India is a tropical country and you are likely to meet the heat throughout the year in most parts of the country. Dirt, grim, pollution, sweat, sunburn and exhaustion become inevitable in the summer for us Indians. But if you are a tourist to India and do not come from one of the tropical countries then it is essential that you know about the weather and place you are travelling to. The summer in India approaches around May 20 to July 20 where the temperatures are extremely hot that can go up to 40 degree centigrade while 45-50 degrees in some parts of Central India. Nonetheless, you can still have great fun under the sun and find some cool ways of having fun in India while beating the heat with some of these handy tips when visiting India in the summer.
Tips to keep cool in the Indian summer
Visit amusement parks
Water sports and amusement parks in metro cities and other major cities offer loads of fun along with adventure and at the same time allows you to sooth your sweat glands.
Wonderla near Bangalore, Essel world and water kingdom near Mumbai which together form the Asia’s largest amusement park, the Ocean Park yet another sought after water park near Hyderabad and Fun and Food Village in Gurgaon (near Delhi) are some of the water parks in India that meet the international standards and allow you to soak yourself in the water. This is a perfect way to beat the heat while having fun and adventure.
Eat and drink carefully
Fruits, coconut, special Indian summer drinks and soothing foods are what you need to replace your high calorie and fatty foods to stay cool and enjoy your travel in India.
Green tea is a good option which also is a great source of antioxidants.
Water intake should be over 8 glasses. Due to excessive sweating water, salts and mineral lose is high hence a glass of lemonade made of lemon extract, sugar and salt would be helpful to replenish vital substances required for active life during hot days.
“Ragi” a drink rich in iron and calcium makes a very enriching drink to beat the heat in the India summer. This drink made with ground ragi and buttermilk is a popular drink for many Indians.
Another popular drink is the “lassi” and is a life saver for many Indians during the summer.
Try to eat high water content raw salad over cooked meals. Eating a lot of cucumbers and lettuce is a good idea when eating out. If you’re not used to eating street food then its best avoided.
Butter milk and “shrikhand” are other great refreshing Indian summer drinks that you must give them a try.
Always carry bottled with you.
Lassi (Bar) tender – India
Protect yourself from the heat
Sun tanning and rashes due to harsh sun rays is a common in Delhi and Rajasthan. If you are not from a topical country then barring the heat in some of the hottest places in India becomes even more difficult.
Apply some sun cream lotion to protect yourself from the sun. Make sure that the SPF is at least 30.
In addition to modern spas, you will also get a chance to treat yourself with the traditional Ayurvedic massages typically the cooling mud baths and packs, shirodhara, herbal spa etc which are known for its soothing sensations to beat the heat while also helping to remove skin toxins.
Beware of sunstrokes in the summer, wear loose fitting cotton clothes, and cover your head preferably with cotton scarf or cap to prevent direct exposure of your head to sun. Light colour clothes work even better and reflect away the sun rays keeping you cool.
Nice, aerating shoes should be the preferred footwear to avoid sweat and grime developing into fungus or athlete’s foot. I wear flip flops or leather sandals in the summer.
A pair of sunglasses will do wonders to keep that glaring heat away from eyes.
You can also wear a cap to prevent the sun getting to your face.
Choose the right place to visit in the summer
It is best time of the year to enjoy your stay in India by choosing to hide in the hill stations of the country. Help yourself to get the glimpse of the beauty of the hills while keeping away from heat of the plains. The hill stations of India are splendid getaways.
Some of the popular hill stations are:
Manali – It was also known as summer capital by the British. Manali is situated at an altitude of 2,050 metres in the valleys of River Beas in the state of Himachal Pradesh.
Gulmarg Hill Station – It is also known as the “Meadow of Flowers” situated in the Baramula district of Jammu and Kashmir. Its scenic beauty with the lush green slopes, flowers of different colours and the valleys come together to create an illusion of a dreamland.
Leh in Ladakh – Leh is the capital of Ladakh and is the centre of Tibetan-Buddhist culture. Ladakh is also favourite destination for adventurous people. Some of the places to visit in Ladakh include Khardung La, Pangong Tso, Nubra Valley and Zanskar.
Srinagar – Srinagar is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It is set around the beautiful Dal Lake, where houseboats (or shikharas), carry tourists on boat rides around the lake.
Munnar, Ooty and Kodikanal are popular hill stations situated in South India. These places provide great summer vacations ideal for summer getaways both natives and tourists alike.
India has some great summer getaways. Even if you do visit India in the summer, all you need to do is to keep yourself cool.
