Penned by Prakriti Parul
Let’s face it—summer in India is basically nature’s way of testing how long humans can survive in a giant air fryer. While most people flee to Shimla or Manali (only to find more humans than oxygen), the truly wise seek refuge in places where the sun is but a distant, mildly annoying rumour.
If your summer survival involves something beyond mere lying still under a fan wondering about life choices, here are seven gloriously off-the-beaten-path, blissfully cool retreats where you can actually have fun in June without dying of spontaneous combustion.
Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh – Where Manali Tourists Fear to Tread
Manali is so overrun with selfie sticks these days, it’s basically a Delhi suburb with better views. But just a few hours away lies Tirthan Valley, where the only crowds are trout fish judging your terrible fishing skills.
This is where you come when you want to wake up to the sound of a river, not honking cars and tourists arguing over the last plate of momos. The Great Himalayan National Park is here, but let’s be honest—you’re probably just going to eat Maggi by the stream and call it an adventure.
Why Go?
- Act like Bear Grylls without actually staying in a comfortable homestay.
- Fish for trout (or more practically, observe locals doing it as you drink chai).
- Breathe in the thrill of not having air that has been previously circulated through a thousand lungs.
Chopta, Uttarakhand – For Those Who Believe Trekking Shouldn’t Entail Queues
If you’ve ever tried trekking to Triund or Valley of Flowers, you know it’s less “Into the Wild” and more “Into the Human Traffic Jam.” Chopta, however, is what happens when the mountains decide to reward you for not being a part of mainstream hype.
The Tungnath Trek (world’s highest Shiva temple) is the highlight, but come on—everyone stops halfway, says they “totally made it,” and then posts a rock.
Why Go?
- Trek without pushing through an ocean of influencers.
- See the elusive Monal bird (or at least pretend to).
- Brag about visiting “Switzerland of India” without the cost of the Swiss.
Haflong, Assam – The Hill Station No One Remembers
Shillong receives all the attention, but Haflong is like that one brilliant sibling who never made it big since they wouldn’t relocate to Mumbai. It is Assam’s sole hill station, so either it’s a secret gem or the government did not advertise it.
The Jatinga village here is renowned for its “bird suicide mystery,” which is reminiscent of a rejected Stephen King plot but is merely birds getting disoriented by fog.
Why Go?
- Sail on Haflong Lake and imagine you’re starring in a romantic Bollywood number.
- Go to Jatinga and theatrically whisper, “The birds… they know something we don’t.”
- Indulge in the unusual joy of saying to people, “No, I haven’t been there. Have you?”
Kalimpong, West Bengal – Where Darjeeling Goes to Chill
Darjeeling is wonderful if you like watching the sunset with 500 strangers. Kalimpong, on the other hand, is where you head when you wish to enjoy a cup of tea in serenity without a tourist ruining your #MountainVibes pic.
There are monasteries, flower gardens, and not a single toy train-induced meltdown here.
Why Go?
- Check out Durpin Monastery and find inner bliss (or a decent Instagram hashtag).
- Buy orchids because nothing says “I have my life together” like keeping a plant alive.
- Enjoy the smug satisfaction of saying, “Oh, Darjeeling? Too crowded for me.”
Idukki, Kerala – Munnar’s Wild, Unfiltered Cousin
Munnar is stunning, but it’s also where the entire Malayali family, European trekker, and honeymooning newlyweds all arrive. Idukki, however, is where you venture when you wish to have tea gardens without the “Excuse me, can you move? I’m trying to get a photo” crowd.
The Meesapulimala Trek is the second-highest point in Kerala, so you can boast you climbed it while conveniently forgetting you took 17 breaks.
Why Go?
- Stay in a treehouse and feel like Tarzan (but with WiFi).
- Cruise the Idukki Reservoir and pretend you’re in a yacht commercial.
- Enjoy the novelty of not seeing a single “Do Not Disturb the Tea Plants” sign.
Khajjiar, Himachal – The ‘Switzerland’ Tagline That Actually Fits
Most of India’s so-called “Switzerland”-like hill stations are roughly as Swiss as a samosa. But Khajjiar, with its meadows floating on water and forests of cedar trees, at least stands true.
Here’s where you come to stretch out on grass so pure, you’ll almost forget the level of summer and pollution in your city for a while.
Why Go?
- Take a walk on Khajjiar Lake’s floating grasslands (or just observe others do it and eat snacks yourself).
- Paraglide and wail like a banshee while acting as if you’re brave.
- Inform others that you traveled to Switzerland and observe if they catch on.
Yercaud, Tamil Nadu – Ooty Without the Overpriced Chocolate
Ooty is where you head if you like traffic jams at 6,000 feet. Yercaud, on the other hand, is where you head when you want the same rolling hills but with less people and better coffee.
This is the type of place where you can sit on the shores of Emerald Lake, gaze off into the distance, and wonder about life’s great questions—such as why you ever thought Delhi summers were possible.
Why Go?
- Drive along Killiyur Falls and feel like you’re in a car ad.
- Purchase homemade jackfruit jam (because adulting is all about faking to enjoy exotic foods).
- Get the smug pleasure of being able to say, “Ooty? Oh, that’s too touristy.”
The Greatest Summer Getaway Is One Where Nobody Else Is
Let’s get real—the real luxury in India is discovering a hill station where you don’t need to stand in line for a photo opportunity. So this summer, ditch the cliché, avoid the tourists, and discover a peaceful nook where the only sounds you hear are birds singing and your soul gradually relaxing from urban life.
Or just remain indoors with AC. No judgment.