Summer's Paradise; Munnar, Coorg, Ooty, Pahalgam

School breaks have kicked in and there's every reason why you must head out to a beautiful domestic destination on a summer vacation. But this time, let your kids choose the kind of holiday they would like to indulge in. The trick is to involve them right from the start so that a sense of responsibility sets in. For icy cool holidays, head toward the Himalayas and opt for Pahalgam. A drive straight from the Kashmir airport will take you to yourPahalgamresort (Don't forget to book your stay beforehand). For some wildlife fun, go spot some lions at the Gir Forest Reserve in Gujarat. Take as many safari rides as your kids ask for, you are bound to spot black buck, neel gaay and rare birds. A must during your Gir vacation is to remain hydrated and carry ready cash. Next stop is toward the South, Visakhapatnam is a beautiful metropolitan coastal town, 8 hours drive from Hyderabad. You can fly down from Hyderabad and make your way to the coffee plantations of Araku Valley. Don't miss the Borra Caves illumination time during the evenings while in Araku. Talking of coffee, if you live close to Bangalore, then drive up to the climes ofCoorgwhere river Cauvery gurgles near the coffee estates. The British architecture-styled town ofOotyin Tamil Nadu is another hilly attraction. Fly down or chug along, fun is guaranteed... Thanks to kids' who are happily planning this vacation for you...
Get set to feel rejuvenated with some pure oxygen in the unpolluted air of Pahalgam. Perhaps dense pine and cedar forests make it oxygen-rich . The town is at the junction of the Aru and Sheshnag Rivers and surrounded by soaring, fir-covered mountains with bare, snow-capped peaks rising behind them. While here, go golfing at the Pahalgam golf course, trek up to the Mamaleshwar Temple; go horseriding leisurely with your family near the Aru and Betaab Valley; walk on Chandanwadi glacier and see the Amarnath yatra point.
Ooty is a land of dreams and there's reason why we are saying that. This picturesque hill station enjoys brilliant weather and has beautiful resorts overlooking the scenic surroundings. Ooty is well connected by roads and can be reached easily from major cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, Bangalore or Kochi. The nearest airport is at Coimbatore. Here, take your family to visit the Government Botanical Garden, Boat House, Children's Park, Doddabetta Peak, Ooty Lake, Lamb's Rock, Kodanadu's View Point and Madumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. Take a look at the galloping horses at the Race Course or check out the Kurthukulli Guinness record village (An event of Planting 42,184 saplings in an area of 72 acres with 24 hours earned this village its record).
Relaxation comes naturally in the hilly Region of Munnar. Getting around the mountains that surround Munnar is an experience one cannot miss. Once here, take a look at the Tata Tea Museum, which is located 2 kms from Munnar Centre on the Nallathany Road. Rajamalai (Eravikulam National Park) has good trekking options. Trekking up here can give you a glimpse ofNilgiriThar, the rarely seen mountain goat. Your kids will love the time spent at Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Blossom International Park offers underground meditation center along with a beautiful array of flowers. Don't forget to take pictures here.
Coorg or Kodagu as it is known now, is also called the 'country of million hills' and is situated on the slopes of the Western Ghats. India's coffee bowl, Coorg is well-connected via roads to Bangalore. Popular tourist spots where you can have a great time include: Raja's Seat in Madikeri town and Talcauvery, 44 km from Madikeri, a pilgrimage center where the mighty Cauvery river takes its birth. TheRajiv GandhiNational Park (Nagarhole) is a wildlife sanctuary that is a must-see . Check out homestay facilities for a great vacation in Coorg.
Source: http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-03-28/news/38099787_1_ooty-lake-coffee-plantations-pahalgam-region