Top 5 Summer Holiday Destinations in India

“To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.” ~ Bill Bryson

Whether you are the intrepid back-packer variant seduced by the serene white expanse of the mighty Himalayas, or just a wanderlust-stricken traveler wishing to lose yourself in the “otherworldly” wonders of Mother Nature, hill stations in India during summer holidays offer perfect retreats to experience heaven on earth.

Summer vacations offer one of the best opportunities to spend some quality time with your family members, friends or colleagues. Owing to the amazing geographical diversity, India is blessed with an array of hill stations which are renowned for their spectacular summer vacation packages. Hill stations in India provide heavenly retreat far from the heat, sun and din of the hustle and bustle of life in cities. Here’s a compilation of the top 5 summer holiday destinations in India making up for a blissful travel experience.

Ladakh

Considered to be the final frontier for adventure tourist, Ladakh literally meaning land of high passes is the highest plateau in the state of Kashmir in India with most of its region above the height of 3000 meters above sea level. Isolation due to its extreme location and toils of climate and altitude has ensured an almost medieval way of life in Ladakh.

The sparsely populated valley of Ladakh is known for its snow covered mountain peaks, high altitude desert landscape, medieval culture and Buddhist monasteries. Snuggled between two sprawling mountains ranges, Ladakh offers an array of adventure tourism activities. Among the popular places of tourist interest include Leh, Drass valley, Suru valley, Kargil, Zangskar, Zangla, Rangdum, Padum, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, Changthang and Nubra Valley.

Ladakh is a picture perfect place with its high altitude desert-esque landscapes and one of the best places for landscape photography in India

Shimla

Situated amidst the verdant hills and valleys in Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is fondly referred to as ‘the Queen of Hill Stations’. It was when during colonial era British made Shimla their favored retreat and winter capital that Shimla shot into global fame. The distinct colonial flavor is still redolent in the ambiance of this sleepy hill station in India located in Himachal, a popular trekking destination in India. 

Shimla is one of the favored honeymoon destinations in India owing to tranquil environs and picturesque landscapes surrounding this hill down. Sweeping view of the undulating mountains and rolling valleys add to the romance of the urban oasis. Major attractions in the city include State Museum, Summer Temple, the Ridge and the Mall, Christ Church and Tara Devi temple. As you embark of local sightseeing, you could not but witness the seamless amalgamation of British influence and Indian culture and traditions making up for the irresistible allure of the city.

Frozen in Time: Streets of Shimla after Snowfall

Manali

Popularly known as the ‘Valley of Gods’, Manali’s picturesque location amidst the scenic Himalayan Mountain Range by the Beas River and an array of trekking trails makes it a popular tourist destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The landscape at Manali is breathtaking with Beas River meandering through the town and panoramic view of the snow capped Himalayan peaks dotted with pine and deodar trees and lush fruit orchards.

Surrounded by incredible scenery of mountains, rivers and waterfalls, this hill station in India attracts all sorts of people like nature lovers, vacationers, honeymooners and adventure lovers. One can also enjoy different adventure sports here like trekking, skiing, river rafting, mountaineering, etc. The climate of Manali is predominantly cold during winters and moderately cool during summers.

Snow Capped Mountains near Rohtang Pass in Manali which is one of the post popular attractions

Darjeeling

“Flowers are everywhere. The days are cold and the sun almost seems to play hide and seek with us” ~ Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore

Nestled in the rolling mountains where the towering Kanchenjunga paints the canvas of azure sky, Darjeeling located in West Bengal is renowned for its tea gardens and tea industry which are revered by connoisseurs of tea around the world. Darjeeling rose into prominence after British annexed it and transformed it into sleepy Victorian Township during mid 1800s. The remnant of the colonial charm which suffuses this mesmerizing hill station in India is still instantly recognizable.

The major attraction of Darjeeling is the World Heritage Himalayan Mountain Railways, fondly referred to as the toy train of Darjeeling along with the soaring Mt Kanchenjunga. Other attractions of note which qualifies as must visit are the Tiger Hill, Himalayan Zoo and Japanese Peace Pagoda.

Steam Hauled Vintage Engine of the Darjeeling's Famous Toy Train or the Himalayan Mountain  Railways

Munnar

Situated in ‘God’s Own Country’ Kerala, Munnar is one of the most popular hill stations in India and is well known for its responsible tourism endeavors. Characterized by undulating hills with dense vegetation and plateaus and hillocks sprinkled with tea gardens, Munnar attracts tourists from around the world owing to its salubrious climate and picturesque landscape. Munnar’s salubrious weather, unruffled serenity, scenic countryside and bounty of nature make it one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in India. Major attractions of Munnar include tea plantations, bird sanctuary, Eravikulam National Park, Walk in the Clouds, several lakes and waterfalls.

Verdant Tea Gardens and Rolling Hills: Munnar, Kerala

Author Bio: Contributed by Nikhil Chandra

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World Heritage Sites in India: Group of Monuments at Hampi, Karnataka

The last great Hindu Kingdom before it was conquered by the Deccan Muslim confederacy in 1565; the somber, colossal site of Hampi was the last capital of once mighty Vijayanagar Empire. Traditionally known as Pampakshetra of Kishkindha, Hampi is situated on the southern bank of the river Tungabhadra. The princes of Hampi built many Dravidian temples and palaces between 14th to 16th centuries that gained the attention of the travelers. The Muslim invaders however raided and ransacked the city for over six months before abandoning it.

Ancient Ruins at Hampi which is now designated as the UNESCO World Heritage Site

Temples of this city are noted for their big dimensions, ornate embellishment, bold and delicate carvings, grand pillars, outstanding pavilions and a great wealth of iconographic and traditional depictions which include subjects from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

Lotus Mahal at the Zenana Enclosure

Hampi, flourishing on its cotton and spice trade, was considered to one of the most stunning medieval cities of the world and Its palaces and Dravidian temples were much admired by travelers, be they Arab (Abdul Razaak), Portuguese (Domingo Paes) or Italian (Nicolò dei Conti). The city was believed to cover an area of nearly 26 sq km and was stated to be enclosed by seven lines of fortifications.

The remains of a giant Bukka's Aqueduct located near Anegondi

The tourist attractions of the city are Virupaksha Temple, 6.7 m tall monolith of Ugra Narasimha, Lotus Mahal, Queen's Bath with stark exteriors and ornate interiors, Singaradu Hebbagilu, the oldest and most massive gateway of the capital, Hazara Rama Temple with its exquisitely carved basalt pillars depicting the incarnations of Shri Vishnu, and Vitthala Temple with its 'Musical Pillars' and ornate stone chariot of Garuda in the temple courtyard.

Monument of a chariot which two elephants in the courtyard of Vitthala Temple

In one of the interior courtyards of the temple of Vitthala, a small monument of a chariot which two elephants, sculpted in the round, struggle to drag along is one of the the favorite tourists attractions today as well as travelers of the past. Hampi definitely is one of the must visit destinations in India as well as an important tourist destinations in India.

Besides the temples, the impressive complex of civil, princely or public buildings (elephant stables, Queen's Bath, Lotus Mahal, bazaars, markets) are enclosed in the massive fortifications which, however, were unable to repulse the assault of the five sultans of Deccan in 1565.

Virupraksha Temple tower

For more information regarding World Heritage Sites in India or any other travel information in India, please feel free to contact me

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Destination Kerala: God’s Own Country

Kerala fondly referred to as “God’s own Country” is definitely worth the distinction with which it has been conferred. Tours to Kerala let you experience some of the most fond moments as well as memories of a lifetime. 

A diversity which is unique in India in terms of holiday options and a laissez-faire hospitality thanks to the colonial legacy and highest literacy rate in India, Kerala tours and vacations definitely rate as one of the best in India with fair share of beaches, hill stations, wildlife excursions and the mystique of backwater tours. Add to this a dash of Kathakali and mouth tingling cuisines, Kerala indeed is a paradisiacal country.

Kathakali dance form is iconic of Kerala culture

So what are the various options to choose from while you are planning your vacation in Kerala? Here are a few of the available options to chose from or to give a thought to, which I’d like to underscore if you are one of those enchanted with the allure of Kerala and looking forward to plan your vacations in India. Just as an afterthought: Kerala was placed among the `50 destinations of a lifetime' by National Geographic Traveler in a special collectors' issue released just before the turn of the millennium.

Things to do in Kerala

• Kerala backwaters
• Kovalam beach
• Responsible Tourism

Kerala Backwaters

Meandering backwaters are vast networks of brackish lagoons, lakes and water canals draped along the scenic Malabar Coast. The network includes five large lakes linked by canals, both manmade and natural, fed by 38 rivers, and extending virtually half the length of Kerala state. 

Most endearing experience is the cruise on Ketuvallams which have become USP of backwater tourism (traditional thatched grain barrages now houseboats). Partaking in the mystique of the charming surroundings characterized by rice paddy fields and coconut groves adding to the green hue of this unique ecosystem is simply paradisiacal experience.

Houseboat cruises in backwaters of Alapuzza is one of the most popular attractions and allure of Kerala tourism

Alleppey or Alappuzha as it is now known, is fondly referred to as “Venice of East” by virtue of its large network of canals and is the most popular Kerala Backwaters destination. Vembanad, the largest fresh water lake in India is another major destination and is known for green tourism initiatives. The things to do include houseboat cruises which can last as long as 2 nights, fishing with permission and boat races which are part of the vibrant culture of Kerala.

Ketuvallams traditionally used to be rice barge are the USP of backwater tourism with 2000 Ketuvallams of different categories plying the backwaters of Kerala

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Kovalam Beach

Literally meaning coconut groves by the sea, Kovalam burst into international scene with arrival of hippies in the early seventies. This once haven of budget travelers is now an exclusive destination in Kerala thanks to rapid infrastructural development to keep pace with modernity and expectations of tourists assembling to this beach paradise. 

There so much to be savored in Kovalam when it comes to ideal vacations in Kerala. Salubrious weather, palm fringed beaches and allure of romance pervading the ambience add up to a gratifying holiday experience in Kovalam. Three major beaches are the Lighthouse, Samudra and Hawah beaches.

Breathtaking panorama of the Arabian coastline at Kovalam, Kerala 

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Responsible Tourism

Responsible tourism is gaining wide acceptance as one of the best ways to minimize the negative effects and maximize the negative one on the local ecosystem. Kerala has pioneered in adopting and implementing this holistic form of tourism to protect its fragile ecosystem and reap maximum benefits both for the local stakeholders and tourist traveling to select destinations in Kerala.

Kerala also has its own indigenous form of martial art — Kalarippayattu, derived from the words kalari ("place", "threshing floor", or "battlefield") and payattu ("exercise" or "practice")

Responsible tourism initiatives at destinations such as Kumarakom, Kovalam, Wayanad, Thekkady has proved that tourism could be an important socio-economic tool which could benefit key stakeholders such as local communities and cultural ethos and hospitality industry while significantly reducing carbon footprint of tourists and making them more aware of local tradition, culture and heritage.

A fisherman in Kerala

The responsible tourism activities include packages and experience beyond what is offered in conventional tour packages in Kerala. Responsible Tourism in Kerala- the first ever initiative in India produced significant outputs at destinations in terms of enhanced cultivation and community participation. These contributions are especially notable in the present scenario, were leading tourism destinations are finding it difficult to balance their growth in tourism activities and retain their tradition livelihoods, culture and heritage; most of which are undoubtedly the hallmarks of individual destinations.

Tea plantation add to the green hue of the hill station in Kerala near Munnar

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For more information about Kerala or destinations in Kerala, please feel free to contact me

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Goa: A Slice of Sun and Sand in Tropical Paradise

Among all the tourist wealth of India, Goa tours has a special place. Goa is a charming destination which offers unique experiences and fond memories of Indian holidays. This tiny emerald ensconced amidst the coast of the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghat mountain range is widely known as a beach retreat of world level.

Tours to Goa is choice of millions and each year witness tourists from around the world flock to this sun and sand paradise to partake in its vibrant vacation ideas, succulent cuisines, liberal hospitality and unmatchable laidback languidness.

Sun and sand paradise: An incomparable languidness experienced at Goa beaches is its most appealing  factor

Why should you visit Goa when you plan your tours to India? For several reasons.

1. Goa is amazing in its natural splendor, the wide and endless beaches with the absence of pronounced tides.
2. It’s unique colonial flavor - a mixture of Portuguese and Indian "in one bottle”.
3. There is this fun, festive atmosphere of the northern part of Goa, with its exciting nightlife, an incredible array of vibrant cafes and bars along with endless shops.

Goa offers a unique travel experience to visitors which are seldom witnessed in other parts of India. Goa is a special world, a fabulous cocktail of sun, sea and different cultures. The cosmopolitan hospitality and mouth tingling cuisines add to the fascination and appeal of Goa.

Food in Goa
Food is not an issue for international tourists on Goa tours. The food is great. Chinese and European cuisine, Indian cuisine, as well as dozens of different seafood fresh from the sea are as savory on palate as they are tantalizing for the taste buds of the diners. The local cuisine redolent with Portuguese flavor is not to be missed at any cost.

Hotels in Goa 
There’s a hotel available in Goa for every taste and budget. Luxury Hotels VIP class, family resorts, democratic Hotels, guest houses, private villas, apartments, houses, simple chalets on the beach economy class. You name it and you have it!

Breathtaking view of Arabian Sea from the lounge bar of Taj Holiday Village in Goa

Things to ponder when planning Goa tours:
Select a suitable season for travel, as well as hotel in a tourist area in Goa, which corresponds to the wishes of tourists. Goa may get too crowded sometimes and you may find it really hard to find an accommodation of your choice.

Goa is a tiny emerald ensconced between Western Ghat and Arabian Sea which makes for amazing  sightseeing as well as variety in Goa

Besides, Goa is divided into several tourist regions: the extreme south, south, center, north and extreme North Goa. In each of these regions has its own peculiarities. Choosing the best option for your tours to Goa is always helped by experienced travel industry professionals who love and know well the destinations and resorts in Goa.

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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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Agra: Where to go in India

The place where iconic Taj Mahal is located, Agra is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Sprinkled in Agra you will find an array of spectacular monuments and forts, each standing testimony to the elegance and artistic brilliance of Mughal architecture. Stunning mausoleums and tombs as well as resplendent fortresses are dotted amidst the din of this chaotic city. Despite the fact that this rambunctious sprawling city is bamboozling yet charming in its own way, collection of luxury hotels in Agra offer a veritable oasis amidst the din of this bustling city.

Tourists are drawn here by the soaring white marble beacon Taj Mahal, or to traverse the trails of Mughal Empire, there’s plenty to be explored while you are in Agra. Discover the rich heritage of medieval wonders of India as you walk through the history-laden corridors of World Heritage Sites like Agra Red Fort or marvel at the sight of magnum opus of Mughal architecture and one of the greatest icons of love Taj Mahal or walk the bazaars to collect memorabilia and rub shoulders with the bewildering mélange of people and colors.

Besides Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, there are a number of historical landmarks and stunning monuments sprinkled in and around Agra which attracts tourists from around the world. But to experience the breathtaking beauty of these structures one has to endure the lesser attractive aspects of the prepossessing city of India which Agra has become. The polluted Yamuna, crowded city and chaos tell the story of urbanization and rapid industrialization of the city. The industries which include carpets, pietra dura in marble, zari embroidery and leather, have greatly contributed in furthering the woes of Yamuna and Agra.

Facts you should know when visiting Agra

Getting there and away:

By Bus

Most long-haul buses leave from Idgah bus station (2420324; Ajmer Rd). Hourly buses run to Delhi’s Sarai Kale Khan bus station (Rs 91, five hours) via Mathura (Rs 30, 1½ hours) on the multilane motorway. Deluxe AC buses (Rs 166) depart at 7.30am and 3.30pm. Hourly buses go to Jaipur (Rs 124, six hours) and two buses daily go to Khajuraho (Rs 175, 10 hours) leaving at 5am and 6.30am. Frequent buses head off to Fatehpur Sikri (Rs 17, one hour) and Bharatpur (Rs 35, 1½ hours).

From Agra Fort bus station buses leave for Dehra Dun (Rs 210, 12 hours), Haridwar (Rs 190, 11 hours), Lucknow (Rs 197, 10 hours) and Delhi (Rs 105, five hours) via Mathura (Rs 30, 1½ hours).

Rajasthan government buses depart from Hotel Sakura, very close to Idgah bus station. The white deluxe buses run hourly to Jaipur (Rs 174, 5½ hours) between 6.30am and 2.30pm and then at 4.30pm, 5.30pm, 7.30pm, 10pm and midnight. Between March and October AC buses (Rs 250) run three times daily.

By Train

Agra is on the main train line between the Delhi-Mumbai (Bombay) and Delhi-Chennai routes, and many trains connect Agra with these cities every day. Some east-bound trains from Delhi also travel via Agra, so direct connections to points in Eastern India (including Kolkata) are also available. There are close to 20 trains to Delhi every day, and at least three or four to both Mumbai and Chennai. Agra and Delhi are notorious for their thick winter fog which reduces visibility to almost zero. If travelling in late December or early January (the fog season), travelers should be aware that, because of the reduced visibility, all trains slow down and travel time goes up. The Bhopal Shatabdi, for example, may arrive in Agra well after 10AM, and might return to Delhi well after midnight.

The train is easily the best way to travel to/from Delhi, Varanasi, Jaipur and Haridwar (for Rishikesh). Agra Cantonment (Cantt) train station (2421204) is an important stop on the main Delhi–Mumbai (Bombay) line, with several trains daily from both New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin train stations. The fastest and most comfortable train to and from Delhi is the daily AC Shatabdi Express (chair/executive ex Delhi Rs 370/720, ex Agra Rs 395/760, two hours). It leaves New Delhi at 6.15am and departs from Agra for the return trip at 8.30pm, making it ideal for day-tripping.

A cheaper alternative is the daily Taj Express (2nd/chair Rs 56/211, three hours), which leaves Delhi’s Hazrat Nizamuddin train station at 7.15am and departs from Agra for the return trip at 6.55pm. This gives you less time in Agra, but it connects with the daily tour. Be extra cautious with your luggage on this route.

Most east–west trains now leave from Agra Fort station. For Varanasi the best option is the nightly Marudhar Express, which leaves Agra Fort train station at 9.15pm, reaching Varanasi around 9.30am the next morning (sleeper/3AC/2AC Rs 243/687/985). The same train also runs west to Jaipur, leaving Agra at 6.15am, reaching Jaipur (Rs 117/330/473) at 11.30am and Jodhpur (Rs 220/622/892) at 6.20pm.

Agra also has several long-haul daily trains from Agra Fort to Kolkata

For Khajuraho, take any train to Jhansi (sleeper/3AC Rs 108/305, three hours) and a bus from there. Other trains run to Mumbai, Pune, Goa, Chennai (Madras) and Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum).

By Air

Agra’s Kheria airport is 7km from the city centre, but Indian Airlines (2226820; Clarks Shiraz Hotel, 54 Taj Rd;10am-1.15pm & 2-5pm Mon-Sat) has ceased its Delhi–Agra–Khajuraho–Varanasi flights and there are currently no scheduled flights to or from Agra.

Tourist Attractions in Agra:

Taj Mahal

Agra's Taj Mahal is one of the most famous buildings in the world, the mausoleum of Shah Jahan's favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is one of the New Seven Wonders of the world, and one of three World Heritage Sites in Agra.

[ Read More About Taj Mahal in Agra ]

Agra Fort

Agra Fort (sometimes called the Red Fort), was commissioned by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565, and is another of Agra's World Heritage Sites. A stone tablet at the gate of the Fort states that it had been built before 1000 but was later renovated by Akbar. The red sandstone fort was converted into a palace during Shāh Jahān's time, and reworked extensively with marble and pietra dura inlay.

                                             [ Read More About Agra Fort ]

Itmad-ud-Daula Tomb

The Empress Nūr Jahān built I'timād-Ud-Daulah's Tomb, sometimes called the 'Baby Tāj', for her father, Mirzā Ghiyās Beg, the Chief Minister of the Emperor Jahāngīr. Located on the left bank of the Yamuna river, the mausoleum is set in a large cruciform garden criss-crossed by water courses and walkways.

                                            [ Read More About Itmad-ud-Daula Tomb ]

Akbar's Tomb, Sikandra

Sikandra, the last resting place of the Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great, is on the Delhi-Agra Highway, only 13 kilometres from the Agra Fort. Akbar's tomb reflects the completeness of his personality. The vast, beautifully carved, red-ochre sandstone tomb with deers, rabbits and langurs is set amidst a lush garden.

                                                    [ Read More About Akbar's Tomb ]

Ram Bagh

The oldest Mughal garden in India, the Rām Bāgh was built by the Emperor Bābar in 1528 on the bank of the Yamuna. It lies about 2.34 km north of the Tāj Mahal. The pavilions in this garden are designed so that the wind from the Yamuna, combined with the greenery, keeps them cool even during the peak of summer.

                                                   [ Read More About Ram Bagh ]

Mehtab Bagh

The Mehtāb Bāgh, or 'Moonlight Garden', is on the opposite bank of the River Yamuna from the Tāj Mahal. This lush Mughal Garden is probably one of the best places to observe Taj Mahal with an unobstructed view.

                                                  [ Read More About Mehtab Bagh ]

When to go

Agra tries your patience all year round, so it’s best to visit in the cold season (November to March) when frayed nerves are soothed both by the beauty of the Taj and winter’s gentle sunlight.

ContactTourist offices

UP Government Tourist Office
64, Taj Road, Agra.
Tel: 0562-2226431
Fax: 2223001

UP Tourism, Chandralok Building
36, Janpath, New Delhi
Tel: 011-23322251, 23711296
Website up-tourism.com
STD code 0562

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