Far from the chaotic city life, the real India lives in its villages. Enjoy the best moments of your life at some of the exciting rural places in India.
What’s better than breathing pure air, smelling the aroma of wet soil, and savoring fresh food? Add to it, the amazing experience of staying in mud houses and watching the women of the house baking soft rotis on traditional ‘chullah’ to feed you.
Gathering at the T-point to discuss important happenings of the day increases the fun quotient. At least for once, just forget about your mobile phones, leave behind your worries, and spend some time only with yourself.
Choose any of the rural travel destinations in India and get pampered with world-class hospitality, a warm welcome, and cheerful smiles. Plan a trip and see how even the smallest of things can bring happiness for many!
1. Mawlynnong – to witness Asia’s cleanest village
How about walking on the 1000-year-old Living Root Bridge? Mawlynnong, the emerging name in village tourism in India, is famed for these bridges and its commitment to Mother Nature. The surreal beauty of this village will render you in a state of awe. Flaunting the title of ‘God’s own Garden’, the village is a mystic heaven.
Things to do at Mawlynnong
- Enjoying trekking to Mawphlang
- Join the efforts of the natives to maintain the cleanliness in the village
- Spend some time at Cherrapunji as well
- Climb bamboo watchtowers to admire the panoramic view of the area
Location – East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya
Best time to visit
Mawlynnong can be visited throughout the year.
2. Pipili – for the love of Art and Crafts
Many of the exceptional arts emerged from the villages. One such art is the Applique artwork which has brought much of the fame for Pipili. Dating back to the 10th century, the village was home to craftsmen who were masters in the art of making canopies for the annual Rath Yatra at the Jagannath Temple and applique umbrellas. The exceptional skills of the artisans prevail in the entire village in the form of various vibrant things.
Things to do at Pipili
- Spare some time for shopping for distinctive artwork
- Go for a sightseeing tour
- Try to learn applique art
Location – Puri, Odisha
Best time to visit
Pipili can be visited from October to March
3. Hodka – to learn exquisite embroidery styles
Believed to be established by the Halepotra clan, Hodka offers a remote desert village experience. Reckoned as one of the rural travel destinations in India, the village is dotted with traditional houses each with a different design and pattern. Mud houses are so designed that they remain cool from inside during summer and warm during winter. A trip to Hodka leaves a long-lasting impression on the visitors.
Things to do at Hodka
- Take the overnight camel safaris
- Bird watching
- Buy traditional products as a souvenir
- Watch artisans practicing their skills
- Soak-in the beauty of striking landscape
Location – Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
Best time to visit
Hodka can be visited from July to March
[Also Read: 15 Must Visit Historical Places in India for a rendezvous with history]
4. Lachung and Lachen – to soak in scenic beauty
Feel the rustic magic amidst twisting glacial rivers, gushing waterfalls, and remarkable fruit orchards. Both Lachung and Lachen exude sublime beauty and thus are considered the most picturesque villages in India.
While Lachung calms with complete serenity, Lachen excites with a number of adventurous activities. This makes them rank in the list of the best places in Northeast India for memorable vacations.
Also Read : Best Time to Visit lachung
Things to do at Lachung and Lachen
- Admire vibrant Sikkim in Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
- Watch the confluence of the rivers at Chungthang
- Partake in Mask Dance Festival
- Visit Lachung Monastery
- See the paradise on Earth at Zero point
- Enjoy lovely views from Bhim Nala, a gushing waterfall
- Things to do in Lachen
Location – Sikkim
Best time to visit
October to June is the best time to visit Lachung and Lachen.
5. Bishnoi villages – to experience the customs and traditions of tribal life
Known for wild animals and scenic landscapes, Bishnoi villages present rich Indian culture at its best. The natives of the villages are straightforward people leading a simple yet fascinating life. They are nature and animal lovers and welcome any guest with warm hospitality. Their love for nature is apparent from the fact that many Bishnoi people sacrificed their lives in order to prevent trees from being cut. Excited to meet such kind-hearted people?
Things to do at Bishnoi Villages
- Get insights about the massacre at Kahejarli
- Spot exotic wildlife at Guda Village
- Explore Singhasni
- Enjoy photography at Shepherd Village
- Buy carpets from Salawas
Location – Jodhpur, Rajasthan
The best time to visit
October to March is the best time to visit Bishnoi villages.
6. Dha and Hanu – to meet the descendants of the Aryans
Out of a number of Brokpa villages, only two villages, namely, Dha and Hanu are open to the public. Bask in the warmth of the villages which you won’t get anywhere else in Leh. Another striking feature of these villages is their people who are bestowed with a fair complexion, blue-colored eyes, and an Indo-Aryan look. The unique dressing style also makes the villages of Dha and Hanu rank amongst the best rural travel destinations in India.
Things to do at Dha and Hanu
- Admire the cultural diversity.
- Click photographs with the people of the villages
- Explore Skurbuchan
- Visit Hanu Yokma
- Excursion to Takmachik
- Spend time at Domkhar Rock Art Sanctuary
- Soak in the beauty of Darchiks
Location – Leh-Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir
The best time to visit
The best time to visit Dha and Hanu is between June and October.
[Also Read: 11 Most Famous Caves in India that are a must visit]
7. Munsiyari – to visit the ‘Little Kashmir’
Beautifully tucked amidst the Kumaon Hills, Munsiyari is bounded by dense forests and snowcapped mountains. River Goriganga adorns the beautiful hamlet and makes it a must-visit place for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. The jaw-dropping background of the Panchachuli accounts for the popularity of this wonderland as the best rural place to visit in India.
Things to do at Munsiyari
- Treks to Ralam and Milam Glaciers
- Just laze around doing nothing
- Witness the magnificent views of the Panchachuli peaks
- Go for an exhilarating Snow Leopard Trek
- Explore Madkot
- Marvel at Birthi Falls
- Partake in Skiing
Location – Kumaon, Uttarakhand
The best time to visit
Months from March – June and September – October are best for visiting Munsiyari.
8. Kila Raipur – for that sporty spirit
Seeking for some actions? Head towards Kila Raipur. The annual Kila Raipur Sports Festivals is full of action-packed games and sports that won’t allow you to take your eyes off the players even for a second. Though the highlight of the fiesta is the bullock cart race other off-beat events keep the audience engaged equally. This is one of the best rural destinations in India offering an authentic feeling of Punjab.
Things to do at Kila Raipur
- Attend the sports festival
- Savor delicious food and Langar
- Tune to the Punjabi folk tunes and practice Bhangra and Giddha
- Pay homage at beautiful gurdwaras
- Explore different forts in and around the area
- Visit Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum
Location – Ludhiana, Punjab
The best time to visit
October – March is the best time for visiting Kila Raipur.
9. Majuli – to navigate world’s largest river island before it’s too late
An enthralling ride to the other side of the Brahmaputra River will take you to Majuli Island. Exhibiting immense beauty, the island was once titled as the World’s Largest River Island but unfortunately, it is slowly and steadily disappearing.
Due to its distinctiveness in heritage and culture, the island is also inscribed in the tentative list of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hats off to the people of Majuli who showcase an exemplary skill of mask-making which is renowned worldwide.
Things to do at Majuli
- Explore villages
- Visit Shri Shri Dakhinpat Satra
- Take a trip to Pathorichuk
- Witness amazing sunset views
- Taste rice beer and tribal food
- Embark on a country boat ride
Location – Assam
The best time to visit
The best time to visit Majuli is from October – March.
10. Karaikudi
Don’t be surprised to see the houses made up using limestone! This unique style helps Karaikudi to steal the lime as one of the best rural places to visit in India. The town is so attractive that it has been featured in many South Indian films. Thus, if you find any film shooting going on here, which is a common thing, don’t forget to take the autograph of the actor.
Things to do at Karaikudi
- Don’t miss to savor Karaikudi cuisine
- Explore various monuments
- Visit factories to see how handmade terracotta Athangudi tiles are made
- Marvel at Kamban Mani Mandapam
- Pay homage at Pillaiyar Patti Lord Ganesha Temple
Location – Chettinad, Tamil Nadu
The best time to visit
October – March is the best time to visit Karaikudi.
Amazing generosity, incredible culture, scenic landscapes, and everything so pure at the rural places to visit in India will surely win your heart.
[Check-out Heritage & Cultural Tour Packages in India]
Diksha Khiatani
A writer by day and a tsundoku at night. Emerging from an Engineering background, Diksha is a travel freak and anxious to explore different cultures and religions. Inclined towards the off-beat places, she wishes to uncover the secrets on her Scooty (if possible). She always grabs some time to take a quick nap, listen to music, skating and eat a brownie.
great information provided…
thanks …keep sharing
Hi Pooja
Thanks for your kind words! Keep on following our blogs for more such posts in the future.
Nice Blog! I appreciated a lot reading your Blog. Thanks for sharing a valuable post.
Hey Alia
Thank you for your kind words! Keep reading and appreciating our blogs. It means a lot!
Very knowlegeable information and your photos collection of these places is awesome. i love it. thank you for sharing.
Hey Amritanshu
Thanks for your kind words. Keep following our blogs to know about some other interesting destinations to visit in India.
i have always wanted to visit india. planning to visit soon, thanks for sharing lovely article.
Hi Ken
It’s good to know that you are planning to visit India soon. Hope you enjoy splendid Indian Holidays. Keep following our blogs to know about some other interesting places to visit in India.
I think you have mentioned a list of very interesting and beautiful places. I really liked your narration. Keep up the work and all the best!
Hi Jomon
Thanks for your kind words! Keep following our blogs to read more about some other beautiful and interesting places.
this is a beautiful place and helpful information,thanks for sharing.
Hi Roshani
Thanks for your kind words. Keep following our blogs to know about some more beautiful places.
Great Article!
Very useful information.
Thank you for sharing!
Hi Sibin
Thanks for your kind words! Stay tuned to know more.