Top 5 places in India to visit in summer vacations!

Summers are here and it is time to plan the summer vacations your children and you eagerly await. A trip during this time is an annual affair but the confusion of choosing an appropriate destination always is a prime concern. Our country, India, thanks to its diversity of culture, topography and climate offers a lot of varied options suited to every season.

For the summer vacations, the top 5 tourist destinations are listed here to narrow it down for you:

Leh/Ladakh

The Mecca of travel, if you can visit just one place in your lifetime, it ought to be this! The sheer unadulterated beauty and serenity of the place is awe-inspiring! Although the place has been commercially exploited and veteran travellers swear that it is not the same, the destination is still the topmost on the list for luxury travellers and backpackers alike. Summers are the best time to visit Leh/Ladakh as the roads are open between May to September and the weather is conducive and relatively easier to get acclimatised to.

Nainital

One of my personal favourites, this hill station is a complete holiday package. Kumaon foothills surrounding a vast lake make the place look straight out a fairytale. The picturesque hill station offers quiet retreats on one hand and adventure sports on the other. A high altitude zoo is a big attraction for the young travellers and houses a wide variety of exotic species. Boating in the famous Naini Lake gives a feel of the retro years while the cable car offers an experience of the modern day technology.

Dharamshala

Pine, deodar, streams and snow- this is what comprised Dharamshala. Home to the highly revered Dalai Lama, this lovely hill station in Himachal Pradesh is an ideal summer getaway. Norbulinka Monastery is a fine example of Buddhist architecture and spirit while Jwala ji Temple in the city’s vicinity is a famous Hindu pilgrimage destination. Bhagsu waterfall and Dhauladhar National Park are the other attractions of the hill station.

Mashobra

My choice of listing Mashobra, a small town in Simla district, instead of Simla itself, might sound surprising but if you have ever been to Simla, you would understand why. Commercialisation and construction has made the beautiful hill station a concrete maze where you cannot walk without rubbing shoulders with another tourist. Therefore, tourists are looking for nearby quieter and smaller places and Mashobra is just that. It is situated around 10 kilmetres from Shimla. the weather and scenic beauty are just the same but you spare yourself from the hustle and bustle of the crowded hill station. A lovely place to go for a trek or just relax!

Ooty 

This is an all-weather destination which can be visited any time of the year. Even in summers, the weather is pleasant and the mercury seldom crosses 20 degrees.  Moreover, the pleasant weather is conducive for various adventure activities like trekking, hiking and angling or visiting the national parks. During the month of May, the famous flower show is also hosted. The Botanical Garden and various lakes situated in Ooty offer varied experiences to all  travellers, whether seeking adventure or retreat.

That’s my list. What do you think?