India is a vast country with so many interesting cultures, delicious food, and exciting attractions. But while most visitors choose to visit the larger cities to experience this country, there are plenty of small towns that also have various unique things to offer. Next time in India, skip the large cities and head over to these small towns and get ready for an unforgettable experience.

10 Mandawa, Rajasthan

Mandawa is a town filled with interesting culture, rich history, and artistic beauty. A great way to explore this town will be to walk or ride a bike through the streets to see the several art galleries and murals it is endowed with. While touring the town, check out the architectural wonder of the Rajasthan palace building and the impressive Raghunath temple. Mandawa also has several shops and a market which has lots of cultural products and artistic artifacts for sale. One would enjoy the festivities here and could even learn new dancing steps.

9 Matheran, Maharashtra

Matheran comes with natural beauty and lots of adventures. With no vehicles allowed inside this town, visitors here will enjoy their vacation without the worry of being hit by an impatient driver. While in Matheran, one can take a walk to the Chanderi Caves or even join the Neral-Matheran Toy Train in Maharashtra. Dodhani Waterfalls and Charlotte lake are some more interesting attractions worth visiting while in Matheran. Travelers looking for scenery can head to Louisa hill point for a clifftop view of the nature surrounding the town.

8 Idukki, Kerala

This picturesque, evergreen alluring district in Kerala is the perfect definition of a romantic paradise. All over the area are scenic views of trees, plants, and water. Eravikulam National Park is the perfect place to see the mesmerizing natural scenery surrounding this district that contains two towns. The park is endowed with amazing wildlife, beautiful birds, scenic waterbodies, and an abundance of plants and trees. Eravikulam National Park is a great place to hike and see a mountain landscape in India's Idukki District. The pleasant weather here and the excellent cuisine are more reasons this is a must-visit destination for those in Kerala.

Related: Best River Cruises You Can Take In Kerala (& Throughout India)

7 Nako, Himachal Pradesh

Nako is a cozy, pretty village with warm and friendly locals and interesting sites to see. The size of the village makes it easy for travelers to easily walk through the streets and witness the natural beauty and also experience the rustic atmosphere. The village has an ancient temple, a picturesque lake, and lots of historic structures. Opportunities for boating, skating, and hiking are offered in this village, and the food is particularly good.

6 Chopta, Uttarakhand

Known for its Chandrashila Peak, this beautiful Hamlet in Uttarakhand is a perfect getaway for visitors seeking natural beauty and lots of adventures in India. Just a view of the surrounding natural beauty and the scent of the sweet-smelling flowers will help visitors unwind and destress. With numerous shops, historical attractions, and cafes, as well as activities like skiing, rappelling, and hiking available, there’s never a dull moment for visitors in this village.

5 Panamik, Ladakh

Nestled on the banks of the Nubra river, this dazzling hamlet and its breathtaking peaks are sure to take one's breath away. Located in Ladakh - India's Himalayan Tibet, the village is known for many things some of which include - the Siachen glacier, the highest battlefield in the world, Bactrian camels, hot springs, and pashmina goats. With such endowments, visitors are sure to enjoy an amazing time here. The village also has affordable accommodation, good food, and a market to ensure visitors enjoy every single moment they spend here.

  • Where You Should Stay: The Kyagar, Sumur Nubra Valley
  • ​​​​​​​Address: Kyagar Village Link Road Nubra Valley, Hundar 194 401
  • Amenities: Spa/wellness center, restaurant, internet

4 Chikmagalur, Karnataka

Picturesque views of high peaks, green forest, and a pleasant atmosphere are some features visitors to Chikmagalur will be met with. This coffee land, as some would call it, is a true beauty as it is endowed with waterfalls, a lush green hill station, tea plantations, and wonderful wildlife sanctuaries. A great thing to do in this city will be to wander outdoors and just take in the area’s natural beauty. For more adventures, the city has a wildlife Sanctuary, a coffee museum, picturesque rivers and lakes, and several temples that visitors will enjoy visiting.

3 Mawlynnong, Meghalaya

Situated in the East Khasi region is the beautiful village of Mawlnnong, which is endowed with natural attractions and streets covered with beautiful trees. Mawlynnong is also known for its exceptional cleanliness, which has even earned it the title of the cleanest village in Asia. Visitors here can walk the entire village within a few hours, but with attractions such as the root bridge, the Mawlynnong waterfall, and the historic Church of the Epiphany, one can easily spend days here.

2 Landour, Uttarakhand

Popular for its tastefully designed architectural structures, this colonial-style town is one of the treasures of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand. The laid-back atmosphere and the untouched natural beauty that surrounds it are some reasons it is so appealing. The town is endowed with cafes, restaurants, and several attractions that ensure visitors enjoy a memorable vacation here.

Related: 10 Tips To Keep In Mind Before Your Trip To India

1 Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

The small town of Ziro Valley comes with pristine nature, rich culture, and welcoming locals. The town features a quaint atmosphere, and its location makes it a perfect hideout for travelers seeking to relax in nature. With several quaint homestay accommodations, restaurants, and a market, visitors here will enjoy a great time. Opportunities for adventures such as - camping, hiking, and wildlife exploration are also available here.

  • Where You Should Stay: Vamoose Dogindo​​​​​​​
  • Amenities: Flat-screen TV, free parking, garden