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India.com
18-06-2025
- India.com
From Manali To Shimla: Explore Top 10 Hill Stations To Visit This July To Escape The Heatwave
photoDetails english 2917894 Updated:Jun 18, 2025, 04:52 PM IST 1 / 12 As June and July bring soaring temperatures across most parts of India, escaping to a cool and refreshing hill station is the best way to beat the summer heat. Whether you're craving the lush green hills of the North, the misty charm of the Western Ghats, or the serene vibes of the Northeast, India's diverse hill stations offer the perfect retreat. Here's a list of the top 10 hill stations you must explore this summer to unwind, refresh, and soak in nature. Manali, Himachal Pradesh 2 / 12 Why Visit: Nestled in the Himalayas, Manali is a favorite summer destination known for its cool climate, scenic beauty, and adventure sports. Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, and river rafting in the Beas are top highlights. Ideal For: Adventure seekers, couples, and families Temperature: 10°C–25°C Darjeeling, West Bengal 3 / 12 Why Visit: Known as the "Queen of the Hills," Darjeeling offers pleasant weather, sprawling tea gardens, and breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga. Don't miss the toy train ride and sunrise at Tiger Hill. Ideal For: Nature lovers, photographers, honeymooners Temperature: 12°C–24°C Ooty, Tamil Nadu 4 / 12 Why Visit: Located in the Nilgiris, Ooty is a charming hill town with cool weather, rolling green landscapes, and attractions like Ooty Lake and Botanical Garden. A great option for those in southern India. Ideal For: Families, couples, and road-trippers Temperature: 13°C–22°C Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir 5 / 12 Why Visit: Famous for its lush meadows and cable car rides, Gulmarg offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks even in summer. It's also a top spot for golf and nature walks. Ideal For: Luxury travelers, nature enthusiasts Temperature: 8°C–20°C Munnar, Kerala 6 / 12 Why Visit: A refreshing getaway in God's Own Country, Munnar is known for its tea plantations, spice gardens, and cool misty hills. The monsoon touch in July adds to its charm. Ideal For: Couples, wellness retreats Temperature: 15°C–25°C Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 7 / 12 Why Visit: Once the summer capital of British India, Shimla remains a popular hill station with colonial charm, cool breeze, and attractions like Mall Road, Jakhu Temple, and Kufri nearby. Ideal For: Families, first-time hill travelers Temperature: 15°C–28°C Auli, Uttarakhand 8 / 12 Why Visit: Auli isn't just a winter destination—it's a peaceful, green paradise in summer with oak forests, cable car rides, and panoramic Himalayan views. Ideal for those seeking serenity. Ideal For: Offbeat travellers, trekkers Temperature: 8°C–20°C Coorg, Karnataka 9 / 12 Why Visit: Often referred to as the "Scotland of India," Coorg offers misty hills, coffee plantations, waterfalls, and wildlife. It's a peaceful and scenic hill retreat for South India. Ideal For: Nature lovers, solo travelers Temperature: 14°C–26°C Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh 10 / 12 Why Visit: A hidden gem in Northeast India, Tawang boasts snow-covered peaks, Buddhist monasteries, and untouched natural beauty. Though remote, it's a magical summer escape. Ideal For: Cultural explorers, spiritual seekers Temperature: 5°C–20°C Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra 11 / 12 Why Visit: This picturesque hill station is perfect for a weekend getaway from Mumbai or Pune. With its strawberry farms, viewpoints, and pleasant climate, Mahabaleshwar is a summer treat. Ideal For: Couples, families Temperature: 15°C–22°C 12 / 12 India's hill stations offer the ultimate remedy for the scorching summer months of June and July. Whether you're chasing waterfalls, sipping tea in the clouds, or hiking through pine forests, these destinations promise unforgettable experiences and natural rejuvenation. Pack light, stay cool, and let the hills heal your summer blues!
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scientists raise red flag over emerging threat killing off iconic desert species: 'Even these beautifully adapted desert plants have their limits'
An American desert icon is dying off in the southwestern United States. Experts say record-setting summers and intense droughts in Arizona are causing a well-known succulent to struggle. The saguaro cactus is synonymous with the Sonoran Desert, the region where it grows best. The slow-growing species is hardy and, despite longtime rumors of disease, resistant to blight. According to the National Park Service, the cactus is most affected by frost and drought. Over the last five years, people have noticed saguaros dying off. The Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden reports that its collection of around 1,000 cacti has been reduced to nearly 800. "But it's certainly a truth that even these beautifully adapted desert plants have their limits," Kimberlie McCue, chief science officer at the Desert Botanical Garden, told Fox10 Phoenix. The deaths of saguaro cacti point to a broader problem affecting the southwestern United States. The Arizona Department of Water Resources recently released a report showing April 2020 through March 2025 ranks as the third hottest and fourth driest time period on record for the state. April 2025 was mildly better for precipitation, but the region remains in a drought. With 99.34% of the state experiencing some stage of drought, the risk of wildfires increases dramatically. Not only can wildfires threaten human habitats and the environment at large, but they also pose a significant threat to human health due to smoke exposure. Right now, the state of Arizona's drought management plan relies heavily on monitoring conditions and asking the public to reduce water usage. As for the saguaro cactus, local wildlife organizations are working on conservation efforts. The Desert Botanical Garden has a saguaro seed bank to assist neighbors with starting cactus gardens at home to eventually be planted outside. Do you worry about air pollution in and around your home? Yes — always Yes — often Yes — sometimes No — never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
The Hindu
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
3.39 lakh tourists visit Yercaud for summer festival
A total of 3.39 lakh tourists visited Yercaud for the summer festival held between May 23 and May 29. Every year, the summer festival is being celebrated in Yercaud to attract more tourists to the hill station. This year, the 48th summer festival began on May 23. Various competitions were conducted as part of the festival. On Thursday evening, at the closing ceremony of the festival, Salem District Collector R. Brindha Devi honoured the various department officials and staff for their contribution to conducting the festival successfully. In the seven days, 3.39 lakh tourists visited Yercaud, including 1.13 lakh people visited the horticulture farms like Anna Park, Botanical Garden, and Rose Garden; 76,136 people visited Ladies and Gents Seat; 52,878 people visited Pogoda Point; 29,207 people visited Boat House; 21,792 people visited Shervaroyan Temple; 21,353 people visited Eco Park; 20,449 people visited Kiliyur Falls; and 4,535 people visited Karadiyur view point. At the function, the Collector honoured officials and staff from Rural Development, Tourism, Police, Fire and Rescue Service, Highways, Health, Municipal Corporation, Town Panchayats, Municipalities, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation, Regional Transport Officers, and conservancy workers. Officials from various departments participated.
Hans India
05-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Brindavan Gardens set for Disney-inspired makeover
Mysuru: The iconic Brindavan Gardens near the Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) dam in Srirangapatna taluk is set to undergo a massive transformation inspired by Disney theme parks. The Karnataka government has finalised a ₹2,615.96 crore master plan to comprehensively redevelop the site into a world-class tourist destination. Originally built in 1932 in Indo-Mughal style, Brindavan Gardens is one of Karnataka's top tourist attractions, drawing over 2 million visitors annually and generating around ₹15 crore in revenue. With musical fountains, boat rides, and sprawling lawns, the garden has been a major draw for decades. The new master plan, spearheaded by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and the Department of Water Resources, aims to revamp the 198-acre park in three phases over 4.5 years under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Tenders have already been invited following administrative approvals granted in July 2024. Key Attractions Under the Master Plan: *Cauvery Statue: A 184.85 crore monumental structure symbolizing the river. *Doll Museum: A ₹39.32 crore facility showcasing regional and cultural dolls. *Botanical Garden & Laser Fountain Show: ₹25 crore and ₹37 crore respectively. *Sky Bridge, Jungle Track & Tree Walk: Enhancing exploration with panoramic views. *Amusement Park & Water Park: ₹170.94 crore and ₹91.27 crore investments aimed at boosting family tourism. *Penguin Zoo, Wax Museum & Heritage Museum: Unique offerings to diversify visitor experience. *Cauvery Air Walk, Amphitheatre, and Viewing Tower: To enhance aesthetics and engagement. *Parking & Infrastructure: ₹371.32 crore allocated for accommodating increased footfall. Given the park's proximity to villages like Katteri, Hulikere, and Belagola, the government plans to implement regional development controls. This includes regulating resorts, hotels, land sales, and environmental impact to prevent unplanned urban sprawl. The PPP model grants a 30-year operation and revenue-sharing agreement with private developers, covering construction, financing, and management. The park is expected to host 15,000 visitors daily, with an anticipated 7% annual increase in tourist numbers. This transformation aims not only to preserve the legacy of Brindavan Gardens but also to elevate it to a global tourist standard, blending heritage with modern attractions.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Time of India
48 tourist spots in Kashmir closed after Pahalgam attack
SRINAGAR: J&K govt has shut down 48 of its 87 tourist destinations across Kashmir valley following the April 22 terrorist attack near the resort town of Pahalgam that left 26 people dead — 25 of them tourists. Authorities have ramped up security across the region, deploying paramilitary forces at key locations, but officials said Tuesday that nearly half of all tourist sites have been closed to the public due to safety concerns. Among the destinations shut are the alpine Kounsarnag lake in the Pir Panjal range of Kulgam district, cascading Aharbal waterfalls in Kulgam, high-altitude Doodhpathri meadows in Budgam, and the scenic valleys of Bangus in Kupwara and Verinag in Anantnag. Baba Reshi shrine on the road between Tangmarg and Gulmarg, Shrunz falls in Gulmarg, historic sun temple at Kheribal in Anantnag, and the Naranag ruins in Ganderbal district — known for their ancient stone temples — have also been sealed off. These areas are prized for their natural beauty, trekking routes, and spiritual significance. Gurez Valley in Bandipora, near the LoC and known for its remote beauty, has been closed to non-locals. In Budgam, the forested trekking destination Yusmarg is also off-limits. However, some areas remain accessible under heightened surveillance. Wular Vintage Park on the banks of Wular lake in Bandipora is open with paramilitary patrols, while Pir Ki Gali in Shopian district is operational with reinforced security. In Srinagar, major attractions such as Botanical Garden, Chashma Shahi (a Mughal garden with stunning views of Dal lake), and Pari Mahal atop the Zabarwan mountain range overlooking the city are still open but are under strict security cover. Sources said some of the shutdowns are temporary, but others may remain closed indefinitely depending on the threat assessment. Some destinations were closed immediately after the attack, while others followed suit in the ensuing days, but the full list was released Tuesday. Officials said this is likely the most extensive tourist advisory issued in the region in decades. The closures deal a major blow to the region's tourism-dependent economy, as many of the affected spots are popular draws for both domestic and international visitors. Kashmir has recently seen a surge in tourism, with nearly 35 lakh tourist arrivals last year, including over 5 lakh Amarnath pilgrims. This year alone, Srinagar's Tulip Garden has witnessed a massive influx of both domestic and foreign tourists since it opened on March 26, with more than 8 lakh visitors in a month. Several hotels and restaurants have also closed operations, further impacting tourism revenue. The region has seen major investment in the tourism sector, particularly in the construction of guesthouses and hotels. The record tourist numbers have encouraged even residents in remote areas to convert their houses into homestays.
