Summer State Of Mind

The mercury is rising, and we must escape the inferno. From unspoiled valleys to lively festivals, verdant forests to tranquil beaches — discover 7 unconventional summer hideaways in India, where you can step away from the crowds and the heat

- Shuvajit Payne and Kunal Bhatia

With blistering temperatures and a heatwave scorching through many parts of the country, it's time for the good ol' summer holiday. Thankfully, India is blessed with getaways that not only give you your own space and time to connect with nature, reflect and start afresh; but also show you how to do all of this responsibly and sustainably. Here's our round-up of the coolest getaways to bookmark this season:

Khonoma, Nagaland

The first settlement of Nagaland to earn the 'Green Village' tag, Khonoma is a beautiful hamlet nestled in the Naga Hills that is proud of its initiatives in sustainable living and eco-tourism. Lush forests, terraced fields, stone walkways and dwarf forts built of rocks, make you feel like you have entered an era of knights and princesses. With traditional Naga architecture and blooming flowers, you almost have 'The Shire' from Tolkien's. Lord of the Rings. A Hobbit Home, made by localite Asakho Chase, is the perfect backdrop for selfies.

Nearest Airport: Dimapur, 80km (2 hours) away.
Where to Stay: Dovipie Inn, Hill View Cottage and other homestays in Khonoma.

Warichora, Meghalaya

This quaint settlement in the southern Garo hills has recently become popular with offbeat explorers. The dense foliage here keeps the summer heat at bay. With its name translating to a 'deep river', Warichora offers a kilometre-long thrilling rafting route through a river canyon, amid lush forests with otherworldly mossy-green walls rising 45 feet high. While here, also take a dip in the crystal-clear Chibok Dare and Re-nang Dare waterfalls or explore the mysterious underground caves.