8 Dreamy Small Towns in India

India is renowned for the diversity of scenic landscapes it offers. While its major tourist destinations and dynamic cities are not to be missed, several beautiful small towns in India are underrated. You might not think of these places instantly when talking about holidaying here, but rest assured that some of these small towns in India promise a beautiful and relaxing experience. Away from the humdrum of metro cities, these towns have rich cultures and serene views. If you are looking for a quick break, these small towns in India would be perfect for you.

Landour, Uttarakhand

A quaint, cantonment town located near the popular tourist destination Mussoorie, Landour has an old-world charm that would attract any traveler. The town is enveloped by mountains and witnesses some of the most beautiful snowfalls in the country during winter. The British influence is seen as well, with colonial cottages, bakeries, and winding lanes that provide for charming views. You can visit famous churches like Kellogg Memorial Church and St. Paul’s Church. Don’t miss out on visiting the Lal Tibba Viewpoint, popular among trekkers for the magnificent views of Himalayan peaks, sunsets, and sunrises it offers. Notably, Landour is also home to the widely popular Indian author, Ruskin Bond, who often interacts with his fans at the Cambridge Book Depot, Mussoorie Mall Road, on Saturday evenings. One can easily reach Landour by road after reaching Dehradun, which is well-connected to all major cities of India by air and rail. Landour boasts of pleasant weather throughout the year, you can visit the town for heat-free summers and snowy winters alike.

Mandawa, Rajasthan

The small town of Mandala in India is perfect for enthusiasts of art and architecture. The havelis and royal mansions that are found here are covered with intricate fresco and mural work. The art seen on these buildings tells stories about the 18^th and 19^th centuries. Stepping into Mandawa is akin to landing on a page of an art-history book—the colors and artwork on display in every lane are a sight to marvel at. You can visit beautiful locations like Mandawa Fort, Open Air Art Gallery, and Murmuria Haveli to revel in the magic of the town. The local markets in Mandawa are enjoyable as well. The winter season is considered to be the best time to visit the place. The best way to reach the town is by travelling to Jaipur by air and taking a car to Mandawa from the latter. Mandawa is one of those small towns in India that is not to be missed.

Matheran, Maharashtra

Matheran is an automobile-free hill station, making it one of the most unique small towns in India. One of Maharashtra’s hidden gems, Matheran, is often used as a quick getaway by residents of the state as well as people all over the country. The stunning views surrounding the lush valleys and hills will be a balm to your soul. You can consider visiting places like Dodhana Waterfalls, Louisa Point, and Prabal Fort. The hill station has mild weather throughout the year, but tourists usually visit the place between October and March. You can travel to Matheran by car after arriving in Mumbai or Pune; you could also opt for travelling in the famed toy train from Neral to Matheran. Neral is well–connected to Mumbai by road and rail.

Mawlynnong, Meghalaya

Dubbed as the ‘cleanest village in Asia’, Mawlynnong is a serene place that any avid traveler should not miss. The cleanliness seen in the village is truly inspirational.  You can visit the Living Root Bridge and the Balancing Rock, both natural marvels that are a sight to behold. Even taking a stroll through the areas here is bound to calm you down. You can reach Mawlynnong by car after arriving in Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. Again, a place that boasts of good weather throughout the year, you can visit the village in any season, depending on whether you like summers, winters, or monsoons better.

Majuli, Assam

It is the largest river island in the world, located on the Brahmaputra River. Majuli offers an otherworldly charm with its greenery and charming atmosphere. It also boasts a wide variety of flora and fauna. The island also has a vibrant culture of its own; you can attend a performance of the Sattriya dance by the locals. When visiting Majuli, one should not miss Dakhinpat and Samaguri Satra, you can witness live mask-making at the latter. You can reach Majuli by ferry from Jorhat, Assam.  The latter is well connected to Guwahati, the capital, by rail and air. The best time to visit Majuli is October- March, the dry season.

Chikmagalur, Karnataka

It is one of the most beautiful small towns in India that you can travel to. It is known for its coffee plantations, you can enjoy some of the best coffee in the country here. It offers picturesque views of waterfalls and coffee estates. You can consider visiting places like Kudremukh National Park, Hebbe Falls, and Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. The town has good weather throughout the year. Chikmagalur is well-connected to Bengaluru by road.

Idukki, Kerala

A place that boasts a breathtaking landscape, Idukki is one of Kerala’s best-kept secrets. Its home is lush mountains, forests, and gorgeous lakes. You can trek to the Anamudi Peak, the highest point in the Western Ghats. You can also visit Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary and Cheeyappara Falls. October-February is a great time to visit the town. Idukki is accessible by road from Kochi, which has the nearest airport.

Agatti Island, Lakshadweep

One of the most pristine islands in the country, Agatti is home to golden sand beaches, calm blue waters, and a vibrant coral and marine life. It is a great spot for snorkeling, scuba diving, glass-bottom boat rides, and other water sports. The island is small enough to explore through bicycle rides that offer magnificent views. October to March is the ideal time to visit Agatti. You would need an entry permit to visit the island, so make sure that is taken care of in advance. The most convenient way to reach Agatti is by air via the Kochi International Airport.

These small towns in India offer some of the most distinctive experiences you can have in India. Visiting some of these places will surely leave you with unforgettable memories.