Summer getaways: Majestic mountains, tranquil waterscapes

We invited readers to send in pictures of their favourite but unusual summer getaways -- pristine places that are not on a regular tourist map. Here are some of the early birds who shared with us their memories.
 
First up is a picture of the majestic Kangchenjunga shot by Nilendu Ganguly. He writes, "I took this picture from Rishyop a small but exquisite hill resort in North Bengal. It was a crystal clear dawn and the Kanchanjunga radiated in early morning golden sunlight. It was beautiful and tranquil."

Do you have a photograph of a place -- it could be a quiet fishing hole, a tranquil lake, a stretch of a beach or any location that is not listed in popular tourist guides?

Give us a peek into your pristine escape and if your photographs strike the right chord, we'll publish them!

Simply send in your snaps (original photos only) to travelpicsga@rediffmail.com (subject line: 'My summer getaway'), along with your name, the name of the place, a short description of the photograph, when you visited and what you liked most about the place. We'll feature the best pics right here on rediff.com and India Abroad.

Ganesh sends in this picture he took while he was returning from Rohtang to Manali. He writes, "Rohtang may not be as secluded as it used to be. But I still give this place two thumbs up simply because it is so magical."

Another picture from Ganesh -- this one is of a place called Munsiyari.
 
"It is a small village in Uttaranchal near the Indo-Tibetan border. The place remains a virgin paradise and secluded, thankfully untouched from the hectic pace of the city life. We spent two days there and loved it!

This is a picture of Suraj Tal shot by Aditya Kumar during his road trip from Kargil to Zanskar Valley in July 2009.

Moving south, Aneesh Palliath gives the hills a pass and takes to the water in Kerala. He writes, "This one was taken from a country boat when I went to Aquaserene Resort in Kollam, Kerala. It is the loveliest place I've been to."

Vibhor Rastogi sends in a picture of Tirthan Valley.

"It is about 35 km from Aut a little beyond Kullu. It is a secluded place surrounded by rivers and mountains where only the sounds of river and chirping of the birds can be heard. It is the perfect place to get away from the hectic and tiring life of the city."

This is a picture of the St. Mary's Island of Malpe, Udupi in Karnataka state. Ravindra M who shot this breathtaking picture tells us how to get there, "After reaching Udupi, hire an auto to Malpe (5 km from Udupi).

At Malpe fishing port, government boat services run from 10 am to 4 pm to this island, which is 8 km from the Malpe beach. It may take an entire day to get around the island so it's best if you are carrying your food and water."

Sujata Murmu took a break from the Chennai heat in Kodaikanal.

"Can you believe these pictures were taken in the afternoon? I like the mist and fog covering the entire place throughout the day."