Despite the relentless heat prevailing in most parts of the country, India still has a lot of places that are perfect for a summer vacation. Be it a weekend getaway with friends and family or a week-long solo trip, you will find the best spots to visit in summer. But it may be a difficult job to select the most suitable destination for your trip. And that is why we have come up with 20 places you can visit in India during the summers.
Adorned by the glittering waters of River Beas, experience the majestic snow-capped mountains here in Manali. Some of the awe-inspiring places to visit here include the magnificent Rohtang Pass, the Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple and the Himalayan National Park. You can be a part of many adventure sports like rafting, trekking and camping.
Shimla is a perfect confluence of modern India and the ancient history of colonialism. You can revel in the Mall road here to experience the local culture, and also explore the halls of the stunning Viceregal Lodge. To experience rich history and nature in its glory, you must plan a trip to Shimla.
A common household name that pops up every time you talk about a summer vacation holiday! Nestled amongst the beautiful Himalayas, this diminutive hill station has lots to offer. If you take a walk on the winding roads, you can smell the ethereal fragrance of tea at every step. You can grab a bite at the famous Glenary’s, hitch a ride on the Toy Train, or wander in the bustling Chowrasta.
With mountains galore, the town stands tall at 7000 feet. This is the reason behind the extremely cool weather that provides the much-needed respite to the heat. Here, you can go boating on the Mussoorie Lake, visit the several shops in the Library Bazaar, and seek solitude at the Cloud’s End, where the view is worth a trek.
This hill station in Uttarakhand is one of the best summer holiday destinations in India. It is replete with several lakes that add to its old-town charm. Surrounded by rolling hills, it provides for a quick escape for people, especially in Delhi and Chandigarh. Some of the popular tourist spots are Nainital Lake, the Naina Peak, and the High Altitude Zoo. You can also experience activities like boating and paragliding.
Gangtok perfectly balances the elements of a thriving modern life with a mellow hill-station life that is perfect for a peaceful vacation. You can visit the sanctity that embraces the place with a visit to the Rumtek Monastery, satisfy your thirst for adventure by rafting on the Teesta and get mesmerised by the magnificence of the Nathu La Pass. Don’t forget to taste the delicious local cuisine.
Perhaps the first summer destination we ever came across was Kashmir. Gulmarg, Srinagar, and Pahalgam is the holy trinity that will fulfil all your wishes as a tourist. Relax on a houseboat cruise or take a Shikara ride on the glistening Dal Lake. The blooming tulips in the valleys of Srinagar make a perfect view.
Located in the south of the country, this quaint little town is a prime spot for a summer vacation in India. Its popularity as a tourist destination dates back to the British Rule days, and rightly so. If you are a nature lover, Ooty is a must-visit. You can hitch a ride on the Nilgiri Railways, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, bask in the peaceful Ooty Lake on a boat, or even enjoy the beautiful sunset from Doddabetta Peak.
You will certainly feel overwhelmed around the several islands, each providing ample opportunities for tourists to have a good time. Some of these islands include Havelock Island, Ross Island, North Bay Island, and more. Here you can try your hand at activities like snorkelling, scuba-diving and sea-walking.
By now you know that the Northeast is filled with some of the best places to visit in summer in India. Often referred to as the ‘Scotland of the East’, Shillong is dotted with gorgeous lakes and beautiful waterfalls. Some sights to behold include the Shillong Peak, the Elephant Falls, and the Living Root bridge. There are many wonderful activities that you can be a part of, like trekking, camping, and even waterfall rappelling.
Mahabaleshwar, in Maharashtra, is a famous hill station, especially amongst Mumbaikars. The spot is well-known for its lush greenery as it is blessed with one of the few evergreen forests in India. When you are here, do pay a visit to Elephant’s Head Point, Venna Lake and Lingamala Falls.
Nestled on a ridge overlooking the magnificent Teesta Valley, the hill station houses many monasteries that are popular pilgrimage spots for Buddhists. Some of these reverent places of religion are the Pedong Monastery and the Tharpa Choling Monastery. After sightseeing, you can indulge in trekking to the Deolo Hill, paragliding above the picturesque valleys, and biking through the quaint town.
Resplendent with a host of majestic palaces, you will not be able to choose a favourite here in Mysore. Some of the most famous tourist spots in Mysore include the Mysore Palace, the Brindavan Gardens, the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple, and more. If you want your summer holidays to be filled with a lesson on culture and values, a trip to Mysore should do it for you.
Yet another gem of Himachal Pradesh, Kasol is a small town that is increasing in its popularity, especially amongst trekkers, backpackers, and nature lovers. Here, you can visit the Gurudwara at Manikaran Sahib, jump across the small boulders on the Parvati River, and revel in the utopic Tosh village.
A trip to Auli poses as the ideal summer vacation holiday. It is famous for its skiing along the snow-capped slopes of the peaks. Replete with apple orchards and pine trees, the backdrop of the spectacular Himalayas make for a mesmerising sight. One of the most exciting activities you can try here is the Auli ropeway, which takes you a ride for a distance of 4 km, giving you the best seat to view the green pastures and meadows down below.
Kodaikanal offers the perfect summer retreat, especially for the people in the surrounding states. This destination can be described in just three words; forests, lakes, waterfalls. You can bask in the serenity that the Kodaikanal Lake gives you, get a piece of history at the Shenbaganur Museum, and stroll through the refreshing Bryant Park.
Apart from its natural beauty, Dharamshala is spiritually significant as it is home to the Dalai Lama. It also has a Tibetan influence on its architecture and culture. If you are a cricket fanatic, just like most of us, you can experience the electric atmosphere at the Dharamshala Cricket Stadium. Apart from these, you can also engage yourself in a lot of adventure sports like trekking, camping, and paragliding.
Also known as the ‘French Capital of India’, you will find remnants of French culture and Heritage in almost everything. Add to this the beaches and cafes dotting them, and you have got yourself the perfect summer vacation in India. One can walk on the Rock beach, bathe in spirituality in Auroville, or even succumb to the decadent French cuisine and delicacies.
If you love the smell of rain, this place is for you. Cherrapunji is always covered in misty clouds. During the summers, you can treat yourself to the many cold-water springs, waterfalls, and streams. Some of the major attractions here are the Nohkalikai Falls, the Double Decker Living Root Bridge, Khasi Monoliths, and the Krem Mawmluh cave.
Last but not least, one of the best places for summer vacation in India is Ranikhet. Holy shrines, breathtaking nature, and several orchards add to the already beautiful landscape. Some of the most-visited places here include the Jhula Devi temple, the Bhalu Dam, and the famous Upat Golf Course.
Now that you have a list of places for the perfect summer vacation don’t wait anymore. Start planning and have a fun holiday!
