India is known for its diverse landscapes and cultures. The raw beauty and excitement of the multiple places nationwide can immediately transform into a peaceful and relaxed environment. Trust us, if you embark on a journey to explore every minute beauty of the country, the extraordinary travelogue will be never-ending. From trekking on the frozen river of Chadar Lake, staying in the Igloos of Sethal Valley, visiting the disappearing beaches of Orissa, and many more, India has several hidden treasures. Here are five off-the-beaten-path destinations that guarantee exceptional experiences.
Magnetic Hill, Ladakh
Want to experience something beyond the common scientific norms? Visit Magnetic Hill in Ladakh. This unique phenomenon on the hills at a breathtaking altitude of 14,000 feet above sea level has perplexed scientists for many years. Located on the Leh-Kargil highway, it tends to pull vehicles uphill at a speed of 10-15 kmph. Apart from this, the place also offers majestic views of the surrounding hills.
Loktak Lake, Manipur
The Loktak Lake in Manipur is popularly called a floating island. The circular floating masses of vegetation are home to local fishermen and wildlife, including the endangered Sangai deer, adding to the uniqueness of this place. Well, we are sure you haven’t seen such an ecosystem before. It can be explored by boat and is ideal for eco-travellers and wildlife enthusiasts. Not only this but even a National park is built on one of them.
Morjim Beach, Goa
Can you imagine finding stars below your feet? Then, you need to visit Morjim Beach, located in North Goa. Besides the serene and picturesque views, the beach is also famous for being a nesting ground for the endangered Olive Ridley turtles and most importantly, phytoplanktons that glow like tiny stars, making it look like a lighted galaxy under the feet. A similar bioluminescence effect can also be found in Betalbatim Beach, Goa, Bangaram Beach, Lakshadweep, Thiruvanmiyur Beach, Chennai, Radhanagar Beach, and in the Havelock Islands of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Naneghat, Maharashtra
Another unique phenomenon defying the gravitational laws is the upward waterfall at Naneghat, Maharashtra. To have this unbelievable experience, you need to move just a few kilometres and three hours away from Mumbai during the monsoon season. The ancient mountain pass, located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, dates back to the 1st century BCE. The speed and pressure of the waterfall here are so high that the water starts rushing up soon after moving down.
Roopkund, Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand, in the northern section of India, is filled with surreal locations that are best for treks and offer breathtaking views. However, the trek towards the mysterious skeleton lake at Roopkund, located at a huge height above the ground level, is one of the most spooky. This place is filled with around 800 skeletons dating back to 850 AD, but it still needs to be clarified how those individuals reached there. Every year, to discover the secret, many visitors embark on a journey and return with a bag full of experiences.
