Off-beat destinations for travellers to escape the heat

Sikkim

A pristine destination, Sikkim is nestled in the laps of the mighty Himalayas. Some of the most beautiful treasures lie in its boundaries. You can enjoy the cascading falls, trek the vast mountains of the Himalayas, and even indulge in white water rafting. The monasteries, the paths laden with over 200 varieties of flowers and rhododendron are best enjoyed by many.

Kalpa

This is probably the one that is still underexplored but is gaining importance surely and steadily. The beautiful town of Kalpa in Kinnaur Valley, Himachal Pradesh, is a picturesque little sleepy village with views that can’t be compared. Once you reach this wonderland of Kalpa, you’ll find it hard to let the memories faint for a lifetime. If you are interested in trekking, Chakka peak is the best place to hit. Also, don’t miss the opportunity to pay a visit to the Narayan-Nagini temple to understand traditional Tibetan Pagoda style of architecture.

Thekkady

Known for its plantations, Thekkady is a tourist’s paradise with many a sight to see. The 120-year-old ‘Surki’ dam built across Peryiar, Poorna in Vedic parlance, is a major tourist attraction. Ferry boats are arranged by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation and you can enjoy the wildlife and the surrounding nature while having a ride through the river. At India’s largest wildlife sanctuary, you can sight Asian elephants, bison, sambar deer, boars, tigers, leopards, wild squirrels, lion tailed monkeys, etc.

Mount Abu

A popular hill station in the Aravalli Range in Sirohi district of Rajasthan, Mount Abu is also considered as a great spot for pilgrimage. Tourists can visit the Dilwara Jain temples that are famous for their unique architecture and mesmerising outlay. The list of places to visit in Mount Abu ranges from formidable forts to ancient temples and from serene lakes to dainty parks. Visiting the forts is a good way to understand the region’s history and also to get glimpses of the panoramic landscape of Mount Abu. If you are planning to visit during the month of May, then don’t miss their famous Summer Festival.

Agumbe

Home to some of the scenic waterfalls, dense forests, and rivers, Agumbe is a high-altitude village in Karnataka. It is also one of the most untouched and mesmerising hills stations in south India. Atop one of the highest peaks located in the Western Ghats, the Sunset Point gives a splendid view of the sun setting in the Arabian Sea. Apart from visiting the waterfalls — Koodlu Theertha Falls, Jogigundi Falls, Onake Abbi Fall, you can also visit the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station that lies in the Malnad-Kodagu region.

Araku Valley

Araku Valley in the heart of Andhra Pradesh is yet to be explored to its fullest potential. An ideal getaway for the nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, Araku Valley will leave you encircled by the mountain ranges of Eastern Ghats. Also known as the Dumbriguda Falls, Chaparai Waterfalls is one of the most breathtaking places to visit in Araku Valley. Other attractions include   Padmapuram Botanical Garden, Borra Caves and Ananthagiri Hills.