Incredible Indian Places That Look Nothing Like Earth
India is a land of wonders but some places go beyond wonder. They transcend typical beauty and instead make you feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet. From steaming sulphur springs and ghost towns to snow-covered alien lakes and desert valleys, these are the most otherworldly places in India you must visit at least once.
1. Robber’s Cave – Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Overview:
Also known as Guchhupani, Robber’s Cave is a 600-meter-long natural cave information split by a cold water stream that disappears and reappears through the cave’s floor. Once a secret hideout for robbers during the British era, today it feels like nature’s secret corridor.
What’s Special:
- Water flowing through the cave floor
- Tall vertical rock walls
- A surreal mix of darkness, light, and sound
- Walk barefoot through the stream an unforgettable experience
Top Things to Do:
- Cave walk through the freezing stream
- Visit the nearby Sahastradhara sulfur springs
- Try street food at the cave entrance
Travel Tip:
To avoid crowds and enjoy the best lighting, go in the early morning or late afternoon.
2. Puga Valley – Ladakh
Overview:
Southeast Ladakh is home to the geothermal marvel known as Puga Valley, which features sulfur springs, hot earth, and mud pools. It’s one of the few places in India where geothermal energy potential has been identified.
What’s Special:
- Steam vents and boiling mud pits
- Rainbow-hued mineral deposits
- Temperature swings from -20°C to above 100°C
- It’s like walking on Mars’ surface.
Top Things to Do:
- Observe geothermal activity
- Photograph the vibrant sulfur-colored land
- Visit nearby Tso Moriri Lake
Travel Tip:
Acclimatize properly before visiting due to its high altitude (over 4,400 meters). Keep dry food and water close at hand, and steer clear of abrupt movements.
3. Dhanushkodi – Tamil Nadu
Overview:
Once a thriving town, Dhanushkodi was completely destroyed in a 1964 cyclone, and now stands eerily abandoned. It’s located on a narrow strip of land between the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean, at the tip of Rameswaram Island.`
What’s Special:
- Ghost town vibes with haunting ruins
- Ram Setu or Adam’s Bridge myths
- A place where two seas meet—dramatic ocean views
- No mobile signal, no lights—just the sound of waves
Top Things to Do:
- Explore the ruins: old church, railway station, school
- Stand at India’s Land’s End
- Visit nearby Rameswaram temples
Travel Tip:
No overnight stay allowed. Visit during daylight hours and hire a jeep for a thrilling ride through sandy tracks.
4. Sheshnag Lake – Kashmir
Overview:
Located at around 3,590 meters on the Amarnath Yatra route, Sheshnag Lake is a glacial lake surrounded by snow-covered peaks and alpine meadows. According to Hindu mythology, this lake is believed to be guarded by Sheshnag, the celestial serpent.
What’s Special:
- Crystal clear blue water reflecting snowy peaks
- Ice even during summer
- Almost untouched due to its remote location
- Mythical aura and high-altitude silence
Top Things to Do:
- Trek around the lake
- Photography in the early morning mist
- Camping in nearby meadows (with permission)
Travel Tip:
Only accessible by foot or pony. requires hiking (approximately 7–8 hours) from Pahalgam.
5. Lahaul – Himachal Pradesh
Overview:
Lahaul, which is a part of the Lahaul-Spiti area, stands in sharp contrast to the verdant Himachal. The region is a cold desert of jagged brown peaks, wide open skies, and dramatic gorges. It feels like you’re exploring the Moon’s surface.
What’s Special:
- Brown barren mountains
- Ancient monasteries in lunar-like terrain
- Rare tribal villages and pure, quiet landscapes
- Clear stargazing and rare blue rivers
Top Things to Do:
- Visit Keylong, Triloknath, and Tandi
- Explore offbeat monasteries like Shashur
- Drive the Atal Tunnel for epic views
Travel Tip:
Visit in the summer. Roads remain snow-blocked in winter. 4×4 vehicle recommended.
6. Amkoi (Amkodi) – Meghalaya
Overview:
Still relatively unexplored, Amkoi is located in Meghalaya’s Khasi Hills and offers dreamlike scenery: fog-draped cliffs, lush forest cover, and waterfalls cascading from great heights. It’s like stepping into the movie Avatar.
What’s Special:
- Misty weather year-round
- Ancient living root bridges and hidden waterfalls
- Thick tropical forest and mossy rocks
- Rare flora and fauna, many endemic to the region
Top Things to Do:
- Hike to secret waterfalls and bridges
- Birdwatching and nature walks
- Interact with the local Khasi tribe
Travel Tip:
Best visited with a local guide. Monsoon enhances the beauty but makes the trails slippery.
Overview:
A high-altitude desert located north of Leh, Nubra Valley is a strange land of contrasts—arid sand dunes with snowy peaks in the backdrop, and camels that belong in Central Asia. It’s truly otherworldly.
What’s Special:
- White sand dunes at Hunder
- Double-humped Bactrian camels
- Diskit Monastery overlooking the valley
- Confluence of Shyok and Nubra rivers
Top Things to Do:
- Ride a Bactrian camel
- See Diskit Monastery and the massive Maitreya Buddha.
- Stay in a local homestay for authentic Ladakhi experience
Travel Tip:
You will need an Inner Line Permit to enter Nubra. Roads can be rough, so plan transport accordingly.
Final Word: See the Universe Without Leaving India
These surreal destinations are reminders that our planet—and especially India—holds wonders that rival any science fiction fantasy. Whether you’re a curious traveler, a photographer, or someone looking for a spiritual experience, these alien-like places are guaranteed to stir your soul.
