Off the Taj: India has got far more underrated cities worth your next flight

When you mention the traditional tourist places in India, you will instantly think of the Taj Mahal, the palaces in Jaipur or the beaches in Goa. But what about next time you visit some place that you are not just going to write a post card about? The India treasure trove of culture-laden, food-filled, architectural- and story-rich cities is one whose travel itinerary is underrated more than once. Therefore, enjoy these little secrets before you purchase another air ticket. Believe us, such cities should be on the first place in your attitude to make flights in these establishments!

1. Bundi, India – City of Blue and Stepwells

As Jaipur and Udaipur steal the spotlight, Bundi undergoes a fairy tale of its own involving old stepwells and elaborate paintings on walls and a fort that you can find yourself living in. Enjoy exploring its winding streets painted blue, visit the Bundi Palace which is a fantastic mixture of colors and gawk at the ancient baoris (stepwells) which once provided water to the town.

Bundi: Less than popular, the place gives you time to absorb the Rajasthani hospitality at your own sweet time.

Hint: Fly in to Jaipur on a low-fare air ticket and drive down to Bundi a 3-hours trip through time covering centuries.

2. The largest river island of the world is Majuli of Assam

Have you ever pictured being in an island resort on the banks of a river? Majuli, nurtured by the great river Brahmaputra is just that. It is an island where there are cultural centers of Assamese 

neo-Vaishnavite monasteries called Satras where dance, music and art are developed to a significant extent. Bike through green villages, sleep in bamboo huts and five monks who perform the dual roles of mask-makers and story-tellers. To see the raw rustic beauty of Majuli, one will have to be in the island before it loses more of its landmass.

Hint: The cheapest fares can be obtained at Jorhat when you book previous flight tickets. It is a ferry trip to Majuli starting at Jorhat

3. Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh: History Made In Threads

You might be acquainted with the term Chanderi sarees but the town Chanderi is a masterpiece in itself. Placed in the midst of forests and hills, the town is full of fortresses, Jain temples and ancient gates that tell tales of the past. Observe the artisan weaving process, and choose a sample of the ancient cloth as a travel memory.

Tip: This is a very rewarding trip, suggestions are to fly cheap to Bhopal or Gwalior and drive through the very scenic countryside to Chanderi.

4. Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh: a music and pine meadow

Ziro Valley is a dream come true destination of all dreamers with huge rice fields, pine hills and Apatani tribal culture. Should you visit in September, you will be able to attend the famous Ziro Music Festival where indie bands play under stars. However, even during off-season Ziro with its serene landscape, bamboo huts and the warm tribal hospitality is worth this long trip.

Tip: The closest airport is located at Lilabari, Assam. Take an air ticket to Lilabari and then drive off to Ziro enjoying the views. It can not be beaten as an offbeat adventure.

5. Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh: Caves That Tell The Age-Old Stories

Kurnool is not in many bucket lists and definitely, it should be. It is here that you will get to see the marvelous Belum Caves which is the second largest cave system in India. Stroll across stalactite formations and old ways which were used by Buddhist monks once. Throw in the ruins of Konda Reddy Fort and Oravakallu Rock Garden in your schedule and you have a historical tour that is not mired in the tourist hustle.

Tip: Use a cheap flight to Hyderabad and then use a short train or bus service, to reach Kurnool. The adventure in itself is worth travelling to the caves.

6. All About Gokarna, Karnataka: The Peaceful Relative of Goa

When busy Goa beaches are too mainstream, meet Gokarna to the south where beaches are clean, shacks are primitive and evenings are more than magical. Be it Om Beach to just rest and relax, trekking to Paradise beach, or to visit some of the oldest temples, Gokarna will offer you a similar vibe spending time at a beach but without the over-commercialization.

There is a tip: book a flight ticket to Dabolim Airport, Goa, or Mangaluru, and by taking a cab or bus, get down to Gokarna. You can easily find cheap offers to save your trip to pocket after early flight reservation.

7. Bhuj Gujarat: The Entrance to the lesser known beauties of Kutch

Majority of tourists make a beeline to the Rann of Kutch during the salt desert festival, but yet the town of Bhuj is a unique town that has a heritage of havelis, craft villages along with the resilience that has reflected in its architecture, especially post the 2001 earthquake. Have a look at Aina Mahal, Prag Mahal and other villages such as Nirona and you will find Rogan art being practiced; one of the only two families in India practicing that craft!

Hint: Please reserve a flight to Bhuj through Ahmedabad or directly during festival time. Watch out on any cheap flights particularly during the off-season where lodging and activities are very cheap.

These are the underrated cities that you should consider flying to next.

Travelling is not about marking world heritage sites. It is tales that u come across, tastes that u have not yet tasted and characters that will forever cross the mind of your head. Next time you are contemplating your vacation, don t think on Taj Mahal. Research these forgotten cities and book a flight ticket and experience a part of India most travellers never get to see.

And every day there are more low-cost airlines and special offers, which makes it very easy to make a cheap flight booking. We at HappyEasyGo are of the view that travelling should not cost you a lot and leave a dent in your pocket. Price compare, book in advance and you will never miss the best flight booking options on your next eccentric trip.

Take Up and Ready?

Get your suitcases ready, charge your camera and leave your heart open. The under-rated cities of India are full of unexplored lanes, untold stories and smiling faces. The greatest thing of all? The way of finding them is a just a round trip ticket. The time to fly out of the beaten path is here – after all, this is what every flight should enable you to uncover those marvelous hidden experiences of India.

To make your cheap flight book it now with HappyEasyGo and get the adventure going.