Escape the heat

Ladakh

Ladakh gives you a completely different view of the Himalayas. The name means “The Land of the High Passes”, and it indeed is so, wedged between the peaks of the Western Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau. The land is characterised by stunning moonscape aridity, impossibly picturesque Gompas or Buddhist monasteries that crown the peaks of the mountains, and the region’s rich Buddhist heritage. And the skies—you’ve never seen them this blue and this big!

What to do: There’s plenty to see in Ladakh, and a good place to start is the Shey Palace and Monastery, the 15th Century summer palace and monastery that belonged to the erstwhile royal family of Leh. Situated 15 km southeast of Leh town, you’ll find the Thangka collection, an old library, and, of course, the 12-metre Sakyamuni Buddha statue, made of gold-plated copper. 17 km south of Leh is the beautiful Thiksey Gompa which houses a two-storey statue of Maitreya Buddha. It also has some excellent artwork. Further south is the most famous Gompa of them all—Hemis Gompa, famed for some very well-preserved old frescoes and a four-storey-high Thangka which is unfurled once every 12 years. To get to these Gompas, you have to climb, so be well-prepared.

Next, drive down to Pangong Lake, 135 km from Leh. The five-hour journey is spectacular in itself, as you drive through the 5,300-metre high Changla Pass. Pangong is a natural wonder, a crystal clear lake some 140 km in length and 10 km in width. Half of it lies in Tibet.

Where to stay:
Hotel Shambhala
Located 2 km from Leh town in a poplar grove. Tariffs range from Rs 3,800 plus taxes for a regular double room to Rs 7,000 plus taxes for a penthouse.
Contact: www.hotelshambhala.com (+91)-0124-4286665

How to get there: Leh is well connected to New Delhi through regular flights. If you want to drive to Leh, you could take the overland route from Manali, or drive through Kashmir.

Check Out: Cox & Kings 6 days/ 5 nights round trip tour of Leh for Rs 13,781 per person plus taxes. Includes, accommodation, sightseeing and meals. Contact: www.coxandkings.co.in

Kashmir
Of course, Kashmir. The Mughal Emperor Jahangir called it ‘heaven on earth’ and built the Shalimar Gardens to commemorate its beauty. The capital Srinagar was a popular retreat during the British Raj, and along with nearby Gulmarg, it is still one of the prettiest places in the country. For hundreds of years, the vast and verdant Kashmir valley has been a draw for travellers— and for good reason. If you’ve been here, you’ll go again. If not, then it’s time. It’s magnificent.

What to do: If you have a week to spend, the first thing you must do is check out the jewel of Srinagar—the Dal Lake. Spread over an area of 18 sq. km, and surrounded by orchards and gardens, it is divided by causeways into four basins and dotted with carpets of floating flowers through which the locals go about their business on charming little boats. Srinagar itself has a history going back at least two thousand years, and this has resulted in a plethora of overlapping cultures. The Mughal Gardens are compulsory, the first being the magnificent Shalimar Gardens, built by Emperor Jahangir. Sonmarg (or the meadow of gold) is a three-hour drive of about 90 km. The meadow near the Thajiwas Glacier is a great draw in summer, as is the trout and mahseer fishing.

Gulmarg, a 52-km drive out of Srinagar, is a must. The road runs through groves of poplar and willow trees and through lush green meadows. While the summer months are ideal for walking through the profusion of flowers or testing your handicap at the world’s highest golf course, in winter Gulmarg transforms into the country’s biggest ski resort.

If you have time, definitely pay a visit to Pahalgaum for stunning views.

Where to stay:

Srinagar
Centaur Lake View Hotel
This 5-star wins hands down in terms of location. Tariffs range from Rs 5,500 plus taxes for a double room to Rs 15,000 plus taxes for the Presidential Suite.
Contact: http://www.nivalink.com/centaurlakeview/index.html (+91) 022-24042211

Meena Houseboats
Tariffs range from Rs 4,500 plus taxes for the Double Super Deluxe houseboats to Rs 10,500 plus taxes for the Maharaja Suite.
Contact: www.meenahouseboats.com (+91) 011-32026904

How to get there: Srinagar has a major airport with regular flights from all the main metros.

Check Out: Cox & Kings 8 days/ 7 nights round trip tour of Kashmir Valley for Rs 18,995 plus taxes per person. Includes accommodation, sightseeing and meals.) www.coxandkings.co.in

The cool factor: The ultimate romantic getaway.

Himachal Pradesh

The name of this small state set in the Western Himalayas pretty much sums it up. This land of eternal snow peaks is a dramatic state of deep valleys, rushing rivers, gigantic peaks and some of the nicest people in the country. There’s a lot you can do here—from skiing to rafting to trekking, or even driving around on the excellent roads. On the other hand, of course, you can choose to do absolutely nothing at all.

What to do: Although Shimla is being increasingly ruined by construction, you can still be transported to a lost world of Edwardian edifices in this erstwhile summer capital of the country. Explore the seven hills of the city for architectural delights like the Viceregal Lodge (atop Observatory Hill) or the Grand Hotel on Bantony Hill. From here, head for Chail, a charming retreat set in the thickly-wooded Shivalik hills, 43 km from Shimla. It boasts the world’s highest cricket pitch, as well as a Polo ground.

From Shimla it is a nine hour/ 270-km drive to Manali, set high up in Kullu Valley at 2,050 metres, by the rushing Beas River. Surrounded by snowy mountains, apple orchards and wild pine and cedar groves, Manali is a great base for trekking expeditions, paragliding, skiing and some of the toughest white water rafting in the country. If you’re not feeling adventurous, aim for the snow-covered Rohtang Pass (3,980 metres) for stunning views of the surrounding valleys, glaciers and peaks. From Manali you can drive down to the beautiful Tirthan River Valley in Gushaini for some serious trout fishing.

Alternately, you could drive down from Manali via Palampur to McLeodganj in the Kangra Valley. McLeodganj, and its twin city Dharamshala, lie at the foot of the looming Dhauladhar Range. It is the seat of the Tibetan government in exile and the de facto home of the Dalai Lama. The town is awash in Tibetan culture, emanating from the nerve centre of the town, Tsuglakhang, the residence and temple of the Dalai Lama. Attend prayer meetings at the peaceful Namgyal Monastery and then settle down for pizzas at the nearby Namgyal Café. McLeodganj is also an excellent place for shopping for authentic Tibetan artefacts.

Where to stay:
Shimla
Oberoi Cecil
Situated at the Mall, the hotel oozes Colonial-era grandeur. The hotel offers a special summer package of Rs 18,000 plus taxes for a two night stay.
Contact: www.oberoihotels.com
(Toll Free) 1800 11 2030; (+91) 0177-2804848

Manali
Ambassador Resorts
There are plenty of great hotels in Manali, but this resort provides great service in plush surroundings and offers great views. Tariffs range from Rs 6,500 for a garden room to Rs 15,000 for a cottage.
Contact: www.ambassadorresorts.com
Phone: (+91) 0190-2252235-38

McLeodganj
Glenmoor Cottages
Situated in a forest of cedar, pine and rhododendron trees, full of morning birdsong, the cottages are a great option. Tariffs from Rs 3,300- 4,500 per night.
Contact: www.glenmoorcottages.com; (+91) 0189-2221010

How to get there: Jubbarhati Airport is an hour away from Shimla, but flights are often disrupted due to weather. Take a train to Kalka and drive up. You could also take the charming toy train from Kalka to Shimla.

Check Out: Cox & Kings 7 days/ 6 nights round trip tour of Shimla and Manali for Rs 18,555 plus taxes per person. Includes accommodation, sightseeing and meals.
Contact: www.coxandkings.co.in

Cool factor: An easy getaway from the dust and grime of urban life.

Uttarakhand

This beautiful, bountiful hill state is a new one. Home to some of India’s holiest places as well as some of the highest mountains in the world, Uttarakhand is where you come to be overawed by the mighty Himalayas. Relax beside idyllic streams, go trekking through high alpine meadows, raft down the fast flowing rivers or climb a mountain on a full-moon night. It’s all there and then some.

What to do: Uttarakhand is broadly divided into two zones—Garhwal and Kumaon—both of which rise gradually from the Indo Gangetic plain through the lower foothills and valleys to the great sweeping arc of the Greater Himalayas.

In Garhwal, the two big hubs are Rishikesh and Mussoorie. Rishikesh is the age-old gateway into the Himalayas. One of the holiest places in India. Today, Rishikesh is Yoga Central with enthusiasts arriving from around the world to rejuvenate themselves in the sylvan surroundings.

Rishikesh is also the launch pad for mountaineering and trekking expeditions, as well as white water rafting. From Rishikesh it’s an easy hop to tiger country Corbett National Park.

The state is unique in being the site of two UNESCO World Heritage sites—the Valley of Flowers in Bhyundar Valley and the neighbouring Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. While the latter can only be accessed by a proper expedition, it is pretty easy to go to the former. Drive up to Joshimath from Rishikesh via Rudraprayag and Chamoli. From Joshimath it is a short drive to Govindghat on the route to Badrinath. A 14-km trek up from Govindghat takes you to the stunning Bhyundar valley and its famed canopy of alpine flowers. If you’re looking for great views and relaxation head up to the rolling alpine meadows of Auli above Joshimath. It is the ideal getaway to take in the stunning views of the Alaknanda gorge and the Nanda Devi sanctuary.

Mussoorie is one of India’s premier hill stations, with stunning views of the wooded Doon valley to the south and snow peaks to the north. After you’ve had your fill roaming about the old Colonial era buildings drive down to Dhanaulti (24 km) for some great views.

The Kumaon region to the east is accessed through Nainital and Almora. Nainital is a popular destination with the massive Naini lake as the centerpiece of the town. The other hub is Almora, a perfect base for trips to such gorgeous places in the Kumaon as Munsiyari, which lies under the shadow of the spectacular five pronged peaks of Panchachuli and Binsar Sanctuary, a massive forest at a height of 2,286 metres with some of the best views of the Kumaoni peaks like Trishul and the magnificent Nanda Devi.

Where to stay:
Rishikesh:
The Glass House on the Ganges
Located 23 km above Rishikesh amidst the orchards of the former ruler of the area, the glass house is the ultimate location. Tariffs range from Rs 4,500 plus taxes for the normal cottage to Rs 8,000 plus taxes for the luxury suite.
Contact: http://www.neemranahotels.com/glass house/index.html.htm# (+91) 01378-269224, 269218

Mussoorie:
Nabha Residence
The Claridges Nabha Residence built in the 1820s has a Raj-era charm, surrounded by virgin pine and deodhar forests. Please check with the hotel for current tariffs.
Contact: http://www.claridgeshotels. com/(+91) 1352631426/427

Nainital
Palace Belvedere
The hotel with the best view, as it gazes down on the emerald green Naini lake. Tariffs range from Rs 5,200 for the Deluxe rooms to Rs 6,400 for the suites.
Contact: http://www.welcomheritagehotels. com/Palace_Belvedere_Nanital/palace_belvedere_nanital.htm (+91) 05942-237434

How to get there: Rishikesh and Mussoorie are well connected to New Delhi via excellent roads. The nearest railhead to Rishikesh is Haridwar, a half-hour drive away, and for Mussoorie, it’s Dehradun, a 45-minute drive. Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is well connected to New Delhi and other metros. Almora and Nainital are well connected to New Delhi. The nearest railhead is Kathgodam, about six hours drive from both these places.

Cool factor: See the Himalayas in all its varied beauty.

Bhutan

An old monarchy, and one of the world’s youngest democracies, Bhutan, locally known as Druk Yul or the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is also one of the happiest. It measures the wellbeing of its people according to the Gross National Happiness index. The landscape is beautiful beyond belief, and it’s right next door. What’s not to like?

What to do: Base yourself in Thimpu, the capital. You can visit the National Library, the Arts & Crafts School, the Thimpu viewpoint or the Memorial Chorten. From Thimpu, proceed to Paro, via the Dochula Pass, where you can get an eagle’s eye view of the Eastern Himalayan range. Situated in a beautiful, verdant valley, a must-see in Paro is the old Taktsang Monastery. Precariously perched on the edge of a 1,200 m high cliff, it is a two-hour uphill trek. You should also visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum, where one can see a fascinating collection of local art. Thereafter, drive north of Paro valley to visit the ruins of the Drukgyel Dzong fortress under the shadow of the Jhomolhari Peak and Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom.

Where to stay:
Thimpu
Taj Tashi Hotel
The premier luxury hotel in Thimpu, with world class amenities. Tariffs range from $609 (Rs 30,500) for the Deluxe rooms to $675 (Rs 33,750) for the Luxury rooms (excluding taxes).
Contact: www.tajhotels.com

Hotel Druk
A very good hotel located right in the middle of the city. Tariffs range from NU (Bhutan Ngultrum) 5,000 (Rs 5,120) plus taxes for the Deluxe rooms to NU 8,000 (Rs 8,200) plus taxes for the Suites.
Contact: www.drukhotels.com +975-2-322966/322977

Paro
Amankora Paro
Part of the Aman chain of luxury hotels, Amankora is the last word in luxury with its 24 suites. Tariffs range from $1,100 (Rs 55,000) plus taxes for the single Suite to $1,200 (Rs 60,000) plus taxes for the double Suite.
Contact: www.amanresorts.com (975) 2 331 333

Zhiwa Ling Hotel
A traditionally designed Bhutanese hotel, Zhiwa Ling has all mod cons and some great views to boot. Tariffs range from $315 (Rs 15,750) plus taxes for the Junior Suite to $950 (Rs 47,500) plus taxes for the Royal Raven Suite.
Contact: www.zhiwaling.com +975-8-271277

How to get there: Bhutan is well connected with Kolkata by air. The nearest airport to Thimpu is situated at Paro.
Check Out: Cox&Kings 5 days/ 4 nights round trip tour for Rs 15,600 plus taxes. www.coxandkings.co.in

Cool factor: Enhance your happiness in one of the most joyous countries in the world.

Sweden

The country that gave us Bergman, Borg, Abba and the Stockholm Syndrome simply must be visited before you croak. Follow our guide...

What to do: Built on fourteen islands at the mouth of Lake Mälaren and dating back to at least the 13th Century, the beautiful city of Stockholm is also sometimes called the ‘Venice of the North’. Start off by visiting the City Hall, a major tourist attraction, best known as the venue of the Nobel banquet.

Next, visit the residence of the Swedish royal family called the Drottningholm Palace. Built in the 16th Century and now a World Heritage site. Inside there is a perfectly preserved theatre which hosts several popular summer opera festivals. In keeping with medieval interest in landscaping, there are the wonderful Baroque Garden and English Garden that you could visit. Nearby is the beautifully preserved Gemla Stan or the Old Town, perfect for a ramble. Once you’re done with the sightseeing, hit the markets at Hotorget and Drottninggatan for some retail therapy.

Where to stay:
Grand Hotel
Dating back to 1874, this luxurious hotel is as good as it gets. Apart from great surroundings and location, the restaurant’s chef Mathias Dahlgren has a Michelin Star. Tariffs depend on the kind of offer that the hotel has. Avail of the Summer Seduction or the Midsummer packages.
Contact: http://www.grandhotel.se/+ 46 (0) 8 679 35 00

Hilton Stockholm Slussen
Located a mere two-minute walk from the Old Town, with this hotel location is everything. Tariffs depend on the prevailing offer. From April to June, any bookings you make for a weekend will cost you e99 (Rs 6,760) per day.
Contact: www.hilton.com 46-8-51735300


Hotel Ornskold
Located in an Art Nouveau building since 1920, this is one of the highest rated premium hotels in the city. Tariffs range from SEK (Swedish Krona) 395-495 (Rs 2,500-3,140) for cabins to SEK 1,295-2,195 (Rs 8,200- 13,900) for double rooms. Note: The prices are inclusive of taxes and meals.
Contact: www.hotelornskold.se; +46(0)8 6670285

How to get there: Stockholm is well connected to all European cities. Many international carriers operate flights between New Delhi and Stockholm. If you’re going to Stockholm from Helsinki, you can take an overnight cruise ship. Check Out: Cox & Kings 8 days/ 7 nights round trip tour of Sweden, Finland and Norway for Rs 1,17,450 plus taxes. Includes accommodation, sightseeing and meals. www.coxandkings.co.in

Cool factor: Experience a less seen part of Europe.

And finally...South Africa

OK, visiting South Africa isn’t exactly escaping the heat, but it does happen to be where the IPL is being held this year. So, if you like your cricket, and you needed an excuse to visit South Africa—one of the most beautiful countries in Africa— then look no further.

Cape Town

What to do: Make sure you visit the spectacular Table Mountain for some great views of the city and the Peninsula. Next head down to Hout Bay, a picturesque fishing village. There’s great shopping to be done here, as the place is renowned for its art work. Another great option is to take a cruise boat out to Seal Island, to see the magnificent Cape Fur Seals and the Black Cormorants. On the way, you could also visit Boulder’s Beach for the Jackass Penguin colony there.

Where to stay:
Mandela Rhodes Place
A great place to stay in Cape Town’s ‘Old Town’. Tariffs range from R (SA Rand) 1,090 (Rs 6,000) plus taxes for the Studio Rooms to R 1,570 (Rs 8, 670) for the two-bedroom Platinums.
Contact: www.mandelarhodesplace.co.za +27 (0)31 310 6900

How to get there: The city is serviced by the Cape Town International Airport. Most carriers fly here.

Johannesburg and Durban
During the IPL apart from League games, Jo’burg will also host one of the semifinals and the final in end-May. Once there visit Sun City deep in the heart of an extinct volcano, and give yourself over to a day casinos, golf courses and a theme park. Having had your fill of hedonism, you could go for a Big Game drive to the nearby Pilanesberg National Park, which is home to all of the ‘Big Five’—lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard; as well as giraffe, zebra and a variety of antelope.

As if the 16 IPL games being played here isn’t incentive enough, Durban is also a great place to relax. In between surfing, sunbathing and swimming in the Indian Ocean at the Golden Mile—the downtown beach area—head over to Florida Road, Durban’s happening street. Restaurants, bars and shopping vies for your attention here. Another great place for shopping is the Essenwood Craft Market, where you can haggle over a biltong, and get some really good deals.

Where to stay:
Johannesburg
Protea Hotel Wanderers
Situated in the green belt of Illovo in the city, it is very close to the Wanderers Cricket Stadium. For tariffs, please contact the hotel.
Contact: http://www.proteahotels. com +27 (11) 770 5500

How to get there: Tambo International Airport in Ekurhuleni is located just east of Johannesburg and is the major airport in South Africa.

Where to stay:
Durban
Royal Palm Getaway
A new luxury hotel, 20 minutes from the airport and in the main shopping area. Tariffs range from R 1,115 (Rs 6,160) plus taxes for the Studio Rooms to R 1,700 (Rs 9,400) for the Penthouse.
Contact: www.royal-palm.co.za +27 (0) 31 581 8000

How to get there: Durban airport is well connected to all main South African cities.

Cool factor: IPL! Add to that one of the prettiest countries in Africa.