1. Chand Baori, Abhaneri (Rajasthan)

A staggering stepwell built over 1,000 years ago, Chand Baori is one of the deepest and most architecturally intricate baoris (stepwells) in the world. Located in Abhaneri, a small village near Jaipur, this hidden monument showcases stunning geometry with 3,500 perfectly symmetrical steps descending 13 stories.

While often overshadowed by Rajasthan’s majestic palaces, Chand Baori remains a hidden gem in India, reflecting both engineering brilliance and the importance of water architecture in arid regions.

• Built By: King Chanda of the Nikumbh Dynasty

• Century: 8th–9th century

• Why Visit: Intricate symmetrical design, less touristy than most forts

2. Maluti Temples, Jharkhand

Tucked in a small village called Maluti, near Dumka in Jharkhand, lies a cluster of 72 terracotta temples, out of the original 108. These lesser-known monuments of India are dedicated mostly to Lord Shiva and showcase intricate terracotta carvings on walls, much like the temples in Bengal.

The artistry of the Pala and Sena school is evident in the motifs, yet this treasure remains unexplored in India’s tourism circuit, making it a prime location for offbeat travel in India.

• Built By: Baj Basanta dynasty

• Century: 17th century

• Why Visit: Unique terracotta architecture in an untouched setting

3. Rani ki Vav, Patan (Gujarat)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rani ki Vav is a spectacular stepwell in Patan, Gujarat. Although it’s gaining recognition, it’s still not as frequented as other architectural attractions, keeping it among the hidden monuments in India.

Built by Queen Udayamati in memory of her husband, this stepwell is a symbolic structure representing life, death, and rebirth through its seven levels of intricately carved sculptures of deities.

• Built By: Queen Udayamati

• Century: 11th century

• Why Visit: UNESCO-tagged, mythological carvings, serene atmosphere

4. Jahaz Mahal, Mandu (Madhya Pradesh)

Floating between two artificial lakes in the city of Mandu, Jahaz Mahal (Ship Palace) truly appears like a ship ready to sail. The symmetrical architecture, grand arches, and water harvesting system speak volumes of the engineering prowess during the Sultanate period.

Often bypassed by mainstream tourists, Mandu and Jahaz Mahal offer a romantic, historical setting perfect for offbeat travel in India.

• Built By: Ghiyas-ud-din Khilji

• Century: 15th century

• Why Visit: Mesmerizing monsoon beauty, unique floating appearance

5. Rabdentse Ruins, Sikkim

Amidst the misty forests of Sikkim, the Rabdentse Ruins are remnants of the second capital of the former Kingdom of Sikkim. Set on a ridge with panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range, this hidden site offers a haunting beauty and a peaceful ambiance rarely found at historical sites.

These ruins are a reminder of India’s architectural heritage in the northeast — often left out of the mainstream narrative.

• Built By: Chogyal rulers of Sikkim

• Century: 17th–19th century

• Why Visit: Nature + history blend, mystical backdrop

6. Basgo Monastery and Fort, Ladakh

Ladakh isn’t just about barren landscapes and monasteries — it’s also home to Basgo, a lesser-known fortress complex that’s crumbling yet captivating. Known for its murals and giant Buddha statue, Basgo is one of the hidden monuments of India that merges Buddhist architecture with fortification.

Unlike Hemis or Thiksey, Basgo remains isolated, ideal for travelers craving unexplored places in India that combine culture and silence.

• Built By: Namgyal rulers

• Century: 15th century

• Why Visit: Vivid murals, cliffside ruins, Ladakhi history

7. Chaukhandi Tombs, Karachi-border (Gujarat/Sindh)

These elaborately carved tombs belong to early Muslim tribes in the Sindh-Gujarat border area and are often referred to as the Chaukhandi Tombs. Their sandstone slabs, beautifully carved with geometric and floral motifs, resemble the Islamic architectural influence of the region.

Although partially located in Pakistan, the Indian side has many similar tombs that lie hidden in Gujarat’s dusty terrain — a true hidden gem in India that testifies to cultural confluence.

• Built By: Jokhio and Baloch tribes

• Century: 15th–18th century

• Why Visit: Unique Indo-Islamic funerary architecture

8. Surang Tila, Chhattisgarh

Surang Tila is an ancient Hindu temple complex in Sirpur, Chhattisgarh — a state still relatively unexplored by Indian and international tourists. This 30-foot-tall structure stands on a massive stone platform and features intricately carved stone pillars and staircases.

Sirpur was once a major Buddhist and Hindu learning center. Visiting Surang Tila feels like entering a forgotten epic, making it one of the most unexplored places in India for history enthusiasts.

• Built By: Shiva dynasty

• Century: 7th century

• Why Visit: Massive untouched temple site, lesser crowds

9. Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Madhya Pradesh

These aren’t just monuments — they’re windows into prehistoric life. The Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, located near Bhopal, house cave paintings that date back to over 30,000 years. While it has UNESCO status, Bhimbetka is often left out of most travel itineraries, preserving its untouched charm.

From dancing human figures to hunting scenes, these shelters are India’s oldest canvas — and a must-visit for lovers of anthropology and art.

• Period: Paleolithic to Medieval era

• Why Visit: Ancient rock art, prehistoric significance

10. Unakoti, Tripura

Deep in the forested hills of Tripura, Unakoti is an astonishing archaeological site that features massive rock-cut carvings and stone sculptures — most notably the 30-foot-high face of Lord Shiva, carved directly into the hillside.

With myths of a thousand gods turned to stone overnight, and an almost mystical aura enveloping it, Unakoti remains one of the hidden gems in India.

• Built By: Unknown (believed to be 7th–9th century)

• Why Visit: Giant rock carvings, mythic backstory, forest serenity

Final Thoughts

The monuments of India are far more than a handful of UNESCO-listed sites. From Rajasthan’s symmetrical stepwells to Sikkim’s royal ruins, India’s hidden monuments represent the soul of local history, artistry, and innovation. These sites, untouched by mass tourism, offer an enriching experience for those who pursue offbeat travel in India.

If you’re looking to step off the beaten path and uncover unexplored places in India, let these lesser-known marvels guide your journey.

So pack your bags, charge your camera, and go forth — not just to see India, but to truly discover it.