Top 5 Places to Visit in Year 2015

Are you wondering which are your best bet for the next holiday destinations in India?

Being a traveler and a nature lover, I have experience some really amazing and exquisite views in India. Few of those are not very popular but when it comes to a peaceful, calm and relaxing place that can rejuvenate your soul, I bet these places are the best ones!

Some of these are very apt for biking experience and some of these places has its own beauty in terms of culture, season, history and natural beauty.

This list of some popular and some off the beaten path tourist places in India. I hope this blogpost helps you plan some unforgettable summer vacations in India whether it’s a family break, a get together of friends, escape from your corporate existence or a romantic getaway  and honeymoon trip.

So without further digressions, we move on to our list of  the best summer holiday destinations in India to help you choose and plan your vacation!

Top Places to go for Summer Holiday in India

1. Ladakh

2. Sikkim

3. Bhutan

4. Tawang

5. Darjeeling

Ladakh: Adventure, Romance & Buddhism

Fondly referred to as the "Little Tibet", Ladakh is no more the India's best kept secret when it comes to tourism and one of the finest places for summer holidays in North India. This high altitude cold desert in India is a once in a lifetime experience.

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.

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 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.

Pangong Tso is one of the most prominent tourist places in Ladakh

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.

Sikkim: Family, Adventure and Honeymoon Destination

Rumtek is one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries in North East India

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.

Gurudongmar Lake in Sikkim is one of the top tourist destinations in North East 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 Kanchendzonga peak.

A view of Kunchendzonga in the morning from Sikkim

Gurudwara Nanak Lama Sahib

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.

For adventure lover, rowing down the Teesta River in rapids varying from grade 1 to 4 offers an adrenaline pumping experience. For more pro rafters, the extreme rapids of Rangeet River that flows through Sikkim and Kalimpong offers challenging stretches of rapids.

If you like to soar like an eagle, then visit Sikkim in the month of October and November which is the ideal time for paragliding in Sikkim. Bright sunny sky and favorable weather makes it ideal time for paragliding and it is also when the annual paragliding festival is held in Gangtok, capital city of Sikkim.

For religious and cultural interactions, one could visit Rumtek Monastery, one of the most important centers of Tibetan Buddhism and a repository of ancient and medieval artifacts. Rumtek Monastery also happens to be the official seat of the Karmapa Lama. Yet another important place to study Tibetan Buddhism is the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology in Gangtok.

Bhutan: For Adventure, Culture & Nature

Bhutan, the last Shangri La is the sole surviving Himalayan Buddhist Kingdom

Well not exactly in India but still it could be reached by road only from India and the fact that Indian National do not need to pay $250 daily tourism fee or get the visa, we couldn't resist but add this as one of the best places for summer holidays in India. Even if you are a foreign national, you would love to read on!

Wedged between India and China, Bhutan is remote and pristine destination where the ancient Buddhist tradition is still preserved.  Held separate by the formidable mountains, this Himalayan Kingdom also referred to as the ‘last Shangri La’ is perhaps the only country where developed is measured not by GDP but Gross Domestic Happiness.

Tourism in Bhutan is unique and the Bhutanese pride themselves on a sustainable, eco-friendly approach

Druk Yul, ‘the land of thunder dragon’ as it is locally referred to, the essence of Bhutan lies in its traditions, Buddhist culture, unspoiled landscapes and absence of ‘crowd’ tourism. It is also one of few last places in the world where Tantric Tibetan Buddhism, with temples of florid and lamas in maroon robes chanting to ancient instruments still survives intact.

Tourism in Bhutan is strictly regulated with government’s emphasis on “High Value, Low Impact Tourism.” 

There’s a hefty daily package for tourist (except from India, Bangladesh and Maldives) and the tourist visas must be initialized by a government authorized tour operator in Bhutan.

Things to do in Bhutan

Taktsang Palphug Monastery in Paro, also known as the Tiger's Nest is a prominent Himalayan Buddhist sacred site and temple complex

One of the positive impacts of tourism policy of this Himalayan Kingdom is the visitor's ability to plan tailor made their tour to Bhutan. Tour themes in Bhutan could be easily segregated as 1) history and culture, 2) trekking or 3) nature tours in the most protected and pristine surroundings in the Himalayas.

Must visit places for a complete cultural experience of Bhutan are Punakha, Thimpu, Dochu La Pass, Gangtey, Wangdi Phodrang, Trongsa and spectacular Dzongs & monasteries.

Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh: Adventure & Spirituality

Lake near Tawang

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

Fairs & festivals: The most celebrated festival of Tawang is ‘The Losar’, the famous Tibetan Buddhist festival, which took place in the months of February/March.

Travel Tips: Tawang is a restricted area. Foreign nationals need inner line permits to visit this hill station and permits are available from major cities such as Delhi, Guwahati and Kolkata.

Souvenir/Shopping: One can purchase local and traditional handicrafts for taking back home as souvenir.

Best time to visit Tawang is from April till October. Be prepared for incessant rains if you are traveling here after the arrival of monsoon in India.

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.

So, what are you waiting for, pick a place, pack your bagpack, put on your hiking and water boots, get your gears tuned up and Ready, Set ... Go!!!! I hope this was useful for some of you.
Stay Safe, Travel More!
SaNj

Rambling in Rajasthan – Part I

Kahlil Gibran once wrote: “Your reason and your passion are your rudder and sails of your seafaring soul. If either be broken, you could but toss and drift or else be held at a standstill amid seas. For reason, running alone is a force confining. And passion, unattended, is a flame that burns to its own destruction.”

This ride was something like that. A lot of changes were in process. KD had recently won award for his photography; Nitin was taking a big step and getting married in next 20 days and I was planning to change city. The most important fact was – it was the first official ride for ‘Adventitious Riders’.

This trip was scheduled and then rescheduled about 3 times after which the date was finalized to 14^th March 2014. I confirmed my presence at the last moment as I had just come out of a week long hospitalization!

Destination and Route: Delhi à GurgaonàJaipur àAjmer àMount Abu àUdaipur àHome. A 1600kms ride in 4 days.

Riders: KD Singh Chauhan, Nitin Rawal, SaNj and Ravindra Chaudhary.

 

From Rt. to Lt. SaNj, Ravi, Nitin and KD

Voyage commence: The meeting point was my previous company’s parking lot where we gathered at 1630 hrs on 14^th March. We started the journey at 1700 hrs. Everyone was super excited about this ride. This was also the bachelor ride/party to Nitin. We started riding along with the sun and progressed as it sank down. We reached Neemrana at around 2000hrs and took our first halt. After riding almost 200kms we reached a place 20kms before Jaipur city. It was already dark and heat began to drench the energy out of us. We decided to call it a day and spent the night at a road-side dhabha – ‘Padharo Sa’ i.e. ‘You are most Welcome’ in Rajasthani native language. The rooms were not much of a delight but we arranged some Charpai’s and drinks to make the evening affable. We were celebrating reunion, a new life to start, riding the road together and friendship. We drank till 0200 hrs and slept afterwards.

jour suivant: (15^th March) we resumed our ride at around 0800 hrs in the morning. It was fresh, breezy and shiny. The excitement was only rising up. Next destination was Ajmer via Jaipur city. Although, the gang was having a colossal fun on the road, traveling in hot Rajasthan ain’t that easy as compared to our previous riders (Leh-Ladakh, Keylong, Dhanaulti and Manali). We rode in the sun mocking the heat and stranded roadside. The highway is newly built/repaired, the traffic was minimal and weather was favorable (so far). On the way we came across very funny names of localities for e.g. Dudu. :D  We reached Ajmer around at around 1200 noon. We were hungry, thirsty and tired. The dehydration was actually killing us as by then the temperature got really hot! The best part of travelling is that it compels you to rely on the kindness of strangers. We had our brunch at ‘Rasoi’ at Ajmer city. It’s nearby to Ajmer Sharif and Railway Station. The place was really interesting in terms of design and outlook. It was designed like a metro train or airplane. The food was scrumptious and relieving. We rested nearly for 2hrs before we headed towards out next destination – Mount Abu. Around 2000 hrs we reached Sirohi which is 80kms before Mt. Abu. The mountains and valleys were visible now. We planned to resume the journey early morning so that we can enjoy the Sunrise and pleasant weather. We checked in to a hotel called ‘Atul Residency’ adjacent to the highway. Still coming out of awful sickness I decided to stay at the hotel whereas the other riders decided to take a walk to the closest restaurant for dinner which was my first mistake (these nutbags teased me about that food on the whole ride afterwards).

Voila Mt. Abu: (16^th March) next morning we woke up early at 0600hrs. It was a little frosty and windy. By the time I got off my bed, our 2 photographers had already climbed to the top roof of the hotel seeking to capture the sunrise which was a difficult shot from behind the mountains which delayed the visibility. We headed towards Mount Abu with the wind blowing along with us, the sunrays rays were making a mirage on the road, and the mountains on the either side of the road made everything no less than a scenic landscape. The ride was so awesome that it freed our minds of all those other pressures and challenges we face every day. Passing each other on the highway, doing some road stunts and mocking each other, it was a joyful ride.

We stopped at a roadside eatery named ‘Arbuda’. The word Arbuda is taken from the range of mountains in epic Mahabharata. There were remains of an old vintage Volkswagen displayed as memento, wild rabbits hopping in the park and beautiful scenery of mountains just added to the charm. We had a delicious and extravagant breakfast before we headed to Mt. Abu.

Just about 1300hrs we checked in to Mount Abu. The last 15-20 kilometers were curly, snakey and hot! Mount Abu was super duper busy and packed. Finally after checking almost every possible hotel and guesthouse we checked into a guesthouse; the boys planned for a little hiking to the nearby hill and enjoy some drinks. I decided to save some fuel within me for the next activity in the sundown and took a short nap.

1700 hrs – we headed to the well-known Sunset point. As we reached, we were surprised to see that almost 2000+ people had arrived to witness the sunset. There were many stands to watch the sunset but as usual, KD decided to take the shots from a better point which was another hiking into the jungle. Crawling our way into the wild and climbing the giant graphite rocks we finally reached a point from where we could see the complete horizon and west side of the city. KD and Nitin both took out their cameras whereas I and Ravi relaxed a little. In next 2 minutes it started to sink down.

A large drop of sun lingered on the horizon and then dripped over and was gone, and the sky was brilliant over the spot where it had gone, and a torn cloud, like a bloody rag, hung over the spot of its going.

There is so much mystery behind the beauty of a burst of golden light by the sunset. Too difficult to be interpreted and translated clearly, especially when the sunset reflecting the glow surrounding from the beautiful place. We could see the horizon line far away in the valley, while enjoying the sunset. The beauty of the sunset gave the refresher feeling for everyone.

Soon it got dusk, a grapy dusk, a purple dusk over Jujube groves and throny bushes; the sun the color of pressed grapes, slashed with burgundy red, the fields the color of love and mysteries. The dusk crept over the sky from the eastern horizon, and darkness crept over the land from the east. Then emerged that yellowish round light up in the sky with millions of small twinkling stars, the Moon! Lucky us, it was full moon that night and within the 30minutes we witnessed one of the most beautiful sunset and full moon we had ever seen.

We then visited the main market and enjoyed some beautiful snacks. There is ‘Nakki Lake’ which is a beautiful sight to visit. The market was filled with tourists and locals enjoying the joy of Holi. Just at the center of market, firewood (Holika Dahan) was arranged as per the Hindu ritual and Dholi’s were playing Dhol. The music was so catchy that I just could not stop tipping my feet. Shortly, we were starving and looking for some good place to have dinner. Only problem – everyone had their own ideas. For instance, I wanted to have some drinks and eat that Thali that I missed last night. We realized that almost every good hotel was jam-packed and ended up at a Jodhpuri restaurant. The food was just acceptable. We reached our guesthouse and called it a night.

Le meilleur de tous: (17^th March, Mt. Abu – Udaipur – Beawar) Next morning KD, Nitin and Ravi again hiked to the hill to capture the Sunrise. Considering the rocky and thorny culture of Arawali mountain chain, hiking to that mountain wasn't easy at all. On the way my boys found some foot marks and wild excreta of which, our so called 'Wild Adventurer' KD Bhai claimed as Goat shit. :D When they arrived back to the guesthouse, the owner told them that they were probably headed/entered into the Wild Bear territory.

It was time to wrap up and return to our usual routine. We rode to Udaipur then. On the way it became so freaking hot that we had to stop and take some rest under thorny bushes looking for shade. We had great fun on the way. We rode at a speed over 100kmph, shot some videos of the group and enjoyed the beautiful mountains.

When we reached Udaipur, it was already 1600hrs and due to Dhulandi none of the eating places were open. We finally reached to Fatehpur Sagar Lake and enjoyed the beautiful colorful colors among people. We were running short of time so we resumed the ride towards Ajmer. It was around 2000hrs, we were around 60kms before Beawar and Ravi met with a road accident. He skid on the road and injured his knee and palms. Luckily we had the first-aid and helped him on the spot.

It was not making any sense riding so dark in that condition. We had our dinner at a roadside Dhabha and called it a night.

Final Chapter: (18^th March, Beawar to Delhi): offroading Next morning when we woke up, everyone knew that this is it; the city is calling back. We started off at 0630hrs and reached Ajmer at around 1000hrs. We stopped at a roadside Dhabha for breakfast and also took shower under Tube-well. It was fun! We reached Jaipur at around 1400hrs and took our second break. We discussed our experiences over the ride there and enjoyed it over lassi. After Jaipur, the ride got tougher. The traffic was killing and the road was not helping either.

About 120kms before Gurgaon, we encountered a barren, wired and isolated Dessert Sand dune adjacent to the highway. We looked at each other and the next moment we were gearing our bikes into the sand. The one thing missing from this ride was dessert offroading and we were doing it now.

It was a thrilling experience going on a rugged offroading, through the sand dune destroying the plain sand patterns. We shot couple of videos and took some pictures. KD has a sports bike so he did really cool job there.

The sun was sinking fast now; the sky had turned to a clear, purple-tinged grey, but to the west there was a ruby-red glow. We resumed our ride and reached Gurgaon at 1930hrs but the memories of past 4 days are still fresh in our minds. 

We chattered with people, tasted the local cuisine, and captured the celebrations of colorful Holi at Mount Abu. We hiked mountain to capture a beautiful Sunset and Sunrise and also trespassed the Bear territory (by mistake).

We split from here to our destinations. It was time to say goodbye and we knew that next time we gonna meet at Nitin’s wedding on 14^th April then.

I was refreshed, rejuvenated and cleansed after this ride. Adventitious riders had made their first mark on the road after all. I am sure there are many more to come and they will be legendary but till then this is going to be a memorable ride.

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, 'Wow! What a Ride!”

~Hunter S. Thompson