India is like a treasure trove. You will find a gem craftily hidden in the chest every time you open it. With travel based tech platforms mushrooming in the Indian business ecosystem, it has become relatively easy to promote any travel destination. Once the destinations make a name, it doesn’t take time for tourists to flock to it.

However, some of us do prefer the treat of solitude and serenity, which are gradually being lost in the noise of popularising hotspots. There is a charm on treading on the less taken paths after all. This piece is for those of you who are always on the lookout for a new place to travel and somewhere more serene. India harbours eternal beauty that is waiting to be explored and visited. There are some hidden gems present in the country that none or very less talk about.

Here’s my pick of the untouched places that I would like to visit this year.

1. Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh

Ziro is a quaint, picturesque town nestled in Arunachal Pradesh. Such is the beauty of this town that it has earned the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site. Come and be one with nature by staying at cute homestays or camping at green grasslands, observing luscious patches of rice fields or interacting with friendly Apatani tribe. The best time to visit this place is April-June as the weather remains pleasant throughout the year. If you’re a music lover, then be ready to be enthraled by a four-day Ziro Music Festival that takes place every year in September. A big heads up for foodies - you wouldn’t want to miss out the Bamboo Chicken and the Rice Beer at any cost.

2. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

Another completely unexplored gem is the birthplace of Dalai Lama. This place is ideal for travellers seeking solace as it harbours several monasteries. This place also offers an adrenaline rush to adventure seekers as they can visit Sela Pass, Bumla Pass, Nuranang Waterfalls and Pankang Teng Tso Lake. Plan your itinerary in the month of March-September as summers are cool, but winters can be the real monsters. Gorge on Gyapa-khazi, Thupka, momos, Zan and Khura while you’re there.

3. Mawlynnong, Meghalaya

Do you know which village in India was awarded the cleanest village in Asia in 2003? It was none other than Mawlynnog. Such is the dedication and devotion of inhabitants of this place that to be one with nature; they created a living root bridge, one of its kind in the village Riwai. This village offers abundant natural beauty. You will be blown after witnessing the 85ft high bamboo Sky View that will let you feast the landscape of Bangladesh as well, as this village lies on the Indo-Bangladesh border. Be prepared to live in jungle cottages wherein your ears will enjoy the melody of nature. When in Mawlynnog, it’s a must to eat Jadoh and Tungrymbai. March-September is the ideal time to visit this place.

4. Bundi, Rajasthan

When we mention Rajasthan, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, etc. ring the bell but somewhere down the lane, Bundi has lost its value. You will find this small town flooded with magnificent palaces, forts and temples. This town is all about exploring the glory of the past. Enjoy a rich amalgamation of simpleton desert life mixed with colourful culture during Bundi Festival in November. Visit this place during the months of October-April to witness its spectacular beauty.

Related Link: Places to Visit in Rajasthan

5. Kalimpong, West Bengal

This is one of the lesser-known hill stations in West Bengal. This town is present in West Bengal and is approx 50 minutes east of Darjeeling. This place houses beautiful Buddhist Monasteries, Churches and Tibetan handicrafts. This place is best known for its bustling bazaars and panoramic view of Himalayas. It is advisable to visit this place in April-June as the weather is pleasant during this time. Don’t forget to try their Pork Trotters, Gundruk ko jhol and Hentay.

6. Varkala, Kerala

If you want to run away from the maddening crowd of cities and enjoy quiet beaches then, Varkala is the place for you. This small town is snuggled on Arabian Seashores and is the best place for vacation if you’re looking for some peace. Varkala houses Papanasam beach that is considered as holy water. You can visit Janardanaswamy temple or can spend your days lying on the beach and indulging in sports like paragliding and parasailing or do mediation. Visit Varkala during October-March when the weather is pleasant and don’t forget to eat plenty of seafood.

7. Chotpa, Uttrakhand

This hill station is least talked about when we mention Uttrakhand. One can describe Chotpa in two words and, i.e. Serenity and Solitude. You will witness snow-covered peaks with green slopes. If you’re fond of trekking, then you will love the trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila peak. Even though the best time to visit this place is March-May, still winters have their charm as one can see snow in its full glory, but then be ready to freeze as the temperature drops to -5. This place has beautiful home stays that come cheap.

8. Nubra Valley, Ladakh

This place has to be on your checklist this year. This place is an ultimate fusion of a desert, small town and lush green fields. You can explore the dunes present here on a Bactrian camel. Apart from this, this quaint town has ancient monasteries that need to be visited at least once. April-September is the ideal time to visit this beautiful place.

So, these are a few lesser explored places in India that must be on your checklist this year when you plan your next vacation. Be ready to be mesmerised by the beauty each place holds.