The 10 Most Beautiful Villages of India (1).

The true essence of India lies in its villages that are untouched by modernity and still hold their simplicity and rustic charm. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari there are several such hidden gems in the country that would make a perfect escape for anyone looking for a break from the bustling city life.

1. Kalpa in Himachal Pradesh

One of the best-kept secrets of Himachal Pradesh, Kalpa is situated in the Kinnaur district. The village set in the Sutlej river valley is known for its stunning scenery, apple orchards, beautiful monasteries, temples and the breath-taking view of the Kinnaur Kailash mountain.

2. Khajjiar in Himachal Pradesh

Set in the Champa district of Himachal Pradesh, Khajjiar has often been dubbed the mini Switzerland of India. The picturesque landscapes with the beautiful meadows, lush green deodhar forests and snow-clad mountains make Khajjiar a great destination for travellers looking for rejuvenation and peace.

The Khajjiar lake, the Kalatop wildlife Sanctuary, Khajji Nag temple and the Kailash village are a few among the long list of tourist spots to be visited in Khajjiar. Also, it houses several picturesque villages like Ladi and Rota - noted for their apple orchards and the amazing view of Mount Kailash.

3. Mawlyonnong in Meghalaya

The cleanest village in Asia (as declared by Discover India magazine in 2003). Mawlynnong is located 90 km from Shillong city along the India-Bangladesh border. The village which is a tropical paradise with its lush greenery is also known as God's Own Garden.

It is also hailed for several green initiatives and is considered a model village of community-based eco-tourism initiatives. The village that showcases the diverse topography of Meghalaya is also known for its living root bridges.

4. Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh

Situated in Arunachal Pradesh, Ziro is a beautiful valley and one of the oldest areas in the state. It is a hidden gem with picturesque beautiful meadows surrounded by mountains on both sides.

Tis remote valley is home to the Apatani tribe of Arunachal Pradesh and is known for its paddy cultivation and pisciculture. Also, the Ziro music festival hosted every year , is one of the most noted outdoor festivals in the country. The valley with beautiful lush green forests, terrace paddy fields and pine trees houses several small villages.

5. Kalap in Uttarakhand

This remote village is situated at an altitude of 7,800 ft, in the upper Garhwal region of the northern state of Uttarakhand in India. Nestled among virgin pine and deodar forests, Kalap overlooks the gorge cut open by the roaring river Supin.

The village has terraced fields of wheat, millets, potatoes and beans and agriculture is the primary occupation followed by sheep and goat rearing. Home to the traditional Garhwali architecture, it offers a beautiful landscape and stunning views of the snow-capped Bandarpunch range. 

.........to be continued.

Tailpiece.

Got up around a 10' past 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. Latha had come for work in place of our maid, who'd gone to attend a wedding.

A comparatively quiet day.

Participated in the 564th episode of Aazhchakkoottam : "Failure in Governance in our neighbourhood and the reasons for the breakdown" by A Jayashankar, Adv, Politico-socio observer from 1600 - 1700 hrs. The interaction, post presentation, was interesting.