Six spectacular summer retreats in North India
If you are one of those who have already applied in office for leaves, here are six amazing holiday spots for a rejuvenating getaway.
It's that time of the year, when each person living in North India wants to leave everything aside and rush to the hills. The soaring temperature, the scorching sun and hot wind make a perfect excuse to ask your boss for leaves and head to a much cooler and pleasant place. If you are one of those who have already applied in office for leaves, here are six amazing holiday spots for a rejuvenating getaway.
Tirthan Valley: Tirthan Valley in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh is one of the most favourable retreats for those who love forests and adventure. Situated near the Tirthan river which originates from a Himalayan glacier, the area is a mesmerising scenery of lush green surroundings, river and waterfalls. The valley, a part of Great Himalayan National Park, is known for trout fishing. Tirthan Valley Area is green and good for trekking, overnight camping, river crossing and all kinds of adventure activities. For accommodation: The Himalayan Trout House is recommended. Once you are there, you can wander through the forests into sleepy hamlets of Nagini, Ghushaini, Banjar and Shoja.
Binsar: For animal lovers, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is the place to be for it is the abode of leopard, black Himalayan bear, wild boars, kakars, monkeys red fox, jackals and other animals. The sanctuary is also bird-watchers' delight. The lush greenery houses about 180 species of birds. Located in the Himalayas on top of the Jhandi Dhar hills, Binsar is about 33 km north of the Almora town in Uttarakhand. Binsar receives snow fall in winter and has pleasant weather in summer. Zero Point in Binsar, makes for the perfect spot to see the awesome Himalayan peaks like Kedarnath Peak, Shivling, Trisul and Nanda Devi. Distance between Delhi and Binsar is 410 kms approximately.
Jeolikot: Jeolikot or the gateway to Naini Lake is one of the nature's most beautiful jewels. Known for floriculture and butterfly catching, this pristine location is just 17 kms away from Nainital. Jeolikot is covered by orchards of pears, plums and peaches. The plains are Since other tourist locations like Naini Lake, Corbett National Park, Mukteshwar and Ramghar are easily accessible from Jeolikot, it makes for a perfect family holidays. Two-three star hotels are available in the town at affordable prices. Nearest airport is Pantnagar and the closest railhead is Kathgodam. Jeolikot is well connected with many North Indian cities, by motorable roads.
Bhimtal: Uttarakhand has not one but many hilly getaways you would want to head to. And, Bhimtal is a popular choice amongst many people. About 22 kilometers from Nainital, Bhimtal is best known for Bhimtal Lake, which has an island at its centre. The ancient Bhimeshwara Mahadeva Temple is located on the banks of this picturesque lake. This green and gorgeous hill station boasts of clear water lakes - Nal Damyanti Tal and Sattal(group of lakes)- are major tourist attractions. The nag temple at The hill of Karkotaka and Vankhandi Ashram (a tiny wild-life sanctuary) are other famous sites in Bhimtal. Besides, boating and sight seeing tourist can also enjoy horse riding, mountain biking, hang gliding in Bhimtal. Summer temperatures range from 15 C to 29 C.
Chail: Chail is a sleepy village in the hills of Himachal Pradesh. It is spread over an area of 72 acres on three adjacent hills - the Rajgarh Hill, the Pandava Hill and the Siddh Tibba. The village's main tourist attraction is The Chail Palace. Built by the Maharaja of Patiala, Bhupinder Singh during the British Raj, the palace has awe inspiring architecture. besides the beauty of Chail itself, you can also get the spectacular view of Shimla and Kasauli in glisteneing moonlight. Chail also boasts of the highest cricket pitch and polo ground in the world. Built in 1893, it stands at 2444m. Surrounded by chir pine and gigantic deodars, Chail is well connected by roads. From Shimla via Kufri it is 45 km and via Kandaghat is 49 km. The closest airports are at Chandigarh and Shimla.
Sangla: A yet another heavenly abode in Himachal Pradesh is lesser known Sangla. Situated on the banks of Baspa River, Sangla offers mesmerising view of high mountains. From taking long walks into the woods to rock climbing, rappelling and river crossing, you can enjoy the nature in its most unadulterated form here. Great Himalaya Kamru Fort, Mata Devi Temple and Bearing Nag Temples are top toruist attraction in Sangla. The main villages in this beautiful valley include Chitkul, Rakcham, Batseri, Themgarang, Kamru, and Sapni among others. Chitkul is the last border village on Indo- Tibet border and only three kilometers away from the outpost civilians are allowed to.