With summer around the corner, it’s time to plan your ultimate getaway. From snow-capped mountains to tranquil backwaters, India has it all. Check out our list of the top 20 summer destinations that will make your vacation truly unforgettable
Manali
Manali offers a perfect escape from the scorching heat of the plains during the summer season thus making it one of the best places to visit during summer in India. The hill station is surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountains, lush green forests, and picturesque valleys.
Things to do in Manali
- Trekking in the Himalayas
- Rafting in the Beas River
- Paragliding
- Visit Rohtang Pass
- Visit Hadimba Temple
Places to stay in Manali
- Solang Valley Resort
- Apple Country Resort
- The Himalayan
- Manuallaya Resort
Must Try Food in Manali
- Sidu
- Dhaam
- Trout Fish
- Red Rice
Suggested Readings: 40 Best places to see in Manali and Chaloghoomein’s Manali Trip Itinerary
Shimla
Shimla, also known as the “Queen of Hills,” is a popular tourist destination located in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh in India. Shimla is a picturesque hill station that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is a perfect escape from the heat of the plains during the summer season making it one of the best places to visit during summer in India.
Things to do in Shimla
- Visit Mall Road
- Take a ride on the Shimla-Kalka Toy Train
- Visit Christ Church
- Trek to Jakhoo Hill
- Visit The Ridge
Places to stay in Shimla
- The Oberoi Cecil
- Wildflower Hall
- Clarke’s Hotel
- The Himalayan Escape
Must Try Food in Shimla
- Channa Madra
- Tudkiya Bhath
- Momos
- Aloo Palda
Darjeeling
Darjeeling, a picturesque hill station located in the Indian state of West Bengal, is one of the best places to visit during the summer seasons in India. Known for its lush green tea gardens, breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and pleasant climate, Darjeeling is a perfect destination for a summer vacation.
Things to do
- Visit Tiger Hill
- Take a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
- Visit the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
- Visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda
- Visit the Happy Valley Tea Estate
Places to stay
- Mayfair Darjeeling
- Windamere Hotel
- The Elgin
- Cedar Inn
Must Try Food
- Thukpa
- Momos
- Churpee
- Darjeeling Tea
Ooty
Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam, is a scenic hill station located in Tamil Nadu. Surrounded by lush green forests and valleys, Ooty is a popular summer destination for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
Things to do
- Take a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway
- Visit the Botanical Garden
- Trek to Doddabetta Peak
- Visit the Ooty Lake
- Take a tour of the tea gardens
Places to stay
- Savoy Hotel
- Taj Savoy Hotel
- Sterling Ooty Elk Hill
- Club Mahindra Derby Green
Must Try Food
- Ooty Varkey
- Avial
- Chocolate Fudge
- Tea
Munnar
Munnar, situated in Kerala, is a picturesque hill station that is known for its tea plantations, valleys, and wildlife. With its scenic beauty, pleasant climate, and serene surroundings, Munnar is a perfect summer destination for nature lovers.
Things to do in Munnar
- Visit the tea plantations
- Trek to Anamudi Peak
- Visit Eravikulam National Park
- Visit Mattupetty Dam
- Take a tour of the spice gardens
Places to stay in Munnar
- Blanket Hotel & Spa
- Tea County Resort
- Munnar Terrace Greens
- Fragrant Nature Munnar
Must Try Food in Munnar
- Appam with Stew
- Fish Curry
- Kerala Parotta
- Tea
Coorg
Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is a beautiful hill station located in Karnataka. Known for its coffee plantations, waterfalls, and trekking trails, Coorg is a perfect summer destination for adventure enthusiasts making it one of the best places to visit during summer in India.
Things to do in Coorg
- Trek to Tadiandamol Peak
- Visit Abbey Falls
- Take a tour of the coffee plantations
- Visit the Namdroling Monastery
- Go river rafting
Places to stay in Coorg
- The Tamara Coorg
- Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa
- Coorg Cliffs Resort
- Club Mahindra Madikeri
Must Try Food in Coorg
- Pandi Curry
- Akki Roti
- Coorgi Pulao
- Coffee
Suggested Reads: 15 Best places to see in Coorg and Chaloghoomein’s Coorg Trip Itinerary
Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar, located in Maharashtra, is a beautiful hill station known for its strawberry farms, waterfalls, and scenic views. With its pleasant climate and natural beauty, Mahabaleshwar is a perfect summer destination for those seeking a peaceful vacation.
Things to do in Mahabaleshwar
- Visit the Mapro Garden
- Take a tour of the strawberry farms
- Visit Lingmala Waterfall
- Visit Pratapgad Fort
- Take a ride on the Venna Lake
Places to stay in Mahabaleshwar
- Brightland Resort & Spa
- Le Meridien Mahabaleshwar Resort & Spa
- Evershine Resort
- Ramsukh Resorts & Spa
Must Try Food at Mahabaleshwar
- Strawberries
- Corn Pattice
- Poha
- Chikki
Mount Abu
Mount Abu, located in Rajasthan, is the only hill station in the state. With its picturesque surroundings, serene lakes, and temples, Mount Abu is a popular summer destination for those seeking a spiritual retreat.
Things to do in Mount Abu
- Visit Dilwara Jain Temples
- Trek to Guru Shikhar
- Visit Nakki Lake
- Take a tour of the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary
- Visit Toad Rock
Places to stay in Mount Abu
- Cama Rajputana Club Resort
- Hotel Hilltone
- WelcomHeritage Connaught House
- Sterling Mount Abu
Must Try Food in Mount Abu
- Rajasthani Thali
- Dal-Bati-Churma
- Gatte ki Sabzi
- Laal Maas
- Kachori
Gangtok
Gangtok, located in Sikkim, is a picturesque hill station known for its natural beauty, Buddhist monasteries, and adventure activities. With its pleasant weather and serene surroundings, Gangtok is a perfect summer destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Things to do in Gangtok
- Visit Rumtek Monastery
- Trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp
- Take a ride on the Gangtok Ropeway
- Visit Tsomgo Lake
- Go river rafting
Places to stay in Gangtok
- Mayfair Spa Resort & Casino
- The Elgin Nor-Khill
- Summit Golden Crescent
- Tashi Thendup Homestay
Must Try Food in Gangtok
- Momos
- Thukpa
- Sael Roti
- Chhang
Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal, located in Tamil Nadu, is a serene hill station known for its beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and scenic views. With its pleasant climate and serene surroundings, Kodaikanal is a perfect summer destination for those seeking a peaceful and relaxing vacation.
Things to do in Kodaikanal
- Visit the Kodaikanal Lake
- Trek to Dolphin’s Nose
- Visit Bryant Park
- Take a tour of the Coaker’s Walk
- Visit the Bear Shola Falls
Places to stay in Kodaikanal
- The Carlton
- Le Poshe by Sparsa
- Sterling Kodai Valley
- Villa Retreat
Must Try Food in Kodaikanal
- Kodai Vegetable Kurma
- Kodai Pala Paniyaram
- Pongal
- Coffee
Tawang
Tawang, located in Arunachal Pradesh, is a beautiful hill station known for its natural beauty, Buddhist monasteries, and scenic views of the Himalayas. With its cool weather and serene surroundings, Tawang is a perfect summer destination for those seeking a peaceful and spiritual vacation.
Things to do in Tawang
- Visit the Tawang Monastery
- Trek to Bumla Pass
- Visit the Sela Pass
- Visit the Nuranang Waterfalls
- Take a tour of the Tawang War Memorial
Places to stay at Tawang
- Hotel Tawang Inn
- Tawang Regency
- Zambala Inn
- Hotel Gakyi Khang Zhang
Must Try Food in Tawang
- Thukpa
- Gyapa Khazi
- Marua
- Apong
Shillong
Shillong, located in Meghalaya, is a charming hill station known for its picturesque landscapes, beautiful waterfalls, and colonial architecture. With its pleasant weather and serene surroundings, Shillong is a perfect summer destination for those seeking a peaceful and scenic vacation.
Things to do in Shillong
- Visit the Elephant Falls
- Trek to Shillong Peak
- Visit the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures
- Take a tour of the Shillong Golf Course
- Visit the Umiam Lake
Places to stay at Shillong
- Ri Kynjai Resort
- Polo Orchid Resort
- Hotel Polo Towers
- The Habitat Shillong
Must Try Food in Shillong
- Jadoh
- Dohneiiong
- Tungrymbai
- Khasi Mandarin
Mussoorie
Mussoorie, located in Uttarakhand, is a beautiful hill station known for its scenic views, beautiful waterfalls, and colonial architecture. With its pleasant weather and serene surroundings, Mussoorie is a perfect summer destination for those seeking a peaceful and relaxing vacation.
Things to do in Mussoorie
- Visit the Kempty Falls
- Trek to Lal Tibba
- Visit the Gun Hill
- Take a cable car ride
- Visit the Company Garden
Places to stay in Mussoorie
- JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa
- The Claridges Nabha Residence
- Fortune Resort Grace
- Welcomhotel The Savoy
Must Try Food at Mussoorie
- Arsa
- Bal Mithai
- Singodi
- Ruskin Bond’s favorite – Bun Omlette
Rishikesh
Rishikesh, located in Uttarakhand, is a beautiful hill station known for its natural beauty, adventure activities, and spiritual significance. With its pleasant weather and serene surroundings, Rishikesh is a perfect summer destination for adventure enthusiasts and those seeking a spiritual retreat.
Things to do in Rishikesh
- Go river rafting on the Ganges
- Attend an evening aarti ceremony on the banks of the river
- Visit the Beatles Ashram
- Go bungee jumping or zip-lining
- Take a yoga class
Places to stay at Rishikesh
- The Roseate Ganges
- Aloha on the Ganges
- Dewa Retreat
- Glasshouse on the Ganges
Must Try Food in Rishikesh
- Aloo ke Gutke
- Kafuli
- Bal Mithai
- Garhwal ka Fannah
Ladakh
Ladakh, a high altitude region in Jammu and Kashmir, is a popular destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Here’s why Ladakh should be on your list of top 20 best places to visit during summer in India:
Things to do in Ladakh
- Trekking: Ladakh offers some of the best trekking routes in India, with stunning views of the Himalayas and the opportunity to interact with local communities.
- Sightseeing: Ladakh is home to several Buddhist monasteries and temples, including the famous Hemis Monastery and Thiksey Monastery.
- River rafting: The Zanskar River, a major river in Ladakh, offers thrilling whitewater rafting experiences.
Places to stay at Ladakh
- Luxury: The Stok Palace Heritage Hotel and the Grand Dragon Ladakh are popular luxury options.
- Budget: For budget-friendly options, you can check out guesthouses and homestays in areas like Leh and Nubra Valley.
Must-try food in Ladakh
- Momos: These are Tibetan-style dumplings filled with vegetables or meat, and are a popular snack in Ladakh.
- Thukpa: This is a traditional noodle soup made with vegetables and meat.
Andaman Nicobar Islands
The Andaman Nicobar Islands, a union territory of India, are known for their pristine beaches, rich marine life, and unique tribal culture. Here’s why the Andaman Nicobar Islands should be on your list of top 20 best places to visit during summer in India:
Things to do in Andaman Nicobar Islands
- Beach hopping: Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, and Vijaynagar Beach.
- Snorkeling and diving: The clear waters of the Andaman Sea offer great opportunities for snorkeling and diving, with colorful coral reefs and a variety of marine life.
- Exploring history and culture: Cellular Jail and the Anthropological Museum.
Places to stay at Andaman Nicobar Islands
- Luxury: The Taj Exotica Resort and Spa and the Barefoot at Havelock are popular luxury options.
- Budget: Budget-friendly options include homestays and guesthouses in areas like Port Blair and Havelock Island.
Must-try food in Andaman Nicobar Islands
- Seafood: The Andaman Nicobar Islands offer a variety of fresh seafood, including lobster, crab, and fish.
- Coconut-based dishes: Coconut is a common ingredient in Andamanese cuisine, with dishes like coconut fish curry and coconut rice being popular choices.
Hampi
Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in the Indian state of Karnataka. It was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and is now a popular tourist destination known for its ancient temples, ruins, and architecture.
Things to do in Hampi
- Visit the Virupaksha Temple, one of the oldest functioning temples in India
- Explore the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire at the Hampi Bazaar and Royal Enclosure
- Take a coracle ride on the Tungabhadra River
- Trek to the top of Matanga Hill to witness a beautiful sunrise or sunset
- Visit the Vittala Temple to see the famous musical pillars
Places to stay at Hampi
- KSTDC Mayura Bhuvaneshwari Hampi
- Evolve Back Kamalapura Palace, Hampi
- Hampi’s Boulders
- Gowri Resort
- Shanthi Guest House
Must-try food in Hampi
- South Indian dishes like idli, dosa, and vada
- Local delicacies like Dalitoy and Akki rotti
- North Indian dishes like butter chicken and naan
Pachmarhi
If you are looking for a peaceful and scenic destination to escape the summer heat, Pachmarhi is the perfect place to visit. Nestled in the Satpura Range of Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi is a beautiful hill station that offers a pleasant climate and breathtaking natural beauty. The town is surrounded by dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque valleys that make it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
Things to Do in Pachmarhi
- Visit the Pandava Caves.
- Trek to the top of Dhupgarh, the highest point in the Satpura Range.
- Explore the Bee Falls, which is one of the most popular waterfalls in Pachmarhi.
- Go on a wildlife safari in the Satpura Tiger Reserve.
Places to Stay at Pachmarhi
- WelcomHeritage Golf View, Pachmarhi
- Misty Meadows Resort
- Hotel Utkarsh, Pachmarhi
- MP Tourism Hotel Highlands
Must-Try Food in Pachmarhi
- Poha, is a popular breakfast dish made with flattened rice, vegetables, and spices.
- Bhutte ki Khees, is a dish made with grated corn and spices.
- Sabudana Khichdi, is a dish made with tapioca pearls, peanuts, and spices.
Wayanad
Located in the north-eastern part of Kerala, Wayanad is a beautiful hill station that is known for its serene atmosphere and lush greenery. Here are some reasons why Wayanad should be on your list of top 20 best places to visit during summer in India:
Things to do in Wayanad
- Trekking: Chembra Peak, Thusharagiri Waterfalls, and Banasura Hill.
- Wildlife Safari: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary. A wildlife safari through these sanctuaries is a must-do activity.
- Visit Edakkal Caves: These caves are located at a height of 1200 meters above sea level
Places to stay at Wayanad
- Wayanad has several options for accommodation, ranging from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts. Some of the popular options include The Windflower Resorts & Spa, Vythiri Village Resort, and Wayanad Silverwoods.
Must-Try Food in Wayanad
- Appam and Stew: This is a traditional breakfast dish in Kerala, and is a must-try when in Wayanad.
- Malabar Biriyani: This is a rice dish that is cooked with meat, spices, and vegetables. It is a popular dish in Wayanad and is a must-try for meat lovers.
- Banana Chips: Kerala is known for its delicious banana chips, and you can find them in Wayanad too.
Cherrapunji
Cherrapunji, also known as Sohra, is a quaint little town located in the beautiful state of Meghalaya. Known for its lush green hills and waterfalls, Cherrapunji is a perfect destination to beat the heat during summer. The town is famous for receiving the highest rainfall in India, making it an ideal destination for those looking for a cool and refreshing getaway.
Things to do in Cherrapunji
- Visit the Nohkalikai Falls, the tallest plunge waterfall in India.
- Explore the Living Root Bridges, which are made by the Khasi tribe by entangling the roots of rubber trees.
- Take a dip in the natural swimming pool formed by the Wah Kaba Falls.
- Hike to the top of the Dainthlen Falls for a breathtaking view of the surrounding area.
Places to stay at Cherrapunji
- Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort: A luxurious resort located amidst lush green forests and hills.
- Kutmadan Resort: A budget-friendly option with clean and comfortable rooms.
- Coniferous Resort: A beautiful resort with stunning views of the surrounding hills.
Must Try Food in Cherrapunji
- Jadoh: A popular dish made with rice and pork or chicken.
- Dohneiiong: A spicy pork curry made with black sesame seeds.
- Pumaloi: A sweet dish made with rice, jaggery, and coconut.
Wrapping Up
India is a country that offers a plethora of options for travelers, and these top 20 best places to visit during summer in India are a testament to that. From the majestic Himalayas to the serene backwaters of Kerala, these destinations offer a perfect blend of culture, history, and nature. So, plan your trip, pack your bags, and get ready to explore the beauty of India!
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