Wander where the Wi-Fi is weak. Beyond the mainstream, the hidden summer destinations will make your travel adventurous, writes ABHI SINGHAL
Travel is the most beautiful feeling in the world and it's already April to travel. 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, spots like the Manali, Mussorie, Shimla, Goa, Kasol and more 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. At these locations you can wander and celebrate serenity and peace.
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 the adventurous paragliding, horse riding, and hiking.
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 and is a visiting perfection.
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: A serene high-altitude lake.
Madhuri Lake (Sangetsar Lake): A scenic lake amidst the mountains, known for its surrounding greenery, best to experince peace.
Tawang War Memorial: A solemn tribute to Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Sino-Indian War of 1962.
Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
Scenic Beauty: Known for its lush greenery, terraced rice fields, and misty hills, Ziro Valley offers breathtaking landscapes.
Cultural Heritage: Home to the Apatani tribe, preserving ancient traditions. Adventure & Wildlife: Ideal for trekking, hiking, and birdwatching, with rare species at Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.
Local Cuisine: Enjoy Apatani delicacies like bamboo shoots, smoked meat for an authentic taste of the Arunachal Pradesh region while the visit.
Shillong, Meghalaya
Elephant Falls: A breathtaking three-tier waterfall near Shillong, named after an elephant-shaped rock. Surrounded by lush forests, it's ideal for photography. You can explore nearby street shops and try on traditional Khasi attire.
Don Bosco Museum: Go for the Northeast India's tribal history through artifacts, tools, cultural exhibits and traditional dance displays at the museum.
Laitlum Grand Canyon: A paradise for trekkers offering panoramic views of green hills and mesmerising sunsets, making the eyes shine.
Police Bazar: Shillong's bustling night market offers shopping, cafes, and street food like momos and Khasi delicacies.