So it’s going to be May soon and after a rigorous month of exam pressures, there’s going to be the vacation period. The vacation period will have a more emotional value attached to it because this time you will finally be a graduate which implies an end to your college life!

Now you don’t want to be sitting at home in the Mumbai heat post-such exhaustive exams do you? Here I present a list of the TOP 10 amazing holiday destinations for the summer, so that you can take your pick and make bookings in advance for your milestone vacation.

No I won’t put up any beach destination be it Goa or Alibaug on my list because it may sound tempting but the sand and the surf are really not that happening in the peak of Summer, you’ll have burnt skin and a host of health issues to battle spoiling your much awaited holiday.

Ladakh:

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.

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.

2. Manali:

Beautiful and serene, Manali is completely breathtaking. The road journey to reach Manali is beautiful with the Mountains visible alongside the river Beas. The river flows along the entire city and it’s unique vegetation makes a place in your heart immediately. The tall pine trees and the peculiar rocks native to this region rested on the river banks are pristine and each new turn gives you the feeling of looking at a picture post card. Go sightseeing, backpacking or trekking this is an amazing for adventure lovers as well as people who would like to sit by the window of their hotel rooms and gaze at the beautiful mountains.

2. Coorg (Kodagu):

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.

3. Andaman Islands:

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. 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.

4. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh:

One of the least populated towns in Arunachal Pradesh, Tawang is one of the most sought –after destinations in summer in India ideally visited in May and June before the arrival of Monsoon or after late September and in October.

It is located in the westernmost district of Arunachal Pradesh and shares its borders with Assam. It is a perfect retreat from the hustle-bustle and the scorching heat of summer. The need for weather change is one of the most motivating reasons to plan a trip to Tawang.

The reason behind Tawang’s popularity as a summer retreat is its positioning at the altitude of about 10,000 feet above sea level which accounts for its pleasant weather. This region is quite famous for the imposing 14th century Tawang Monastery. It was built at the will of 5th Dalai Lama ‘Merag Lama Lodre Gyamtso’ and belongs to Mahayana sect of Buddhism.

Another major attraction of Tawang is the Tipi Orchid Sanctuary which houses thousands of varieties of orchids. Sela Top Pass, which remains covered with snow throughout the year, is the major route to get to Tawang.

Tourist places in Tawang: Hot water springs – Pankang Teng Tso Lake – Sangeshar Lake – Sela Pass – Tawang Galden Namgyal Lhatse

5. Ooty: 

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.

6. Mahabaleshwar:

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.

7. Darjeeling:

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.

8. Ponmudi, Kerala:

 The hill station which gives a sneak preview of the ocean is a half day’s drive from Kovalam.

The gaping climb encounters you with loaded clove, rubber and cashew plantations. During the drive you will also stumble upon dense bamboo and teak forests situated across the mesmerizing rivers and the many tea plantations which adorn the misty mountain peaks.

9. Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep:

The 8 km long island is just 550 m wide long and surrounded by lagoon, Kadmat is the perfect destination to seek solitude. The lagoons provide an ideal center for water sports.

The sandy beach, coral reef and astounding variety of flora and fauna make it a paradise for nature trails.

The best place to stay here would be the Kadmat Island resort which also offers a six-day Marine Wealth Awareness Program tour of the island. One can even indulge in various water sports like kayaking, yachting, boating and skiing.

10. Corbett National Park, Uttaranchal:

Inhabiting varied species in their spellbinding landscape, Corbett distinguishes itself as being the first national park in Mainland Asia.

Offering activities apart from just nature trekking, Corbett encloses the rich cultural and historical heritage of India.

With its long history in conservation, the park continues to progress in its effort of preserving wildlife and conserving natural heritage.

The park remains open from November 15 to June 15.