9 Unique Places in India That You Need to Visit in 2026

Some of the most unique places in India to visit are Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh, Chembra Peak’s heart-shaped lake in Kerala, Champhai in Mizoram, the vanishing sea at Chandipur in Odisha, Vihigaon waterfall near Mumbai, Khajjiar in Himachal, Puga Valley in Ladakh, Varkala in Kerala and the Gandikota gorge in Andhra Pradesh.

These are not the usual Goa and Manali picks. Each place on this list has something you will not find easily elsewhere, from a beach where the sea disappears to a valley with bubbling hot springs at over 4,000 metres.

Unique places in India: quick guide

9 unique places in India that you need to visit

1. Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh

Araku Valley is a hill station in the Eastern Ghats, in the Alluri Sitharama Raju district (earlier part of Visakhapatnam district). It sits at roughly 600 to 900 metres and is surrounded by thick forest.

The valley is famous for its coffee, grown largely by tribal farmers. The Tribal Museum shows the life and crafts of local communities, and the Borra Caves are a short drive away. The train ride from Visakhapatnam passes through dozens of tunnels and is a trip in itself.

2. Chembra Peak’s heart-shaped lake, Kerala

Chembra Peak, at about 2,100 metres, is the highest point in Wayanad, near Meppadi in the Western Ghats. Halfway up the trek is a small lake shaped like a heart, which locals say has never dried up.

From the top, you can see large parts of Wayanad and the hills towards Malappuram, Kozhikode and the Nilgiris. The trek needs a permit from the forest department, and access can be restricted at times, so check before you go.

3. Champhai, Mizoram

Champhai is a town in eastern Mizoram, close to the Myanmar border. It is known for Mizo tribal traditions, orchids and butterflies, and wide views of the hills across the border.

The flat paddy fields below the town are called the Rice Bowl of Mizoram. Framed by green hills, they look very different from anything else in the region. Indian visitors need an Inner Line Permit to enter Mizoram.

4. Chandipur, Odisha

Chandipur beach in Balasore district is called the hide-and-seek beach. At low tide, the sea pulls back up to around 5 kilometres, and you can walk out on the wet seabed. At high tide, it returns.

The area is also home to a missile test range, so parts of the coast are restricted. Nearby, you can visit Panchalingeswar temple and the Chandaneswar temple.

5. Vihigaon waterfall, Maharashtra

Vihigaon waterfall, near Kasara on the Mumbai to Nashik route, is a popular monsoon spot for waterfall rappelling. The drop is around 100 to 120 feet.

Trips usually combine rappelling, some downclimbing and walking along the stream through the forest. Go only with a registered adventure group that provides proper gear and trained instructors, since rocks get very slippery in the rains.

6. Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh

Khajjiar, in Chamba district near Dalhousie, is often called the Mini Switzerland of India. A wide green meadow with a small lake sits in the middle, ringed by tall deodar and pine trees.

It brings together three ecosystems in one spot: lake, meadow and forest. You can try horse rides and zorbing here, or just walk around the meadow. In winter, the area can get snow.

7. Puga Valley, Ladakh

Puga Valley lies in south-eastern Ladakh, on the route towards Tso Moriri lake. It is part of the Himalayan geothermal belt, and the ground here steams.

You will see hot springs, bubbling mud pools and deposits of sulphur and borax. The heat comes from deep below, where the Indian and Eurasian plates meet. The valley is very high, so acclimatise in Leh for a couple of days before going.

8. Varkala, Kerala

Varkala, north of Thiruvananthapuram, is one of the few places in Kerala where red cliffs run right along the beach. The cliff top is lined with cafes, and the beach below is also a spot for Hindu rituals.

Nearby, the Anjengo Fort and lighthouse dates back to the 17th century. You can also catch Kathakali and Kalaripayattu performances in the area.

9. Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh

Gandikota is a small village in Kadapa district, about 15 kilometres from Jammalamadugu. Its gorge, cut by the Pennar river through the Erramala hills, has earned it the name Grand Canyon of India.

The village has a fort with history going back to the 12th century, along with old temples and a mosque inside the fort walls. Watch the sunrise or sunset over the gorge. Camping is popular here.

Tips before you plan the trip

Many of these places are remote, so carry cash, as network and card machines can be patchy. Check weather and road conditions, especially for Puga Valley and Chembra. Book stays early in peak season. For more fun reads, browse our listicles section.

Frequently asked questions

Sources: Wikipedia: Gandikota, Wikipedia: Chembra Peak, Wikipedia: Khajjiar.