Planning a Last-Minute Weekend Trip? Explore These 6 Underrated Indian Getaways

Long weekends often inspire spontaneous travel plans, but popular destinations such as Goa and Manali can quickly become crowded. For travellers looking for quieter and more unusual experiences, several lesser-known Indian destinations offer scenic landscapes, adventure and cultural experiences without the usual tourist rush.

Yercaud, Tamil Nadu, located in the Shevaroy Hills, offers a peaceful alternative to crowded hill stations. Visitors can explore coffee plantations and orange groves, relax around Yercaud Lake and enjoy sunrise or sunset views from Pagoda Viewpoint. The journey through forest stretches and winding roads is itself part of the experience.

Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh, is known for its lush Eastern Ghats landscape and a scenic train route from Visakhapatnam that passes through tunnels, bridges and forested valleys. Travellers can visit the Tribal Museum, explore local artisan centres and see the famous Borra Caves. Local specialities and traditional tribal performances add to the cultural experience.

For a quieter mountain break, Jibhi in Himachal Pradesh offers riverside stays, forest trails and access to Tirthan Valley. The trek to Serolsar Lake through oak and cedar forests is among its attractions, while visitors can also sample traditional Himachali food at local eateries.

Gandikota in Andhra Pradesh, often called the Grand Canyon of India, features dramatic cliffs carved by the Pennar River. Its relatively peaceful surroundings make it suitable for camping, scenic views and sunset experiences. Dhanushkodi in Tamil Nadu provides a distinctive coastal experience, combining abandoned ruins with stretches of sea. Travellers can explore remnants of the old railway station, church and post office before heading to Arichal Munai.

Finally, Dandeli in Karnataka caters to adventure seekers. Located along the Kali River, it offers white-water rafting, kayaking, ziplining and wildlife experiences. The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is particularly known for hornbill sightings.