Distending from the Himalayan tundra to the tropical greenery of Kerala, India’s expansive borders encompass an incomparable range of landscapes, ethos and people. Some of these surreal places to visit in India might take your breath away, while some might give overnight chills.
Here are the best of this unusual country’s hidden unusual locations. Step out and let every corner of India Namaste you. Find out surreal places to visit in India.
1. Living Root Bridge, Meghalaya
With a threshold of a little over fifty people and also pretty well groomed up with safety railings, these architecturally sound bridges are unusual wonders. Made from the roots of the Ficus Elastica tree, some of the roots are over a hundred feet long and even take ten to fifteen years to become functional, but they’re extraordinarily strong. Great job rooting for eco-friendly constructions Cherrapunjee!
2. Magnetic Hill, Ladakh
This gravity hill at Leh is no science fiction. A place where you turn your car ignition down and watch it drive itself.
Located on the Leh-Kargil-Srinagar national highway, about 30 km from Leh, at a height of 11,000 feet above sea level, this picturesque hill has Indus flowing by its south. The magnetic hill has become a popular stop for domestic tourists on car journeys.
3. Agatti Island, Lakshwadeep
A long strip of island boasting Turquoise Ocean on both sides with mind boggling views from basically everywhere. This is one of India’s best kept secret.
With less travelers and old-fashioned villages, you are guaranteed a peaceful vacation cluttered only with long walks on never ending seashores. Scuba diving, kayaking, and sunbathing would keep you busy the whole time. It is a perfect place for your wandering mind and curious soul. Make sure you don’t miss this surreal place!
4. White Salt Desert, Rann
During the very beginning of the civilization of this subcontinent, the rivers Indus and its tributaries passed through the expanse, filling it with water until they changed their course due to geological variations. Since the area has been appearing virgin white and will extend till the end of your sight. What makes it even more remarkable is that the salt desert is underwater during the main monsoon season. For the remaining months of the year, it’s a massive stretch of packed white salt.
5. Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur
A national wildlife park which floats! The Keibul Lamjao National Park is the world’s only Floating Park. This park is located in Bishnupur district and is spread over 40 sq. km. During dry seasons, some of the phumdi (floating islands) particularly at the edges settles on the firm ground and on the onset of monsoon it again floats on the top of the water.
6. Key Monastery, Spiti Valley
Lapped in between snow sulked mountains, the Key Monastery is a flawless ride to pleasure town. The spectacular monastery is at a height of 4116m and 7 km from Kaza. It is the major and largest monastery in Spiti Valley.
The successive destruction trials and patch-up jobs have occasioned in a haphazard growth of box-like structures, explaining the current fort like appearance of the monastery, with temples built on top of one another. The walls of this monastery are covered with splendid paintings and murals. It is a brilliant example of the 14th century monastic architecture, which is a consequence of the Chinese inspiration. Spiti Valley is heavenly and one of the surreal places to visit in India.
7. Lake Tsongmo, East Sikkim
A frozen lake!
Tsongmo Lake has perhaps one of the most beautiful landscapes in Sikkim. On the Gangtok – Nathu La highway, the Lake is situated at a height of 12,400 ft. A winding road through the rugged mountain terrains and sharp overhangs takes you to Tsomgo. In winter the docile lake remains frozen covered in snow while in late spring the excess of flowers in bloom complements a riot of colors around the lake. The lake is linked with many folk lore and legends and is revered by the Sikkimese as sacred.
8. Rosary Church, Shettihalli
Submerging and emerging.
The church was erected on the banks of Hemavathi River near Hassan where a village existed long ago. After the government decided the flowing river water had to be put to improved use, Gorur dam was constructed which floods the Hemavathi Reservoir. As with any dam, the surety damage was repositioning of the villages upstream. This village was no dissimilar and the rustics were relocated to the nearby villages but the church was left behind. It stood still withstanding the test of time and the rage of monsoons. It has been over 200 years since the church was built and 25 years since the dam waters started flooding and plunging the church yet these walls bear the brunt with such modest charm and grit that it is hard not to let your jaw drop.
Credits: Team BHP
9. Chand Baori, Rajasthan
One of the oldest and largest step wells of all time, this implausible square structure is 13 stories deep, and ruled along the walls on three sides are double flight of steps. It makes for an interesting stop-over to an architecturally impressive structure that is over 1000 years old. There’s also a temple touching the well for visitors to explore.
Well, Batman climbed out of it in his movie. Now it’s your turn to explore these places to visit in India.
