India Offbeat Destinations

6.  Paradise of Trekkers - Sandakphu:

Located at an altitude of 3,636 metres, Sandakphu is the highest peak located in Darjeeling district in the eastern part of India. The name Sandakphu means ‘Height of the Poison Plant’ because of the poisonous aconite plants that grow near the peak. The patronizing peak of the Singalila Range, Sandakphu is the most audacious point of many trekking routes in the Darjeeling-Sikkim region.

Sandakphu exemplifies the wild elemental splendor of the snows and the vista from the mountain peak is worth all the adversity endured on the way. It can be rightly called the “Paradise of Trekkers” as one can see four of world’s five highest peaks- Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Lhotse from this place.

7. The Spell-bound Spiti Valley

Spiti Valley is located in Himachal Pradesh and is a paradise in itself! Situated at the altitude of 12,500 feet above sea level, it is surrounded with mountain ranges, high-altitude alpine lands, soaring peaks enveloped with snow and one of the oldest and most beautiful monasteries.

[Discover beautiful Spiti Valley with Spiti Safari tour]

Spiti is the biggest district and shares the international boundary with Tibet.This place possesses the unique religion of Tibet – Tibetan Buddhism. Ki Monastery and Tabo Monastery, which are some of the oldest monasteries in the world and favorites of the Dalai Lama, are located here in the Spiti Valley.

8. Believe it or not - Gravity Defying Palace:

A man made wonder and a complete offbeat destination, the Gravity Defying Palace at Lucknow, capital of the eastern region of Uttar Pradesh, is known for its mystifying palace complex. This marvelous creation of 18th-century by the monarch Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, is a blend of European and Arabic architecture. Bara Imambara’s superlative central arched hall is almost 50 meters long and about three stories high without any pillars or beams.

[Visit the wonder of world Taj Mahal with Golden Triangle Tour]

The main hall was constructed exclusively with interlocking brick-work and is famous for its mysterious architecture of “Bhulbhulaiya- a dense maze”. This labyrinth is made of more than 1,000 narrow staircase passages meant to prevent any possible intruders. One can roam around the clandestine maze; preferably with an official guide. And alongside one can also explore the adjacent mosque and stunning gardens.

9. Serenity personified - The Phugtal Monastery:

The Phuktal Monastery is a massive cave Monastery held high-up in the steep mountains. It is this demeanour which makes this Monastery unique amongst all others in the Zanskar Valley. The foundation of this monastery is primarily made of twigs and mud. It was found way back in the 12th century and is home to around 70 monks.

The frescoes and ceiling decorations of the monastery connects to the same era of Alchi Monastery and Tabo Monastery – one of the oldest monasteries. The most attractive aspect is the hollow in the rock in the cave over the monastery. The level of the water in this hollow never spills regardless of any amount of water being drawn from it and is believed to have healing powers!

10. Artistically adorable – Andretta:

Some places in the world are made for inspiration. Kangra Valley, in the amazing milieu of the mighty Dhauladhar, the Milky Mountains, has been always known to attract artists. The “Kangra School of Miniature Painting” being just one remarkable exemplar.

What Kangra was to art some 200 years ago; Andretta, a tiny village 14 km south of Palampur, is to artists in the present century. Andretta, with its Italianate sounding name, is a quiet and sleepy village known as a hodgepodge of culture. It nuzzles amongst the undulating plains of Kangra Valley, with a wide panorama of hoary mountains.

Andretta has attracted artists of many hues and was brought to fame by Ms. Norah Richards, the famous writer and dramatist whose writings exhibited deep sensibility to life and people around her. Other attractions include the Andretta Pottery and Crafts society which portray miniature paintings and pottery. Students can also enroll here to learn the art of pottery making.