Where can I go to cool off in July in South India

all-one-heart

Hi, I just found out that I cannot do a trip planned to go to Pondicherry in February and March 2008!

I'm upset already, and the worse news is that I cannot change my plane ticket to leaving any later than July 5th, 2008.
Since my boss won't consider letting me off untill the very beginning of July also, guess what?

So where can I go where it will be special spiritually and a reasonable temperature at THAT time of year, when landing in Chennai for starters????

Someone told me 20 years ago that there were places in the 'Nirgiri Hills'??? The blue Hills? Is that so? Is it nice?

Thanks for any inspiration. Am feeling a bit low...

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all-one-heart

Nick-H

Commiserations!

On the other hand, in 2007, our weather took a plunge from our big summer heat to much lower temperatures in mid june, and July was comfortable.

If you're lucky, July will only be a couple of degrees higher than March! But our weather has become really unpredictable in past couple of years.

Take a look at this site here for some interesting chennai weather records (you can also check out real-time conditions on their home page; it is only an amateur weather station, but I find it very useful).

I think Chennai area in July onwards will be fine. It is mid-April to mid-June that is to be avoided.

In July 2006 we went to Ooty --- and found it cold, wet and miserable. A bit like London on a bad day, really, and the people didn't look much more cheerful either.

However, heading up into the hills without going all the way up brings more pleasant temperatures. Coonor was nice.

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Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

all-one-heart

That's reassuring! Wierd weather all over the world, this time to my benefit, eh? A blessing.

Does any one know if Sri Lanka about the same in July as Tamil Nadu?

capt_mahajan

I think Srilanka would get much more rain in the monsoon around that time than Tamilnadu, because it is exposed to the SW.

Nick-H

I'm not sure, but I suspect it'll be more like Kerala, which means monsoon.

Only a guess... someone who knows may pass this way soon.

<Cross-posted with Captain>

all-one-heart

Still, I'd like to know where I could go if it got horribly hot this year... the weather could do that, too.... I'd like to know of somewhere not days and sweltering days from Chennai. A train ride away, say.

capt_mahajan

Like Nick indicated earlier, Ooty/Coonoor is reasonably closeby, and is probably the only place which fits 'a train ride away'. (including a toy train)

Or maybe Munnar in Kerala, a little further.

Or, budget permitting a couple of flights, Darjeeling or Sikkim?

Nick-H

To get lower temperatures, you need higher altitudes, so check out anywhere moving up into the Western Ghats (and I don't really know enough to recommend) but be aware that, as you reach the top you will meet up with Kerala's SW monsoon.

Ooty, including the toy train, is quite a long trip, as the toy train alon is five hours, on top of the night you'll have just spent on the train. By car it is only a couple of hours from mmmmm.... that place that begins with M where the toy train starts!

OK, guys, yes... I know, in Indian terms that isn't a long train journey!

pmvelu

Spirituality near Chennai, I would say Tiruvanamalai as the ideal destination . It's around 180 kms (3 1/2 Hours Bus journey from chennai and the road is excellent). Around July, it's rainy season and it won't be peak summer !. You have "N" number of ashrams in this place and you could search our IM forum and you will get recommendations /experiences on the ashram.

If you prefer somewhat cooler temperature with not much travelling and no much crowds ,you could try out yelagiri Hills (Not so cold , not much to see but for a calm and cool stay and if you prefer trekking or short walks this might be ideal). This is around 3 hours in train + bus from Chennai and around 2 hours from Tiruvanamalai.

And more famous places are Ooty / Coonoor / Kodaikanal which are around 10-12 hours from chennai(By Bus / Train(For ooty / coonoor)) but these places will be crowded but not much crowded when compared to the months of April,May and June.

Hope this helps
Velu

all-one-heart

I didn't think Tiravanamalai would be much cooler than Pondycherry in July. How's that? Isn't it in the plains?

I went there 22 years ago (wow, ain't gettin' younger! ) and stayed in Ramana Maharshi's ashram.
At that time it was a lovely place to meditate. We got to do so right in His room! and I enjoyed the austerity called 'pradakshina,' walking around Arunachala. Yes!
The food was exceptionally good at that time, two decades ago...
Is it still nice at His ashram?

If it isn't too hot THAT IS a great choice for the spiritual part, of course. But the temperature???? Really OK????

pmvelu

You are right. Tiruvanamalai will be having equal (Definitely not lower temperature when compared to Pondicherry).

I thought you cancelled your trip to Pondy and would like to know a spiritual place near chennai and hence Tiruvanamalai turned up !. I also visited few Ashrams (including Ramana Maharishi ashram) and yes Tiruvanamalai Stands only as "Religious place" not the cooler one .

I haven't visited yet but heard from my friends "Jaggi Vasudev's" Ashram in Velliangiri Hills near Coimbatore(Coimbatore is known for salubrious climate in Tamilnadu ) is good for Yoha . Just browse thru the link to know more on this place.
http://www.sadhguru.org/portal/index...page/Itemid,1/

Hope this helps
Velu

all-one-heart

NO, thank God I didn't have to entirely cancel my trip.
However, I did have to change my dates from visiting Pondicherry in February-March to JULY!
And untill you-all (specially Nick) started reassuring me I was pretty worried about the HEAT in July.

So, I've been working on a cool Plan "B". Thanks, Velu, you've been quite a help too!

What does "salubrious" mean?

And, while I'm at it, are there any nice waterfalls around?