Vacation Spree: Underrated Places to Visit in India

If you’re tired of being surrounded by people at tourist attractions, and you’re yearning for a travel experience that’s personal, authentic, and unforgettable, it’s time for a vacation haul to discover some undiscovered places in India. These undiscovered places can offer you the immeasurable beauty, depth, and tranquility away from the crowds. It’s time to pack your bags! No matter if you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or luxury traveler – we have somewhere that’ll suit your next adventure perfectly.

1. Swarnagiri Temple, Telangana

The Swarnagiri Temple is a spiritual retreat in Telangana, located on its own lively hill above the commercialised rush of the area. The temple’s architecture emanates warmth and all the surrounding mountains to calm your mind. Submerged in the waters the idol is a spectacle to eye and a scoop of serenity to the heart.

Instead of a temple town filled with tourists almost the entire day, Swarnagiri allows you time to breathe, reflect and re-connect.

Best time to visit: Early mornings or at twilight for peace and soft light.

What makes it unique? Golden stone architecture, placid surroundings and a sense of sacred stillness.

2. Mohan Mahal, The Leela Palace, Jaipur (Rajasthan)

Here, luxury meets legacy. Inspired by Jaipur’s Sheesh Mahal, Mohan Mahal is a fine-dining experience that comes alive with candlelight and royalty. Silver thalis, soft folk music, and the quiet tinkling of cutlery surround you within trinkets and mirrored walls.

While it may not be a piece of history, it feels like it.

What to order: A traditional Rajasthani thali under a star-studded ceiling.

Why you should make the time: Because you deserve that one meal where you flavour time as if you were going to a royal celebration. This is elegance and tradition in one plate.

3. Dudhsagar Waterfalls (Goa-Karnataka Border)

Translated as “Ocean of Milk,” Dudhsagar Waterfall is one of the tallest as well as the most intimidating waterfalls in India. The falls are located in the Western Ghats and tumble down in milky-white flows, it is at its most spectacular during the monsoon season.

Whether you are travelling through muddy roads in a jeep or hiking alongside butterflies, it is the kind of adventure that is worth getting wet for.

Best time to visit: July to September.

What we love: It’s wild, it’s loud, and it’s freeing. A great fix if you’ve been yearning to experience nature that makes your heart race!

4. Mawlygnot, Meghalaya

Seeking peace and quiet? This green, tranquil village nestled in the East Khasi Hills is just what you need. Mawlyngot, complete with emerald tea gardens, has eco-stays and light treks, as well as locally brewed organic tea.

Unlike the busy Shillong or Cherrapunji, Mawlyngot is Meghalaya’s peaceful secret.

Local flavor: Sipping tea with a green poem for a view.

Why you will thank yourself later: It’s the detox your mind didn’t know it needed. No crowds, no rush, just you, emerging mist, and a nice cup of tea.

5. Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh

Gandikota is known as the “Grand Canyon of India” thanks to the steep cliffs created by the Pennar River, which are spectacular in and of themselves. Combine that with a 13th-century fort and sunrises bathed in apricot hues and it makes for some amazing photography.

This hidden gem is perfect for light trekking, storytelling, and serene sunsets.

If you go, don’t miss the golden hour over the gorge – it’s surreal!

What makes it different: It is raw, rugged and romantic in an unexpected way, where silence is golden.

6. Bhainsrorgarh Fort, Rajasthan

Have you ever dreamed of living in a fort on a cliff? Bhainsrorgarh sits on a cliffside overlooking the Chambal River and offers stays steeped in royal heritage without the crush of tourists one might find in nearby Jaipur or Udaipur.

Once, a stronghold for warriors, now a luxury hotel, their brand of luxury is old-world character and calm by the riverside.

Best time to go: October to March when things get cool but hospitality is warm.

Why it’s a hidden gem: It’s the perfect mix of comfort and character. You wake to the sound of the water and fall asleep beneath stone arches.

7. Araku Village, Andhra Pradesh

Located in the midst of the Eastern Ghats, Araku Valley is mystical, melodic, and full of tribal spirit. The journey from Visakhapatnam is a feast for the eyes (experiencing tunnels, waterfalls, and clouds dancing).

It is home to India’s tribes—coffee estates that carry an aroma for miles, and a local art museum.

Highlight: the scenic train journey – it’s a moving postcard.

Why is it unforgettable? Few places mingle culture and peace of mind so effortlessly. It’s more than the trip, it’s an experience that lingers.

Tips for Best Travel Experience

Stay clear of weekends and holidays to experience the tranquility these locations are famous for.
Listen to the locals for the best tips and hidden gems.
Support the local economy by opting for homestays, local cafes, and local crafts.
Be mindful of what to pack — remember sunscreen, insect repellent, charger, reusable water bottle, and walking shoes!
Be prepared to be flexible – not everything will go to plan and that is where the magic usually happens!

Ready to uncover India’s best kept destinations? Stay tuned with tuberbuddy your ideal partner in every walk of life.