India has always been the treasure of travel destinations irrespective of any season of the year. Be it your summer break, winter or even short-term breaks of spring and autumn, name it, India has a place for it all. Here, I shall travel you through places famous for spending summer holidays in India. Summer seasons in India are usually considered as rising temperatures, scorching heat and unbearable city life, making it a desperate need for escape gateways. What better to run away from heat than our range of hill stations. With schools and colleges in the break, people tend to head to cooler places i.e. hill stations.
Few named famous destinations of India for your coming summer break are as follows:
Top 5 summer destinations of India:
Manali
Why?
The most visited hill station of India in Himachal Pradesh which is flooded with tourists year-round. Whether you are an adventure enthusiast or simply looking for some rejuvenation with your family, Manali it is. On one hand, it acts as a stop-over for going on a road trip to Leh-Ladakh or the ideal destination for thrilling activities such as trekking, mountain biking, river rafting etc, Manali is your destination for the summer. The fascinating fact about this destination is that one can find snow even in summer seasons. Being one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in north India, it holds true to its beauty. From snow-capped mountains, raging Beas river to bordering pine forests, is what Manali is all about
How to reach:
Bhuntar Airport (50 Kms from Manali) is the nearest airport and Joginder Nagar (50 Kms from Manali) is the nearest railhead. Several government-run and private buses, as well as taxi operators, ply from New Delhi (560 Kms from Manali ) and Chandigarh( 307 Kms from Manali) towards Manali.
Top things to do:
- Head to Rohtang Pass and Solang valley for some snow fun and activities such as skiing, para-sailing etc.
- Looking for spirituality then head to Vashist Temple, Hadimba temple.
- Trek up to Jogini Waterfalls or Jana Waterfalls.
- To soak in the mesmerizing view of snow cladded mountains and alpine forests, Arjuna Gufa it is.
Auli
Why?
Widely known as the skiing destination of India. Not only restricted to skiing but has numerous treks to enjoy the splendid beauty of the snow-draped mountains. One can find a wide range of ski-resorts of India here in Auli. It is also home to Asia’s highest and longest cable car ride covering a distance of 4 Kms. The breath-taking views of the mesmerizing meadow are what makes it listed among the top summer destinations of India. Be you travelling as a couple, with family or with friends, Auli will definitely suit all your needs.
How to reach:
Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport which is well connected to major cities of India. Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun are the nearest railheads. Several government-run and private buses, as well as taxi operators, ply from above destinations towards Auli.
Top things to do:
- Enjoy Skiing at Auli ski resort
- Head to Gurso Bugyal for a mesmerizing view of peaks.
- Pay a visit to the largest artificial lake in Auli and ride the longest ropeway.
- Try not to miss visiting the unexplored Chenab Lake near Joshimath.
Gangtok
Why?
Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim is one of the cleanest city and hottest summer gateway in India. From monasteries, adventure activities like trekking to viewpoints is what this urban settlement has to offer. It also houses India’s top Himalayan Spa resort for some relaxation. To begin your journey to North-east India, Gangtok is one of the bases.
How to reach:
Bagdogra Airport (124 Kms from Gangtok) is the nearest airport and New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri (148 Kms from Gangtok) is the nearest railhead. From Bagdogra, Gangtok is a 20 minutes helicopter ride away and if travelling by rail, one can take varied private taxis or state-run buses towards Gangtok.
Top things to do:
- Do some monastery hopping with its famous Enchey Monastery, Rumtek Monastery and Lingdum.
- Visit the Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok, Nathu La and Tashi viewpoints for some mesmerizing scenic views.
- Take a cable car ride from Deorali.
- One can visit the flower exhibition center in summers.
- Head to MG Marg market for shopping paradise, while here do not miss out the Golden Tips Tea showroom.
Tawang
Why?
Another unreal and unexplored part of North-east India in Arunachal Pradesh is Tawang to spend your summer. From being a major pilgrimage centre is one of the most visited tourist destinations. Famous for its yellow roof monastery, this small hill station is worth visiting.
How to reach:
Salonibari Airport (317 from Tawang) at Tezpur is the nearest airport and Tezpur railway station (315 km from Tawang)
Top things to do:
- Pay visit to the famous Tawang Monastery
- Head to the high-altitude pass of Sela Pass
- Never miss out the picturesque Shonga-Tser Lake and Pankang Teng Tso lake.
- Must visit the Nuranang waterfalls to see nature in its best form.
Coonoor
Why?
Not only the North part of India and North-east part of India is flooded with summer destinations but also the south part of India is nowhere behind. One such reflection of beauty is the hill station of Coonoor in Tamil Nadu. Despite the maddening tourist crowd in other parts of South India, this still lies in seclusion during summer. From the panoramic view of tea plantations, toy-train rides, winding roads overlooking the hills is what this hill station has to offer to leave you awe-struck.
How to reach:
Coimbatore is the nearest airport which is well connected to major cities of India and Mettupalayam is the nearest railhead which is 45 Kms from Coonoor. Several government-run and private buses, as well as taxi operators, ply from airport or railhead. The two-hour road journey to Coonoor is worth taking.
Top things to do:
- Head to sim’s park for plant sightseeing
- Explore viewpoints such as Dolphin nose and Lamb rock.
- Wanting to buy honey and spices, head to Keystone
- If an adventure enthusiast, pay a visit to the Hidden Valley
- Of course!! Without miss pay a visit to the age-old Wellington golf course.
If you are planning to experience the most spine-chilling adventurous activities in India, Destino’s India will help you in making your experience memorable.
Happy summer holidays people!!