Who wouldn’t want to take a break from the bustle of daily life and sneak off to a remote land, far away from the noise and crowds of the city? With the experience of the pandemic to draw upon, all of us have recognized the need to prioritise our mental health and take some time off for ourselves if we can afford to. To help you go ahead with that plan, here is a collection of the 15 most remote villages in India where you can steal some time alone.
Also read: 20 Weekend Getaways from Pune You Can Consider Visiting
1. Dhankar
Dhankar Village is a beautiful and remote settlement located in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. Nestled amidst towering peaks and perched on a rocky cliff, the village offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The unique mud-brick structures, traditional houses, and the ancient Dhankar Fort add to the charm of this place. The nearby Dhankar Lake is a popular hiking spot and offers stunning vistas of the valley. For travelers, visiting the ancient fort, trekking to the lake, and exploring the village’s traditional way of life are some of the must-do activities.
Source: theunrulytraveler
2. Mana Village, Uttarakhand
Mana Village, located in Uttarakhand, India, is the last village on the Indian side of the Indo-Tibetan border located near Badrinath. The village is known for its natural beauty, ancient culture, and historical significance. Travelers can visit the sacred Vasudhara waterfall which a about a day’s trek from this village. The other attractions here include the Bhim Pul, the origin of the Saraswati river and the the Vyas Gufa cave where sage Vyas is believed to have written the Mahabharata, and the Badrinath temple.
Image Source: Himanshu Dutt (Flickr)
3. Dodra Kwar, Himachal Pradesh
Dodra Kwar, a hidden gem in the Himachal Pradesh region of India, is a collection of two remote and unspoiled villages. The area is renowned for its natural beauty and pristine landscapes and is one of the least visited regions of Himachal Pradesh. The villages are separated by River Rupin which is a tributary of River Yamuna. The Chanshal Pass (4520 metres) connects these villages to the nearby town of Rohru.
Image Source: https://bnomadic.com/
4. Nongriat, Meghalaya
Nongriat, a picturesque village nestled in the lush forests of Meghalaya, India, is renowned for its natural beauty, the double-decker living root bridge, and stunning waterfalls. The most attraction in the village is the double-decker living root bridge, which is a unique and awe-inspiring feat of engineering built from the living roots of the Rubber Fig tree. A waterfall is located just at the foot of this bridge. The village is reachable after a 1-1.5 hour hike through the dense forests of East Khasi Hills.
Visitors can also explore the village’s serene surroundings, take a dip in natural pools and waterfalls, and trek through the dense forest to discover more hidden gems. The Rainbow Falls is about an hour’s hike from the Double Decker Living root bridge. There are a few stay options available at Nongriat for those looking forward to spending a night here.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
5. Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh
Mechuka, a remote and picturesque village located in the West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, India, is known for its stunning natural beauty and unique cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the village’s ancient monastery, stroll through its traditional markets, and interact with the friendly locals. The surrounding area is also home to many natural wonders, including the Mechuka Valley, a popular trekking destination, and the Yargyap Chu river, which offers opportunities for fishing and boating.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
6. Dantu Village, Darma Valley, Uttarakhand
Dantu is a remote village nestled located in the picturesque Darma Valley of Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand. The village offers absolutely stunning views of the Panchachuli peaks. It got road connectivity only a few years ago. The trek to the Panchachuli base camp from here is absolutely amazing and takes around 1.5-2 hours.
Source: theunrulytraveler
7. Merak Village, Ladakh
Merak is a charming village in Ladakh, located on the banks of the stunning Pangong Tso Lake. The village offers a breathtaking view of the serene blue waters and the surrounding snow-capped mountains. There are a few homestays and campsites available for visitors who want to stay amidst nature’s tranquility.
Source: theunrulytraveler
8. Chitkul, Himachal Pradesh
Chitkul is the last village of India before the Indo-Tibet Border in Kinnaur. Chitkul offers an absolutely magnificent terrain with picturesque views to visitors. It offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges, and the Baspa river flowing through the valley adds to its natural charm. Visitors can witness the unique architecture of the Kinnauri houses, made of wood and stone.
Image Source – Shantanu Roy Biswas (Flickr)
9. Daringbadi, Odisha
A village in eastern India with sub-zero temperatures in winters, Daringbadi is sure to offer a unique experience. Daringbadi, also known as the “Kashmir of Odisha,” is a scenic hill station located in the Kandhamal district of Odisha. It offers a pleasant climate throughout the year and is known for its lush green forests, waterfalls, and coffee plantations. Visitors can explore the stunning natural beauty of the region by trekking or taking nature walks. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, making it an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Source: kandhamal.nic.in
10. Dong Village, Arunachal Pradesh
Dong is the easternmost village in India and experiences the first sunrise in India. Hence, it is also called, “India’s Land of the Rising Sun.” The village is located near the point where India, China and Myanmar meet.
Image Source: https://talesofthehiddentrails.wordpress.com/
11. Komic Village, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Komic Village, located in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India, is the world’s highest village with a motorable road. At an altitude of 15,027 feet above sea level, Komic is home to the Tangyud Monastery, which is believed to be around a thousand years old. The village is also known for its unique architecture, as most houses are made of stone and mud.
Source: Saurabh Chatterjee (flickr)
12. Zuluk, Sikkim
Zuluk is a small village located in the East Sikkim district of India. It was once a crucial stop on the ancient Silk Route that connected Tibet to India. Today, Zuluk is a popular destination for travelers and offers stunning views. Travelers can explore the village’s rich history by visiting its old houses and ancient monasteries. A trek to the Thambi View Point gives panoramic views of the sunrise and sunset.
Image Source: Abhishek Verma (Flickr)
13. Malana, Parvati Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Malana Village is a small hamlet located in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is known for its unique culture, language, and customs, which are distinct from the rest of the region. The village is surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountains and lush green forests. Visitors can explore the ancient temples and traditional houses of the village and also trek to the nearby Chandrakhani Pass. The village is also known for its famous Malana Cream, a high-quality cannabis strain that is sought after by travelers and locals alike.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
14. Yana, Karnataka
A small village looking over the Sahyadris, Yana is dotted with tall rock formations interesting enough to make you stare for hours. It is situated 40 kilometres away from the coastal village Gokarna.
Yana Village is a hidden gem located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India. It is known for its unique rock formations that were formed millions of years ago due to volcanic activity. The village is home to two massive rock formations named Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and Mohini Shikhara. Visitors can explore these fascinating rock formations and also take a dip in the nearby natural springs. The village is surrounded by lush green forests and is an ideal destination for travelers seeking a peaceful and serene getaway in the Western Ghats.
Source: Wikipedia
Armed with these names of the 15 most remote villages in India, you’d be ready to embark on your adventure of seeking yourself amidst the crowd!