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Escape Urban Life With These Global Gems

Sandy Verma | July 7, 2025 12:24 PM CST

Are you bored of the steely urbane life? These fairytale-inspired villages from around the world will give you a chance to experience a different slice of life. If slow travel is your thing, these beautiful villages may be your best bet.

Hallstatt, Austria: Tucked along the shimmering Hallstatter See and surrounded by the Dachstein Alps, Hallstatt feels like a storybook come alive. With pastel-coloured homes, cobblestone alleys, and lakeside charm, this UNESCO World Heritage village is one of Europe’s best-kept wonders. (Image: AI-generated)

KalPa, India: Perched high in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district, Kalpa offers jaw-dropping views of the Kinner Kailash range. Apple orchards, ancient monasteries, and the ever-changing hues of snow-covered peaks make this Himalayan village a peaceful dream for slow travellers and soul searchers alike. (Image: AI-generated)

Giethoorn, Netherlands: Known as the ‘Venice of the North,’ Giethoorn swaps roads for canals. This car-free village is a whimsical water world of thatched cottages, wooden bridges, and canoe rides, perfect for those who crave serenity with a touch of fairytale magic. (Image: AI-generated)

I, GELGE: Perched on the cliffs of Santorini, Oia’s whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches are iconic for a reason. Whether you’re watching a golden sunset or wandering its boutique-lined alleys, this village redefines romantic coastal living. (Image: AI-generated)

Shirakawa-go, Japan: Famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses (some over 250 years old), Shirakawa-go is stunning in every season, be it the snow-covered winters or the lush green summers. This UNESCO-protected village is a time capsule of Japan’s rural heritage. (Image: AI-generated)

Reine, Norway: Located in the Lofoten archipelago, Reine is where Arctic beauty meets architectural simplicity. The red fisherman cabins, deep fjords, and Northern Lights views make this remote village a bucket-list dream for nature lovers and photography buffs. (Image: AI-generated)

Kadamakkudy, India: A cluster of tiny islands nestled in the backwaters of Kerala, Kadamakkudy is a tropical secret just outside Kochi. Framed by paddy fields, Chinese fishing nets, and coconut trees, the village is a photographer’s delight and an oasis for those seeking quiet, nature-rich escapes. (Image: AI-generated)