Getting to an off beat destination can be a quite a challenge but the seclusion and serenity more than makes up for the arduous journey. We rounded up the top off secluded summer weekend getaways that managed to steer clear of commercialism.

Gavi, Kerala

A 40 km drive from Kumily through winding roads flanked by hills, tropical forests and cascading waterfalls will lead you to the quaint little town of Gavi. The area is part of the Periyar Tiger reserve and a great option for bird watching, trekking, camping and night safaris. Or you can rent a forest lodge by the lake, sit back and breathe in the clean mountain air infused with the heady aroma of cardamom, tea and clove. The nearest bus terminal is Vandiperiyar, around 18 km from Thekkady and the closest railhead to Gavi is Kottayam, around 114 km away.

Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

Tawang is probably as close as you can get to the mystical, utopian city of Shangri La. An earthly paradise isolated from the rest of the world with Buddhist chants in the air, happy people and mystical monks in deep prayer. This secluded summer weekend getaway is located at a height of 3500 meters above sea level.  Tawang is actually a tiny stretch of mountainous region located in the northwestern extremity of Arunachal Pradesh. The highlight of the town is the 400 year old Tawang monastery, the 2nd largest and the 3rd oldest monastery in the world. All travellers to Tawang will require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) which can be acquired from Kolkata, Guwahati, Tezpur, and New Delhi. Foreign nationals will need to get one from Delhi. The best time to visit Tawang is May when the roads are open and you’ll get to see the floral bloom that blankets the area near Madhuri and Sela Lake.

Konaseema, Andhra Pradesh

A peaceful and scenic place located close to the more popular Papi Kondalu. Konaseema offers stunning vistas, serene temples including a Buddhist monastery at Adurru and sprawling lush field that stretch for miles. The highlight is the mangrove forest with a lone light house which can be reached on a boat. This is one of the best weekend getaways from Hyderabad and is highly recommended for families.

Barot, Himachal Pradesh

Barot is an off the beaten track summer destination that has managed to stay under the radar of the average tourist. The area is peppered with beautiful terraced fields, lush cedar forests and offers a range of outdoor activities. The Uhl river flowing besides the village makes for the perfect spot for angling enthusiasts. Barot has made it to numerous travel magazine’s list for top summer destinations for 2014 and is highly recommended for anyone who likes nature walks, backpacking and angling.

Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu

Kolli Hills is a little known hill station in Tamil Nadu located around 55 km from Namakkal. This is a good spot for those looking for a place to relax sans the crowd. Getting to Kolli Hills involves navigating around 70 hairpins bends over the Eastern Ghats. There aren’t many sightseeing options here except for the famed Arpaleswar Temple so the best way to spend your day is to explore the tribal villages and relax by the waterfall.

Sandakphu, West Bengal

Located close to the Kanchenchunga Base Camp, Sandakphu (3636 m) is widely hailed as the best spot to watch Mt. Kanchenjunga. Trekkers usually start from Manebhanjang and cover Meghma (where you get to play with the passing clouds), Tumling, Gairibas, Kalpokhri (a brackish salt water) and Bikebhanjung before reaching Sandakhphu. On reaching the top you get an exhilarating,180 degree view of the entire Kanchenchunga range and a clear view of Mt.Everest if the weather stays clear. The best time to visit Sandakphu is between April to May and from October to November.

Thattekere, Karnataka

Despite its proximity to Bangalore (30 km), the area around Thattekere lake is (fortunately) fairly secluded as there no sign posts and travellers will have to rely on the village folks to reach the spot. The prime attraction is the pristine lake set amidst towering hills and sprawling forests. The Ragihalli -Thattekere stretch is a bird watchers haven and several species including Indian Robin, Little Ring Plover, Ashy Pirnias, Green Bee eater, Jerdon’s Bushlark, Red Rumped Swallow, House Sparrow, Spotted Dove and Little Brown Dove have been spotted in the area. This is an excellent summer weekend getaway from Bangalore.

Mirik, West Bengal

While Mirik in itself is your average joe hill station, the 49 km drive from Darjeeling renders it a worthwhile trip : the Alpine trees, clouds playing peek-a-boo and a surreal landscape makes for an unforgettable drive. Mirik also offers the staple hill station frills like horse riding, tea garden tours, boating and walks on the promenade.

Via.com