6. Darchik in Ladakh
Nestled high in the Himalayas, Darchik is one of the villages in the Aryan valley of Ladakh. One can reach the villages of Aryan valley by driving to the west of Leh city towards the Leh-Srinagar highway.
The Aryan valley housing the villages of Dha, Hanu, Garkone and Darchik on both sides of the Indus River offers a pleasant experience with the lovely mountain fresh air and beautiful landscapes. It is also home to the unique Buddhist Dard tribes, whose members are known across the region as Brokpas who are portrayed as "the last pure specimens" of the Aryan race.
7. Zuluk in Sikkim
A small hamlet located at a height of around 10,000 ft on the lower Himalayas, Zuluk is a fast emerging tourist location in East Sikkim. It offers a breath-taking view of the eastern Himalayan mountain range including the Kanchenjunga.
Surrounded by wild forests, the small village has a population of around 700 people and has an Indian army base, which has been used as a transit camp to the Chinese border. A special Inner Line Permit is required to reach Zuluk. Sighting of several animals and birds like deer, Himalayan bear, the red panda, different types of pheasants, Himalayan monal and so on are common in this area.
During the summer months, the area and its surrounding hills are covered with thousands of blooming rhododendron adding a riot of colours to the beautiful landscape.
8. Lamayuru in Ladakh
Home to one of the oldest monasteries in the world, Lamayuru is a small village situated at a distance of 127 km from Leh at a height of 3,510 metres. It is believed that Lamayuru was once a lake that then dried up.
The village is popular for its 'lunar' landscape and hence is promoted as 'moonscape' for tourists due to its incredible yet odd geographical formations.
9. Varanga in Karnataka
The picturesque and serene hilly village surrounded by lush greenery is set in the Udipi didtrict of Karnataka and is famous for housing historic Jain temples.
A few of the main attractions at Varanga are the 850-year-old Lake Temple (Kere Basadi) dedicated to the Jain Lord Shri Parashwanatha, 1200-year-old Neminatha temple dedicated to the Jain Lord Shri Neminatha and the 1000-year-old Chandranatha Basadi dedicated to the Jain Lord Chandraprabha.
The Lake temple set amidst a man-made lake can be accessed only by the means of a boat. With the backdrop of mighty western ghats, the temple at the centre of the lake and a ride on a tiny wooden boat make this place undoubtedly one of the most beautiful offbeat destinations in Karnataka.
10. Kuttanad in Kerala
Hailed as the 'Rice bowl of Kerala', Kuttanad is spread across the heart of the backwaters in Alappuzha district. Paddy being the major cultivation, this region is one of the few places in the world where farming is carried out below sea level.
Kuttanad offers a stunning visual treat with its water bodies, lush greenery, dazzling paddy fields and rustic villages. To imbibe the beauty of the region at its best, one could hire a houseboat on the backwaters that would offer a soothing experience while enjoying the amazing view of the countryside and village life.
.......concluded.
Courtesy. Anjali Krishnan in 'the better Academy' on 11 Apr 2022.
Tailpiece.
Got up at a 20' past 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. Suma kunjamma left for her morning darshan soon after breakfast.
She returned by 2. Yakkittiyak followed by siesta. Wished drivers, Anto and George a happy Easter though it was belated!
The evening chores. Suma kunjamma got her reservation confirmed by 1920 hrs. Dropped her at the Railway Station, showed her the berth - it was the lower berth - and returned. Suraj did the honours.
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