Valleys in India
India is such a land where you feel you have entered into an altogether different world. Most travellers seek out beaches, mountains and big cities but there are valleys so beautiful, so untouched, that they feel like secret worlds- hidden away to crowds, noise and even time itself.
In case you have been longing to visit a place in which every sight brings the feeling of an individual discovery, then these valleys will capture your heart. And yes, you can be there in a speedier time than you can imagine with a simple flight reservation. After bringing your wonder (and perhaps a warm coat) all you need to do is explore.
1. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh The Land in The Middle Of Heaven and Earth
And think you are off in a stark desert driving along at 12,000 feet, with jagged mountains, turquoise rivers, and old monasteries hanging on the cliffs. Ah, that’s Spiti Valley- the land so remote that one couldn’t help thinking that they have forgotten that this world exists.
It has a short summer, severe winters and each moment is magic. One can even trek to Chandratal Lake or go and see Key Monastery or sit under the infinite number of stars. It is remote, which makes it have fewer visitors, hence giving you a feel like you have met a hidden kingdom.
How to reach there: Take a low-cost flight to Kullu or Shimla and also reach there via road. The journey in itself is adventurous.
2. Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand -The Hidden Garden of nature
In case heaven has a garden, then there is a high probability that it can be compared to the Valley of Flowers. The main attraction of this place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site itself, which during monsoon months turns into the riot of colours. Blossoms of rare flowers in the Himalayas grow in all possible colors with snow tops observing them.
The valley can only be reached by trekking and this makes it more attractive. It has no markets, no hotels, pure and virginal beauty. It is the dream of nature lovers, photographers and people who need a break out of the sounds of the life.
How to reach: Just book a flight to Dehradun, you then have beautiful drive to Joshimath and then you start your trek.
3. Ziro valley, Arunachal Pradesh-Whispers of the East
Ziro Valley is like a fairytale because it is set in the Eastern Himalayas. In the state, endless rice fields, hills covered with spruce and the specific culture of the Apatani tribe give the impression of time being slower here.
It is home to the Ziro Music festival, but the real magic of the valley is the daily magic of watching mist blow across the fields, of cycling down quaint lanes, and meeting the locals sharing local rice beer and folk tunes.
How to get there: A low cost flight to Guwahati or Lilabari and drive into the valley. The shifting sceneries will have you seat attached by the window.
4. Dzukou Valley, Nagaland-Manipur Border-Valley of Eternal Spring
There is only one place that makes you feel like it has been painted by a dreamer and that place is Dzukou Valley. It is a sea of green mountains, annual wild flowers and what is crystal clear is its stream chaired by the Nagaland-Manipur border.
Most well known in the valley is the rare Dzukou lily which blossoms in the summer. It is also trekking heaven and in mornings, it is misty and the views are endless. The best part; It is not yet a tourist attraction to majority of tourists and you can walk and feel lonely at the same time as you cross the miles.
How to get there: Fly to Dimapur or Imphal and, then, travel by jeep and on foot.
5. Himachal Pradesh Pangi Valley-The Last Frontier
Although the majority of the travellers remain on the popular areas in Himachal Pradesh such as Manali or Shimla, Pangi is a wild rugged and wonderfully untouched. It is region of raging rivers, deep caverns, and picturesque wooden hamlets as it is far side of the Pir Panjal range.
The road here is a journey on its own- up and down little narrow roads, suspension bridges and scenery with its rough edges that leave you breathless. In case you want to really feel like you have gone to another world, this is it.
How to get there: Fly to Jammu or Dharamshala and brace yourself, it is going to be memorable drive.
6. Yumthang Valley, Sikkim -Eastern Valley of Flowers
Whereas the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand is well known, Yumthang is recently known as its obscure cousin in the East. Referred to as the Valley of Flowers of the Sikkim, it is covered by rhododendrons in the spring season, and one can find secluded snow peak views on any part of the year.
To make it even more magical, there are hot springs, wandering yaks and it is near the Indo-China border which evokes the untouched, frontier vibe.
How to get there: A flight to Bagdogra is followed by a drive through the pretty Sikkimese villages to the valley.
7. Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh The Coffee-Scented Secret
North is not the only location of secret valleys. Araku Valley The Southern Indian Coffee- scented Oasis in the Eastern Ghats is the lush green Escape. Waterfalls cascade over precipices, green knolls stretch toward the horizon and tribal culture makes your visit even more interesting.
To get to Araku, the train journey between Visakhapatnam and Araku is one of the most beautiful in India with train through tunnels and across bridges with magnificent views into valleys.
How to get there: Fly to Visakhapatnam on a cheap ticket and either travel on the train up into the hills or drive up.
The Reason Why these Valleys are Like Secret Worlds
There is something so special about these valleys, not only in their beauty, but in the sense of remoteness, too. You do not go there; you go into another tempo of life. The air is cleaner, the silence thicker and the people closer. They are such locations where something like just a walk becomes the memory which stays just in your memory.
And the cool thing? You do not even need to spend a lot of money to get there because of affordable alternatives. Volcanic valleys- Whether you managed to find a cheap early bird flight or one last minute purchase, volcanic valleys are easier to reach than ever.
Planning YOUR Secret Valley Escape Tips
To get good opportunities on your flight ticket book flights early.
Travel light, travel smart packing, layers in mountains, rain covers in monsoons.
Be considerate of the local culture and environment- most of these destinations are ecologically vulnerable.
Hike slowly- these valleys are slow and steady.
Final Thoughts
The valleys of India have more applications than beautiful places- they are places where you pass by, stop and even get lost. It doesn’t matter whether you drink coffee in Araku, watch yaks grazing in Yumthang or lie under Milky Way in Spiti, you will find yourself connected to nature in a manner, which is not possible in city life.
Thus, the second time you wanderlust you want to go somewhere, avoid the touristy areas. Book that flight and step into one of those concealed worlds and see how the valley can turn you together with your view of traveling.
