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Time of India
14 hours ago
- Time of India
6 pahadi escapes in Uttarakhand for the next peaceful break
1 2 When city life starts to get monotonous, a change in landscape can actually do wonders. For me, it's time for a quick pahadi escape. And this time, picking Uttarakhand, which thankfully, has plenty of charming hill towns that haven't been trampled by tour buses—yet. Here are six quiet getaways in Uttarakhand where time slows down, and you would love to escape whenever your heart longs. Khirsu Tucked away in the Pauri Garhwal district, Khirsu is the kind of place where doing nothing feels like a full-time job. Surrounded by dense deodar forests and apple orchards, this sleepy village offers panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas—without the photo-bombing tourists. No cafes with neon signs. No mall roads. Just you, a book, and the smell of pine. Read more: 7 Wonders of the World and where are they located Pangot Just 15 km from Nainital but a world apart, Pangot is a birdwatcher's paradise. With over 250 species chirping around, even the crows sound fancier here. The mornings start with mist and melody, and evenings are made for bonfires and woolly socks. It's the kind of place where your phone automatically goes silent (mostly because there's no network). Peora Peora is the shy, artistic cousin of Mukteshwar. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Cobblestone paths, stone houses with slate roofs, and terraced farms define this postcard-perfect hamlet. The village runs on solar energy and slow living. Whether you're sketching, journaling, or just staring at the mountains like they're about to tell you a secret, Peora gives you all the space you need. Chakrata Perched at 7,000 ft, Chakrata is a cantonment town where the traffic is minimal and the views are maximum. Explore Tiger Falls (without elbowing crowds), hike through pine-scented trails, or just sit on a rock and feel smug about not being in Mussoorie. No flashy resorts, just old-school forest rest houses and calm that soothe your soul. Kanatal Near the slightly better-known Dhanaulti, Kanatal is a hill station that hasn't yet made it to mass tourism brochures, and that's a blessing. Expect foggy mornings, hidden trails, and locals who'll still say hello. Camp under the stars or stay in a cozy homestay with views that don't need a filter. Read more: 8 one-day trips from Bengaluru that don't need advance planning Munsiyari Okay, Munsiyari is a bit of a drive, but it pays back in Himalayan real estate. With the majestic Panchachuli peaks standing guard, this remote town in the Pithoragarh district is perfect for serious unwinding (or trekking, if you must do something). Alpine vibes, Tibetan woolens, will be your companion for some time here.
NDTV
10-05-2025
- NDTV
8 Cool May Getaways In India That'll Make You Forget It's Summer
If you're already melting under the May sun, we get it. Summer in India — especially in the plains — can feel like standing inside an oven. But not everywhere's sweltering. From Himalayan towns to breezy hill stations in the south, India has its fair share of cool, crowd-free escapes. Whether you're craving mountain air, misty mornings, or just a break from the heat and noise, there's a perfect destination waiting. No passport, no stress. Just pack your sunglasses and go. Here are eight easy-to-reach May getaways in India feels more like a holiday and less like a heatwave. Here Are 8 Weekend Getaways In India For May 2025: 1. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh Best For: Mountain lovers who want fewer tourists and more prayer flags. Tawang doesn't scream 'typical summer holiday', which is exactly why it's perfect. This Himalayan town sits at 10,000 feet and barely creeps past 20 degrees Celsius in May. It's got winding mountain roads, monasteries older than your grandparents' recipes, and the kind of views that make your phone camera work overtime. Don't miss the 17th-century Tawang Monastery and Sela Pass — it's snow-capped even in peak summer. 2. Kalimpong, West Bengal Best For: A peaceful hill town vibe without the honking and hotel queues. While Darjeeling tends to hog the limelight (and the crowds), Kalimpong flies under the radar. Perched at around 1,250 metres, it's blessed with cool weather, colonial charm, and some seriously underrated bakeries. Think: Serene monasteries, orchid nurseries, and local cheese made by monks. Yes, really. 3. Coorg, Karnataka Coorg. Photo: Pexels Best For: Couples, caffeine lovers, and anyone dodging 40-degree weather. If a slow-paced holiday with coffee in one hand and a view in the other sounds ideal, Coorg (a.k.a. Kodagu) is your match. This Western Ghats district is all rolling hills, spice plantations, and waterfalls. May is one of the greenest months here, right before the monsoon hits. Bonus: it's also cooler than most southern spots. 4. Kausani, Uttarakhand Best For: Writers, poets, and overworked folks in need of actual silence. This little gem in the Kumaon region has been nicknamed the 'Switzerland of India'. That's a bit of a stretch, but the 300-km panoramic views of the Himalayas — featuring Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Panchachuli peaks — aren't. It's the sort of place where you wake up to birdsong and spend the evening stargazing. 5. Pelling, Sikkim Best For: Views, nature walks, and maybe a little soul-searching. Not as crowded as Gangtok, and definitely more relaxed, Pelling offers the perfect blend of scenic beauty and light adventure. The newly built skywalk (India's first glass one) is a crowd-pleaser, while nearby spots like Pemayangtse Monastery and Khecheopalri Lake are peaceful pit stops. 6. Mount Abu, Rajasthan Mount Abu. Photo: Unsplash Best For: People who love Rajasthan but hate the heat. Yes, Rajasthan. Don't scroll past. Mount Abu is the state's only hill station, and it's surprisingly pleasant in May — think 25 degrees Celsius days and cool evenings. Boating in Nakki Lake, exploring the Dilwara Temples, and roadside ice cream at Honeymoon Point? Not your typical desert break, but that's exactly the charm. 7. Chikkamagalur, Karnataka Best For: Weekenders from Bangalore and anyone who likes their holidays low-key. Another coffee country classic, Chikkamagalur is where the beans are strong and the weather is gentle. With misty mornings and breezy afternoons, this lesser-known gem is a dream in May. Visit a plantation stay, hike Mullayanagiri (the highest peak in Karnataka), and sip on something strong while the world slows down. 8. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh Best For: Hardcore travellers with a love for high-altitude drama. If you can handle a bit of altitude (and bone-dry air), Spiti is the summer escape. It's remote, it's rugged, and it's often below 15 degrees Celsius in May. Expect dramatic landscapes, Buddhist culture, and villages like Langza and Komic that look straight out of a graphic novel.
