The summer is approaching. I am sure everyone has gone through the calendar and counted the long weekends to plan their perfect vacation. But which places are the best to travel to during this hot weather? It’s a lot of research and sorting. Let me save you some time and help you. Here are some best places in India where you can cool yourselves this hot summer.
Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh
Khajjiar has been nicknamed the ‘Mini Switzerland’ of India. And this hill station deserves the name. At an altitude of 6,500 feet, Khajjiar rests on a small plateau surrounded by dense pine and deodar forests, located in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. Along with the mesmerizing Himalayan view, this place is famous for the Khajji Naga shrine which is dedicated to a serpent god. This shrine was built in the 12th century and its construction has a blend of both Hindu and Mughal styles of architecture. The best way to explore this hill station is by trekking. Other activities like Zorbing (rolling down the hill inside a plastic ‘zorb’) are also popular here.
Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
Located in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, Coonoor comes second in terms of covering the Nilgiri hills, after Ooty. It is blessed with the alluring beauty of waterfalls, lakes, gardens and tea estates, making it the second most popular tourist hill station in Tamil Nadu. This place is also an ideal base for trekking expeditions. One of the main tourist attractions of Coonoor is the famous botanical garden Sim’s Park. Sim’s Park is a natural botanical garden which covers 12 hectares of land and is partly developed in Japanese style. The other tourist attractions are the Dolphin’s Nose, Lamb’s Rock, and Droog Fort.
Harsil, Uttarakhand
Located on the banks of the Bhagirathi river, Harsil is a place filled with holistic serenity. It is a stunning valley which is situated on the way to visit Gangotri, a famous Hindu pilgrim spot on the Indo-Tibetan border. Harsil is covered with dense Oak and Deodar forests, making
this a perfect location for trekking, biking, and other adventures. Tourists should definitely visit the tourist attraction in the place like Dharali, Sat Tal (cluster of seven natural lakes) and Mukhwas Village, which is home to Goddess Gangotri.
Port Blair, Andaman Islands
Water activities are a must in summer. So why not go to an island that offers adventures and fauna at the same time? Port Blair is the capital and an entry point to the serene nature of the Andaman Islands.
It has extensive flora and fauna and rich marine life. You can relax on Corbyn’s Cove beach, located about 8 kilometres from Port Blair, and go parasailing and boat riding too. The island also has other historical tourist attractions like Cellular Jail, Naval Marine Museum, Ross Island and Barren Island that tourists can visit.
Bhandardhara, Maharashtra
Bhandardhara is a small village near Igatpuri in Maharashtra. Tucked in the valleys of the Western Ghats, this place is home to the highest peak of Maharashtra, Mount Kalsubai. This makes the village famous for trekking and other activities. Ratangad fort and
Harishchandragad fort are also famous among trekkers. Other famous tourist attraction in the place is the Arthur Lake and Wilson Dam. In short, Bhandardhara serves as the best place for a quiet getaway from your bustling life in cities like Mumbai, Pune and Nashik.
Thekkady, Kerala
Thekkady is an extremely famous tourist destination in Kerala. The name Thekkady is derived from the Malayalam word ‘thekku’ meaning teak. Located in the Idukki district of Kerala, Thekkady is like heaven for people who
like wildlife and nature adventures. India’s biggest wildlife sanctuary is located here. Tourists can take ferry boats and elephant rides to experience the wilderness and see animals in their natural habitat. Other than the National Park, other tourist attractions are Murikkady, ChellarKovil, Anakkara, and Mangala Temple.
It is said that “Adventures are the best way to learn”. Travel makes us see the world differently. Each trip comes with a new story and a new experience. And it teaches us life lessons and shapes our life. So do not restrict yourself and take a trip to broaden your paradigm.
Written by: Ashwathi Anoop Kumar
Author’s bio:
Ashwathi Anoopkumar is a student pursuing her Master’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism. She has a content writing experience of 1.8 years and has written for multiple genres.
