New Delhi: While destinations like Shimla, Manali, and Jaipur continue to draw heavy crowds, many travellers love to visit quieter alternatives that offer deeper experiences. North India is home to multiple lesser-known places where nature, history, and local life remain largely untouched by mass tourism. These destinations may require slightly more planning, but they reward visitors with calm surroundings, authentic stays, and scenic beauty that feels personal rather than packaged.
From remote Himalayan valleys to artistic villages and forgotten royal towns, these undiscovered places are ideal for travellers who prefer slow exploration over rushed sightseeing. Here is a curated list of offbeat destinations in north India, along with essential travel details to help plan a thoughtful trip.
Offbeat destinations in north India
1. Binsar, Uttarakhand
Nestled inside a wildlife sanctuary, Binsar is known for dense oak and rhododendron forests and wide Himalayan views. It is ideal for birdwatching, forest walks, and peaceful stays.
Best time to visit Binsar for snow: December to February
How to reach Binsar
- By air: Pantnagar Airport is the nearest airport, about 152 km from Binsar. It has daily flight connectivity with Delhi. Taxis are easily available from Pantnagar, with road access via Mukteshwar.
- By rail: Kathgodam Railway Station, around 119 km away, is the closest railhead. It is well connected to major cities, including Delhi, Lucknow and Kolkata. Multiple trains run daily between Delhi and Kathgodam, and taxis and buses are readily available from the station to Binsar.
- By road: Binsar is well connected by motorable roads with Almora, Nainital and other Kumaon destinations. Regular buses operate from ISBT Anand Vihar to Haldwani, Nainital and Almora, followed by taxis to Binsar. Private taxis are also available from across Kumaon and Garhwal. Visitors entering the sanctuary need to pay an entry fee of Rs 50.
Things to do at Binsar
Binsar Zero Point trek, birdwatching, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Chitai GOlu Devta Temple, Binsar Mahadev Temple, Pariyadeva Pashan, Mary Budden Estate
Where to stay: Marry Budden Estate, Tree of Life Grand Oak Manor, The Kumaon, Suman Nature Resort.
2. Chitkul, Himachal Pradesh
Located near the Indo-Tibetan border, Chitkul offers snow-capped views, wooden homes, and apple orchards.
How to reach Chitkul
- By Road: Chitkul is well connected by road. Private and public transport services are available for Shimla, Chandigarh, Delhi and other destinations. Taxis and cabs are available for customised travel.
- By Air: The nearest domestic airport to Chitkul is Bhuntar Airport (Kullu), which is 224 km away.
- By Rail: The Nearest train station to Chitkul is Shimla, 110 km away.
- Best time to visit: December to February.
Things to do at Chitkul
Witness snow at Sangla Valley and Chitkul village, visit Baspa River, enjoy local cuisine, stargazing, photography, the last dhaba of India called Hindustan Ka Aakhiri Dhaba, shop at Tibetan Wood Carving Centre, and visit nearby villages.
Where to stay at Chitkul
Zostel Chitkul, LAP Stays Wanderer’s Nest, Nargu Camp and Adventure.
3. Gurez Valley, Kashmir
A remote valley with emerald waters of the Kishanganga River, Gurez offers dramatic landscapes and local culture.
How to reach Gurez Valley
- By air: Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport is the closest one. It provides direct flights from major metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore.
- By train: While Srinagar lacks direct railway connectivity, the nearest railway station is Jammu-Tawi, located around 290 km away. From Jammu-Tawi, you can take a taxi or bus to Banihal Railway Station (160 km away). From Banihal, board a train to Sopore Railway Station (around 120 km away). The remaining journey to Gurez Valley is best completed by road, with private taxis or rental cars being the most convenient options.
- By road: Srinagar is also easily accessible by road from various parts of North India.
- Best time to visit: June to September and February to March.
Things to do at Gurez Valley
Photography and a walk at the frozen or partially frozen Kishanganga River, explore Habba Khatoon Peak, Dawar, and local culture.
Connectivity: Limited mobile network.
Where to stay in Gurez Valley
Kaka Palace Hotel and Restaurant, Gurez Guest House, D’Shiekh’s Resort Gurez.
4. Orchha, Madhya Pradesh
Orchha is filled with grand yet uncrowded forts, palaces, and temples along the Betwa River.
How to reach Orchha
- By air: Gwalior Airport (GWL) is about 110-119 km away, with connections from Delhi, Bhopal, and other cities. Khajuraho Airport (KJR) is another option, but it has limited flights. From the airport, hire a taxi or take a bus to Jhansi, then a short ride to Orchha.
- By rail: Jhansi Junction (JHS) is the primary gateway, around 18 km from Orchha. From Jhansi, autos and cabs are readily available for the 30-45 minute journey to Orchha. Trains from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai stop at Jhansi.
- By road: Regular state and private buses connect Orchha to Jhansi, Khajuraho, and Gwalior. Taxis or cabs are easily available from Jhansi or Gwalior for a direct trip.
- Best time to visit: October to March.
Things to do at Orchha
Visit Orchha Fort Complex, Chaturbhuj Temple, Ram Raja Temple, Chhatris, Laxmi Narayan Temple, explore Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary, go for Betwa River rafting and kayaking, nature walk, and shopping.
Where to stay in Orchha
Orchha Palace Hotel, Srijan Cottage, Orchha Resort.
5. Chakrata, Uttarakhand
A quiet cantonment town surrounded by forests, Chakrata is ideal for nature lovers.
How to reach Chakrata
- By air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun, about 92-117 km away. It is well-connected by flights from Delhi.
- By rail: The nearest railway station is Dehradun, and it is well-connected by train from Delhi and other major cities.
- By road: Chakrata is about 87-90 km from Dehradun via well-motorable roads.
- Best time to visit: April to June, December to January.
Things to do at Chakrata
Visit Tiger Falls, Chilmiri Neck, Ram Tal Horticulture Garden, Deoban forest, Kanasar forest, Budher Caves, rock climbing and rappelling, visit Lakhamandal Temple, and bird watching.
Where to stay in Chakrata
The Hosteller Chakrata, Dopaar by the Brook, Chakrata Sky Hills Resort.
These undiscovered places in north India offer a chance to travel without crowds and reconnect with landscapes and local life. With careful planning, they make for rewarding journeys that feel personal and memorable.