18 Most Beautiful Villages in India: Must Visit !!

India is the land of villages. India comprises more than 6 lakh villages each with a unique identity. Once you visit these villages you get to know the true roots of the country. Whether it’s a room with a view in a desert fortress or a mist-capped perch on the slopes of the Himalayas, India is full of beautiful, surprising places. Most of these jeweled enclaves are happily undiscovered, delightful secrets frequented only by in-the-know locals. Visiting a village may sound like a rustic affair but therein lies the true essence of India. The vast expanse of India’s landscape in these rural setting will surely leave you awe-inspired. Revealed for those with a hankering for exploration, here is our pick of the most beautiful villages in India.

1.    CHERRAPUNJI, MEGHALAYA

Venture up into Cherrapunji in the East Khasi Hills to discover a sign that reads: ‘The Wettest Place on Planet Earth’, qualified by: ‘A land of breath-taking beauty & exotic people’. Both are true. It rains a lot in Cherrapunji, but its misty jungle-smothered mountains are integral to the romance. Traverse a bridge looped with the living roots of a rubber tree, and gaze out across a verdant domain of luxuriously forested cliff tops and plunging waterfalls.

Best time to visit: June to September

2.    ORCHHA, MADHYA PRADESH

Perched majestically on the banks of Betwa River is Orchha, an enchanting jewel-box brimming with exquisite medieval temples, 16th-century forts and grand heritage palaces. Often overlooked for Khajuraho’s charismatic monuments nearby, this charming olde-worlde complex is a glimpse into India’s majestic past and one that’s far less traversed than its neighbour.

Best time to visit: October to March.

3.    GOKARNA, KARNATAKA

Gokarna is a coastal town located in Karnataka and is very close to the state of Goa. The beautiful Indian village of Gokarna and its surrounding lagoons doze beneath a sleepy haze of tranquillity. All laid-back, rustic charm and cheery Lego-bright fishing boats, the draw of this little corner of Karnataka is really its palm-fringed beaches. Sprawl out in the sand at Om Beach before retreating to Swaswara, Gokarna’s most luxurious escape.The village also has a cultural history, it is said that one of Lord Shiva’s Lingam is situated in this village. The village sees a mix of both pilgrims as well as tourists visiting the village to spend some time nestled in the laps of serenity.

Best time to visit: June to August

4.    KHIMSAR, RAJASTHAN

Khimsar is a picturesque, fleeting village located right in the heart of Rajasthan. For a glorious immersion into the vast, sprawling, unspoilt beauty of the Thar Desert, Khimsar never disappoints. Famous for its grand 16th-century military fortress-turned-palace, now a luxury Rajasthan hotel, it has an endless landscape of sand dunes that roll out over the horizon. The village is lined with relics from the ancient past that you can visit and get acquainted with the Rajputana culture. You can also engage in desert safaris that are conducted in both jeeps or on camel tops. Adventure enthusiasts will particularly fancy the village because it gives them a chance to camp out in the sand dunes. The Panchala Blackbuck Reserve is also quite close to the village and can be on your list of places to visit. The surrounding hush of the desert bewitches all who visit.

Best time to visit: October to March.

5.    DISKIT, LADAKH

The most beautiful village in India’s furthest north, Diskit is tucked coyly into the slopes of the serene Nubra Valley. The village sits adjacent to a huge 14th-century Buddhist monastery, and the old town is a quiet haven of stupas and poetic glimpses of village life. But it’s the soaring views, best observed from Chamba Camp Diskit, that set this little remote paradise apart.

The village also plays host to the statue of Maitreya Buddha who is said to have blessed the town. The village also enjoys the serenity of the nearby mountains as well as proximity to the Nubra Valley where you can take a short day trip to. Bird watching is also an activity that is conducted in this valley.

Best time to visit: June to September

6.    LANDOUR, UTTARAKHAND

Landour is a quaint little town in Uttarakhand best known for being the home to the famous author Ruskin Bond. The town is blessed with a pleasant climate throughout the year owing to the mountains that envelope the little town. The town also has some British era churches like the Kellogg’s Church, St.Paul and the Methodist church that you must visit. The town also offers some popular trekking routes that will take you through the beautiful valleys of Uttarakhand. If you get lucky you might even have a chance of meeting Ruskin Bond who has a summer house here.

Best time to visit: October to June

7.    MALANA, HIMACHAL PRADESH

Malana is a mysterious village in Himachal Pradesh that every nature lover must visit in their lifetime. The village is said to be the home of a unique clan who are direct descendants of Alexander’s army. The villagers here are said to be very protective of their traditions and customs. The village also happens to be one of the world’s most ancient democracies that still stands to date. The village offers many hiking spots like the Chandrakhani pass, the Rashol pass, and the mesmerizing Jari falls.

Best time to visit: March to June and September to October

8.    NAKO, LAHAUL SPITI

Nako in Spiti valley is blessed with a very unique topography that almost resembles the moon. The village is very close to the Tibetan border and shares certain cultural influences from them. You can visit Tabo, which is an ancient monastery and a UNESCO heritage site that was built in the 9th century. Nako is also quite close to Kibber which happens to be the highest village in the world. You will be acquainted with the true Ladakhi lifestyle and get to experience staying in stone homes and monasteries. People often go to Nako to experience the solitude and reconnect with themselves.

Best time to visit: July to September

9.    MAWLYNNONG, MEGHALAYA

Mawlynnong in Meghalaya is the state’s hidden gem. The village has a strong commitment to promoting eco-tourism in the area, an initiative that is supported by both the local community and the government as well.  The village was awarded the cleanest village in 2003. The most distinctive feature of this village is, however, the living roots bridge. The locals have engineered a bridge of the living roots of the surrounding trees by manipulating its growth. You can try some lip smack delicacies that are prepared in bamboo shoots as well as go cave exploring when in Mawlynnong.

Best time to visit: October to April.

10. MAJULI, ASSAM

Majuli is the largest river island in the world, located on the banks of the Brahmaputra river. The island is spread across 400 square kilometres and is a popular tourist spot. The island can be accessed only by ferries. It is said that the people have adapted to the water habitat and some fishermen can hold their breath longer than the average human. People across the globe come to visit this phenomenon as well as experience the Assamese culture. Majuli also offers activities like boat rides during the sunrise and exploring museums.

Best time to visit: October to April.

11. MANDAWA, RAJASTHAN

Mandawa is a town that was founded in the 18th century by rich Rajasthani merchants. Their opulence and epicurean lifestyle are clearly evident in the many mansions that comprise to become this village. The heritage and monolithic mansions attract a large number of history buffs to this village. You can also explore the beautiful mansions and snap all the beautiful frescoes. The town is also lined with some local markets where you can buy souvenirs to take back home. The village also serves some scrumptious local Rajasthani cuisine that you should definitely try.

Best time to visit: October to March.

12. KASOL, HIMACHAL PRADESH

Although a small village, Kasol is the home to many expats living in India especially Israelis. This little hamlet is famous for the hippie culture and is every backpacker’s paradise in India. The Village is lined with some quaint cafes that serve some of the most delicious international cuisines you will dine upon. The village is known for its ethereal beauty and some trekking trails. You can undertake several trekking routes with Sherpas who also act as your guides.

Best time to visit: March to May.

13. ZIRO VALLEY, ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Ziro valley is that unobtrusive idyllic village set in the hidden hills of Arunachal Pradesh. The village is an offbeat tourist spot in India. The village is blessed with some aesthetic beauty like a lush pine forest, snow-laden mountains and some of the rarest exotic creatures you will ever see. There are a plethora of offbeat things that you can do here like wading through the massive rice fields or getting a tattoo from the apatani tribe. If you appreciate soul-satisfying music then the Ziro festival of music will surely touch the chords of your heart.

Best time to visit: March to October

14. POOVAR, KERALA

Poovar is a small town that remains untainted from the rapid urbanization Kerala has seen in the recent times. Although just 30 kilometres from Trivandrum, not many people know about this small town. The village is filled with scenic places that you can visit, the best part about this town is that you need not leave your houseboats and can just ride to those spots through the backwaters that connect the different parts of Poovar. The famous Bhadra Kali temple is located in its vicinity as well.

Best time to visit: October to February

15. AGATTI ISLAND, LAKSHADWEEP ISLANDS

Agatti Island is located in the union territory of Lakshadweep Island. The island boasts of clear gold sand beaches that share a tryst with clear blue waters. The island will leave any onlooker spellbound with its captivating beauty. The island also has a diverse aquatic marine life and coral cultures growing in its vicinity. The island also offers various activities like sailing, scuba diving and snorkelling. You can also spend your evenings trekking around the city

Best time to visit: October to February.

16. ALMORA, UTTARAKHAND        

Almora is the most unusual village you will ever set foot in. From the outside, it seems like any other regular village but it offers all the amenities and facilities of an urban city. The village has various lodges that offer you the village experience without cutting down on your luxury. The village also provides an uncut view of the Himalayan range that will surely enhance your tranquil evenings. The rare Surya temple is also located here.

Best time to visit: April to June and September to November.

17. IDUKKI, KERALA

Idukki is set in the highest point of the western ghats in the state of Kerala. The town is known for combining the elated beauty of the hills along with quietude of the small village. The village boasts a lot of natural beauty that includes, lakes forests waterfalls, Jungle trails etc. The village is also known for its various spice plantations that taper down over the surrounding hills. You can also go camping by the Idukki arch dam. Once you are done exploring the village you can relax with the local tribal people of Idukki who will also dish up a simple yet tasty meal.

Best time to visit: October to May.

18. YANA, KARNATAKA

Yana is a town that is hidden away in the forests of Karnataka. It is overlooked by the Sahyadri mountains that provide it with a picturesque scene. The most unusual aspect of the town is the black crystalline rocks that manifest into a Shiva lingam that has baffled many scientists as well as rational thinkers. The rock gathers the attention of several pilgrims as well as nature enthusiasts to this place. You can also visit the nearby Vibhooti falls when in Yana.

Best time to visit: January to March and September and October.

Villages are the legacy of our country. Our entire heritage is portrayed perfectly by such villages. All it takes is to visit these villages to get back in touch with ourselves as well our country’s history. So what are you waiting for pack your bags and get exploring! Let us know of your experiences in the comments section below.