bahrainthismonth.com | AUGUST 2026 INDIA IN BAHRAIN 42 Majuli, Assam Set within the mighty Brahmaputra River, Majuli is the world’s largest inhabited river island and a cultural heartland of northeast India. It is renowned for its centuries-old Vaishnavite monasteries, known as satras, where traditional dance, music and the craft of making intricate bamboo and clay masks for devotional performances continue to thrive. Visitors can explore the island by bicycle, visit Mishing villages built on stilts and discover communities whose culture has been shaped by the Brahmaputra River for centuries. Chettinad, Tamil Nadu Chettinad combines remarkable architecture with one of India’s bestknown regional cuisines. Once home to wealthy merchant families, the region is known for its grand mansions featuring Burmese teak, Belgian glass and Italian marble. Its cuisine is characterised by bold spice blends and aromatic flavours, with dishes such as Chettinad Chicken, cooked with freshly ground black pepper, fennel, curry leaves and roasted spices, and Kuzhi Paniyaram, crisp bite-sized rice batter dumplings served with chutneys or spicy gravies, among the region’s signature dishes. Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh Rolling rice fields, pine-covered hills and the traditions of the Apatani people create a striking mountain landscape unlike anywhere else in India. The Apatani are known for their distinctive wet-rice farming and fish cultivation methods, which have been practised for generations. Visitors can explore walking trails through villages and rice fields, while the cool mountain climate offers a welcome contrast to India’s warmer regions. Those visiting in late summer may also experience the internationally acclaimed Ziro Music Festival. Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh Tirthan Valley receives far fewer visitors than nearby Manali and Shimla despite its crystal-clear rivers, cedar forests and timber villages tucked into the Himalayan foothills. Popular activities include hiking, trout fishing and exploring the surrounding mountains. The valley also serves as one of the main gateways to the UNESCO-listed Great Himalayan National Park, home to snow leopards, Himalayan tahr and more than 300 bird species. Beyond the Postcard Some of India’s most memorable experiences lie beyond the familiar tourist trail. From Himalayan valleys and ancient archaeological sites to river islands and wildlife reserves, these lesser-known destinations offer a different perspective on one of the world’s most diverse countries.
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