With rapid urbanization, most of the country’s bucolic and appealing scenery lies hidden in valleys, which are less known and even lesser traveled. While most of us like travelling abroad when taking respite from work, many valleys in India, hidden from plain sight, provide the most beautiful and scenic vacation spots.
The valleys below, with their diverse flora and fauna, rustic simplicity, peaceful environment can put you at ease and remind you of some of the most beautiful places in the world. The extremely economical budget requirements add a definite cherry to the cake.
Yumthang Valley, Sikkim
You want to experience the snowfall, or want to be in lush green fields, surrounded by snow capped mountains; Yumthang valley has it all.
From trekking on roads coiled like snakes around the mountains to the Zero Point, to camping near the Changu Lake surrounded by the mountains, as if guarding you, the valley offers its travelers everything.
The Yumthang Zero Point is the last place accessible to travelers and is the peaceful place to be. The view gives you small glance of the vastness of this place.
Close by is the beautiful Lachung valley, which is a home to the Lachung Monastery, which has its own charisma and hosts some small festivals providing a glance into the beautiful cultures of North-East.
Due to its close proximity to the Indo- Chinese border, you need a pass to visit Yumthang, which probably explains the reason it is not so visited. However for those who take the efforts, Yumthang is a beautiful experience.
Nubra Valley, Ladakh
Nubra Valley (permit required) is home to some of the most scenic and beautiful landscapes of the country.
Offering long sand dunes and Bactrian camel rides, somewhere lost in between the majestic mountains, is Hunder Village.
The stupendous view of the clear skies at Nubra Valley makes it a star gazer’s paradise.
It is also the home to the Diskit Gompa, which is the oldest and the largest of the monasteries in the Nubra Valley.
Diskit Monastery, Nubra Valley
Close by, descending along the Nubra River, is Shyok River. The area here is claimed to be home to Ladakh's most spellbinding valleys.
The monasteries, magnificent arid mountains, villages hidden in greenery, sand dunes and Turtuk, which embodies whole different culture altogether, is what you get to discover at Nubra Valley.
Silent Valley, Kerala
This one is a favorite for all those nature lovers out there. This valley is the home of the famous of Silent Valley National Park. Dotted with many small lakes it offers a spectacular view to those visiting the pace.
Housing many endangered species, full of green hills and flowing water ways, the valley is a beautiful vacation spot for short weekend getaways.
The lush greenery, evergreen forests, and many varieties of animals, is a treat for nature lovers.
Evergreen Forests, Silent Valley
Alleppey Valley, Kerela
Some three-hour drive away from the silent valley, in the arms of Alappuzha District lies the Alleppey Valley. Famous for this beautiful and astounding backwaters, the Alleppey is often called, albeit disputably, the Venice of East, for its network of canals.
One of the major attractions of Alleppey is the Boathouse rides. They are the easiest way to navigate thorough the network of backwaters, while seeing traditional fishing and farming below sea-level.
Alleppey beach is one other place you cannot afford to miss. Along the pristine water, lies a defunct old port. The open sea and the amazingly quite beach is a treat for travelers.
The place is also having many beautiful churches and is dotted with Temples, showing a fine example of the harmony which has existed between the two religions through ages.This beautiful place, surrounded by water, offers unnatural peace and solitude and is a must visit for anyone wanting to experience the beauty of God's own country.
Chamba Valley, Himachal Pradesh
This valley is an isolated piece of land, cut off from Kangra Valley by the Majestic Dhauladhar range and from Kashmir and Lahaul by the Pir Panjal. The high mountains on either sides offer people travelling to Chamba all the time to stand and take in the mesmerizing beauty of this place.Due to being cut off from all the popular tourist spots, the place retains owns a pristine environment.
The valley derives its name from the fact that it was ruled as the princely state of Chamba and is one of the most ancient states in North India.The Bhuri Singh museum houses this rich past of the Chamba Valley.
Raja Bhuri Singh Museum, Chamba Valley
Chowgan, a large grassland, is a popular place in Chamba This boulevard is also the center of local trade and the starting point of Minjar Fair(numerous legends are associated with this fair). One can witness cultural events, shows, sporting activities and festive events organized by the local folks, in Chowgan.
Chowgan during the Minjar Fair
The valley also offers scores of adventure activities to adrenaline junkies. One can indulge in white water rafting in the Ravi River, trek to Triund, and participate in paragliding in the valley.
There are many belle temples one can visit to satisfy one's quest for religion knowledge. While Lakshmi Narayan Temple is one major attraction for tourist visiting Chamba Valley, a few more daring people often trek to Manimahesh Temple, which offers a breath-taking view.
Its close proximity to Dalhousie and Bharmour, the Ravi River known for its white-water rafting, and its astir markets are a traveler’s bliss
Picturesque view, Chamba Valley
These valleys offer an enriching experience, a view to the traditional culture of these places and an ever-lasting solitude and a peace of mind.