India Top summer destination 2008

DARJEELING - JEWEL OF EAST

Darjeeling still resembles an old Victorian town, complete with cobbled roads, old-world bungalows and endless tea estates. It attracts tourists with its oak and pine forests, orchid blooms and its stunning views of the Mount Kanchenjunga. Also known as a trekker's paradise, Darjeeling's adventure challenges draw many travellers. Darjeeling's charming villages, waterfalls and 'toy-train' are some of the attractions that shouldn't be missed.

Must Visit: The Observatory Hill is the oldest site in Darjeeling. The Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway - the first passenger ropeway in India - is located at North Point, about 3-km from the town. Ghoom Monastery, located at 8000 ft, is one of Darjeeling's most renowned monasteries. Visit Tiger Hill, the area's highest point in the early morning for the dramatic effect the first rays of the sun create on distant Himalayan peaks.

Travelguru Recommends: Take a ride on the Darjeeling Toy Train between Kurseong & Ghoom. It takes almost an entire day, but is worth it!

Travelguru Tips: Walk through lush tea gardens. Watch tea-pickers at work or even get a lesson in tea-picking. One of the most famous is Badamtam Estate.

Getting There: Airport - Bagdogra (10 Kms from Siliguri), Rail Station - New Jalpaiguri Junction and Siliguri.

SHIMLA - THE SUMMER CAPITAL

The capital of Himachal Pradesh was the summer capital under British rule. Rich in tradition and natural beauty, Shimla, is surrounded by pine, deodar, oak and rhododendron forests. It's well developed facilities, easy accessibility and many attractions make it one of India's most popular hill-stations.

Must Visit: Enjoy a majestic view of Choor Chandni Peak on the tourist trains - the Shivalik Palace and the Shivalik Deluxe between Kalka and Shimla stations. Visit the Jakhoo Hills, the tallest of the seven hills in Shimla crowned by the Hanuman Temple. For shopping visit the Mall Road. Also include a trip to Kufri (22 km from Shimla) for yak rides and fine ski slopes. Naldehra (23 kms from Shimla) has one of the oldest golf courses in India.

Travelguru Recommends: Best season is summer, but we recommend you go there during spring and autumn, when the views are spectacular.

Travelguru Tips: Hand-made khukri by Gorkha's make a good souvenir from Shimla.

Getting There: Airport - Shimla. Rail Station - Shimla and Kalka.

MANALI - THE VALLEY OF THE GODS

Located at an altitude of 6,398 ft in the Beas River valley, Manali is one of the most popular hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. Its charm as the perfect honeymoon spot hasn't dissipated over the years. It's also where many flock to experience their first contact with snow. This small town marked the origin of ancient trade route to Ladakh and was once the home of the Saptarshi or seven sages.

Must Visit: Enjoy a visit to the Great Himalayan National Park. Popular picnic spots featuring gushing waterfalls include Rahla Fall and Palani Fall near Manali. Kheerganga at Manikaran is among the most visited Hot Water Spring. A dip here is believed to cure gastric problems and rheumatic pains.

Adventure Sports: Try White Water Rafting, Canoeing and Kayaking at River Beas. The river is an angler's delight as well and tourists are allowed a session of trout fishing. Also try paragliding at Solang Nullah and skiing at Rohtang Pass which is the highest point on the National Highway.

Travelguru Recommends: Manali is known for its splendid bargains. The region's woolen shawls, Tibetan carpets, fur caps and mufflers are famous.

Travelguru Tips: Kullu-Manali is best explored on a motorbike, which can be hired at reasonable charges. Taxis and local buses are also available.

Getting There: Airport - Bhuntar, Rail Station - Jogindar Station.

OOTY - A WALK IN THE CLOUDS

Located in Nilgiris, or 'Blue Mountains', Ooty, otherwise known as Udhagamandalam, derives its name from "othakal-mund" which means "house in mountains". Its year-round pleasant weather makes it a haven for vacationers.

Must Visit: The Botanical Gardens are well laid-out with shady tree-lined avenues and innumerable ornamental plants and flowers. One of the main attractions is a fossilised tree trunk. A visit to the Rose Garden is a worthwhile experience. Ooty Lake is a long and beautifully constructed artificial lake. Other lakes include Glenmorgan and Pykara Lake. Visit the magnificent Union Church and Trinity Church. Snowden Peak and Cairn Hill offer spectacular views.

Travelguru Tips: Take a hang gliding course. There are many lakes and streams where you can enjoy fishing.

Travelguru Recommends: Visit during the summer festival, which happens in May. Don't miss the Flower Show. Pick up tea, aromatic oils spices and hand made chocolates. One of the best known places is the King Star Confectionery.

Getting There: Airport - Coimbatore, Rail Station - Coimbatore.

MUNNAR - GOD'S OWN COUNTRY

Away from the din of flocking tourists, in the green hills of Kerala, Munnar is one of the best-kept secrets of this God's Own Country. Deriving its name from the three rivers which flow through it, Munnar is also the site of the Neelakurinji, a blue flower which blooms only once every twelve years and covers the entire hillside in its hue.

Must Visit: Eravikulam (Rajamalai) National Park is located 45 mins from Munnar. This National Park is home to the endangered species of mountain goat, Nilgiri Thar. Anamudi Peak is located within the Eravikulam National Park is the highest peak in South India. It is an ideal spot for trekking; it is an easy walk to the peak. The Tea Museum showcases the history of tea plantations in Munnar and the process of making tea.

Travelguru Recommends: Don't miss the speed boat ride at Madupatty Dam.

Travelguru Tips: Try traditional Kerala cuisine served on plankton leaves at Sarvana Bhavan situated in the city center.

Getting There: Airport - Cochin, Rail Station - Ernakulum Junction.

GOA - LAND OF SUN-SOAKED BEACHES

With 131 km of coastline, Goa is a sun-soaked paradise. Known for its delicious seafood, cashew feni and beautiful beaches, Goa offers something for everyone. Goa's beaches are a great place to indulge in water-sports like snorkeling, jet skis, paragliding or simply beach relax at a shack. The real essence of Goa lies in its winding lanes, with a church at every corner.

Must Visit: North Goa's beaches, from Arambol to Candolim, are the most frequented and hip beaches of Goa and offer more adventure activities. South Goa beaches from Velsao to Palolem are more laid back. Rarely visited, but amongst the most peaceful, are Agonda Beach, Cola Beach and Canaguinim Beach.
Amongst the most popular churches are the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Sé Cathedral, Church & Convent of St Francis of Assisi, Chapel of St Catherine, Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, Royal Chapel of St Anthony and more to visit.

Travelguru Recommends: Visit Camelot, a restored Goan mansion, which has been turned into an eclectic store for household articles.

Travelguru Tips: Hire a bike and explore the paradise on your own. The locals will help you with directions.

Getting There: Airport - Dabolim, Rail Station - Madgao (South) and Karmali (North).

US Top Summer Destination 2008

Portland, Maine

The land of lobster and home of Acadia, the only national park in New England, Maine has long been a popular summer destination. But unless you live in a neighboring state, it's been expensive to get there.

That changes May 23rd, when low-fare carrier JetBlue begins service to Portland with fares up to 70 percent lower or $59 to $129 each way. JetBlue starts its Maine service with four flights a day from New York and offers connections from 30 of JetBlue's 34 destinations.

Portland is Maine's largest city and noted by Frommer's as a "culinary mecca." It's also got numerous cultural attractions such as the Portland Museum of Art with works from Degas, Picasso and Renoir and a vibrant music scene that includes the Portland Symphony and jazz, blues and rock clubs.

The city is also a draw for outdoor enthusiasts who can hike along the ocean in Two Lights State Park, kayak in Casco Bay or lounge on secluded beaches just a ferry ride away.

St. Lucia

Heading to the Caribbean in the islands' off-season - when the weather is just 5 to 10 degrees warmer than winter - is one of the best ways to save on a summer vacation. And St. Lucia, one of the southern most islands in the Caribbean, is a particularly good deal this summer because a slew of hotels are opening, bringing low introductory rates.

At the recently opened Almond Bay Resort, they're offering an early summer booking special for $300 a night for an ocean-view room including all meals and drinks. Typically, that rate is $400 a night. Prices at even the most luxurious resorts are half of what you'd pay in the winter. At Ladera, a resort nestled between St. Lucia's famous Piton Mountains and recently named the Best Hotel in the Caribbean, a one-bedroom suite with your own plunge pool is $280 a night vs. $500 in the winter. Just be sure to make it an early summer getaway - May through July - before hurricane season kicks in.

Banff

If you're looking for cooler climes and outdoor adventure, head north to one of Canada's 40 national parks, which are less crowded and less expensive than U.S. parks in the summer, says Banas from SmarterTravel.com.

At Banff in the Canadian Rockies, a 90-minute drive from Calgary, summer temps are in the mid 60s and if you book a hotel stay by June 30, you can save up to 40 percent on your lodging at resorts such as the Banff Caribou Lodge and the Rimrock Resort Hotel.

Richmond, VA

Richmond is less than two hours from Washington, DC but the former capital of the Confederacy is just as steeped in history, making it a great family destination. Sites include Edgar Allen Poe's boyhood home and the Paramount King's Dominion amusement park with 200 rides. And it's the only U.S. city to boast Class IV white water rafting in an urban setting on the James River in downtown Richmond.

JetBlue begins service to Richmond April 4th, the first time this destination has had any low-fare competition. Fares are up to 50% lower: $138 to $268 roundtrip from New York and $158 from $288 roundtrip to Boston.

Denver, Colorado

Ski resorts are a great vacation value in the summer and there's even more to do outside of ski season, from hiking to horseback riding. And now it's even cheaper to get to Denver since low-fare king Southwest Airlines began flying to in Denver in January.

Though low-fare airline Frontier has been battling it out with United there for several years, even Frontier has been forced to cut its low-fares to match Southwest prices, which are as low as $23 each way. Visitors can head to the nearby Rocky Mountains or stay in the Mile High City to visit free or reasonably priced attractions such as the Denver Zoo and the U.S. Mint.

Greenville, South Carolina

Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville has a big city feel in a small town setting with boutiques, art galleries and outdoor cafes. It was voted a "best value" destination in Hotwire's Travel Value Index thanks to bargain priced accommodations including high end properties like the Westin Poinsett, a lavishly restored 1920s landmark where rooms are as low as $135 a night.

Greenville, at the gateway to South Carolina's mountain wilderness areas, is also fun for outdoor enthusiasts who want to enjoy nearby lakes and mountain trails.

Knoxville, Tennessee

The former capital of Tennessee is full of cultural and family fun attractions, from the Knoxville Symphony and the Knoxville Zoo to the Knoxville Opera and the Candy Factory, a 19th century building that now houses art galleries and a chocolate shop.

While there are plenty of low-priced hotels and motels, there are noteworthy new accommodations, such as the Cumberland House, a small luxury boutique hotel walking distance to downtown and overlooking World's Fair Park. Rates are as low as $119 a night on the weekend and even a suite with a balcony and sitting room is just $179 a night.