Where are you heading this summer? Want to find some relief from the heavily crowded touristic destinations? Want to visit some unconventional or lesser-known travel destinations in India? Add a twist to your summer vacation with these offbeat ideas.
1. Magnetic Hill: Can you ever think of a vehicle moving up a steep hill with the ignition off? Sounds shocking? Located near Leh, at a height of 11,000 feet above sea level, the Magnetic Hill is known to possess strong magnetic properties which have the strength to pull cars up-hill. This self-intense magnetic hill is one of the popular stops for domestic travelers to experience nature’s baffling ways. Never heard of it before? Go ahead and experience this natural luxury.
2. India’s Switzerland: Often called as “The Mini Switzerland of India”, Khajjiar is a hill station in Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh (HP). The hill station is picturesquely set in the center of magnificent “Deodar” forests. This offbeat place has the rarest combination of three eco systems. The lakes, the pastures and the forests come together to make a trip to this place a unique experience.
3. Frosty Dras: Famous as the “Second Coldest Colonized Place in Asia”, Dras is a charming valley bustling on riverbanks, starts from the base of the Zoji La pass. It is often referred to as “The Gateway to Ladakh” and is situated in the Kargil District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). During spring and summer, the valley becomes very picturesque as the hillsides turn into lush green pastures with variety of vivid and vibrant wild flowers.
4. Land of Seven Lakes – Sattal, Uttarakhand: Clear blue skies, fresh air to breathe, greenery all around to soothe your eyes and a wide range of adventure activities to do, make this hill station, a destination beyond expectations.Surrounded by hills of pine forests and a fusion of seven fresh water lakes with green water at the bottom offers a great panoramic view. Kayaking, trekking, paragliding and cycling can be some great ways to spend your leisure time here at the Land of Seven Lakes.
5. The Tea Cup of the Country: If a cup of freshly brewed golden orange pekoe makes you break into song; if the hills beckon to you at every available occasion, then Darjeeling, the tea cup of the country is your place and Tumsong Tea Retreat is your ultimate summer getaway. Located near Ghoom, the retreat is a grand mansion which is a home stay and boutique hotel rolled together.
6. Land of Forgotten Heritage: A lesser known beauty in Uttarakhand, Pauri is blessed with splendid views of snow-laded mountains, meandering rivers, scenic valleys, dense forests, ancient temples and people with great hospitality and culture. Surrounded by some very popular places like Chamoli, Nanital, Bijnor, Haridwar, Dehradun, Rudraprayag and Tehri, it offers a wonderful panoramic view, but unlike other hill stations, this is a secluded and quaint place to be. Walking around the oldest temples, visiting the only Laxman and Sita Temples here and meeting local people, is an experience in itself.
7. Gurudogmar Lake: Located in North Sikkim and just 5 km away from the Chinese border, Gurudogmar Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world. With crystal clear water and bone chilling winds even in the peak summer, a visit to this lake is an adventure.
8. Nubra Valley: With the land of beautiful orchards, scenic vistas, Bactrian camels and monasteries, Nubra valley is surrounded by snow-capped ranges between Tibet and Kashmir and provides picturesque and breath-taking views during spring and summer.
9. Land of Cherry & Apple Blossoms – Narkanda: What famous as a great ski-resort in summers, turns into a heavenly beauty offering spectacular views of Cherry and Apple Blossoms in summers. Narkanda is a hill station located between the valleys of River Sutlej and Giri in Himachal Pradesh. Famous for skiing, cycling, nature walks, trekking and much more, this place is still quite unexplored to its potential.
10. The Floating Lake of Loktak: Manipur is the humble abode of the Loktak Lake which is the largest fresh water lake in the country. This lake is also called the Floating Lake in the world due to the floating phumdis. Phumids are heterogeneous mass of vegetation, soil, and organic matters which decompose at various stages on it.
If you love to explore new destinations each with specific features and do not prefer the crowded destinations, try out these amazingly wonderful destinations this summer.
