If you want to live the phrase ‘being on cloud nine’ quite literally, you need to visit these villages in India that are completely covered with clouds. Villages such as Gavi in Kerala or Mawlyngbna in Meghalaya, among many others, offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience of waking up to a white blanket that covers the whole expanse. You truly cannot miss the chance.
Lesser Known Villages Covered By Clouds In India
Experience the beauty of thick, misty clouds in villages in India that you may not have heard of. Gavi, Kibithu, and Mana are a few lesser-known villages that give a peek at that scenic atmosphere. Let’s take a look:
1. Mawlyngbna, Meghalaya’s Hidden Gem
Location: About 15 km from Mawsynram and roughly 45 to 75 km from Shillong, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya.
Elevation: 2,244 feet approx
Best time to visit: June to September
Experience: If you desire the feeling of walking on clouds, then visit during these months when the weather is just right. You also get to see expansive greenery and waterfalls at their best during this time.
Keep In Mind: Avoid river activities during this season as it’s unsafe.
Beauty of Clouds (Image Credit: Pexels)
2. Mana, The First Indian Village
Location: Situated on the banks of the Saraswati River, only 3 kilometres beyond the town of Badrinath Temple. It lies in the Chamoli district, Uttarakhand.
Elevation: 10,500 feet approx
Best time to visit: July to August
Experience: As it sits at an altitude of 3,200 metres in the Himalayan region, you can experience clouds floating through the village, with thick mist surrounding everything. A trek to Vasudhara Falls feels otherworldly. It looks as if the water is flowing right out of the clouds.
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Keep In Mind: Be cautious when trekking, as the soil becomes muddy and slippery.
Greenery of the village (Image Credit: Pexels)
3. Gavi, Off-The-Grid Misty Valley
Location: Located deep inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala.
Elevation: 3,400 feet approx
Best time to visit: June to September
Experience: Clouds float extremely low, covering the cardamom plantations with the trees and the Gavi Lake. You will see white as far as you can see, with the striking green of the trees. Also experience wildlife like no other as it offers views of Nilgiri tahr, Indian elephants, etc.
Keep In Mind: Avoid activities such as boating or jungle trekking for safety reasons if there is constant rain. Also be aware of leeches on the ground.
Misty forests of Kerala (Image Credits:Pexels)
4. Zuluk, The Old Silk Route
Location: Lies in the Pakyong District of East Sikkim, India. It’s located on the historic old silk route connecting Tibet to India, almost 90 kilometres from Gangtok, Sikkim.
Best time to visit: March to May
Elevation: 9,400 feet approx
Experience: The 30+ hairpin loops of the legendary Zuluk Loops sometimes completely vanish during the season, making it seem like you’re driving through clouds. Rhododendrons and primulas are also in full bloom at this time, so enjoy the beauty.
Keep In Mind: Avoid travelling during peak monsoon season as chances of landslides increase and it gets dangerous.
Hairpin loops of Zuluk (Image Credits: Pexels)
5. Kibithu, Easternmost Indian Village
Location: Situated in Anjaw district, Arunachal Pradesh. It overlooks the roaring Lohit River.
Elevation: 4000 feet approx
Best time to visit: April to May (pre-monsoon season)
Experience: This is the place where the sun rises first in the entire country. The mornings are clear during the season. During the afternoon, the whole valley hides under a thick canopy of clouds, offering a spectacular view of the mountains.
Keep In Mind: Landslides, flash floods are common during peak monsoon season, so avoid visiting from June to September.
Cloud covers over the village (Image Credit: Pexels)
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Destination | Location | Elevation | Best Time | Core Experience | Key Caution |
Mawlyngbna | East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya | 2,244 ft | Jun – Sep | Cloud walks, lush greenery, and peak waterfalls | Avoid river activities |
Mana | Chamoli District, Uttarakhand | 10,500 ft | Jul – Aug | Misty Himalayan village and trek to Vasudhara Falls | Slippery, muddy trekking trails |
Gavi | Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala | 3,400 ft | Jun – Sep | Low-floating clouds over plantations and wildlife | Leeches; halt boating/treks in heavy rain |
Zuluk | Pakyong District, Sikkim | 9,400 ft | Mar – May | 30+ misty hairpin loops and blooming rhododendrons | Avoid peak monsoon (landslide risk) |
Kibithu | Anjaw District, Arunachal Pradesh | 4,000 ft | Apr – May | India's first sunrise followed by cloud-covered valley views | Avoid Jun – Sep (landslides and flash floods) |
What to keep in mind when visiting these villages?
- Always carry cash with you, as network connectivity can at times not work in these regions.
- Check permits and get approval before you go to these places, as certain places require them before entry.
- Pack warm clothes with you as the temperature can drop at these places at any time.
- Pack a medical kit too so you are well prepared.
- Store everything in waterproof bags, as with clouds you can expect a lot of moisture.
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FAQs
What kind of accommodation should I expect in these offbeat places?
You can expect homestays, eco-cottages, or tents rather than luxury hotels. So, prepare your stays accordingly, as they offer a local experience of these places that stays true to the roots.
Do I need to worry about altitude sickness?
Yes, as these villages usually lie at high altitudes, you need to be aware of altitude sickness. Try to acclimatise yourself to lower regions before reaching these villages. You can also consult a doctor to advise you to carry medicine or needed essentials.