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.

Read More

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

Read More