Feeling bored with rushed itineraries and overcrowded tourist spots? Many people are now taking slow travel in offbeat destinations in India.
They take more detours, stay longer, and soak in the experience. This kind of travel needs flexibility that public transport does not provide. That’s where car rentals come in.
You get the freedom to explore these less-travelled places at your own pace. In this blog, we’ll explore the top 10 offbeat destinations that are perfect for slow travel in India—and easily accessible by road.
As a car rental company built for flexible travel, Droom Rental offers vehicles that fit every journey—from the mountains to the coast. Ready to slow down and explore more in 2025?
In this blog, we will cover:
- What is slow travel in India all About?
- Top 10 Offbeat Destinations For Slow Travel in India (Accessible by Car)
- Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh
- Majuli, Assam
- Darjeeling, West Bengal
- Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
- Jibhi, Himachal Pradesh
- Wayanad, Kerala
- Puducherry (Pondicherry)
- Rinchenpong, Sikkim
- Bundi, Rajasthan
- Gurez Valley, Kashmir
What is Slow Travel in India All About?
The slow travel in India focuses on exploring fewer places at a relaxed pace to enjoy deeper and more meaningful experiences. The trend is seeing more travelers spending more time in one location, connecting with local culture, and choosing eco-friendly stays and transport instead of rushing through tourist spots. It’s about enjoying the journey rather than just ticking off destinations.
Top 10 Offbeat Destinations For Slow Travel in India (Accessible by Car)
India is extremely rich in vastly different experiences – from the cultural richness of the Northeast to the serene mountains of the Western Ghats. Most people just visit a tourist place for short-term travel and local experience, but slow travellers stay a little longer and they absorb the atmosphere around them. You can take a car rental for road trips to most of these offbeat destinations in India with comfort and flexibility.
1. Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh: Ziro is located in the Lower Subansiri district and offers an engaging slow travel experience with a lot of things to do and interact with the local Apatani tribe. The best time to visit Ziro by car is from March to October for pleasant outdoor weather and exploring the valley, and from September to October for clear skies and the Ziro Festival of Music.
Key attractions in Ziro:
- Unique culture of Apatani Tribal Villages (Hong, Hari, Hija, Bula)
- A unique Tarin Fish Farm where fish are bred in rice paddies
- Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kile Pakho viewpoint
- Ancient Meghna Cave Temple of Lord Lakulisha
- Outdoor annual Ziro Festival of Music (annual)
Things to do in Ziro:
- Village walks to interact with the Apatani people and understand their way of life
- Trekking and hiking through pine forests and to viewpoints
- Photography of the unique landscapes and tribal culture
- Birdwatching, especially in Talley Valley
- Experiencing local cuisine and traditional rice beer
- Attending the Ziro Festival of Music
Ziro is accessible by road. The nearest major railhead is Naharlagun (approx. 100 km), and the nearest airport is Lilabari (Assam, approx. 100 km). You could hire a rental car from these points
A rental car from Guwahati (Assam) offers the most flexibility. An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is mandatory for domestic tourists visiting Arunachal Pradesh, and a Protected Area Permit (PAP) for foreign tourists. You can go off the main routes to explore serene spots with your Droom Rental car.
2. Majuli, Assam: Majuli is the world’s largest river island and a cultural hub with 22 Vaishnava Satras preserving neo-Vaishnavite traditions. The best time to visit Majuli is from October to March for comfortable exploration.
Key attractions in Majuli:
- Satras (Vaishnavite Monasteries) are centers for classical dance, music (Borgeet), mask-making, and monastic life
- Traditional Mishing villages
- Traditional art of mask making (primarily at Samaguri Satra)
- Traditional pottery without a potter’s wheel in Salmora Village
- Sunset points over the Brahmaputra River
- Migratory birds in the wetlands of Majuli
Things to do in Majuli:
- Visit various Satras to learn about Vaishnavite culture
- Cycle around the island to explore villages
- Interact with local tribes like the Mishing and Deori
- Attend Raas Mahotsav (usually in November) if your visit aligns
- Birdwatching in the wetlands
- Enjoying traditional Assamese cuisine
You first need to get to Jorhat in Assam to reach Majuli in your rental car. You can park your car in Jorhat and catch the ferry to reach the island. Consider these cars for rainy conditions in Assam.
3. Darjeeling, West Bengal: It’s a beautiful hill station in the northernmost region of West Bengal. The best time to visit is in the Spring for pleasant weather and clear views, and in the Autumn for clear skies and excellent visibility of Kanchenjunga.
Key attractions in Darjeeling:
- UNESCO-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)
- Tiger Hill for spectacular sunrise views over Mount Kanchenjunga
- Spiral descent in Batasia Loop
- World-famous tea estates
- Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
- Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI)
- Peace Pagoda
- Mall Road
Things to do in Darjeeling:
- Take a joyride on the Toy Train
- Explore lush tea gardens and learn about tea processing
- Enjoy panoramic views from various viewpoints
- Shop for tea, handicrafts, and woolen items at the local markets
- Savor Tibetan and Nepali cuisine
The nearest airport is Bagdogra (IXB), and the nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) in Siliguri. Darjeeling is about 2.5-3.5 hours by road from Siliguri. A rental car from Siliguri or Bagdogra is the most convenient way to reach Darjeeling and explore the surrounding areas.
4. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh:It is a beautiful town located near the Bhutan-Tibet border and home to the largest monastery in India.The best time to visit is from March to May for pleasant weather and from September to October for clear skies.
Key attractions in Tawang:
- Tawang Monastery (the largest in India and the second largest in the world)
- A high-altitude Sela Pass (13,700 ft) and Sela Lake
- PTSO Lake (Pankang Teng Tso Lake)
- Madhuri Lake (Sangetsar Lake)
- 100m Nuranang Falls (Bong Bong Falls)
- Tawang War Memorial (for the 1962 Sino-Indian War)
- Bum La Pass
- Giant Buddha Statue
Things to do in Tawang:
- Drive through the stunning Sela Pass
- Trek to various viewpoints (with guides)
- Try local Monpa cuisine
- Visit the main attractions in Tawang
Tawang is mainly accessible by road from Tezpur (Assam). The nearest airport is Tezpur Airport (TEZ), and the nearest major railway station is Rangapara North (Assam). It’s a long (12-14 hours) and challenging drive from Tezpur, which is broken with an overnight stop in Dirang or Bomdila.
A rental car with a local driver is recommended due to the need for Inner Line Permits (ILP) for domestic tourists and Protected Area Permits (PAP) for foreign tourists.
5. Jibhi, Himachal Pradesh: Jibhi is a peaceful hamlet in the Banjar Valley. The best time to visit Jibhi is in the Summer for pleasant weather and Autumn for clear skies. Jibhi is one of the most peaceful long stay vacation spots in India.
Key attractions in Jibhi:
- Jibhi Waterfall
- Jalori Pass (a starting point for treks to Serolsar Lake and Raghupur Fort)
- Serolsar Lake
- Ancient Raghupur Fort
- Chaini Kothi
- Tirthan River
- UNESCO-listed Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP)
Things to do in Jibhi:
- Trekking and hiking to Jalori Pass, Serolsar Lake, and Raghupur Fort
- Relax by the Jibhi Waterfall
- Chill by the Tirthan River
- Explore traditional Himachali villages and architecture
- Nature walks and birdwatching in the forests
- Camping under the stars
- Experience the local village life and Himachali hospitality in homestays
Jibhi is well-connected by road. The nearest airport is Bhuntar (Kullu) (approx. 60 km). The nearest major railway station is Chandigarh or Ambala. A rental car (self-drive or with a driver) is the most convenient way to reach Jibhi from Bhuntar, Chandigarh, or Delhi.
6. Wayanad, Kerala:Wayanad is a beautiful rural district in the Western Ghats. The best time to visit is from October to May for pleasant weather and from June to September for a green paradise.
Key attractions in Wayanad:
- Neolithic Edakkal Caves
- Chembra Peak with a heart-shaped lake (Hridaya Saras) on the way
- India’s largest earthen dam, Banasura Sagar Dam
- Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
- Meenmutty & Soochipara Falls
- Spice Plantations
- Wayanad Heritage Museum
Things to do in Wayanad:
- Walk through coffee, tea, and spice plantations, learning about them
- Stay in local homestays to interact with locals
- Meditate or simply sit by a stream
- Take leisurely treks to waterfalls or through less-frequented trails
- Indulge in traditional Ayurvedic treatments and massages
- Learn to prepare authentic Kerala dishes from locals.
The nearest airports are Calicut International Airport (CCJ) and Kannur International Airport (CNN). The nearest railway station is Kozhikode (Calicut). Wayanad is easily accessible by car from these places. Your car from Droom Rental can help you move easily and flexibly between different homestays in Wayanad.
7. Puducherry (Pondicherry)
It was a French colonial settlement in India until 1954 and is now a Union Territory town with a French legacy. Puducherry is one of the most mindful long stay vacation spots in India. The best time to visit is in the winter for pleasant walking.
Key attractions in Puducherry:
- French Quarter (White Town)
- Promenade Beach with the Gandhi Statue and Old Lighthouse
- Sri Aurobindo Ashram
- Auroville
- Manakula Vinayagar Temple
- Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
- Botanical Garden
- Local Markets
Things to do in Puducherry:
- Explore the French Quarter on foot or a bicycle
- Spend leisurely hours in the charming French cafes
- Do yoga & meditation at Auroville
- Do spiritual reflection at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram or in Auroville
- Take a pottery workshop or learn about local crafts
- Relax on Serenity Beach or Auroville Beach
- Engage with the residents and visitors
Puducherry has its own airport with limited connectivity, but Chennai International Airport (MAA) is the closest major hub (approx. 150 km). Puducherry is also well-connected by train. Roads to Puducherry are excellent so you can take a car rental for road trips there.
8. Rinchenpong, Sikkim: Rinchenpong is a beautiful high-altitude town in the Gyalshing district in Western Sikkim. The best time to visit is from March to May, when the weather is pleasant with clear mountain views.
Key attractions in Rinchenpong:
- Rinchenpong Monastery
- Rinchenpong Gumba (Poison Lake)
- Resum Monastery (Resum Gumba)
- Manning Viewpoint
- Local Villages
- Dentam Valley
Things to do in Rinchenpong:
- Spend quiet time at Rinchenpong Monastery
- Experience rural Sikkimese life
- Capture the stunning mountain vistas
- Enjoy birdwatching
- Take strolls along the forested trails
- Stay in a local homestay to engage with local customs
- Do meditation and yoga
Rinchenpong is accessible by road from Bagdogra Airport (IXB) and New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station in Siliguri, West Bengal (approx. 4-5 hours drive). It’s also well-connected from Gangtok and Pelling within Sikkim. Sikkim requires an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for domestic tourists and a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for foreign nationals.
9. Bundi, Rajasthan:Bundi is a town in the Hadoti region of Rajasthan state. The best time to visit Bundi is from October to March for pleasant outdoor exploration.
Key attractions in Bundi:
- 14th century Taragarh Fort
- Bundi Palace (Garh Palace)
- Raniji ki Baori (Queen’s Stepwell)
- 84 Pillared Cenotaph (Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri)
- Sukh Mahal
- Nawal Sagar Lake
- Bhimlat Falls (seasonal)
Things to do in Bundi:
- Spend hours exploring the Taragarh Fort and Bundi Palace
- Go for a stepwell discovery through the town
- Visit local traditional art studios
- Explore the lanes of the old town and engage with the locals
- Savor authentic Rajasthani food at local eateries
Bundi is easily accessible by car rental. The nearest major airports are Jaipur (JAI) (approx. 200 km) and Udaipur (UDR) (approx. 270 km). The nearest railway station is Bundi itself, but Kota (approx. 35 km) is a major railhead with better connectivity.
10. Gurez Valley, Kashmir:Gurez, or Gurais, is a valley located in the high Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir and is located to the north of the Kashmir Valley. The best time to visit is from May to September/October, when the weather is pleasant and the valley is accessible. Razdan Pass typically opens in May/June.
Key attractions of Gurez Valley:
- Razdan Pass
- Dawar Village
- Habba Khatoon Peak
- Kishanganga River (Neelam River)
- Tulail Valle
- Wular Lake (En route)
Things to do in Gurez Valley:
- Immerse yourself in the village life in Dawar and in Tulail Valley
- Find a quiet spot by the Kishanganga River
- Do nature photography
- Take short hikes and treks
- Savor the simple yet hearty local cuisine
- Do incredible stargazing on clear nights
Gurez Valley is accessible by car rental from Srinagar (approx. 4-5 hours drive, including the ascent over Razdan Pass). Srinagar has an airport (SXR) and is the main hub for Kashmir.
Conclusion
Slow travel in India is more than just a trend. Offbeat destinations in India are refreshing and fulfilling locations to connect deeply with places and people. They offer peaceful escapes, especially when you explore them with a flexible car rental for road trips at your own pace.
You can pick scenic routes, avoid rigid itineraries, and stay longer in fewer places to truly soak in the experience. A reliable rental car gives you the freedom to pause, wander, and discover hidden gems along the way.
Take the road less traveled. Browse Droom Rental’s self-drive and chauffeur-driven car rentals and book your slow travel journey, one soulful kilometer at a time.