Sunny days are almost here – and it looks like it’s going to come all ‘suns’ blazing! Who wouldn’t want a respite from the rising mercury? This summer, plan ahead. Here are some of the not-to-be-missed places for that perfect getaway…get, set, GO!
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Golden beaches, turquoise waters and untouched surroundings. The best combination for a perfect beach holiday. It’s history and serenity in equal measures as you take a tour of the cellular jail or stroll along the many coral-rich islands. And let the innocence of the islanders charm you as well!
This is the go-to place for water sports and scuba diving or snorkelling
Visit the Cellular jail and take in the Sound and Light show
Take a glass bottom boat ride to enjoy the rich marine life
Visit the Mahatma Gandhi Marine Park
Ideally, you need at least a week to enjoy this place. Packages start at 15,000-18,000. Andaman is an island with no road connectivity with the Indian mainland. The easiest way to get there is by flight to Port Blair.
With a landscape and climate as varied as India’s is, this list barely skims the surface of the possible holiday spots you could visit. But, it’s a push in the right direction. So, go on. Think ‘cool’ this summer…bon voyage!
Auli
Ever dreamt that you would be skiing in summer? Here, you can! Auli is covered in artificial snow all throughout the year and hence skiing can be enjoyed anytime. Apart from that, the wonderful views and verdant landscapes make it just right for a trek or two, or even a lazy, leisurely stay.
Take a trek to Kwani Bugyal, Gorson, Nandpray
Visit the Valley of Flowers for a spellbinding experience
Make a trip to the Nanda Devi National Park.
Take the Auli to Joshimath cable car ride – 3010 mtrs above sea level, simply awesome!
A 3-4 day trip would cost approximately 7,000-8,000 (minus travel) and should leave you with enough time for everything. But remember, the closest airport is at Dehradun, around 300kms away, so plan accordingly.
McLeod Ganj
This hill station near Dharamshala, also known as Little Lhasa, is home to the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama. Imbibe a beautiful blend of this culture, with a bit of British influence thrown in. Relax in the cool weather and rejuvenate in its cosy cafes and monasteries, or refresh yourself with a trek through its mesmerising landscapes.
Take a trek to the Baghsu falls or walk the easy Triund trail
Visit the wonderful monasteries, including the Namgyal Monastery and Tsuglagkhang, where the Dalai Lama resides
Have momos at one of the Tibetan Cafes
Due to its growing popularity, hotels and commute tend to be costly. A trip here would be in the 14,000-15,000 range for 3-4 days. Nearest airport is Dharamshala and buses ply from Delhi.
Gangtok
Unexplored caves, gushing rapids, cascading waterfalls and astounding trekking trails. The best thing about gorgeous Gangtok is that it is inexplicably beautiful, yet, still remains largely unexplored. Snuggled in clouds and surrounded by greenery, great valleys and the grand Khangchenjunga, it is one of the most picturesque places to visit in India in summer.
Visit the Rumtek Monastery for some quiet reflection and tranquillity
Take a trip to the Tashi View Point –Kangchenjunga as you savour the sunrise - an indescribable experience!
Go to Tsomgo Lakes. At an altitude of 3779m, surrounded by mountain ranges, it feels surreal
The Nathu La Pass gives you a view of the fenced Indo-China border, soldiers et al!
3 night-4 day tours start from around 7,000. The airport nearest to Gangtok is Bagdogra in West Bengal (125km). Siliguri, the nearest railway station, is about 145kms away.
Shillong
A well-developed hill station that is still soaked in colonial charm. Often called Scotland of the East, this mountainous region is full of numerous waterfalls, magnificent mountain peaks, crystal clear lakes and green golf courses. The town also has a young feel to it; famous as the music capital of India, as many prominent musicians have hailed from here.
Visit the Living Root Bridges – unique bridges made from the root of the rubber tree. (The Double Decker one at Cherrapunji is 3kms long and placed at a height of 2400 ft!)
Boating and water sports on Umiam Lake
Visit Elephant Falls and Nohkalikai falls
Check out the local music events
You would need 4-5 days for this trip, at rates starting from Rs. 15,000. There are flights to Shillong (Umroi airport) via Kolkata, otherwise Guwahati is the nearest airport. Guwahati is also the nearest railhead.
Saputara
Nestled cosily on the plateaus of the Western Ghats and the gigantic Sahyadris in the Dang district, Saputara is the only hill retreat in the Maharashtra-Gujarat border. Legend has it that Lord Rama stayed here for the longest period during his exile. Green landscapes, lush gardens and a glistening Saputara lake make this a pleasant stay, and though it is almost in the centre of the country, weather remains pleasant even in summer.
Visit the Saputara Tribal Museum and appreciate the local Warli art in the Artist Village in Gandhavapur
The ‘Grishm Mahotsava’ festival happens for 3 days in May – plan accordingly
It’s the perfect place for adventure sports like rock climbing and paragliding
The short Vanity Ropeway ride gets you right across the valley to catch a breath-taking sunset over the Sahyadris
Perfect for a weekend away or 2 nights, which should cost you 5,000-6,000. But Saputara has no airport or railway station and is only reachable by road.
Coonoor
Standing high as the second largest hill station in India, Coonoor is a picturesque paradise. The beautiful tea gardens and vast green views bring serenity, and the hint of morning mist makes the place appear simply magical! Summer brings light pre-monsoon showers and the forests and rivers are still vibrant.
Check out the Fruit and Vegetable Festival if you are going in May
Climb up to the Dolphin’s Nose for a good trek
The Wellington Golf course, Droog Fort and Hidden Valley are worth a visit
Visit a tea plantation, and see how tea is made
Coonoor can easily be covered in 2-3 days. It is located close to Kochi, Coimbatore and Bangalore and is easy to reach via road or rail. A 3star hotel would cost you around Rs. 4,000/- per day.
Pachmarhi
The only hill station in Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi is among the lesser-known summer holiday destinations in India. Snug in the Satpuras; with hills, forest gorges, stunning waterfalls, prehistoric caves and rock paintings, too!
Swim in the Apsara Vihar pond as you enjoy the waterfall
Go boating on Pachmarhi Lake
Explore the Pandava Caves and the Jata Shankar Caves
Visit the Handi Khoh gorge
The nearest airport is at Bhopal, 195 km from Pachmarhi. Trains come from Howrah, Mumbai and Chennai to Piparia, from where it’s a 2 hour drive. A 3 day trip should be ideal, and cost around 7,000.
