Why settle for the usual? Beyond the hyped, the lesser known summer destinations will make your travel happening, writes ABHI SINGHAL

“I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.”

– Robert Louis Stevenson

Travel is the most beautiful feeling in the world and it’s already April. The month of April brings in the jist of the summer season with partially warm days and pleasant breezes around and across touching your soul. With summer setting in, the mountain regions generally get overpriced and crowdy, ditching the title of an ideal spot. Since, Manali, Mussorie, Shimla, Goa and Kasol always stay in the hype and are loaded with crowds and chaos, here are some summer destinations you can add to your go to travel list.

Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

Scenic Beauty: Known for lush greenery, terraced rice fields, and misty hills, Ziro Valley offers breathtaking landscapes.

Cultural Heritage: Home to the Apatani tribe, preserving ancient traditions and hosting the famous Ziro Festival of Music.

Adventure & Wildlife: Ideal for trekking, hiking, and birdwatching, with rare species at Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.

Local Cuisine: Enjoy Apatani delicacies like bamboo shoots and smoked meat for an authentic taste of the region.

Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

Tawang Monastery (Gaden Namgye Lhatse): This is a must-see, being one of India's largest.

Sela Pass: A high-altitude mountain pass that connects Tawang to Tezpur and Guwahati, offering stunning views of the Himalayas.

Bumla Pass: An Indo-China border pass, known for its offroading and panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayas.

Gorichen Peak: The highest peak in Arunachal Pradesh, considered a sacred place by the Monpa tribe.

Panga Teng Tso Lake (PT Tso Lake):

A high-altitude lake with a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

Madhuri Lake (Sangetsar Lake):

A scenic lake amidst the mountains, known for its stunning turquoise waters and surrounding greenery.

Tawang War Memorial: A solemn tribute to Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Sino-Indian War of 1962.

Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh

Dhauladhar Mountains: Offers panoramic views with dense deodar and pine forests.

Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary: A wildlife haven, perfect for trekking and picnics.

Khajjiar Lake: A scenic, saucer-shaped lake with a floating island.

Khajji Nag Temple: A 12th-century temple with Naga idols, wooden carvings, and Pandava-Kaurava imagery.

Activities: Walk around Khajjiar Lake, enjoy paragliding, horse riding, and hiking. In winter, snow reaches 3 feet.

Kabini, Karnataka

Nagarhole National Park: A wildlife haven, home to diverse flora and fauna, perfect for nature lovers.

Kutta Village: A serene town with coffee, spice, and paddy plantations, ideal for nature walks.

Kabini Dam: Built in 1974, it serves 22 villages and 14 hamlets.

Kabini Backwater Viewpoint: A tranquil spot offering breathtaking views.

Kabini River: Also called Kapila River, it sustains the Kabini Forest Reserve is a visiting perfection.

Shillong

Elephant Falls: A breathtaking three-tier waterfall near Shillong, named after an elephant-shaped rock. Surrounded by forests, ideal for photography. Explore nearby street shops and try on traditional Khasi attire.

Don Bosco Museum: Explore Northeast India’s tribal history through artifacts, tools, and cultural exhibits and traditional dance displays.

Laitlum Grand Canyon: A paradise for trekkers offering panoramic views of green hills and mesmerising sunsets.

Police Bazar:  Shillong’s bustling night market offers shopping, cafes, and street food like momos and Khasi delicacies.