It’s officially summer time! What better way to rediscover yourself and get wiser than exploring every nook and corner of our country. While regular hill stations like Darjeeling, Ooty and Munnar remain favourite hotspots for summer retreats, it’s time you explore unexplored places in the country. We bring you a list of must-see offbeat summer vacation spots in India. You will not find these places in travelogues or travel sites. It’s left for you to find, explore them and have the time of your life.
Bon Voyage!
1. Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh
We bet many of you wouldn’t have heard of this underrated hill town. A small sleepy hill station near Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh, this town is characterized by pristine lakes, high hills and endless meadows. It is known as the ‘Mini Switzerland of India’.
If you want some adrenaline rush, you can check out activities like paragliding, horse-riding and trekking which the odd tourist enjoys here. It’s a place which can be visited any time of the year but beware of winters when roads are sealed off due to heavy snowfall.
It is at a distance of 122 km from the Dharamsala Airport and the nearest railway station is Pathankot(118 km).
2. Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh
We are not exaggerating when we say that the North East is the most picturesque yet unexplored tourist destination in India. Ziro is a lucky place which has an amazing climate throughout the year. The culture of the North East is unique and you get to experience this as you mingle with the local Apa Tani tribe. Enjoy Arunachal Pradesh’s unique cuisine and relax along endless green patches and rice fields. This place can be visited throughout the year but the best time is summer.
Nearest railway station is North Lakhimpur in Assam and the nearest airport is Tezpur in Assam.
3.Hemis, Jammu & Kashmir
Talks of Kashmir always makes us imagine the beauty of the Dal Lake, Himalayas etc. This unexplored destination of Kashmir will surely take your breath away. Do you know, Hemis is home to the snow leopard? You can spot them at the Hemis National Park. The Hemis festival attracts lots of tourists from across the world. This picturesque location is surrounded by snow capped mountains and dotted by valleys. Don’t miss this one! It’s extremely cold in winter and the best months to visit this place are May-June.
It can be reached by road from Leh.
4. Savandurga, Karnataka
This place is just 60 km away from Bangalore and is a great weekend joint for many Bangaloreans who have heard about it. You can go trekking, rock climbing, and camping and check out the largest single rock formations in Asia right here.
The monolithic rocks make you walk, crawl, and slide. The wind, view and the feeling of success once you reach the top is fantastic! November to May is a good time to visit this offbeat trekking destination. Both summers and winters are great to visit this spot. Avoid the rains as they may make the rocks too slippery and result in accidents.
5.West- Sikkim, Sikkim
Sikkim lies in the base of one of the best peaks, Mt. Kanchenjunga and this beautiful spot is the home for the best mountains and greenery. A great place to enjoy your time with nature, spend time in solitude and self-reflection. Bask in the glory of the hills. Visit age-old monasteries like Sangachoeling and Pemayansgtse. Don’t miss the crystal clear Kchehepalri Lake. The summer months are the best time to visit this place.
The nearest railway station to Sikkim is Siliguri and the nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport in WB.
6. Kalimpong, West Bengal
Courtesy: Sandip Sarkar Photography
It is a hill station frequented by people of the East. There are beautiful Tibetan monasteries and churches dotting the roads and is an ideal summer and winter retreat. Make sure to shop for orchids in the elaborate flower markets of Kalimpong. The best visiting months are March to June, September to December. Kalimpong is centered around its bustling central market and Motor Stand. Most sights and quality accommodation are a kilometre or two from town, along DB Giri and Rinkingpong roads.
New Jalpaiguri is the nearest railway station to Kalimpong.
7. Devprayag, Uttarakhand
Devprayag is situated at an altitude of 830mts above sea level at the confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi River . A popular Hindu pilgrimage town, this place is endowed with abundant natural beauty. Don’t forget to feast on the tasty Chole Paranthe and tea. The summers are cool and better than the rest of the country.
That’s it! Hope you get to visit and enjoy all the offbeat summer retreats in India we’ve listed. You don’t have to get confused looking for the right hotels.
Check up Oyorooms with offers on any room you book in many cities across the country.