Beat the Heat with These 6 Summer Retreats

“Summer vacation” – ah, these two words always elicit an exciting emotion in us, no matter how old we get. It’s the summer of 2022, and this is the time to make up for all the travel you missed out on in the last two years.

A fun solo trip or one with friends/family to a tranquil destination sounds like a good idea, doesn’t it? Then, here are the six best trails to beat the summer heat. Take a look –

1. Turtuk, Ladakh

Sandwiched between the Karakoram range and the Himalayan mountains, Turtuk is located in the Nubra Valley, around 200 kilometres from Leh. This rustic village was under Pakistan’s control until the war of 1971. If you want to get away from the crowded city life, this is the place to be. There are a few homestays and guest houses where you can stay during your trip. 

Places of interest: Turtuk Old Mosque, Diskit Monastery, Khardung La Pass, and Hunder.

Nearest Airport: Kushok Bakula Leh Airport 

Ooty -- summer destination2. Ooty, Tamil Nadu

Ooty is a quaint, little resort town situated in Tamil Nadu. It is surrounded by beautiful mountains and lush green forests, making it every nature lover’s paradise. Officially known as Udhagamandalam, Ooty is famous for its tea plantations, waterfalls, and lakes. 

Places of interest: Pykara Falls, Pykara Lake, Doddabetta Peak, and Rose Garden. 

Nearest Airport: Coimbatore Airport 

3. Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh

When it comes to beating the heat, Himachal Pradesh has to be on everyone’s summer travel bucket list. Sirmaur is a peaceful hill station with a lot of religious sites, including the holy Paonta Sahib. The district cultivates the finest peaches in the country. It’s a great place for a workcation. 

Places of interest: Renuka Lake, Churdhar Peak and Maa Bala Sundari Temple.

Nearest Airport: Dehradun Airport 

4. Jawhar, Maharashtra

A tiny hill station situated in the Sahyadri mountain range in Maharashtra, Jawhar is known for its scenic beauty. This one’s for the Mumbaikars who are tired of going to Lonavala or Alibaug for their weekend getaways. Jawhar is only about 130 kilometres away from Mumbai. It’d be a summer to remember in this isolated yet beautiful town which is untouched by crowds. 

Places of interest: Jai Vilas Palace, Dabhosa Waterfalls, Kal Mandavi Waterfall and Sunset Point.

Nearest Airport: Nasik Airport 

Kadmat Island 5. Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep

Also known as Cardamom Island, Kadmat is a beautiful haven that belongs to the Amindivi subgroup of islands in the Lakshadweep. It is home to white sand beaches and gorgeous blue lagoons. If you are an adventure enthusiast, you must try snorkelling and scuba diving here. Kadmat Island is an amazing alternative to the Maldives and other mainstream beach destinations.

Places of interest: Kadmat Beach and Golden Jubilee Museum.

Nearest Airport: Agatti Airport 

6. Mawlynnong, Meghalaya

A rejuvenating trip to Northeast India is just what you need in the summers. The cleanest village in Asia, Mawlynnong is rightly called “God’s Own Garden”. It is inhabited by the Khasi tribe, a matrilineal society of Meghalaya. It’s a serene village perfect for an idyllic vacation. Apart from the pleasant weather, the amicable nature of the locals is sure to impress you. 

Places of interest: Jingmaham Living Root Bridges, Sky View Point and Mawlynnong Waterfall.

Nearest Airport: Shillong Airport 

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