Looking for a way to beat the heat this summer? From Darjeeling’s misty hills to Munnar’s lush forests, India has some of the most amazing summer destinations that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. And the best part? You won’t have to fight through hordes of tourists or deal with inflated prices. Instead, you will be able to enjoy a more authentic, personalised travel experience.

Banjara and Gypsy have got you covered! Our team has curated a list of offbeat places to satisfy wanderlust without breaking the bank. Join our upcoming group departures.

01 Cherrapunji, Meghalaya

Located amidst the scenic landscapes of Meghalaya lies this charming town. Cherrapunji is a land of breathtaking beauty and natural wonders. Known as the “wettest place on earth,” this charming town is blessed with lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and rolling hills that are shrouded in mist.

Things to do in Cherrapunji:

• Explore the mesmerizing natural wonders, such as the Nohkalikai Falls and Living Root Bridges
• Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture and traditions, from sampling local cuisine to learning traditional dance forms

What to eat:

Cherrapunji is known for its delicious local cuisine, savour on dishes such as Jadoh (rice cooked with meat and spices), Tungrymbai (fermented soybean dish), and Dohneiiong (pork cooked with black sesame seeds and ginger) being some of the must-try dishes. 

How to reach:

Cherrapunji is well-connected by road, with buses and taxis available from nearby cities such as Shillong and Guwahati. The nearest airport is in Guwahati, from where one can take a taxi or bus to reach Cherrapunji.

02 Shangarh, Tirthan Valley and Kasol, Himachal Pradesh  

Shangarh, located in the Seraj Valley, around 160 km from Shimla is a hidden gem slowly gaining popularity among tourists. Tirthan, a small hamlet located in the Kullu district. This offbeat destination is a paradise for trekkers, anglers, and wildlife enthusiasts. Serolsar Lake is a beautiful high-altitude lake located in the Tirthan Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Kasol, a vibrant village situated in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh, nestled among the lush green hills and the roaring Parvati River. The village has earned its reputation as a backpacker’s haven over the years and is now one of the most popular destinations in Himachal Pradesh. 

Things to do in Shangarh, Tirthan and Kasol:

• Barshangarh Falls: Barshangarh Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder that promises to leave visitors spellbound. 
• Visit Jalori Pass: Jalori Pass is a scenic mountain pass located near Tirthan Valley. It offers panoramic views of the Himalayan range and is an excellent spot for photography.
• Hike to Kheerganga: Kheerganga is a beautiful trekking destination located near Kasol. 

What to eat:

Kasol has a significant Israeli population, and you can find several restaurants serving Israeli cuisine. Try some of the popular dishes like shakshuka, falafel, and hummus.

How to reach:

•  Chandigarh – Rupnagar – Bilaspur – Mandi – Aut – Shangarh
• From Shangarh, you can take a local taxi or bus to reach Tirthan Valley, which is around 40 km away. It takes around 2 hours to reach Tirthan Valley from Shangarh.To reach Kasol from Tirthan Valley, you can take a taxi or bus. The distance between Tirthan Valley and Kasol is around 75 km and it takes around 3-4 hours to reach by road.
• The route from Tirthan Valley to Kasol is as follows:
• Tirthan Valley – Gushaini – Banjar – Jari – Kasol

03 Leh, Ladakh

Not offbeat but definitely less explored. Leh and Ladakh are two distinct regions located in the northernmost part of India. Leh is the largest town in the Ladakh region and is often used as a base to explore the surrounding areas. Ladakh, on the other hand, is a vast region that encompasses several valleys and high-altitude desert landscapes. The region has a unique blend of Indian, Tibetan, and Central Asian cultures, which is reflected in its cuisine, art, and architecture. 

Places to visit:

• Pangong Tso Lake:  A breathtakingly beautiful lake that stretches across India and China.
• Nubra Valley: A scenic valley known for its sand dunes, hot springs, and beautiful monasteries.
• Hemis National Park: A popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts, home to the rare snow leopard, Tibetan wolf, and other wildlife.
• Shanti Stupa: A Buddhist stupa located on a hilltop that offers panoramic views of Leh and its surrounding areas.
• Magnetic Hill:  A unique phenomenon where a vehicle appears to move uphill on its own.

Things to do:

• River Rafting: The Zanskar and Indus rivers offer thrilling rafting experiences for adventure seekers.
• Camel Safari: Nubra Valley offers camel safaris, where you can ride on Bactrian camels and explore the beautiful landscapes of the valley.
• Attend Festivals: Leh and Ladakh are known for their colorful and vibrant festivals, like Hemis Festival and Ladakh Festival, which offer a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

What to eat:

Ladakhi cuisine is a unique blend of Indian, Tibetan, and Central Asian flavours. Some popular dishes include Thukpa (a noodle soup), Momos (dumplings), and Chang (a local alcoholic beverage).

How to reach:

• The nearest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, which is well-connected to major cities in India.
• The nearest railway station is in Jammu, which is around 700 km away from Leh.
• Road trips are a popular way to reach Leh and Ladakh. The Leh-Manali Highway and Leh-Srinagar Highway offer breathtaking views and are considered among the most scenic roads in the world.

04 Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur

Keibul Lamjao National Park is a unique and stunning wildlife sanctuary located in the state of Manipur, India. It is the only floating park in the world, situated on the picturesque Loktak Lake. The park is home to the endangered Manipur brow-antlered deer, also known as the Sangai, which can only be found in this region.

Things to do:

• Take a boat ride on the tranquil Loktak Lake and enjoy the scenic views of the floating biomass on the lake.
• Hike through the lush forest to glimpse the elusive Sangai and other wildlife.
• Explore the nearby Khangkhui Cave, known for its natural rock formations and underground streams.

What to eat:

Visitors can savour the local cuisine of Manipur, which includes dishes such as Iromba (a spicy fish stew), Chamthong (a vegetable broth), and Kangsoi (a vegetable stew). The local markets also offer a range of delicious and fresh fruits and vegetables.

How to reach Keibul Lamjao National Park:

The nearest airport is Imphal, the capital of Manipur, which is around 53 kilometres away. From there, visitors can take a taxi or a private car to reach the park. One can also take a train to Imphal or opt for a bus journey from nearby cities.

05 McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh

McLeod Ganj is a charming hill station located in the state of Himachal Pradesh in India. It is popularly known as “Little Lhasa” due to its large Tibetan community and is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, serene atmosphere, and rich cultural heritage.

Things to do in McLeod Ganj:

• Explore the beautiful Bhagsu Falls and take a dip in the refreshing water.
• Visit the Namgyal Monastery
• Hike to Triund, a popular trekking spot that offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
• Shop for Tibetan handicrafts and souvenirs at the bustling markets of McLeod Ganj.

What to eat:

McLeod Ganj is a foodie’s paradise, with a wide range of cuisines to suit all tastes. Some must-try dishes include Thukpa (a Tibetan noodle soup), Momos (Tibetan dumplings), and Butter Tea (a traditional Tibetan tea made with butter and salt).

How to reach:

The nearest airport is the Gaggal Airport in Kangra, which is around 15 km from McLeod Ganj. Alternatively, one can also reach McLeod Ganj by train or bus, with the nearest railway station and bus stand located in Pathankot, around 90 km away.

06 Kedarnath, Uttarakhand

Kedarnath is a sacred town located in the state of Uttarakhand. It is situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters above sea level and is home to one of the most revered shrines in Hinduism.

Things to do in Kedarnath:

• Visit the Kedarnath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of India.
• Trek to the Vasuki Tal, a beautiful high altitude lake located at an altitude of 4,135 meters.
• Enjoy a scenic helicopter ride over the stunning Himalayan range.
• Take a dip in the natural hot springs of Gaurikund.

What to eat:

Kedarnath offers a variety of vegetarian food options for visitors, with the most popular dishes being Rajma Chawal, Aloo Poori, and Maggi. Visitors can also enjoy a hot cup of tea or coffee at the various tea stalls located in the town. And ofcourse the Prasadh.

How to reach:

The nearest airport to Kedarnath is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is around 238 km away. From there, visitors can take a taxi or bus to Kedarnath. The nearest railway station is the Rishikesh Railway Station, which is around 216 km away. Visitors can also reach Kedarnath by road via Rishikesh or Haridwar.

07  Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Spiti Valley is a high-altitude desert located in the northernmost part of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Situated at an altitude of around 12,500 feet, the valley is known for its rugged and barren terrain, beautiful monasteries, and unique culture. The name “Spiti” means “The Middle Land”, as it is situated between India and Tibet.

Things to do in Spiti Valley:

• Trekking trails such as the Pin-Parvati Pass trek, Hampta Pass trek, and Chandratal Lake trek.
• Explore the ancient monasteries of Tabo, Ki, and Dhankar, which are known for their beautiful architecture and religious significance.
• Drive on some of the highest motorable roads in the world, including the famous Kunzum Pass and Rohtang Pass.

What to eat:

The local cuisine of Spiti Valley mainly comprises of Tibetan dishes such as Thukpa, Momos, and Butter Tea. Visitors can also try the local barley beer, known as Chang.

How to reach:

To reach Spiti Valley, visitors can take a flight to the nearest airport in Kullu or Shimla, and then take a taxi or bus to Spiti Valley. Alternatively, visitors can also drive from Delhi or Chandigarh via Manali. However, due to the high altitude and challenging terrain, it is recommended to hire an experienced driver and a sturdy vehicle.

Authored by : Anuhya Balija