Ladakh: Adventure, Romance & Buddhism

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.

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

- See more at: http://blog.indianluxurytrains.com/2013/04/summer-holiday-destinations-india.html#sthash.MZPz8fJo.dpuf

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.

Sikkim: Family, Adventure and Honeymoon Destination

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. 

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. 

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. 

Manali: Top Honeymoon Destination in North India

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.

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.

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.

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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.

Kashmir: Honeymoon & Family Holidays

Things to do in Kashmir

Whereas shikara rides and visits to magnificent Mughal Gardens are the most popular things to do in Srinagar; it is the gondola ride to Khilanmarg that is one of the top things to do in Gulmarg.

Pahalgam is all about bounties of nature. There is the Betab Valley named after the movie Betaab which was filmed here, nearby is the picturesque Aru Valley where the recent blockbusters Jab Tak Hai Jaan featuring Shahrukh Khan and Highway featuring Alia Bhatt was filmed.

With one of the most popular tourist destinations in India since decades and a favorite among the Bollywood for shooting of movies, Kashmir boasts of very good infrastructure when it comes to tourism. Several prestigious hotel groups have their properties in Srinagar and Pahalgam wheras the all new swanky Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa in Gulmarg is already winning accolades from the connoisseurs of luxury.

Ooty: Ideal for Honeymoon & Family Breaks in Summer

Ooty is known for its Botanical Garden

Established as a retreat from the scorching heat of summer by British in then Madras,  Ooty is still pervaded by a 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.

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 kilometers 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 time: 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.

Luxe Recommendation: Try the tastefully pre-packaged tour to South India to discover, culture, heritage and royalty along with visit to Ooty to reclaim yourself.

Shimla: Honeymoon & Family Holidays

Wildflowers Hall  is a scenic retreat located in the lush valley of Himalaya overlooking jagged Himalayan peaks

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. It is now one of the top tourist places to visit in Himachal Pradesh.

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. 

Mahabaleshwar:Family Holidays

Mahabaleshwar in Western Ghats is an ideal retreat away from punishing weather of Mumbai

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 days, 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.

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.

Mahabaleshwar offers a rejuvenating ambiance 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, April to June is considered the best time to visit this scenic hill town during summer. Many also prefer to visit this tourist destination in July to soak in the natural beauty upon the monsoon's arrival. If your passion is to enjoy the sizzles of nature in relaxed surroundings, Mahabaleshwar is where you should head to.

Darjeeling: Tea, Adventure and Romance

Darjeeling is a scenic Hill station famous for its tea gardens and majestic view of Kanchendzonga 

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 (one of the popular "Toy Trains of India") to explore and soak in the magnificent surroundings of this scenic hill station in India. June is ideal month to plan your trip to avoid summer's scorching heat.

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.

Wayanad, Kerala: Ecotourism, Wildlife & Ayurveda

Along with being a popular summer destination, Wayanad in Kerala is one of the top monsoon destinations in India

Lying amidst verdant Western Ghats, Wayanad is one of the most captivating hill town of Kerala that is also called the 'Green Paradise' as it shares borders with the greener patches of the state. Lush agriculture fields, thick forests and misty hills of Kerala add to its scenic charm. The place gets its name from Vayal Nadu, where Vayal means paddy fields and Nadu meaning the land, which makes Wayanad a land of paddy fields. 

Wayanad bird sanctuary is one of the main attractions, blessed with rich flora and fauna, quite popular amidst bird watching enthusiasts. Soak-in the aroma of tea, coffee, vanilla, cardamom and pepper, while talking a leisure walk. Chembra Peak, Neelima, Meenmutty waterfalls, Chethalayam, Pakshipathalam, Banasura Sagar Dam are the other tourist attractions. 

kerela-Munnar: Romance & Adventure

Munnar, with its verdant tea plantations and spice farms is the tea capital of South India

Stunningly mesmerizing, Munnar is a heavenly tourist destination in Kerala, blessed with tranquility, a nice weather, various tourist attractions and splendid scenery. Nestled at an elevation of 6000 feet above the sea level in Idukki district, Munnar was also popular during the British era as a summer resort. 

Away from regular city chaos, Munnar lies amidst the lush Western Ghats and is known to be the confluence of the three rivers Kundaly, Madhurapuzha and Nallathanni. 
The expansive tea plantations, verdant mountains, extensive spice and tea plantations, various tourist spots, aroma-filled air and picturesque locations attract tourists from all around the globe.

Munnar is also quite popular amidst adventure enthusiasts and offer opportunities for trekking, cycling, mountaineering, boating, elephant rides, fishing and so on. Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi Peak, Mattupetty, Tea Museum, Helicopter tours, Horseback riding, visit to top station are some of the other popular attractions here. 

Mount Abu: Honeymoon and Family Holidays

Mount Abu is one of the popular places for honeymoon in North India in summer

With the honor of being the lone hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu attracts pretty handsome amount of tourists from adjoining states particularly bordering Gujarat as well as international visitors. Offering welcome respite from the otherwise scorching summer that swelter Rajasthan as well as neighboring Delhi and Gujarat, Mount Abu becomes one of the best places to go for summer holidays in India as well as one of the hot favorites for honeymoon in North-West India.

Perched atop granite peak and surrounded by the lush Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, this hill town in Rajasthan is an important religious place for both Hindus and Jains. With home to over 80 exquisitely carved temples, most striking of which are the Jain Temples at Delwara - some of which are built over a 1000 years ago, Mount Abu sees constant flow of pilgrims throughout the year.

The center of activity in Mount Abu is the Nakki Lake, a place for lazing around with carved stones and boating activities. The other major draw is Dilwara Temples, which definitely rate as some of the finest specimen of temple architecture in India.

The best time to visit this hill station in India for summer holidays is in April - May. The town get pretty bust as the June approaches due to the summer festival that is celebrated here annually from mid-May to mid-June.