Off-beat Places in India to visit in 2021

As this whole year 2020 was nothing less than a home arrest, people are more excited and hopeful for 2021! An excellent way to kickstart 2021 is by travelling to amazing new places. India is home to some of the most beautiful places in the world. So, here we bring to you our top ten off-beat places in India to visit in 2021.

1. Roopkund Lake, Uttarakhand:

Also known as the Mystery Lake, this place is a delight  for those who like adventure. What is interesting about this place are the numerous human skeletons discovered lying at the bottom of the lake. When the snow melts, this makes for a distinct natural spectacle.

2. Bhandardara, Ahmednagar:

For a New Year trip, this might be a good choice. A holiday resort village near Igatpuri in the Western Ghats of India, Bhandardara is located by the serene Pravara River. The tourists attractions includes Wilson Dam and Arthur Lake and the natural, waterfalls and Randha falls will surely satisfy the traveler in you. The recent attraction is this place is the Fireflies Camp in the Purushwadi area.

3. Majuli, Assam:

A river island in the Brahmaputra River, Majuli became the first island to be made a district in India in 2016. Majuli is the home of the Assamese neo-Vaishnavite culture. The festival Ali aye ligang is celebrated during mid-February with great pomp. It is celebrated for five days starting from the second Wednesday of February till the first Wednesday of fagun month. Local dishes like purang apin and apong  are served. Traditional Mising dance Gumrag Soman is performed. The southern part of the island is a bird lover’s paradise.

4. Athirapally, Kochi.

This place is popular among tourists and also among film makers.  Indian director Mani Ratnam has a huge fascination for this place. Many of his movies such as Ravaanan, Iruvar and Dil Se are shot here. Athirapally falls is a sure delight for visitors. Daily Jungle Safari trips are organized by Thrissur District Tourism Promotion Council with Athirappilly Destination Management Council from Chalakudy to Malakkappara.

5. Kodaikanal:

If you are looking for places to visit in New Year in South India, Kodaikanal is a good option. Referred to as the “princess of hill stations” this hill stations boasts of a beautiful natural beauty and also has many places of interest such as Kodaikanal Lake, Byrant Park, Poombarai Village and Dolphin’s nose.

6. Gokarna:

Gokarna is a small temple town in the Uttara Kanada district of the state of Karnataka and you want a pocket friendly trip then this can be a perfect pick. This beautiful town  is perfect for beach-lovers.  The town also hosts some new year parties which you will thoroughly enjoy.

7. Kodinhi, Kerala:

Situated in Kerala’s Malappuram district, this place is one of the strangest places in India. This village is reported to have the largest number of twins in the country. Some scientists have linked this continuous occurrence to a chemical found in the local water, which however was later dismissed by various other doctors and scientists. The villagers however embrace this phenomenon and even dress identically to honor this.  Go witness this interesting village and do not forget to pack a pair of identical dresses!

8. Hemis, Leh:

Also spelled as Hamis, this village is located in the district of Leh. Hemis is well known for the Hemis monastery that was established in 1672 AD by king Sengge Namgyal. A colorful festival is also hosted by the village in the month of July. The monastery is close to the Hemis National Park, an area that is home to the endangered snow leopard. Other attractions include Gotsang Gompa and Stakna Monastery.

9. Sainj, Himachal Pradesh:

The Sainj Valley is part of four valleys that comprise the Great Himalayan National Park. That is, the Tirthan Valley, Parvati Valley and Jiwa Nala valley. The attractions includes the Pundrik Lake, the meadows, the birds and the traditional villages. Sainj Valley trek is the perfect weekend trek near Manali. Sainj Valley can be accessed all year round but the best time is the summer season– late February to April.

10. Gushaini, Himachal Pradesh:

With the immense popularity of Shimla and Manali, Gushaini is one of the charming and quiet off-beat places in India that often remains unexplored. This place is not the kind to visit in groups. However, if you are looking for a solitary weekend getaway from Delhi, this place might be the perfect option for you. Stay options in Gushaini village are mostly in the form of homestays. Raju’s Cottage is one of the most sought after places to stay here. There are many options for nature lovers and adventurers in Gushaini including angling, river crossing, hiking, camping and bird watching.

So this was our list of ten off-beat places in India that one must-visit in 2021. Start planning, explore the above-mentioned places and make the most out of it. Stay healthy, stay safe and don’t forget to wear a mask and travel as a responsible citizen.