What is way better than complaining about the humid days? Backpacking across India’s coolest places.
Escaping the blistering hustle-bustle of summer in the plains, urban dwellers are increasingly seeking comfort in valleys, beaches and hills. Find out the top five places for your summer retreat and plan your itinerary now!
Manali: Located on the banks of Beas, Manali offers the most cinematic views of mountains, sunsets and valleys. Today, Old Manali is redolent with hippie culture to immerse in as you take a few days off. Experiencing Manali’s bohemians in its plethora of cafes, nestled between pine trees and flowing lakes and reverberating with drums and music, is pure magic! Riverside camping in Solang valley and village hopping are the emerging fun options in the resort town.
Shillong: Scotland of India has an exhaustive array of places to bask in this summer! Let azure lakes, Garo Hills, museum dates, billowing clouds and canyons be the quintessence of your summer bivouac. Besides all the visual retreats that Shillong has to offer, its history and splendid preservation of artefacts find exquisite reflection in the cathedrals, heritage museums and viewpoints.
Gangtok: Summer in Gangtok is far from roaring room coolers or sordid indoor stays. From river rafting, paragliding, enjoying a ropeway ride, yak safari, or simply wheezing through the clouds on a car ride at 5500 feet above sea level, you are spoilt for choice. Also, summer is the best time to steal a glance of the mighty Kanchenjunga. Besides, monasteries, half-frozen lakes or the snow-blanketed sleepy hamlets are the other alternatives for your serene summer escapade.
Andaman & Nicobar: Even in peak summers, beaches in Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a must-visit if you are looking for some tranquil and soul-soothing beauty. Try visiting the quaint Barren Island, home to India’s active volcano now dormant for 150 years, Cutbery Beach or Baratang Island that looks straight out of a Spielberg movie.
Mahabaleshwar: A bit offbeat yet a favourite hill station in the Western Ghats, Mahabaleshwar is a cosy affair of mist, rain and some mouth-watering mulberries, raspberries and gooseberries. Besides trek routes, you will find plenty of scenic views bathed in green woods, majestic waterfalls, deep valleys and pleasant breeze. You can simply soak in the meditative effect of waterfalls gushing through the lush green cavities or arrange for a family picnic on a spot cradled by the greens. Madhi Mahaal perched at 1470 meters and Venna Lake built by the descendant of Shivaji Maharaj are the other popular intersections to feel the wind caressing your face.
