With August arrives India’s pre-fall season, when the greens are a tad bit greener, the rivers fuller and the wildlife at its best. It’s the best time to take a quick rendezvous with nature. Consider these top places to visit in August for beating the summer gloom and enjoying the monsoons. By Shubhanjana Das
1. Munnar, Kerala
Munnar tops our list, for more reasons than one. Every picture of this place looks like an artist spilled all shades of green on the canvas — such is the inherent beauty of this haven. With coffee plantations and tea estates spread throughout Kerala’s favourite hill station, has been the first priority as much for honeymooners as it has been for solo travellers. Expect wildlife sanctuaries, lush green mountains covered in mist, the most pleasing treks and hikes, cascading waterfalls and of course, an endless supply of some of the best coffee you will have in the country.
2. Delhi
Given the endless experiences to explore in the country’s capital, you don’t need any itinerary for that. Also, there’s something about August that attracts travellers to Delhi. With its ancient architecture, vibrant festivals and street food that makes the biggest foodies from all over the world go weak in their knees, Delhi casts a spell like no other. Eat at Majnu ka Tila, explore the many monuments and the forts, visit Jama Masjid, the Lotus Temple, and explore the many cafes which lay claim to being some of the best in the country. The experience is as wholesome as it gets.
3. Udaipur
Close to Delhi lies the majestic city of Udaipur — one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Even though tourists throng the ‘City of Lakes’ throughout the year, August offers some much-needed respite from the scorching sun and the soaring temperatures during summer and the bone-chilling cold during the winters. Lake Pichola, Saheliyon ki Bari, City Palace, Jag Mandir (or Lake Garden Palace) and the Vintage Car Museum should top your list of the numerous things you can see, do and explore in Udaipur. Guarded by the Aravalis, every day in Udaipur should end with a romantic dinner atop one of the many palaces that have been turned into heritage hotels, surrounded by its many lakes that have been replenished with the rains.
4. Chikmagalur
Bangaloreans have been blessed with a range of options they can explore for weekend getaways near the city. One such place which gets tourists from all over the country is Chikmagalur, located in south-western Karnataka in the lap of the Mullayanagiri Range. Feed your adrenaline by venturing into some of the best treks of South India, go tea-tasting in one of its many plantations, explore the Kudremukh National Park, swim at Hebbe Falls, or treat the caffeine enthusiast in you by visiting the Coffee Museum. With an average temperature range of 15 to 30 degrees Celsius, you will never feel the brunt of the harsh summer sun.
5. Mussoorie
August brings some fog and mist with it that envelopes the Himalayas in one of North India’s most favourite destinations—Mussoorie in Uttarakhand. The undulating hills are revived from the heat and display a vibrant shade of green after the respite of the monsoon showers. Trek to Nag Tibba, spend some time at Company Bagh, or spend a whole day at the Battha and Kempty waterfalls, reeling with renewed vigour after the monsoons.
Find the best hotels in Mussoorie for your next stay.
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