6 hidden escapes in India for a peaceful summer break
For those looking for offbeat, less-touristy and non-commercial destinations to spend their summer holidays, we have curated a list that will give you enough options to choose from.
Because right now, popular hill stations see crowds in hundreds, there are still some pretty hills that have managed to stay away from the eyes of travellers.
Let's check out seven beautiful hidden escapes in India for a peaceful summer break:
Tirthan Valley
, Himachal Pradesh
Tirthan Valley is one of the most beautiful hidden escapes tucked away in the Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh. The Tirthan River runs through the place and the Great Himalayan National Park nearby offers travellers offbeat experiences such as trout fishing and forest hikes.
This is the perfect place to have an authentic Himalayan village experience and a perfect alternative to the busier tourist spots in Himachal.
Chopta, Uttarakhand
Chopta is another hidden summer getaway in Uttarakhand that can be a perfect spot for vacationers. This pretty hamlet in the Garhwal Himalayas serves as the base for treks to Tungnath, which also happens to be the highest Shiva temple in the world! Chandrashila Peak trek also begins from here.
Chopta still remains untouched, making it a perfect refreshing summer spot.
Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
Head to Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh if you want to escape summer heat without regular tourists. Far from the touristy clubs, Ziro Valley is a serene destination of rolling hills and rice fields. The unique Apatani tribe calls this place home and it is rich in cultural heritage. The valley's cool climate, bamboo houses, and rich biodiversity make it a perfect summer hideaway.
Kausani, Uttarakhand
Kausani is all about offering grand views of Himalayan peaks including Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Panchachuli. This quaint hill town is ideal for solitude seekers. When here, do not miss out on exploring the Anasakti Ashram. Also enjoy nature walks through pine forests, and wake up to the sights of snow-covered mountain peaks. Sounds cool and so perfect!
Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh
Mechuka is a gem of a place waiting to be discovered! Set close to the Indo-China border, this high-altitude village in Shi-Yomi district is a natural beauty.
The place is all about lush green valleys, ancient monasteries, and the Siang River. When here, do interact with local Memba tribes who are warm and welcoming.
Yercaud, Tamil Nadu
Yercaud gets overshadowed by popular hill stations like Ooty and Kodaikanal. Set in the Shevaroy Hills, it is a quiet hill station, Yercaud is all about coffee plantations, orange groves, and dense forests. Yercaud Lake, Killiyur Falls, and Pagoda Point are some of the prime places to visit here. With fewer crowds and cool temperatures, it's a perfect retreat for those looking to unwind in South India.
These are only a handful of hidden beauties! India is laden with more of such less-explored destinations, which are ideal for those seeking peace and a connection with nature.
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Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Chopper crash: Heli services suspended till Mon, Dhami orders probe
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India Today
7 hours ago
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Chardham helicopter services suspended for two days after Kedarnath crash
Helicopter services on the Chardham yatra route were suspended for two days on Sunday in the wake of the crash of a chopper returning from people, including the pilot, were killed in the helicopter crash on Sunday Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who held an emergency meeting with senior officials to discuss the situation, said heli services will remain suspended for two days as the weather is bad and the safety of passengers is the state government's top He also told officials at the meeting to issue a strict SOP for heli operations in the state and set up a control and command centre here, besides taking action against those responsible for the crash."There should not be any laxity regarding compliance with DGCA norms in helicopter operations in the state. It should also be ensured that the pilots flying in the upper Himalayan region are experienced," Dhami said after the emergency Secretary Anand Bardhan, Tourism and Civil Aviation Secretary Sachin Kurve, Disaster Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman, UCADA (Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority) and DGCA officials attended the meeting, held via video attributed the crash to inclement weather and said heli operations will remain suspended for two days on Sunday and Monday."The weather is also bad and the safety of pilgrims is paramount. There will be no heli services today and tomorrow. Aviation companies, DGCA and UCADA have been asked to review the situation thoroughly before resuming heli operations", he crashes or emergency landings are occurring at an alarming frequency on the Chardham yatra route in Uttarakhand. The Chardham yatra involves Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri and Gangotri latest crash involving an Aryan Aviation Pvt Ltd chopper returning from Kedarnath near Guptkashi on Sunday morning is the fifth helicopter accident on the pilgrimage route since the start of the yatra on April 30.
The Hindu
12 hours ago
- The Hindu
Helicopter services for Chardham yatra suspended for two days
Helicopter services on the Chardham yatra route were suspended for two days on Sunday in the wake of the crash of a chopper returning from Kedarnath. Seven people, including the pilot, were killed in the helicopter crash on Sunday (June 15, 2025) morning. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who held an emergency meeting with senior officials to discuss the situation, said helicopter services will remain suspended for two days as the weather is bad and the safety of passengers is the state government's top priority. He also told officials at the meeting to issue a strict SOP for helicopter operations in the State and set up a control and command centre in Dehradun besides taking action against those responsible for the crash. 'There should not be any laxity regarding compliance with DGCA norms in helicopter operations in the state. It should also be ensured that the pilots flying in the upper Himalayan region are experienced,' Mr. Dhami said after the emergency meeting. Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, Tourism and Civil Aviation Secretary Sachin Kurve, Disaster Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman, UCADA (Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority) and DGCA officials attended the meeting held via video conferencing. Mr. Dhami attributed the crash to inclement weather and said heli operations will remain suspended for two days on Sunday (June 15) and Monday (June 16). 'The weather is also bad and the safety of pilgrims is paramount. There will be no heli services today and tomorrow. Aviation companies, DGCA and UCADA have been asked to review the situation thoroughly before resuming heli operations,' he said. Helicopter crashes or emergency landings are occurring at an alarming frequency on the Chardham yatra route in Uttarakhand. The Chardham yatra involves Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri and Gangotri shrines. The latest crash involving an Aryan Aviation Pvt. Ltd. chopper returning from Kedarnath near Guptkashi on Sunday morning is the fifth helicopter accident on the pilgrimage route since the start of the yatra on April 30.
