India is world famous (or infamous!) for its scorching summers. From May to August the sun beats down relentlessly, humidity soars, and people begin to ask themselves one crucial question; ‘Where can I get away on vacation?!’
Travel and Deal have compiled a list of some of our favorite vacation destinations to help you cool off during the unbearable heat of summer.
1) Nainital
Formerly a British hill station, this town is set around Nainital Lake, and is a popular boating site with Naina Devi Hindu Temple on its north shore.
This hill station offers a wide range of activities, making it a perfect destination for solo travelers and backpackers and families alike. Boating on the famous Naini lake and travelling to Snow View Point and appreciating spectacular views of the Himalayas are two fantastic ways to take in the gorgeous natural setting of Nainital. Mall Road, originally built by the British, is another main attraction of Nainital, as it is very much the center of activities in the town with its variety of bars, cafes and hotels. One can stroll at a leisurely pace and enjoy the old british architecture of Mall Road.
Some offbeat attractions nearby which are definitely worth seeing are: Saattal, Bheemtal, Naukuchiyatal, and Khurpatal. So you could also add other stop off points to your journey should you feel like it.
2) Valley of Flowers – Garhwal Himalayan Valleys
This recognised UNESCO World Heritage site, as its name suggests, is home to more than 300 species of flowers including rare and medicinal types unique to the region. During summer, the stunning variety of hundreds of different blooms makes this site one of the greatest spectacles of India.
This unique valley is paradise for lovers of flora and fauna alike, as the huge variety of plants and flowers sustains a rich ecosystem of mammals, birds and butterflies. Some species that can be seen here are the snow leopard, musk deer, Himalayan Bear, blue sheep and hare. As there are no direct transportation routes to the site, the only way to get there is by trekking. You need not worry about your carbon footprint while at this breathtaking site and the trek is the best way to immerse yourself in the landscape, while being a healthy dose of exercise too.
3) Manali
At an altitude of 2050 feet, Manali offers the perfect summer getaway for Indian’s and foreign tourists alike. The location has received international acclaim due to it’s bountiful scenery and the variety of activities there are on offer, making it a perfect destination for both solo adventurers and families.
Manali has a multitude of options for tourists looking for outdoor activities like trekking, paragliding, skiing, zorbing, white water rafting etc. For religious devotees and history enthusiasts, Manali also has a lot of temples the Raghunath temple and Jagannathi Devith Temple being one of the important ones. Perhaps one of the most fascinating temples here is a 14th century temple, Hadimba Temple, famous for it’s unique wooden architecture.
The landscape of the town is one of the most spectacular features, with the pristine River Beas running through it creating a captivating riverside landscape. Manali is the ideal destination for tourists looking to relax and unwind in the lap of nature.
4) Ooty
Arguably one of South India’s best hill stations, situated in the state of Tamil Nadu at 2240 meters above sea level, Ooty is a known for its mountain scenery and luscious green forests. Its vast and rolling tea estates are what brought its initial fame.
The romantic scenery is probably what makes Ooty so popular as a honeymoon destination, but rest assured, everyone from hikers and backpackers to families with young children have something to enjoy about this southern hill station. The weather stays at a comfortable and stable temperature year round, and activities such as hand gliding, trekking and mountain biking are a must for adventure enthusiasts.
Ooty is also renowned for its many bakeries, so perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. Why not sip some of the local chai while you try some of the sweet treats on offer? After all you’ll probably work it off with all the adventure sports afterwards!
5) Saputara
Located in the Dang district of Gujarat, this hidden gem is a perfect getaway for eco-lovers, photography enthusiasts and those who love adventure sports. There is an array of adventure activities on offer at Saputara including trekking and boating, and plenty of natural mountain scenery.
As this is a well known tourist destination (being the only hill station in Gujarat) there are plenty of amenities and with a variety of places to stay you are sure to find something that suits your needs and budget.
Attractions of this hill station include monumental temples such as Nargeshwar Mahadev Temple, the Saputara museum, Sunrise point which is acclaimed for it’s unparalleled natural views and the Purna Wildlife Sanctuary.
The name ‘Saputara’ literally means ‘abode of snakes’, there is a rich tribal culture originating in and around Saputara, which can be experienced by tourists visiting the museum of Saputara and Artist Village.
