7 Hidden Villages in India with International Vibes
Amanpreet Singh | Apr 20, 2025, 08:42 IST
India is home to villages that don't just offer cultural depth and scenic beauty — some even feel like they’ve been plucked out of another country. From French lanes to Greek-style architecture, these hidden gems offer a global experience without needing a passport. Explore seven Indian villages that give off truly international vibes, each with its own unique charm.
India is vast and diverse, and sometimes, it surprises you with places that feel like they belong elsewhere in the world.
Whether it's a clean village reminiscent of a European town or a coastal settlement echoing the streets of Portugal, these hidden villages give you international feels — right at home. Let’s explore seven such Indian villages:
Nestled in the East Khasi Hills, Mawlynnong is famed for its pristine lanes, bamboo dustbins, and strict eco-rules. Cleanliness is a lifestyle here, and the community spirit resembles that of rural Swiss towns.
Once a Danish colony known as Tranquebar, this coastal town is dotted with European-style churches, colonial houses, and cobbled streets.
3. Cherrapunji & Nongriat, Meghalaya – Like the Rainforests of Costa Rica
With living root bridges, lush green canopies, and nonstop rain, these villages feel like tropical wonders.
Villages like Auroville and surrounding areas of Puducherry still carry a distinct French aura. The architecture, language signs, cafes, and even the quiet lifestyle echo Southern France.
This ancient village is known for its self-governance and isolation. Locals believe they are descendants of Alexander the Great’s soldiers, and the village is guided by a set of old-world laws.
Majuli is the world's largest river island and hosts unique tribal communities and monasteries called Satras. The lifestyle, crafts, and traditional dances resemble parts of Southeast Asia.
While Rajasthan is known for deserts, Khimsar’s dune villages give off exotic Middle Eastern vibes. The mud huts, camels, and sand stretches resemble the Arabian lifestyle.
These hidden Indian villages don’t just offer beauty or peace — they transport you into another world altogether. If you're craving an international vacation but don’t want to cross borders, put these unique destinations on your list.
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Whether it's a clean village reminiscent of a European town or a coastal settlement echoing the streets of Portugal, these hidden villages give you international feels — right at home. Let’s explore seven such Indian villages:
1. Mawlynnong, Meghalaya – “The Cleanest Village in Asia” (Like Switzerland)
Mawlynnong
2. Tharangambadi, Tamil Nadu – The Danish Connection
Tharangambadi
3. Cherrapunji & Nongriat, Meghalaya – Like the Rainforests of Costa Rica
Cherrapunji
4. Puducherry’s Villages – Mini France in India
Puducherry
5. Malana, Himachal Pradesh – The Greek Democracy in India
Malana
6. Majuli, Assam – India’s River Island with Southeast Asian Touch
Majuli
7. Khimsar, Rajasthan – Arabian Nights in the Desert
Khimsar
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Travel, Life Hacks, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life.