Beat The Heat: Beaches Or Mountains In India To Visit This Summer

Indians are fond of going out and enjoying themselves. And now that it's summer don’t you think that it’s a perfect time to plan out a holiday

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While India is famous for its history, culture, food and diversity, it is also famous for its beaches and mountains. Every year, many international travellers visit the nation for various reasons. While some visit the country for its food and heritage, some visit to have a great time at the beautiful beaches. And it’s not just international travellers who visit these places even we Indians are fond of going out and enjoying ourselves. And now that it's summer don’t you think that it’s a perfect time to plan out a holiday?

But if you think that you are short on time and finding a place where you would like to go is a lot of hassle. Then, don’t worry because we have got you covered. Here’s a list of must-visit beaches and mountains in India.

Beaches To Visit In India This Summer    

• Candolim Beach, North Goa: One of the longest and the most popular beaches in India, Candolim Beach offers you a variety of delicious seafood, water sports and dolphin sightseeing. If you want a break from your hectic life and want to relax and have fun then Goa is the best place for that as it has a number of beaches one can visit. If you are one who loves to party then we have an exciting surprise for you. Candolim Beach has a number of clubs, and discos nearby. Love Passion Karma and Pharaos are one of the main attractions and tourists flock to these clubs to dance around and have some unforgettable experiences. 

How to Reach: You can take an auto or taxi or can hire a bike to reach the beach as it is just 15 km away from Panjim.

• Cavelossim Beach, South Goa: Located between the Sal River and the Arabian Sea, Cavelossim Beach gives a spectacular view of paddy fields. Although the beach remains a bit crowded as compared to others, you will surely have a wonderful time here. Enjoy a simple stroll, spot dolphins or taste the mouth-watering authentic seafood and the shacks that line the beach. Visit the beach in the evening to enjoy the view and dance to the beats of the mesmerizing music. If you want to have crazy fun and enjoy the nightlife, Cavelossim beach is the place for you. It reveals its hippie nightlife after the sunsets. The lounges, clubs, and casinos are one of the attractions near the beach.  And if you want to go on an exploring spree, then rent out some bikes and get on the road and don’t forget to visit the Church of Cavelossim, Cabo de Rama and Naval Aviation Museum. 

How to reach: Take a taxi or a bus from Panaji, the capital city of Goa, it is about 50 km away from the beach. If you want to go to the beach from the airport itself, then hire a cab. It should not take you more than 45 minutes to reach the beach. 

• Butterfly Beach, South Goa: Admire the beautiful dolphins, butterflies, crabs and sunsets as you soak in the gorgeous view with your loved ones at Butterfly Beach in South Goa. This beach is popular among couples as it offers privacy and amazing views. Butterfly beach is home to many exotic species of butterflies, goldfishes and crabs. During low tides, when the seashore widens, the beach gets littered with crabs and goldfishes. You can even find sea cucumbers, sea urchins and even redfish. As Chandler Bing would say “Could it be more romantic?” The answer to this is Yes! All because of the oh-so-gorgeous views and the starry nights.

How to reach: Take a 2-hour trek from Palolem beach. Or rent a boat from Agonda and Palolem Beaches. 

• Om Beach, Gokarna, Karnataka: Among the most famous beaches in India, this beach is shaped like ‘OM’ and therefore it is named after the spiritual symbol. Locals consider it to be sacred. The sandy-rocky landscape is worth spending visiting. This beach can offer a wonderful break to all the adventure seekers out there. It offers a number of water activities including a banana boat ride, bumper boat ride, dolphin spotting, jet skiing, speed boating etc. It can take a whole day as there are several picturesque places near the beach one must visit when in Gokarna. The Kudle Beach, Mirjan Fort, Anshi National Park, Paradise Beach, Koti Theertha, Mahabaleshwar Temple etc.   

How to reach: The beach is well connected to the main city via various modes of transport. While if you are in Gokarna, then you can either take a short walk down the hill or hire a cab or auto to reach it.

• Mandarmani Beach, West Bengal: Upcoming beach resort town located in the centre of the village of Mandarmani, this beach is a beauty every beach lover must visit. The scenic beauty and simple appeal make it a popular destination to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The picturesque view makes Mandarmani beach one of the most famous places in West Bengal. The beach is an ideal location for thrill seekers as one can have loads of fun on jet skis and on the banana boat.  

How to reach: The beach is located in the village of Mandarmani which is around 180 km away from Kolkata. One can plan a fun road trip in order to come to this beach. 

• Kappad Beach, Kozhikode, Kerela: Located 16 km away from Kozhikode, this beautiful place Kappad was discovered by Vasco Da Gama in the 15th century. It is an ideal holiday destination to have a relaxing time away from the hectic city life. The beach is lined with fascinating rock formations on all its sides and has several coconut grooves. The silvery sand stretches drenched by waves that roll up and down the shore is a sight to behold. This beach is also known as Kappakadavu beach and is popular among tourists. One can take a boat ride or even go for a swim in the backwaters or can play beach games with friends or family. The beach is also popular for sunbathing, shopping and of course sightseeing. You can savour some delicious seafood, shop for some jewellery and click beautiful pictures for Instagram. 

How to reach: A cab can be taken from Kozhikode to reach here. 

Mountains To Visit In India This Summer

• Pahalgam, Kashmir: With its romantic ambience and scenic vistas, Pahalgam is an unmatched honeymoon destination in India. A picturesque view of Himalayan peaks adorned with cedar and deodar trees is a treat to the eyes. There is so much to do here. One can go for trekking, horse riding, nature walks, golfing and even trout fishing. A vacation at Pahalgam will give you such an amazing experience that you wouldn’t want to go back. The warm Kashmiri culture, the cold weather, and the delicious food will definitely leave you craving for more. 

How to reach: Sri Nagar Airport is just 88 km away from Pahalgam, one can easily take a cab from there.

• Lambasingi, Andhra Pradesh: Lambasingi is a small yet unique village located in the Vishakhapatnam district. The captivating snowfall which is very rare in South India makes this village very unique. The village is also known for its emerald tea and coffee plantations, soothing waterfalls and for its rich variety of flora and fauna. One can go for walks in the village, temple hopping, birdwatching, trek and waterfall seeing in this beautiful village. 

How to reach: Vishakhapatnam is the nearest airport at a distance of about 170 km. From there, one can board a public or private bus to reach the village.

• Wilson hills, Gujrat: A view to behold, Wilson Hills, Gujrat provide refreshing vibes and panoramic views. This place is not only a treat for the eyes but for the mind and soul as well. Wilson Hills is a perfect place for photography lovers, honeymooners and even family.  One of the top hill stations in India, this place has a pleasant climate, scenic views, lush greenery, captivating lakes and foggy clouds. This place is nothing less than the garden of Eden itself. Go for temple hopping, trekking, visit the waterfalls and museums, enjoy the sunrise and sunset and just relax.

How to reach: The nearest airport is Surat Airport and one can take a bus from Valsad and Dharampur as well. 

• Mirik, West Bengal: A beautiful hill station in West Bengal which is famous for its serene views and easy accessibility, makes Mirik a perfect holiday destination in East India. Mirik Lake, Sumendu Lake, and the beautiful tea gardens will surprise you with their beauty. One can enjoy boating, horse riding, long nature walks or just homestay. When in Mirik, don’t forget to visit Deosi Dara, Ramitay Dara, Devi-Sthan, and Bokar Ngedon Chokhor Ling Monastery. 

How to reach: Cabs are available from Bagdogra Airport which is 44 km away and from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station which is 56 km away from Mirik.

• Gulmarg, Kashmir: Also known as the Meadow of Flowers, this Fairy Tale land is tucked away in the magnificent valley of Kashmir. Gulmarg is unarguably a heaven for adventure seekers as the rush of adrenaline through sports like snow boarding and skiing etc will leave you wanting more. Gulmarg is a popular hill statin in India and is known for the longest cable car projects in Asia. One can go for golfing, explore the wildlife, take a ride on Gulmarg Gandola or can go on a picnic at Ningle Nallah. Gulmarg will not disappoint you at all infact it will surprise you in ways you cannot even imagine. The serene beauty of this place in truly unmatched. 

How to reach: Cabs are available from Sri Nagar airport which is just 50 km away from Gulmarg.

• Auli, Uttarakhand: Calling out all the adventure seekers! Auli is the perfect destination for you to visit to have a spectacular and power-packed vacation. The only word suitable enough to describe this place will be Gorgeous This beautiful hill station in India is a great place to visit during your summer break. The magnificent view of the Nanda Devi and Neelkanth peaks is an addition to the beauty of this place. The scenic view of Chenab Lake, the Valley of Flowers and the serene beauty of Narsingh Temple relaxes your mind and makes you forget all the tension that you might have. One can go for skiing, camping, ropeway ride, hiking, snowboarding etc. 

How to reach: Take a bus or cab from Rishikesh or Joshimath which is just 16 km away from Auli.