Indian Summer Surprises
Femina|May 2023
Travel influencers and writers share their picks of little-known Indian destinations at which to max out the season.
Primrose Monteiro-D’Souza
Indian Summer Surprises

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.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM FEMINAView all
Get Out Of Text Tension
Femina

Get Out Of Text Tension

Ravina M Sachdev shares insights on how fexting might be ruining your relationship and how it can backfire in the long run

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
Pick Your Patterns Of Love
Femina

Pick Your Patterns Of Love

Prachi Rijhwani teaches you a thing or two about how to embrace healthy dating practices

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
TAME THAT TEMPER
Femina

TAME THAT TEMPER

You've probably seen children sprawled out on the floor in department stores or during festive occasions. Ever pondered the reason behind their behaviour? It is called toddler aggression and here's how to handle it.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
HOW YOUR PALS POWER YOUR LOVE
Femina

HOW YOUR PALS POWER YOUR LOVE

Prachi Rijhwani discusses the positive impact of healthy friendships on your love life

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
An ITALIAN AFFAIR
Femina

An ITALIAN AFFAIR

TOSCANO has just opened another outpost in Wakad, and Pune is all for it

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024
MAKING IT BIG
Femina

MAKING IT BIG

Restaurateur DHAVAL UDESHI talks to Ravina M Sachdev about starting from scratch in hospitality and making it big

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024
SUNDAY BRUNCHES WITH Avartana's Award-Winning Food
Femina

SUNDAY BRUNCHES WITH Avartana's Award-Winning Food

Enjoy a Sunday brunch with the meticulously-curated menus at concept restaurant AVARTANA at ITC Maratha, Mumbai.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
Of Culture And Curry
Femina

Of Culture And Curry

EDDIE SCOTT, winner of MasterChef UK 2022, knew that he needed to expand the West's horizon of Indian food beyond the notion of butter chicken and curry. He tells Shraddha Kamdar how he has attempted to do it with his book Misarana

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
THE WAY OF THE WATER
Femina

THE WAY OF THE WATER

Happy, luxurious, chic, good times are the only way to roll on a vacation. AMBIKA MUTTOO has found her new favourite spot in the Indian Ocean, and is letting you in on the secret

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
HOT RIGHT NOW
Femina

HOT RIGHT NOW

All things fresh and fun in the beauty space

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024