Off the beaten track tours in India

Whether you’re on your second trip to India or first visit, discovering the hidden gems of India is a part of any luxury holiday here.

You don’t need to leave your creature comforts behind to do it either, as we know the perfect boltholes to base yourself at night as you witness India’s amazing culture and natural beauty in all its authenticity by day.

India’s off the beaten track experiences can be found all over the country, from the tranquil backwaters of Kerala to the historic ruins of Hampi, a must-visit for history enthusiasts and culture vultures alike. Even tourist-heavy hot spots like the Golden Triangle offer hidden gems, perfect for those visiting India for the first time. While those on their second or maybe third visit will love the Himalaya and the Andaman Islands.

Our guide invites you to the best-hidden places to visit in India and discover the heart of this nation. Get ready to be amazed by the magic of places that are not well-known and let each step show you something new about this amazing country.

Rural villages & local culture

Move away from the fast-changing Indian cities and into the rural villages where time seemed to stand still for centuries, seeing sari-clad women and dhoti-wearing men living life as they have for generations. The pace of life is reassuringly gentle, as holidays in rural India leave you with a smile.

Rajasthan

In Rajasthan, holidays in rural India are plenty.

Visit the Bishnoi tribes to the south of Jodhpur, a community dating back to the 15th century. Known for their ecologically conscious mindset, the Bishnoi people revere wildlife and the land around them. This small town is the perfect hidden gem experience for those who enjoy ecotourism and the chance to learn from the Bishnoi way of life.

For those seeking secluded relaxation after a buzzing tour of Rajasthan, wander the foothills and villages of Alwar near Jaipur and stay at the lush Amanbagh. Our recommended escape after the hectic cities is a stay here, which oozes tranquillity with its architectural marvel.

To the north, explore the little-visited town of Nagaur that’s bursting with history and famous for its local sweets and spices. For outdoor adventure, we adore the luxury tented camp of Chattra Sagar located between Jaipur and Udaipur and exploring the local area around it, as well as Shahpura Bagh to the south.

Kerala Backwaters

Kerala in south India is a favourite of ours and our guests for seeing India off the beaten track, thanks to its laid-back and welcoming landscape. Stay at Phillip Kuttys Farm for a unique and wonderful rural homestay experience, learning about the family’s organic farming methods and dining on home-cooked Keralan curries.

The Mountains of India

Go deep into the Himalayan Mountains, Nilgiris Ghats or Western Ghats for mountain holidays in India that instantly reward the inquisitive traveller. Just imagine the amazing road journeys you can go on, maybe passing a verdant tea plantation and continuing to a luxury hotel perfectly perched in the hills with Himalayan peaks all around it.

Himalaya

Let’s start with the Himalaya and the surrounding foothills that cover north India’s border. We love the Shakti Village Walk concept in Ladakh, Kumaon and Sikkim, where they have taken over traditional village houses and lovingly turned them into luxury boltholes for guests. By day, you can explore these remote areas, being the only tourist in the area, before returning to your village house at night and being looked after by your own exclusive team of hosts, cooks, porters and guides. Quite simply, this is the definitive answer to what authentic life is like so far off India’s beaten path where you have the destination all to yourself, whilst in the comfort of rustic luxury.

Shimla

Shimla was once the summer retreat for the British Raj, and since has succumbed to a faded elegance with its charming homes burrowed in the pine forests and snow-capped peaks of the foothills. Perfect for those who want a dash of buzz during their mountain exploration, Shimla offers the ideal blend of rugged foothills and streets to wander through.

We recommend staying at the luxurious Wildflower Hall while you spend days sipping chai, taking train rides, hiking and soaking in the incredible views. There are plenty of foodie delights at Wildflower Hall as well, and down on the streets, you’ll find local crafts and incredible winterwear.

Western Ghats and Tamil Nadu

For mountain holidays in India in the south for those who still want those elevated views, the hills of Tamil Nadu and the Western Ghats offer the perfect solution.

Partake in a village temple festival, traverse coffee estates and sleep amongst the lush green forests while staying at the delightful Rajakkad Retreat in Tamil Nadu. In the Western Ghats, the Windermere Estate offers truly remote views, situated 1600m above sea level and perfect for avid nature lovers.

The Ancient Kingdoms of India

India is awash with ancient civilisations that have left amazing sites of antiquity. We simply can’t run through it all, but if you are interested in delving into India’s past and hearing about the colourful stories which result from it, we can tailor any itinerary to include visits to a range of historical sites. Here are a few highlights we recommend.

Southern India

Karnataka is ideal for those who love their history, and Hampi certainly doesn’t disappoint. To the south, explore the area around Chikmagalur and use this as a base to explore the ruins of Halebid, Belur and Hassan. The state of Tamil Nadu is packed with history, made famous by the 10th century Chola kingdom, and a journey through one of India’s off the beaten path regions is ideal for a second-time visit to India or as a longer extension to a tour of Kerala.

Central India

Let’s move north to see the hidden gems of Central India, where you’ll find more World Heritage sites around the city of Bhopal. Here, you can explore the Buddhist remains of Sanchi, the rock-cut caves of Udaigiri, and the Gupta ruins of Gyarapur and Udayapur. Find pre-historic cave paintings at Bhimbetka and the eleventh-century Shiva temple at Bhojpur – needless to say, your history fix will certainly be quenched around Bhopal. Also in Madhya Pradesh, explore the amazing erotic Chandela Temples of Khajuraho which act as the perfect staging point for the tiger parks to the south.

Unearth New Cities

Go beyond India’s famous cosmopolitan sites and discover some of India’s lesser-known towns and cities, where temples reign supreme and colonial pasts rest.

Amritsar & Lucknow

Head to Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh, once the cradle of culture and the arts in India, for a taste of ancient Mughal architecture. For the heart of Punjab and Sikhism in India, consider heading to Amritsar, home to the Golden Temple, one of the most impressive buildings in Northern India. Here, attend traditional ceremonies for a spiritual experience and visit historic monuments to honour the city’s poignant history.

Tamil Nadu and around

In southern India, we love visiting Mysore, famous for its superb Maharaja palace, vibrant markets and hearing about the stories of Tipu Sultan and his wars against the East India Company. The cities of Madurai, Tanjore and Trichy in Tamil Nadu are ideal for those with a keen interest in temple architecture. Further north, you’ll find Pondicherry which was once the base of the French East India Company.

Untouched Beaches

While Goa arguably has the best beaches on mainland India, there are some incredible hidden gems in other areas of the south and on India’s islands. The perfect way to end your tour through India, these destinations are for disconnecting by the sea with their remote beauty.

Andaman Islands

In the middle of the Indian Ocean, you have the Andaman Islands, ideal for those who love diving and a destination that is very much off India’s beaten track with flights from Calcutta or Chennai. This is for confident travellers as very little English is spoken here and remains relatively untouched by commercial developments. However, if you do venture here, you won't regret it as its beaches closely mirror that of Thailand’s with its lush forest backdrops, pristine water and soft sandy beaches.

Northern Kerala

While the Keralan Backwaters offer a unique water retreat, head north away from the colonial towns and tea plantations, and stay in the idyllic beachside resort of Neeleshwar in a private thatched cottage soaking in the sea air. They also have an ayurvedic spa, rejuvenation therapy and many other wellness treatments to help you unwind and disconnect. Or, head to Marari Beach and while your days away in this sleepy fishing village at the Marari Beach Resort, experiencing the tranquillity of local life.

Rural Palaces & Heritage Hotels

One of the most amazing hidden gems of India is to stay in a rural fort or palace hotel. The architecture alone will leave you breathless, alongside the stories and histories that have walked the same halls.

The Golden Triangle

Ramathra Fort is located midway between Agra and Ranthambore National Park. Perfect for wildlife lovers looking to escape Rajasthan’s bustling cities or want a safari on your Golden Triangle tour. Spend your days on jeep safaris and your evenings dining beneath intricately decorated arches. For a boutique palace retreat, Chanoud Garh, a 300-year-old palace in the village of Chanoud, is a royal hidden gem that will have you interacting with the friendly locals in the village, embarking on jeep drives, and seeking natural wonders like the salt flats and Lake Chanoud.

Wildlife and Safaris

Most safaris in India revolve around travellers seeking out the nation's coveted population of tigers, however, India has so much more wildlife to offer. See India off the beaten path and avoid the crowded parks with safaris in Northern and Southern India.

Kaziranga National Park

The northeast region of India, bordered by Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh, is home to the Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the hidden gems of the country. Intrepid marshlands, towering trees, and major rivers make up this park's landscape, offering a unique and breathtaking experience. On safari here, visitors can spot the Indian One-horned Rhinos, which have existed since the Jurassic era, as well as Indian elephants, sloth bears, gibbons, swamp deer, leopards and even tigers. There are also sanctuaries, waterfalls, and estates dotted around the park that are worth a visit, making the northeast region a must-visit for any nature lover.

Nagarole National Park

In the northern Kerala region, you’ll find Nagarole National Park. More of a jungle escape, a safari here feels like a true expedition, while you go in search of elephants and its vast birdlife. There are jeep safaris and boat safaris as you head off down Kabini Lake. While the wildlife is limited here, the lush jungle landscape and thriving birdlife set it apart from other safari destinations and provide a more intimate feel.