Summer has knocked the door in India. I think most of you would have started making a plan for your vacation in summer. You know it is a challenging task to plan a summer vacation in India, as this country has incredible diversity. There are numerous options as summer destinations available and you can choose any one from tea plantations, tropical islands to lush valleys and the places around the mighty Himalayas. To make your planning easier, I have come up with a list of 10 perfect summer destinations for your vacation:
1. Pahalgam, Kashmir
Pahalgam, popularly known as the Valley of Shepherds, is a low-rise town, which is situated on the meeting point of the Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder River. The surrounding mountains consist of several picturesque spots. You will be joyful to have a view of more than 20 lakes and a horse ride here.
2. Nainital, Uttarakhand
Living in Delhi and eager to have a relief from the heat here! Choose Nainital as your summer destination. Located in Kumaon, it encircles the scenery of the Naini Lake. In your Nainital tour, you will come across a web of walking tracks around the forested hillsides and busy town bazaar. These two have enticed the visitors since pre-independence era.
3. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Do you want to unwind yourself during summer? Spend your summer vacation in Manali, which is flooded with mountain adventures thrill all its directions. You can enjoy paragliding, trekking, skiing and rafting apart from hanging around in the villages close to the main town. In addition, you can have the enjoyment of seeing breathtaking sights of peaks, glaciers and valleys by visiting the popular Rohtang Pass, just 53 kms away from Manali.
4. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
As a spiritual seeker, you can choose Rishikesh as your summer destination. This hill station is popularly known as the Yoga Capital of the World. Surrounded by the forested hills and the fast flowing Ganga, it is the best place for meditation and relaxation in summer. You can enjoy backpacking hang-out and white-water rafting in Rishikesh.
5. Coorg (Kodagu), Karnataka
Living in Bangalore or other cities and willing to get rid of scorching summer heat! Coorg is the best option for your summer vacation. Spread out across the Western Ghats, Coorg is fondly known as the Scotland of India, as it has a mixture of pleasant weather conditions and verdant beauty. It is the place where you can watch the fog roll by sitting around.
6. Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Since the British era, Ooty has been visual delight and retreat from the scorching heat of the summer. It is flooded with fenced flower gardens, pretty cottages, terraced botanical gardens and thatched-roof churches. Venture a few kilometres out and find yourself surrounded by quieter and greener areas dotted with a profusion of pine trees.
7. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Tawang, a heady mix of history, religion and nature, is one of the least discovered summer destinations in India. Housed with Buddhist monasteries and mystical gompas on one end and a war memorial on another, the valley starts to work its magic on you the moment you start descending its hills.
8. Darjeeling, West Bengal
Darjeeling is popularly known for its emerald-green tea plantations. It has a set against a backdrop of jagged white Himalayan peaks and falls in the northern regions of West Bengal. You can explore its magnificent surroundings by a journey on the Toy train from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling.
9. Munnar, Kerala
Enriched with winding lanes, sprawling tea plantations and picture perfect towns, Munnar is the ideal destination for summer vacation. This town is always live with the activity. To be engulfed in the shades of green, wander a few kilometers out here.
10. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Visit Andaman & Nicobar Islands, if you want to have an experience of thrilling adventure activities and a relaxed tropical ambience. The tourists all across the globe come here for its diverse and rich marine life. You can experience it while scuba diving and snorkeling around its beaches.