Explore Local Travel Spots in India

Our 'Where Locals Go' series highlights hidden gems that may be missed by tourists but are loved by locals. We consulted four India experts for their top recommendations.

With iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal, the pink palaces of Jaipur, the enchanting beaches of Goa and Kerala, along with the bustling cities of Delhi and Mumbai, India has always attracted every kind of traveler.

However, beyond these popular sites, this remarkable subcontinent is home to many lesser-known destinations waiting to be discovered. These are not the usual tourist traps, but the places favored by Indians themselves.

Here, four Indian authors share their top holiday spots within the country. From the majestic heights of the Indian Himalayas to the tranquil beaches of the Konkan region, these are the places to experience India like a local.

A summer getaway to the apple-growing regions of Himachal Pradesh: Kotkhai

Puneetinder Kaur Sidhu, raised in the plains of Punjab, has cherished a lifelong connection with the Himalayas.

Set in the apple-growing area of the Lesser Himalayas, Kotkhai serves as my summer retreat from the hustle of city life. Located just 70 km (44 miles) from Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, this tranquil village features charming slate-roofed wooden homes. It's been over 30 years since my initial visit as a college student, and I find myself returning regularly for a dose of serenity. The misty valley views, orchards brimming with fruit, grazing cows, and crowing roosters only enhance the experience.

I often choose to stay at the family-run Himalayan Orchard, a charming farm-stay located at the edge of a vast apple orchard in Rukhla village. Surrounded by a lush deodar (Himalayan cedar) forest, it offers numerous well-marked hiking trails to explore. During my downtime, I love foraging for mushrooms, picking fresh fruit, browsing a well-stocked library, or simply enjoying the sunset over the valley with a refreshing drink in hand.

One of the main attractions of Himalayan Orchard is its sustainable, farm-fresh cuisine. I believe I return as much for the local delicacy siddu, a steamed bun filled with jaggery or lentils served with ghee (clarified butter), as for the homegrown crunchy greens, herbed sausages, homemade jams, freshly baked bread, and artisanal cheese.

When you visit, adjust your expectations away from resort-style amenities. Instead, consider a drive to Shararoo Pass for breathtaking views of the Jorkandan, Chanshal, and Swargrohini peaks, depending on the season. Take the chance to meet the nomadic Gujjars (cowherds) who set up their camps in these hills during summer. You might also encounter a lively fair dedicated to the village deity.

Glacier-fed lakes and snow-capped peaks in the Indian Himalayas: Munsiyari

Shivya Nath, a travel writer and sustainable tourism consultant, grew up in Dehradun.

Having spent my childhood in a valley at the foothills of the Indian Himalayas, my connection to these mountains is unbreakable. The area that continuously beckons me back is Munsiyari, located in my home state of Uttarakhand. Close to the borders of Tibet and Nepal, Munsiyari is reachable via an 11-hour scenic drive from the nearest train station (Kathgodam) and airport (Pantnagar) – making it a hidden gem for slow travelers, nature enthusiasts, and serious trekkers from all over India.

Those who venture on this long journey are rewarded with stunning vistas of the five snow-covered Panchachuli peaks, immersive experiences in the ancient teak forests, vibrant rhododendron blooms in spring, the rushing glacier-fed Gori Ganga river, and hiking opportunities suitable for all levels of adventurers.

What keeps drawing me back year after year is a nature-focused tourism initiative called Himalayan Ark. This program harmoniously combines conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and tourism, offering home-stays led by local women and unique hiking experiences guided by high-altitude female guides – a rarity in both the region and the wider tourism industry.

I always look forward to savoring traditional dishes here, such as dubke, a stew crafted from locally sourced black soybeans, and bhang ki chutney, a zesty dip made with hemp seeds.

I frequently return in the summer for the vibrant Himal Kalasutra Festival. This event features bird-watching tours, film screenings, and storytelling sessions, culminating in the traditional Mesar Mela, showcasing local folklore, music, and dance. While the festivities cater to locals, travelers are warmly welcomed to join in, often blurring the lines between the two groups by the end.

Traditional fishing villages and exceptional cuisine: Alibaug

Meher Mirza is a Mumbai-based writer specializing in food, travel, and culture.

Just a short ferry ride from Mumbai, Alibaug calls out to beach enthusiasts like myself. However, beyond its picturesque coastline, the town boasts a rich history that intertwines indigenous roots with influences from Buddhist, Rashtrakuta, Shilahara, Khilji, Maratha, Portuguese, and British cultures.

The fishing communities of Alibaug have crafted a distinct and often overlooked style of Maharashtrian cuisine. Notable local delicacies include rakti (a dish made from goat’s congealed blood), murya (fish from the sea), and popti (poultry and vegetables slow-cooked in an earthen pot).

Since I can’t immerse myself in an Alibaug homestead experience, I opt for the casual yet delightful Sanman restaurant, where the chef’s expertise shines in seafood dishes: from vibrantly spiced clams to cornflake-crisped bombil (Bombay duck), and to wrap up, delightful little packets of tender coconut jelly. The dependable Kiki’s Café and Deli offers a diverse menu featuring Indian, Italian, and Middle Eastern dishes.

With an influx of affluent visitors (even Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan owns a bungalow here), Alibaug is increasingly filled with upscale shops, art galleries, and restaurants. The area is dotted with luxury villas, budget-friendly rentals, and even the chic Radisson Blu. Among my favorite stays is the Villa Beira Mar, a pet-friendly villa with a pool, boasting five bedrooms (though it comes at a rather steep price).

While Alibaug’s beaches are stunning, it’s also a haven for history buffs. The landscape is dotted with remnants of once-mighty fortifications built by the Marathas and Portuguese, now standing as quiet testaments to history. Notable among them is the Revdanda fort, a 16th-century structure originally erected by the Portuguese and later utilized by the Marathas and British—definitely worth exploring. The town also features several ancient temples and charming vernacular-style bungalows that enrich its historical narrative.

A tranquil retreat in the Kumaon Himalaya: Kasar Devi

Shubham Mansingka is a travel blogger from Kullu Valley who enjoys seeking out offbeat adventures.

While popular hill stations like Mussoorie, Nainital, and Mukteshwar attract many holidaymakers to the Kumaon hills, the understated town of Kasar Devi, located near Almora—the cultural heart of Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region—remains a beloved secret among seasoned travelers.

My adventure in Kasar Devi began nine years ago on a sweltering summer afternoon, seeking refuge from the crowds during a long weekend. Since that first visit, I’ve returned many times and even spent several months living in a cozy forest cottage during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wandering through Kasar Devi reveals stunning views of towering Himalayan peaks, such as the magnificent Mount Trishul and Nanda Devi, both rising above 7,000 meters (29,650 feet). Every walk here presents a potential hiking expedition, leading to ancient temples, hidden waterfalls, or the chance to encounter graceful deer. During my explorations, I often find a serene green meadow—the ideal spot for an impromptu picnic amidst nature’s splendor.

One of my favorite trails begins at Papershali, weaving through groves of pine and rhododendron, ultimately reaching the charming farming village of Balta Badi, where the green fields shimmer in the afternoon sun. An evening hike to the 6th-century Kasar Devi Temple is essential, offering breathtaking sunset views after moments of prayer or reflection.

During my stays, I’ve enjoyed various accommodations, from rustic village guesthouses to stylish boutique hotels. However, The Kumaon stands out for me: a stunning property that harmoniously combines bold modern design with traditional materials. The views from here are equally remarkable.

I find myself returning repeatedly to the holistic retreat Ayurvaid Kalmatia, drawn by its fresh, made-to-order dishes. After enjoying a meal, I often indulge in rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments. Occasionally, I explore the Almora bazaar to savor local delicacies, including the delectable baal mithai and singhaudi, both signature sweets from Kheem Singh Rautela Sweets.