6 cool offbeat places in India to visit for summer holidays

Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh. (Photo: Ishan Jain via Unsplash)

Escaping the summer heat in India can be difficult, but there are many beautiful off-the-beaten-path places that offer cooler temperatures and distinctive experiences. Here are six of the best off-the-beaten-path places in India to visit for summer holidays. Bookmark this guide if you want to beat the crowds:

Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh

This picturesque valley in Arunachal Pradesh is paradise for nature lovers. Picture lush greenery,  scenic rice paddies and pine-clad hills as far as the eye can see. Ziro is also visited for its annual Hornbill Festival, a festival of local tribal culture.

Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Spiti Valley is a land of surreal natural beauty, with high-altitude deserts, majestic peaks, and age-old Buddhist monasteries. Its secluded location means less tourists and a more genuine experience of Himalayan culture.

Munnar, Kerala

Munnar is a hill station situated in Kerala, known for its spectacular views of rolling hills, tea plantations, and lush green forests. Munnar is an excellent under-the-radar destination to unwind in the cold mountain air.

Coorg, Karnataka

Coorg is a beautiful hill station located in Karnataka. Coorg is renowned for its coffee plantations, scenic hills, and gushing waterfalls. It's a good destination to go hiking and wildlife trails, or just unwind in nature.

Auli, Uttarakhand

This car-free resort town in Uttarakhand is a well-loved destination for winter sports, but it's also a great place to visit in the summer. Auli boasts awe-inspiring vistas of the Himalayas, meadows filled with colourful wildflowers, and several spots for trekking and camping.

Mawlynnong, Meghalaya 

This charming village is nestled in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. Known as God's Own Garden, Mawlynnong features striking scenery, and a vibrant village centre.