Hidden Gems of India: Discovering Local Favorites Beyond the Tourist Trail
Our “Where Locals Go” series shines a spotlight on lesser-known travel destinations that often escape the notice of mainstream tourists but hold a special place in the hearts of local residents. To provide authentic insights, we’ve consulted four seasoned Indian travel experts who share their favorite hidden retreats across the country.
India’s allure is undeniable, boasting iconic landmarks such as the Taj Mahal, the regal pink palaces of Jaipur, the sun-kissed beaches of Goa and Kerala, and bustling metropolises like Delhi and Mumbai. These attractions have long drawn travelers from around the globe, eager to experience the country’s grandeur.
However, beneath the surface of these popular sites lies a treasure trove of lesser-explored destinations-places where Indian travelers themselves seek refuge and adventure. These spots are not the typical international tourist magnets but authentic locales that reveal the true essence of India’s diverse landscape and culture.
In this article, four Indian writers unveil their personal favorite destinations within their homeland. From the serene heights of the Himalayas to the tranquil beaches of the Konkan coast, these locations offer a genuine experience of India’s rich tapestry, perfect for those seeking to explore like a local.
Summer Retreat in Himachal Pradesh’s Apple Orchards: Kothkai
Puneetinder Kaur Sidhu, a native of Punjab with a lifelong love affair with the Himalayas, shares her favorite summer escape-Kothkai. Tucked within the apple-producing regions of the Lesser Himalayas, this quaint village is just a 70-kilometer drive from Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. It’s a peaceful haven that has captivated her since her college days, over three decades ago.
Surrounded by traditional slate-roofed wooden cottages and lush orchards, Kothkai offers a tranquil respite from city life. The landscape is characterized by misty valleys, fruit-laden trees, grazing cattle, and the melodic crowing of roosters-elements that create a picture-perfect rural idyll.
Her preferred accommodation is Himalayan Orchard, a family-run farmstay perched atop a sprawling apple orchard in Rukhla village. Surrounded by dense deodar forests, the property features well-marked hiking trails that invite exploration. During her visits, Puneetinder enjoys foraging for wild mushrooms, picking fresh fruit, browsing a cozy library, or simply unwinding with a sunset view over the valley while sipping her favorite drink.
Food at Himalayan Orchard emphasizes sustainability and farm-to-table freshness. Puneetinder’s favorites include the local delicacy siddu-a steamed bun filled with jaggery or lentils and served with ghee-as well as crunchy greens, herbed sausages, homemade jams, freshly baked bread, and artisanal cheeses.
Visitors should temper expectations of luxury resorts and instead embrace the slow pace of rural life. For a memorable experience, consider a drive to Shararoo Pass for panoramic views of peaks like Jorkandan, Chanshal, and Swargrohini. The hills are also home to nomadic Gujjars, who set up summer camps, and vibrant village fairs dedicated to local deities-authentic cultural encounters that deepen your connection to the region.
Majestic Himalayas and Glacier Lakes: Munsiyari
Shivya Nath, a seasoned travel writer and advocate for sustainable tourism, grew up in Dehradun and maintains a deep bond with the Himalayan mountains. Her favorite retreat is Munsiyari, a remote village in Uttarakhand’s Greater Himalayan region, near the borders of Tibet and Nepal. Accessible only after an arduous 11-hour drive from the nearest railway station and airport, Munsiyari remains a hidden gem for those willing to venture off the beaten path.
The journey is rewarded with awe-inspiring vistas of the Panchachuli peaks, ancient teak forests, vibrant rhododendron blooms in spring, and the roaring Gori Ganga river fed by glaciers. The area offers a variety of hikes suitable for all levels, from gentle walks to challenging treks, making it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
What keeps Shivya returning is the Himalayan Ark initiative-a community-led tourism project that promotes conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and authentic cultural experiences. Visitors can stay in homestays managed by local women and participate in guided hikes led by female high-altitude guides, a rare and empowering opportunity in the region.
During her visits, Shivya relishes traditional dishes such as dubke-a hearty stew made from locally grown black soybeans-and bhang ki chutney, a spicy condiment crafted from hemp seeds. Summer festivals like Himal Kalasutra, featuring birdwatching, film screenings, storytelling, and the Mesar Mela with local music and dance, offer immersive cultural experiences that blend local traditions with eco-tourism.
Authentic Coastal Villages and Culinary Heritage: Alibaug
Meher Mirza, a writer specializing in food, travel, and culture based in Mumbai, shares her love for Alibaug-a coastal town just a ferry ride from Mumbai. While its beaches are a major draw, the town’s rich history and diverse cultural influences make it a compelling destination for history buffs and culture enthusiasts alike.
Alibaug’s history is a tapestry woven from indigenous roots and influences from Buddhist, Rashtrakuta, Shilahara, Khilji, Maratha, Portuguese, and British civilizations. This melting pot is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and local traditions.
The town’s fishing communities have cultivated a distinctive style of Maharashtrian cuisine, featuring dishes like rakti (a spicy blood-based preparation), murya (seafood), and popti-a slow-cooked mixture of poultry and vegetables in an earthen vessel. For an authentic taste, Meher recommends visiting local households or the unpretentious Sanman restaurant, where seafood dishes like spiced clams and crispy bombil (Bombay duck) are highlights, along with tender coconut jelly desserts.
As the influx of affluent visitors increases-Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan owns a bungalow here-the town has seen a rise in upscale boutiques, art galleries, and fine dining establishments. Luxury villas and boutique hotels, including the Radisson Blu, cater to this new wave of visitors. One of her favorite stays is Villa Beira Mar, a pet-friendly, poolside villa with five bedrooms, though it comes with a hefty price tag.
Beyond its beaches, Alibaug offers a glimpse into history through its ancient forts and structures. The 16th-century Revdanda Fort, built by the Portuguese and later controlled by the Marathas and British, stands as a silent witness to the region’s colonial past. The town also boasts historic temples and vernacular-style bungalows, enriching its cultural landscape.
Serene Retreat in the Kumaon Hills: Kasar Devi
Shubham Mansingka, a travel blogger from the Kullu Valley, is passionate about exploring offbeat destinations. His favorite hidden gem is Kasar Devi, a quiet town near Almora in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region, often overshadowed by more popular hill stations like Nainital and Mussoorie.
Shubham’s journey to Kasar Devi began nine years ago when seeking refuge from the summer heat. Since then, he has returned multiple times, even spending several months living in a cozy forest cottage during the pandemic. The town’s charm lies in its panoramic views of Himalayan giants such as Mount Trishul and Nanda Devi, both towering above 7,000 meters.
Exploring Kasar Devi reveals scenic trails leading through pine and rhododendron forests, with hidden waterfalls and opportunities to spot local wildlife like deer. One favorite route starts from Papershali, passing through lush groves to the quaint village of Balta Badi, where fields shimmer in the sunlight. An evening visit to the ancient Kasar Devi Temple offers a spectacular sunset and a moment of spiritual reflection.
Accommodation options range from rustic village guesthouses to modern boutique hotels. Among these, The Kumaon stands out for its striking architecture that combines contemporary design with traditional materials, offering breathtaking views and a peaceful ambiance.
Shubham’s preferred retreat is Ayurvaid Kalmatia, a holistic resort offering fresh, made-to-order cuisine and rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments. When exploring local flavors, he visits Almora’s bustling markets to indulge in sweets like baal mithai and singhaudi, signature treats of the region.
