With the mercury level rising everywhere in India and the children’s vacations just around the corner, everyone is searching for cooler climes for their annual summer retreat. The hills offer a seductive combination of crisp mountain air, idyllic surroundings and outdoor activities. My Kolkata suggests top four destinations to soak in that quintessential mountain experience.
Manali, Himachal Pradesh - The Land of Contrasts
Nestled amidst the lofty Himalayan mountains, Manali makes for the perfect summer retreat. It is renowned for its stunning vistas, snow-capped mountains and lush forests dotted with pine, oak, and deodar trees. A 5 to 6-day trip is ideal for soaking in the vibe of this beautiful town.
All graphics by Arif Hossain Mondal
Reasons to visit
- History & Architecture: For history buffs and architecture enthusiasts, a visit to Naggar Castle and Hidimba Temple is a must-do. For those seeking tranquility and spiritual awakening, a trip to the Nyingmapa Monastery is recommended.
- Shopping: If you love handicraft, visit one of the many factories where the famous Kullu shawls are made. You can buy beautiful handwoven shawls and stoles there.
- Adventure: You can indulge in adrenaline-pumping activities like paragliding in Solang, 15km from Manali and river rafting in the Beas.
Day-trip options
- Kasol: About 2 hours from Manali lies the picturesque town of Kasol. Dotted with cosy cafes and restaurants, you can spend a day walking around this pretty town.
- Solang Valley: Located around 30 minutes from Manali, Solang Valley is a popular place for adventure sports. From paragliding in the summers to skiing and snow scooters in the winters, kids and adults can have a great time here.
Places to stay
Manali has a fine blend of homestays, luxury hotels, and camping options. The Waterhouse and Raison D’etre have the perfect trappings of a luxurious homestay. For a luxurious stay, you can look at The Himalayan and The Anantmaya Resort. And for those of you on a shoe-string budget, Zostel and Madpackers make for a comfortable stay in a commune environment.
Places to eat
Manali offers lip-smacking delicacies. Eateries have not only excellent food but also gorgeous views and soulful ambience. For Italian and Continental cuisine, Renaissance Manali and Mount View are great options. If you are in the mood for some fresh trout, head straight to Johnson’s Cafe. For a quick cup of coffee and delicious desserts, there is no place better than Dylan’s Toasted And Roasted Coffee House.
McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh - The Abode of Dalai Lama
Oft called Little Lhasa, McLeod Ganj is a quaint suburb of Dharamshala, which is one of the oldest Tibetan settlements. Nestled amidst cedar and pine forests with gorgeous views of the Dhauladhar range, McLeod Ganj offers myriad activities and places to see. Set aside at least four days to see this picturesque town.
Reasons to visit
- History & Architecture: For history buffs and architecture enthusiasts, a visit to St John’s Church is highly recommended. Built in 1852, it is set in a neo-Gothic style. The Dalai Lama’s temple in the heart of McLeod Ganj is another must-do. It houses the golden statue of Buddha. Whilst here, visit the Tibetan Museum to learn more about Tibetan culture and history.
- Shopping: McLeod Ganj market is bustling with street shopping. From woollen caps, sweaters, and shawls to Tibetan artifacts and semi-precious stones and jewellery, you will find it all here. Be sure to bargain here.
- Adventure: You can indulge in adrenaline-filled activities like paragliding, trekking and nature walks. Bhagsu waterfalls, Triund and Dharamkot are the best places for these activities.
Day-trip options
- Dharamshala: About 30 minutes from McLeodganj lies the winter capital of Himachal Pradesh. A trip to Norbulingka Institute where you can see Tibetan culture through its varied arts is recommended.
- Palampur: About 2 hours from McLeodganj lies the small hilly town of Palampur. Whilst here, visit the Wah Tea Estate, Kangra Fort, Andretta pottery village and Shobha Singh Art Gallery.
- Triund: One of the best trekking trails in India, Triund is about 9km from McLeodganj. It is an easy day trek that starts from Tushita road and takes you up the ridge to 9,000ft with the snow-capped Dhauladhar mountains on one side and the Kangra valley on the other.
Places to stay
McLeod Ganj has a wide option of accommodation. If you want to avoid the town’s hustle and bustle, The Cocoon in Dharamkot is a treasure hidden amidst pine trees. For a luxurious holiday, Hyatt Regency is a great option. Chonor House in the main market is another brilliant hotel with traditional Tibetan aesthetics. For the budget traveller, Zostel Dharamkot, Turkish Cottage, and The Nest make for a comfortable stay.
Places to eat
McLeod Ganj is a foodie’s paradise. The Horse Shoe Cafe, Clay Oven, and Tibet Kitchen offer authentic Chinese and Tibetan cuisine. Try out Jimmy's Italian Kitchen and Nick's Italian Kitchen for Italian fare. Shiva's Cafe is another crowd favourite, popular not only for its food but also for its location, being right next to a waterfall.
Munnar, Kerala - God’s Own (Tea) Town
The misty hills of Munnar, with lush green tea gardens and an azure sky with lofty clouds, is an idyllic holiday destination, especially during the summer. With tea plucking, nature walks, and several waterfalls and picnic spots, this emerald-green town is a paradise on earth.
Reasons to visit
- Wildlife: A visit to Erivakulam National Park is one of the main draws to this town. A Unesco World Heritage Site, it is home to the Nilgiri tahr, an endangered species of wild goat. It also has the famous Anamudi Peak, the highest peak in Southern India.
- Shopping: For all tea lovers, Munnar is manna from heaven. With tea gardens dotting this picturesque town, you can find a lot of different varieties of tea to take back home.
- Tea factories: Munnar has several tea factories where you can watch the whole process of tea making and maybe a part of the tea-making process too. Lockhart Tea Factory is one of the popular ones, with a small museum and tea-tasting option.
- Waterfalls galore: Munnar is surrounded by waterfalls, but the main attraction is Attukad waterfalls. The furiously gushing cascade of untamed water is a sight to behold. Cheeyapara Falls and Valara Falls are the other popular falls worth a visit.
Places to stay
Munnar has many places you can relax and rejuvenate, from small homestays and boutique resorts to beautiful retreats. Elixir Hills and Mountain Club Resort have luxurious accommodations, while Mistletoe Munnar and Talyar Valley Bungalow are boutique homestays for larger families. Munnar Homestay and The Hosteller Munnar are budget hotels that offer a comfortable stay.
Places to eat
This tiny hill station has cosy cafes and restaurants serving delectable local cuisine. Saravana Bhavan is one of the top choices for South Indian fare. Cafe Tea Tales has amazing pasta and burgers for those looking for junk food. Kairali Thali at the Kerala Traditional Homely Food is not to be missed.
Binsar, Uttarakhand - A Birder’s Paradise
Binsar, the erstwhile summer capital of the Chand Dynasty, is a serene hamlet nestled amid the majestic Kumaon hills. It is a haven for natural beauty with a wide variety of birds and flora. It offers great hiking trails, temples, and scenic surroundings that will take your breath away. A 4-day trip to this quaint town is enough to rejuvenate you from within.
Reasons to visit
- Natural beauty: Binsar is renowned for its stunning vistas. Experience nature at its best at the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. Engulfed with oak, pine and beautiful rhododendron trees, it is a natural bird habitat. You can spot about 250 species of birds here. Many guided bird watching walks are conducted here at an affordable price. Whilst at the sanctuary, make it to Zero Point to see the majestic Nanda Devi panorama in all its glory.
- Temples: Binsar and its surrounding villages have many temples worth visiting, not only for the religious aspect but also for the view and the architecture. Kasar Devi Temple is the most revered one in this area. Swami Vivekananda is believed to have meditated there in the 19th century. Other popular temples worth visiting include Chitai Golu Devta Temple and Bineshwar Mahadev Temple. The serenity and calm that you will experience is unparalleled.
- Shopping: Binsar is dotted with rhododendron flowers, which make for a delicious juice. A perfect summer drink, you can pick it up from any local store along the way. You can also find organic soaps and oils made by locals. SOS Organics and Himjoli are some of the popular brands.
Day-trip options
- Kasar: The charming town of Kasar is about an hour from Binsar. It is one of the three places in the world which are affected by the Van Allen’s Belt. Thus, the town of Kasar has a cosmic energy that gives positive vibes. Must-see attractions include Kasar Devi Temple, Patal Devi Temple, Swami Vivekananda House and bird-watching guided tours.
- Nainital: A popular tourist destination, Nainital is about 3 hours from Binsar. Here you can have fun boating on Naini Lake, visit the Tibetan market for some street shopping and delicious momos and soup, and spend time at the Nainital Zoo, home to several endangered species.
Places to stay
Binsar offers varied staying options. For those looking for luxury amid the mountains, Nine Furlongs, Writer’s Bungalow and Mary Budden Estate are the best choices. They have retained the old-world charm while offering all modern amenities. If you are looking for affordable options, Mohan’s Binsar Retreat, Kasar Rainbow Retreat, and Mountain Resort Khali Estate are worth the money with impeccable hospitality.
Places to eat
Sample the best Kumaoni food at The Acorn and Bird Song. For some delicious Continental and Chinese, eat at Rainbow Cafe. The view from the cafe is unbeatable. For a quick bite, try The Good Life Cafe.
