Not just Wagah: 5 border villages that deserve a place on your bucket list

India shares borders with seven nations in South Asia, and the frontier villages are home to unique landscapes, customs, and a front-row seat to life along international borders. These lesser-known locales are increasingly recognized as offbeat travel destinations. Here are five Indian border villages worth exploring.

Mana, Uttarakhand, sits at an altitude of over 3,200 meters near Badrinath. The government renamed the village India's first after renaming it from the last village in 2022 to boost tourism. Home to the Bhotiya community, Mana is steeped in mythology and offers scenic beauty, trekking routes, and historical sites such as Vyas Gufa and Ganesh Gufa.

Chitkul, Himachal Pradesh, marks the end of the old Indo-Tibet trade route in the Kinnaur district. Nestled amid snow-capped peaks and the Baspa River, Chitkul is one of Himachal Pradesh's most picturesque destinations. Visitors can enjoy traditional Kinnauri wooden houses, apple orchards, and access to high-altitude trekking trails.

Kibithu, Arunachal Pradesh, located in the Anjaw district, is among India's easternmost inhabited villages and witnesses the earliest sunrise. Situated close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, Kibithu offers breathtaking mountain views, a glimpse of the Lohit River valley, and a rich Mishmi tribal culture.

Nadabet, Gujarat, lies in the Banaskantha district and has become one of India's newest border tourism destinations. Visitors can witness the Border Security Force (BSF) retreat ceremony, akin to the famous Wagah ceremony, and explore life along the India-Pakistan border. Notable attractions include the BSF parade and retreat ceremony, desert landscapes, Seema Darshan tourism complex, and military history exhibits.

Dawki, Meghalaya, near the India-Bangladesh border, is famous for its crystal-clear Umngot River. Besides boating on its transparent waters, Dawki allows visitors to witness cross-border trade and everyday life along an international frontier. Other activities include visiting the India-Bangladesh border viewpoint, exploring Shnongpdeng, and experiencing Khasi culture.