribal past. Overall, Das’s work sheds light on the cultural and astronomical significance of
these ancient structures.
Here’s how you can reach this beautiful and archaeologically and astronomically important, yet
extremely underrated Tourist Spot : –
By Air:
The nearest airport to many megalithic sites in Jharkhand is Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi,
which is well-connected to major cities in India. From Ranchi, you can hire a taxi or take a bus
to reach the specific sites. Deoghar, for instance, is approximately 270 km from Ranchi.
By Train:
Jharkhand has several railway stations that are well-connected to major cities. The closest
railway stations to the megalithic sites include Deoghar Junction, Hazaribagh, and Bokaro Steel
City. From any of these stations, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach your desired
site.
By Road:
Jharkhand has a good network of roads, making it accessible from nearby cities. You can drive
or hire a taxi from places like Ranchi, Bokaro, or Dhanbad. For example, Deoghar is about 270
km from Ranchi, and the journey takes around 6-7 hours by road. The scenic routes offer a
glimpse of the region’s natural beauty.
When planning your visit, it’s advisable to check the accessibility of specific sites, as some may
require permission or have restricted access. Also, consider local weather conditions, especially
during the monsoon season, as they can affect travel plans.
Raghurajpur, Odisha
The charming Odishan village of Raghurajpur is well known for its superb craftsmanship and
rich cultural legacy. It is renowned for being a center of traditional Pattachitra art, which is a kind
of detailed painting on paper, fabric, and palm leaves. It is situated close to Puri, where every
home in the village serves as an artist's studio, exhibiting a variety of traditional art forms such
as Gotipua dance and wooden toys. The town is essentially a living museum.
In addition to appreciating the artistry, visitors to Raghurajpur interact with the artists and
discover the history of the local arts. The village’s charm is enhanced by its tranquil
surroundings, which are nestled among plantations of betel vine and coconut palms. Art
enthusiasts are also drawn to yearly cultural gatherings such as the Basant Utsav. For anyone
interested in learning more about Odisha’s rich cultural heritage, Raghurajpur is a must-visit
location because of its serene surroundings and strong artistic legacy.
In the book India’s Legendary East Coast by P.K De, and published by Niyogi Books detailed
travelogues of Raghurajpur, along with multiple other famous and lesser known tourist spots
have been vividly illustrated. The book offers an array of travelogues, cultural assessments, and
local myths, covering the area from the Ganga Delta in the north to Kanyakumari in the south. It
presents this area as both sacred and secular, with many pilgrimage sites for people of various
faiths, a reflection of the rich cultural legacy of the East Coast.
Raghurajpur is a remote village, a little away from the main tourist attractions of the state of
Odisha. Here’s how you can reach the place : –
By Air:
The nearest airport to Raghurajpur is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, which is
approximately 60 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a pre-booked cab to
reach Raghurajpur. The drive usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
By Train:
The closest railway station to Raghurajpur in Puri Railway Station, located around 14 km away.
Puri is well-connected to major cities in India. From the station, you can hire a taxi or take a
local auto-rickshaw to reach Raghurajpur, which is a short drive away.
By Road:
Raghurajpur is easily accessible by road, making it convenient to reach from nearby towns and
cities. You can drive or hire a taxi from Puri, Bhubaneswar, or other nearby locations. Buses are
also available from Bhubaneswar to Puri, and from Puri, you can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to
the village.
India’s lesser-explored travel spots combine untouched beauty, a vibrant culture, and an
unspoiled peacefulness to provide an experience of a lifetime. These hidden jewels provide a
refreshing alternative to the overly commercialized monuments, offering guests an opportunity
to engage more directly with the scenery, the people, and the traditions of the region. By
straying off the typical route, one not only gets to know a place’s heart but also helps to
preserve and promote the distinctive heritage of these areas. These underappreciated
destinations serve as a reminder that, even in this day of hurried, congested travel, sometimes
the most worthwhile adventures may be found down less-traveled paths.
Happy Travelling!
