Snakes as Guests, Names as Songs: Inside 8 of India’s Most Fascinating Villages

Beyond the cities and crowded tourist spots lies another India, one that is quiet, remote, and grounded in timeless traditions.

Where culture still breathes In these villages, faith replaces locks, names are sung, and snakes are welcome guests. Here, culture is not history, and it is life.

1. Kongthong, Meghalaya Welcome to India’s ‘whistling village.’ In this village, each person is known by a tune, not a name, composed by their mother at birth.

2. Mawlynnong, Meghalaya Just a few hours away lies Asia’s cleanest village. Cleanliness here is not a duty; it is a way of life, practised by all.

3. Mattur, Karnataka Further south, this village preserves Sanskrit. From playgrounds to prayer, the ancient language is spoken fluently by all.

4. Shetphal, Maharashtra In Shetphal, cobras are honoured guests. They roam freely in homes, seen as sacred guardians rather than threats.

5. Jatinga, Assam In monsoon, birds mysteriously dive to their deaths. This eerie event continues to puzzle scientists and locals alike.

6. Malana, Himachal Pradesh High in the Himalayas, Malana is a remote Indian village with its ancient laws and dialect. Visitors are welcome, but touching locals or property is strictly forbidden.

7. Vellagavi, Tamil Nadu Reachable only on foot, this temple village has no roads and no shoes. Walking barefoot is a sacred tradition here.

8. Khonoma, Nagaland An eco‑village, Khonoma, bans hunting and practises terraced farming in harmony with the forest. Home to the Angami tribe, it stands as a hope of sustainable living.