If paragliding is on your bucket list, head to Bir in Himachal Pradesh. Since the 1960s, the village has also been home to a Tibetan Colony, as refugees settled here during the uprising in 1959. It, therefore, has several Buddhist monasteries that you can visit such as the Sherabling Monastery, the Chokling Monastery or the Drukpa Kagyu Monastery. When you’re done exploring every adventure sport such as paragliding, camping, trekking, mountain biking or hang-gliding, pay a visit to the Himalayan Film School– a prestigious institute of the country that conducts various filmmaking and photography workshops. While you’re here, you can also visit the neighbouring Deer Park Institute– a cultural centre established by the Dalai Lama in 2006. Spend your day strolling through the Tibetan colony, exploring the town’s many cafes kike Garden Cafe, June 16 or Ara. Stay at: Sukoon Bagh Doubles from Rs8,000. Website
Instead of Shimla, try Landour
A small cantonment town near Dehradun, Landour is a quaint and quiet suburb of Mussoorie with architecture and aesthetics akin to what they were during the British Raj. The Chukker Trail is a three-kilometre walk that loops around the town and is the perfect way to take in the sights on foot. Stop by Landour’s Char Dukan, a cluster of four shops whose history can be traced back to the 1800s during the arrival of the British. Today, the shops have been split into six and sell snacks and refreshments and hill-station staples such as Maggi, omelette-pav and lemon tea. Near the marketplace, you’ll also find St. Paul’s Church, which is over 150 years old. For those who love nothing but good views and something to nibble on, Lal Tibba is a vantage point that offers a beautiful view of the valley and surrounding hills. The cafe nearby is perfect for a cup of coffee while you take in the sights. Other places worth visiting for food include Anil’s Cafe, Landour Bakehouse, and Doma’s Inn. Stay at: La Villa Bethany, Doubles from Rs 20,000. Website
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