While most think that a sure shot way to stay alive through the Indian summers is a sunscreen, a top hat and lots of water, there is one more thing that you can try to stay cool. A higher altitude! With temperatures soaring well beyond 40 degrees, who can say no to exploring beyond the staple vacation spots with a cool breeze and quite environment? Here’s 10 places to visit in April in India that you can choose from to make that summer vacation memorable.
1. Auli, The ski capital of Uttarakhand
One of the most adventurous and yet safe part of the Himalayan Ski circuit, Auli is known still one of the lesser marvels on Devbhoomi, Uttarakhand. April is one the most comfortable months to visit here, for the temperatures range from 7-17 degrees. The lush conifers surrounding this snowy paradise make for the perfect view. Many easy single day trek options are also available. Auli is one of the unforgettable and offbeat summer locations in India that must figure in your bucket list.
2. Pachmarhi: The only hill-station in Madhya Pradesh
With the Satpura Tiger Reserve close-by, Panchmarhi is one of the most serene spots in the heart of the country. The only hill station in Madhya Pradesh is flanked on all sides by the majestic Satpura range and dotted with beautiful 10,000 year old man-made cave shelters, dense sal forests and bamboo thickets. The cool and calm environs all around the year make Panchmarhi the top pick for summers.
3. Mon, Nagaland: With the tribals
Mon is frequented usually in the first week of April, when people witness the Aoleang festival of the Konyak Nagas. A vibrant mix of modern and traditional, the festival is celebrated as the beginning of the new year with the spring season, after sowing seeds for the first crop of the year. Traditional dances, music and games are showcased, with the added aim of spreading peace and cultural harmony among the tribes. The rare head hunter and tattooed Nagas are seen in great numbers during this time.
4. Sarahan, Himachal Pradesh: Serenity Now!
The Bhimakali Temple, one of 51 shaktipeethas (the consecrated sites of worship of the chief female deity, Sati) is located in Sarahan and attracts pilgrims around the year. Sarahan is seated deep into the lap of lush mountain scenery and is the perfect summer retreat. With the Bird Park that is the only breeding ground for pheasants in the state and home to the state bird, the monal. The Pandava Cave, where the mythological five brothers of the Hindu epic Mahabharata are said to have trekked also finds home in Sarahan.
5. Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep: Among the most exotic islands in India
Travellers to Kadmat feel blessed to witness natural beauty so exquisite, that it could only be nothing lesser than paradise. Located atop a coral reef, Kadmat is a tiny island, spread over just 3.12 square kilometres, but explored best through water activities like diving, snorkeling and swimming. The simplicity of the island speaks for itself, since there is little to no human interference in the natural beauty, and precautions are taken by the natives to keep one of the most beautiful islands at Lakshadweep, clean and as naturally preserved as possible.
6. Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu: The southernmost tip of mainland India
Kanyakumari is what one would call the land of hidden wonders. While most of the tourists here are on a pilgrimage to the shaktipeetha here, the Kanyakumari Temple, many also come to see if the sparkling diamond nose ring of the female deity, is actually visible from the sea, as the word goes around it does. Also found here is the Gandhi Memorial, constructed for public viewing of the Mahatma’s ashes before their immersion. The Memorial is constructed with such finesse, that on 2nd October, the birth anniversary of Gandhi, the first rays of the day fall on the memorial. Also worth seeing is the Dhyana Mandalam, where Swami Vivekananda meditated for 3 days and is also open to the general public, and a statue 133m of the famous Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar. Be sure to read up and have your travelogue full with experiences when you visit Kanyakumari.
7. Darjeeling, West Bengal: Gorgeous sunrises
The black tea capital of India, Darjeeling is known for its sprawling tea plantations, Gothic architecture and local beer made from fermented finger millet. Darjeeling is where you can go for long leisurely walks and come back with an uplifted olfactory system and millions of memories. The Peace Pagoda built here is one of the most frequented spots by those inclined towards learning more about Buddhism. One of the most loved experiences of frequent travelers here, is to watch the sun rise on the Kanchenjunga from the Tiger Hill.
8. Wayanad, Misty Hills in Kerala
Misty hills and a lush green cover cloaking these hills, Wayanad is truly a trip for the senses. Kerala is a major producer of aromatic products like cardamom, vanilla, coffee and tea, and a leisure walk through plantations of these is enough to transport you to a nether realm. Wayanad is known to be home to the oldest traced tribes who practice age old customs and lead a nomadic life. Wayanad is your perfect detox from the overwhelming urban life, it is a vacation fit for gods.
9. Kalimpong, West Bengal
The striking contrast of the pristine Himalayas and the evergreen alpines is what strikes a first time traveler in Kalimpong. River Teesta provides adventurers with the option of rowing downriver during the rapids. Those who are more into a relaxed and laid back vacation can take a stroll among the fragrant cardamom and cinnamon plantations (talk about natural aromatherapy!) or feast their eyes on the acacia, bamboo and orchid fields. Roads lined with sunflowers and poinsettias, and the city itself considered as an ecological hotspot, don’t be surprised if you spot rarities like the red panda, asiatic black bear, and the pangolin here.
10. Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
Located in the world renowned Nilgiris, Coonoor is popular among those who want to enjoy nature’s bounty but without the overflowing tourists. Sim’s Park, a botanical garden in the city frequented most by locals and those visiting Coonoor, hosts an annual Fruit Show in the summers. The Dolphin’s Nose Point, a one of a kind view point, provides a panoramic view of the mesmerising Nilgiri Hills and the Catherine Falls. Trekking trails leading out of the town are also taken by those who love exploring nature in serenity.
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