We all know about the famous hill stations and beaches, but what about the quiet little corners of India that barely make it to Google Maps? That’s where these 10 hidden villages in India come in—places where time slows down, chai tastes better, and people still smile at strangers (without checking their phones in between).
I haven’t personally visited these villages yet—but they’re definitely on my travel bucket list. So think of this blog as a list of dreamy places you and I both might want to escape to someday, when city chaos gets too much.
Planning a Trip to 10 Hidden Villages in India?
Traveling to these villages might need a little more effort compared to popular tourist places, but that’s the beauty of it. The journeys themselves—whether it’s a ferry ride to Majuli, a trek to Kalap, or a desert drive to Kutch—are part of the adventure. When you explore 10 hidden villages in India, you’re not just sightseeing, you’re experiencing a slower, richer, and more meaningful way to travel.
Why Explore 10 Hidden Villages in India?
Think about the last time you went on a trip and felt truly relaxed. Hard to remember, right? That’s because most famous destinations are now more about traffic, queues, and selfies than peace. The 10 hidden villages in India are different. Here, you don’t need an itinerary—you just need time to walk slowly, eat local food, and breathe in clean air.
If you’re looking for more peaceful getaways, here are 10 offbeat places to visit in India for your next trip.
1. Mawlynnong, Meghalaya – The Cleanest Village in Asia
Imagine spotless lanes, bamboo dustbins at every corner, and locals who genuinely care about keeping their surroundings clean. Mawlynnong is called the “Cleanest Village in Asia,” and honestly, it looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. Add in the living root bridges and that misty Meghalaya vibe—this is where slow travel feels natural.
How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Shillong Airport (about 90 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Guwahati (about 180 km)
From Shillong, you can take a taxi or shared sumo to Mawlynnong.
2. Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh – The Land of Music and Paddy Fields
Famous for its music festival, Ziro is much more than a party spot. The Apatani tribe here has a way of life so simple and beautiful that you’ll want to stay longer than planned. Green paddy fields, wooden houses, and endless mountain views—Ziro feels like a painting you can walk into.
How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Lilabari Airport, Assam (about 123 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Naharlagun (100 km)
Permits (ILP for Indians, PAP for foreigners) are needed to visit Arunachal Pradesh.
3. Malana, Himachal Pradesh – The Village of Secrets
Tucked deep in the Parvati Valley, Malana has its own unique culture and rules. Known as one of the oldest democracies in the world, the villagers here believe they are descendants of Alexander the Great’s soldiers. Whether you’re fascinated by history or just want to experience an untouched Himalayan hamlet, Malana is worth that trek.
How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport, Kullu (about 32 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Joginder Nagar (125 km)
From Jari village, a trek of around 4 km takes you to Malana.
4. Khonoma, Nagaland – India’s First Green Village
If you’re someone who believes in eco-friendly travel, Khonoma will win your heart. This Angami Naga village banned hunting years ago and turned its forests into a conservation success story. Add traditional homes, warrior history, and warm locals—you’ve got a perfect mix of culture and nature.
How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Dimapur (90 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Dimapur (90 km)
From Kohima, Khonoma is just 20 km away.
5. Mandawa, Rajasthan – The Open-Air Art Gallery
Okay, not your typical “green and quiet” village, but Mandawa in Rajasthan is full of grand havelis painted with frescoes that will leave you speechless. Walking through the village feels like flipping through an ancient sketchbook where every wall tells a story. Perfect for slow travelers who love art, history, and chai under painted arches.
How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Jaipur (170 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Jhunjhunu (30 km)
Mandawa is well connected by road from Delhi and Jaipur.
6. Aru, Jammu & Kashmir – A Meadow Straight Out of a Dream
If Pahalgam is too touristy for your taste, head a little further to Aru Village. Snow-capped peaks, green pastures, horses grazing lazily, and a river flowing nearby—this is the kind of place that makes you want to read a book under a tree and forget about Instagram for a while.
How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Srinagar (100 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi (250 km)
From Pahalgam, Aru is just 12 km away by road.
7. Kalap, Uttarakhand – A Himalayan Hamlet That Few Know About
Reaching Kalap takes effort, but the reward is a rustic Garhwali village that hasn’t been taken over by commercial tourism. Wooden homes, terraced fields, and an unmatched view of the Himalayas make it a peaceful retreat. It’s the kind of place where you find yourself talking more to locals than to Google Maps.
How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (200 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun (190 km)
From Netwar village, you’ll need to trek about 7 km to reach Kalap.
8. Kila Raipur, Punjab – The Village of Rural Olympics
This is not your typical slow-travel spot where you sit quietly by the river. Kila Raipur is all about the famous Rural Olympics—where you can see bullock cart races, tractor stunts, and games you didn’t even know existed. But outside the festival season, it’s just a charming Punjabi village full of mustard fields and good food.
How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Ludhiana (15 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Ludhiana (15 km)
It’s a short drive from Ludhiana city to Kila Raipur.
9. Majuli, Assam – The River Island Village
The largest river island in the world, Majuli sits in the Brahmaputra and is full of satras (monasteries), mask-making traditions, and breathtaking landscapes. Life here flows with the river—slow, peaceful, and deeply connected to nature. Perfect for travelers who want culture and calm in one trip.
How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Jorhat (20 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Jorhat Town (20 km)
From Jorhat, you need to take a ferry across the Brahmaputra to reach Majuli.
10. Kutchhi Villages, Gujarat – The Colourful Desert Dwellings
Scattered across the Rann of Kutch are small villages like Hodka and Nirona, where mud houses with mirror work and colourful handicrafts bring the desert to life. Staying in a bhunga (traditional circular hut) here is a true slow-travel experience. Add camel rides, local food, and endless salt flats—you won’t want to leave.
How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Bhuj (65 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Bhuj (65 km)
From Bhuj, buses and taxis take you to different Kutchhi villages.
How to Plan Your Trip to 10 Hidden Villages in India
Planning a trip to the 10 hidden villages in India is a little different from booking your usual touristy getaway. These villages are offbeat, so it helps to keep things simple and flexible. Start by picking the region you want to explore—whether it’s the green hills of the Northeast, the deserts of Kutch, or the Himalayan hamlets of Uttarakhand and Himachal. From there, book your tickets to the nearest airport or railway station, and be prepared for the last leg of your journey through shared jeeps, buses, or short treks.
Since most of these places don’t have big hotels, look for local homestays or guesthouses. They not only give you a comfortable stay but also let you experience village life more closely. Pack light, carry some cash (as ATMs may be rare), and don’t rely too much on mobile networks—think of it as a digital detox. A little planning goes a long way, but the best part about visiting these villages is leaving space for surprises that only slow travel can bring.
Why Choose These 10 Hidden Villages in India for Your Next Escape?
Because here, travel isn’t about ticking boxes or rushing through itineraries. It’s about sitting with a cup of chai and listening to stories from the locals. It’s about walking at your own pace, eating fresh home-cooked meals, and finding beauty in simplicity.
These villages might not have 5-star hotels or fancy Wi-Fi, but they have something way more valuable—peace, authenticity, and a chance to actually breathe.
Want to learn more about slow travel? Click here to read my guide on embracing the magic of slow travel.
Which of These 10 Hidden Villages in India Will You Visit?
Each of these destinations offers a unique blend of culture, nature, and a pace of life that city dwellers can only dream of. From the clean streets of Mawlynnong to the colorful art of Kutch, these 10 hidden villages in India are more than just places to see—they are experiences to be felt. If any of these have made it to your bucket list, or you have already visited any of them, share your favorite in the comments below!