From Orissa's Nandankanan to Bihar's Rajgir Nature Safari: 6 lesser known tourist attractions that are a must-visit

Sometimes, the most magical places lies beyond the spotlight. These places want us to find them and similar to these, there are some underrated gems that are tucked away in corners that are often overlooked, some of which offer the best views, rich history and raw beauty. Of course, how can one forget the life-long experiences these places will offer. If you are seeking something different, here are five such offbeat wonders of nature.

(All the images are taken from official websites)

Nandankanan holds the distinction of being the first zoo in India to offer a white tiger safari. What makes it special is the setup—visitors remain safely inside a protected vehicle while the animals roam freely in their natural surroundings. A twenty-minute ride along winding forest paths leads directly into the lion safari zone, where guests can witness a pride of lions up close. Additionally, visitors can spot sloth bears in their natural habitat by opting for the safari bus service.

This place is located just 23 km South of Sambalpur, on the banks of Mahanadi river. This place is the home to the strange “leaning temple of Shiva”, built during the reign of Baliar Singh. According to legend, a milkman once offered milk to a rock that miraculously absorbed it, leading to the temple’s destruction. The entire structure, including the smaller shrines and boundary walls, lean in different directions, though, the angle has not changed in decades. In March, during Shivratri, the great night of Shiva, a grand fair is held, that attracts millions of devotees each year. (IMAGE: official government website)

Just a short drive from Puri, Odisha, Raghurajpur is no ordinary village. This place is where each and every home tells a story, portrayed by art. Its a heritage village and is the home to around 500 Chitkaras, masters of the ancient Pattachitra painting tradition. These unique art enthusiasts paint on cloth, plam leaves, coconuts and even clay points, bringing each and every thing alive with their color and rich history. (IMAGE: Official government website)

Koratpur Nature Camp provides a perfect base for that eco-friendly cottage atmosphere, surrounded by fragrant pine forests, wildlife trails and birdwatching. It is situated near Deomali Park, offer the highest panoramic views and trekking adventures through lush eastern ghats terrain. It rises nearly 3,000ft above sea level and transforms into a beautiful getaway in the month of monsoon, the greenery, waterfalls and fog-drenched valley all provide a majestic view of Odisha. (IMAEGE: Official government website)

This sprawling wildlife sanctuary near Rajgir offers a zoo safari and a nature safari with major attractions like glass skywalks, zip lines and sky biking in a scenic forest setting. Rajgir was once the capital of Magadh, and now it holds deep roots in Buddhism, with famous spiritual sites such as Venu van and Griddhakuta hills. (IMAGE: Official government website)

Tucked away in the Ramagiri Hills in Odisha’s Koraput district. This place is a sacred cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located about 55 km from Jeypore and around 80 km from Koraput town, this serene retreat sits beside the Kolab River, surrounded by dense forests. The cave houses a naturally formed Shiva Linga, believed to be self-manifested, drawing pilgrims especially during Mahashivratri. Gupteshwar remains an offbeat yet unforgettable escape for nature lovers and spiritual seekers alike. (IMAGE: Official government website)