Our Unexploration expert, who knows the region first-hand, will call you back.
Most of us know India through the India we live in — the crowds, the noise, the litter and the traffic. So, when we think about taking a holiday, it’s easy to imagine that travelling around India would mean more of the same. It is no surprise that we go to other countries for a different experience. That’s the tragedy.
At Unexplored India, we know India very differently. There are landscapes in India that are nothing like the country we see every day. Stunning, without crowds, no litter. There are thousands of years of history sitting quietly in the landscape.
There are communities with stories you won’t find in a guidebook. And traditional food that tastes nothing like what you would order in a restaurant. We want to show you this side of India. This is Unexplored India.
These are highly curated programmes. The focus of our unexplorations is to show you landscapes that will stun you. They are beautiful, crowd-free, and free of litter. You will go home with the thought: “I didn’t know we had such beauty in India.” We will also introduce you to the region's history and culture in an immersive, engaging way. At the end of it, you will be left with a deep sense of pride: “I didn’t know this side of our country.”
You have inside access to regions that are not possible to experience on your own. The associations with local communities and the trust built with them have taken us considerable time. These communities are otherwise closed to outsiders. You get to interact with these communities in a deeply personal way. You will also eat their food. Their food is delicious and steeped in tradition. “I didn’t know traditional food could be so finger-licking good!”
Our groups have a maximum of 16 unexplorers. These are deliberate small groups. The idea is simple: You will not only discover a new side of India but also take home deep friendships with like-minded people. This is an integral part of our design. Our unexplorations are meant to create new relationships. This is an important takeaway from our programme.
Your unexplorations are guided by our expert group leaders. They are experts on the region and will facilitate the entire programme. They are with you for the entire duration. Also, in fun, laughter and adventure. At the end of the programme, apart from the like-minded friendships you make, your group leader is another person who you will add to your friends list — such is the strong bond you make with them.
Our homestays are family-owned and located in exotic locations. The locations of our homestays are sometimes a big reason to be part of the unexplorations. The owners are invested in the success of the programmes. These homestays are not like hotels. Individual rooms are not always possible. We share rooms sometimes. But they make up with their setting. The stays are always very comfortable.
At Unexplored India, sustainability is at the core of what we do. We pick litter from hotspots. We do not use disposable cutlery. Our homestays are dustbin-free zones. We pack everything we get back home. We do not allow any smoking or drinking on our programmes. Our mission is to leave the region better than we find it.
Unexplored India is this hidden side of us. We are trekkers; everybody knows that. But we also love travelling in a way we don't talk much about.
For example, we hate crowds, so we always look for secluded destinations, like a lonely beach or an isolated hillside. We love the untouched landscape.
We spend hours trying to understand ancient monuments or temples. We try to find out how they came about and how they are connected to the land’s heritage and culture.
Do you know where we interact with local people the most? In buses and trains. We love spending time in their villages, eating local food, preferably in their homes.
For me, that is the unexplored side of our country.
Every time I travel outside India, I return marvelling at how much goodness we have here in our own India. Why aren’t we doing anything about it? When I spoke to people, I found many like me who wanted to discover this unexplored side of our country.
We told ourselves that we had been running Indiahikes for so many years. We have the resources, the expertise, the people. Why don't we launch Unexplored India to help people discover a side of our country they don’t know?
That’s how Unexplored India was born.
Arjun Majumdar, Founder & CEO of Indiahikes, talks about why we started Unexplored India.
Murli Sundrani, Life & Happiness Coach · Unexplored Konkan, August 2026
What makes Unexplored India special is the way it takes you beyond sightseeing. We explored Konkan on foot, stayed in local homes, ate authentic local food, experienced the culture and traditions, and connected with the people and their way of life... For four days, I ate every meal with my hands. I bathed using a lota and traditional vessels. In many ways, Unexplored India felt like an immersion into our own heritage and culture.
Vibhas Gupta, Medical Director · Unexplored Kullu Valley, June 2026
The landscapes of Kullu Valley are breathtaking, but what stayed with us even more was the opportunity to experience a side of the Himalayas that most travellers rarely get to see. We walked through quiet villages, witnessed the simplicity of everyday life, interacted with local communities, and learnt about their rich culture and traditions. One of the most meaningful parts of the experience was staying with local families. Their warmth, generosity, and genuine hospitality made us feel less like guests and more like family.”
Pratima Rao, Author and former teacher · Unexplored Konkan, July 2026
It had all the elements… nature, trekking, farming, cycling and at the same time, it taught us so much. For the first time, we saw petroglyphs. We got to experience prehistoric history as well as the historical forts of Shivaji, and everything that comes along with it. There is something so exquisite about experiencing all of this together, nature, history, adventure, and learning, all in one journey.
Moonmoon Mishra, Regulatory Science Professional · Unexplored Nilgiris, June 2026
Unexplored Nilgiris by Unexplored India is thoughtfully designed to take you into the heart of the Nilgiris, its flora, fauna, ecosystem, culture, and local way of life. The walks through pine and shola forests, the rolling shola grasslands, and the two pristine waterfalls we had the privilege of visiting, all of these experiences felt incredibly special precisely because they were so far off the beaten path. Most importantly, this was a family trip, and we came back with memories that we will cherish for a lifetime.
Anjan Dutta, HR Consulting · Unexplored Kullu Valley, June 2026
At this stage of my life, what I truly enjoy is going beyond the obvious — absorbing the culture of India, its nuances, subtleties, traditions, and stories that we may never come across otherwise. The entire experience was deeply immersive. It gave me an opportunity to gain knowledge, connect with the local community, and understand the lives and perspectives of people within the village.
Shakti Tripathy, Regulatory Science Professional, Pharma Industry · Unexplored Nilgiris, May 2026
Had a really great experience with Unexplored Nilgiris. The best part of the trip was that all the places were truly unexplored, peaceful, and away from the crowds. It genuinely felt like we were the only ones there, enjoying nature in silence. What I loved most was how raw, real, and different the entire program felt from a regular tourist experience. It was very well managed, yet never felt commercial or rushed. We came back with some really beautiful memories. I would love to come back and explore more of the Nilgiris.
The truth is, our Unexplorations are not meant for everyone.
We are going to discover a side of our country that you didn’t know existed. You will see landscapes that will leave you stunned. You will experience the region's history, culture and food in a deeply immersive way. There won’t be any crowds. You will meet strangers who will become your lifelong friends.
Yet, this comes at a cost.
Unexplorations are for people who enjoy relaxed, unhurried travel. You value immersive experiences over ticking items off a list. You appreciate comfort, but don't need luxury to enjoy a good journey.
Our homestays are hidden gems in corners you least expect. But they are not hotels. We share accommodation. We travel by Tempo Travellers. We travel sustainably. We pick up litter we find. We have a zero-smoking and drinking policy. We make as little noise as possible. There is no room service. Not everyone is used to this kind of travel. Are you an Unexplorer?
"Each day unfolded like a carefully crafted chapter, revealing a Konkan untouched by hurried tourism.”
Pratima Rao joined us on Unexplored Konkan. This is an excerpt from her blog ‘Unexplored Konkan: Where the Monsoon Writes Its Story’. Read the full story →
A winding road passes through a dense Nilgiris forest, surrounded by trees, ferns and lush green undergrowth.
Tea plucker harvesting fresh tea leaves in a tea plantation in Ooty, Nilgiris
elderly woman welcoming guests in kullu valley home
Elderly woman in traditional Kullu attire standing on the wooden balcony of a traditional home in Kullu Valley
Travellers enjoying a misty mountain view from a homestay in Ooty, Nilgiris
a waterfall in dzongu valley
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