Not a popular tourist spot overcrowded with tourists during Puja holidays. Beyond the familiar, visit these villages in India. The nature is serene here, all the troubles of the mind, all the fatigue of the whole year's rat race will be washed away in the five days of the Puja (Durga Puja 2026).
1. Chitkul, Himachal Pradesh
Chitkul is one of the last inhabited villages in India. The road to reach this village located in Kinnar district is as beautiful as a picture. Starting from Shimla and proceeding through Kufri, Narkanda and Sangla, you will see apple orchards, rows of pine trees and snow-capped mountains. The experience of crossing the Baspa river valley to reach the village will remain in the mind of the travel lovers for a long time.
2. Lachung, Sikkim
This village can be reached from Gangtok by proceeding along Teesta river passing through Singtam, Mangan and Chungthang. The route has scenic views of deep valleys, dense forests, mountain springs and towering mountains. The beauty of Seven Sisters Falls and Bheem Nala Falls makes this journey more attractive.
3. Periyar, Kerala
Periyar is perfect for nature lovers. From Bandipur in Karnataka to Periyar, the scenery changes. The green hills of the Western Ghats, tea plantations, dense forests and fog-covered roads add to the beauty of the journey. As you get closer to Thekkady, the forest becomes denser.
4. Zero Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
Ziro Valley is a blend of vast paddy fields, green forests and local tribal culture on the lap of the hills. From Itanagar along the mountain road, you will see small towns and bamboo houses. The Apatani community is one of the most prominent communities in this region. This trip also gives an opportunity to get acquainted with their traditional way of life and agriculture.
5. Hanu, Ladakh
On the way to Hanu village, there is a wonderful combination of mountains, rivers and valleys. Starting from Srinagar, one can proceed towards this region via Leh via Zojila, Dras, Kargil and Lamayuru. On both sides of the road, you can see rugged mountains, sometimes the blue river. The villages of Hanu and Dha are known for the Bass and Apricot orchards of the Brokpa community.
6. Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
Araku Valley is known for its hilly beauty and coffee plantations. En route from Visakhapatnam to Araku, there is a scenic view of the Purgaghat mountain ranges. The curvy mountain roads, the mist covered slopes and the green hills of Anantgiri are the special attractions of this journey. There is also an opportunity to visit the famous Bora Caves on the way.
7. Hampi, Karnataka
If you want to see the combination of history and nature, you can visit Hampi. On the way from Bangalore to Hampi, the urban bustle gradually changes to the open wilderness of the Deccan Plateau. On reaching Hampi, one can see the historical monuments of the Vijayanagara Empire, Virupaksha Temple and the famous stone chariot. The banks of Tungabhadra river add to the beauty of this area.
8. Maolinong, Meghalaya
Maolinong is known for its clean environment and bamboo houses. While going to this village from Shillong along the mountain road, you will see the green valley of Khasi Hills, betel plantations and small towns. If the weather is clear, the plains of Bangladesh can also be seen from the road. Apart from visiting the village, you can visit the live root bridge of Riwai nearby.