Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in India during Summer
Coorg (Kodagu):
Nestled amidst the lush rolling hills and valleys of the Western Ghats, Coorg is one of the most affluent hill stations in Karnataka offering unequaled luxurious holidays to tourists. Fondly 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.
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| Lush Environs make Coorg one of the popular hill stations in India where one could find respite from the scorching heat |
Nestled at the altitude in the range of 3500 ft above sea level, the mountainous Kodagu (or Coorg) region is home to the Kodava people and Tibetan refugees. The natural majesty and lush environs of this hill station make it an ideal place for trekking, bird-watching and rejuvenation. If you are traveling here in April-May, then driving along the winding roads over hills offers spectacular vista as you drive past spice and coffee plantations recently bloomed into fragrant white blossoms.
Located as it is in the Western Ghats, Coorg also offers trekking opportunities which vary from easy to moderate. While trekking in Coorg, you may hire local guides who arrange for food and lodging. Other activity to let you indulge is golf with 3 golf courses which are located in Polibetta, Mercara and Coorg Golf Link in Bittangala.
Best Time: Except for Monsoon (June to September), Coorg is best visited throughout the year. Maximum temperature seldom go beyond 30 degrees even during peak summer season.
Ooty:
Established as a retreat from the scorching heat of summer by British in then Madras, Ooty is still pervaded by distinct colonial charm. 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 and its best if you have managed to get seat on the left-hand side. After that, it’s a visual delight, with pretty cottages, bijou fenced flower gardens, lush surroundings, thatched-roof churches and terraced botanical gardens.
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| Ooty is known for its Botanical Garden |
The charming little hill station Ooty is best for languid stupor. Although the urbanization and popularity of this place has taken its toll, you just need to venture a few kilometres out to find yourself amidst the peace of hills, an almost Shakespearean pastoral refuge.
Activities here include visiting various sunset points, botanical gardens, tea plantations, lakes and various waterfalls. Doddabetta Peak, Tiger Hill and Ooty Lake are most popular attractions here.
Best season: 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.
Shimla:
Things changed dramatically for Shimla when the Scottish civil servant Charles Kennedy built his summer home in Shimla in 1822. When the British arrived here there was nothing but wilderness and climate and surroundings which reminded them of their home, Shimla was soon developed into the official summer capital of the Raj in 1864.
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| Wildflowers Hall is a scenic retreat located in the lush valley of Himalaya overlooking jagged Himalayan peaks |
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 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. www.oberoihotels.com/oberoi_wildflowerhall/
Mahabaleshwar:
Mahabaleshwar is perched atop a height of 1372 meters above sea level in Satara district, around 115 kilometers southwest of Pune. 25 in numbers, the ‘Points’ in Mahabaleshwar will give you breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys from different angle. In old times, Mahabaleshwar was known as Malcolm Peth and was under the influence of the foreign hands in the development of this hilly resort. Apart from that its princely past is reflected in the colonial mansions and palatial buildings that remind the visitor about the richness of artistic caliber of the bygone generation.
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| Mahabaleshwar in Western Ghats is an ideal retreat away from punishing weather of Mumbai |
Known as Malcolm Peth in past, this hill station in Maharashtra will remind you of its glorious past with its colonial buildings, resplendent mansions. As the base of five lovely rivers, the scenic beauty of Mahabaleshwar presents awesome vistas, which enthralls the tourists. It is picturesque hill resort nestled in the lap of sky-scrapping mountain ranges of the Western Ghats. It offers a mesmerizing view of the soaring peaks, lush valleys, sparkling rivers and verdant forests.
The term Mahabaleshwar literally means great power and the scenic beauty of this hill town is a testimony to that name. The hill town invites tourists, from all around the globe, to feel the respite of a tranquil and serene holiday spot. Mahabaleshwar offers a rejuvenating ambience where you can savor charming views of nature at its blooming best. There are many things to do in Mahabaleshwar such as boating, horse riding, trekking and sunrise & sunset watching. Other than this, one can roam around the bazaars for shopping.
Best time: Mahabaleshwar is open for tourists throughout the year. However, October to June is considered the best time to visit this scenic hill town. If your passion is to enjoy the sizzles of nature in relaxed surroundings, Mahabaleshwar is where you should head to.
Darjeeling:
Nestled on the precipice of a mountain ridge and bounded by verdant plantations of globally renowned teas, Darjeeling is so not West Bengal. With jagged peaks of magnificent Himalayas offering spectacular panorama - you could even see the peak of Mount Kanchendzonga - Darjeeling is the place to be to savor unruffled luxury and to rejuvenate your senses. You could also take Darjeeling Mountain Rail (popularly known as the Toy Train) to explore and soak in the magnificent surroundings of this scenic hill station in India.
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| Darjeeling is a scenic Hill station famous for its tea gardens and majestic view of Kanchendzonga |
As with most other hill stations in India which were the playgrounds of erstwhile British rulers during Raj, you could find colonial mansions and churches as well as recent structures such as Buddhist and Hindu temples and botanical gardens. The steep narrow streets are crowded with colorful souvenir and handicraft shops and a good steaming brew and excellent Indian and Tibetan fare are never far away. You could also choose from exciting trekking trails which trace ancient trade routes not to mention the breathtaking sights.
Best Time: Most tourists visit after the monsoon (October and November) and during spring (mid-March to the end of May) when skies are dry, panoramas are clear and temperatures are pleasant.
Luxe Recommendation: Glenburn Tea Estate is a awe inspiring refuge in calm and unruffled luxury amidst the rapidly urbanizing Darjeeling Town. This estate is a 150 year old plantation house with its old world charm and offers awesome panorama of Mount Kanchendzonga. www.glenburnteaestate.com