Delhi, Jaipur, Agra or Varanasi are usually the top cities that come to mind when you think of cultural tourism in India. But India’s spirit can also be found in the quiet streets, abandoned forts and overlooked towns that tell inspiring stories and seldom get listed in travel plans.
If you have already seen the Taj Mahal and City Palace, it’s an opportune time to visit new places for some cultural inspiration. The best thing about it is that These places are just an affordable ticket away. Just planning your trip on a good day and admitting your curiosity can take you to famous cultural places that aren’t too known.
Thus, let us get on the next plane and travel to India’s hidden heritage cities that are full of enriching sites.
1. Madurai, Tamil Nadu – The City With Many Ancient Temples
For now, let’s focus on places other than Chennai and Pondicherry. If you go further inside Tamil Nadu, you’ll encounter Madurai, a city that has existed for more than 2,500 years. Madurai is well known as the “Athens of the East” because it centers on the spellbinding Meenakshi Amman Temple.
However, there is much more to Madurai than only temples. Visit Madurai’s lively flower markets, taste one of its local jigarthanda desserts or watch the sunset by the Vaigai River.
Raja likes Pondicherry which is easy to get to from Chennai, Bengaluru and Mumbai by daily flights. Be sure to book early to get the most reasonable prices.
2. Orchha in Madhya Pradesh is a Fascinating Obliterated Capital
Though Gwalior and Khajuraho are more popular, the village of Orchha has not been changed much by tourists and shows off Bundela architecture. Everything moves more slowly in this environment. Impressive cenotaphs, old palaces and colorful temple murals are the main scenic elements by the river.
Orchha Fort preserves the grandeur of olden days, while frescoes inside the Laxminarayan Temple share the tales of love, war and religion.
The nearest airport is located in Gwalior and it takes 3 hours to drive to the Bateshwar temple complex. Travel to Gwalior by booking a affordable flight and then move to Orchha by taxi or train. We guarantee that the journey is worth all the time you put in.
3. Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh – A Lovely Hidden Retreat
You might have thought that heritage is just made up of structures and builds, but there’s more to it. Ziro Valley reflects the traditions and way of living of the Apatani tribe. If it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ziro would reveal a special way of life that pays respect to nature, traditionally worships the ancestors and expresses themselves through folk songs.
Participate in the Ziro Music Festival or visit whenever you like to see peaceful rice fields, pine hills and a culture that values the earth.
You can reach Itanagar by first flying from either Guwahati or Kolkata to Lilabari Airport. Start preparing your trip well in advance and especially book your flight before any festivals happen.
4. Kutch, Gujarat is not just about the White Desert
Rann of Kutch is well known, yet many people do not discover its historic towns. Bhuj, Mandvi and Dholavira are beautiful places full of cultural heritage within a salty and sandy environment.
With Ajrakh block printing, Bandhani fabrics and ancient Dholavira ruins, this region still feels like a museum. Also, the Swaminarayan Temple, Prag Mahal and Kutch Museum in Bhuj have strong appeal as tourist sites.
You should take a flight to Bhuj, as it is well connected with Mumbai. HappyEasyGo is a great place to find cheap tickets for your flight.
5. Chandernagore, West Bengal is often known as The French Connection
A 40-km drive from Kolkata will lead you to Chandernagore which for decades was an important French outpost on the river. The silence and beauty of its bungalows, churches and the Institut de Chandernagore (focused on Indo-French history) makes the place is perfect for someone looking to relax from the crowds of the city.
The Chandernagore Strand is a great spot to enjoy the sunset and capture pictures of its lovely scenery.
You can reach Kolkata by flying and then take a quick trip by car or train. There are affordable tickets for flights available every month.
6. Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh – A Wonder Showing Art in Stone
Most people prefer to visit bigger cities like Hyderabad or Bangalore, but Lepakshi is a true example of 16th-century architecture. Art and history buffs will be amazed by the Veerabhadra Temple with its detailed statues, its gigantic Nandi and a hanging pillar.
This town is a good choice when you want to see interesting culture and avoid crowds.
Arriving: Plan a trip by air to Bengaluru and then drive 120 km to the sanctuary. This is a fantastic way to take a cultural trip on the weekend.
7. Tonk, Rajasthan is known for its mosques and for the legacy of Persian poetry
Many people refer to Tonk as “Lucknow of Rajasthan” since it’s not well known by tourists but holds plenty of Nawabi style. You’ll find beautiful Islamic buildings, charming old mansions and mentioned before the unique Suneri Kothi—a mansion with mirrors and flowers.
There are many valuable Persian manuscripts at Tonk’s libraries which attract culture enthusiasts and scholars from all walks of life.
Fly into Jaipur and drive a further 100 kilometers to reach your destination. Cheap flight fares to Jaipur can be found on HappyEasyGo.
Uncover new sides of India in every new flight.
There’s much more to India’s culture than what guidebooks say and it’s deeper than what the most visited tourist sights reveal. These places make it clear that foundation and traditions are kept alive in daily life as well as in culture and customs.
Whenever you feel like traveling, take a chance to try something unusual. Chase authenticity. Bag a flight ticket from HappyEasyGo to enjoy great discounts and travel to tales that are just waiting to begin.
Sometimes, all that is needed to fall in love with India again is a trip and a little curious mind.
Explore More. Pay Less. Fly Smart. You can only find these reliable options on HappyEasyGo.
