Bewitching Summer Holiday Destinations in India

The Sun God is in full rage in India making the summer season a boiling and scorching time for the people. For people in the west, this is the best time to visit India as they can enjoy a host of activities during this time. The hill stations, golden sandy beaches and the valleys of Kashmir offer the global travelers suitable reasons to plan their summer holiday in India. Scattered through the length and breadth of the country, these hotspots are frequented by the renowned luxury hotels that turn the days of summer in a merriment time to play, enjoy, relax and unwind. According to the taste of the traveler, the destinations can be selected as some are popular for offering best of yoga, spa and meditation retreats, where as others offer a perfect adventure break to the globetrotters. Collected from the vast array of summer destinations in India, we have prepared the following list in no particular order so that the travelers can chose their preferred destination and enjoy a peerless holiday in this country of color, culture, myths and mysteries.

Kashmir 

Dal Lake, Kashmir

The Kashmir valley, which is also called the ‘Heaven on Earth’ become all the more alluring in the summer season. The greenery of woodland all around this majestic place sets the tune for a perfect summer hideaway in India. The sparkling rivers, regal Chinar trees, flowering meadows and cloud kissing mountain peaks create a celestial charm that reaches the soul of the travelers. The art, culture and handicraft items of Kashmir are world famous; thus during your trip to Kashmir, don’t forget to take a roam to the local markets that are well studded with unique decorative items. Moreover, a shikara ride in the famous Dal Lake is a must to do thing while travelling in Kashmir.

Leh & Ladakh

Nun Mountain  in Ladakh

Give your tired soul a breath of the diving by planning a summer tour to Leh & Ladakh, one of the most beautiful valleys on the face of earth. A roadway journey to this enchanting place gives you a feeling as if you are journeying to the celestial path of self-enlightenment. The interplay of mountain peaks, clouds, green forests and sparkling rivers elevate the charm to its zenith where everything is seductive and beautiful. The Buddhist Stupas and Monasteries can be seen in a short distance, many of which have hundreds of years old history.

Darjeeling

Darjeeling Hill

Most popular for its tea production, the name of Darjeeling suddenly created a picture before our eyes where greenery is all bestowed. A Himalayan city situated in the India state of West Bengal, Darjeeling is considered to be one of the best summer destinations in India. Hidden in the thick cloak of fog, the city is all surrounded by the green vegetation. Though the monsoon can appear at any point of time in this hilly region, but you will love to enjoy the splashes of rain water in your face during your stay here. You can either choose to stay in a bungalow or in a luxury hotel while exploring the charming valley of Darjeeling.

Ooty

Nilgiri Hill, Ooty

Situated amid the smoky bluish hue of the Nilgiri Hills popularly known as the Blue Mountains, the city of Ooty attracts thousands of travelers every year from around the world. The temperature of Ooty remains around 20 C in summer which tempts the vacationers to plan their trip to Ooty. The lake, forestry and hills, all are present there to welcome you in the serene kaleidoscope of this south Indian hill station. The flower gardens scattered all around this enchanting city colors the streets and bungalows in varied hues. The tea estates are also there around it which adds on more serenity to the city life.

Shimla 

Trekking In Shimla

No matter whether you are looking for a trekking holiday, a family vacation or a romantic trip, Shimla is the answer to all your vacation needs. Situated in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas, the lofty mountains and flower strewn valleys have made Shimla one of the most sought after summer holiday destinations in India. Summer days in Shimla become more exciting with various adventure sports that challenge the travelers to be little more fearless.

Apart from the above mentioned places, the country offers host of other destinations that can be best suited for planning an exclusive summer holiday in India.

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South India Temple Tour: Art and Culture

South India is a fascinating land boasting of rich cultural heritage and architectural wonders. South India Temple tour offers you a glimpse of the unique form of architecture which characterizes the temples sprinkled across southern part of Indian subcontinent. 

South India temples are specimen of pure Dravidian style of architecture dating back to medieval times. Various southern dynasties such as the Pallavas, Cholas, Chalukyas, Hoysala and Vijayanagar Empire have subsequently contributed to the evolution of Dravidian architecture over many centuries.

Tirumala Tirupati by vimal_kalyan (DSCF3796  Uploaded by Joschi90) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

The south India temple tour starts from Tirupati. One of the most revered pilgrimage destinations, Tirupati is located in the vicinity of the Tirupati temple. The city is home to a large number of temples of which Lord Venkateshwara temple is the most popular. Some other temples that you can visit in Tirupati are Padmavati temple, Govindaraja Swamy temple, and the Kodanda Rama Swamy temple.

Another major destination when it comes to temple tours in India is Tamil Nadu. It is replete with many temples situated in various cities of this region. Kanchipuram is an ancient city that lies in the Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu state.  It is also known as “the city of 1000 temples“ due to the fact that it houses a large number of temples. Some of the famous temples that one can explore in Kanchipuram are Kailasanatha Temple, Ekambaranatha, Kamakshi Amman Temple among others.

Another major destination in South India is Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, a 7th century port city of the Pallava dynasty situated in Tamil Nadu. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is known for its historic monuments dating back to 9th century. Some famous temples situated in Mahabalipuram are Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas and Varsha Cave Temple.

Mahabalipuram by http://www.flickr.com/photos/pnglife/ [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Thanjavur, also known as Tanjore, is another destination in South India for those on a temple tour to more than 70 temples. The Brihadeshwara temple located here is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts tourists from all over the world. Madurai is one of the oldest cities of India, the history of which can be traced back to 2,500 years. The city is built around the Meenakshi Amman Temple which is the topmost attraction here.

Brahadeeswarar Temple in Tanjore by Aruna at ml.wikipedia [GFDL (www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

If North India temple tour is incomplete without visiting Varanasi, the same goes for Rameshwaram in South India. Rameshwaram is a pilgrim destination which offers a dash of mythology and religion. Rameshwaram, situated in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu, is one of the Char Dham’s in India.  The Ramanathaswamy Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is the most sacred temple in the city.

Rameshwaram Temple by Nsmohan at en.wikipedia [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], from Wikimedia Commons

You will reach Kanyakumari on the penultimate day of your south India temple tour. Located on the southernmost part of Indian peninsula, the city is mostly visited for Kumari Amman (also known as Kanyakumari temple) and Vivekananda Rock Memorial. Located on the confluence of Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean, the temple is a Shakti Peetha dedicated to the virgin form of Goddess Parvati.

To say that south Indian temples are repository of art, culture and Dravidian tradition will not be an overstatement. With each temple draped in sheer architectural brilliance having its own mythological significance, they attract travelers and devotees alike from across the world.  Embellished with intricately carved pillars, huge gopurams and beautifully adorned idols, these temples never fail to catch the attention of the visitors and are major attractions when it comes to cultural tours in India.

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Tomb of Akbar, Sikandra: Things to do in India

One of the important masterpieces of Mughal architecture, construction of the Tomb of Akbar was undertaken during the lifetime of Akbar himself as was the tradition. This tomb was one of the first constructions undertaken during Mughal era which marked a clear shift from the red sandstone architecture prevalent at that time. One can glimpse a bit of Taj Mahal in the design, pattern and symmetry of the tomb and the classic charbagh garden style.

Sikandra is one of the must visit places which can be easily explored in a few hour. There’s not much except to marvel at the breathtaking structure of the tomb. The outer façade has 4 minarets atop which project a grand aura. The main iwan is just in front of the entrance with perfectly symmetrical Mughal Gardens promenaded by Antelopes. The grazing Antelopes present an almost surreal sight as you explore the serene boulevards and the inner structure of tomb.

The inner structure is characterized by intricate carvings, calligraphy and pietra dura inlays. The false cenotaph is placed in the centre of the structure in typical Mughal tradition whereas the original one lies exactly below whose path is through dark alleys. One of the reasons to visit this place is the lush gardens filled with Antelopes and Langurs even as the uncharacteristic tranquility permeates the whole structure as opposed to the throngs of visitors at Taj Mahal. This place is ideal for calm and reflection amidst the chaos of bustling Agra city.

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Orchha: Destinations in India

The charm of Orchha lies in it being a nondescript destination as compared to the nearby Khajuraho Temples. Whereas the erotic sculptures at Khajuraho are world famous and subject to various research and studies, when it comes to popular destinations in India Orchha is a sleepy little town with small population attracting limited number of tourists,or I'd say mostly travelers. Orchha has it fair share of sculpted temples, palaces and other landmarks but none compares to the exquisite craftsmanship displayed at the 'love temples' of Khajuraho. However where Orchha scores over its more popular counterpart is the natural landscape, convivial inhabitants and relatively pristine ambience.

There's nothing like the sight of the mist covered forests as the sun casts its first shadow on earth. The moment is too ethereal, too sublime to describe in words, it can only be experienced first hand. Take a jaunt by the forest feeling nature brush past your senses, let the silence takeover; its transcendental.

Sitting by the bank of meandering Betwa River during the sunset and beholding the silhouette of the Chhatris, or the sight of Laksmi Temple and the Orchha Palace was simply mesmerizing. One thing that sets apart Orchha is the friendly locals and mouth watering street food.
All that can be said is that Orchha is an enchanting as well as rejuvenating destination, a veritable oasis far from the hullabaloo of other popular destinations and the din of city.

Lush Orchha

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