Summers are hot and humid in India, and well-known hill stations such as Shimla and Ooty are filled with tourists. However, if you get to visit places that are peaceful and cool, would you not want to? Unconventional tourist sites in India provide you with a good opportunity to beat the heat with refreshing landscapes, nice weather, and fewer tourists. From valleys shrouded in mist to snowcapped mountains, India’s offbeat destinations offer a serene vacation. Let’s explore 10 unique tourist spots in India that are ideal to avoid the heat and the tourist crowd.
1.Chopta, Uttarakhand – Mini Switzerland of India
Chopta, also referred to as the “Mini Switzerland of India”, is a peaceful hill station in Uttarakhand. Situated at an elevation of 2,700 m, it is one of the unconventional tourist destinations in India through which you get a view of green meadows and the breathtaking view of the Himalayas. Chopta is a haven for trekkers as it serves as the trekking base for treks to Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila Peak. Here, the climate is pleasant in summer, with temperatures ranging from 15-20°C, ideal for relief during summers. Camp beneath the starry night or see rare birds in the grasslands.
2.Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh – UNESCO Heritage
Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh is a secret valley, famous for its green paddy fields and pine forests. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the special tourist spots in India, perfect for nature enthusiasts. Ziro summers are pleasant with temperatures between 18-25°C, providing a cool experience. Meet here with Apatani tribe, observe their special farming methods and trek on scenic trails. The unspoiled charm of Ziro makes it one of the special destinations to tour in India.
3.Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh – A spiritual haven of peace
It is situated in the state of Arunachal Pradesh and is a combination of spirituality and natural beauty. At 3,048 m, it is one of those special tourist destinations in India where the summer temperature is below 20°C. The largest monastery in India is here, the Tawang Monastery, and is surrounded by the tranquility of snowcapped mountains. Trek to Nuranang Falls or see the lovely view of Sela Pass. Tawang’s peaceful environment makes it an ideal option for relief from heat in Northeast India.
4.Munsiyari, Uttarakhand – Gateway to the Himalayas
Munsiyari in Uttarakhand is a secret paradise at an elevation of 2,200 m, with breathtaking views of Panchachuli peaks. This unique tourist place in India is perfect for those who want solitude amidst nature. The temperature in summer remains around 15-22°C, making Munsiyari a great place to respite from the heat. Trek to Khalia Top, enjoy bird-watching or unwind with a Himalayan sunrise. The serene beauty of Munsiyari makes it one of the must-visit places in India.
5.Kausani, Uttarakhand – Switzerland of India
The “Switzerland of India” called by Mahatma Gandhi, Kausani is a small hill station in Uttarakhand. At an altitude of 1,890 m, it is one of the best tourist destinations in India with temperatures ranging between 15-25°C in summer. Enjoy panoramic views of peaks like Nanda Devi and Trishool, stroll through tea gardens or visit the Anasakti Ashram. Kausani’s serene environment and lush green forests make it a perfect summer getaway among India’s hidden gems.
6.Kalpa, Himachal Pradesh – Apple orchards and serenity
Kalpa in Himachal Pradesh is a serene village at an elevation of 2,960 m above the Kinnaur Kailash mountain range. It is one of the offbeat tourist destinations in India where the climate is 10-20°C during summer. Walk through the apple orchards, explore ancient monasteries or digitally detox within the pine forests. Kalpa’s unspoilt beauty and pleasant climate make it an ideal destination to escape the heat.
7.Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh – Nature’s Paradise
Situated at a height of 1,600 m in Himachal Pradesh, Tirthan Valley is a less popular gem close to the Great Himalayan National Park. This offbeat travel destination in India provides relief from heat with a temperature range of 15-22°C during summer. Fish trout in the Tirthan River, go for a trek to Serolsar Lake or go digitally detox in the riverside cottages. Tirthan Valley’s pristine waterfalls and forests provide nature lovers with a paradise on earth.
8.Yercaud, Tamil Nadu – The Gem of the South
Nestled at an altitude of 1,515 m in the Shevaroy Hills of Tamil Nadu, Yercaud is a tranquil hill resort, rather famously referred to as the “Gem of the South”. It is among India’s one-of-a-kind tourist sites where the heat hovers around 20-25°C during summer. Enjoy the coffee plantations, boat in the Yercaud Lake or hike to the Kiliyur Falls. The colonial beauty of Yercaud with smaller crowds compared to Ooty makes it one of the offbeat destinations to visit in India.
9.Chikmagalur, Karnataka – Coffee lover’s paradise
Chikmangaluru in Karnataka is a tranquil hill station with an elevation of 1,090 m, with hills and coffee plantations surrounding it. This offbeat tourist destination in India provides relief from the heat with a temperature between 20-28°C during summer. Go trekking in the Kudremukh National Park, visit ancient temples or tour a coffee plantation. Chikmagalur’s easy-going environment and scenic roads make it one of the best destinations to explore in India’s offbeat wonders.
10.Lambasingi, Andhra Pradesh – South India’s Kashmir
Located at an elevation of 1,000 meters in Andhra Pradesh’s Eastern Ghats, Lambasingi, also known as the “Kashmir of South India”, is a tiny village. One of the rare tourist destinations in India where the temperature is 15-25°C during summer. Known for misty hills and apple orchards, Lambasingi offers a respite from the heat in South India. Trek to the Kothapalli waterfalls or witness the panoramic views of the Araku Valley. The untouched beauty of Lambasingi makes it a must-visit.
Plan your summer vacation in these hidden gems
These 10 unique tourist places in India offer a refreshing break from the heat and crowded tourist spots. Whether you trek to Chopta, discover the tribal culture of Ziro or unwind in the coffee plantations of Yercaud, these offbeat destinations of India offer a serene holiday. Pack light woollen wear for the chilly nights, comfortable walking shoes and book your stays well ahead as these offbeat destinations of India are now becoming popular. Beat the crowds and discover the peaceful grandeur of unusual tourist spots in India this summer!
