Most Indians love to travel domestically during their summer breaks, and with good reason. The choice of options is phenomenal, from scenic countryside drives to reclusive natural wonders to popular beach destinations and beyond. Summer breaks allow you to escape the daily grind and indulge your sense of wanderlust, luring you towards uncharted locations.
This sizzling summer, TheGlitz recommends seven offbeat destinations. These getaways are not your typical beach resorts or run-down city breaks. They are expressions and visual experiences to rekindle a world of simple pleasures and unexpected delights waiting to be unearthed. Let summer lead you down the road less travelled for memories that will last a lifetime. Let’s go!
AREA 83, BANGALORE, KARNATAKA
Beat the Heat, Not the fun with Area 83’ curated summer Sundowner experience
As the scorching summer sun beats down, Bangalore residents can find refuge from the sweltering heat without sacrificing an ounce of excitement at Area 83‘s premium adventure resort. Nestled amidst the city’s breath-taking natural landscapes, this oasis offers a uniquely curated Lakeside Sundowner experience—the perfect way to cap off a day filled with adrenaline-pumping thrills.
Imagine indulging in a lavish Hi-Tea spread, complete with handcrafted mocktails, and soaking in the stunning scenery after a day of exhilarating activities. This exclusive offering, available as an add-on to any adventure package, allows parties of up to twenty to unwind in style between 4-6 p.m. This break is ideal for large groups, families, and couples seeking to blend adventure with moments of serene intimacy.
Area 83’s fascination goes well beyond this remarkable Sundowner experience. Unlike typical adventure parks, this resort offers meticulously tailored staycation packages that cater to both thrill-seekers and those seeking respite from the summer heat. Adventurers can enjoy kayaking across the tranquil lake or opt for a more relaxing retreat by the resort’s refreshing swimming pools, all within the comfort of a cool, nature-inspired environment.
With a staunch commitment to environmental responsibility, Area 83 collaborates with organisations that prioritise sustainability, transforming landscaping waste into functional furniture and implementing daily food drives, thereby reducing their ecological footprint while simultaneously beautifying their surroundings.
Through a blend of curated experiences and events that foster team spirit through dynamic challenges like Pipeline and Pyramid Builder, Area 83’s offerings promise an unforgettable experience not only for summer but also for the upcoming monsoon season.
SKYVIEW by EMPYREAN, PATNITOP, JAMMU & KASHMIR
Nestled in Jammu’s Udhampur district lies the scenic mountain harbour Skyview by Empyrean, Patnitop, a popular summer getaway. This charming hilltop destination, adorned with lush deodar trees, gentle slopes, breath-taking vistas, and a serene natural environment, offers a perfect escape for friends and families alike.
However, Patnitop’s biggest draw is the 22-acre Skyview by Empyrean mountain resort in Sanget Valley. This ultimate destination combines impeccable hospitality, adventurous activities, natural beauty, and luxurious amenities, providing a 360-degree experience.
One of the resort’s highlights is the Skyview Gondola, India’s highest gondola in terms of ground clearance. Adhering to European (CEN) safety standards and undergoing daily checks, it is among the world’s safest ropeways. This exhilarating 2.8 km gondola ride whisks you over verdant valleys, gurgling streams, and mirror-like lakes in a flat 10–13 minutes!
Outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in trekking, mountain biking, archery, all-terrain vehicles, and more. For those seeking spiritual nourishment, the revered Vaishno Devi Mata temple is just a 90-minute journey away, making Patnitop a multifaceted destination.
SETHAN, HIMACHAL PRADESH
Set amidst the mighty Himalayas, the quaint hamlet of Sethan is often referred to as the ‘Switzerland of Himachal Pradesh‘ for its awe-inspiring natural beauty. This idyllic destination offers a slice of paradise to adventure seekers and nature lovers alike, with its snow-covered peaks majestically towering over expansive green meadows that seem to stretch endlessly.
For those with an adventurous spirit, Sethan provides the perfect playground. Thrill-seekers can soar above the breathtaking landscapes while paragliding, taking in panoramic vistas that will leave them spellbound. Or, for a more serene experience, cast a line into pristine streams and soak themselves in the therapeutic sounds of nature.
But Sethan’s attraction extends beyond its outdoor activities. Known for its serene environment and stunning landscapes, the village is a true haven for travellers seeking a peaceful getaway from the chaos of city life. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich, traditional Himachali culture, which is deeply woven into the fabric of daily life. From the warm rural hospitality of the locals to the vibrant festivals and age-old customs, Sethan offers a rare glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely unaffected by modernity.
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie seeking your next fix or a nature enthusiast in search of bliss, Sethan promises an unforgettable experience. This hidden wonder in the Himalayas is a true paradise, where the majesty of nature and the charm of traditional culture meet, creating memories that will linger long after you’ve returned home.
COURTYARD by MARRIOTT MAHABALESHWAR
Embark on an exquisite journey to a picturesque paradise at the Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar, perched atop the majestic Sahyadri mountain range. This beautiful resort offers an unparalleled escape for those seeking the perfect balance of luxury and serenity. Revel in stunning vistas of lush green valleys and mist-shrouded hills from the elegantly appointed rooms, suites, and exclusive private pool villas.
Courtyard Mahabaleshwar is dedicated to curating unforgettable experiences exclusively for you. So, whether it’s the rejuvenating bliss of holistic spa treatments, natural splendour through invigorating treks, strawberry picking excursions, leisurely nature walks, or seeking a serene picnic amidst nature’s lap, each moment is meticulously crafted to transport you to a realm of pure bliss and indulgence.
The resort’s offering caters to families and couples who increasingly seek properties that offer a plethora of amenities within their premises. As the seasons transition, these demographics are naturally drawn to resort destinations. Whether it’s the allure of summer breaks or school vacations that beckon families or couples yearning for a romantic escape throughout the year, resorts provide an idyllic sanctuary where cherished memories are forged.
Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s acclaimed loyalty programme, unveils the ‘Resort Escapes’ promotion, designed to provide travellers with rewarding benefits as the holiday season approaches. Whether you yearn for the tranquil embrace of a mountain retreat or the captivating allure of a beachside escape, our curated selection of 45 hotels across over 20 breath-taking destinations throughout South Asia offers a remarkable array of choices to suit every traveller’s desires.
ZIRO VALLEY, ARUNACHAL PRADESH
Cradled in the embrace of the robust Himalayas lies another marvel: Ziro Valley, which stands as a true sanctuary for those seeking to reconnect with nature. This enchanting valley, bestowed with the prestigious honour of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a rare and captivating experience that speaks to the souls of nature lovers and music enthusiasts alike.
An epitome of natural splendour, Ziro Valley’s landscape is adorned with rolling hills, carpet-like meadows, and sparkling streams that create a tapestry of visual beauty, soothing the senses. The valley also holds a treasure trove in the form of the Apatani tribe. Renowned for their unique face tattoos and deeply rooted heritage, the Apatani people provide visitors with a rare opportunity to truly embrace and understand the local culture.
Ziro Valley is not devoid of tourists, but come September, the valley transforms into a vibrant hub of creativity and artistic expression when the Ziro Music Festival takes centre stage. No matter when you visit, this valley promises an experience that will leave an indelible mark on your soul.
GOKARNA, KARNATAKA
Gokarna extends an irresistible invitation for those who seek solace in the calming embrace of the sea and value a spiritual edge above the rough charm of the hills. This quaint temple town, tucked along the unspoiled Konkan coast, boasts some of India’s most captivating and unexplored golden beaches. The pristine turquoise waters that caress these sun-kissed shores are reminiscent of the renowned paradises of the Lakshwadeep or Mauritius, offering a truly sublime escape.
Steeped in spirituality, this coastal town is home to ancient temples dedicated to the revered Lord Shiva, exuding an aura of serenity that permeates the very air. As you explore these sacred sanctuaries, adorned with intricate carvings and steeped in centuries of devotion, a profound sense of calmness surrounds your being, providing a respite from the frenetic pace of city life.
Whether you seek to bask in the warmth of the sun on pristine sands or seek spirituality, Gokarna promises an experience that nourishes both the body and the soul.
SINTHAN VALLEY, JAMMU & KASHMIR
Another hidden gem in Jammu’s crown is the Sinthan Valley. Unofficially stamped as Kashmir’s lesser-known Valley of Flowers, this enchanting destination unveils a spectacle of unparalleled beauty during the summer months. As the season’s warmth spreads across the valley, a kaleidoscope of vibrant flowers bursts into bloom, weaving a tapestry of colours that transforms the landscape into a visual paradise on earth.
The enchanting Sinthan Valley extends far beyond its floral magnificence. Prepare for a visual feast of colourful wildflowers filling the air with sweet fragrance as you journey through the local villages that dot the valley. Here, traditions are preserved with reverence, and stories are woven like intricate tapestries, offering a glimpse into a way of life, if only for a fleeting moment.
So, if you skip Sinthan Valley, you’re missing out on a hidden gem—literally. It’s the kind of place where you can sit back, relax, and truly savour the moment. Here, amidst nature’s grandeur and cultural richness, you can lose yourself in the beauty of Sinthan Valley, one breath at a time. So, grab a book, find a spot, and let the surroundings of the valley transport you to a slower, more scenic pace of life.
Cover image credit: Ashwini Chaudhary via Unsplash
