India is indeed, Incredible India. With majestic mountains, lush greenery, emerald beaches, spectacular temples, rich culture and whatnot, and if you’re in the impression that you have seen it all. Then here’s something that you would definitely find interesting. India has certain unique places that are known for its quirky and interesting culture. So adventure seekers out there, visit these unique places in India and quench your thirst for adventure.
1. Karni Mata Temple, Rajasthan
Rajasthan’s Karni Mata Temple is a shrine built for Goddess Karni Mata. She is highly regarded and is worshipped every day. It’s believed that she manifests herself into rats, called kabbas. What’s interesting about this place is the fact that it houses around 20,000 rats. Devotees eat the prasad after the rats here taste it. It’s considered a sin to kill or trample the rats here. If one does trample the rat, then he or she has to buy a silver or gold rat statue and offer it to the temple as atonement. Rats roam around the temple in huge numbers, even sipping milk from bowls. It’s popularly known as the Rat Temple and is one of the most unique places in India.
2. Shani Shingnapur, Maharashtra
Shani Shingnapur in Maharashtra is popularly known as the village without doors. Yes! The houses here, don’t have any doors at all. Even though villages here have no doors, localites don’t face problems due to theft either. No one has any fear of theft, as they believe the deity Shani, who resides here will protect them from all evil. No matter who follows what religion here, they all follow this over 350 years old practice of not having any doors in their houses. Sounds interesting right?
3. Channapatna Dog Temple, Karnataka
Dogs are some of the most loyal and lovable creatures that are truly a gift from God. Dogs are definitely man’s best friend and this temple in Karnataka honours our favourite animal. The Dog Temple is situated in the Agrahara Valagerehalli in the city of Channapatna, also known as the town of toys. So why is there a dog temple? Well, history goes that the existing Kempamma Temple, built by a wealthy businessman in 201o for Goddess Kempamma was worshipped widely. And one day, two dogs from this village disappeared. The goddess appeared in a villager’s dream and asked him to build a temple for the dogs, as they would drive away from the negativity in the area and protect the people and the village. After this incident, the dog temple was built near the Kempamma Temple by the same businessman. The statues of the two lost dogs are worshipped here and there is also a festival held to honour them. This is one of the most unique places in India, that all dog lovers must visit.
4. Punsari Village, Gujarat
When you think of a village, what comes to your mind? Narrow potholed streets, lack of drainage system, a place with no electricity, foul-smelling pathways and whatnot. Punsari Village in Gujarat is one place in India that is truly a breath of fresh air, and will surely break all your myths when it comes to imagining a village. This village is situated around 90km from Ahmedabad and is popularly known as a model village. The young headman of this village, Himanshu Patel proudly says that this village has all the amenities of a city but the spirit of a village. Punsari Village has round the clock water and electricity supply, it’s Wifi-enabled and there are even CCTV’s and speakers in the whole village. The schools have AC classrooms and have CCTV cameras too. It’s modern, chic and technologically advanced in its own right.
5. Bullet Baba, Rajasthan
One of the most unique places in India, Rajasthan’s Bullet Baba or Om Banna has left its visitors spellbound. The deity of this temple is a Bullet Bike. Devotees come here before going on a journey to protect them from accidents and obstacles that may come their way. This quaint shrine located in the Pali district of Jodhpur in Rajasthan. This bullet bike belonged to Om Baba, who met with an accident and died in that very spot. Since then every time the police tried to move away from the bike, it would miraculously land in the same spot as the accident. Now a shrine is built here and the bike is right here, in the very same spot, and is actually worshipped by travellers especially.
Also Read: Temple Town In Tamil Nadu Has 188 Temples And The Traveler’s Heart
6. Snake Village, Uttar Pradesh
You might know that snakes are worshipped by Hindus in our country, as it’s considered to be close to Lord Shiva. but the rational mind might think how close can you keep a snake? In the Sholapur district of Uttar Pradesh, lies a tiny village called Shetpal which is popularly known as the Snake Village. Snakes are welcome here, and villagers also have small shrines in their homes for the snakes to enter and cool off. And these are not any ordinary snakes, but cobras. Kids are left free to play with these cobras and they even enter the schools. In spite of all this, to date, there hasn’t been a single person bitted by a snake, or a single snake killed here. Both the creature and the villagers live fearlessly. If you’re in Uttar Pradesh, did you know The Legacy Behind India’s First Natural Sanctuary In Uttarakhand, Jim Corbett
7. New Lucky Restaurant, Gujarat
You might have been to many restaurants in India, but have you ever dined amongst the dead? Shocked? New Lucky Restaurant in Ahmedabad, Gujarat is actually built on an old Muslim Cemetery. And that’s not all, there are even coffins lying inside the restaurant, with iron bars surrounding it. Food is served to customers beside the graves and fresh flowers are placed on the graves every day. It is believed that dining in this restaurant will bring one good luck. So if you think you need some good luck in your life, you know where to go.
8. Loktak Lake, Manipur
Loktak Lake in Manipur is known as the world’s floating lake. It’s one of the most unique places in India and is the largest freshwater lake in North East. This lake is known for its cluster of organic matter, vegetation and soil which are in huge amounts. It’s spread across 300 sq metres and is a source of livelihood for the inhabitants. Loktak Lake also has the Keibul Lamjao National Park, which is the world’s only floating national park and houses around 424 animal species and around 100 species of birds. So the next time you visit North East, Loktak Lake must be on your to-do list. Did You Know That World’s Only Floating National Park Is In Manipur?
9. Baba Mandir, Sikkim
Baba Mandir is a temple which is run by the soldiers of the Indian army. It is situated near the Kupup Village in Sikkim. So what makes this temple unique? This built-in the name of Baba Harbhajan Singh, a serviceman in the 23 Sikh Regiment. In October 1986, he was posted here neat the China border, and while carrying provisions on the mules, up the mountain, he fell down and drownded in the stream below. But that very night, he appeared in the dreams of his army colleagues and requested a memorial to be built for him. Till date, it’s believed that his spirit lies in the temple and in that area. The army maintains this temple, and his belongings are kept there in the shrine. People believe his spirit will protect and guard the army and residents in this tough territory.
10. Shri Veerabhadra Temple Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh
Known for its rich culture and immensely beautiful architecture, Shri Veerabhadra temple or Lepakshi Temple is a sight to behold. This temple situated in Andhra Pradesh is one of the most unique places in India. This shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva and one thing unusual about this place is its floating pillar. Yes! There are around 70 pillars here, out of which one of them is just suspended in the air. People here call it as the miracle pillar. Visitors often pass a thin article under the pillar and believe that will bring good luck in their life. You can also Witness Snowfall At Lambasigni in Andhra Pradesh
These are some of the most unique places in India. If you’re up for some adventure its time you visit these places and create unique memories here. Apart from this, if You’re Having Trouble Getting Your US Visa? Visit The Visa Balaji Temple Near Hyderabad!