While the sun makes a brazen entry in the month of April, there are places that are coyly hidden away from its harsh heat. In this calendar, find out what are the best summer escapes for your trip and plan a getaway to some of the most ethereal places on earth.
Best picks
Sri Lanka
Picture perfect landscapes, scintillating beaches, beautiful tea gardens and amazing wildlife make Sri Lanka a popular getaway among globetrotters. On your vacation to this splendid destination you can include Yala National Park, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Galle Fort, Dambulla Cave Temple and Pinnawalla Elephant Orphanage in your itinerary. You can also take a tea plantation tour in Nuwara Eliya, climb the Adam's Peak, catch a glimpse of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, visit the Mirissa Beach or explore the well-preserved ruins of Anuradhapura for a memorable holiday.
We recommend: 5 Nights / 6 Days in Sri Lanka @ Rs 42,300
Gangtok
Snow-clad mountain peaks, beautiful valleys, majestic waterfalls, serene lakes and picturesque monasteries are the attributes that best define Gangtok. Popular attractions include the Yumthang Valley, Banjhakri Falls, Gurudongmar Lake, and the Rumtek Monastery. While you holiday in Gangtok, you can take a cable car ride at Deorali, indulge in a yak safari in Dzongri, enjoy river rafting in Teesta river or paragliding in Baliman Dara, treat your eyes to the breathtaking sunset at Tashi View Point and explore Gangtok like never before.
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Long weekends
Wayanad
Wayanad is calling you! Green serenity that is typical to Wayanad, nurtures and enlivens a tired mind. As you saunter through the verdant woods, the buzzing drone of the jungle insects, the cool and gentle winds, and the constant jarring of tree branches creating a sweet note to the ears, will leave a sense of eternal bliss to your heart. It sounds so pleasant already right? So why not just go and live it.
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Festivals
Thrissur Pooram - April 26, 2018
This Elephant Festival is celebrated in the Vadakkunnathan Temple of Thrissur, Kerala. During this festival, you will witness folk dancing and stellar fireworks which begin early in the morning, it’s indeed a visual feast. The main attraction is the grand elephant parade - 2 teams of 15 beautifully decorated elephants face off across the temple grounds. On each elephant’s back, a man holds a parasol. As the temple orchestra plays, the parasols are exchanged among the men standing on the elephants.
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Mount Abu Summer Festival - April 29 - 30, 2018
Nestled in Rajasthan, Mount Abu is a beautiful hill station blessed with shimmering lakes, and scenic landscapes. Make your way to Mount Abu in April to experience the Summer Festival. It will be celebrated from 29th April to 30th April, 2018 where you can soak in the festivities. Expect folk dances, boat race, classical music and lots of fun. Popular attractions of Mount Abu include Nakki Lake, Dilwara Temples, and Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary.
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Buddha Purnima - April 29, 2018
Buddha Purnima is celebrated to commemorate the birthday of Gautama Buddha. It falls on the full moon day of the Vaisakh month. It is also believed to be the day when Gautama Buddha achieved enlightenment. Famous places to experience its religious fervour include Gaya, Kushinagar and Sarnath. You will see devotees flocking to the Buddhist temples in Sarnath; it is the place where Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon. On this auspicious day, a huge fair is held and a procession is carried out, displaying relics of the Enlightened One. People offer prayers, fruits and flowers to the statue of Buddha. Popular attractions you can visit during your holiday in Sarnath include the Chaukhandi Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, Thai Temple and the Tibetan Temple.
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Honeymoon
Paris
Paris is a perfect romantic getaway for couples looking for amazing weather, impressive monuments, beautiful gardens and mouth-watering cuisines. Popular places include the Louvre Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Eiffel Tower, Disneyland Paris and the Palace of Versailles. You can also indulge in a wine tour with your loved one, tease your taste buds to the delectable French cuisine at Le Jules Verne, soak in the breathtaking sights whilst the Seine cruise, shop at the flea markets, and treat your eyes to the fine French architecture at Place des Vosges.
We recommend: 5 Nights / 6 Days in Zurich & Paris @ Rs 61,600
Darjeeling
Nothing attracts honeymooners like Darjeeling. From breathtaking waterfalls and tea gardens to beautiful monasteries and hills, you’ll find them all in Darjeeling. On your holiday to this beautiful paradise, catch a glimpse of the mesmerising sunrise from Tiger Hill with your partner, indulge in an adventurous trek to Singalila National Park, experience spiritual bliss at the Ghoom Monastery, go for the toy train ride and admire the spectacular view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Other popular attractions that you can visit on your honeymoon include the Peace Pagoda, Observatory Hill and the Mahakal Temple.
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Adventure
River rafting in Nepal
Nepal attracts thrill-seekers and nature lovers from across the globe. One of the popular indulgences include white-water rafting on the Trishuli River. Your trainer/guide will brief you on how to use the rafting gear and other rafting techniques. You can then experience an adrenaline rush on your rafting trip whilst soaking in the beautiful landscapes, sublime gorges and breathtaking valleys of Nepal.
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Unique experience
Kashmir - Tulip Garden
Nestled in Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar is known for striking Mughal gardens, pristine lakes, shikhara ride and scrumptious cuisines. At the onset of spring season, this sublime city hosts the Tulip Festival at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip garden. You can capture shots of the garden that transforms into a kaleidoscope of beautiful colours. This garden is home to more than 60 types of tulips. Other places of interest include Nigeen Lake, Betaab Valley, Dachigam National Park, Shankaracharya Temple, Hazratbal Mosque, and the Awantipora Ruins.
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