India is home to some of the most bizarre and breathtaking landscapes that seem straight out of a science fiction movie. From a vanishing beach to an active volcano, and from a mysterious gravity hill to a meteor crater lake, these places defy logic and resemble alien worlds. Some are shaped by natural forces over millennia, while others hold scientific mysteries that continue to fascinate travelers.
If you’re looking for a travel experience that feels otherworldly, these nine surreal destinations in India will transport you to a completely different planet—without ever leaving the country!
1. Barren Island, Andaman & Nicobar – India’s Only Active Volcano
Location: Andaman and Nicobar Islands
How to Reach:
- The nearest airport is Port Blair, from where you can take a ferry or a chartered seaplane to get a closer look at the island.
- Only ship-based excursions or scuba diving trips allow a glimpse of this volcanic island.
Why It Feels Alien:
Barren Island is India’s only active volcano, constantly spewing smoke and lava. The black sand beaches and rocky terrain create an eerie, Martian-like landscape.
Things to Do:
- Take a scuba diving trip to witness the unique marine biodiversity.
- Go on a boat tour to capture the dramatic volcanic scenery.
- Watch the lava trails at night if you’re on a permitted cruise.
2. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat – A White Salt Desert That Glows
Location: Kutch district, Gujarat
How to Reach:
- The nearest airport is Bhuj, around 80 km from the Rann.
- Buses and taxis are available from Bhuj to Dhordo, the gateway to the Rann.
Why It Feels Alien:
The endless expanse of white salt flats makes you feel like you’re walking on the surface of another planet. During full moon nights, the salt glows under the moonlight, creating a surreal landscape.
Things to Do:
- Visit during the Rann Utsav (November to February) for cultural events and tent stays.
- Take a camel ride across the salt desert.
- Experience the sunset over the vast, barren land.
3. Magnetic Hill, Ladakh – A Gravity-Defying Optical Illusion
Location: Leh-Ladakh
How to Reach:
- The nearest airport is Leh, about 30 km away.
- You can drive or take a bike ride from Leh along the Srinagar-Leh Highway.
Why It Feels Alien:
This hill creates an illusion where vehicles seem to roll uphill on their own, defying gravity. The landscape, with barren mountains and a desert-like setting, adds to the otherworldly feel.
Things to Do:
- Experience the gravity illusion by placing your vehicle in neutral.
- Explore the Indus-Zanskar confluence, a mesmerizing sight nearby.
- Ride an ATV in the cold desert surroundings.
4. Loktak Lake, Manipur – Floating Islands That Move
Location: Bishnupur district, Manipur
How to Reach:
- The nearest airport is Imphal, 53 km away.
- From Imphal, hire a cab or take a local bus to reach the lake.
Why It Feels Alien:
This lake is famous for phumdis—floating islands made of vegetation and soil. The landscape constantly changes as these islands move across the water.
Things to Do:
- Take a canoe ride around the floating islands.
- Visit the Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world’s only floating national park.
- Stay in a floating homestay for a unique experience.
5. Chandipur Beach, Odisha – The Vanishing Beach
Location: Balasore district, Odisha
How to Reach:
- The nearest railway station is Balasore, 16 km away.
- The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar, around 200 km away.
Why It Feels Alien:
The sea here mysteriously recedes by 5 km during low tide and returns during high tide, creating an eerie landscape that disappears and reappears.
Things to Do:
- Walk on the sea bed when the water recedes.
- Witness the unique marine life left behind by the retreating waters.
- Enjoy a peaceful beachside picnic with an ever-changing shoreline.
6. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh – The Cold Desert with Moon-like Terrain
Location: Lahaul-Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh
How to Reach:
- The nearest airport is Bhuntar, but Chandigarh is a more convenient airport.
- The best route is a road trip via Manali or Shimla.
Why It Feels Alien:
With its stark, treeless mountains, ancient monasteries, and barren landscapes, Spiti feels like a cross between Ladakh and Mars.
Things to Do:
- Visit Key Monastery, a 1000-year-old Buddhist monastery.
- Stay in a traditional homestay in a high-altitude village.
- Explore Pin Valley National Park and spot snow leopards.
7. Lonar Crater Lake, Maharashtra – A Meteor Impact Site
Location: Buldhana district, Maharashtra
How to Reach:
- The nearest airport is Aurangabad, around 140 km away.
- You can take a train to Jalna and then a taxi to the crater.
Why It Feels Alien:
This lake was formed by a meteor impact 50,000 years ago, creating a unique landscape with high alkaline and saline water—conditions similar to Mars.
Things to Do:
- Hike around the crater rim for stunning views.
- Spot rare migratory birds in the area.
- Visit the ancient temples around the lake.
8. Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh – The Grand Canyon of India
Location: Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh
How to Reach:
- The nearest airport is Kadapa, about 90 km away.
- The nearest railway station is Jammalamadugu, 15 km from Gandikota.
Why It Feels Alien:
The massive reddish sandstone gorge carved by the Pennar River resembles the Grand Canyon, with its vast, dramatic cliffs.
Things to Do:
- Explore the Gandikota Fort, an ancient hilltop fortress.
- Camp near the Pennar River for a scenic experience.
- Try rock climbing and trekking along the canyon.
9. Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu – The Ghost Town at Land’s End
Location: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
How to Reach:
- The nearest railway station is Rameswaram, 18 km away.
- From Rameswaram, hire a jeep to reach the abandoned town.
Why It Feels Alien:
Once a thriving town, Dhanushkodi was wiped out by a cyclone in 1964. Now, it stands as a ghost town, with ruined structures and desolate beaches surrounded by water on both sides.
Things to Do:
- Walk along the Ram Setu Viewpoint, believed to be part of the mythical bridge to Sri Lanka.
- Explore the abandoned railway station and church ruins.
- Experience the mystical silence of this lost town.
Final Thoughts
If you’re someone who loves offbeat and mysterious travel destinations, these nine places in India will leave you in awe. Whether it’s the barren volcanic terrain of Barren Island, the shimmering salt flats of the Rann of Kutch, or the floating islands of Loktak Lake, each destination offers a unique and surreal experience.
From the ghost town of Dhanushkodi to the Grand Canyon-like gorge of Gandikota, these places will challenge your perception of reality and give you a glimpse into the extraordinary landscapes that exist within India.
No matter which one you choose to explore first, be prepared to step into a world that feels nothing like Earth!
