Underrated Places to Visit in South Asia: Hidden Gems You Need to See

Many people, when they hear the word ‘South Asia’, are reminded of Delhi markets, Maldives beaches, or tea lands of Sri Lanka. However, there are many other marvelous places that are still free from tourist trappings as shown through Instagram photos and travel magazines.

If you want something new, something less touristy, more real and enchanting, it is about time to pay attention to unnoticed South Asian countries.

Get your curiosity and get ready for an adventure and let’s get started!

1. Ziro Valley, India (A Symphony of Culture and Nature)

Ziro Valley situated in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh has something special to offer for any traveler, a beautiful backdrop of green hills, the vibrant paddy fields and the culturally rich Apatani tribe.

Why visit Ziro? Listen to the voices of the wind blowing through the trees of the pines. Stroll in villages where women adorn themselves with nose-studs and where people welcome you with warm embraces as if you are long-lost mates.

Visit Ziro just during the Ziro Music Festival which is when indie bands get to perform under the starry sky amidst mists of the hill station. Ziro isn’t just a place. It is not just an experience, but rather it’s a feeling that leaves you with memories of calmness untouched and preserved. Inner Line Permit (ILP) is mandatory, however, it is so much fun to get one and the place is worth it.

2. Hunza Valley, Pakistan (The Hidden Shangri-La)

Among the most stunning corners of Pakistan, few are more unknown and filled with mysteries than the Hunza Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan region where mountains are topped with snow and rocks and castles tell stories of royal dynasties.

What makes Hunza magical? It is recommended to embark on a trek to Eagle’s Nest for a beautiful sunset which can be a breathtaking sight. Visit Baltit Fort which was constructed about 700 years ago. 

Hunza people are known to be one of the friendliest in the world and some people from this region have been reported to live beyond a hundred years. Indeed, in Hunza, time seems to stand still. The mountains axis embrace you, the rivers narrate, and each sunset is a granted blessing.

The Do’s: Go in Spring The valley popularly transforms to pink and white color of Apricot blossoms.

3. Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh (World’s Longest Natural Beach)

Tourism is an important sector in the world economy and Cox’s Bazar is one of the most beautiful natural destinations for tourist attraction in the world; this beach is the world’s longest natural sea beach.

Yes, you heard that right! Contrary to its two big neighbors, this country has much to boast about, one of which is the Cox’s Bazar, the world’s longest natural sandy beach.

Why it’s worth a trip:

• 120 km of uninterrupted golden sands.
• With warm water which is favorable for surfing, swimming as well as sunbathing.
• Brighto: Alive markets with fresh seafood which you may enjoy after grilling on the spot.

Unlike other tourist places, Cox’s Bazar is yet to be flooded with tall buildings and tour-specific hotels and restaurants; instead, you will find warm welcomes.

Touring Tip: Head to the nearby Saint Martin’s island, the smallest coral island that one could imagine.

4. Jaffna, Sri Lanka (Where Cultures Collide)

This is a view of the place called Jaffna in the island country of Sri Lankan and this is a place where different cultures meet.

Jaffna is a city that is located far from the south of Sri Lanka and it has deep traditions. This place is rich in Tamil culture, which will make it possible to have a quite different experience from any other part of the island.

What awaits in Jaffna?

• The haunting beauty of Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, a massive Hindu temple.
• This fabulous South Indian entertainment menu prepared with an emphasis on spiciness will surely bring the heat.
• Lonely beautiful beaches such as Casuarina beach where the sea music is composed and performed just for you.
• Ending years of battle, Jaffna is slowly coming to terms with the wounds of the past, yet embracing the future, waiting to be discovered by tourists.

Travel Tip: Take a scooter and go from one corner of the Jaffna Peninsula to the other to see these barely villages and the ruins.

5. Phobjikha Valley, Bhutan (The Land of the Black-Necked Cranes)

Paro and Thimphu are the top choices that the travelers usually opt for but those in the know prefer to visit the surreal Phobjikha Valley.

Why does Phobjikha feel magical?

• During winter, black necked cranes, a vulnerable species of birds, arrive here and their call is said to be melancholic.
• Foggy mornings wake up to the view of the boundless meadow and small wooden houses of the farms.
• It also has the famous Gangtez Monastery, which is situated at the top of a hill in the valley.
• Phobjikha is more about what you will come to feel than what you will find when the country and religion meet each other.

Tip: Go especially in March when there is the famous Black-Necked Crane Festival that allows you to experience the culture deeply.

6. Tansen, Nepal (The Soul of Old Nepal)

While most people who travel to Nepal are drawn to the prospect of the high Himalayan trails, especially the Everest, there is the enchanting Tansen, the hill station perched on the hilltops that is unknown to most travelers.

What you’ll find in Tansen?

• Stone paved roads with galleried Newari houses on both sides of the roads.
• Endless views of the Himalayas on a clear day.
• Welcoming people who never shy from kicking a ball to play carrom or sparring a tale.
• Tansen presents a picture of the Nepalese countryside before the tourism infrastructural development, especially trekking, calm, real, and stunningly beautiful.

Pro Tip: Try the local “Dhaka” fabric, a handwoven textile famous across Nepal.

7. Trashigang, Bhutan (The Untamed East)

While western Bhutan is being gradually touched up for the tourists, the east, particularly the district of Trashigang appears to be from a different era.

Why is Trashigang a wonder?

• Experience a traditional festival such as Trashigang Tsechu.
• Visit local tribes that still practice the ethnicity and traditions of their ancestors.
• And the switchback roads and hanging bridges are exciting to any adventurer at heart.
• If you are a no-frills traveler looking for Bhutan, then Trashigang is the place to be.
• Gomphu Kora is a temple cave that has a lot of myths associated with it; try to find time to visit this place during your trip.

8. Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka (Dolphins, Kites, and Peace)

Forget crowded Bentota or Mirissa. In case you are tired of the hustle and bustle of popular beaches, Kalpitiya is the best place for you.

Highlights of Kalpitiya:

• Witness giant pods of dolphins dancing through the water.
• Practice your kitesurfing against constant wind to make your cut through the ocean waves.
• Relax on the pristine sand where even the footprints are not left behind.
• The season of Kalpitiya is the sound of the sea that one looks for when one lacks it.

Travel Advice: For the best experience of sighting dolphins, it is advisable to visit between November and March.

9. Astore Valley, Pakistan (A Meadow Lover’s Dream)

Located in the northern region of Pakistan in Gilgit Baltistan, Astore valley is a hub of alpine meadows, different types of forests and rivers.

What to expect:

• Wildflower-strewn meadows in summer.
• Snow-draped villages in winter.
• The gateway to the awe-inspiring Deosai Plains, the roof of the world.
• It is at Astore where one can sense the nature blowing beside you. 
• This is one of the recommendable spots that you should ideally locate yourself in, Rama Meadows to get some of the best views.

10. Mawlynnong, India (Asia’s Cleanest Village)

The clean village of Mawlynnong is located in the less explored State of Meghalaya in the North eastern Region of India and is fondly known as Asia’s cleanest village.

What makes Mawlynnong special?

• A population that actively participates in the conservation of the environment.
• Natural spanning structures made from roots of trees particularly the Ficus Benghalensis tree.
• Breathtaking waterfalls and caves just a trek away.
• Here the very stones of the paths glisten and it looks as if flowers are grinning.

Tip: To get an insight into the Khasi culture, it is recommended to spend the night in a bamboo house.

Final Thoughts

Well, are you ready to go off road? Are you ready to swap tourist trails for secret tales?

Take little, see much, and come with an open mind, it is the continent with amazing forgotten treasures.