Best Places to Visit During Summer

This list of some popular and the beaten path tourist places in India is our endeavor to help you plan an unforgettable summer vacation in India whether its a family break, a get together of friends, escape from your corporate existence or a romantic getaway and honeymoon trip.

1. Coorg(Kodagu)

Located as it is in the Western Ghats, Coorg also offers trekking opportunities. While trekking in Coorg, you may hire local guides who arrange for food and lodging.

Nestled amidst the lush rolling hills and valleys of the Western Ghats, Coorg is one of the most affluent hill stations in Karnataka offering luxurious holidays to tourists.

Referred to as the 'Scotland of India' and sometimes as 'Kashmir of the South' due to its verdant beauty and salubrious weather conditions, Coorg has a special place among all hill stations in India.

2. Manali

One of the most popular destinations for summer holidays in North India is Manali in Himachal Pradesh. Nestled amidst the Pir Panjal and Dauladhar range of Himalayas offering spectacular views, gurgling water streams and an array of mountain adventure makes Manali one of the finest all season tourist destinations in India.

Whereas thrill seeker arrive in Manali to get high on adventure sports like paragliding, white water rafting and trekking, honeymooners flock to have their first tryst with snow with day trips to Rohtang Pass.

For backpackers it's the quaint, serene hippie towns in the outskirts - Malana being the most popular one and for long term adventure seekers, it serves as base for gearing up and getting ready before venturing out to conquer the trans Himalayan terrains and undertake trekking and road trips to Leh, Spiti and beyond.

3. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

It is known as the birth place of Yoga, the phenomenon that has caught the attention of people's imagination around the world. Rishikesh has been a lure for seekers of spirituality with its numerous yoga centers, ashrams and temples.

Rishikesh is often referred to as the World Capital of Yoga owing to its global renowned among seekers of peace and contemplation. It is believed that meditation and a dip in the holy water of river Ganges in Rishikesh brings one closer to attainment of salvation.

Rishikesh has emerged as one of the popular adventure tour destinations in India. There are numerous adventure activities like white water rafting, bungee jumping and mountain hiking to offer the adrenaline rush to the visitors.

Rafting from Shivpuri to Rishikesh is quite popular among the thrill seekers. Camping options are also available and it is very much possible to undertake this adventure from Delhi even during short weekend breaks.

4. Ooty

The ride to this tiny hamlet of Raj era countryside in India is on a toy train (The Nilgiris Mountain Railways) which recreates the romance of bygone century, the scenery is stunning.

After that, it's a visual delight, with pretty cottages, bijou fenced flower gardens, lush surroundings, thatched-roof churches and terraced botanical gardens.

Ooty is a welcome relief from October till June which makes it one of the most evergreen hill stations in India which could be visited throughout the year.

5. Shimla

Every summer till the last years of Raj, the entire East India Company and the government took refuge from sweltering heat of Delhi in cool and lush environs of Shimla.

Construction of the Kalka-Shimla narrow gauge (now toy train) in 1903 cemented Shimla's status as one of the leading hill stations of India.

Best Time: Shimla is best visited from October to June. In the summer, one could see rolling cotton wool peaks and during winter, you could frolic in snow and enjoy an array of snow sport and adventure activity.
Shimla also happens to be one of the most popular places for honeymoon in India.

Luxe Recommendation: Stay at Wildflowers Hall in Shimla and indulge in Ayurvedic massages and spa therapies even as this premium Oberoi property offer impeccable service and spectacular views of the lush valleys and jagged mountain peaks.

Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

Kodaikanal, also known as Kodai, is a popular holiday as well as honeymoon destination in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Placed at an above sea level of 7200 feet above the sea level.

Slightly foggy and pleasant weather, meandering roads, lush forests and verdant hills of this hill town are some of the prime attraction of this hill retreat, which is quite close to Madurai.

Kodaikanal offers opportunities for sightseeing including waterfalls and viewpoints, cycling, leisure walks, nature walks boating and horse riding. Visit this beautiful place, called the 'Princess of Hill Stations' and soak-in the serenity.

7. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Spiti valley is a research and cultural centre for Buddhists. Spiti is summer home to hundreds of semi-nomadic Gaddi sheep and goat herders who come to this valley for grazing their animals from the surrounding villages and sometimes as far as 250 km.

They enter the valley during summer as the snow melts and leave just a few days before first snowfall of the season.

Trekking, rock climbing, river rafting! You name it and the sport would be ready for you in a whimper.
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