The 16 Most Beautiful Villages In India

India is the land of villages. You will be surprised to know that there are more than 60 lakh villages in India, each with a unique identity. Once you visit these villages in India you get to know the true roots of the country. Visiting a rural region may sound like a rustic affair but therein lies the true essence of India. The vast expanse of the country’s landscape in these rural settings will surely leave you awe-inspired. We have compiled a list of some of the famous villages in India. Read on to pick the most beautiful village in India and visit it during this holiday season.

Best Villages in India to visit: North

1. Diskit Village, Ladakh

Diskit is set in the remote region of Ladakh. The village is surrounded by the beauty and thrill that Ladakh has to offer to its many visitors. The town houses the Diskit Monastery which was built in the 14th century and still stands strong as the main Buddhist pilgrimage site.

This best village in India also plays host to the statue of Maitreya Buddha who is said to have blessed the town. The place also enjoys the serenity of the nearby mountains as well as proximity to the Nubra Valley where you can take a short day trip to. Bird watching is also an activity that is most sought after in this valley.

• Best time to visit: June to September

2.Landour, Uttarakhand

Landour is a quaint little town in Uttarakhand best known for being the home to the famous author Ruskin Bond. This most beautiful village in India is blessed with a pleasant climate throughout the year owing to the mountains that envelop the little town. The town also has some British-era churches like the Kellogg’s Church, St.Paul and the Methodist church that you must visit. The town also offers some popular trekking routes that will take you through the beautiful valleys of Uttarakhand. If you get lucky you might even have a chance of meeting Ruskin Bond who has a summer house here.

• Best time to visit: October to June

3. Malana, Himachal Pradesh

Malana is one of the mysterious villages in India, Himachal Pradesh, that every nature lover must visit at least once in their lifetime. The village is said to be the home of a unique clan who are direct descendants of Alexander’s army. The villagers here are said to be very protective of their traditions and customs. The best village in India also happens to be one of the world’s most ancient democracies that still stands to date. The place offers many hiking spots like the Chandrakhani Pass, the Rashol Pass, and the mesmerizing Jari Falls.

• Best time to visit: March to June and September to October

4. Nako, Lahaul Spiti

Nako in Spiti Valley is blessed with a very unique topography that almost resembles the moon. The place is among the famous villages in India that are close to the Tibetan border and share certain cultural influences with them. You can visit Tabo, which is an ancient monastery and a UNESCO heritage site that was built in the 9th century. Nako is also quite close to Kibber which happens to be the highest village in the world. You will be acquainted with the true Ladakhi lifestyle and get to experience staying in stone homes and monasteries. People often go to Nako to experience the solitude and reconnect with themselves.

• Best time to visit: July to September

5. Mawlynnong, Meghalaya

Mawlynnong in Meghalaya is the state’s hidden gem. The village has a strong commitment to promoting eco-tourism in the area, an initiative that is supported by both the local community and the government as well.  It is one of the most famous villages in India that was awarded the cleanest village accolade in 2003. The most distinctive feature of this village is, however, the living roots bridge. The locals have engineered a bridge of the living roots of the surrounding trees by manipulating its growth. You can try some lip-smacking delicacies that are prepared in bamboo shoots as well as go cave exploring when in Mawlynnong.

• Best time to visit: October to April.

6. Majuli, Assam

Majuli is the largest river island in the world, located on the banks of the Brahmaputra River. The island is spread across 400 square kilometres and is a popular tourist spot. The island can be accessed only by ferries. It is said that the people have adapted to the water habitat and some fishermen can hold their breath longer than the average human. People across the globe come to visit this phenomenon as well as experience the Assamese culture. Majuli is one of the most famous villages in India that also offers activities like boat rides during the sunrise. You can also explore ancient museums here.

• Best time to visit: October to April.

Guwahati is the nearest metropolitan city to Majuli Island. Book your stays at Hotels in Guwahati, relax for a few hours and set out on your journey to Majuli. 

7. Mandawa, Rajasthan

Mandawa is a town that was founded in the 18th century by rich Rajasthani merchants. Their opulence and epicurean lifestyle are clearly evident in the many mansions that comprise this best village in India. The heritage and monolithic mansions attract a large number of history buffs to this village. You can also explore the beautiful mansions and snap all the beautiful frescoes. The town is also lined with some local markets where you can buy souvenirs to take back home. The village also serves some scrumptious local Rajasthani cuisine that you should definitely try.

• Best time to visit: October to March.

8. Kasol

Although a small village, Kasol is home to many expats living in India, especially Israelis. This little hamlet is famous for its hippie culture and is every backpacker’s paradise in India. This most beautiful village in India is lined with some quaint cafes that serve some of the most delicious international cuisines you will dine upon. The village is known for its ethereal beauty and some trekking trails. You can undertake several trekking routes with Sherpas who also act as your guides.

• Best time to visit: March to May.

9. Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

Ziro Valley is among the unobtrusive idyllic villages in India, set in the hidden hills of Arunachal Pradesh. The village is an offbeat tourist spot in India. The village is blessed with some aesthetic beauty like a lush pine forest, snow-laden mountains and some of the rarest exotic creatures you will ever see. There are a plethora of offbeat things that you can do here like wading through the massive rice fields or getting a tattoo from the Apatani tribe. If you appreciate soul-satisfying music then the Ziro Festival of music will surely touch the chords of your heart

• Best time to visit: March to October

10. Gokarna village, Karnataka

Gokarna is a coastal town located in Karnataka and is very close to the state of Goa. Unlike its neighbouring state of Goa, Gokarna shares a very serene atmosphere. The village also has a cultural history, it is said that one of Lord Shiva’s Lingam is situated in this village. This is one of those villages in India that sees a mix of both pilgrims as well as tourists visiting the village to spend some time nestled in the lap of serenity.

• Best time to visit: June to August

11. Poovar, Kerala

Poovar is a small town that remains untainted by the rapid urbanization Kerala has seen in recent times. Although just 30 kilometres from Trivandrum, not many people know about this small town. The village is filled with scenic places that you can visit, the best part about this town is that you need not leave your houseboats and can just ride to those spots through the backwaters that connect the different parts of Poovar. The famous Bhadra Kali temple is located in its vicinity as well.

• Best time to visit: October to February

12. Khimsar, Rajasthan

Khimsar is a picturesque, fleeting village located right in the heart of Rajasthan. It is surrounded by the Thar desert which only complements the aesthetic beauty of the village. The village is lined with relics from the ancient past that you can visit and get acquainted with the Rajputana culture. You can also engage in desert safaris that are conducted in both jeeps or on camel tops. Adventure enthusiasts will particularly fancy the village because it gives them a chance to camp out in the sand dunes. The Panchala Blackbuck Reserve is also quite close to the village and can be on your list of places to visit

• Best time to visit: October to March.

13. Agatti Island, Lakshadweep Islands

Agatti Island is located in the union territory of Lakshadweep Island. The island boasts of clear gold-sand beaches that share a tryst with clear blue waters. The island will leave any onlooker spellbound with its captivating beauty. The island also has diverse aquatic marine life and coral cultures growing in its vicinity. The island also offers various activities like sailing, scuba diving and snorkelling. You can also spend your evenings trekking around the city. Why is an island on our list of villages in India? Because Agatti Island stays true to its roots and is unlike the tourist hotspots that adapt the western culture to attract visitors. Here, you can bask in the glory of nature and also understand the local culture with ease. 

• Best time to visit: October to February.

14. Almora, Uttarakhand

Almora is among the most unusual villages in India. As soon as you set foot here, you will be mesmerised by its rustic charm. From the outside, it seems like any other regular village but it offers all the amenities and facilities of an urban city. The village has various lodges that offer you the village experience without cutting down on your luxury. The village also provides an uncut view of the Himalayan range that will surely enhance your tranquil evenings. The rare Surya temple is also located here.

• Best time to visit: April to June and September to November.

15. Idukki, Kerala

Idukki is set in the highest point of the western ghats in the state of Kerala. The town is known for combining the elated beauty of the hills with the quietude of the small village. This is one of the best villages in India that boasts a lot of natural beauty that includes, lakes forests waterfalls, Jungle trails etc. The village is also known for its various spice plantations that taper down over the surrounding hills. You can also go camping by the Idukki arch dam. Once you are done exploring the village you can relax with the local tribal people of Idukki who will also dish up a simple yet tasty meal.

• Best time to visit:  October to May.

16. Yana, Karnataka

Yana is a town that is hidden away in the forests of Karnataka. It is overlooked by the Sahyadri mountains providing it with a picturesque scene. The most unusual aspect of the town is the black crystalline rocks that manifest into a Shiva lingam that has baffled many scientists as well as rational thinkers. The rock gathers the attention of several pilgrims as well as nature enthusiasts to this place. You can also visit the nearby Vibhooti Falls here.

• Best time to visit:  January to March and September and October.

Villages in India are the legacies of our country. Our entire heritage is portrayed perfectly by these places that are no less than museums that house snippets from the past. You can pay a visit to these marvellous villages in India to get back in touch with our historic roots and also understand a little bit more about yourselves. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get exploring! Let us know of your experiences in the comments section below.