Offbeat holiday places in India for a Summer Break

With life gradually returning to the 'normal' after over two years of the global pandemic, summer travel is expected to witness a surge with travelers of all hues – families, solo travelers, honeymooners, backpackers, peace seekers – scurrying to the most popular sites across the country.

Since India is much more than the famed Golden Triangle, the backwaters of Kerala and the beaches of Goa, it's time to side-step the crowded spots and to explore the unexplored.

Here's a roundup of hand-picked locations that reflect the pristine beauty of mother nature and are sure to leave mesmerized:-

To inhale the freshness of tulips and cherry blossoms, you don't really have to visit Amsterdam or Japan. Srinagar's Tulip Garden and the cherry blossoms of Nainital, Pauri Garhwal and Dehradun can leave you in awe of nature's spellbinding bounty.

Uttarakhand's Valley of Flowers is another breath-taking place, heralded for its pristine beauty that should be a must-do on every traveler's list.

Karnataka's Unesco World Heritage Site of Hampi is another paradise for nature lovers. Known for the magnificence of its centuries-old temples, Hampi also has trekking trails waiting to be explored this holiday season.

Move next to Andhra Pradesh and explore the 1, 000 year old Fort Chandragiri and its intricate architecture.

To wash away the weariness which comes with travel, head to Bihar's Kaimur Hills to revel in the cool waters of the spectacular Karkatgarh waterfalls.

Slow down and get immersed in the spiritual vibes of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh. The banks of River Sarayu are perfect to reflect on life and living.

When up north, visit Haryana and the battlefield of Kurukshetra from the Maharabharata era.

If the heat is becoming unbearable, then go further north to the glaciers and snow-capped mountains of Himachal Pradesh to absorb Himalayan beauty.

The social media accounts of Incredible India, MP Tourism, UP Tourism, Uttarakhand Tourism and Rajasthan Tourism keep sharing exciting videos and glimpses from their respective states on micro-blogging platform Koo. Get regular updates and plan your trip this summer!