We have compiled a list of 5 destinations to beat the heat at, this summer. This list not only brings together some of the best hilly destinations of our country but also the most beautiful and scenic. We hope that you spend some of your most memorable times this summer.

• Dalhousie

Nestled in the beautiful Chamba valley, Dalhousie is its crowning glory. A colonial retreat popular in pre-independence days, it retains its popularity till date.

For wildlife enthusiasts, there is the Kalatope Wildlife Sanctuarynearby. Dainkund Peak is the highest point to which you can hike to get a stunning view of the valley. You can also shop for artefacts at the Tibetan Handicrafts Centre.

The Chamba Valley itself is bewitchingly beautiful, and most people come here just to experience the lush beauty around. The Lakshmi Narayan temple is of great architectural value and stands tall in the valley. Satdhara, or seven waterfalls, are an added attraction.

You can also visit the Bhuri Singh museum here.

• Dharamshala

Also called ‘Little Lhasa’, Dharamshala is what it literally means - a spiritual dwelling. Divided into Upper and Lower Dharamshala, Mc Leod Ganj or Upper Dharamshala is the famous home of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in exile.

The Dalai Lama Temple complex is something that every visitor invariably goes to. There is an interesting museum here and a gift shop where you can buy beautiful artefacts. A beautiful fifteen minute walk from either McLeod Ganj or Naddi leads to the Church of St. John in the Wilderness that dates back to 1853. Quite literally, it is in the midst of a deodar and pine forest near Forsyth Ganj. The Dal Lake is 11 kms from Sharamshal and makes for a scenic small trek. Dharamkot is another wooded spot getting to which makes for a lovely day hike. You can also volunteer for teaching programs in Dharamshala schools if you wish to stay longer and interact more intensely with the locals.

• Ooty

Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam is the capital of the Nilgiris; the “Blue Mountains” of Tamil Nadu. At an altitude of 2240 m above sea level, Ooty is a botanical paradise and tea planations in particular dominate the landscape.

The Todas are one of the more prominent tribes of the Nilgiris. Have a look at their wonderful red and black embroideries at the Green Shop near Ooty Club or at the govt. shop near Charring Cross. Do pick up your share of homemade Ooty chocolatesfrom the main market street. You can try King Star which has made Ooty chocolates famous.

The best way to enjoy Ooty is by driving around in the hills, taking tea stops in the little villages and hamlets that you drive through…the views once you step out of the main town centre of Ooty are breathtaking!

• Coonoor

Coonoor is a lovely hill station near Ooty, in the Nilgiri Hills. The Nilgiris are famous for their hill plantations of tea, their fantastic climate and hues of blue the mountains take on at dusk. Coonoor is one of the nicer destinations in the Nilgiris at an altitude of 1800 meters.

There is loads to do in Coonoor. Besides the endless walks one can take, there are some lovely tea/ coffee lounges too. A visit to a Tea Plantation and a Tea Factory are a nice relaxing way to spend an afternoon. For the more touristically inclined, there’s the Dolphin’s Nose View Point and Catherine Falls.

• Munnar

 Munnar is best described as the Darjeeling of the south, only much quieter. Sprawling tea gardens, soothing weather and quaint churches characterise the beautiful hill station.

Not surprisingly, it is a highly popular honeymoon destination!

Munnar is an idyllic place that has several scenic spots from where you can either go for small treks or just gaze at the misty valleys around. Walking through lush plantations of tea, coffee or cardamom is another activity that you must indulge in while here. Don’t forget to sample the different teas produced here. Devikullam is a great place to spend a day. You can also go fishing at the Sita Devi Lake here. The Eravikulam National Park is a must visit, especially if you have never seen the Nilgiri Tahr. The Mattupetty Dam is an ideal picnic spot, and you can also visit its famous, highly specialised dairy farm close by.

Yours Truly

www.namastay.in

+919920. 807280

This stay is a unique combination of eco friendly luxury accommodation, organic produce and wild life experiences located on a 140 acre organic estate.

This plantation stay has 3 bungalows on the estate:

The Estate House
This bungalow has 2 guest rooms, the Mosaic Room and the Estate Room. Both the rooms are located on the first floor. The Mosaic Room has a King size bed and an exquisite handmade mosaic bath. The Estate Room has two single beds which can be combined to form a double bed. There is a kitchen, living room, reception and lounge on the ground floor.

The Pepper House
This bungalow has 3 rooms: the Family Room, the Panorama Room and the Studio. The Family Room and the Panorama Room are located on the First Floor and the Studio is on the ground floor with a separate entrance. The Family Room and the Panorama Room have two single beds which can be combined to form a double bed and the Studio has one King size bed.

The Hornbill House
This bungalow has 2 rooms: the Jackfruit Room and the Waterfall Room. The Jackfruit Room is located on the first floor, has a balcony and a King size bed. The Waterfall Room is located on the ground floor, has a King size bed which can also be used as a Twin bed. There is also a living room, a pantry, dining area and a balcony located on the ground Floor. Both rooms have a view of the waterfall in the monsoons, especially the Jackfruit room where the bath overlooks the waterfall.

Food
For breakfast, eggs & toast with butter and jam is served along with a South Indian preparartion. For Lunch/Dinner there are two vegetarian dishes and one non vegetarian dish with rice and chapatis. All meals re served in the dining room at the Estate House. The distance from the Hornbill House to the Estate House is 300 mts and from the Pepper House to the Estate House it is 75 mts.

Activities
There are a number of exciting activities in and around the property like tea/coffee plantation tour, hiking, bird spotting and forest treks. Wildlife such as elephants and bears occasionally visit the property and bison are almost always there. Enjoy the view of the forest from the machaan at the edge of the property.

Toy Train
The toy train runs from Mettupalayam to Ooty via Coonoor in the Nilgiri Hills. The train leaves Mettupalayam at 7:10 am and arrives in Ooty at noon. The train leaves Ooty at 3 pm and arrives Mettupalayam at 6:35 pm. Guest who would like to enjoy a ride on the toy train can book their tickets online on http://www.irctc.co.in/.

Environmentally Responsible

Being eco-friendly, the accommodation uses solar lighting, bio mass water heaters, water saving devices, reclaimed wood and bamboo furniture and low energy appliances.

Yours Truly

www.namastay.in

We would love to hear from you!

CustomerCare@namastay.in

Ph :: +91 9920. 807280