India’s Most Unique Places You Must Visit

A land blessed with boundless beauty and diverse cultural heritage, India’s uniqueness can be seen in the various socio-geographical aspect. Right from the valleys of Kashmir to the coastal beaches in Kanyakumari, you will find an excellent combination of nature and distinctive civilisation.

But what if I told you a few places in the country had created global records?

Let us look at some places and find out why they have created global records.

Mawsynram, the wettest inhabited place on Earth

Mawsynram is situated in the East Khasi Hill district of Meghalaya in the northeastern part of India, and it is known as the wettest inhabited place on Earth. During the monsoon season, the area experiences heavy rainfall to such an extent that the locals use grass to cover their house’s roofs to soften the loud sounds of the rain.

Nohkalikai waterfalls are the fourth highest waterfalls in the world; they are situated between the evergreen forest of Khasi hills. The waterfall cascades from a cliff and falls into a lagoon at the bottom, making it a sight to behold. Sometimes, the rain would not stop for a continuous week, and the sun may not be visible either.

Highest rail bridge in the world, Chenab Bridge (Jammu & Kashmir)

The highest railway bridge in the world is the Chenab bridge located over the Chenab river in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district. It is 1,315-metre long and 359 metres above the river bed level. This iconic bridge is a feat of engineering that aims to boost connectivity to the Kashmir valley.

Highest post office in the world, Hikkim village

Imagine the effort it takes for a postman to carry and deliver letters to and from a high mountainous region. Do you think you can ever do it?

The tiny post office is located in the Lahul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, at an elevation of 4,400 metres. Situated in the Hakim village, the post office connects a cluster of small villages in the isolated region to the rest of the world. Two postmen make the difficult 46km round-trip journey on foot every day across high mountain passes and rolling pastures to deliver letters to Kaza, the capital of Spiti valley.

From Kaza, the outbound mail is dispatched through buses along the treacherous mountain roads, while the inbound letters are carried back to Hikkim on foot.

Highest motorable road in the world

Chisumle-Demchok Road, located in Ladakh, is the world’s highest motorable road at an altitude of over 19000 ft above sea level. Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which has already built several routes that connect some of the most challenging border regions and terrains in the country, has built the Ladakh road.

Chismule-Demchok road spans 52 km and connects some of the vital areas in the region, making it easier for travellers and locals. Furthermore, due to its staggering high altitude, the road has made it to the Guinness Book of World records.

Highest Cricket Ground in the World, Chail (Himachal Pradesh)

Chail cricket ground is the highest cricket ground in the world, with an altitude of 2,144 m, and it is 7500 feet above sea level. It is located in the state of Himachal Pradesh and was built by the cricket-loving Maharaja of Patiala, Bhupinder Singh, in 1893.

During the British Raj, the Maharaja used to play cricket on the ground, but now the Indian army takes care of the ground; hence, no civilians are allowed to enter the premises.

Floating Post office

Apart from visiting the highest post office in the world, you can also find a floating post office on the waters of the gorgeous Dal Lake in Srinagar. On your first viewing, it might look like a normal Shikara boat, but if you look closely, you will see the official red and yellow logo of the Indian Post Office.

The floating post office is one of its kind architecture, which now has become an essential part of a tourist’s itinerary. You will be amazed at the number of travellers who visit the post office to send a letter or a postcard to their loved ones. Another unique thing is that the post office uses a stamp that features the image of Dal lake, commemorating the region’s scenic beauty.

Double Decker Living Root Bridges, Meghalaya

Have you ever walked over a bridge made of living roots of a rubber tree?

If not, you can visit Double Decker Living Root Bridges, located some 60 km away from Shillong in Cherrapunji (Sohra) and Mawlynnong. The bridge is 2400 feet long and is the longest known living root bridge; made by Khasi people, the bridge gives the opportunity to go on one of the most challenging treks.

Currently, only 35 to 40 people can walk at a time through the bridge.