Want to spend the night admiring fireflies? Plan a trip to Dang in Gujarat

ET-Travel suggests you take a casual day off at work to make the most of an extended weekend in coming months. Here's where you can head to...

Upcoming holidays in July 2015

- Eid-Ul-Fitr — Friday, July 17

- Guru Purnima —Friday, July 31

From Mumbai: Dang, Gujarat

Would you like to spend the entire night admiring gleaming fireflies? Head to Dang, Gujarat a forest region and also home to birds such as Wood Pecker, Parrot, Hornbill, Indian Sparrow, Drongo, Egret and Eagle.



Why go in the monsoons?

Countless fireflies light up the nightsky by emitting light to attract the female of different species. There are about 18 varieties of fireflies each with different pattern of emitting light. These different pattern help to identify them the correct match. This is once in a year event as it creates a galaxy- like effect with stars in the sky and countless fireflies around you.

Life in a village: Dang is a forest region and the Adivasi life can add a varied hue to Gujarat's already colourful lifestyles. Tourists can enjoy the song and dances of the community.


Beautiful dance of the Adivasi community in Dang

From Delhi: Binsar, Uttarakhand

A small and picturesque hamlet of Binsar is located in Kumaon in Uttarakhand. The hill station is situated at an altitude of 2,420 m and it offers a majestic view of the snowy Himalayan peaks including the beautiful ranges Chaukhamba, Trishul, Nanda Devi, Shivling and Panchchul

Why visit Binsar in the monsoons?

There is moderate rainfall in the region and is less crowded. Most tourists flock to Binsar during the summers and winters, thus making it ideal for tourists who seek serene and quieter vacations. The town is also a trekker's paradise. Most couples visit Binsar for the gorgeous views of the Himalayas amidst thick clouds surrounding them.


(Picture by ET Travel reader Anupma R)

From Bangalore: Valparai, Tamil Nadu

Located in Coimbatore, Valparai is a hill station, 3,500 ft above sea level on the Anamalai mountain range. The tea plantations are surrounded by evergreen forest. The region is home to elephants and leopards.



Places of interest:

- Aliyar Dam: A reservoir is located 27 kms on the foothills of Valparai. The dam is also an ideal picnic spot as it includes a park, an aquarium and a mini theme park.

- Loam's ViewPoint: A beautiful view point from where you can see Aliyar Dam, the surrounding mountains of Western Ghats and the Pollachi town.

- Balaji Temple: Balaji Temple is situated in Karamalai. This temple experiences cooler weather than the rest of Valparai, due to high altitude. Pujas are performed regularly, similar to that of Tirupati lord Venkateswara Temple. There is also a children's park and a garden in the same premises.

- Monkey Falls: Also known as 'Chinna Kuttralam' makes for an interesting visit. Be ready to encounter a tribe of monkeys who are most likely to run away with your food.

- Sholayar Dam: It is the second deepest dam of Asia. Situated at a distance of 20 kms from Valparai, this dam is scenic and a busy tourist spot.