Top Places to Visit in India in June and July

India is a land of natural heritage and astounding scenic beauty. With uncountable hill-tops worth visiting, it offers ample choices for a cool summer holiday. June and July are the hot months of the year when visitors from India and all across the globe start to hunt for vacation spots those can present some respite from scorching heat. All the mountain regions get flooded with vacationers hopping in from all the directions. But who wants to visit a crowded place?

If you are looking for summer getaways, which are beautiful, have beautiful weather and most importantly, are less crowded, here are our suggestions on top places to visit in India in June and July:

Narkanda - Himachal Pradesh

Almost all the vacationers head towards the usual choices for hill vacations located in Himachal Pradesh, like Shimla, Kullu Manali, Nainital etc. Here we talk about the less visited spot in Himachal, which offers breathtaking views of snow laden peaks, that is Narkanda. Located at an altitude of 2708 meters, at a 65kms drive from Shimla through Hindustan Tibet Road a.k.a NH -22, this serene place is perfect for a quiet summer escape.

Image Courtsey: www.indien-reise.com

Binsar- Uttarakhand

One of the untouched spots by heaps of tourists, away from maddening crowds of popular hill-stations, Binsar makes an idealistic location to unwind and revitalize. It is located at the height of 2,240 meters from sea level. The spellbinding views of mountains like Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, Trishul and Panchchuli are the highlights of this summer spot. Not only is the scenic splendor, Binsar also rich in historical heritage as it served as the capital of the region during the reign of Chand Rajas in 7th and 8th Centuries. It is situated at a comfortable drive of 95kms from Nainital and 33kms from Almora. Popular hospitality giants such as Club Mahindra and KMNV Bunglow have made their choice for laying down their resorts in Binsar, hence, a comfortable stay is not at all a problem.  

Gulmarg - Jammu & Kashmir

Oh yes! The Kashmir valley is all set to invite the vacationers again to its beautiful lap. Just the thought of Kashmir brings the soft silky meadows and high rise snow laden peaks in front of the eyes. Gulmarg, the name itself is enough to relax the senses. A long-established summer spot more than perfect for a chilly vacation! Besides the scenic beauty, it also offers loads of adventure activities to make the holiday a thrilling treat. Horse riding, hiking, a golf game, cable car riding to Khilanmarg are the not-to-be-missed offerings. Approximately 50kms form Srinagar; Gulmarg has no dearth of stay options with numerous hotels and resorts on its palette. 

Lansdowne – Uttarakhand

Well, if you are short on time and looking for a quick break, Landsdowne is the place for you! Cool, quiet, away from chaos, breathtakingly beautiful and very easy drive from Delhi airport! Surrounded by thick oak and blue alpine trees, Landsdowne is not at all a bust place. It doesn’t offer a lot of thrilling activities. It is the place for people who are willing to spend some time in seclusion amidst spectacular natural exquisiteness. Long walks, reading and connecting with self is all you do when you are in this tranquil land. It is easily accessible at a distance of approximately 300kms from Delhi. If you wish to travel by train, nearest railway station is Kotdwara, 45kms away from the place. 

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Meghalaya

Rains; another relief from sultry towns! And you get them in abundance in Meghalaya. Aptly called the “Abode of Clouds”, this wet land is situated in north-east region of India. For very obvious reasons it attracts tourists round the year. It is laced with historic wealth and cascading waterfalls. Shillong is capital city of Meghalaya and it is another popular and a must place to visit in June and July. Cherrapunji receives the highest rains in the year and is worth a visit to feel the rain showers to the heart’s content. Do not miss the Ward Lake when you are visitng Meghalaya. 

Munnar - Kerala

As the plains start to burn under sun in June, Munnar is one of the destinations that experience the arrival of rains. To relish a magnificent sight of blue hills engulfed in white mist, plan a holiday to this heaven in Kerala, in the Southern part of India! Lush green hills and sweeping views of tea plantations create picture perfect scenery for the eyes to soak in. Location wise it is at 1600 meters above the sea level and is very close to Tamil Nadu Border, 130kms away from Kochi.

Image Courtsey: www.naturalhighsafaris.com

Sikkim

Last but not the least of our choices is Sikkim. Sitting peacefully in the foothills of Kanchenjunga, this thumb-shaped land is a North Eastern state of India. Popular for Buddhist monasteries, pristine lakes, garrulous streams and hot water springs, Sikkim is a fabulous place to visit in India in the months of June and July. The famous attractions that you can visit in Sikkim are Gangtok which is also the capital city, Borong Ralong Hot Spring, Nathula Pass, Tsomgo Lake, Enchey Monastery and Bakthang Waterfalls. 

So these were our endearing choices on places to visit in India in June and July, which offer a calming vacation allowing you to experience the actual essence of a much needed break. Plan a holiday to one of these, and you wouldn’t be disappointed.

Hush…The Seven Sisters Are Calling!

The north-eastern region of India is the deific abode of the stunning seven sisters i.e. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. As it is amongst the most secluded corners of the country, the beauty still remains unspoiled and charismatic sans the touch of modernization. The only willowy corridor, to enter this territory is Siliguri (approximately around 30Kms wide).

Beside Assam and Tripura, the region has a predominantly tribal population where you can get to see a perfect blend of multiple cultures, religions and languages. For instance, Tibeto-Burman, Mongolian and Austro-Asiatic cultures and beliefs including Christianity and Hinduism are a good mix. Mother Nature provides all the means of support to this Utopian population. No doubt, your trip will remain incomplete, if you miss the chance to have a glimpse of these distinct kinfolks.

Image Courtesy: www.thrillophilia.com

The gorgeous fauna world of the North-East is another attraction for the visitors. The sub-tropical climate in consort with copious rains, are the primary contributors of its thriving wildernesses. The land has myriad of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries for the wildlife lovers. The rainforests of this province have the best of ecological diversity, accumulating an array of miscellaneous mammals including One Horned Rhinoceros, Elephants, Tigers, Leopards and many more. Besides mammals various reptiles and numerous species of birds like Indian Horn-Bill, Stork and Adjutants can also be found here. If lucky enough, you might get a chance to discover some new species of creature, or a plant or creepy-crawly, and naming them as per your choice! Sounding interesting, isn’t it?

The overwhelming valleys of the vast Brahmaputra River not only make the beholder spellbound at first glance, but also drives him to nostalgic junctions. The whole sail on the mighty water course allows the traveler to unwind all the hustle and bustles of life by settling an invisible bond between man and nature.

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The adventure aficionados do not fret. This North-Eastern region definitely has something to offer you as well. The fast speed of running water of this river upstream gives a chance to the water sports lovers to explore the natural path of rivers, through the jungles and rocky territories of Himalayas. Experience the thrill to be in the raft, flowing fast through the curves and twist of Brahmaputra.
Not to forget, to relish the sips of the best teas of the world at the Tea-Gardens of Assam. What could be more relaxing than sitting with a refreshing cup of tea and gazing at the surrounding serenity?

The Seven Sisters offer a vivid range of souvenir to the tourists, extending from different home décor fixture to an exclusive piece of dress material. Mat-making and basketry are among the most ancient of crafts of this province. Kouna craft or products made from water reed grass from Manipur, are the must-buys. Invest in these light-weight; reasonably priced and eco-friendly products. Manipuri woollen shawls are also a chic statement. The fully knitted cane sofa sets, Naga warrior spears as wall decorations and shawls are the keepsakes from Nagaland.  Tripura is popular for cane, bamboo and wood crafts including bamboo baskets, screens, rolling mats etc.  Assam offers a plethora of ‘Muga’ and silk sarees, woven ‘Modas’ or garden furniture, masks or ‘Mukhas’, metal crafts, toys, mats and a bamboo and cane decorative items, the wooden one-horned rhino and many more. Meghalaya, known as the `Scotland of the East', is popular for basketry waving from bamboo, and many cane crafted fixtures. The pen stand or luta as well as the light green decorated tray sets and Tiffin Boxes made from bamboo, dry flowers are impressive. Do not miss to bag the nice designer cloth-woven ethnic bags and eye-catching caps from Mizoram. Monpa cloth bag, traditional weapons/ knives, bamboo bangles and ear ornament, bead jewelry, Sherdukpen shawls, Apatani jackets and scarves, Adi skirts, jackets and bags, Mishmi shawls etc. are the best bargains from Arunachal Pradesh.

Image Courtesy: www.harekrsna.com

Enchanting beauties, rapids and rivers, tribal people, excellent flora and fauna and brilliant collection of keepsakes; a call from “The Seven Sisters,” is something worth attending!