10 Hidden Gems Across India for Your Independence Day Long Weekend

With Independence Day falling on a Friday this year, 15 August 2025 brings with it the perfect excuse for a long weekend escape. Instead of heading to the usual overrun tourist spots, consider venturing into the lesser-known corners of the country that quietly pack in beauty, culture and charm. These hidden gems not only promise breathtaking views but also offer unique adventures that will leave you with cherished memories. From scenic valleys to quaint towns, these destinations are ideal for those looking to delve into the heart of India's diverse landscapes and cultures. Let us dive into some of these hidden gems that are perfect for your upcoming getaway.

Here Are 10 Hidden Gems Across India for Your Independence Day Long Weekend:

1. Jibhi, Himachal Pradesh

Picture yourself in Jibhi, a small town nestled in the Banjar Valley of Himachal Pradesh. This quiet retreat is all about slowing down. Surrounded by thick pine forests and cascading waterfalls, Jibhi feels like it belongs to another era. The traditional wooden houses and towering mountains offer a comforting sense of nostalgia. It is an ideal choice for travellers seeking to unwind and reconnect with a simpler, slower pace of life.

2. Munsiyari, Uttarakhand

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Just when you think you have seen all of Uttarakhand, Munsiyari offers a refreshing shift in perspective. As your entry point into the greater Himalayas, this scenic hamlet is where nature commands your full attention. Rolling green hills, panoramic treks, and crisp air make it a haven for trekkers and nature lovers alike. It delivers peace and adventure in equal measure.

3. Vattakanal, Tamil Nadu

Photo: Unsplash

If Kodaikanal now feels a little too crowded for your taste, Vattakanal is its peaceful alternative. Just 7 km away, this tiny village tucked in the Palani Hills invites you to slow down. With lush green trails and misty mountain views, Vattakanal offers that rare sense of seclusion. Whether you are writing, thinking or simply resting, this spot gives you the headspace you did not know you needed.

4. Agumbe, Karnataka

Photo: iStock

If you are drawn to monsoon magic, Agumbe in Karnataka delivers it in full. Known as the 'Cherrapunji of the South,' Agumbe brims with biodiversity and tropical rainforests. To its south lies the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, home to tigers, leopards and the elusive King Cobra. Waterfalls and dense foliage offer an immersive nature experience for those who prefer the wild side of travel.

5. Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

Ziro Valley. Photo: Unsplash

Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh offers a combination few places can match, UNESCO-recognised natural beauty and rich tribal heritage. Its rice fields stretch as far as the eye can see, framed by pine-covered hills. The Apatani tribe's traditions add cultural texture, while the valley's rare flora, such as Rhododendron arboreum (Sanji Apu) and Hedychium ellipticum (Pappi Apu), make it a botanist's dream.

6. Gurez Valley, Jammu and Kashmir

Gurez Valley. Photo: Unsplash

For those seeking serenity with a side of thrill, Gurez Valley in Jammu and Kashmir is worth the journey. Traditional wooden houses sit against the backdrop of vast meadows and snow-covered peaks, giving the region a European countryside charm. Adventurers can trek towards Gangabal and Sonamarg in the east or head north towards Drass, Dahanu and Zanskar. The Kishen Ganga river also offers the rush of river rafting. If tranquillity and adrenaline are what you are after, Gurez Valley checks both boxes.

7. Banswara, Rajasthan

Mangarh Dham, Banswara
Photo Credit: Rajasthan Tourism

Rajasthan often brings to mind images of golden sands and camel rides, but Banswara challenges that. Known as the “City of Hundred Islands,” Banswara is lush, lake-filled and distinctly tribal. Its palaces and temples whisper stories of history, while its green cover offers a surprising shift from the state's usual terrain. Local dishes - think fresh fish and bajra rotis - add another layer to the experience.

8. Thenmala, Kerala

Photo Credit: Unsplash

For those who seek sustainability with their scenery, Thenmala in Kerala is designed for eco-conscious travel. Located north of the Thenmala Dam, which stretches across the Kallanda River, this destination invites you to walk under canopied trees and observe native birdlife. It is a quiet retreat where activities like hiking and mountain biking blend into the natural environment without disturbing it.

9. Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Tucked within the Eastern Ghats, Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh combines rolling coffee plantations with cascading waterfalls and cool mountain air. The region's rich tribal culture is preserved in its local museum and visible in daily life. You will hear birdsong more than car horns, and the forest air carries the aroma of roasted coffee beans. It is an invitation to pause and breathe deeper.

10. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

Tawang. Photo: iStock

Tawang rounds off this list with its dramatic peaks and deep-rooted spirituality. Anchored by the Tawang Monastery, one of the largest in Asia, this town offers panoramic Himalayan views and the kind of quiet that stretches for miles. Here, peace is not a concept, it is woven into daily life.

So, what are you waiting for? These hidden gems are calling your name, offering more than just scenic views. They promise immersive experiences that stay with you long after the weekend is over.