Sun, Sand, Or Green Hills? India Has Something For Everyone

Summer holidays in India usually means one of three things: water, hills, or jungles. Deserts and cities are about as enticing as a cup of hot tea on a summer afternoon! Fortunately, the subcontinent is blessed with lots of everything, and thanks to habits developed under the British Raj, the hills come alive during the school holidays. Beaches and lakes also feature highly, and for those more adventurous, the prospect of seeing a tiger in the wild keeps many on the edge of their seats.

One almost feels sorry for deserts. In reality, they can be just as exciting as anywhere else can. Alternatively, if you’d just like to relax from the rigours of your day job, desert resorts can be as much an oasis as one you might find in the middle of the Thar.

The sun, the sand

When it comes to spreading your beach blanket, Goa and Kerala are probably the first places that come to mind. Not a bad thought, but there are many, many more places yet relatively unexplored – such as the Konkan coasts of Maharashtra or Karnataka, or the still-pristine shores of present-day Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

The attraction of turquoise waters and sandy beaches provide a great opportunity for kids to exhaust themselves while the adults enjoy the swaying palms, a cool breeze, seafood, cocktails, and beautiful sunsets. And for the more adventurous, both young and old, there are water sports including snorkelling, jet skiing, and paragliding! A ‘win-win’, if there ever was one.

Of course, there are many heritage locations and other places of interest to visit, even if you’re holidaying on the beach. Places of religious significance, local art and culture, jungle safaris, and historic monuments are an attraction for those inclined that way. 

At Club Mahindra Beach Resorts – Acacia Palms, Emerald Palms, and Varca Beach Resort in Goa; Cherai Beach in Kerala; Puducherry; Ganpatipule in Maharashtra; and the recently-opened Hotel Kohinoor in Diu – you can be assured of superb accommodation, in-house recreational activities, and rejuvenating spas. Not forgetting local, national, and international food fit for royalty.

On the waterfront

From accommodation on the lake to lake-facing apartments and rooms that overlook rivers and other water bodies, still waters can run deep. Water sports, fishing, and sailing can keep water babies active. Surrounded by greenery, there are scenic spots, walking trails, and cultural and artistic activities. Of course, in the resorts themselves, there are myriad ways – both indoor and outdoor – to keep yourself and the children entertained.

The food, of course, is as scrumptious as you would expect from a Club Mahindra Resort, of which there are many. In Kerala, there are, resorts in Ashtamudi, Kumarakom, Munnar, Poovar, and Alleppey. Uttarakhand has Corbett on the banks of the Kosi River and Naukuchiatal near Nainital. And for many, the pièce de résistance – houseboats on the Dal Lake in Srinagar. With these Club Mahindra resort reviews, get a sneak peek of what members have to say about the waterfront resorts of Club Mahindra!

The hills are alive

To escape the heat and dust of the plains, India chooses to escape to the cooler climes of hill stations located all over the country. While the most popular hill stations are in the Himalayas, western and southern India has its fair share of attractive destinations.

Beginning with Hatgad and Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra; onwards through Virajpet and Madikeri resort in Coorg, Karnataka; Ooty, Kodaikanal and Yercaud in Tamil Nadu; ending with Wayanad, Thekkady, and two in Munnar in Kerala, there are 14 Club Mahindra Resorts to choose from.

Apart from the abundant greenery, you’ll experience warm days and cool nights. More importantly, you’ll hear the chirping of birds, and the disconcerting silence in the late evenings and night will come as a pleasant surprise to city-dwellers. Of course, there are scenic trails, waterfalls, caves, national parks, lakes and rivers – all of which will do more than help get rid of the tiredness of the city life.

If you prefer to venture north, you’ll find options in Srinagar in Kashmir; Dharamshala, two resorts in Manali, Kandaghat and Mashobra – both near Shimla – and Naldehra in Himachal Pradesh; Binsar Valley, Almora, Mussoorie, and Kanatal near Dehradun in Uttarakhand; and Baiguney and Gangtok in Sikkim. Also, read through these Club Mahindra reviews & know what our happy members have to say about Club Mahindra resorts!

Towering, snow-capped peaks are a feast for eyes, as is the clear air, which makes the children’s rhyme ‘Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star’ seem positively inappropriate, since there are so many that fill the night sky. The culture and traditions of the hill people, scenic walks, places of religious and spiritual interest, as well as just being in the midst of nature, will fill you with a sense of awe.

So, when planning your next holiday, think differently. See and experience things you might otherwise pass over. Because, without Mother Nature, we wouldn’t exist.