Places to Visit During Summer
The season of warmth is here for this year and it’s back once again to make you reach out for water bottles and cold drinks. It’s that time of the year when the days are longer than usual forcing people out of their homes to engage in various activities.
One of the things we associate summer with is vacations and leisure time. It’s a time when people travel to new places whether it’s beaches, hill stations, or exploring new cities. Here are some destinations you can visit to enrich your summer.
Shimla:
Hailed often as the Queen of hills”, Simla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh is renowned as a tourist spot. Lush green hills surround the city ornamented by little houses. The air feels less stuffy and makes breathing easier, and the places you visit in Shimla are full of wisdom and experience.
Although unclear the name of the city is speculated to have come from “Shyamala Devi” another name for maa Kali. Some places that you shouldn’t miss in this picturesque city:
Kufri: Common among honeymooners, this resort hill station can offer a glimpse of snow and a sight of heaven. High altitude region with its head 10 km above the city, is rich with scenic beauty and ancient temples.
Chadwick Falls: Amidst a sea of oak, pine, and deodar trees is a stream trickling down from 100 m above called the Chadwick Falls. An adventurous walk through the woods of the Glen Forest on the damp surface leads you to this magnificent waterfall, which makes you feel like an explorer.
Manali:
Formed by the Beas River, to the northern end of the Kullu Valley is Manali, another town in Himachal Pradesh. It is said that Manali gets its name from ‘Manu-Alaya’ which translates to “the abode of Manu”, the sage who wrote Manusmrithi.
Soaring to the skies with an altitude of 2050 ms above sea level, and known for its snow-brimmed mountains, green valleys, and splendid views of rivers, Manali offers a serene place to escape life at the jostling town or city. There are many places to visit, and here are a few suggestions:
Solang Valley: 13 Km away from Manali is another refuted hill station called the Solang Valley widely known for its elegant snow and adventure sports. Solang Valley is an attraction package for both the Serene-seekers and Adventurers searching for an adrenaline rush. Athletic explorers can find the thrill in skiing, paragliding, and zorbing-where you roll down the snow hill in a plastic transparent ball. Overall, the picturesque Solang Valley is a nest for beauty and a hub for thrill which makes this destination worthwhile.
Vashisht Hot Springs: Located just 3.5 km from Manali is a temple dedicated to Sage Vashisht the Guru of Lord Rama. The temple, believed to be 4000 years old, houses a hot spring. Claims circle around this temple that this hot spring has medicinal value and is potent enough to cure skin diseases. The beautiful intricate wooden carvings can leave the onlooker in awe.
Sai Shishir provides Shimla and Manali packages for travellers seeking a memorable summer getaway.
Vaishnodevi:
Located in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir is the refuted temple which is often considered as the manifestation of Maa Kali. The temple is one of the 108 Shakthipeethas dedicated to Durga Devi. The temple attracts millions of devotees and during Navarathri, the count doubles, triples even.
Summer season from April to June is considered the best time to visit Vaishno Devi with temperature peaking to a maximum of 22 degrees. The not-so-hot nor cold temperature makes it ideal for trekking and its moderately hot sun doesn’t wear you out as much. We have Vaishno devi package from Bangalore that allows you to experience the beauty of this sacred destination during this pleasant season
Srinagar:
Nestled in the centre of the Kashmir Valley on the banks of the Jhelum River resides Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The Magnanimous city is brimming with picturesque scenes and unmatched beauty.
The city is refuted for Gardens, Lakes, and Houseboats. Among many places, the Mughal gardens and the Dal Lake are quite an experience. The Mughal Gardens with its variety of flowers paints a colourful portrait while the shikara ride- a type of boat ride in the still waters of the Dal Lake is a magical experience.
Pahalgam:
Also called the Valley of Shepherds, this place is situated in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. This popular tourist place is mainly known for its lush green meadows and pristine waters. According to Hindu traditions, the city was called “bail gaon” which translates to the village of Nandi where Lord Shiva left his bull before going into the Amarnath cave. The Amarnath cave temple, situated at 3888 m above sea level holds great significance for devotees.
At Pahalgam, one eye-catching place that is a must-visit is the sulfur springs in Anantnag, known prominently for its curative powers. It is known to cure leprosy- a type of skin disease. Another beautiful place is the Lidder Valley, a door that lets you in on an adventurous walk in a pine forest along the river.
Gulmarg:
Also called the meadow of flowers in Kashmiri, Gulmarg is a hill station and a tourist destination located in the Baramulla district of Kashmir. Considered one of the best summer retreats, Gulmarg offers a complete package with art-like scenery and snow sporting events. If there is one thing Gulmarg is famous for it is the ski resorts which offer guided skis and snowboarding. From ponytail rides to Cable car rides on the Gondola Cable car system, Gulmarg has it all which makes it a perfect getaway spot.
Saishishir Tours provides a Kashmir package from Bangalore with flight allowing you to cover these destinations cost-effectively.
