India, the motherland we belong to is a country of very rich history. All these grand monuments, bustling cities, and tourist attractions is something that we all frequently keep talking about. However, beyond the wonderful Taj Mahal, the faith-oriented pilgrim towns, or even the beaches of Goa, there also exists a Bharat that remains well undiscovered, or we may call it untouched. Places where nature, heritage, and culture thrive without the constant buzz of commercial tourism. These spots are not merely just beautiful, but are experiences that are waiting to be lived, and stories that are waiting to be told to the world. As a traveller, if you are someone who seeks to explore the unexplored, take a journey below through five of India’s most underrated gems.
1. Mawlynnong, Meghalaya – The Cleanest Village in Asia
Chosen by Discover India as the cleanest village in all of Asia, this place in Meghalaya called Mawlynnong is where every street is spotless and there are flowers blooming at literally every doorstep. Here, sustainability is not a trend, or even a precaution against inefficiency, but the way of how the residents lead their life. The Mawlynnong village is more than just a well maintained settlement, and is rather a lesson on how harmony between humans and nature can exist this effortlessly.

The air in the region is fresh and unpolluted. Bamboo dustbins line the pathways, and plastic is not even a thing. The residents, with constant smiles on their faces, will tell you how cleanliness is injected in their genetics and is a part of the culture that they are from, not enforced by any laws but by collective mutual responsibility and discipline. A short trek from the village takes you to the stunning Living Root Bridges, where ancient tree roots intertwine to form natural walkways—nature’s own engineering marvel. And if you climb up to the Sky Walk, a bamboo viewpoint built by locals, you can gaze across into Bangladesh, standing just on the other side of the border.

The travellers from the other parts of our country can often rush to the Meghalaya in the Northeast primarily for Shillong, or Cherrapunji. However, Mawlynnong remains a well-kept secret, waiting for enthusiasts who relate more with simplicity and sustainability as the correct ways of life.
2. Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
Easily one of the most beautiful sights in India is the Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh. Something about this place is so surreal as if time itself has decided to take a little pause. Hidden in the state, this mesmerizing valley is home to a tribe called Apatani, who are known for their unique rituals, traditions and a very deep-rooted level of respect for nature. The landscape here looks nothing less than dreamy, with endless number of stretches of green paddy fields, rolling hills, and the soothing voices of traditional folk songs that bless our ears.

Unlike the overcrowded hill stations and towns of the north in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, Ziro is a place that moves at its own exclusive pace. No aggressive commercialization, no honking and loud noises of cars, just the authentic way of life that has stayed unchanged for generations. If you choose to visit Ziro in the month of September, you will get to witness the iconic Ziro Music Festival, an indie music lover’s heaven where multiple artists perform in an open field, surrounded by towering pine trees.

For those who are enthusiasts of seeking nature, peace, music, and an escape from the modern chaos of urban living, Ziro, indeed, is a love letter from nature, waiting to be read.
3. Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh – India’s Grand Canyon Whenever we think of breathtakingly beautiful canyons, our minds usually wander and reach Arizona. But our country has its own version called Gandikota in Andhra Pradesh. Gandikota is a hidden wonder in that still remains largely untouched by tourism amongst the masses. Carved by the Pennar River for centuries now, this grand gorge stands tall as a testament to the raw power of nature.

Gandikota is not only about the landscapes. This spot is also home to a 13th-century fort, ancient temples, and underground granaries that narrate stories of empires that once existed.

Most travellers in India drive past the state of Andhra Pradesh seeking more famous and well known destinations, unaware that a spectacle like Gandikota exists. Or perhaps, this is also what contributes to the special essence of this place - the isolation, which keeps its magic intact.
4. Majuli, Assam – The Island That’s Disappearing
A river island that’s shrinking with every passing year. Majuli is as fascinating as it is tragic. Located in the Brahmaputra River, Majuli is the world’s largest river island, but climate change and erosion are slowly eating away at its existence. What remains is a paradise of untouched landscapes, vibrant culture, and the warm hospitality of the Mishing tribe.

The island is dotted with Vaishnavite monasteries, where monks practice an ancient form of dance-drama called Sattriya, believed to be one of the oldest performing arts in India. Life on Majuli moves at a different rhythm—bamboo houses stand on stilts, fishermen navigate the waters in wooden canoes, and the sunsets over the Brahmaputra paint the sky in shades of gold and crimson.

Majuli might not be around forever, which makes visiting it now all the more special. It’s a reminder that some places are not just destinations but fleeting moments in time.
5. Lonar Crater, Maharashtra – A 52,000-Year-Old Cosmic Mystery
In the middle of Maharashtra’s arid landscape lies something truly out of this world—Lonar Crater, a massive lake formed by a meteorite impact over 52,000 years ago. While most craters of its kind are found in dry deserts or deep seas, Lonar is unique because it has evolved into a vibrant ecosystem, filled with algae-rich waters, rare bird species, and even ancient temples on its rim.

The water here is both alkaline and saline, a phenomenon that has puzzled scientists for years. NASA has even conducted research here, trying to understand the crater’s otherworldly chemistry. Locals believe the lake is sacred, and legends of divine battles are woven into its history. But beyond the myths and science, Lonar is simply mesmerizing. The lake changes color throughout the year, shifting between shades of green and blue, depending on the sunlight and microorganisms in the water.

Unlike Lonavala or Mahabaleshwar, which overflow with weekend crowds, Lonar remains a place for the curious, the adventurous, and those who love mysteries that are still unsolved.
The India You Haven’t Seen YetIndia is often seen through a very predictable lens, with the same old mentions of the Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Goa, or Kerala. While these are all beautiful tourism sites and contribute to the pride of the country, there’s a lot more to India that is still undiscovered. The real magic exists beyond the usual tourist circuit, in places that remain untouched by commercial chaos. These unexplored destinations offer something deeper—serenity, culture, and a sense of discovery that mainstream spots have long lost.

Maybe it’s time to skip the obvious and seek the extraordinary. India, after all, still has secrets left to tell.