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

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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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