Cool Places to Go to This Summer - Darjeeling

A chance discovery by two British agents, Darjeeling is simply beautiful with its views of the Kanchenjunga Mountains, pine trees and so many colourful monasteries. Dorje-Ling (Place of Thunderbolt), which rendered it the name ‘Darjeeling’ is simply a paradise, where you can sip your morning cuppa & soak in the sights & sounds of this land.

Sights to see:

The Mall: This is where the action is! With a host of shops selling Tibetan wares and options of trotting on a pony, this is undoubtedly the most popular area in the city.

Monasteries: The land of monasteries, there are several here that will catch your eye. The Ghoom Monastery is famous for its 15-ft high statue of Maitreya Buddha, which is painted in gold & adorned with precious stones. The Bhutia Basti Gompa is a storehouse of ancient Tibetan texts, including the original Tibetan Book of the Dead.

Tiger Hill: This is the most famous spot in Darjeeling, famous for the spectacular view of the sun rise, and the views of Mount Everest on a clear day.

Darjeeling Toy Train: This is a World Heritage site, which traverses from Kurseong to Ghoom. This day-long journey passes through quaint houses and rolling hills.

Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park: This is possibly the only that offers a chance to watch Snow Leopards gamboling with their mothers.

Its colonial past lets you choose from a large number of hotels in Darjeeling. From heritage bungalows-turned-hotels to luxurious modern hotels, you can book as per your requirement & budget.

Cool Places to Go to This Summer - Coorg

Home to a number of interesting trekking spots with quaint names, Coorg is made of lush tea and coffee and spice plantations. The air is fragrant with the smell of cardamom, orange and lemon grass and the land is interspersed with rosewood and bamboo trees.

Sights to see:

Madikeri Fort: Great for catching views of the region, Madikeri has within it a palace, temple, chapel, museum and prison.

Abbey Falls: This is one of the most popular waterfalls of the region, located inside a privately owned coffee plantation.

Dubare Elephant Training Camp: Housing about 15 elephants, you can enjoy 2-3 hours here and indulge in activities such as scrubbing, riding and feeding these tuskers.

Kakkabe: Once one of the most profuse honey-producing regions of India, today it is worth visiting for the highest peak in Coorg and the Igguthappa Temple.

Namdroling Monastery: This is the credited with being the largest Tibetan settlement in India, with the monastery housing 40 ft high statues of Padmasambhava, Buddha and Amitayus.

One of the most popular regions of South India, Coorg is full of hotels and resorts. Some of the best hotels & resorts in Coorg are situated amidst the coffee plantations.

Cool Places to Go to This Summer - Coonoor

A charming hill station, it is quaint, quiet and rather old-world. Located down South, it can often be confused with Ooty. But then it is distinctive in its own self. Sprawling tea estates, misty hills and old bungalows with bougainvilleas growing over the walls – this is what Coonoor is all about.

Sights to see:

Sim’s Park: A beautiful botanical park, it is partially built in Japanese style and has a vibrant range of flowers and plants, some of which have been imported from elsewhere.

Dolphin’s Nose: It gets its name from a rock that is, quite obviously, shaped like a dolphin. This spot is popular for the splendid views of the region around.

Catherine Waterfalls: Visible from Dolphin’s Nose, water gushes down 250 ft!

Droog: Earlier used by Tipu Sultan, this fort is now in ruins. Though the trek to it is quite long, the views from atop is mind-blowing!

UPASI: This is the bi-weekly tea auction that is held by United Planters Association of South India (UPASI) – a true delight for all tea aficionados.

Travelguru offers a choice of hotels in Coonoor. From resorts to hotels offering splendid views of the region, you can get it all here.