4 Hidden Indian Hotspots Only the Locals Know About

by Audrey Clark
(US)

Nohkalikai waterfall in Meghalaya (©iStockphoto.com/Danielrao)

Exotic India is one of the most interesting and gorgeous countries one will ever visit. From its rich culture to its love of incredible spices, there is something for every traveler to enjoy.

When many people travel to India for the first time they choose to hit the regular tourist attractions like the Taj Mahal, Ajanta Caves, and Kahna National Park. But for a look inside the true essence of India, travelers should take a peek at where the locals choose to spend their time.

4 Hidden Local Indian Hotspots:

1. Parasum Kund: The Holy Kund - Located in the Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh, this spectacular spot is not a stop on one of your regular, everyday India vacations. The Kund is the ultimate pilgrimage destination and it sees Pilgrims make the voyage to this holy place each January during makar sankranti.

The site is famous for it's popular traditional and mythological stories connecting the Kund with Parasum, an influential and highly honored sage of ancient India. Explorers should visit this beautiful spot anywhere from November to February to properly enjoy its breathtakingly rich flora and fauna.

2. Mt. Girnar - Also known as Girnar Hill or Girinagar, is a very sacred hill to both the Jains and Hindus. Traditional history tells that the Siddhas used this area as a retreat in ancient times to undertake tapasya, a purification process by which one makes themselves more seasoned and mature.

Girnar Hill is located near the ancient city of Junagadh and is accessible by train from Mumbai or regular India flights from the Keshod airport. Travelers can join Pilgrims at dawn each day as they take the 10,000-step journey up the hill and pass many Hindu and Jain temples along the way.

3. Tezpur - The ancient city is known for it's important role in the independence of India and it also acts as the educational and commercial hub of Assam.

Travelers can enjoy the best scenic views and natural resources that the city has to offer year round. The rivers that flow in and around the city a fast flowing and many flow down directly from the Himalayan foothills.

Spend time in one of the city's many popular teahouses to relax or spend the day exploring one of the many beautiful Shiva shrines located throughout the city.

4. Shillong - As the capital city of the small Indian state of Meghalaya, the city is known by most as the "Scotland of the East" due to it's gorgeous rolling hills. The city is also surrounded by some of the most magnificent waterfalls in India like Elephant Falls, Beadon Falls, Sweet Falls and many other hidden gems.

Visitors to the area will get the most out of a trip from the months of April to October. This is when the weather is perfect for viewing all of the natural wonders the city and the surrounding areas have to offer. There are also some other major tourist attractions available in the area if you ever tire of the mystical hillsides and waterfalls.

Many travelers enjoy a day spent at Umiam Lake, the Butterfly Museum or the popular Lady Hayadari Park and Zoo.

Your Next Indian Adventure
With all its beauty, majesty and rich cultural history India is the perfect destination for the truly adventurous world traveler.

Whether you choose to follow the beaten path or forge your own way through this amazing country you will not be disappointed in all that India has to offer. The people of India know and love their country better than any, so the next time you hop off one of your India flights take the time to stop and chat with a local to get a sense of their favorite destinations throughout the cities and the countryside.

About the author:
Audrey Clark is a writer who loves to travel and stay fit. She's always looking for her next adventure. You can find Audrey on Google+

She has been to India 5 times since she was a little girl. Her first trip was in 1998, when she was 7. Audrey has gone back with her family a lot since then, most recently last summer (2013). Her words: "I love it every time!"

Posted: March 02, 2014

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