Photographers face a lot of problems in overcrowded places as it is difficult to click their million-dollar-pic. As a helpful list for Instagrammers, travel bloggers, and travellers, we believe this photoblog will at least introduce two-three new offbeat destinations in India. Every hamlet in this list has a surprise factor attached to it, for the explorers and backpackers of the world. The culture of India is understood by visiting the villages of India.
“The Soul of India live in its Villages.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Kookal: The Unexplored Hamlet of Kodai
The best offbeat destination near Kodaikanal after Poombarai and Mannavanur is Kookal, famous for its lake and tranquility. A place where Paliyan Tribal people of Palani had lived and now the heavenly abode of quaint cottages. The pompous Mariamman festival is famous in Kookal Village. As the vistas are quiet, serene, and less crowded, pose for the photogenic clicks with your crew.
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Malana: The Touch-Me-Not Villagers
One cinematic village that cultivates the best hashish in the whole world. People here are nice as well as dramatic. They don’t like the touch factor (well aware of Coronavirus, maybe!). They consider themselves to be the descendants of Alexander and so superiority complex runs strong in their veins. But their village council has strong rules preserving wildlife, trees, and poaching. Interestingly, they are not shy to pose. A good place to frame up for your Instagram post is before their three-storied home.
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Marottichal: The Chess Village of the World
The chess village of Kerala, probably the only place on our planet with the highest chess literacy. On May 18, 2017, the travel section of BBC had featured an interesting article on this unbelievable hamlet. What was once a spoiled drunkard’s gambling territory soon became a ‘hamlet of hope’. The whole village got addicted to the 64 squares and 32 pieces; Chess saved their lives from alcohol and gambling. The next Vishy Anand or Magnus Carlson might be all eyes on the board right now.
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Mawlynnong: The Cleanest Village in Asia
Mawlynnong of Meghalaya is the cleanest village in Asia. Just 30 km away from Shillong, “God’s Own Garden” or Mawlynnong is a must-visit destination after the Covid-19 lockdown in India. The closest neighbor of Mawlynnong, Riwai Village is recognized as an eco-tourism site, for its Living Root Bridges. The village has a 100 percent literacy rate and the villagers can converse well in English.
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Valparai: The Less Explored Hill Heaven
Known for the regular sights of leopards and beautiful roads full of hairpin bends, Valparai, the seventh heaven will surely take a traveler to cloud nine. Lion-tailed macaques, flying squirrels, wild boars, and elephants are popular fauna found in this region. Take breaks near the alternative scents of tea and coffee plantations. Get blessings from the Balaji Temple at the top of the Valparai in Karamalai hamlet. Loam’s View Point is famous for panoramic views while bicycling and birdwatching are popular activities for the younger and elder generation respectively.
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Ziro: The Outdoor Music Capital of India
Ziro village is one of the unexplored regions in Arunachal Pradesh, known for its Ziro Music Festival. Country singers, pop artists, music bands, and international sensations have been coming to this distinct musical hamlet every year since its inception in 2012. Ziro is not only famous for the grandest outdoor music festival in India but also for the “Apatanis” tribe, the oldest inhabitants of North East India. Their high altitude agro-fishing technique is one of the most advanced in the agro-fishing industry. They are sweet people living a contented life and are remarkably hospitable too. They have tattoos smeared all over their face and kindness all over their heart.
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Sadam: The Mini Great Wall or Kumbalgarh?
The most underrated hamlet of Sikkim, Sadam is 5,500 feet above sea level. Only a few optimistic travelers with the mind of an explorer traverse the “Tarey Bhir” point. In the Nepali language, “Bhir” means cliff while thee path here looks like a mini Kumbalgarh Fort. The descending hills of Peshok adorn our eyes with its sprawling tea plantations. A lot of Instagram frames are present in this scenic yet unexplored zone. Although too remote, homestays come in handy for a comfortable accommodation. Sadam is just 2 hours (less than 60 km) away from Darjeeling.
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Diskit: The Spiritual Linchpin of Ladakh
The vastness of Ladakh has one iconic village deity which is the oldest Buddhist Monastery in the Nubra Valley. The 106 feet Maitreya Buddha Statue is the heartbeat of the Diskit Village. The majesty of Dalai Lama in 2010 consecrated this golden faced Buddha statue for three reasons – To protect the village, cause harmony between India and Pakistan, and promote world peace. The double-humped Bactrian Camel, Lachung Temple, the Shyock River running parallel with Indus River, and the low altitude atmosphere make this place the “Orchard of Ladakh”.
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Zuluk: A Hidden Hamlet of the Ancient Silk Route
Besides the winding roads of the lower Himalayas, East Sikkim is gifted with an undulated village – Zuluk. The ancient silk route that connected Tibet and India now has the Indian Army Base. According to the latest news, Sivok to Rangpo will get a new scenic rail route. Within 50 km, numerous tunnels and 15 odd bridges will help soldiers and tourists with transportation without interrupting the wildlife zones. From the Thambi Viewpoint, a person can get a clear view of Mt. Kanchenjunga – A Hardcore Trekker’s Delight. King Cobra Temple or Nag Temple is yet another famous attraction.
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Lamayuru: The Moon Village of Ladakh
From Kargil to Leh, an avid backpacker’s highly sought resting point is Lamayuru village in Ladakh. The lunar landscapes of this lovely hamlet is a treasure for geologists. Those who adore legends should visit the Lamayuru Monastery for some stunning filterless clicks. Hemis Tse Chu is one of the largest monastic festivals in India. Take a stroll along these lunar terrains of Ladakh for seeing the eclectic smiles of the Ladakhis. Say “Julley” (Hi in Ladakhi) to the locals and look at their eyes gleam up in happiness.
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