Five Places you must visit in India

Scared of the scorching summer heat and hot winds? Well, summer is just not about heat and sweat; it is about making memories in summer vacation. Summer is all upon us!! With the mercury rising to unprecedented heights everyone looking out for a long getaway, away from the scorching heat of sun and hustle-bustle of the inland-city life. From the Western Ghats to the eastern extents of the Himalayas in the north-eastern states, and from the lofty peaks in the Himalayas to the Blue Mountains and the valleys of Coorg in the south, India has a lot of surprises to help you chill out. Bid adieu to the torturous heat of the sun as the following list reveals the 5 awesome places to visit this summer in India.

1. Coorg, Karnataka
Also known as "The Scotland of India" Coord is located amidst imposing mountains in Karnataka with a perpetually misty landscape, Coorg is the place to be for all nature lovers. Coorg posses a heart-warming expansion of spice and coffee plantations. As far as you can see you will have stretches of green meadows while cool breeze kisses your face. You must home stay to experience the local culture and life style.

Trek to get close to the amiable nature of Coorg. Pushpagiri, Kotebetta, Thadiyandamol and Brahmagiri are some of the places for trekking in Coorg. Raft at the Barapole River or be more adventurous with quad biking amidst the coffee plantations of Coorg for a different vacation. If you are in a mood for serenity and solitude, be at the Valanoor fishing camp. It is located at the backwaters of River Kaveri and has several species of freshwater fish, like, mahaseer, catfish and Eel.

De-stress yourself with the splashes of cold waters from the silvery cascades of Abbey Falls and Iruppu Falls. Nishargadhama, an island at the heart of River Kaveri takes you to an amazing land where herds of deer and elephants move on their mood, grazing soft green grass and peacocks dance to the rhythms of rain.

Pray at the tribal temple of Igguthappa, known for its super powers or visit one of the oldest temples of Coorg, Omkareshwara Temple. This shrine was built in 1820 and is a blend of Islamic and Gothic architectural style.

2. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
No list is complete without the very pristine valley of Manali. Resting amidst two Himalayan Ranges and witness to the gushing streams, Manali is the most popular and favourite summer escape among adventures. Explore the spellbinding natural beauty of the Himalayas trekking at the Hampta Pass. Get chilled with white river rafting on the wild waters of River Beas or shore high in the sky with paragliding and ski on the icy grounds of Rohtang Pass. Roll down the sprawling green hills of Solang Valley for some fun.

Rejuvenate and restore your health bathing at the hot Sulphur springs of the villages of Manikaran and Vashisht. Another way to have a refreshing vacation at Manali is pray your heart out at the ancient shrines of Hidimba, Manu and spin the prayer wheel at the Tibetan Monasteries. Or instead just get high with the music at the quaint cafes at old Manali and look hot with coloured tattoos. Shop at the Tibetan Market and buy the local artefacts, souvenirs, like small prayer wheel, bamboo handicrafts, silver jewellery and the famous hand-woven carpets.

3. Wayanad, Kerala
Wayanad, the green paradise is nestled among the mountains of the Western Ghats, forming the border world of the greener part of Kerala. Clean and pristine, enchanting and hypnotizing, this land is filled with history and culture. Here you can hike at the towering hills of 6900 feet; Chembra Peak bringing the highest trekking spot. Nestled at an altitude of 1740 meters, the Pakshipathalam Caves are deep rock caverns houses some of the rarest flora and fauna of South.

The Banasura Ranges is another exciting trekking destination, dotted with steep slopes, gorges, mountain streams and deep thickets. The Neelimala View Point is a unique trekking spot with the scent of ginger and areca nuts filling the air. The Valley of Clouds, the Kurisumala Peak and the Kalladi Forests are the other hiking and trekking spots of Wayanad.

Cycle through the sprawling tea gardens of Nilgiri, listening to humming of the gardeners; breathing the strong aroma of the coffee plantations and addictive scent of the cardamom plantations; checking out the bamboo arts and crafts of the Uravu bamboo factory, which range from spice boxes, lampshades to rainmakers.

Safari at the wildlife of Wayanad at the Tholpetty wildlife sanctuary. Watch out the cool and large elephants grazing through the swamps, teak and bamboo forests of the protected area. The Muthanga wildlife sanctuary is another place to spot herds of elephants, spotted deer, bison, Malabar squirrels and leopards.

4. Rishikesh, Uttrakhand
Rishikesh is a complete package of fun, excitement and divinity. It is the most tranquil place in the Northern Uttrakhand, surrounded by hills and bisected by the wide and sluggish Ganges. It is an excellent place to meditate and study yoga at the health resorts spread through the city. These yoga centres can transform your stressed life into a life peace and tranquillity; helping you get into a better diet and restore your health.

The Ganga Aarti and the banks of River Ganga is worth watching. The priest worships the holy waters by making offerings. Illuminating the place with oil lamps and singing hymns making the place serene.

Boost your adrenaline with adventure sports like river rafting over River Beas, playing paint balls, bungee jumping from an enormous height of 120 to 160 feet. Flying fox, cliff jumping, air safari, kayaking, hiking, rock climbing, water rappelling are the other activities that brings you close to nature at Rishikesh.

5. Leh-Ladakh. Jammu & Kashmir
Ladakh- The adventure capital of the country, is the destination that has the top three highest mountain passes in the world. This destination has strong links with Buddhism and Tibetan culture. From architecture to cuisine, this city has an Eastern outlook. This is a very famous tourist destination for those who love isolated adventure spot for many outdoor activities that pump adrenaline into the brain. Ladakh is a stretch of null vegetation hills, craggy mountain passes, think snow, monasteries and clear water bodies that usually stands as block ice.

Worship at the multiple Buddhist monasteries, like the Shanti Stupa, Sankar Monastery, Hemis Monastery, Matho Monastery, Lamayuru Monastery, Alchi Monastery and many others.

Trek through the Nubra Valley and Tso Moriri to reach the Hemis National Park; the largest national park in North India and safe shelter for snow leopards. Trekking through Chadar ice-trek over shaky snow bridges, through Markha Valley, Henaskut to Wanla, Lamayuru to Pandum and through the rustic villages of Likerto Khaltse, gives you an insight into the Ladakhi culture and takes you through the spellbinding scenic beauty of the place.

River Raft through the fast rapids of River Indus; popular routes being Hemis – Stakna – Shey – Thiksey – Choglamsar and Alchi – Khaltsey for the more adventurous. Biking through the high passes of Leh-Ladakh is an adrenaline booster. Khardungla Pass is the highest motorable pass in the world, which also takes you to one of the most enchanting lakes of Ladakh, Pangong Tso.

Shop warm and soft pashmina shawls, stoles and woollen garments. You can bring back prayer wheels, Buddhist masks, colorful Thangka paintings and sparkling turquoise jewellery as souvenirs. The Tibetan market, Moti market are the main markets in Leh.

Relish piping hot Thukpa, thick soup with vegetables and delicious momo dipped in homemade sauce. Fresh bread with yummy apricot jam can serve as a delectable breakfast