This week, we look at some of the best places for girls to visit this summer. Great shopping opportunities, cosy accommodations and super safe environment…What else can you ask for!
Nainital, Uttarakhand
In the hottest of summers, when people in the big towns and cities are shying away from getting out of the house, those who visit Nainital would never want to be indoors, at any given point of the day. The reason? With a maximum of 25 degrees in the hottest summers, Nainital is a great place to beat the heat. Nainital would win hands down as one of the best places for women to go to. The inhabitants are friendly, and women can drive on the outskirts of most of the places in Nainital without fear. The place is cheap and there is always someone to help a lost traveller. With lots of options for street-shopping, Nainital is definitely a must-see.
Air - The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. JetKonnect, Air India and Jet Airways offer flights from Hyderabad to Dehradun. The rest of the distance can be easily covered by taxi.
Trains - Rajdhani Express and the AP Express go to Dehradun regularly. But remember to book, well in advance.
Road – You can go by bus from Delhi, Almora, Ranikhet and Badrinath.
Havelock Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
There is no place like the Havelock Island if you want to refresh your mind and body. All you women, gear up for the trip of a lifetime on Havelock island. With a variety of options for staying, Havelock caters to all categories of travellers. The best thing about it is that you can chose a luxury stay, or an economical one – but you will realise you are safe in both the kind of accommodations. Extremely friendly natives, beautiful beaches and plenty of little chalet-like restaurants make Havelock a very tempting option. Rent a bike, and go around town during the day or the night and enjoy what this beautiful island has to offer.
Air - You either fly to Kolkata or to Chennai to get to Port Blair as there are no direct flights from Hyderabad. Indigo, Air India and Jet Airways have daily flights to either of the destinations. And reach Port Blair in a maximum of two hours from here.
Trains - Plenty of trains go to Chennai – the Chennai Express and the Charminar Express are the two best options.
Vrindavan, Mathura
It’s time to think offbeat now and witness the rustic rural life of the country. Vrindavan, the birthplace of lord Krishna is one place we promise will be etched in your memories for a long time. The colours, the devotees of lord Krishna singing hymns, the little shops and the variety of foods that one can get to eat are all a great enticing factor. This is one place where tourists love to flock as the natives are immune to the presence of visitors. Which is probably one reason why it’s such a safe bet for women to go. Walk along the little lanes and see what rural India looks like. Go there if you are not too finicky about walking into luxurious hotels only. This is definitely not a place for the elite, but for the enthusiastic.
Air - Kingfisher, Jetlite, Air India, Spice Jet and Jet Airways offer flights from Hyderabad to Delhi
Trains – Book a train to Delhi – the AP Express or the Rajdhani Express and then from there to Mathura
Road – There are many ever-enthusiastic taxi-waalas offering you taxis to go from Delhi to Mathura. Alternatively, you can also take private buses.
Araku Valley
This beautiful hill-station in Vishakhapatnam is surrounded by forests, and is one of the city’s favourite getaways. The pleasant weather, and the tribal life there make for a tourist’s delight. The many little villages in the Araku valley offer a great visual experience for those seeking out of the ordinary travel experiences. Easily accessible by road and rail from Vishakhapatnam, Araku Valley is one destination to go to in the summers. Break free from the monotony of everyday life, and see what peace and quiet can look like. Go to the Araku valley, and yes, don’t forget to see the Borra caves while you are there.
Air – Kingfisher, Jetlite, Air India, Spice Jet and Jet Airways offer flights from Hyderabad to Vizag.
Trains – Visakha, Konark, Falaknuma and Godavari Express from Hyderabad to Vizag.
Road – Travel agencies offer cab services to Vizag at a price of `3,000 per head.
Coorg
It has been a tourist’s delight for years now, and still remains one. There is still a unique nature to Coorg as a tourist destination that every year, tourists consider going there. The Tibetan culture in Madikeri, weather, and the great shopping opportunities make Coorg a must-visit place for this summer. Rightly called the Scotland of India, Coorg’s Madikeri hill station is the place to go to in Coorg. The mountain ranges, and the luscious greenery add to the never-ending beauty of Coorg. It is a must-go for women as despite the onslaught of tourism, it still remains a safe-haven for single travellers. All you women, pack your bags, and get set to Coorg.
Air - Bajpe Airport in Mangalore is the nearest airport and Kingfisher, Air India and Jet Airways have regular flights from Hyderabad.
Trains – There are no direct trains to Mangalore. You need to go to Bangalore and then take a train from Yeshwantpur to Mangalore.
Road – AP State Road Transport Corporation have buses that go to Mangalore daily.
My favourite places
Divya Nawale
I love the Andamans because I feel they are the perfect spot for girls to enjoy the beaches and chill out. And of course, they are an ideal option for a scuba diving enthusiast.
Trishitha Goud
The Araku valley is scenic, and I loved every minute of my time there. Moreover, it is easily accessible, and I can go there to unwind, whenever I feel like.
Dia Mahale
Coorg is my perfect place to relax and unwind. The lush greenery makes me rejuvenated, and I can keep coming back here, again and again.