7 Hidden Villages in India with International Vibes

Amanpreet Singh | Apr 20, 2025, 08:42 IST
Mawlynnong
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:

1. Mawlynnong, Meghalaya – “The Cleanest Village in Asia” (Like Switzerland)

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Mawlynnong
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.

2. Tharangambadi, Tamil Nadu – The Danish Connection

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Tharangambadi
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

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Cherrapunji
With living root bridges, lush green canopies, and nonstop rain, these villages feel like tropical wonders.

4. Puducherry’s Villages – Mini France in India

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Puducherry
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.

5. Malana, Himachal Pradesh – The Greek Democracy in India

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Malana
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.

6. Majuli, Assam – India’s River Island with Southeast Asian Touch

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Majuli
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.

7. Khimsar, Rajasthan – Arabian Nights in the Desert

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Khimsar
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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