Text Credits: Raveena Nair

The International Shimla Summer Festival scheduled from June 1 to 5 this year has been postponed due to the acute water shortage the hill town is facing. Shimla, which has been a major tourist destination during summers is now facing the worst water crisis of the decade. Taps are running dry for more than a week now and people queuing up on the streets to collect water from tankers has become a common site.

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has ordered a stay on all the construction activities happening within the municipality limit and to stop car wash as initial steps to overcome this critical situation. The order also says that no water tanks will be supplied to individuals including ministers, judges, and bureaucrats. Only the chief minister and the governor are exempted from this order. Also, water supplies to hotels with pending dues will be cut off with immediate effect.

Image Source: dnaindia.com

The underlying reasons why Shimla is facing this catastrophe are many. The hill town, which has the capacity to accommodate a population of 20,000 people currently has a population of over 2L. The city also does not have many perennial water sources, hence water is usually pumped in from distant sources. According to reports, around 15,000- 20,000 tourists visit this hill station at the peak of summer and during weekends it crosses over 30,000. This enormous inflow of people are adding to the stress of the water crunch in the city. This has also resulted in what might seem like an outrage by the locals where they have taken up social media platforms and asked tourists to not visit the place because of the deadlock.

#wanderwomaniya
Let’s support the people of #Shimla, this time by not going there in #summer!Explore new hill stations.#travelwithus #trekking #kasol #SpreadTheWord pic.twitter.com/L12wgvmzD9

— Wander Womaniya (@Wander_Womaniya) May 29, 2018

This has a clear effect on the tourism industry of the city. Hoteliers are facing losses as the tourist visits has already reduced by nearly 35 percent due to the circulation of the news regarding water shortage. Many travellers are requesting to reschedule their booking while others are cancelling the trips.

As Shimla is facing this dilemma, Dharamshala, also know as the second winter capital of Himachal Pradesh, has ensured uninterrupted water supply to its residents. Gifted with perennial streams and well managed water supply schemes, this city is able to cater to the water needs even at the peak of summer with heavy tourist inflow.

The post Here Is Why You Need To Stop Visiting Shimla Right Now appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

Text credit: Charishma Thankappan

With the heat soaring higher each day, we can’t wait to head out of the city to some place cooler and refreshing. FWD Life gives you five best options to head to in Kerala, South India, and the rest of the country.

5 Fine Places to Run to in Kerala

Vattavada

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With its pleasant climate throughout the year, Vattavada is a lesser known retreat near Munnar. It will be an ideal option to go to avoid the rush that will be there in Munnar during the peak months of summer. Known as the ‘Market of Kerala’, don’t forget to relish the fresh fruits and vegetables that grow here, which are sent to the other parts of the state, such as apple, blackberry, egg fruit, gooseberry, passionfruit, peach, and plums.

Kumarakom

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While beaches are not the best option to go to in the scorching heat of the summers in Kerala, you can still be closer to the refreshing waters of lagoons. Give a pass to Alappuzha which will be crowded, and instead choose Kumarakom. Spend a perfect family time lounging on the serene waters of the Vembanad Lake, the largest lake in Kerala.

Vagamon

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Listed by National Geographic Traveler in their list of ’50 Most Attractive Places to Visit in India’, Vagamon is a green heaven. The cool climate of the place allows a fun lolling over its gentle, rolling hills, called ‘mutta kunnu’. Natural beauties like green meadows, pine forests, orchid flower gardens; and adventurous activities like paragliding, trekking, and rock climbing, are the main attractions here.

Kalpetta

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Rich with history and blessed by nature, Kalpetta offers a withdrawal into peace and calm. Historically rich, Kalpetta has a number of ancient Jain rock temples, most of which are in a dilapidated state. Learn about the several rare species of butterflies at the Botanic and Butterfly Garden. The place is also a hub for trekking enthusiasts, who can trek to Myladippara for an enchanting trail.

Ponmudi

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The most popular hillstation in the south of Kerala, Ponmudi is favoured for cheerful climate. The place offers beautiful scenic landscapes that are popular with backpackers. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Golden Valley, Deer Park, Meenmutty Falls, are some of the main attractions.  The ride to Ponmudi is equally breathtaking, with the Kallar River lining the route.

5 Top Destinations to Escape to in South India

Kodaikanal

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Nicknamed ‘The Gift of the Forest’ and ‘Princess of Hill Stations’, Kodaikanal is one of the most beloved havens for rest and relaxation. The cool climes of the city invites people from all over to its mist laden hills. It is a touristy place with a number of attractions such as Kodaikanal Lake, Pillar Rocks, Pine Forest, Coaker’s Walk, Bryant Park, Guna Caves, Dolphin’s Nose, Silver Cascade, etc.

Coonoor

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Well known for the production of Nilgiri Tea, Coonoor is the second largest hillstation in the Nilgiris after Ooty. It is therefore a perfect alternative to Ooty, which can be teeming with the summer rush. Sim’s Park is a botanical garden with over 1,000 varieties of plant species. Don’t miss the annual fruit and vegetable show that is held in May.

Araku Valley

Source: famousplacesinindia.in

Blessed with natural formations, Araku Valley is an up and coming tourist attraction in South India. Located in Andhra Pradesh, it is an area inhabited by tribals. Borra Caves are a 1mn year old limestone caves that form the main attraction in the place. Ananthagiri Hills and Chapparai are the other major allures the place offers.

Yercaud

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Known as the ‘Jewel of the South’, Yercaud is an attractive hill station for Summer travellers looking to run away from the heat. Prominent for fresh native fruits such as bananas, jackfruit, orange, and pear; it also offers enticing picturesque locations. It is also celebrated for its flavoursome coffee, the shrubs of which begin blooming in April to present a scenic view.

Kotagiri

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Among the plentiful hill stations that the South of India offers, Kotagiri is a lesser known gem that will be a perfect hideaway for travellers looking to beat the crowded and more fashionable hill stations. Encounter the tall, double cascading Catherine Falls, explore the John Sullivan Memorial, take a mesmerising look at the Dolphin Nose View Point, probe the Bison Park, and inspect the Ralliah Dam.

5 Terrific Summer Getaways Beyond South India

Shimla

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Get your dose of summer snow at this erstwhile capital of British India. Be awed by the Tudorbethan and Neo-Gothic architecture from the colonial era through the copious churches and buildings of importance. The Kalka-Shimla Railway line dating back to the British times is a must-see allurement that is also listed among UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. The capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is also host to the MTB Himalaya mountain biking race, considered to be the biggest event of its kind in South Asia.

Rishikesh

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Introduce yourself to the mighty Himalayas at Rishikesh, known as the ‘Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas’. Not just a splendid hill station, the place in Uttarakhand is also a crowd pleaser for yoga enthusiasts, being known as ‘Yoga Capital of the World’. Other than being a pilgrimage destination, it also has an adventurous side to it, providing an impeccable site for white water rafting, paragliding, and skiing.

Darjeeling

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Situated in West Bengal, Darjeeling is in demand during the summer months. The birth place of the world famous Darjeeling Tea, the place also has the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO Heritage Site, which has one of the few remaining steam locomotives in India. Touted the ‘Queen of the Hills’, Darjeeling is the most leading tourist destination in the East of India, and according to the 2015 India Today survey, was the third most Googled tourist destination in India.

Dharamshala

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Surrounded by a thick coniderous forest consisting of impressive Deodar trees, Dharamshala offers a peaceful retreat to enjoy quality time in communion with nature. In vogue with international tourists and hippies, the place important as the base of the Tibetan community in India, being the headquarters of Dalai Lama. The place is really famous for treks, with the most popular being the day trek to Triund, where you can also camp overnight.

Nainital

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A classic hill station renowned since the colonial era, Nainital has been an exalter summer retreat for Indian and international travellers. Nainital Lake, Naini Peak, Snowview Point, Gurney House, Naini Devi Temple, Cave Garden, Sat Tal, Hanumangarhi, Mall Road, are some of the most extraordinary features of the place. Well-equipped libraries are also another characteristic attraction of the place.

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