Top Spots for Summer Vacation

Matheran 

A popular getaway for people from Mumbai and Pune, Matheran is a quiet hill station located on the Sahyadri range, at an altitude of 800 mts. Meaning 'forest on top', Matheran was discovered in 1850, by a district collector of Thane, Hugh Poyntz Malet, and the foundations for its development was laid down by Lord Elphinstone, the then Governor of Mumbai. 

Shimla

A magnificent hang-over of the British Raj, Shimla's cool environs still remain the biggest magnet for Indian tourists. Shimla has taken the best of what the British created, and mixed it with the quintessentially Indian - and every summer thousands of people from the plains enjoy themselves to the hilt in this popular summer retreat. 

Goa 

Goa is one of the most idyllic holiday destinations in India. This evergreen destination is a holidaymaker's paradise. A diverse tourist locale, Goa is celebrated the world over for its laidback culture, sun kissed beaches, gothic churches and rocking nightlife. Despite the fact that it gets really hot in Goa during the summer, it remains one of the most sought-after destinations in India thanks to some exciting hotel packages on offer for the tourist during this period. 

Srinagar 

What better summer destination to recommend than the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir! Srinagar is set around the beautiful Dal Lake, where picturesque houseboats or shikharas, carry tourists on boat rides around the placid lake. This scintillating hill resort set in the Kashmir valley is an ideal summer getaway. Srinagar basically has an alpine weather, as the summers are mild and winters are cold. 

Munnar 

Munnar offers summer tourists a mix of relaxation and adventure amidst beautiful landscapes. Munnar is a beautiful getaway landscaped with tea plantations, hills, lakes, forests and winding walks. Located at an altitude of 1,829 m, it is home to South India's highest peak called Anamudi, standing 2,695 m tall. 

Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar Hills

Today, Mahabaleshwar is a popular holiday resort and honeymoon spot, and an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. It is the site of Mahabaleshwar Temple. Many tourists visit nearby Panchgani. After the construction of a new highway, it is only a five-hour drive from Mumbai. Mahabaleshwar is also known for the honey and strawberries produced here. One can visit strawberry farms to enjoy the real flavour of the fruit. It is said that the climate of Mahabaleshwar is ideal for Strawberries and Mulberries. One can also get a taste of "Strawberries with Cream" (season:Jan -Feb) or "Mulberries with Cream" (season: April–May).

Boats on the Venna lake in Mahabaleshwar.

The Venna lake is one of the major tourist attractions of Mahabaleshwar. The lake is surrounded by trees on all sides. A late winter evening boat ride through the slight fog is well appreciated. Tourists can enjoy a boat ride over the lake or a horse ride next to the lake. A number of small eateries line the banks of the lake. The Mahabaleshwar city market and the S.T. bus stand is about 2KM from the lake and makes for a nice walk during the day. Most tour operators include the Venna lake in their tours. Most buses, private vehicles will stop at the Venna lake on their way to Mahabaleshwar on request.

With another popular and scenic hill resort Panchgani in close vicinity (about 20KM), most tourists often visit both places together. The 'Table-Land' phenomenon of nature at Panchgani is breath-taking. (Wikis)

Points to be visited 

• Arthur's Seat
• Kate's Point
• Needle Hole Point
• Monkey Point
• Wilson Point