Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Top 10 Summer Holiday Destinations in India


Summers have always been considered a time when people especially the ones living in the hot plains of North India, prefer to get away to destinations where they can get respite from the searing heat and high temperatures that generally tend to happen during the summer season. In addition to this most of the families tend to visit different places during summers because of schools and college hloidays. There have been various cities in India which have been a hot spot for tourists especially during the summers primarily due to cooler weather conditions.

There are certain cities like Shimla, Manali etc. which have always been on top of the list of tourists who wish to spend summers in India; whether they are Indian's or foreign tourists who travel to India during this time. In addition to these two legendary locations a lot of other destinations have become a favorite for tourists to spend their summer vacations in India.

The top 10 summer holiday Destinations in India are:-

1. Shimla:



Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. A hill station in the northern part of India; Shimla was developed and established by the British during their rule as a getaway resort place for the families of the British officers. A lot of buildings and monuments were constructed by the British and have been converted into luxury Shimla Hotels and the city is a perfect example of fusion of the British influence with Indian traditions and culture. In today’s times as well; Shimla is one of the most preferred destinations to spend summer in the country. The city is named after the goddess Shyamala Devi, an incarnation of the Hindu Goddess Kali.

2. Manali:



Manali is a beautiful hill station, 2000 meters above sea level, surrounded by breathtaking scenery of mountains, streams, rivers and small waterfalls. Manali is an important tourist destination in the northern Indian State of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the most preferred honey moon destinations for newly wed couples within the country, and many hotels in Manali cater to the niche honeymoon segment.

Manali is considered a paradise for tourists who are interested in adventure sports like trekking, mountaineering , etc. Being situated on one of the most important road links of the country which connects Kashmir with the rest of the mainland, it also serves as an important junction for travelers. Tourists who wish to travel to remote hilly locations of the country like the Lahaul and Spiti valleys also have to travel from here. The climate and facilities for travelers make it ideal location travelers to spend summer in India.

3. Goa:


An iconic tourist destination of the country; Goa is one of the best places to spend summers in the country with beautiful beaches and party atmosphere all year round. Its pristine beaches, slow pace of life, fresh food infused with Goan spices with moderate climate makes it an ideal place to visit all year round. Goa, is mostly a winter destination, yet the off peak season summer season is ideal for budget travellers, as all the hotels in Goa, offer discounts. We loved the Goan curries and the cashew feni ( alcoholic drink made out of cashew nuts).

Goa, being a Union Territory, has the least sales tax on alcohol & therefore, a beer costs as much as a bottle of mineral water. There is no better way to quench a parched throat, than to have a "chilled Indian beer" in the lovely Indian sun.

4. Srinagar:



One of the most ideal places to spend summer in india; Srinagar the erstwhile summer capital of the northern state of Jammu & Kashmir is world renowned for ‘Dal Lake’ which is so beautiful that it is referred to as “Heaven on Earth”. It is also known for it houseboats and shikaras which are a major tourist attraction. The mild temperature makes Srinagar an ideal summer getaway destination.

5. Kodaikanal:


Popularly known as the ‘Princess of Hill stations’; Kodaikanal located in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu was established by the British for their officers and families to get away from the searing heat and high temperatures of the southern Indian region. A relatively small hill station is counted amongst the top 10 places to spend summer in India and is preferred place to spend summer holidays.

Try Kodaikanal's bakeries, famous for its mouth watering pastries & savouries.


6. Munnar:



Known for its beautifully landscaped region which is famous for lakes, hills and forests; Munnar a small hill station in the southern state of Kerala is also renowned place across the world for its tea plantation gardens. It is one of the leading centres for tea manufacturing and exports of the country. The beautiful and picturesque views coupled with moderate and mild climate make it an ideal location for the tourists to spend their summer holidays.

The views of the tea plantations are awesome and worth taking time out to enjoy and capture those moments. Don't forget to pack your camera!

7. Coorg:



One of the most beautiful hill stations of the country; Coorg is famous for beautiful and serene views, coffee plantations, orange and honey plantations. There have been reviews from travelers who have visited Coorg and stayed in Coorg Hotels, that the beauty of the place is such that it will haunt the travelers and compel them to visit again and again.


8. Mahabaleshwar:



Located on the Western Ghats; Mahabaleshwar is the highest hill station in the entire western region and because of the virtue of its beauty it is known as the Queen of Maharashtra’s Hill stations. Apart from being a favoured tourist and honeymoon destination because of its beauty and climate; the city has great historical reference and monuments making it an ideal getaway destination to spend summer in India.


9. Ooty:



One of the most favorite and popular tourist destinations in the Southern part of the country; Ooty is famous for its Blue Mountains which are covered with forests all through the year. It is famous for tea plantations and various movies have been shot in the beautiful and picturesque locations of the city. The climatic conditions of the hill station make it one of the most frequented places by the "holiday hordes" during summer.

Ooty is a popular hill station located in the Nilgiri Hills. Udhagamandalam is the official Tamil name for the town. Ooty stands at an approximate height of 7,500 feet (2, 286 m) above sea level and therefore, makes an excellent summer holiday destination.


10. Nanital



Nainital is a hill station in Uttarakhand and lies at the foothills of Kumaon range of mountains. Situated 2,000 metres above sea level, hotels in Nainital are situated in a valley containing a pear-shaped lake, approximately two miles in circumference, and surrounded by mountains, called The Naina Lake, after which the town is named. From the tops of the higher peaks, "magnificent views can be obtained of the vast plain to the south, or of the mass of tangled ridges lying north, bounded by the great snowy range which forms the central axis of the Himalayas." Nainital is a glittering jewel in the Himalyan necklace, blessed with scenic natural spledour and varied natural resources .

Dotted with lakes , Nainital has earned the epithet of 'Lake District' of India .