Top international destinations to beat the heat

“We have pleasant weather all through the year.” It’s one of the first things I am told on my visit to the picturesque island of Lanzarote, Spain. Music to the ears! If you are seeking to escape the heat this year, (most of) the world is your oyster. So, dust off that passport and pick a spot on the map…

Lanzarote

The stunning Canary island boasts of an all-year pleasant temperature hovering in the 25°C range. Its geography may not have much colour but is visually stunning — volcanic rocks and lava soil coupled with cacti gardens, white and black sand beaches, sweeping vineyards, and houses painted white. There’s much to do on this island, and much of the sightseeing owes itself to the island’s favourite son, artist Cesar Manrique. He helped create many tourist spots, including his Haria home and studio, the viewpoint, Mirador del Rio, integrated into lava rock; Jameos Del Agua, which are lava caves turned into a culture centre; and Jardin de Cactus, a cactus garden.

A tour of the Timanfaya National Park includes a chance to eat meat, grilled using natural heat trapped within the earth.

Tip: Requires a Schengen visa.

Almaty

The former capital of Kazakhstan, Almaty is its largest city too. April and May mark the beginning of spring, with mild pleasant weather. There’s much to do here: a cable-car ride up Kok-Tobe (the Green Hill), eating street food, enjoying some relaxing time at the 1970s’ era Arasan bathhouse, picnic at Panfilov Park, and finding fresh produce at the Green Market.

Ski resorts like the Shymbulak Ski Resort are a delight in winter. The Museum of Folk Musical Instruments and the Central State Museum offer cultural context and history. The city is surrounded by natural beauty, making it worth the trek to Charyn Canyon (likened to the Grand Canyon), Kaindy and Kolsai lakes.

Tip: Almaty is a direct flight away from Delhi and Kazakhstan offers a free visa to Indians (up to 14 days).

Hvar

Another island getaway, Hvar lies off the coast of Croatia. It has a reputation of being a party hub like Ibiza and Mykonos, but with a charm of its own. There are numerous bars, beach clubs, and all-night discos. It is the perfect break from city life, offering cobbled streets, swaying palms, crystal-clear waters, and a sun-soaked town centre.

There are ancient churches to explore, a grand promenade to walk and enjoy views of the yachts and boats, a farmers’ market for local produce and food, and Stari Grad Plain — which includes orchards, vineyards and olive groves.

Tip: Requires a Schengen visa. Hvar is a two-hour ferry ride from Split. Best time to visit is July, when lavender fields are in bloom.

Helsinki

The capital of the world’s happiest country was also voted the most sustainable destination. Located in the south of Finland, Helsinki is a quaint little coastal city, with an emphasis on green spaces, world-class architecture, good food and saunas.

A first-time visit should involve Helsinki’s oldest park, Kaivopuisto; cycling in Munkkiniemi; spending hours at the Central City Library Oodi, and the Ateneum Art Museum; perusing through the produce at Sunday markets and farmers’ markets like Hakaniemi Market Hall; enjoying the sauna experience at Loyly; and picking up souvenirs at the many thrift stores.

Tip: Requires a Schengen visa. Finnair offers direct flights from New Delhi.

Mauritius

The gorgeous island in the Indian Ocean is blessed with beautiful beaches, natural beauty and a rich culture. There are plenty of water sports and water-based activities in Mauritius, from flyboarding and sea-karting to a submarine tour.

Must-visit spots include Port Louis for its history, and its market; Aapravasi Ghat for the history of indentured labourers; Vallee de Ferney, which protects a 400-year-old forest; Black River Gorges National Park; Casela World of Adventures; and Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth. Mauritian food has a mix of influences — Dutch, French, Creole and Indian — so it is familiar and delicious.

Tip: Mauritius has visa-free (and on arrival) entry, for up to 60 days.

Osaka

India’s summer months are Sakura season in Japan, and Osaka is one of the best cities to view these blossoms. The ideal place to find these cherry blossoms is Osaka Castle, which has more than 4,000 trees. Nishinomaru Park is a good picnic spot too. Osaka offers the best of a Japanese city: friendly people, a buzzing nightlife and good food.

Hit up Dotombori street near the canal for street food and neon lights, Osaka Museum of History, Hirakata Park (the oldest amusement park), Shitennoji Temple, the shopping arcades in Namba and Dotombori, and Universal Studios Japan.

Tip: Requires a Japanese visa. Fly to Kansai International Airport or Osaka airport.

Desi trips

Mirik: Hill station in West Bengal with tea gardens, orange orchards and many trekking opportunities.

Shillong: Hill station in Meghalaya with great food, a rich culture and beautiful lakes.

Auli: Popular skiing spot in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.

Panchmarhi: The hill station in Madhya Pradesh is part of the Satpura Hill Range and is lush with greenery.

Ziro: Known for its music festival, the hill station in Arunachal Pradesh is abundant with orchids, rice fields and a unique culture.

— The writer is a freelance contributor

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