If you are visiting India anytime soon or are already here, the one thing you must have noticed by now is that the summers are sweltering. The heat wave has to be the only reason why you have not explored the country, yet. The months of May, June, July and August are the hottest days in the year and this is the best time to take a break from the heat and visit the hill stations and cool beach destinations.
If you are planning a trip anytime soon, I would suggest you check out some popular India tours for a smooth, hassle free trip!
leh & ladakh – “road less travelled” is how the ladakh region is described best. Endless well-built roads take you on a journey that you will remember for the rest of your life! It is the best getaway for every age group. On your trip to ladakh, spend some time at a monastery and watch the llamas perform the rituals; visit the national park and spot some snow leopards, ride a double-humped Bactrian camel and drive up to the Khardungla Pass, it is the highest motor able road.
Kashmir – The Kashmir valley is like the Switzerland of India. It has big, beautiful mountains, orchards, vibrant gardens and pristine white snow. If you are looking to escape the city heat, spend a couple of days touring Kashmir. One of the major destinations will be Srinagar, where you can go on the Shikaras, drink the local Kahva tea, eat some tasty red meat and visit all the Mughal gardens. Another great place would be Gulmarg, where you can ride the Gondolas and reach the mountain top to try your hand at Skiing.If you go to Pehalgam, you can sit by the river and do a small picnic or, go for white river rafting.
Mount Abu – Could you think of a cool, fun hill station in the desertIJ This is exactly what Mount Abu offers. It is one of the best hill stations in India and is home to waterfalls, lakes, rivers and forests. This town has something for every traveler from temples to parks and rivers to hikes. The places to visit are Nakki lake, Guru Shikhar, Dilwara Jain Temple, Achalgarh Fort and the Peace Park.
Munnar – Move down South and enjoy the scenery. This is one of the many hill stations in Southern India where you can enjoy the best of tea and spices. This town was quite popular among the British and the charm is still intact. The small bungalows, huge tea gardens, gushing waterfalls, forests and the grasslands. While you visit these places, enjoy the elephant rides and some filter coffee! Make sure you visit the Rose Garden, Kundala lake, Elephant lake, Marayoor Sandalwood Forests and the Blossom Hydel Park.
Ooty – Summer time in Ooty is not all garden walks and hiking. It is about exploration and relaxation! It's a perfect summer retreat, you must check out these places to visit in Ooty – Wax Museum, Botanical garden, Rose garden, Pine forest, Annamalai temple, Doddabetta Park, Mudumalai Forest Sanctuary. Ooty has a very good amusement park called Black Thunder where you can spend quality time with your friends or family. During the month of May, Ooty also has a “Summer Festival” organized by the tourism department; it has a lot of activities and games to enjoy.
Horsley Hills – located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, is a very good place to have a summer vacation. The collector back in the year 1870, W D Horsley built his home here and then the entire town was developed. If you ask the locals, the name of the town is Yenugu Mallama Konda after a very old lady who lived on this hill top and was very fond of elephants. The places to visit around are Gali Bandalu, Mallamma and Chennakesava Temples, Kaigal Falls and Talakona waterfalls. The best part about travelling here is that it is easily accessible by rail and air both.
Panchmarhi – in all of Madhya Pradesh there is only one hill station and it sure is magnificent. The good thing here is that the place is not as commercialized as all other hill stations. You can indulge in adventure sports like hiking and trekking. For sight-seeing, make sure you visit the Apsara Vihar waterfall, Bee fall, Panchmarhi lake, Draupadi Kund, Pandava and the Jata Shankar caves.
Kalimpong – one thing that gives Kalimpong an edge over the other hill stations in the Eastern part of India is that it is not very commercialized and you can still experience the slow, hill station life without the added hustle bustle of tourists. You can sit down on the ridge that overlooks the Teesta River and enjoy a cup of tea. You must also visit the Hanuman Tok, Mac Farlen Church, Morgan House, Science City, Tsonga Gompa and Dr. Graham’s Homes. Make sure you go for paragliding sport; it makes you feel like you are a free bird. I did it last year and trust me, I have never had such an experinec doing anything else.
Tawang – the capital city of Arunachal Pradesh has to be one of my personal favourites. During the winters, this place is covered in snow and come summers, you will see green trees, pastures and beautiful scenic views at temperatures as low as 25 degree Celcius. On your visit here, do visit the Pankang Teng Tso lake, Selsa Pass and the Sangeshar lake. Another important tourist spot is the monastery that has been in existence since the 14th century. It is a very stunning place and is quote imposing keeping in mind the wilderness that surrounds it.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands – if you are unhappy with the heat but you still want to go to a beach and just relax, head to Andaman’s! Even though this place is all beaches and no hills, the temperatures here are still very cool as compared to the rest of India. Make sure you eat at the local shacks and try out all the crazy, thrilling water sports that the Islands have to offer. You can also visit the Elephant Island for the most serene view of the sea and the jail to know how prisoners were kept during the British rule in India.