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In India, the rains herald the end of the holiday season. But they are also much awaited for the relief they bring from the stifling heat of summer. As cold gusts of wind blow in clouds with rain, and the fragrance of wet earth fills the air, this is the season of renewal. As the monsoon rolls in, life undergoes an almost miraculous metamorphosis. The dusty garb of summer is transformed—almost overnight—into myriad iridescent shades. Trees sprout new leaves, and a blanket of luminescent green spreads all over the earth. Even a short drive to the outskirts of the city is enough to witness the magic of the monsoon. Try visiting Sarovar Hotels in Goa (Lazylagoon Sarovar Portico suites & Phoenix Park Inn), Gangtok (The royal Plaza), Lonavala (Sahil Sarovar Portico), Manali (Sarovar Portico) and Mussoorie (Park Plaza Sylverton) to have a green and ‘natural’ holiday.
General safety tips
Certain precautions are important to ensure that your monsoon holiday is not a washout.
1. Diseases are rampant during the monsoon. Guard against monsoon diseases such as influenza, or dysentery. Always carry a medical kit with some antibiotics. Do not neglect early symptoms of sickness. If you are out for a few days, make it a point to consult a local doctor.
2. Protect yourself against mosquitoes. Always carry a mosquito repellent and ensure you cover yourself completely at night. Be alert to warning signs of malaria including fever, headache, a severe chill, or muscle ache.
3. Contaminated food and water are a monsoon hazard. Eat only properly cooked food, and wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Be careful about the water you drink; when in doubt, stick to bottled water. Also, hot beverages such as coffee and tea are generally safer than fruit juices, sugarcane juice, or buttermilk.
4. A good hot water bath is a good practice after a day spent outdoors in the rain.
Trekking safety
These are some of the safety tips you can follow while trekking:
5. Trek with people who are knowledgeable about the place where you are going. At least consult someone knowledgeable, and carry a detailed map.
6. Wear appropriate footwear. Rock faces can get very slippery during monsoons.
7. Do careful about crossing deep streams unless you are absolutely sure that they are safe. Not only could they be deeper than you think, the torrent may be too powerful for you.
8. Do not eat leaves, fruits, flowers, or mushrooms unless you are sure that they are safe. They could be poisonous.
9.
Monsoon is the time when lots of insects emerge. Treat insects bites if they occur by applying some anti-inflammatory cream.
10.
Be careful about snakes, especially as this is the time you will encounter them often. Learn to identify the common poisonous snakes, if you trek in places where they are found.
With inputs from Indiaparenting.com and Reflections Editorial Team |
