Why Travel Abroad When There are So Many Beautiful Places to Visit in India? Beat the Heat in 2019 By Visiting 10 of the Best Summer Destinations in India

Whether you’ve planned it in advance, or booked for it at the spur of the moment, your summer holiday can get disappointing if you’re not prepared. Before you head out, it is important that you prepare yourself mentally and physically to stay active, to be able to enjoy a lot of walking, sightseeing, swimming or shopping! Keep yourself hydrated throughout and carry around enough tea bags, granola bars or plant-based protein powder to avoid going hungry or losing out on your energy. When dining, make sure you have food that’s cooling, avoid things that can cause stomach infections and gorge on water-rich fruits and veggies.

It's best to leave a spare set of keys and your contact details with a trusted neighbour or your closest relative, just in case there’s an emergency whilst you’re away that needs looking into. Test your alarms for any technical or operational glitches. Pay all your utility bills to avoid power cuts or water shortage on your return. Disconnect all your electronic and electric appliances, and empty your fridge of all perishable items.

Carry destination and weather appropriate clothes with you which are lightweight with hats, caps and sunglasses, some key travel essentials. Protect yourself from the hot air when out to avoid sunstrokes by donning glares or carrying an Umbrella. Carry a sunscreen for sure, which is water-resistant and apply it generously on all uncovered parts of your body every 3-4 hours to protect your skin. Avoid wearing dark clothes which tend to absorb more heat. Carry a first aid kit that’s travel-friendly with items to tend to dehydration, small cuts and bruises, antiseptic ointments and medication for travel sickness, loose motions, etc.

A skiing destination in the Chamoli District of the Himalayan Alps, Auli in the local language of Garhwal implies to a meadow. Situated at an altitude of 2,500m-3050m above the sea level Auli’s surrounded by oak and coniferous trees with a scenic view of the Himalayas. Auli is also popular for a manmade ropeway between Auli and Joshimath, with a cable car that runs at a height of 3010m. Best places to visit in Auli include the Gorson Bugyal, Auli’s artificial lake, Nanda Devi peak and Chattrakund.

The artificial lake was built from a perspective of creating permanent sky slopes for an adventurous experience in Auli. The water from the freshwater basin would be used to fuel the snow guns, stationed along the ski slopes to offer skiing opportunities, in the event that there’s less snow. Joshimath’s the commencement point for many expeditions to the Himalayas and the trek to Badrinath, while Gurso Bugyal is a trail that passes through the mountains of Nanda Devi, Dron and Trishul, adorned with conifer, oak and rhododendron trees. The lake of Chattrakund is a beautiful breakpoint of crystal clear blue water with an enchanting view. Few other popular tourist attractions are the Chenab Lake, the Auli Ski resort, and Vishnuprayag. With Auli being a snow skiing destination, the best time to visit here is November through March.

A high altitude town in the North East state of Meghalaya, Cherrapunji is renowned for its live root bridges made of rubber trees. One of the wettest place on Earth, with its clean and untouched surroundings, Cherrapunji’s waterfalls compliments its beautiful climate and includes some gorgeous water cascades like the Noh Sngithiang, Dain Thelen and Noh Kalikai falls. Dawki, a major trade centre between India and Bangladesh is also famous as a tourist spot for its boat rides on the popular Umngot River, the lush greenery, the gorgeous suspension bridge, and its boat riding competitions during Spring.

The Mawsmai caves which house some of the most mysterious and amazing caves, that are lit well and create captivating visuals of the glistening lights against the limestone with myriad shades and patterns. The Eco Park is another tourist attraction with beautiful orchids and scenic views of the exotic Sylhet Plains of Bangladesh. Some other tourist spots worth a trip in and around Cherrapunji are Nongsawlia, the Mawkdok Dympep Valley View, Thangkarang Park, the Khasi monoliths, Nokrek National Park and a lot many other waterfalls. The best time to visit Cherrapunji is September through May.

Sandy beaches, lively nightlife, quaint little villages, scrumptious treats and local delicacies make Goa a top holiday destination. One of the most popular locations on India’s west coast, Goa isn’t just about its scenic beaches but also popular for its tropical climate and rich Portuguese heritage, that has a lot to offer to all kinds of travellers, befitting all kinds of budgets.

With a multitude of beaches that offer luxury experiences, natural beauty for some personal quiet time, family vacation or adventurous holidays, Goa has a mix of both crowd-crazy and less populated beaches, namely Agonda, Baga, Candolim and Calangute. India’s beach capital enjoys a long & uninterrupted coastline with even sea floors and calm waves, making it the perfect place to enjoy water sports like kite surfing, knee boarding, snorkelling, parasailing, paragliding, kayaking and diving.

The best way to enjoy Goa’s pristine waters and exotic beaches are to take a cruise. Then there are other tourist attractions like the ancient church of The Basilica of Bom Jesus, Dona Paula – a former village and now home to some of the best luxury hotels, Casino – one of the coolest hangouts aboard a Yacht in the Mandovi River, Tito-a famous club known for its huge dance floor and trending Bollywood music, the Fort Aguada-an old Portuguese fortification, the Goa Flea Markets and shopping escapades that include Goan artifacts, handicrafts and feni, cashew-nuts, etc. The list of places to lounge back in, get happy high on and enjoy are enough and more in Goa, which will keep calling you back.

West Bengal’s untouched hill station with its panoramic mountain views, Tibetan Handicrafts, Buddhist monasteries and temples, Kalimpong is stationed in the foothills of the Shivalik ranges at 1250m overlooking the Teesta valley. Marked by Buddhist hermitages, age-old churches and attractive temples, Kalimpong is also known for the flower markets with orchards and beautiful and bright flowers.

Whether it’s the Durpin Dara Hill, Cactus Nursery, Deolo Hill, or Galingka that offer breathtaking views of the snow-clad ranges of West Sikkim, introduce you to some unique ways of cultivating exotic flowers, provide best views of the rising and setting sun or take you through the mysterious past of the Morgan House, bring you to your knees at the Jang Dong Palriffo Brang Gompa Monastery in reverence, live it up with river rafting at the Teesta River or experience some beautiful architectural feats and local handicrafts and artifacts with the Crockety Bungalow and Teesta Bazar, you will surely have a busy summer vacation to live through!

One of the most popular honeymoon destinations in India is Kodaikanal. It has a wonderful climate, misty cliffs, cloud-covering mountains, beautiful lakes and valleys. Nestled amidst the rolling slopes of Palani Hills, Kodai is located 7,200ft above sea level with a lovely blend of nature, culture and tranquillity. Perfectly trimmed slopes, scenic water cascades and clear lakes, make Kodaikanal the perfect mountain getaway.

The Green Valley, Kodai Lake, Bear Shola Falls, Pillar Rocks, Devil’s Kitchen and Coaker’s Walk bring in an assortment of misty woodlands, scenic walkways, man-made lakes, adventurous clad activities that include horse-riding, boat rides and cycling, picnic excursions, mysterious and majestic pillar rocks and trekking experiences for travelers of all kinds. Kodaikanal also has the popular botanical garden, the Bryant Park, which is known for its fauna, hybrids and rafts and is best visited during the Annual Horticulture Show in May.

Silent Valley View, Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, Kurunji Temple, Shembaganur Museum of Natural History, the Pine forest, La Salette Church, Kukkal Caves, the Moir Point, Fairy Falls and the Doleman Circle are must-see spots amidst many other adorning the beautiful Kodaikanal.

Best visited during October through June, Mahabaleshwar is one of Maharastra’s most popular hill stations, famous for its glorious waterfalls, majestic hills and numerous rivers. Situated in the Sitara district, with its captivating views and lush strawberry farms, the city includes ancient temples, trimmed and dense green forests, enticing valleys, and serene lakes.

From the popular Elephant’s Head point, Chinaman’s falls, Arthur’s seat, Venna Lake, Mahabaleshwar Temple to Pratapgarh Fort Trek, the Connaught Peak, Lingmala Falls, Morarji Castle, Lodwick Point, Tiger’s spring, Mapro Garden and more, Mahabaleshwar has plenty to offer tourists in terms of its rock formations, fascinating valley view, boat rides amidst trees-clad lakes, captivating sunrise and sunsets, shopping escapades, colonial architecture and trekking experiences.

A hill station developed by the British with ancient temples, rolling hills and forestry, Ranikhet’s simple yet beautiful wonders bring a kind of freshness to one and all. Popular foremost for the Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army, a museum with a grand display of weaponry, military & historic items, Ranikhet is also known for trekking ranges, golf courses, the Nanda Devi peak, temples and orchards. Situated in the lap of the Himalayas, the Chaubatia Orchards here is famous for its plums, peaches, apples and apricots in addition to the panoramic views of Nilkanth, Nanda Devi, Nandaghunti and Trishul peaks.

Its 9-hole golf course is one of the 2nd largest in India with a variety of membership plans for both locals and visitors. An artificial lake encompassed with a calm green forest, the Bhalu Dam is a perfect picnic spot with snow-capped valleys, birds and breeze to keep you company. The Jhula Devi temple, Manakameshwar temple, Dwarahat, Haidakhan Babaji temple, Ram Mandir are some popular shrines and temples for the seeking souls with an assortment of sunset points that offer generous views of the Himalayas.

Known as the Queen of Hills, Ooty aka Udagamandalam is one of Tamil Nadu’s most popular hill stations and a delight for every mountain enthusiast and nature lover. Nestled amidst the Hills of Nilgiri at 2,240m above sea level Ooty has a pleasant climate for almost whole of the year and best visited from March to June during the summer months, sprinkled with the beautiful tea plantations and tranquil waterfalls. With winding country lanes, an old world charm, colonial architecture, Ooty is endearing for many honeymooners, and a beautiful place to be in. A trip on the toy train through the city’s myriad greenery with oases of sparkling water cascades popping up every now and then, the Nilgiri Mountain Railways has Asia’s steepest tracks making it a ride of a lifetime!

When in this hill station, don’t miss visiting the Botanical Gardens, Ooty Lake, the Rose Garden, Thread Garden, Kalhatti Falls, Dolphin’s Nose, Tiger Hill, Doddabetta Peak, Wenlock Downs, Thunder World, Wax Museum, and Cairn Hill, in addition to many other tourist attractions.

A getaway from the chaos of urban life, Sikkim has a wondrous offering of fascinating high altitude lakes, mesmerizing water cascades, meandering rivers and a variety of adventures, majestic history and nature’s beauty. If you visit between March and June, it’d be the best time to enjoy adventure sports like hiking, trekking and river rafting, fairs and festivals, scenic views of Mt. Khangchendzonga and Buddhist excursions.

Whether it's Sikkim’s scenic views of its mountains and lush green meadows, its high altitude lakes like Gurudongmar, meandering rivers of Teesta and Rangit, cascades of 7 Sisters and mountain passes like Nathu La and Goecha La, hot springs like Borong and Ralong, caves, trekking trails of Goecha La Trek, the Green Lake Trek and Barsey Rhododendron Trek, or its wildlife reserves abundant with rare animal and bird species, namely the famous Khangchendzonga National Park, the Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, Sikkim has enough and more to keep you captivated. An array of festivals that are agricultural centric and religiously rich like Loosong, Losar, Bhumchu, Saga Dawa, and Phang Lhabsol also showcase the harmonic diversity of the state with its delicious blend of food.

The summer capital of the state of Jammu & Kashmir, Srinagar is housed in the valley of Kashmir on the banks of River Jhelum. Popularly known as ‘Heaven on Earth’, Srinagar is abundant with gorgeous natural vistas. From the wild Pahalgam waters to the quiet meadows of Gulmarg, from the freshness in the clean mountain air to hiring a houseboat and enjoying a ride on Dal Lake, no matter what you do, Srinagar will weave its charm on you and how! One of the most popular tourist attractions here include the Shikara Ride adorned with bright colored rugs and carpets like a gondola rowboat, which will take you around the floating vegetable market and the Mir Bahris, an energetic society of people who dwell on the lake. You can also enjoy kayaking and skiing on Dal Lake.

Srinagar is also known for its visually captivating Mughal age gardens with their terraced lawns, fresh blooms and clear fountains like the Shalimar Bagh, Chashma Shahi Garden & Nishant Bagh, Pari Mahal (a multi-tiered) garden atop the peaks of Zabarwan with enthralling views of the entire city, the encompassing meadows and Alps beyond it. The Shrine of Hazratbal, Indira Gandhi Memorial Garden, Char Chinar, Shankaracharya Temple, Wular Lake, Baramulla, Tarsar Marsar Trek, Anantnag, Sinthan Top, the list of places to visit in Srinagar is long and worth every minute you spend just enjoying the beauty around you.

We all have our budgets and preferences at the same time when it comes to holidays. Most of us like to plan our holidays with a tight rein on the expenses for fear of going overboard. Yet there are times when we’d like to forget the money woes and enjoy a luxurious holiday. Here’s how you can enjoy travelling like a Celebrity without spending a bomb!