A 2017 survey by Yatra.com, a travel site says Indians are taking longer summer holidays now, thus making holidays more fun and thrilling. Have you planned your summer holiday yet? If not, then try out these best places for a cool vacation.

Coorg

Nestled among verdant valleys, this hill station in the Western Ghats is surrounded by exuberant nature with coffee plantations, forests, mountains, waterfalls and exotic flora and fauna. No wonder, it is referred to as the ‘Scotland of India.’ Must see: Abbey Falls, Brahmagiri Peak, Dubare Elephant Camp,Nagarhole National Park, Iruppu Falls, Raja’s Seat, Nishani Motte, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary and Namdroling Monastery

Must eat: The spicy Kodagu cuisine of course. Most restaurants serve the cuisine, but the Atithi, RainTree, Coorg Cuisine and Malaya Restaurant serve great food

Must Do things: Camping, River Rafting, Trekking, Ziplining, Waterfall Rappelling, plantation walk and jeep safari

Munnar

Located in the beautiful Idukki district in Kerala, Munnar is the ideal place to spend a rejuvenating time in the company of nature. The charming valleys, the lush green tea plantations, the striking flora and fauna and a pleasant climate make this hill station one of the best holiday places in India.

Must see: Tea plantations, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Top Station, Lakkom Waterfalls, Tata Tea Museum, Kundala Lake, Eravikulam National Park and Aattukkal Waterfalls

Must eat: The Kerala Sadya, the lavish spread of rice and varieties of vegetable dishes served on a banana leaf, Kerala paratha, and vegetable or chicken stew, the local breakfast items and of course, the Kerala beef curry

Must Do Things: Walk through the vast tea plantations, a picnic at the waterfalls, nature gazing, wildlife spotting, museum visits and adventure tourism including camping, trekking, mountain biking, rock climbing and more.

Araku Valley

A place that resembles a postcard picture, Araku Valley is one of the most popular spots in Andhra Pradesh. Situated at an altitude of 1300 m above sea level, the hill station is home to several tribal communities, coffee plantations, waterfalls, and forests.

Must see: Ananthagiri Hills, Araku Tribal Museum, Borra Caves, Katiki Waterfalls, Padmapuram Botanical Gardens, Chaaparai Waterfalls and Araku Valley Coffee Museum

Must eat: The Bamboo chicken, local cuisines, the Andhra Thali, the local Araku honey and of course, the magical Araku Valley Coffee

Must Do Things: Trekking and hiking, strolls in the coffee plantations, swimming, and picnic by the waterfalls, nature exploring, bird watching, shopping for local handicrafts and wooden objects and mingling with tribal communities.

Ooty

Known as the ‘Queen of Hills,’ Ooty or Udhagamandalam is one of the most loved tourist destinations in India. Located in Tamil Nadu, the hill station is a nature’s paradise with lush greenery, scenic lakes, waterfalls, mountains, coffee and tea plantations, gardens and more. Must see: Ooty Lake, Ooty Botanical Gardens, Rose Garden, Doddabetta Peak, Wax World Museum, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Tea Museum, Pykara Waterfalls, Emerald Lake, Thread Garden, Honey and Bee Museum, Dolphin’s Nose, Fernhill Palace, and St. Stephen’s Church Must eat: Apart from the local cuisine, you must try the delicious Ooty biscuits or Varkey. Stop at the Kingstar Confectionary to taste mouth-watering and quality home-made chocolates

Must Do Things: A ride in the Nilgiri Toy Train, trekking, photography, boating, horse ride, fishing and nature trails

So, what are you waiting for? Make room in your calendar for these awesome places to spend a memorable family holiday. A tip for a more enjoyable trip is to take a cab ride to travel as the drive through the picturesque locations makes it all the more amazing.