The Weather's Perfect, The Views Are Insane—8 Places In India To Escape This July
Heat can slow down travel plans It can even scare some travelers away But for those who seek fresh experiences July in India offers a quieter canvas for adventure Think fewer crowds lush landscapes and vibrant local festivals waiting to be discovered Beyond the usual hotspots lies a side of India that blooms this month in ways you never imagined
What makes July in India different from the usual peak season?
It's not just the calendar It's the contrast between expectation and reality Summer months bring many to the beaches hills and heritage sites But July invites you off the beaten path to places where the spirit of discovery thrives While popular spots brim with tourists July allows hidden corners to breathe and reveal their true colors
Tired of overcrowded hill stations and beach shacks These eight destinations are waiting to be explored
1.Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh – The Land of Monasteries and Misty Valleys
Located near the India-China border Tawang is famous for its 400-year-old monastery But in July you'll find empty guesthouses fewer selfies and long winding roads that lead to hidden lakes Drive through emerald forests and watch the mist drift over snow-tipped peaks Stay in a homestay to taste local apricot wine and wake up to chants echoing across the valley
2.Hampi, Karnataka – Lost Kingdom Among Giant Boulders
Most visitors come in winter but July's gentle humidity turns this ancient city into a private playground of stone temples and giant boulders No tour groups block the ruins You can scramble over rocks at sunrise explore the royal bath in solitude and join a local kumtha pottery session at Virabhadra Temple The landscapes here breathe history and your footsteps echo in quiet halls
3.Chikmagalur, Karnataka – Coffee Plantations and Cloud-Kissed Hills
While Coorg steals the limelight July in Chikmagalur feels like a secret revealed The rolling coffee estates glow with new foliage Waterfalls are gentle streams and you can hike Mullayanagiri without jostling for space Sip filter coffee straight from the source meet farm families and learn bean-to-cup stories that most tourists miss
4.Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh– Mughal Legacy on the Tapi
Burhanpur on the Tapi River you'll find grand Mughal gates hidden behind mango orchards The rains have retreated and the old city walls survive in peaceful glory Wander the Jahaz Mahal in near silence and catch a private glimpse of the textile looms that once clothed emperors
5.Majuli, Assam – River Island of Culture and Birds
July brings rising waters but also fewer boats and a calmer river vibe Majuli is the world's largest river island and home to satras or Vaishnavite monasteries Join a mask-making workshop with local artisans pedal through paddy fields meet migratory birds at dawn and taste ekousera rice beer in a quiet courtyard
6.Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh – Apple Orchards and Snow Passes
Forget Shimla July in Kinnaur is pure Himalayan romance without the hustle Tok Tok trees bloom apple buds line the roads and Sangla Valley feels like painting come alive Motor past Baspa River stop at Garh for roadside rajma and sleep in a wood-paneled homestay where the hosts play local folk songs by lantern light
7.Gokarna, Karnataka – Beaches Beyond the Party
This coastal town rivals Goa in scenery but July empties the beaches and silences the speakers Om Beach becomes a yogi retreat Kudle Beach offers barefoot walks at sunrise and you can hike between hidden coves without interruption End the day with fresh fish cooked in banana leaves by a beach shack that's open for one guest at a time
8.Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh – Queen of Satpura in Green Attire
Known as a colonial hill station Pachmarhi charms in July with carpeted grasslands and gentle waterfalls Bristles of monkey puzzle trees stand guard over forest trails You can explore Bee Falls in peaceful drizzle visit ancient Buddhist caves with no queue and sip hot chai while watching the valley swirl in mist
Why Explore These Places in July Isn't It Too Inconvenient
Let's flip that idea Monsoon months aren't inconvenient They're honest They strip away filters and expose real culture Here's what July gives you that spring or winter can't Lower crowds mean authentic connections You might share a teacup with the village teacher without a line of tourists behind you Richer landscapes spring to life with fresh blooms and whispering forests Quiet roads allow unexpected stops at roadside temples or family farms Better air comes with cleared dust It's like breathing new life into your journey
Practical Tips: How to Travel Like a July Insider
Pack a light rain jacket and quick-dry clothes July mornings can be dewy and nights pleasantly cool
Carry local snacks and reusable water bottles Support small shops and reduce plastic waste
Start early Avoid unexpected power cuts or fog that can delay travel
Embrace local hospitality Homestays are your best window into culture and cuisine
The hidden economy of off-season travel: Beyond Instagram
Visiting lesser-known spots in July builds a hyperlocal economy You help farmers, chaiwallahs, boatmen, and homestays thrive You take pressure off overcrowded monuments and allow them to recover from peak season Wear your footsteps lightly but leave goodwill behind
Final Thought
India in July is a mosaic of hidden wonders waiting for the curious traveler Not for a checklist Not for a selfie But for the stories that unfold in quiet temples, lush valleys, and seaside coves When your friends ask why you chose July say you were chasing the soul of the land When the calendar flips remember that travel seasons are made by those willing to see beyond the obvious Pack your bags, open your calendar, and prepare to find the India you never knew existed
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
No trip to India is complete without buying these unique textiles
India is rich in vibrant cultures and timeless traditions, vividly expressed through its textiles. From exquisite handlooms to magical silks and timeless prints, Indian fabrics are as much about artistry as they are about heritage. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now For any traveller, taking home a piece of this rich textile tradition is more than just shopping, it's preserving a story woven over centuries. Here are some textiles that one should not miss at all if travelling to India. Let's have a look at some of them. Banarasi Silk Image: Canva Originating from Varanasi, Banarasi silk is famed for its regal sheen and intricate zari (gold or silver thread) work. Traditionally woven on handlooms, these sarees are adorned with Mughal-inspired floral and paisley motifs. Considered the ultimate bridal attire, a Banarasi silk saree can take weeks or even months to craft, each piece is an heirloom, admired for both its artistry and opulence. Kanjeevaram (Kanchipuram) Silk Kanjeevarams being the crown of Sarees, made women in the states of Tamil Nadu feel like a queen of silks. These fabric pieces are made out of pure mulberry silk and are laden with heavy golden zari and these are as durable as elegant. Often such fabrics are passed on through generations. Chanderi Chanderi fabric of Madhya Pradesh is an airy-mixture of silk and cotton weaved with twinkling zari work and embroidery of fine patterns. It is well-known for its translucence and delicate fashionable appearance. Chanderi sarees are made of silk blended with cotton and can be worn both every day and on special occasions. Kalamkari Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are known for Kalamkari, the 3,000-year-old hand-printing or block-printing of cloth with natural dyes. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The term uses the word kalam and kari, in recognition of its origins in stories utilised in temples that are drawn with pens made of bamboo or block-cutters. The principal regional styles are Srikalahasti and Machilipatnam which are registered as geographical indications. The art form is known to be extremely detailed, story rich, and environmentally friendly. Ikat A method more than a fabric, Ikat is created in Gujarat, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Before weaving, the threads are tie-dyed, giving the characteristic pattern of blurred, geometrical sceneries. The result is bright, stylistically rich, and it displays the technical expertise of Indian craftspeople. Pashmina Pashmina is the undercoat of the Himalayan goats that are found in Kashmir region. This fine soft wool is also hand spun and hand woven into shawls that are legendary in their cosiness and feather-like light weight and also the beautiful paisley or floral embroidery. Genuine or true Pashmina is a precious memory piece, a combination of style and substance. Chikankari Originally from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Chikankari is a delicate and artful embroidery technique, typically white-on-white, creating ethereal, feminine kurtas and sarees. Each piece is painstakingly hand-embroidered, making every garment distinctive and full of character. Bandhani Bandhani originated from the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Bandhani is India's signature tie-and-dye tradition, easily identified by its dazzling dots and patterns. Commonly used in sarees, turbans, and dupattas, Bandhani is a riot of colours that is festive, traditional, and instantly recognisable.
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Time of India
Discover the top 10 most beautiful buildings worldwide: list reveals
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel In a dazzling celebration of human creativity and heritage, Time Out has unveiled its highly anticipated list of the 24 most beautiful buildings worldwide, with an exciting spotlight on the top 10. Spanning continents and centuries, these architectural marvels are not just buildings; they are stories carved in stone, glass, and steel that reflect history, culture, and innovation. Here's a fun yet detailed dive into the dazzling top 10 that have captured hearts—and the list, the Taj Mahal in Agra is often called the world's most beautiful building—and for good reason. Commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1632 as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, it took 22 years and around 20,000 artisans to create this masterpiece. The structure's ethereal white marble shifts color with the daylight—from soft pink at sunrise to a glowing ivory by noon, and a mystical gold by moonlight—creating a breathtaking spectacle. Adorned with exquisite calligraphy, inlaid precious stones, and perfectly symmetrical minarets designed to tilt outward for earthquake safety, it's a symbol of eternal love and Mughal architectural genius. Over 7 million visitors flock here yearly to witness its timeless striking Hallgrímskirkja cathedral rises in Reykjavík like a futuristic structure inspired by volcanic basalt columns. Completed in 1986 after more than four decades of construction, its bold, minimalist style speaks to the island's dramatic landscapes. This Evangelical-Lutheran church is the tallest building in Iceland, with a stunning tower offering panoramic views of Reykjavík framed by rugged nature. Its blend of modernist and expressionist design makes it a standout example of how architecture can mirror the natural list of beautiful buildings is complete without the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza. Built over 4,500 years ago, these monumental tombs for Egyptian pharaohs combine engineering brilliance and spiritual significance. The Great Pyramid, once the tallest man-made structure for millennia, was built using massive limestone blocks with ingenious methods still debated by historians. Their stoic permanence and geometric perfection make them one of the world's oldest and most enduring symbols of human civilization and architectural Frank Lloyd Wright transformed domestic architecture with Fallingwater, a 1930s house nestled in the Pennsylvania woods, ingeniously cantilevered over a waterfall. Surrounded by lush greenery, it blurs boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. The home's terraces extend over a babbling brook, and the interior integrates natural rock formations, creating harmony between nature and design. It's regarded as a seminal work of organic architecture and a sanctuary of tranquility and as the "Rose City" for its sandstone cliffs, Petra dazzles with rock-carved architecture and sophisticated ancient water management. Ad-Dayr, Petra's tallest facade at 48 meters, is an awe-inspiring monolithic structure dating to the 1st century AD. This monumental temple exemplifies the blending of Nabataean artistry and Hellenistic influences, making it a must-see cultural icon often called one of the New Seven Wonders of the contemporary masterpiece by architect Frank Gehry in Paris channels both futuristic ship sails and 19th-century greenhouses. Completed in 2014, its glass 'sails' interspersed with white geometric 'icebergs' create a shimmering dynamic facade that shifts with the light. Gehry's signature deconstructivist style makes this art museum a floating vessel of culture and innovation in the heart of a classic Long Room in Trinity College is a bibliophile's dream—a stunning 65-meter chamber housing approximately 200,000 of the college's oldest books in hand-crafted wooden bookcases with soaring barrel-vaulted ceilings. Built in the early 18th century and expanded over decades, the room's moody, gothic atmosphere is a testament to centuries of scholarship and world's largest mud-brick building and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Mosque of Djenné showcases the power of community architecture. Rebuilt in 1907 with sun-baked earthen bricks and annual replastering events that bring locals together, it stands as a living symbol of Sahelian culture and Islamic heritage. Its towering minarets and sculptural palm-leaf scaffolding create an earthy monument that defies weather and the "Pink Mosque," this 19th-century Shiraz gem dazzles with kaleidoscopic stained glass windows and intricate pastel tiles. Morning light floods the prayer hall, bathing the interior in vibrant hues that shift through the day. Its delicate mosaics and patterned arches invite visitors into a serene, colorful world where light and craftsmanship the intersection of art and architecture stands The Twist—an innovative gallery and bridge in Kistefos Sculpture Park that twists 90 degrees to connect riverbanks. Completed in 2019, it offers three distinct gallery spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows and moody interiors. This kinetic design invites visitors to experience light, nature, and modern art through a playful and dynamic structure that embodies Norway's artistic top 10 beautiful buildings showcase human ingenuity, cultural richness, and artistic grandeur, proving that architecture is not just about shelter but about storytelling, emotion, and connection across time and place. From the monumental romance of the Taj Mahal to the natural harmony of Fallingwater, these sites spark wonder and inspire journeys for millions worldwide.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Indian Express
Kulfi ranks #8 in TasteAtlas' list of 50 best frozen desserts in the world; all about its fascinating history
TasteAtlas has released its list of the 50 best frozen desserts in the world. At number eight is our beloved Indian dessert, kulfi. While much of the world grew up on gelatos and frozen yoghurts, Indian kids were raised on matkas of thickened milk, generously topped with dry fruits. For the next installment of our ongoing series Bites of History, where we delve deeper into the origins of India's culinary delicacies, found out about its fascinating history and origins. Celebrity chef Ananya Banerjee told us that the name kulfi, derived from the Persian word qulfi, means 'covered cup,' referencing the cones it is formed in. In today's day and age, kulfi is eaten out of matkas, cones, bowls, and even on leaves. The range of flavours, too, has expanded –– mango, pista-badam, malai (cream), chocolate, and rose are simply the tip of the iceberg. Executive Chef Tamoghna Chakraborty of DoubleTree by Hilton, Whitefield, Bengaluru, shared that kulfi dates back to the Mughal era in the 16th century. 'Royal kitchens would freeze a rich mixture of thickened milk, nuts and saffron in metal cones, which were then immersed in ice brought down from the Himalayas, an early version of cold storage,' he said. Unlike Western ice cream, kulfi is not churned, resulting in a dense, creamy texture that melts slowly on the palate. Over centuries, this regal dessert has evolved across regions, incorporating local ingredients like mango, rose, cardamom, and pistachio. Banerjee also said that ice from the Himalayas was stored in deep wells by the royal bawarchikhanas (kitchens) and used to chill dishes like kulfi. 'What makes kulfi so special is its intense, milky flavour and dense texture. It's not aerated like modern ice creams, so it tastes far richer and more satisfying. It's also deeply nostalgic—reminding many of childhood summers, roadside kulfiwalas, and festive family gatherings,' she said. Another plus: it's naturally eggless, making it a favourite among vegetarians. Traditional kulfi is made by slowly reducing full-fat milk until it thickens and caramelizes slightly. Sugar is added, along with flavours like cardamom (elaichi), saffron (kesar), rosewater or kewra, crushed nuts (almonds, pistachios). 'This mixture is poured into kulhads (clay cups) or metal molds, sealed, and then frozen, often using the salt-ice method in rural areas or with modern refrigeration. Modern versions sometimes use condensed milk and cream for convenience but compromise on the authenticity and texture,' said Banerjee. Other variations available are malai kulfi (classic), kesar pista kulfi, mango kulfi, falooda kulfi (served with vermicelli and rose syrup), matka kulfi (served in clay pots).
