India is a land full of traditions and legends. The hidden gems of India are the places, that even though are not famous, are the most beautiful, and have the most amazing views.

If you have ever wondered which places in India have not been explored to the fullest extent, then you are in the right place. 

Let's explore these five hidden gems of India together:

1. Floating Chapel — Shettihalli, Karnataka:

Ruins hold memories, histories, and stories. One such ruin lies in a small district in Karnataka.

The Shettihalli Rosary Church is a floating phantom for four months of a year.  It is a gothic style architecture that is built during the 1860s by French missionaries.

 When modernization hit Hassan district in the late 1970s, the church was inclined towards abandonment by the Gorur Dam construction. The church ruins linger with patience during the monsoon and emerge when the water recedes. Generally, the church faces east, but the Rosary church entrance facing south seems unusual along with its shape like cruciform.

The Best Time to visit: July to October(monsoon season) when the church is half-submerged or December to May if you want to watch it in all its glory.

Places to visit nearby: Gorur Dam, Hemavathy Reservoir, Sahyadri Theatre, Kedareswara Temple, and Hasanamba Temple.​​

---

2. Azure Waters — Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu:

This mesmerizing beauty stretches across the east coast of Tamil Nadu compromises of 21 islands inside the Marine National Park.

The islands are stunning and unique in their way among coral reefs, seagrass, and mangroves.

It is a home for a variety of marine species like sponges, dolphins, turtles, pearl oysters, seahorses, whales, and many colorful fishes.

The estimation is that 3600 species of flora and fauna reside here. For bird lovers, this is a must-visit place. You can enjoy the shallow-water lives with glass-bottomed boat rides.

The Best Time to visit: October to March

Places to visit Nearby: Rameshwaram Temple, Pamban Island, Adam’s Bridge — Dhanushkodi.

---

3. Heart of Darkness — Siju Cave, Meghalaya:

Meghalaya is a blessed state with scenic beauty, biological diversities, caves, or hills.
Siju cave is a place of unique visuals and formations that is beyond imagination.

It is a home for many bats, so the name Suji, known as bat cave situated in Garo hills. This cave is India's third longest cave system in the world.

You can enjoy the view while short hike through the jungle, surrounded by lush vegetation and brooks. Deeper into the cave labyrinth, the natural light becomes an iota, and ponds and waterfalls are present inside the cave.

The main attraction is Siju Bird Sanctuary. It is a stop for many migratory birds. The forest is a go-to spot for nature lovers to relish terrain and wilderness.

The Best Time to visit: No specific time. If you want to watch migratory birds, then visit at the onset of winters.

Places to visit nearby: Garden of Caves, Seven Sisters Falls, Nokrek National Park, and Double Decker Living Root Bridge.

---

4. Lambassingi, Andra Pradesh:

Have you ever seen snow in South India? If not, visit Lambassingi(Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh), a misty hill station situated 100 km from Vishakapatnam.

It has large wildlife and a diversity of birds. Temperature does not reach below zero degrees every year, but it snows when it does.

This tiny hamlet is a home for an isolated tribal community engaged in pepper and coffee plantations. It is nestled among dense forests of Eastern Ghats, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The place is being developed as an eco-tourism destination with picturesque valleys, pristine forests, cascading beauty, and cool temperatures.

The Best Time to visit: November to January. 

Places to visit nearby: Hope Island, Uppada Beach, and Araku Valley.

---

5. Majuli, Assam:

It is a pristine and freshwater island situated amidst the mighty river, Brahmaputra. The island has been isolated for years, making it overlook by many tourists.

It is the largest river island in the world. The festivals celebrated by localites are vibrant and colorful.

Experience the Assamese neo-Vaishnavite culture by attending their festivals:

• Ali aye ligang — celebrated for five days praying for a good year of harvest.
• Christmas -you will find all the items of cultural significance.
• Raas — three days long, depicts the life of Krishna.

Their art of mask-making, pottery, and handloom work is internationally famous.
It is an abode of migratory birds.

The Best Time to Visit: To encounter the best weather and bird-watching, visit this place between November and March.

Places to visit: The island has 144 villages and 15 satras. Some top attractions are Mask making at Samaguri Satra, Kamalabari Satra, Mishing Village, Tengapania, and Garmur.

---

India is one country that keeps changing. The number of tourists coming to our country is increasing. We are still a developing country and so, we haven't been able to cater the tourists with the best of facilities. But, if the latest trends are to be believed, things are changing for the better.

Feel free to tell us about the other unexplored places of India in the comments!

---