Summer is on its peak, and as you sweat your way through the heat, do not let your travel spirits faint. Here are 7 summer retreats for you to chill out and relax this year....
Havah Beach, Kovalam:
As the summer blaze drains you out, its time to chill out with some 'Ayurvedic Treatment'. And the place you are looking for is the multi-dimensional travel destination, 'Kerala'. An amazing mix of hills, beaches and wildlife moulded into one state. That's the beauty of Kerala. You have a reason for every season. So, just pack your light clothing, as you relax and rejuvenate yourself on the sandy dunes of 'Havah Beach, Kovalam'. Just 10 km from Trivandrum Airport, it is an ideal place to spend your summer evenings as you watch the sun set, lighting up the soothing waves along the beach.
Kerala is famous for its 'Ayurvedic Spas and Retreats'. Treat yourself with the best of oils and natural herbs, detoxify, energize and replenish your energy levels.
Kodaikanal:
Kodaikanal is a city in the hills of the Dindigul district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Its name in the Tamil language means "The Gift of the Forest". Kodaikanal is referred to as the "Princess of Hill stations".Kodaikanal has several scenic natural attractions which the visitors enjoy and make it a popular romantic destination for newlyweds. Some of the famous locations in Kodaikanal are:
Kodaikanal Lake, Bryant Park, Coaker's Walk, Bear Shola Falls, Green Valley View, Shembaganur Museum of Natural History, Pillar Rocks, Guna caves, Silver Cascade, Dolphin's Nose,Kurinji Andavar Murugan temple.
Kasauli:
Situated 55 Kms from the Chandigarh Airport, Kasauli is a quite and peaceful abode with clear skies and beautiful landscapes, enough to soothe your senses in the blazing heat.
The spendthrifts and shopaholics can grab souvenirs from the famous Mall Road that stretches 
from Christ Church to the Monkey Point .One can shop for items varying from wood to metalwork, regional handicrafts, woollen clothes, and Tibetan carpets. Other shopping areas are the Tibetan Market and the Old Bazaar, which are famous for woollen items and mementoes.
from Christ Church to the Monkey Point .One can shop for items varying from wood to metalwork, regional handicrafts, woollen clothes, and Tibetan carpets. Other shopping areas are the Tibetan Market and the Old Bazaar, which are famous for woollen items and mementoes.
Hanuman Mandir, Monkey Point, rated as the 
number one attraction is the highest point of Kasauli. The place where Lord Hanuman is belived to have set his feet while on his way to look for the sanjeevani buti.
Get a 360 degree view of the town as the clouds make their way into the valleys, adding to the glory of the majestic Himalayas.
Srinagar:
How about taking a boat ride, that too, on a lake surrounded by the snow-capped mountains? That's the Dal Lake, Srinagar. Welcome aboard the houseboat or the Shikaras, a self-sustained accommodation in itself, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of Srinagar, as you cruise through the mesmerizing Dal Lake. Married in Summer? Well, this can be one of those memorable destinations for your much awaited honeymoon trip.
The local attractions of Srinagar are the Shankaracharya Temple, Chashme Shahi, and Nishad Garden.
Manali:
Manali is a hill station nestled in the mountains of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh near the northern end of the Kullu Valley. The small town is the beginning of an ancient trade route to Ladakh and from there over the Karakoram Pass on to Yarkand and Khotan in the Tarim Basin.
The must-see attractions: Rohtang Pass, Beas Kund, Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art, Hidimba Temple, Maa Sharvari Temple, Vashist Hot Water Springs, Solang Valley, Rozy Falls, Zana Falls.
Must do activities: River rafting, skiing, zorbing, trekking, snow scootering, river crossing, Paragliding, Rock climbing, Trekking.
Must buys: Fruit products, honey and apricot oil at Himcoop Juice Bar Manali, Chingu.
Must-eat at: Bob Dylan's Cafe, Shere Punjab, Cafe m 1947, Pizza Olive, Drifters' Inn and Cafe, Lazy Dog, Moondance, Apple Blossoms, Johnson's Bar and cafe, Chopsticks, Mayur Restaurant, Il Forno, Cafe Zeppelinn.
Shillong:
Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya, one of the smallest states in India and home to the Khasis. It is said that the rolling hills around the town reminded the European settlers of Scotland. Hence, Shillong is known as "Scotland of the East".
Must see places: Elephant Falls, Lady Hydari Park, Wards Lake, Shillong Golf Course, Motphran, Shillong Peak, Capt. Williamson Sangma State Museum, Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures, Entomological Museum, Chrysalis the Gallery, State Museum, Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, Bishop and Beadon Falls, Spread Eagle Falls, Sweet Falls, Crinoline Falls.
Must do activities:
- Take a walk through Iewduh (Bara Bazar)-Iewduh means Big Market
- Visit the State Central Library
- Explore the forest around Shillong peak
Must buys: Local fruits, vegetables, honey, fish, Traditional bamboo handicrafts, woollen handmade shawls, art-crafts made of wood, bamboo furniture, bamboo shoot pickles. Please visit the Meghalya Govt. Handicrafts Showroom "Purbashree" located in police bazar.
Shillong is one of the fashion capitals of India,it has innumerable number of shops selling top quality brands from India and abroad. The well known ones are RAPs Apparel in Raps' Mansion MG Road, Uncle Shop, In-Fashion, Broadway Collection, Selection Centre, in Police Bazar, etc..
Must eat at: Foodplus, Laban Last Stop Taxi Stand, Sesame, Laitumkhrah, Madras Cafe (Police bazar), Munchies, laitumkhrah. Sharma Bhojanalaya, Near Police Bazaar, Lamee Rastaurant.
Mount Abu:
Mount Abu is a popular hill station in the Aravalli Range in Sirohi district of Rajasthan state in western India near the border with Gujarat. Mount Abu town, the only hill station in Rajasthan, is located at an elevation of 1,220 m (4,003 ft). It has been a popular retreat from the heat of Rajasthan and neighbouring Gujarat for centuries.
Must see places: Adhar Devi Temple, Shri Raghunathji Temple; Dattatreya temple built atop the Guru Shikhar peak, Jain temples including Dilwara Temples, Vimal Vasahi temple, the Achaleswar Mahadev Temple, Kantinath Temple, Brahma Kumaris ,Achalgarh fort, the Nakki Lake, Toad Rock, Durga temple, Ambika Mata Temple.
