Summer Holiday Destinations in India

Ladakh: Adventure, Romance & Buddhism

Fondly referred to as the "Little Tibet", Ladakh is no more the India's best kept secret when it comes to tourism and one of the finest places for summer holidays in North India. This high altitude cold desert in India is a once in a lifetime experience.  Remember the ad of Mastercard…there are some things that money can’t buy?

Chang La enroute Pangong Tso - Sceneries like this make motorcycle trip to Ladakh a highly sought after proposition

Well Ladakh is one such thing. A trip to Ladakh - just like love - can’t be expressed in words. The mighty Karakorum with its cotton-wool peaks bounds Ladakh, a terrain characterized by vast barren valleys, lofty mountain passes, beautiful lakes, and the last undisturbed home of Tantric Buddhist population.

Ladakh’s arid terrain undergoes drastic weather changes owing to its elevation. Temperature varies in extremes both during summers and winters. That’s the allure of Ladakh. Summer is the best time to visit this magical land of Lamas and that is why it is the top tourist place in India to visit during summer.

Every summer motorcyclists from India and world gather in and around Delhi, Srinagar or Manali to embark on adventurous trip to Ladakh by road. Manali - Leh Highway is the favorite among the thrill seekers.

There are a score of high mountain passes including the tough Baralacha La and the second highest Taglang La along with the vast mesmerizing Morey Plains and the thrilling Gata Loops which is why motorcyclists - and even the four wheeler riders prefer Leh - Manali Highway for a road trip.

Do check out this travel journal  on motorcycle trip to Ladakh.

What are the attractions you ask? Well the entire landscape of Ladakh is a sight to behold, the burnished mountainous terrain, sparse vegetation, snow capped mountains, the emerald Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri and Tso Kar and Hunder - also referred to as the desert in the sky - along with the magnificent monasteries in the sky are what makes Ladakh so special.

Pangong Tso is one of the most prominent tourist places in Ladakh. Photo courtesy Bricolage

Ladakh also has the power to bring out the pest of poet, thinker, writer and photographer in you. And if you are uncertain because Ladakh falls in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, know this that unlike the rest of J&K, Ladakh has seen almost no violence since India got Independence.

And if you are a woman traveling alone in India considering the safety issue, rest assured that Ladakh is the safest place on the planet when its come to the safety and security of women. If you are planning to visit any other tourist place in India, do check out our post regarding Is India safe for women traveling alone.

Where is the luxury you ask?

Well there won’t be a Leela Goa or Taj Lake Palace like luxury in Ladakh but the Grand Dragon in Leh offers a lavish stay. If you are heading to Pangong Tso or Nubra Valley, there are many luxury tents and deluxe accommodations with running hot water faciltity.

Don’t expect eclectic cuisines as you will be served basic Ladakhi cuisines if you are venturing out of Leh but then the sight of the emerald water of Pangong Lake bound by mountains and the desert safari in the double humped Bactrian camel at Hunder are once in a lifetime experience…and they more than suffice for a luxury suite or wholesome meal.

The  best time to visit Ladakh - especially if you are looking forward to motorcycle trip to Ladakh - is June and September. However Ladakh also happens to be the one of the top places to India to visit during monsoon as it seldom rains here.

Luxe Recommendation: Hire a Royal Enfield either from Delhi or Manali and embark on an unforgettable motorcycle trip to Ladakh via Leh Manali Highway. Have at least 15 days up your sleeve. Enjoy an awe inspiring ride along the vast stretches of arid landscape, high mountain passes, vasr stretches of plain and sporadic signs of human settlements as you drive from Rohtang Pass towards Leh, the administrative center of Ladakh. For family and couples here's this ultimate Ladakh Holiday Package.

Due to some restrictions and harsh climate, do refer to the travel essentials if you are planning a trip to Ladakh. Check out this Ladakh trip planner.

Sikkim: Family, Adventure and Honeymoon Destination

Rumtek is one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries in North East India. Source

One of the most unexplored and mystical places in India happen to be the North East region. Bound by the majestic Himalayas with the gushing Teesta River crisscrossing the entire stretch of the land, Sikkim in North East India is one of the best tourist places in India to uncover. The fact that it is relatively unexplored makes it all the more appealing for discerning travelers and one of the top destinations for summer holidays in India.

There are myriad opportunities for all kind of travelers when it comes to things to do and places to visit in Sikkim. There are Buddhist Monasteries, cascading waterfalls, unexplored caves,  gushing rapids, Himalayan trekking trails, high altitude lakes and lush valleys to be explored that makes Sikkim an ideal destination for family holidays, adventure trip and honeymoon tours in India.

Gurudongmar Lake in Sikkim is one of the top tourist destinations in North East India

The picturesque valleys laden with over 200 species of orchids and rhododendron forests and relatively mild treks into pristine Himalayan ranges and the stunning Kanchendzonga makes Sikkim alluring as a popular honeymoon destination in India especially during Summer.  At Ravangla where the only tea estate of Sikkim is located, honeymooners could found a blissful escape surrounded in shroud of greenery lorded over by the mighty Kunchendzonga peak.

A view of Kunchendzonga in the morning from Sikkim. Source

Day hikes in Sikkim in lush valleys of Himalayas are especially favored by the visitors on a family holiday. The easy to moderate hikes that could be undertaken even by elderly and children passes through bucolic surroundings and wooded hills dotted with rhododendron forests and giant magnolia trees punctuate the deep verdant cove. One of the top places to visit in Sikkim also includes Tsogmo Lake, a high altitude lake with towering Himalayas in the backdrop.

The lake remains frozen during winters but one could still visit it and enjoy hot sip of tea and momos on the frozen lake. Yet another important lake to visit in Sikkim is the Gurudongmar Lake. Don’t miss out on visiting Gurudwara Nanak Lama Sahib and nearby Buddhist shrine when you visit Gurudongmar Lake considered one of the holiest site in Sikkim.

Gurudwara Nanak Lama Sahib

For adventure lover, rowing down the Teesta River in rapids varying from grade 1 to 4 offers an adrenaline pumping experience. For more pro rafters, the extreme rapids of Rangeet River that flows through Sikkim and Kalimpong offers challenging stretches of rapids.

If you like to soar like an eagle, then visit Sikkim in the month of October and November which is the ideal time for paragliding in Sikkim. Bright sunny sky and favorable weather makes it ideal time for paragliding and it is also when the annual paragliding festival is held in Gangtok, capital city of Sikkim.

For religious and cultural interactions, one could visit Rumtek Monastery, one of the most important centers of Tibetan Buddhism and a repository of ancient and medieval artifacts. Rumtek Monastery also happens to be the official seat of the Karmapa Lama. Yet another important place to study Tibetan Buddhism is the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology in Gangtok.

Coorg (Kodagu): Honeymoon & Family Vacations

Lush Environs make Coorg one of the popular hill stations in India where one could find respite from the scorching heat

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.

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.

Manali: Top Honeymoon Destination in North India

Views like this and serene setting makes Vashist Village one of the popular places to visit in Manali. Photo Source

One of the most popular destinations for summer holidays in North India is Manali in Himachal Pradesh. Nestled amidst the Pir Panjal and Dauladhar range of Himalayas offering spectacular views, gurgling water streams and an array of mountain adventure makes Manali one of the finest all season tourist destinations in India.

Whereas thrill seeker arrive in Manali to get high on adventure sports like paragliding, white water rafting, zorbing and trekking, honeymooners flock to have their first tryst with snow with day trips to Rohtang Pass. For backpackers it’s the quaint, serene hippie towns in the outskirts - Malana being the most popular one - and for long term adventure seekers, it serves as base for gearing up and getting ready before venturing out to conquer the trans Himalayan terrains and undertake trekking and road trips to Leh, Spiti and beyond.

Rohtang Pass is one of the must to undertake day trips from Manali. Photo Source

For family holidays in summer, there are umpteen things to do in Manali that includes visit to religious places like Hidimba Temple, Tibetan Monasteries, Manu & Vashist Temple. Adventure activities like tandem paragliding and white water rafting in Beas River are also popular with families holidaying in Manali.

Tandem Paragliding is a popular adventure sports activity available in Solang Valley near Manali

Solang Valley is probably one of the most popular excursions from Manali offering a load of anventurous activities to youths, couples and families alike. Far from the maddening crowd of the New Manali Town, Solang Valley offers some of the finest and serene accommodation options to visitors. Yet another recommended place to visit in Manali is Vashist with its rustic setting and tranquil ambience.

When to Visit: The best time to visit Manali is from April till October. Post October, it starts to get chilly and by December Manali receives its first snowfall. Rohtang Pass, Vashist become inaccessible during this time of the year.

Where to stay: When it comes to accommodation, Manali has a wide variety of value for money hotels and resorts where you could stay. The best of the hotels and resorts are located in the outskirts of the city with excellent view of the mountain peak and lush countryside. However, staying in the outskirts could also mean that visitors may have difficulty arranging for taxi/cabs if they are not traveling on their own vehicle. Some of the recommended places to stay in and near Manali are the Manu Allaya Resort, Johnson Lodge and Snow Peak Retreat.

Andaman Islands: Romance & Adventure

Havelock Island, the Andamans is known for its swimming elephants

Renowned as one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in India, Andaman group of Island consists of 52 islands out of which 36 are inhabited. Apart from the relaxed tropical ambiance, amazing diversity of corals and marine life what draws the tourist to Andaman is existence of the remnants of Stone Age culture and the colonial inheritance.

Not long ago before India got independence, the freedom fighters were kept here in isolation in the Cellular Jail, now a museum and the place was notoriously referred to  as “Kaala Pani” literally meaning black waters.

Today this deep green tropical paradise is frequented by tourists from around the globe for this archipelago’s rich and diverse wildlife, snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities and other water sports.

The Andaman Islands are connected by ferries and flights from Chennai, Vizag and Kolkata.

Best time to visit: From January till April and from late May till October

Climate Info: Varies from 24°C to 35°C with Humidity above 70%

Things to do in Andaman

Well there are plenty of activities that you could undertake during your summer holiday in Andamans. For the starters there are Museums some remnants of British Raj and other more modern one. A light and Sound show, recounting the history of the infamous ‘Kaala Paani’ in the evening is a must thing to do in Port Blair which is the capital of Andaman Islands.

Another not to miss activity in the Andamans is visit to Havelock and head to Radha Nagar Beach, one of the rare unspoiled and best beaches in India. Also voted “the best beach in Asia” by Time magazine Havelock Island is where the action is. Most of the snorkeling, diving, Kayaking and scuba diving opportunities are available only in Havelock Island.

Where’s the luxury you ask?

With rising popularity as one of the most romantic islands in the world, quite a few luxury resorts have come up to cater to the discerning travelers. There is no dearth of hotels in Port Blair and even Havelock has got one of the best and ecological beach resorts in India.

If it is the romance that you seek, or tranquility that is your calling or if it’s just relax & rejuvenation or adrenaline pumping activities like scuba diving, snorkeling and Kayaking, there’s something for everyone at the Andaman Islands.

Luxe Recommendation

Rich marine life makes scuba diving an enthralling activity at Havelock, photo courtesy Barefoot at Havelock

When it comes to picking just one among the many favorites, Barefoot at Havelock is far ahead in the race when it comes to refined luxury. Located at Beach No 7 and winner of TripAdvisor’s  Travellers Choice Award 2014 in the Romance theme, this beach resort is perfect escape to relax, rejuvenate and commune with nature. If you are living here, the very best of hiking, trekking, birdwatching, diving and snorkeling is literally at your footstep.