Shimla
The northern part of India
is abundant with summer destinations. To name one would be Shimla, situated in
Himachal Pradesh. An enchanting hill station that you would want to visit
again. The winding mountain pathways, the soothing climate, and few holy
shrines located at the body of the hills all create an atmosphere of its own.
The name of the hill station is taken from the phrase "Goddess
Shyamla", which denotes one of the avatars of the Indian Goddess Kali. No
wonder why the place has a religious touch and mystical allure about it. Shimla
is all about nature and its bounty.
Kashmir
We all have heard the
famous adage "If there is a paradise on earth, it is this, it is this, it
is this". The phrase rightly describes Kashmir, popularly claimed as the
paradise on earth. The white snow capped mountains, apple orchards, quaint
shikaras on the pristine lakes and colorful flowers', all seems like nature's
own tapestry. The Dal Lake is a favorite haunt for many tourists. Besides this,
Kashmir is also referred to as the "City of Temples". You will find
some of the greatest shrines situated here. To name few of them would be the
Ranbireshwar Temple, Lakshmi Narayan temple and Peer Baba Shrine at Satwari.
Manali
Popularly known as the
Switzerland of India, Kullu Manali is a famous romantic destination for couples
and honeymooners. At the same time, owing to its atmosphere and scenic beauty
it is also a family holiday destination especially in the summer months. A
small valley town situated in Himachal Pradesh, this is a perfect place to
saunter for the trekkers, nature lovers, and adventure enthusiasts. The Kullu
valley is a treasure trove of beautiful flowers that enhances its overall
beauty. Also make it a point to spend some time visiting the ancient shrines
and the trekking trails. It sure is a treat to the eyes!
Ooty
Wondering which place to
choose as your summer vacation destination? For the ones having an affinity for
high mountain peaks and the green valleys, can opt for Ooty. Known as the
"Queen of hill stations", this is also a scenic picnic spot. One of
the major attractions here is the "Udagamandalam", which is a
thrilling mountain train journey. Besides this, Ooty is also the abode of the
Nilgiris, popularly termed as the "Blue Mountains". As you sojourn
along the hills and valleys, the exotic smell of the tea gardens would entice
you. Be a part of the all pervading grasslands, green forests and mountains
this summer!
Munnar
A beautiful hill station in
the south Indian state of Kerala, perched at an altitude of 1600 m above the
sea level, Munnar is your summer destination if you love being around greenery
and hills. A haven of tranquility, it was a privileged summer resort even
during the British times. Boasting of rich flora and fauna and blessed with an
amazing atmosphere, Munnar is the perfect place to enjoy a memorable vacation.
This irresistible town offers a breathtaking scenery to its tourists consisting
of verdant plantations, cliffs, streams and valleys. Popular amidst family
vacationers, adventure enthusiasts and honeymooners, it is home to a number of
tourist attractions as well.
Nainital
Are you looking for a break
from the dust and the heat? If yes, you can simply plan a tour to Nainital and
land in any one of the hill resorts present there. This is an eminent summer
destination in India and attracts a huge number of tourists during the summer
months. The high mountains and the vast stretches of green across the horizon
add to the pictorial beauty. The name of this famous hill station is believed
to have been taken from the Goddess Naina. There is also a temple dedicated to
this goddess, present in Nainital that you can visit.
Mussoorie
Located very close to
Dehradun, Mussorie is yet another summer travel destination that you can
choose. This is one of the picturesque hill stations visited by numerous
tourists across the globe. For the ones who want an immediate respite from the
sultry weather and its humidity, this is an apt place to be. In addition to
that, the place is also noted for its pilgrimage sites, namely the Badrinath,
Kedarnath, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Yamunotri and Gangotri. All these places are
located near to Mussorie. For the senior citizens this is an apt place to plan
religious tours.
Darjeeling
For the ones located in the
eastern side of India, the best summer destination that you can visit is
Darjeeling. The place has got much of its acclaim from the famous Ghoom
monastery that is located on the hill slopes. Walk around the winding paths as
you soak in the fresh air. It is sure going to be a refreshing experience. This
apart, you can also take photographs of the snow capped peaks of Everest,
Jammu, Kanchenjunga and Kabru. On your stay don't forget to taste the famous
Darjeeling tea. You can even get tea packs on your way back home.
Uttaranchal
What exactly do we want in
a summer destination? To site few features, would be a pleasant climate unlike
the summer heat. Bright flower blooms and lakes unlike the dry lakes and arid
ground. If this is what you are aiming for, then Uttaranchal is the best place
to be in the summers. The phrase that best defines the state is "natural beauty".
You can see nature in its untamed form. Though there are resorts and hotels,
but the landscape and the pictorial locales have not been commercialized. This
apart the place is also famous for its sanctuaries, national parks, lakes,
forests and mountains.
Srinagar
For the ones who love art,
paintings and portraits, choosing Srinagar as a summer destination would be a
good choice. The place can be best defined as a "collection of beautiful
images". This is what you would feel as you glance over the river bridges,
the famous Dal Lake, the houseboats and the vast meadows. It is situated at a
distance of 900 kms, in north of Delhi. Besides the picturesque locales, the
place is also home to several shopping marts. You can get the famous Pashmina
shawls, carpets, and chainstich rugs from the local emporiums here. The
development of travel and tourism has led to the growth of luxury resorts.
Leh Ladakh
When it comes to finalizing
your summer destination there is no place like Leh Ladak. It is encompassed by
two greatest mountain ranges in the world, namely the Karakoram and the Great
Himalayas. There are two other mountain ranges that lies diagonal, namely the
Zanskar Range and the Ladak Range. Leh Ladak is topographically situated at an
altitude that ranges from 9,000 feet at Kargil to approximately 25,170 feet at
Saser Kangri, located at the Karakoram. Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Leh Monastery
and Gompa, Spituk Monastery and Sankar Gompa are few of the top tourist
attractions that you can visit on your trip.
Gulmarg
Gulmarg known as the
"Meadow of Flowers" is quite its namesake as far as the scenic
beauty. With the lush green slopes, flowers in different shades and the
valleys, the backdrop is very much like a "dream fantasy" set of a
movie. The setting is picture postcard. Owing to its pictorial charm, this is a
famous honeymoon destination for couples. Some of the fresh varieties of
flowers that bloom here include the Buttercups, Daisies, Bluebells and the
Forget Me Not's. The snow capped mountains pave the path towards the Nanga
Parbat. This apart, the maize and the rice fields add to the scenic beauty.
Gangtok
Gangtok, the capital of
Sikkim is an ideal summer holiday spot that you can visit. There is a cozy and
comfy feel about the place. What will attract you the most is the soothing
atmosphere and the simple, happy go lucky people. It is a small town that is
rests on top of a ridge at a height of 5,800 feet. You can see Kanchenjunga,
the world's third largest peak located to its east. It overlooks Ranikhola
River. The meaning of Gangtok is lofty hill that somehow suits the overall
scenery. The Enchey Monastery is one of the places that you must visit.
