Oh summer! Here you are again, blowing your bated breath over all the mortals, bringing an intoxication in the atmosphere and causing the hot days to stretch to oblivion. You long to escape from its clutches into a place where the air is full of life and nature celebrates her beauty the year round. Set all worries aside, for India has several destinations which are perfect for a summer vacation.
Summers in India are also one those times when you are reminded of and are grateful for the diversity in its landscape. A part of that diversity are the hill stations that provide a perfect escape from the unrelenting heat of the summers. The pleasant weather of the hills and the healthy air really lifts your spirits and cheers you up. In this blog, we tell you the top 10 places to head for summer vacation in India.
Ladakh
If you haven’t been to Ladakh, you have missed out on a wonderful experience. The wonderful lakes, jagged peaks, ancient monasteries, enchanting passes and its unique culture make Ladakh a splendid place to be in. The beautiful weather deserves a mention of its own. It’s also a haven for biking enthusiasts and looking at its lovely landscape, it is hardly difficult to understand why.
- What to see: Pangong Tso Lake, Spituk Gompa, Zanskar Valley, Hemis National Park and Khardung-La Pass.
- Special attractions: Enjoy the incredible Cham dance performed by the Lamas, catch a snow leopard at the Hemis National Park, enjoy a ride on the double-humped Bactrian Camel and drive your bike on the Khardung-La Pass.
Manali
One of the best place to visit to summer in India and a favorite destination for honeymooners. Flanked by the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar Ranges, it allures tourists with its lush greenery, spectacular water streams ad magnificent views. From temples to sightseeing and adventure, Manali provides all the components for a memorable summer vacation.
- What to see: Hadimba Temple, Vashisht Hot-Water Springs, Club House, Nyingmapa Gompa monastery.
- Special attractions: Try paragliding at Solang and Rohtang Valleys, enjoy a yak ride at the Manali wildlife sanctuary and take a dip in the Vashisht hot water springs.
Nainital
Also known as the Lake District of India, is surrounded by mountains, and is a great place to head to when all you want is peace and beauty. Situated at a height of almost 1938m, its home to the famous Naini Lake, the pride of Nainital and one of the major attractions of this hill station. This lake also hosts the national level yachting competition. Besides the Naini Lake, Nainital is also home to several temples, a Zoological Garden and St. John’s Church, which was built in 1847.
- What to see: Nainital Zoo, Naina Devi Temple, Raj Bhavan, Tiffin Top and Bhimtal.
- Special attractions: Enjoy magnificent views of the sunrise from Naini Lake and Tiffin Top, go shopping at the Tibetan Market and enjoy the thrill of a ropeway ride.
Munnar
There are many things that make Munnar one of the best summer holiday destinations in India. Its rows of tea gardens, long winding trails and serene views. Munnar doesn’t just offer respite from the scorching summer heat, but lets you have a wonderful experience. A tourist experiences happiness in Munnar in many ways, while taking a walk in the tea gardens, exploring its flora and fauna or simply relaxing and enjoying the dreamy views meeting your eyes.
- What to see: Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi Peak, Mattupetty, Tea Museum.
- Special attractions: Learn the process of tea making at the Tea Museum, go trekking to the Anamudi Peak, enjoy a boat ride at Mattupetty, visit the Chinnakanal Waterfalls.
Kodaikanal
If you are planning to spend your summer holidays in the company of forests, lakes and parks then Kodaikanal is the best destination for you. Kodaikanal is also one of those places where the kurinji flower blooms once every 12 years and allows a lot of scope for entertainment with activities such as trekking, boating, horse riding and cycling. With its numerous parks and lakes, it’s a great place for enjoying some wonderful sightseeing.
- What to see: Bryant’s Park, Solar Physical Observatory, Kurinji Andavar Temple, Telescope House, The Pillar Rocks, La Saleth [Salette] Church.
- Special attractions: Enjoying boating at the Lake, enjoy some magnificent sightseeing at Coakers Walk, spend some time at the Chettair Park.
Ooty
Also known as Udhagamandalam, is also known as the Queen of Hill Stations. Ooty has become popular due to its rows of tea and coffee plantations which adorn its mountain slopes. This is the kind of place you would head to when all you want to do is relax in the company of nature. If you like spending your time in gardens admiring the bushes, plants and flowers, then Ooty is where you need to head to, for it has some of the best parks in the country.
- What to see: Government Botanical Garden, Lake Park, Rose Garden, Ooty Lake, Deer Park.
- Special attractions: Enjoy boating at the Ooty Lake, admire the arts and crafts of Tamil Nadu at the Government Museum, explore the enormous varieties of plants at the Rose Garden.
Coorg
One of the best place to spend your summer holidays in India. It has that old world feel which invokes a sense of nostalgia in you. There are many things to make you fall in love with here – the hills, various cultures, incredible coffee, delicious food and much more. Coorg is the best place to spend your holidays in style. On top of all, there is the charming hospitality of the people, which wins your heart with every visit.
- What to see: Abbey Falls, Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Bylakuppe.
- Special attractions: Explore the Madikeri Fort, visit the Abbey Falls, go trekking to Nishani Hills, enjoy a jeep safari to Kabbe Hills.
Andaman
Andaman Islands are home to the most stunning beaches in the world. An example of this is Radhanagar Beach, which was named the “Best Beach in Asia” by TIME magazine in 2004. Apart from the golden sands and magnificent views of the sea, it is also one of the best destinations for enjoying various kinds of water sports including snorkeling, scuba diving and banana boat riding, besides others.
- What to see: Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Radhanagar Beach.
- Special attractions: Try out various water sports like snorkeling, banana boat riding, snorkeling, undersea walking, attend the light and sound show at Cellular Jail, enjoy glass bottom boating.
Mount Abu
Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan and breathes fresh life into the otherwise parched state of Rajasthan. It was once a leisure destination of the ruling royal family and as such, is dotted with royal-appearing houses. Famous for its spectacular natural beauty, its home to dense green forests, waterfall and lakes. One can also find several religious monuments in this place.
- What to see: Nakki Lake, Dilwara Jain Temples and Toad Rock View Point.
- Special attractions: Enjoy boating at Nakki Lake, enjoy the lovely views at Guru Shikhar (highest point of Mount Abu).
Gangtok
Gangtok is another best place to visit in summer. The capital of Sikkim, it is situated at a height of 5,500ft and provides spectacular views of the Khangchendzonga. What makes Gangtok so special is that fact that besides spectacular natural sceneries, you also have cyber cafes, night clubs and pool parlors to keep you thoroughly entertained. The city has numerous attractions for the tourist in the form of waterfalls, gardens, parks, monasteries and zoological parks, besides others.
- What to see: Chogyal Park, Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, Hanuman Tok, Rumtek Monastery, Tsomgo (Changu) Lake.
- Special attractions: Enjoy a yak safari at Tsomgo Lake, try river rafting in Teesta River, try your hand at paragliding, enjoy the sunset at Tashi view point.
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