5 Destinations You Need to Visit This August 2016

With the onset of monsoon, India begins to glitter and many of the destinations that were tolerating the scorching heat of July really come into their own. But, perhaps, this is the year to push the envelope (and pull those purse strings!) a little further.

Some destinations shine brighter than others during particular months. After curating those, we have come up with a definitive list of 5 destinations you need to visit this August 2016. So, get that trip booking site open and start reading…

Mauritius

 

Beach paradise, honeymoon destination and popular Bollywood song-and-dance-venue – Mauritius is renowned for its sapphire-blue waters flirting with white sandy beaches, overlooked by luxury resorts. Famed for its Creole cuisine, with Indian, French and African influences, the Mauritian table is bound to exceed gastronomic expectations. The number of watersports activities here, from kite surfing and boat excursions to private islands, keep one busy. Birdwatchers will love it here – some of the rarest species of birds inhabit the islands, making Mauritius a wildlife reserve par excellence.

Maldives
 

Arguably boasting of the best beaches in the world, Maldives is a destination quite unlike any other. With over a 100 islands, each with their own private resorts and beach fronts – you’re really spoilt for choice. For the independent traveler who wants more than just the lap of luxury, the inner islands have started to open their gates to backpackers so as to acquaint them with the local population. Water sports and trekking trails amidst these coral islands are a huge draw.

Krabi

So, most of us would remember Krabi from the movie Kaho Na Pyar Hai. Famed for the Phi Phi Islands, which have giant rainforested boulders jutting out from the ocean – Krabi is known for its dense mangrove spreads, craggy limestone cliffs and the very quirky Thai appeal as you browse around the inner town centre. Make this your destination to visit if you want the commercial side of Thailand as well as the beach splendor that one always craves for.

Singapore

Although popularly known as the commercial entrepot of South-East Asia, Singapore goes beyond just being a major finance hub. Over the years, it has bolstered its reputation as a tourism hotspot – featuring glitzy malls, a skyline to die for, botanic gardens, diverse cuisine and a nightlife that would make Thailand weak in the knees. The sheer cultural diversity trapped in this tiny island is awe-inspiring, and you find yourself wandering from Mumbai on one block to Beijing on the other – truly a jet-setting experience every kilometer of the way.

Moscow
 

One for all seasons, Moscow’s fascinating history, art and architecture is what makes it such a versatile destination to visit. From nimble ballerina performances at the Bolshoi Theatre to a tryst with the grim Soviet history at the Gulag History Museum – there’s always plenty to do and see in the city, no matter what the time. Obviously, some of the tried and tested are still the major draws in the city – think the Red Square, the Kremlin, St Basil’s Cathedral and the like. Finally, if you really want to know what it feels like to be in a city that never sleeps, try the Moscow nightlife. It’ll leave you bleary eyed and tousle-haired for sure.

So, where do you think you’ll be stamping a visa for this August?