Summer Holiday Destinations

1. Go trekking in Namik-Ramganga Valley

If the city lights get too bright for you and a holiday means freedom from cell phones, computers and even a television set, a trekking holiday amidst the virgin meadows, snaking rivers and the grand and silent peaks of the central Himalayas is just the thing for you. 

The Namik-Ramganga Valley is ringed by the mighty Nanda Devi and Trishul with plenty of local villages, temples and trails to challenge and entertain avid climbers and those fleeing from the city. The Namik is a stunning glacier which is the source of the Ramganga river and is located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. 

Get in touch with local tour operators in Delhi or Dehradun to plan a trek suited to your needs and needless to say, all your cares will be blown away in the fresh mountain air.

 2. Become a tea taster in Ghoom

 

If a cup of freshly brewed Golden Orange Pekoe makes you break into song; if the hills beckon to you at every available occasion, then Darjeeling, the tea cup of the country is your place and Tumsong Tea Retreat is your ultimate summer getaway. Located near Ghoom and sitting pretty in the very green heart of the Tumsong Tea Estate, is a colonial mansion which is a homestay and boutique hotel rolled into one. 

This remodelled tea estate managerâ??s bungalow retains all the charms and memorabilia from times past. Delicious home-cooked food, tea tastings and visits to the onsite tea factory make it a perfect break. www.chiabari.com 

 

3. Glimpses of Northern Ireland

 The Antrim coastline in Northern Ireland is perhaps the first stretch you hit after reaching Belfast, the capital. The greenery of the coastline, perfectly complemented by the dark choppy waters of the Atlantic Ocean, can revive the most jaded traveller.

A glimpse of the Antrim coastline, one of the sections of the fabled Causeway Coastal Route. The coastline is sprinkled with castles, churches and forts.

The Bushmills Inn is one place no traveller, especially one who likes a good whiskey with a fair bit of history, should miss. 

To beat the wind chill-a near-constant factor in this part of the world-get yourself a glass of Hot Bush, warm whiskey with cloves and cinnamon, at Bushmills Inn.

Some say that the Fish and Chips served at Bushmills can beat the London variety hands down. Now that's open to debate. If you're not the 'fishy' type, the simple Grilled Chicken Breast with vegetables is also delicious.

The Giant's Causeway, one of the world's most enigmatic geological sites, is all about stone and rock formations in curious shapes.

The Titanic Museum on the riverfront, being built to mark the 100th anniversary of the ship's launch and sinking in April this year, is slated to become Belfast's most visited attractions. The city is where the 'unsinkable' ship was built before being sent to Southampton for the maiden voyage.

Six senses, seventh heaven

Slow travel will define 2012 and at six senses yao noi, this philosophy is followed to the tee finds. Take a look!

Enjoy a sundowner at the den against the backdrop of the Phang Nga Bay.

Movie night under the stars at the beach or at the highest point on the island, Hilltop Reserve.

The wooden bathtub opens out into a deck that overlooks the Phang Nga Bay.

Enjoy chilled champagne and canapes at this quaint picnic excursion to one of the uninhabited islands.

A peek of Switzerland

A horse carriage ride at Interlaken is one of the best ways to soak in the sights and sounds of this picturesque town.

Interlaken is one of the most popular places in the country for adventure sports, including paragliding.

The picture perfect street at Interlaken.

The stunning snow capped peaks on the way to Jungfrau. Located at the height of 3,454m, Jungfraujoch is the highest rail station in Europe.

Snow walking and trekking is a popular activity. Tourists walk up till Monchsjoch Hut, the world's highest altitude mountain hut.

The balancing act.

Walking on the glacier at Jungfrau. 

The picture perfect Swiss Alps and rolling meadows on the way back to Interlaken from Jungfrau.

The lovely vineyards of Lavaux region, next to the stunning Lake Geneva.

The Lavaux vineyards are spread across 811 acres and stretch from Lausanne to Chillon.

A tour of the vineyard followed by wine tasting is the regular norm here.

At Vevey town, this fork, which is a piece of art, has become a symbol of this quaint town.

The lovely view outside the revolving restaurant at Leysin.

Paragliding is one of the best ways to feel the rush and get a birds eye view of the Swiss landscape.