Indian Summer Surprises

Travel influencers and writers share their picks of little-known Indian destinations at which to max out the season.

- Primrose Monteiro-D’Souza

DIRANG VALLEY, ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Dirang Valley in the West Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh is about half-way to Tawang from Tezpur in Assam, which is the final destination for most travellers. It offers a perfect pit stop at which to spend three or four days before continuing on to Tawang. The valley is surrounded by high mountains, which makes it feel cooler. The summer temperature averages between 20° C and 30° C. The meandering Dirang River reduces any fatigue due to the weather.

NISHA’S TIPS TO MAKE THE MOST OF THIS DESTINATION

 Explore the age-old Dirang Dzong (fortress) in Dirang Village, which has parts of the fortification still intact. Here, meet the most hospitable folks around, belonging to the Monpa tribe. Don’t be surprised if some random lady invites you into her home for a cup of butter tea or a glass of home-brewed Ara, or offers to teach you how to make momos.

 Visit the spanking new and colourful Dirang Buddhist Monastery (also called TDL Monastery), consecrated in 2017 by none other than HH Dalai Lama. After praying at the magnificent prayer hall, go to the terrace to view Dirang Town. If you meet the chief monk and if he is in a good mood, he might even offer to show you the personal chambers of HH Dalai Lama.

 Mandala Top is the flat top of a mountain near Dirang, which has 108 commemorative stupas designed as concentric circles with a statue of Buddha in the centre. It is at over 10,000 feet above sea level and could be cold even in summer.

 Another not-to-be-missed gem is