Andretta, Majuli among 8 top places to visit during this new year

Explore these unconventional travel destinations in India in 2024 that often go unnoticed by most travelers.

Andretta, Himachal Pradesh:

Move beyond the conventional Himachal Pradesh destinations and explore Andretta, an artists' colony established in the 1920s by Irish theatre artist Norah Richards. Located an hour's drive from Bir, Andretta allows you to mingle with artists, potters, and craftsmen. Visit the Andretta Pottery and Craft Society, Sobha Singh art gallery, and Norah Richard's house.

Majuli, Assam:

Head to Majuli, the world's largest river island, located on the Brahmaputra River in Assam. Accessible by boat, Majuli is surrounded by lush greenery and water bodies. Visit Garmur, a holy site with ancient artifacts, and Tengapania, home to Assam's Golden Temple built in the Burmese style of architecture.

Chatpal, Kashmir:

Discover Chatpal, a quaint village located about 80 kilometers from Srinagar in the Anantnag district of Kashmir. Despite its lack of electricity, the scenic beauty set amid pine forests and the Himalayas makes it a unique experience. Enjoy the simplicity, take a short trek to the village of Thimran, and engage with friendly locals over aromatic kahwa.

Narara Marine National Park, Gujarat:

Uncover India's first marine national park, situated near Jamnagar in Gujarat. Divided into three parts and spread over 42 small islands, the park offers abundant marine life such as corals, octopuses, pufferfish, sea horses, and crabs. Visit during low tide to spot these species, with Narara being a sought-after entry point.

Tharangambadi (Tranquebar), Tamil Nadu:

Experience the tranquility of Tharangambadi, formerly known as Tranquebar, a beach town on the Coromandel Coast. Immerse yourself in history by exploring the Danish Fort, constructed in 1620, and the New Jerusalem Church with its blend of Indian and European architecture.

Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, Ladakh:

Ladakh offers not only diverse landscapes but also the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, monitoring light pollution. Experience complete darkness with clear skies for stargazing in this reserve, located around the Indian Astronomical Observatory on Mount Saraswati at an altitude of 4,500 m.

Sandakphu, West Bengal:

Venture into Sandakphu, located on the border of India and Nepal in West Bengal. Enjoy breathtaking views of Mt Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu, with locals believing that these peaks form a visual representation of Lord Buddha.

Pawalgarh, Uttarakhand:

Skip the typical hotspots in Uttarakhand and explore Pawalgarh, known for the Pawalgarh Conservation Reserve. This reserve is home to tigers, elephants, leopards, and a diverse range of bird species, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and birders alike.