India is a land of villages. The serenity of villages nestled in the lap of nature is rejuvenating both to the sight and the mind. Let’s explore 10 such villages that leave you awed!
1) DISKIT VILLAGE, LADAKH
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If you are a romantic, Diskit village is just the right place for you. The lush greenery and the snow-clad mountain peaks ensure the perfect mix of tranquillity and grace that tourists are bound to enjoy.
Apart from the rich scenery, Diskit Village is also the abode to many tourist spots like the pious Diskit Monastery, and the natural hot water springs in Panamik. The local essence of the village further accentuates its beauty and lends it an unparalleled panache.
2) LANDOUR VILLAGE, UTTARAKHAND
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Landour, located 6 km from Mussoorie, exudes a certain exquisiteness, one of the colonial hues, another of the remnants of the monarchy. The houses here have borrowed themes from Walter Scott’s novels. At other times, they emanate a distinct Irish touch. Away from the noise and sound, Landour village promises serendipity that resonates with the tourists.
Nature is at its best in Landour. The misty deodar forest on the winding path, caressed by burgeoning trees and shed flowers provides a surreal walking experience. This village also boasts of amazing tourist sites. House to the famous writer, Ruskin Bond, the Ivy Cottage stands in the byways of Landour. The Char Dukan which is a row of four historic shops in Landour attracts tourists too. Apart from that, there is the historic St. Paul’s church and the gothic Kellogg’s church. The best time to visit Landour is between April to June.
3) MALANA, HIMACHAL PRADESH
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An ancient Indian village, standing solitary in the northeast of Kullu valley, isolated from the rest of the world, Malana in Himachal Pradesh commands a certain enigma. Wrapped in its own distinct rules, and social customs Malana has a tacit lifestyle peculiar to its inhabitants.
Malana has several tourist spots. The most significant are the Jamlu Temple built in Kath Kuni style with wooden carving and deer heads and the Rukmini temple. Malana is specifically famous for its Malana cream, a product made from cannabis plants.
4) NAKO, LAHUL SPITI.
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The hub of Tibetan culture and encapsulating the essence of the Himalayas, the Nako village is situated on the Indo Tibetan border and is the last spot on the way to the famous Nalling Mullah. The calm of this village punctuated with the experiences recounted by the local people makes it a hit with tourists
Nako is the home to various impeccable tourist spots like Chitkul, Chango Gompa, Lipa Asrang Sanctuary, Kinnaur Kailash, Sarhan, Sangla Valley. The Nako Lake and the Nako Monastery elicit the most interest because of the duality of their splendid location and rich heritage. The best time to visit is between April to October.
5) MAJULI, ASSAM
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The cultural capital of Assam, Majuli , displays a rich and exquisite heritage, hosting a plethora of events, festivals and prayers. The Raas Purnima and the Paal Naam are some exciting festivals that attract many tourists. The best time to visit Majuli, is between January to March and the Dakhinpat Satra is one of the most important places in Majuli.
6) MANDAWA, RAJASTHAN
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The village of forts and Havelis, Mandawa lies at the heart of the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan and exudes the cultural and social richness that is inherent to this place. The village is the source of many cultural and architectural extravaganzas and draws large numbers of tourists.
Mandawa reveals history at every turn, battlements, peacock vans, arched windows, and medieval forts dominate the town. Old Havelis like the Binsidhar Newatia Haveli and the Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli lend a more vintage touch to the village. Apart from this, there are many places like Nawalgarh, Parsurampura, Dundlod, and Fatehpur around Mandawa that are all popular tourist spots owing to their rich display of culture and heritage.
7) KASOL, HIMACHAL
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A charming village, immune from commercialization and reveling in the natural beauty, Kasol in Himachal Pradesh is particularly attractive to trekkers and backpackers.
The Parvati River and the Kheer Ganga are exciting places to trek to or stroll around. The breathtaking beauty and the much-needed serenity awe the visitors. Kasol in its entirety provides pleasantness to the tourists, more so the nature lovers who have the time of their lives here. For more religious people, the Manikaran Sahib is just 6 km from Kasol. The huge gurudwara is imposing yet welcoming and the specialty of this gurudwara is that there are pictures of Hindu gods and Jesus along with the Sikh gods.
8) ZIRO VALLEY, ARUNACHAL PRADESH
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Nestled in the pine-clad hills and peppered with sprawling rice fields, quaint villages, and rolling green hills, Ziro valley displays surreal scenery that makes it the go-to place for all nature lovers. The lush bamboo forests and tall blue and green pines make it photogenic. The festivals, customs, and traditions are all distinctive to the valley.
There are many tourist spots in Ziro valley which include the Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, the Meghna Cave Temple, the Kile Pakho, and so on. Ziro with sites like Dolo Mando makes it a perfect destination for adventure lovers and hikers.
9) Gokarna Village, Karnataka
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Gokarna known widely as a temple town is ideal for pious people. The main temple and deity are Shiva who is also known as Mahabaleswara. Gokarna is in fact one of the seven important Hindu pilgrimage centers.
Apart from its religious flavor, Gokarna’s beaches exude a natural beauty that is attractive to the tourists many of whom go for a beach trek or a nightly walk along the beaches. There are many restaurants where tourists are free to try out indigenous cuisine.
10) ALMORA, KUMAON
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Regarded as the cultural capital of Kumaon, Almora is a hill station surrounded by the dwindling pines and old oaks with the snow-capped Himalayas standing at a distance.
Almora gets its name from ‘kilmora’, a tiny plant used for washing utensils of Katarmal Sun Temple. Apart from the mind-boggling natural scenery, Almora also boasts of cultural heritage and sumptuous delicacies. There are many temples that attract tourists like Chitai and Nanda Devi, Katarmal, and Jageshwar. It has several shopping centers too. Walk, cycle, trek, shop, eat or just relax, Almora provides it all. A must-visit.
