India is home to some of the most beautiful and vibrant villages. These villages are the reflection of cultural diversity that India possess with each village offering unique culture, heritage, beauty and scenic lustre. In this article we are going to talk about some of those villages where visitors can experience the heart of India as these villages have different landscapes and serene natural beauty.
1: Malana(Himachal Pradesh): Little Greece of the east
Malana is considered as one of the most alluring villages found in India, located in Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh. This village is located at an altitude of 8700 feet and is shrouded by the snow capped mountain ranges of Chandrakhani and Deotibba.
This village can satiate the enthusiasm of trekking for trekking lovers as it gives the scenic view of dense forests. The environment here is tranquillizing and soothing.
This village has it’s on unique culture and tradition and is so beautiful that it provides abnormal experience to the travellers.
1.1 Special Things about Malana
• The local people who use to live in Malana believe themselves to be the scion of Alexander army.
• The language spoken among the local people in Malana is Kanashi.
• This village is famous for production of Malana cream that’s why it is internationally recognised for producing Malana cream.
• There is a temple in Malana which is called Jamlu Devta temple and is famous for it’s wooden architecture thrives as an important religious place in Malana.
1.2 How to reach and best time to travel
The nearest airport lies 32 km away from Malana which is Kullu-Manali airport. And then from nearby village Jari you can start the trekking for Malana.
The best time to visit Malana is during summer(April to June) and post monsoon(September to October).
2:Munsiyari, Kumaon Uttarakhand: Little Kashmir
Munsiyari is located at an altitude of 7539 feet in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand is a place of heaven for nature lovers, trekkers and adventure seekers. It is often known as little Kashmir since it is an antiquated hill station. From Munsiyari you can enjoy the mesmerizing view of ice fleeced Panchachuli peaks.
2.1 Special Things about Munsiyari
• In Munsiyari you can enjoy the group of five lustrous snow capped mountain of panchachuli peaks which changes colour with sunlight.
• 35 km away from Munsiyari Birthi waterfall is located which is ideal for nature lovers since it provides lush greenery and unique spots for photography.
• Thamri Kund, a sober lake is present in Munsiyari which is shrouded by dense forest is a perfect spot for wildlife spectacle.
• For trekking lovers Nanda Devi base camp trek is ideal as it it is India’s second highest peak and trekking here provides thrilling sensation.
2.2 How to reach and best time to travel
The nearest airport to Munsiyari is Pantanagar which is 249 km away from the airport. This village also has a good road network.
The best time for trekking is March to June. But if you want to enjoy the ice fleeced peaks, the best time will be October to November while if you want to enjoy the snowfall which creates an excellent view, the best time is December to February.
3:Yana (Karnataka)
Yana is a beautiful village which is located in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. Beacuse of its intense greenery and lush green forests, this village is a perfect paradigm for nature lovers. It is located at the main area of Western Ghat a UNESCO world heritage site.
3.1 Special Things about Yana
• There are two huge limestone monolith. These monoliths are nothing less than a miracle spreading over a large area.
One is Bhairaveshwara Shikhara named after lord Shiva and another is Mohanashini Shikhara named after a demon Bhasmasura.
• There are various waterfalls situated near Yana. Vibhooti fall which is about 8 km from Yana is a stunning spot for relaxation and camping.
• During monsoon you can start trek here in Yana, which will lead you towards the rock formations and in the middle of the way there will be lush green intense forest of Sahyadri.
3.2 How to Reach Yana and Best time to visit
The nearest airport lies 140 km away from Yana which is Dabolim airport, Goa but if you travel by train the nearest railway station would be Kumta which is 25 km away from Yana.
If you are trekking lover the best time will be October to February. But if you want to enjoy the greenery of nature the best time will be June to September as it is accompanied by monsoon.
4: Nako(Himachal Pradesh): Gateway to the Hangrang Valley
Nako is nestled at an altitude of 12014 ft. and is located in Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated in Indo-Tibetan border offering a view of Himachal Pradesh’s highest peak Reo Purgyil. This village is surrounded by mountains and landscapes which is a blend of peaceful environment and natural beauty.
4.1 Special Things about Nako
• Nako’s culture is a blend of Indian and Tibetan culture which can be seen in the region’s architecture and lifestyle.
• This regio is associated with Tibetan Buddhism which can be clearly be seen by Buddhist monasteries and pristine chortens established here.
• Nako lake which is at the centre of Nako village has tranquillizing environment. During winter this Lake freezes.
• You can enjoy trekking in Nako. Tashigang, Kinnaur Kailash and some other destinations are favourable for trekking.
4.2 How to reach and Best time to visit
The nearest airport lies 315 km away which is Bhuntar airport, Kullu. Also the nearest railway station is Shimla which is also 315 om away. It is about 112 km from Kalpa by road.
You can plan the trip in summer(May to October) but if you enjoy the snow environment the best time is November to March.
5: Almora(Uttarakhand): Cultural capital of Kumaon
Almora is a beautiful mini hill station in Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. It is located at an altitude of 5374 feet spreading at lapel of Himalaya. Almora is a blend of natural beauty and ancient charm therefore it is ideal for those who are seeking calmness and Himalayan beauty.
5.1 Special Things about Almora
• It offers breath-taking panoramic views of ice fleeced Himalayan peaks like Nandadevi, Trishul and Panchachuli.Along with it lush green forests of pine and deodar provide stunning view.
• Binsar wildlife sanctuary located 30 km away from Almora is home to over 200 word species, Himalyan black bears, barking deer and leopards is ideal for wildlife lovers.
• About 200 years old market called Lala bazar can get your different Kumaon items, handcrafted accessories and different woolen clothes.
• About 800 years old temple of god sun which in itself is an architectural marvel is present in Almora.
5.2 How to reach and Best time to visit
The nearest airport lies 115 km away which is Pantanagar airport. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam which is 82 km away.
If you want to enjoy the scenic view of snow cap the mountain then September to November month is perfect whereas if you want to enjoy the snowfall December to February is the ideal season.