The calm aura of villages is refreshing to the mind of city dwellers. When you picture a village you think of huts, farms, cattle, peace, and most importantly, fresh air. If you’re considering venturing to an unspoiled village in India for exactly this, you’ll find a great number of peaceful villages in India. From the snow-capped mountains of Himachal Pradesh to the beaches of Kerala, there's a village in India for every type of traveler. Keep reading to know about 7 of the must-visit villages in India.
If by any chance the idea of a village in your head was limited to a bunch of huts next to each other with cattle roaming around, let Mawlynnong in Meghalaya change your perception. This village, which is often referred to as the cleanest in Asia, is nothing like that. The houses are made of bamboo and wood, with well-manicured gardens in front of them. The village's commitment to environmentalism is visible in the way the houses are constructed and in the complete absence of plastic. The villagers have even set up a system of community-run toilets to keep the village clean.
One of the best things to do in Mawlynnong is to go on a nature walk. Mawlynnong is located in the middle of a forest and there are several trails that you can take. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for rare birds and butterflies. Another attraction that you absolutely cannot miss when you’re in Mawlynnong is the living root bridge. Made from the roots of rubber trees, this iconic bridge is said to be over 1,000 years old and is truly a sight to behold. Other than that, you can also explore the pretty waterfalls and caves that are unique to this village in Meghalaya.
Best Time To Visit Mawlynnong: October to June
How To Reach Mawlynnong: The nearest airport is in Shillong, which is about 90 kilometers away from Mawlynnong. You can also take a train to Guwahati and then drive down to the village, which is about 200 kilometers away.
Things To Do In Mawlynnong: Nature walk, bird watching, and visiting the living root bridge.
A monastery, a wildlife sanctuary, and the highest post office in the world - Kibber is home to all of this and even more. Popularly known as Kyibar village, it’s also the destination with the highest motorable road in India. The village has Tibetan-style homes that are decorated with stone and adobe bricks and the locals are very warm and welcoming.
You can choose to stay in a homestay on your visit to Kibber where you’ll get to taste traditional homely Indian and Tibetan dishes. If you truly wish to experience the rural feel of living in a village, this can definitely be your best bet. Other than that, Kibber is also home to some pretty lakes like Tsomoriri Lake and Chandratal Lake. You can go camping by these lakes or even trek up to them if you're feeling adventurous.
Best Time To Visit Kibber: June to September
How To Reach Kibber: The best way to reach Kibber is to take a bus or a shared taxi from Manali to the Spiti Valley. The journey takes about 12 hours and is quite scenic. You can also take a train to Jogindernagar and then drive from there, which takes about 9 hours.
Things To Do In Kibber: Snow leopard safari, camping by the lakes, and trekking.
Majuli is the largest river island in the world, and it's home to some of the most beautiful scenery in India. Now, this may not be one of the typical villages you’re expecting to read about on this list. But, it’s definitely one of the best places to experience the cultural and rural side of Assam. With over 20 different ethnic groups living on the island, it's not surprising to see why Majuli is also the cultural capital of Assam. This is evident in the way the people dress, the food they eat, and the festivals they celebrate. Since Majuli is more of a town and a district, it also has multiple small villages in its vicinity.
Going on a boat ride down the Brahmaputra River is among the best things to do in Majuli. You'll get to see the island from a different perspective and you might even spot some of the rare birds that live on this river island. Another thing that you can't miss when in Majuli is attending a performance by the Mising tribe. The Mising tribe is known for their folk dances and songs, which are a treat to watch. You can also visit some of the Satras, which are monasteries where the Vaishnavite priests live. These Satras are not only beautiful but are also a great place to learn about the culture and history of Majuli.
Best Time To Visit Majuli: November to March
How To Reach Majuli: The best way to reach Majuli is to take a ferry from the Neematighat Ferry Ghat in Jorhat. The journey takes about 2 hours and is very scenic. You can reach Jorhat via flights from cities like Kolkata and Shillong.
Things To Do In Majuli: Enjoying the sunrise and sunset through boat rides, attending a Mising tribe performance, and visiting the Satras.
Khimsar is a village in Rajasthan that's located on the edge of the Thar Desert. Despite its location, Khimsar is a green oasis with plenty of trees and plants. The village is also home to the beautiful Khimsar Fort, which was built in the 16th century. This fort has been converted into a hotel, and it's one of the best places to stay in Khimsar. From rustic landscapes and green gardens to royal palaces and unique hotels, Khimsar has something for all kinds of travelers. The best time to visit Khimsar is during the winter when the weather is cooler and the desert flowers are in bloom.
If you want to experience the culture of Rajasthan, then you can't miss out on attending the folk dances and music performances in Khimsar. Apart from the majestic Khimsar Fort, you also have the Nagaur Fort and the Khimsar Dunes Villages to explore here. You can also visit some of the havelis, which are traditional Rajasthani homes. Wildlife enthusiasts should not miss out on visiting the Panchala Black Buck Reserve and the Dhawa Doli Wildlife Sanctuary that’s home to some unique flora and fauna. Every aspect of Khimsar will help you experience the rural richness that the villages of India truly depict.
Best Time To Visit Khimsar: October to March
How To Reach Khimsar: The best way to reach Khimsar is by taking a train to Jodhpur and then driving from there. The journey takes about 4 hours. You can also fly into the city of Jaisalmer and then drive to Khimsar, which takes about 3 hours.
Things To Do In Khimsar: Jeep tour of the dunes, attending folk dances and music performances, and visiting havelis.
Also read: Top 9 Things To Do In Rajasthan
Yana is a small village located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. The village is home to two unusual rock formations known as the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and the Mohini Shikhara. These rock formations are said to be formed when two lovers, who were turned into stone, embraced each other. Trekking is also a fun activity to enjoy at these spots. Yana is also home to a number of waterfalls, and it's one of the best places to visit in Karnataka. For people living in the state, this village is a good choice for a peaceful weekend getaway too.
The best time to visit Yana is during the monsoon season when the waterfalls are in full force. If you're looking to experience the culture of Karnataka, then you can visit some of the temples in Yana. You can also learn about the history of the village by visiting the Basappa Temple. The temple is said to be more than 1,000 years old, and it's highly valued by the people living here. With its natural beauty and rich culture, Yana is one of the must-visit villages in India.
Best Time To Visit Yana: June to September
How To Reach Yana: You can reach Yana by taking a bus or train to Kumta, which is the nearest town. The journey takes about 4 hours. You can also fly into Mangalore Airport, which is the nearest airport, and then drive to Yana. The drive takes about 3 hours. If coming from Bengaluru, the drive would take about 7 hours.
Things To Do In Yana: Going on treks, visiting waterfalls, exploring caves, and visiting temples.
Also read: Top 9 Things To Do In Karnataka
Located at an altitude of 2,200 meters and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Munsiyari is a picturesque village in India. It's also known as the 'Gateway to Kumaon Himalayas' and is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Uttarakhand. Because the village is popularly used as a base camp, there are plenty of trekking options available. You can also go mountain biking, enjoy jeep safaris, and white water rafting in Munsiyari.
If you want to experience the culture of Uttarakhand, then you can visit some of the temples in Munsiyari. There's also a market where you can buy traditional clothes and handicrafts. The best time to visit Munsiyari is during the summer when the weather is cooler. However, if you're looking to enjoy the snow, then winter is the best time to visit. With its stunning scenery and rich culture, you're bound to enjoy every minute of your stay in Munsiyari.
Best Time To Visit Munsiyari: April to June and September to November
How To Reach Munsiyari: The best way to reach Munsiyari is by taking a bus or train to Kathgodam. The journey will then take about 12 hours. You can also fly into Pantnagar Airport, which is the nearest airport, and then drive to Munsiyari. The drive takes about 6 hours.
Things To Do In Munsiyari: Trekking, mountain biking, jeep safaris, white water rafting, and visiting temples.
Northern India has some of the most beautiful villages and Nako is no exception. Located in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, this village is situated at an altitude of 3,662 meters and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Because of its high altitude, Nako is one of the coldest places in India. However, this also makes it one of the best places to visit if you're looking to escape the heat during the summer.
Trekking is one of the most popular activities in Nako, and there are a number of trails that you can explore. You can also visit Nako Lake, which is a beautiful spot for photography. If you're interested in learning about the culture of Himachal Pradesh, then you can visit the Nako Gompa. The Gompa is more than 800 years old and is a place of worship for Buddhists. Since this hamlet is skirting the Tibetan border, you might even spot a few yaks and get a glimpse of the Tibetan culture.
Do note that Nako is a restricted area, which means that all international tourists will have to get an Inner Line permit to visit this village. You can enquire about the permit from Reckong Peo or Shimla.
Best Time To Visit Nako: April to October
How To Reach Nako: From Reckong Peo it takes about 4 hours to reach Nako by road. You can either hire a cab or board the state buses available. You can also fly into Kullu-Manali Airport, which is the nearest airport, and then drive to Nako. The drive takes about 5 hours.
Things To Do In Nako: Trekking, visiting lakes and gompas, and photography.
Also read: 8 Best Places For Camping In Himachal Pradesh
Summing Up
Visiting a village in India is definitely an experience of its own. Along with witnessing the unique traditions and experiencing the charm of simple life, you’re welcomed by the warm hospitality of people living in a village. While most villages in the country are gradually getting exposed to urban amenities and way of living, what’s interesting is to see some villages balancing the best of both.
If you’re waiting to experience village life for the first time, be sure to add these must-visit villages in India to your travel bucket list. And don’t forget to enjoy a cup of kulhad chai or a night under the stars when you’re visiting any of these villages!
What Is The Most Beautiful Village In India?
With so much variety across landscapes and cultures, it’s not easy to give a definitive answer to this question. Every village in India has its own unique charm, and it's up to the individual traveler to decide which one is the most beautiful. However, if we look at landscapes and aesthetics, Majuli in Assam, Munsiyari in Uttarakhand, and Nako in Himachal Pradesh are some of the most beautiful villages in India.
What Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Villages In India?
The best time to visit villages in India depends on the climate of the region you're visiting. In general, the cooler months from October to March are the best time to travel. However, if you're planning to visit a village in the Himalayas, June to September is the best time to go.
Which Is The Best Tourist Village In India?
Since every village has its own beauty, pinpointing the best tourist village in India isn’t going to be that easy. You can visit Mawlynnong in Meghalaya, Kibber in Himachal Pradesh, Majuli in Assam, Yana in Karnataka, Khimsar in Rajasthan, Munsiyari in Uttarakhand, and Nako in Himachal Pradesh to experience something unique in all.
Which Village Is Known As Whistling Village?
Kongthong village located in the East Khasi Hills district in Shillong, Meghalaya is often known as the whistling village. That’s because the villagers here use whistling as a method to call and communicate with each other. This tradition has been followed through generations and is still very prominent in the village.
How Many Villages Are There In India?
There are over 6 lakh villages in India. These are spread across the different states of India and can be visited throughout the year.
Is There Anything Special About Villages In India?
Being the core of the Indian economy with its abundant agriculture, Indian villages will always hold a special place. Not only are they the reason for the country's growth but are also the essence of India. So, if you want to closer look at the local culture and traditions in a clean and calm environment, then you have to visit these villages.
What Is The Most Rural Part Of India?
Uttar Pradesh is the state that stands ahead with the most number of rural inhabitants in India, followed by the state of Bihar.
Which Is The Cleanest Village Of India?
Rightly known as "God's own garden", Mawlynnong village of Meghalaya is the cleanest village in India. Not just India, it is the cleanest village in all of Asia, according to Discover India.
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