Best Places For Summer Vacation In India: India, with its vast terrains and various landscapes, offers an array of breathtaking destinations perfect for your next summer vacation. Whether you’re seeking the incredible retreats of the Northern mountain stations, the lush greenery of the Southern countryside, or the tranquil beaches along the coast, India has something to cater to all your desires. Here are some of the best places to visit in summer in India for vacation. These summer tourist destinations in India promise a respite from the heat and a treasure trove of experiences.
- Top 10 Places to Visit in Summer in India
- #1 Ladakh – A Mystical Terrain- The Best Summer Destinations in India
- #2 Manali – Summer Trips in India
- #3 Munnar – Best Places to Visit in Summer in India with Family
- #4 Goa – Places for Summer Vacation in India
- #5 Darjeeling – Summer Trips in India
- #6 Andaman Islands – Best Places to Visit in Summer in India with Family
- #7 Shimla – Places for Summer Vacation in India
- #8 Rishikesh – Best Places to go in Summer in India
- #9 Coorg – Summer Tourist Destinations in India
- #10 Ooty – Best Places to Visit in Summer in India with Family
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Top 10 Places to Visit in Summer in India
#1 Ladakh – A Mystical Terrain- The Best Summer Destinations in India
Situated in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh is a paradise for both adventurers and nature lovers. The cold desert region of North India boasts clear azure skies, pristine lakes like Pangong Tso, and majestic mountains. The region’s unique culture, with its influence from Tibet, adds to the allure of summer adventure in Ladakh, making it land at the top position in the list of best summer destinations in India.
| Top Attractions of Ladakh | Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, Magnetic Hill, Leh Palace, Zanskar Valley |
| Hidden Places of Ladakh | Tso Moriri, Dah Hanu, Lamayuru Monastery |
| How to Reach Ladakh from Delhi | By Air: Flights to Leh Airport By Road: Delhi to Leh via NH1 By Train: Nearest railway station is Jammu, then by road or air to Leh |
#2 Manali – Summer Trips in India
A favored destination in Himachal Pradesh, Manali is one of the most popular and stunning summer tourist destinations in India. It offers a mix of tranquility and thrill. It is ideal for honeymooners wanting to enjoy cozy weather and serves as a hub for activities like trekking, paragliding, and white-water rafting. The Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass in Manali offer enchanting views. Due to all these reasons, Manali is a well-known destination for summer trips in India.
| Top Attractions of Manali | Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Hadimba Temple, Old Manali, Hampta Pass, Parvati Valley, Naggar, Kasol, Tirthan Valley |
| Hidden Places of Manali | Jana Waterfall, Chandrakhani Pass, Malana |
| How to Reach Manali from Delhi | By Air: Flights to Bhuntar Airport, then a 50 km drive to Manali By Road: Direct buses or taxis from Delhi, approximately 540 km By Train: Nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar, then by road to Manali |
#3 Munnar – Best Places to Visit in Summer in India with Family
Photo Credits – Nishtha Champati Ray
Down south in Kerala, Munnar is a mind-blowing hill station. It is synonymous with rolling hills covered with tea plantations. The pleasant weather, coupled with breathtaking scenery, makes it one of the best places to visit in summer in India with family. If you are planning to visit here, then do not forget to visit the Eravikulam National Park to spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
| Top Attractions of Munnar | Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Tea Gardens, Anamudi Peak, Attukal Waterfalls, Marayoor Dolmens |
| Hidden Places of Munnar | Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, Lakkam Waterfalls, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Lockhart Gap |
| How to Reach Munnar from Bengaluru | By Air: Nearest airport to Munnar is Cochin International Airport By Train: Nearest railway station is Aluva. You can take a train from Bengaluru to Aluva and then continue by road. By Road: Munnar is well-connected by road. You can take a bus or drive from Bengaluru to Munnar via NH44, a journey of approximately 470 km. |
#4 Goa – Places for Summer Vacation in India
Picture Credits – Nishtha Champati Ray
Goa isn’t just a winter getaway; it’s equally compelling in summer with fewer crowds. Yes, you read that right. Since Goa is not a famous summer tourist destination in India, it is therefore less crowded. Its gorgeous beaches, like Palolem and Anjuna, offer peace and serenity. Goa provides you with the opportunity to indulge in water sports or simply relax on the beach while enjoying local seafood delicacies.
| Top Attractions of Goa | Beaches like Baga, Calangute, and Anjuna, Fort Aguada, Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Old Goa churches, Cruise on Mandovi River |
| Hidden Places of Goa | Butterfly Beach, Arambol Sweet Water Lake, Chorao Island and Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, Divar Island |
| How to Reach Darjeeling | By air: Direct flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport to Goa International Airport. By train: Several trains from New Delhi Railway Station to Madgaon and Vasco da Gama Railway Stations. By road: Long-distance buses or private cars via NH48, covering a distance of around 1,900 km. |
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#5 Darjeeling – Summer Trips in India
Photo Credits – Anju Shaw
You cannot talk about summer destinations without mentioning Darjeeling in West Bengal. Its cool climate, beautiful sunrises at Tiger Hill, and incredible view of Kanchenjunga Peak make it one of the best places to visit in summer in India with family. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or ‘Toy Train,’ adds a vintage charm to your exploration.
| Top Attractions of Darjeeling | Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoo, Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Gopaldhara Tea Estate, Kurseong, Glenburn Tea Estate |
| Hidden Places of Darjeeling | Singalila National Park, Lamahatta, Sandakphu, Tinchuley, Lepchajagat |
| How to Reach Darjeeling from Delhi | By Air: Fly to Bagdogra Airport, then drive to Darjeeling (approx. 3-4 hours) By Train: Nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), then drive to Darjeeling (approx. 3-4 hours) By Road: Drive from Delhi to Darjeeling via NH27 and NH10, covering a distance of around 1400 km (approx. 27-30 hours) By Bus: Direct buses are available from Delhi to Siliguri or Darjeeling, then local transport to Darjeeling |
#6 Andaman Islands – Best Places to Visit in Summer in India with Family
The Andaman Islands are the most sought-after summer tourist destinations in India. It is more favored among those seeking summer adventure amidst sun-soaked beaches and coral reefs teeming with marine life. Havelock Island is celebrated for its diving sites, while Radhanagar Beach is ranked amongst the world’s best beaches, making the Andaman Islands one of the top 10 places to visit in summer in India.
| Top Attractions of Andaman Islands | Radhanagar Beach, Cellular Jail, Elephant Beach, Ross Island, Neil Island, Long Island, Merk Bay |
| Hidden Places of Andaman Islands | North Bay Island, Guitar Island, Butler Bay Beach, Stewart Island |
| How to Reach Andaman Islands from Delhi | By Air: Flights to Port Blair Airport By Sea: Passenger ships from Chennai or Kolkata By Air and Sea: Fly to Chennai or Kolkata, then take a ship By Air and Sea: Fly to Vishakhapatnam, then take a ship |
#7 Shimla – Places for Summer Vacation in India
Photo Credits – Nishtha Champati Ray
Shimla, the ‘Queen of Hill Stations,’ is renowned for its colonial architecture, scenic beauty, and pleasant weather. Shimla is one of the most wholesome places for summer vacation in India as it allows you to enjoy leisurely walks along the Mall Road, explore historic landmarks, and soak in the tranquility of nature.
| Top Attractions of Shimla | The Ridge, Mall Road, Christ Church, Jakhoo Temple, Advanced Study, Kufri |
| Hidden Places of Shimla | Chadwick Falls, Naldehra, Tattapani, Mashobra, Shaily Peak, Craignano |
| How to Reach Shimla from Delhi | By Air: Flights to Chandigarh Airport, then a road journey of around 113 km to Shimla By Train: Nearest railway station is Kalka, then a scenic toy train ride or a road journey to Shimla By Road: Delhi to Shimla by bus or taxi, approximately 340 km via NH44 |
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#8 Rishikesh – Best Places to go in Summer in India
Photo Credits – Nishtha Champati Ray
When we talk about the best places to visit in summer in India with family, then mentioning Rishikesh becomes inevitable. A spiritual and adventure hub, Rishikesh in Uttarakhand offers a blend of tranquility and thrill. In Rishikesh, you can engage in yoga and meditation retreats, go river rafting on the Ganges, and explore nearby ashrams and temples.
| Top Attractions of Rishikesh | Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Triveni Ghat, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Beatles Ashram |
| Hidden Places of Rishikesh | Phool Chatti Ashram, Neer Garh Waterfall, Kunjapuri Devi Temple, Vashishta Gufa, Kaudiyala |
| How to Rishikesh from Delhi | By Road: Delhi to Rishikesh is approximately a 6-hour drive via NH334 or NH334B. By Train: Take a train from Delhi to Haridwar, then a bus or taxi to Rishikesh, around 45 mins. By Air: The nearest airport is Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, around 35 km from Rishikesh, followed by a taxi or bus journey. |
#9 Coorg – Summer Tourist Destinations in India
Known as the ‘Scotland of India,’ Coorg, the best summer destinations in India is renowned for its coffee plantations, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. In Coorg, you can trek through the Western Ghats, visit ancient temples, and savor Coorg’s delectable cuisine.
| Top Attractions of Coorg | Abbey Falls, Dubare Elephant Camp, Talakaveri Temple, Nagarhole National Park, Raja’s Seat, Madikeri Fort |
| Hidden Places of Coorg | Mandalpatti, Chelavara Falls, Tadiandamol Peak, Honnamana Kere, Mallalli Falls, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary |
| How to Reach Coorg from Bengaluru | By Road: Take NH75 towards Mysore, then SH88 towards Madikeri. Approx. 265 km. By Bus: KSRTC operates regular bus services from Bengaluru to Coorg. By Train: Nearest railway station is in Mysore, about 120 km from Coorg. By Air: Nearest airport is in Mangalore, about 160 km from Coorg. |
#10 Ooty – Best Places to Visit in Summer in India with Family
Photo Credits – Nishtha Champati Ray
Known as the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’ in the South, Ooty is a must-mention in the list of summer tourist destinations in India. Ooty in Tamil Nadu captivates visitors with its picturesque landscapes, sprawling tea gardens, and pleasant climate. Take a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, stroll through botanical gardens, and enjoy boating on Ooty Lake.
| Top Attractions of Ooty | Botanical Gardens, Ooty Lake, Doddabetta Peak, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Rose Garden |
| Hidden Places of Ooty | Avalanche Lake, Emerald Lake, Toda Huts Village, Elk Hill Murugan Temple, Kamraj Sagar Dam |
| How to Reach Ooty from Bengaluru | By Road: Ooty is approximately 270 km from Bengaluru. Take NH275 via Mysore and NH181 via Gundlupet to reach Ooty. By Train: Board a train from Bengaluru to Mettupalayam, the nearest railway station to Ooty. From Mettupalayam, take the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to reach Ooty. By Air: Nearest airport to Ooty is Coimbatore International Airport, approximately 90 km away. From Coimbatore, hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Ooty. |
Conclusion
As you plan your trip, jot down these top 10 places to visit in summer in India. Remember that visiting these best summer destinations in India can be made more enriching by trying out local cuisines, engaging with local cultures and communities and respecting the natural environment.
Choose any one or more of these places for summer vacation in India for an unforgettable holiday that will provide both rejuvenation and adventure against some of India’s most stunning backdrops. Pack your bags, grab your sunglasses, and JUST GO!
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