This is where you can escape from winter: top 7 places in India where you can feel the summer heat
Winter tests us with cold, piercing winds and gloomy days. Especially in the period after Christmas, when a special festive mood takes hold, we want sunshine and warmth. But almost half of winter is still ahead.
If you want to overcome the winter blues in the good old-fashioned style of travel, here are some destinations that may be just right for you," writes OutlookTraveller. We hope this will inspire you to plan a new trip.
Gokarna: beaches outside Goa
What could be better than a big blue sea, spacious golden beaches, tall palm trees, and a relaxing atmosphere? If you think of Goa, you can't go wrong. But this is another destination that is less crowded. In Gokarni, beach lovers will find an unconventional but unforgettable vacation by the sea. For those who like an unhurried and carefree vacation, you shouldn't look anywhere else. This is the perfect way to beat the winter blues.
Getting there
There is no airport in Gokarni, Karnataka. It is well connected by roads to all major cities such as Bengaluru, Goa, Hyderabad, Mangalore and others. The nearest airport is Dabolim Airport in Goa, which is 157 km from Gokarna. You can take a taxi to get to Gokarna.
The nearest railway station is in Ancola, about 20 km from Gokarna. Gokarna is well connected by roads. Buses run regularly from Bengaluru, Mangalore, Hubli and other cities in Karnataka.
Pondicherry: ancient temples and connections with France
Pondicherry is a coastal city, but there is much more to it than just seaside activities. Here, every corner is reminiscent of the bygone French colonial era. Add to this the spacious beaches with water sports, the magnificent cathedral and churches, the spiritual atmosphere of Auroville, the bustling markets, and the mouth-watering international cuisine - and you will have a vacation you will remember for a long time.
Places to visit
Stunning Paradise Beach is a 20-30 minute ferry ride from Chunambar. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart was built by French missionaries in 1908 and was the first basilica in Pondicherry to be built on the basis of Gothic architecture. Visit the Pondicherry Museum if you want to know more about the history of this place.
Getting there
Pondicherry is easily accessible from most major cities in India. It has a domestic airport with daily flights from Hyderabad and Bangalore. You can get there from Chennai International Airport, which is 170 km from Puducherry, formerly known as Pondicherry. There are public buses from Chennai that reach Pondicherry in about four hours. You can get there by train and the Pondicherry railway station is in the city.
Lakshadweep: White and blue skies
It is an archipelago consisting of 36 islands located 300 km off the coast of Kerala. Lakshadweep is the smallest union territory of India Imagine sun-drenched beaches, white sandy shores, beautiful coral reefs, crystal clear lagoons and deep blue sea that stretches as far as the eye can see.
Places to visit
Minicoy Island is a cluster of 10 villages. Many beautiful blue lagoons make it popular with tourists. You can explore the old 19th-century lighthouse, practice various water sports, and visit the serene beach of Minikoy Tundi.
Agatti Islands is the only island in the Lakshadweep group that has an airport. The island is an ideal place for a beach vacation. Adventure lovers will have plenty of activities to choose from such as snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, kayaking and water skiing. You can also visit the maritime museum in Cavaratti and learn more about marine life.
Getting there
Lakshadweep is located 400 km from the west coast of India in the Arabian Sea and can only be reached by air and water.
Passenger ships ply between Lakshadweep and Cochin, and the Aggati Airport in Lakshadweep is only connected to the Kochi Airport. Lakshadweep is a group of islands and you can travel from one island to another by ferry or helicopter.
Rann of Kutch: White desert
The vast Rann of Kutch beckons to the extraordinary travelers in you. A barren but stunningly beautiful expanse of cracked earth seasoned with salt, Rann of Kutch turns into a makeshift tent city during the colorful Rann of Utsav, a carnival of music, dance, art, heritage and all things magical.
Places to visit
The White Rann is one of the largest salt deserts in the world. The dazzling white desert is worth seeing at sunset and under the light of the full moon. Rann Utsav attracts a lot of tourists, as the festive atmosphere of this place makes it even more beautiful.
Kala Dungar or black hill is the highest point of Kutch, from where you can see the sprawling white Rann and the Indo-Pak border. Climb higher at 462 meters of Kala Dungar to see the Dattatreya Temple, which is over 400 years old.
Mandvi Beach on the shores of the Bay of Kutch is another ideal option for a stroll. Ride a camel or horse, go rock climbing and water sports.
Getting there
Bhuj Airport is 70 km from Rann of Kutch. You can hire a taxi or take a bus to get to Kutch. There are also trains from the Bhuj railway station to Rann of Kutch. On the way, you will admire the picturesque scenery. Public and private buses run from major cities in Gujarat to Bhuj.
Kerala: cruise on a sunken river
The picturesque and unspoiled region of Kerala, stretching parallel to the Arabian Sea coast, is one of the most popular international destinations and you should visit it at least once. It is an intertwined network of waterways almost a thousand kilometers long, consisting of lakes, lagoons and canals with nature in its purest form. And the best way to experience it is to travel through it on a slow boat. A camera or a book - take your pick. Sunscreen is a must.
Gampi: architectural ruins and exquisite rocks
Once the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire, Hampi is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site where architectural ruins sit alongside exquisite rocks and boulders, as well as temples of religious and historical significance. If you like climbing, you'll love it here. And if not, there are plenty of gorgeous natural views to keep you company. The sunset, in particular, is breathtaking.
Getting there
The nearest train station is Hospet. Hubli Airport is 166 km away, with regular flights from Bengaluru. Public bus services connect Hampi with most places in Karnataka.
Ooty: visit the Queen of the Hills
If you don't want the bone-chilling cold, but crave the mountains, Ooty is the place to be this winter. Surrounded by the beautiful Nilgiri Mountains, the "Queen of the Hill Stations" Ooty is part of the exquisite Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. And it has everything a tourist needs: picturesque lakes, beautiful gardens, sprawling meadows, coffee and tea plantations, thundering waterfalls, a ride on a historic toy train, several short hikes, well-preserved national parks and many delicious places to eat. Take your pick of the best.
What to do
Enjoy a trip on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. The long way runs from Mettupalayam to Ooty, or you can choose a short trip from Ooty to Coonoor and back. The five-hour scenic route is filled with green forests, cloud-covered mountains, and sprawling tea gardens.
From the height of Dolphin's Nose, you can see lush green tea plantations and cloud-covered hills, which makes you forget about the hustle and bustle of city life. Take a boat ride on Picara and Ooty lakes, popular local attractions.
Getting there
The nearest airport is Coimbatore, almost 88 km from Ooty. The nearest railway station is in Mettupalli, 51 km from the city. Public and private buses and taxis are the main ways to get around.
