15 Must-Visit Picturesque Villages of India

Whether you love the thrill of adventures or the mystery of the past, India is a treasure hunt for travellers. Delicious food and a variety of cultures, one can never get enough of the country. But for the city-dwellers, what is that one way to experience the essence of it all? The answer lies in places miles away from the hustle-bustle of the city in the smaller towns and villages of India. You might be perplexed thinking what is there to explore in the villages? If you think so, be prepared to have your mind blown. 

We have compiled a list of 15 scenic and picturesque villages of the country that will bring you peace and tranquility. Read on, for these are some of the must visit villages in india!

Table of Contents

1. Landour, Uttarakhand

The home of famous author Ruskin Bond, Landour is known for its leopards, pine trees and snowy mountains. A British India era cantonment town and a 30-minute drive from Mussoorie, every part of the town appears to be straight out of a picture. Watch the sun go down and stay in rustic homestays. Away from the popular tourist locations, you will find yourself lost in the scenic beauty of the town. Don’t forget to explore two of the old churches – St Paul’s Church (1839) and Kellogg Memorial Church (1909) at your leisure. On your way back from exploring, give your sweet tooth a treat from Landour Bakehouse.

Best time to visit: April to June

Distance: Landour is a convenient 300km from Delhi via Mussourie. 

2. Majuli, Assam

Majuli is the biggest river island in the world! Away from the hustle and bustle, Majuli is best known as the cultural capital of Assam. The island is free from pollution and is covered by lush greenery all around. Visit the village during the month of June when the Raas Purnima celebrations are held. You will get to witness the diverse culture in the form of food, art and cultural dances. Take a break from work for an environment-friendly retreat. Carry your binoculars as the island hosts some of the rare species of birds!

Best time to visit: October to February.

Distance: 20 km from Jorhat, but we recommend the scenic 350 km roadtrip from Guwahati. Rent a car from Guwahati and hit the roads.

3. Masinagudi, Tamil Nadu

An offbeat location, Masinagudi is located on the foothills of the lush green Nilgiri mountains. Just 30 km away from Ooty, Masinagudi remains untouched by excessive commercialization and is far away from the usually crowded tourist places. With close proximity to Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and Bandipur National Park, Masinagudi is the best place to lose yourself in the wild. One can camp under the stars, visit the Maravakandy Dam, Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta or sit by the Moyar River to spot tigers and elephants on the other side.

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

How to reach: 270 km from Bangalore, 116 km from Coimbatore.

[Also Read: Masinagudi – An Offbeat Paradise for Wildlife Lovers]

4. Malana, Himachal Pradesh

An ancient village in the Kullu valley, Malana is for the ones looking for a relaxing weekend in the mountains. With lesser inhabitants, visiting Malana gives travellers a great chance to interact with the locals. You can head for some of the famous treks, take part in adventure sports, or just camp by the beautiful views of the Parvati valley. Malana is also famous for its fine quality of hash production. To extend your stay you can visit Kasol and Tosh village.

Best time to visit: March to June.

Distance: 285 km from Chandigarh, 518 km from Delhi.

5. Khimsar, Rajasthan

A colorful hamlet hidden in the centre of Rajasthan, Khimsar is a must-visit for art and culture enthusiasts. Take a trip to the Khimsar Fort, a luxury heritage hotel for a royal experience. Take a camel ride or a desert safari in the Khimsar Dunes Village. Eco-friendly small huts, folk music and good vibes will welcome you here. Witness the majestic views of the Thar Desert from this village. Khimsar is also home to some rare species of antelopes including the Black Buck. The Panchala Black Buck Reserve will give you a peek into the rich flora and fauna of the place. The Nagaur Fort situated close to the reserve is a must-visit for its brilliant architecture. 

Best time to visit: October to February. 

Distance: 280 km from Jaipur. The roadtrip from Jaipur is highly recommended for its gorgeous landscape and rustic food options.

6. Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh

The unspoiled beauty of Himachal, Khajjiar is also known as the Mini Switzerland of India. Along with the laid-back vibe of the town, Khajjiar promises a relaxed holiday amidst the hills while serving the authentic Himachali culture. Khajjiar is blessed with some of the best trekking routes which pass through shimmering lakes and thick forest areas that lie in the shadows of the mighty Himalayas. The Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is a favorite among trekkers.

Best time to visit: April to June.

How to Reach: 452 km from Delhi by road, 325 km from Chandigarh.

[Also Read: Khajjiar – India’s very own Switzerland]

7. Valparai, Tamil Nadu 

Another recommendation for the wildlife enthusiasts, Valparai is famous for its tea estates, breathtaking waterfalls, hikes into lush green forests and so much more! Explore the cycling trails, visit the dams for that unspoilt charm and beauty of nature. Bring along your best camera equipment to capture the beautiful wildlife present in this village. This is not like other traditional villages of India, but the harmony between nature and the natives, is a perspective worth exploring at Valparai.

Best Time To Visit: May to September.

Distance: 104 km away from Coimbatore, 465 km from Bangalore.

8. Mandava, Rajasthan

Founded in the 18th century, Mandava was initially home to rich Rajasthani merchants. Today, there are grand Havelis and mansions that exude the old-world charm and act as a magnet for several history lovers. Experience the essence of the Rajasthani culture while visiting some of these Havelis. Devour local Rajasthani cuisine, explore the Harlalka Well and shop in the nearby local markets to make the most out of your trip.

Best time to visit: October to March.

Distance: 180 km from Jaipur.

9. Ziro village, Arunachal Pradesh

Known for its beautiful pine hills, mountain rice cultivation, Ziro is an ancient village of the Apatani Tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. If you want to experience the true culture of the village, you should visit during the Murung Rituals in January. Another great time is during the Dree Festival of July where the tribe practice animal sacrifices to honor the Gods. Indulge in the serenity of the place, have a good chat with the farmers while observing the popular rice cum fish cultivation. If the North East needed representation in a list of recommended villages of India, Ziro is a top contender.

Best time to visit: October to February 

Distance: 450 km from Guwahati. Book a cab and head to the remote hills in Arunachal.

10. Chaugan Village, Madhya Pradesh

Home to the indigenous tribes like the Gonds and Baigas, Chaugan village is situated very close to the Kanha National Park. An interesting fact about the village is that Rudyard Kipling took inspiration for the Jungle Book from this village! Explore the charm of these tribal villages of India and live your Jungle Book dream while you are here!

Best time to visit: October to February.

How to reach: 200 km from Bhopal.

11. Motihari, Bihar 

Did you know George Orwell was born in Motihari, Bihar? In 1903, the birth year of Orwell, his father, Richard W Blair, was working for the opium department in this remote town. His bungalow and a nearby cottage have now been restored and turned into a museum. Motihari is a part of East Champaran district and holds a historic significance. Mahatma Gandhi started the civil disobedience movement in 1917 from Champaran. While you are here, visit the Kesariya Stupa that dates back to the time of Gupta dynasty. You can also avail taxi in Patna by call our 24×7 customer service helpline to know more.

Best time to visit: November to April.

How to reach: 118 km from Patna.

12. Munsiyari, Uttarakhand

Situated amidst the quaint hills of Uttarakhand, 2298 metres above sea level, Munsiyari is a small village that serves as the base camps for several treks. The village offers a picturesque view of the Himalayan range. It is mostly famous for the Panchchuli peaks which is a group of five peaks at an altitude of around 6000 metres. Some of the incredibly breathtaking Himalayan treks such as the Milan trek, Ramik trek and Nalam trek begin here.

Best time to visit: March to October.

Distance: 560 km from Delhi.

13. Pragpur, Himachal Pradesh

Situated in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, Pragpur was founded in the 16th century. Pragpur is known for its unchanged beauty. Cobblestone streets, old shops, water tanks from the past, havelis and slate-roofed houses, Pragpur was named the first heritage village of the country. Visit the markets of Garli, Dhalihara and take a spiritual visit to famous temples like Sidh Chaano Temple, Chhinmastika Dham and Jwalaji Mata Temple.

Best time to visit: October to March.

Distance: 420 km from Delhi.

14. Aymanam, Kerala

Aymanam is a scenic beauty away from the crowded tourist locations. Various homestays, hotels and resorts have made it the ideal getaway place for most. If you are someone who cherishes the serenity of nature, then this is the place to be! Kerala is known for its beauty but if you want to explore someplace offbeat, Aymanam is the place to be! Visit the local churches, temples and don’t miss out the boat ride through the backwaters. If you are still not convinced, we’ll have Arundathi Roy sell this sleepy hamlet to you.

Best time to visit: September to March.

Distance: 85 km from Cochin. Rent a cab from Kochi – wandering around in Kerala by road is the only way you can experience God’s own country.

15. Rishap, West Bengal

Rishap is a quaint village at an altitude of 2600 metres, near the Neora Valley National Park. This hilly village is about as far away from the shackles of commercialization as you can encounter. The pristine lifestyle at Rishap will give you a glimpse of the rich culture and sheer beauty of North Bengal. Visit this place for the charming forest with tall pine trees and the sustainable yet scenic beauty of the place.

Best time to visit: October to March

Distance: 114 km from Bagdogra airport, 104 km from Siliguri

[Also read: This travel influencer explored offbeat North Bengal in a ten-day road trip]

Visiting the villages of India is a good way to connect with the culture and the heritage of the country. Pick a place from these recommendations as a part of your next trip. Share this resourceful blog with your travel buddy.

Have we missed other villages of India that are worth a visit? let us know in the comments.

Last Updated on February 2, 2024 by Swati Deol