Goa
Swapnagandha,
Panaji, Siolim, Candolim
Lounge
around the infinity pool at the Wildernest Nature Resort at Swapnagandha and
watch your world turn emerald around you. Visit the Dudhsagar Falls, and check
out the Mollem National Park and the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary for a little
adventure. Or just bundle up with your partner and enjoy the nature from a
distance at restored Portuguese mansions like the 350-year-old Siolim House and
the Poussa Tauma in Candolim.
Udaipur
Fateh Sagar Lake, Lake Pichhola, Swaroop Sagar Lake, Sajjan
Garh, Lake Palace
Udaipur’s three
lakes, the Fateh Sagar, Lake Pichhola and Swaroop Sagar give the city a
fairytale-like quality in the monsoon. The Mewar dynasty built Sajjan Garh
specifically with the intention of watching the storm clouds roll into the
city. The crowning glory is the Lake
Palace, surrounded by the deep, rich, dark green of the city
that’s reflected in the waters. Udaipur in the monsoon blissfully conjures up
century-old love stories.
Pune
Sinhagad Fort, Mulshi Dam, Shillim
A
sunrise against a fort, a dam surrounded by dense dark forests, an outdoor yoga
session, or ending your day to some good old jazz–the monsoons in Pune pack
your days with eclectic activities. Trek up to the Sinhagad Fort to catch a
sunrise across the battlements. Mulshi Dam, an hour away, is a gorgeous spot
for an impromptu picnic. Better still, check in at the all-villa Hilton Shillim
Estate Retreat and Spa for rest, relaxation and indulgence.
Coorg
Madikeri, Kotebetta, Somwarpet, Srimangala, Cheyandane
This
hill-station in the Western Ghats, has been likened to Scotland for its awe-
inspiring vistas of green. Deep dark forests await trekkers, and the monsoon is
the perfect time for river rafting on the KKR River. Trek to the numerous falls
in the area (the Abbi Falls near Madikeri, Mukkodlu near Kotebetta, Mallali
near Somwarpet, Irpu near Srimangala and Chelavara Falls near Cheyandane). Wild
elephant spotting, coffee plantation tours and king-size feasts are Coorg
staples.
Puducherry
Auroville, Chunnambar, Paradise Beach
Puduerry’s
mixed French and Tamil heritage has lent this town an unusual character in its
architecture, food and language. Visit Auroville for its unobtrusive, holistic
way of life and participate in workshops–learn to dye clothing, or create your
own natural body-care products. Go for walks on the city promenade and drop by
the town’s many patisseries to tuck into fresh croissants. Take a boat-trip
down the serene backwaters of Chunnambar, or head to Paradise Beach for a
picnic.
Kerala
Munnar, Periyar, Kappil Beach
The
monsoons add delightful dimensions to God’s Own Country. Ibex Expeditions
customises cycling tours through the tea plantations of Munnar where you can
break for fresh hot tea, before pedalling to the Periyar Tiger Reserve. You can
stay at the Spice Village at Periyar or the Windermere Estate in Munnar. For a
more conventional stay, head to Kappil Beach, where the luxury resorts against
the Kerala backwaters make for an unforgettable experience.
Ladakh
Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, Khardung La Pass, the Zanskar
The
best time to visit Ladakh is between June and September: great weather and the
roads are accessible. This is unlike anything you’ve seen before, from the
colours of Pangong Lake, the formidable Khardung La Pass, and the ethereal
beauty of the Nubra Valley. It is also a great time to tick white-water rafting
off your list. Aquaterra conducts a gruelling 12-day expedition past looming
peaks down the Zanskar to Leh. Navigate Grade III and Grade IV rapids and earn
your bragging rights.
Lonavla
The Machan
Waterfalls are
commonplace on the drive in – from elegant trickles to massive gushes – and
despite the tourist crush on weekends, Lonavla still packs enough charm for a
quick visit. To really get away from it all,
head to the eco-chic treetop resort The Machan, and sip on chai as you sit suspended
over the lush valleys of the Western Ghats, which the monsoons turn into wild
nuggets of green abundance. You can also hike around its private paths.
Hampi
Hampi Bazaar, Vithala Temple
Travelling
to Hampi is a bit like travelling back in time. Once the capital of an
incredible Hindu kingdom, it’s a maze of ruins today. Boulders, perched
precariously for centuries, look ready to roll off any second. A six-hour-drive
from Bengaluru, this town is full of beautiful ruins of temples, palaces and a
once prosperous kingdom. Visit the Hampi Bazaar, the Vithala Temple, the
queens’s enclosures, and the elephant stables. Make sure you ride a coracle
across the Tungabhadra river.
Darjeeling
Makaibari Tea Estate, Glenburn Tea Estate, Goomtee Tea Estate, Keventers
If
you love starting your day with tea, stay at one of the fragrant tea estates
here. Pick your own tea-leaves at the Makaibari Tea Estate, home to some of the
best tea in the world. The colonially charming Glenburn Tea Estate offers free
standing bathtubs and fireplaces in each room. Stay in a 100-year old heritage
bungalow at the Goomtee Tea Estate. Besides the estates, you can also drop by
at the many cafes and restaurants for a cuppa – Keventers offers 22 types of
tea.
For more details, please contact on:
Mobile : +91-99030 66333
E-Mail : travelsonwheels@gmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment