I’ve lived in India my whole life. Tourists always visit the Taj Mahal, but miss these 5 incredible destinations.

Many visitors come to India with some marquee spots in mind: the Taj Mahal, Jaipur’s palaces, Kerala’s backwaters. In my opinion, these places are just one layer of the country.

I’ve lived in India all my life and traveled all over, from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. Time and time again, I’ve encountered tourists who visit the same few landmarks instead of truly exploring all the nature, historic architecture, and quaint villages my country has to offer.

With 28 states, eight union territories, and pretty much every landscape imaginable — including salt deserts and volcanic islands — there’s so much of India beyond the Taj Mahal. There are five trips in particular that I’d recommend to anyone planning a visit here.

Explore stunning beaches and sail to India’s only active volcano.

Among India’s major beach destinations, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands remain one of the least visited by international travelers.

They received fewer than 11,500 foreign tourists in 2024.

In my opinion, this territory — which is sprinkled with postcard-perfect white-sand beaches — is a hidden gem. (Just keep in mind that if you’re a foreigner, you’ll need to obtain a permit before staying here.)

Venture east, and the landscape turns otherworldly: You’ll see a remote, uninhabited island with a quietly-smoldering crater. This is Barren Island, home to India’s only active volcano.

Although going ashore is prohibited, ships and speedboats from Port Blair or Havelock Island sail close enough for dramatic views of the smoking rim.

The fluorescent-blue waters are among the Andamans’ top diving spots, with lava rock formations and marine life including reef fish and manta rays.

Go stargazing at 12,000 feet and scale frozen waterfalls in Spiti Valley.

This high-altitude region of the Indian Himalayas lies in Himachal Pradesh, accessible only via precarious mountain roads from Manali or Shimla. As remote as Spiti is, though, there’s a lot to see here.

Typically, from around October to March, waterfalls like Lingti and Sheela Nala near the town of Kaza freeze into sheer pillars of ice, drawing serious ice climbers. This is also prime snow-leopard season — trained local guides offer multiday treks to help you spot the elusive “gray ghost.”

Another reason to visit is the new stargazing facility in Kaza. At nearly 12,000 feet with virtually no light pollution, this is the perfect spot to catch constellations and the Milky Way, especially during the summer months from May to July.

Foreigners need a Protected Area Permit, available online, to enter and stay in certain parts of Spiti Valley.

Explore the artisan villages of Odisha.

Odisha, a state on India’s east coast, might be lesser known by some international tourists, but it’s home to centuries-old craft traditions.

One of my must-see parts of the state is Raghurajpur, a colorful village where tons of locals keep up an ancient art called pattachitra, which involves painting mythological stories on cloth.

Many artists here have earned national awards for preserving this 12th-century art form. The village is also known for palm-leaf engravings, papier-mâché masks, and carved wooden toys.

About 17 miles away, the town of Pipili is known for chandua, Odisha’s distinctive appliqué craft used to decorate temples and festival chariots.

You can explore these villages on foot, meet artists in their homes that double as studios, and buy handcrafted pieces directly from them.

Spot the rare Asiatic lions, ancient ruins, and European-style mansions in Gujarat.

Often skipped over by travelers rushing between Mumbai and Rajasthan, the state of Gujarat delivers big rewards for those who detour west.

There’s Dholavira, a 4,500-year-old Harappan city set on an island within the Great Rann of Kutch — a vast, blinding-white salt desert that glows under a full moon during Rann Utsav, a cultural festival held annually from November to February.

You’ll find wild donkeys darting across the Little Rann of Kutch sanctuary, and the rare Asiatic lions in Gir National Park, the last place on Earth where they roam free.

In the state’s main city, Ahmedabad, bold modernist buildings are juxtaposed with centuries-old mosques. Meanwhile, in the sleepy town of Sidhpur — just a couple of hours north — you’ll find pastel-painted mansions that blend Art Deco, Baroque, and Indian styles.

Hike India’s own Grand Canyon.

In the southern state of Andhra Pradesh lies Gandikota, a lesser-known gorge carved by the Penna River. The steep cliffs form a dramatic maze of jagged red rock, earning it the nickname “the Grand Canyon of India” for its striking resemblance to the US landmark.

On the edge of the gorge is a 13th-century fort, with weathered ramparts and two ancient temples built from the same rust-hued stone.

There are other things to do and see in this area, too. About 90 minutes away are the Belum Caves, India’s second-largest cave system. Formed from black limestone, the caves are worth a visit for their striking stalagmite and stalactite formations.

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