Despite being home to a myriad of UNESCO World Heritage sites and beautiful places, India quite on the tourist frontier due to its reputation as an overcrowded, dirty place. However, despite its high population density, this vast country is home to a handful of places where you can find solitude and untouched natural beauty, and venturing into these lesser-known territories of India is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In this article, we’ll show you this different side of this country and cover the most isolated places in India.
But first, let’s cover some basics…
Helpful Resources For Discovering The Most Isolated Places In India
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Siachen Glacier, Ladakh
We start off this bucket list of the most isolated places in India with the Siachen Glacier. The glacier holds the title as the ‘Third Pole’ with its glacial water reserves surpassing all others on the planet after polar ice caps. This ice formation extends 76 kilometers from end to end while resting above sea level at 5,400 meters.
This glacial location exists between snow-covered mountain peaks with its three rare animal inhabitants, including the snow leopard, the Himalayan brown bear, and the ibex. The region is only accessible through exclusive expeditions after officials from local authorities grant specific permission due to its geographical location near China and harsh climatic environment.
Phugtal Monastery, Ladakh
Leaning against cliff walls since its establishment in the early 12th century, Phugtal Monastery welcomes the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Due to the lack of a direct road, the Monastery remains difficult to search and reach, and can be accessed exclusively through an extensive trek across rough ridges of mountains.
Chatpal, Jammu and Kashmir
The Indian locals refer to Chatpal as “Heaven On Earth” thanks to its positioning deep in the Pir Panjal mountain range. Its verdant meadows, dense forests, sparkling streams, majestic peaks, and abundant wildlife make it a perfect destination for solo travelers visiting India looking to get away from it all. Despite being one of the most isolated places in India, in Chatpal you will find a lot of trekking opportunities, a lot of places where you can go camping, and in recent years, even yoga retreats,.
Zanskar, Jammu & Kashmir
Kashmir is home to many remote places but only a few can compare to Zanskar. Enclosed between the Greater Himalayas and the Zanskar range, this remote valley is famous for its rugged beauty, ancient monasteries, and the indigenous Zanskari people who inhabit the region. The only way in is the Zanskar River; yes that’s right, there’s not even a road leading there. And this river freezes in the winter! During this time of the year, the only way to get there is via the Chadar Trek.
Pangong Tso, Ladakh
Located at an elevation of approximately 4,350 meters, Pangong Lake is one of the world’s highest and most stunning lakes. Pangong Lake exhibits various hues every day that transform between brilliant blue when skies remain clear to a greenish-gray appearance when the clouds appear. Made famous by Indian blockbuster 3 Idiots, today Pangong Tso is one of the best destinations in India for camping. The lake also acts as a biodiversity epicenter that supports essential breeding activities for a number of migrating bird species, particularly the endangered Black-necked cranes and seagulls.
Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Spiti Valley is one of India’s most remote geographic areas in the northern region of Himachal Pradesh, lying between India and Tibet, hence its popular nickname- ‘Little Tibet’. The so-called valley is basically a high desert land that’s home to several isolated small villages, and multiple ancient Buddhist monasteries built centuries ago, including Tabo Monastery and Ki Monastery, as well as ancient cave paintings that point to civilization in the valley going back more than a thousand years.
Nako, Himachal Pradesh
Nestled at an altitude of over 3,600 meters, Nako is an oasis of calm and natural beauty in the heart of the Trans-Himalayan region. best known for being home to Nako Lake, with water so clean, it reflects the imposing snow-capped peaks that surround the village. The lake is also home to four Buddhist temples with impressive stucco images and murals that showcase Nako’s deep-rooted Buddhist culture. Last but not least, Nako also serves as the starting point to the Tashigang trek where the famou Guru Padmasambhava often meditated.
Dharwas, Himachal Pradesh
Dharwas is a small, picturesque village located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, and one of the most isolated places in India. It’s situated in the lap of the Dhauladhar range, one of the country’s least explored regions and it gives you the chance to catch a glimpse of authentic Himalayan life. The nearest town is Dharamshala, about 45 kilometers away which is also pretty remote on its own.
Kibithu, Arunachal Pradesh
Kibithu is a small town located in the Anjaw District of Arunachal Pradesh, the easternmost state of India. To get to the town you need to drive the easternmost motorable road in India and face rough terrain and challenging weather conditions but the scenic views of the Lohit River and the dense forests you’ll meet along the way make this a worthwhile experience even though you have to drive on one of India’s most challenging roads.
Kalap, Uttarakhand
Nestled in the upper reaches of the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, Kalap is another beautiful remote village sitting at approximately 7,500 feet above sea level, that remains untouched (at least not yet) by the bustle of mainstream tourism.
Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh
Mechuka, whose name translates to “Medicinal Water of Snow” (a reference to the snow-capped mountains that surround the area), is a small town nestled in the West Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh that lies approximately 6,000 feet above sea level and is only 30 kilometers away from the Indo-Tibetan border without any other settlements nearby. The only people who live here are the indigenous Memba people who follow a unique blend of Tibetan Buddhism and apparently like being at least somewhat isolated.
Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh
Tucked away in the remote mountains of Arunachal Pradesh, Ziro is one of the most isolated places in Indi even though these days that is changing with the annual Ziro Music Festival. The town is home to the Apatani tribe, and its most prominent feature are the pine-clad gentle hills interspersed with bamboo huts that make the area the ultimate serene getaway from the urban chaos.
Laitmawsiang, Meghalaya
Laitmawsiang is another remote town also known as the Garden of Caves, due to the range of stunning rock formations, millions of years old that can be found in the area. This isolated region is inhabited by the local Khasi people who are known for their vibrant culture and hospitality (even though they live kind of isolated). They have managed to preserve their simple, archaic way of life throughout the years and live as custodians of the rich biodiversity in Laitmawsiang.
Haflong, Assam
Haflong is the highest and most remote hill station in the state of Assam, often referred to as “Switzerland of the East” by locals due to its scenic alpine lakes. Haflong is also home to several indigenous tribes, including the Dimasa, Zeme Naga, Hmar, and Kuki, making the town a diverse cultural melting pot despite its remote location.
Garamur, Assam
Located in the Majuli district of Assam, Garamur is one of the largest river islands in the world and (obviously) one of the most isolated places in India. The town is nestled in the majestic Brahmaputra (imagine, the river is so big, it has a whole town inside of it) and is historically significant due to its association with the Assamese neo-Vaishnavite culture. Garamur is home to one of the important “Satras” (religious and cultural institutions) established by Srimanta Sankardeva, a 15th-16th century Assamese saint, scholar and cultural reformer.
Dzukou Valley, Manipur
Located at the border between Nagaland and Manipur at 3,450 meters above sea level, Dzukou Valley is also known as the “Valley of Flowers of the Northeast” because it’s home to hundreds of different exotic endemic flowers like the Dzkou Lily, only found here and nowhere else.
Phawngpui, Mizoram
Standing at 2,157 meters (7,077 feet) above sea level, Phawngpui is the highest mountain peak in the state of Mizoram and one of the highest ones in India’s northeast. The peak sits near the southeastern border of India and Myanmar hundreds of kilometers away from the nearest village and it’s home to a myriad of various bird species which makes it one of the best birdwatching places in the country.
Thangu Valley, Sikkim
Thangu Valley is a scenic high-altitude village in the far north of Sikkim. It’s remote because well it sits at 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) above sea level. The vallye’s absolute highlight are its alpine meadows, scenic rivers, and snowy mountains. Another reason why the valley is one of the most isolated places in India is its strategic location close to the Chinese border which is a militarized area (because of the ongoing tensions between the two countries).
Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim
Sitting at 5,430 meters (17,800 feet) above sea level, this is one of the highest lakes in the world and it also happens to be sacred; it’s named after Guru Padmasambhava, who was the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. It’s believed that he frequently visited the lake and supposedly blessed it and interestingly enough, another thing the lake is famous for (aside from its ridiculously beautiful azure waters) is for not freezing despite the harsh winter conditions.
Thar Dessert, Rajasthan
This list of the most isolated places in India couldn’t be complete without the iconic Thar Dessert in Rajasthan. Also known as the Great Indian Desert, it stretches across 200,000 square kilometers (77,000 square miles) and spans across four different states: Rajasthan in India and Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan in Pakistan.
Ghuar Mota, Kutch Region Of Gujarat
Ghuar Mota is a remote village located in the Kutch region of Gujarat, famous for its white salt desert named the Great Rann of Kutch, only one of its kind in India. The region has a unique ecosystem, including various species of mammals, birds, and reptiles, including several that are rare or endangered.
Kaas Plateau, Maharashtra
Despite being home to Mumbai and Pune (two of the largest cities in India) and being the second most populated state, Maharashtra still has a couple of hidden gems that are worth mentioning. The Kaas Plateau, situated approximately 25 kilometers west of Satara city is known for being home to 850 different species of wildflowers that turn into a colorful carpet across the valley after the monsoon season. Many of these wildflowers can only be found here and nowhere else…
Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
Araku Valley is a popular hill station in the Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh and a part of the Eastern Ghats mountain range. The main attraction of Araku Valley are its coffee plantations where Araku coffee (one of the finest Indian varieties) is grown organically.
Daringbadi, Odisha
Located in the remote Kandhamal district of Odisha, Daringbadi is often referred to as ‘Kashmir of Odisha,’ due to itis scenic hill stations and its remoteness. Its mountainous landscapes also hide many cascading waterfalls (like Putudi Waterfalls and Ludu Waterfalls), lush coffee gardens, and pine forests make the town one of the last hidden gems of the Eastern Ghats.
Hukitola Island, Odisha
Situated in the Kendrapara district of Odisha, Hukitola Island is another isolated and relatively lesser-known destination. The island is best known for the historical Hukitola building, an architectural marvel built by the British in 1867, a once state of the art rainwater harvesting system turned into a national monument because it’s one of the rare examples of Indo-British architectural style. The island is also a part of the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, the world’s largest nesting beach for Olive Ridley Turtles.
Indira Point, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
This spot named after former PM, Indira Gandhi is the southernmost tip of India’s territory known for its white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters. It’s a place that everyone would ideally love to visit but getting there isn’t that easy, it’s only acessible by boat. The point is also home to one of the most iconic lighthouses in India, or at least what used to be a lighthouse; the 35 meters tall lighthouse hasn’t been operational after the devastating tsunami in 2004.
Ross Island, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Ross Island was once the administrative headquarters of the British colonial government but today it’s nothing more than haunting yet beautiful ruins which contributed to the island getting its nickname “the Paris of the East”. The island is dotted with remnants of British colonial architecture, including the Chief Commissioner’s house, the Presbyterian Church, a bakery, a water treatment plant, and the penal colony. The island was abandoned after a recent earthquake and after this, it’s no longer inhabited but there is a small museum on the island that’s a must stop for all curious visitors.
Badami, Karnataka
Badami is a historical town in Karnataka famous for being the royal capital of the Chalukya dynasty, for its unique red sandstone landscapes and rock-cut temples like no others. The is also home to Agastya Lake, which according to locals, is capable of curing different diseases. Honestly, we don’t know if that’s the true or not but we do know that the beautiful lake adds a unique charm to the already beautiful town.
Idukki, Kerala
Idukku is another interesting town with sprawling landscapes, and unusually diverse geography that ranges from high-altitude mountains to low-lying valleys and rapid rivers. It’s also home to the Idukki Dam, one of the highest arch dams in Asia, the Periyar Tiger Reserve, and the Eravikulam National Park.
Edakkal Caves, Kerala
Located in the Wayanad district of Kerala, the Edakkal Caves is one of India’s most significant archaeological sites where petroglyphs (rock carvings) were found that date back to over 3,000 years ago! Getting to the is a bit of an adventure, though; the only way to get to the cave is via a steep trek through coffee plantations, unpaved roads, and dense forests.
Marari Beach, Kerala
Located in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, Marari Beach with its pristine sandy shorelines and clear blue waters, offers a tranquil retreat. The beach is named after the local fishing village and probably due to under-promotion remains relatively unfrequented with the exception of traditional fishing boats known as kattamarams.
Western Ghats, Kerala
The Western Ghats of Kerala are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the eight “hottest hotspots” of biological diversity in the world. Stretching along the west coast of India, the ghats (not to be confused with Varanasi’s crowded ghats) cover 160,000 square kilometers of untouched nature and abundant biodiversity and remain some of the most isolated places in India, largely due to their rugged terrain that makes is hard to access them.
Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu
Dhanushkodi is an abandoned town on the southern tip of the Rameswaram island in Tamil Nadu sandwiched between the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. This eerily beautiful ghost town is supposedly where Lord Rama is said to have marked the spot for the construction of a bridge with his bow’s end, or ‘Dhanush Kodi’. Because of this, the town is a popular pilgrimage site for many devotees but no one has been living here since the cyclone of 1964 cut off Dhanushkodi from the mainland.
Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin), Tamil Nadu
Last but not least, we round up this list of the most isolated places in India with Kanyakumari (formerly known as Cape Comorin). Located at the southernmost tip of the Indian subcontinent, Kanyakumari is a coastal town Nadu that remains isolated despite the fact it’s well-connectedness by road and rail. One of the unique features of Kanyakumari is the confluence of three major water bodies – the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean (which on itself is a reason enough to visit if you ask me).
This unique geographical location also makes Kanyakumari the only place in the world where one can observe the sunrise and the sunset from the same point (which is why the place is also known as India’s Twilight Zone).
Did you like our list of the most isolated places in India? Which one was your favorite? Do you know of any other remote places that deserve a mention on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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