Best Places To Visit In Summer In India
Best Places to Visit in Summer in India
Here is the list of 56 Best Places To Visit In Summer In India
1. Ladakh
Known For : Pangong Lake Khardung La Nubra Valley
Stunning Gompas (Tibetan Buddhist monasteries), fluttering prayer flags, whitewashed stupas, Ladakh is a riot of intricate murals and red-robed monks. It is an adventure playground for rafting and high-altitude trekking. Since Ladakh is most accessible during the summer months, it is one of the best places for summer holidays in India.
Best Time: Jun to Sep
2. Manali
Known For : Old Manali Solang Valley Jogini Waterfall
Nestled in between the snow-capped slopes of the Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges, Manali is one of the most popular hill stations in India and perfect for visiting in summer. From museums to temples, from quaint little hippie villages to bustling upscale streets, river adventures to trekking trails, Manali has every a reason to be the tourist magnet it is.
Best Time: October to June
3. Kinnaur
Known For : Reckong Peo Kalpa Sarahan
Kinnaur, also known as the "Land of God" is about 235 Km from Shimla and is known for its serenity and beauty of the lush green and rocky mountainscape having Satluj, Baspa and Spiti rivers snaking through it. The valleys of Kinnaur are also one of the most sought after camping destinations in India, especially the Sangla Valley.
Best Time: April to October
4. Dalhousie
Known For : Panchpula Khajjiar Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
The tiny tinsel town Dalhousie tucked away in the lap of Himachal Pradesh is a piece of paradise for all travellers. It boasts of old-world charm, mesmerising natural landscape, pine-clad valleys, flower-bedecked meadows, fast-flowing rivers, magnificent misty mountains and some of the most spectacular views in the world.
Best Time: Throughout the year
5. Mussoorie
Known For : Mussoorie Mall Road Kempty Falls Camel's Back Road
If your idea of the perfect holiday involves tranquil hills, untouched nature and a holiday experience that is unadulterated in the truest sense of the term, Mussoorie is the place you should be heading to. Nestled amidst the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges, Mussoorie, also known as Queen of The Hills, stands at an altitude of 7000 feet above sea level and has a cool, pleasant climate throughout the year. The pristine, natural beauty of Mussoorie makes it a very popular choice for the summer holidays in India.
Best Time: September to June
6. Pahalgam
Known For : Aru Valley Chandanwari Baisaran
With untouched and gorgeous natural beauty, Pahalgam is a feast to the eyes and senses. Submerged in lush greenery and alluring Himalayan ranges, it calls for some moments of requiescence at nature's own home.
Best Time: Throughout the year
7. Shimla
8. Andaman
Known For : Cellular Jail Elephant Beach Neil Island
Replete with turquoise blue water beaches and a bit of history, Andaman & Nicobar Islands is a little slice of paradise tucked around 1,400 km away from the east coast of mainland India. Port Blair, the capital of this union territory, has a major airport and seaport connected with the rest of the country and with various tourist islands via multiple daily ferries. Havelock and Neil Islands are popular among tourists for their white sandy beaches and excellent diving options.
Best Time: October to Jun
9. Wayanad
Known For : Banasura Sagar Dam Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Chembra Peak
Replete with enchanting waterfalls, historical caves, comfortable resorts and home stays, this popular town is famous for its spice plantations and wildlife.
Best Time: Throughout the year
10. Rishikesh
Known For : Rafting in Rishikesh Lakshman Jhula Triveni Ghat
Situated along the convergence of Ganga and Chandrabhaga, Rishikesh on the foothills of Himalayas is the hub of many ancient temples, popular cafes, yoga ashrams and adventure sports. Rishikesh is the most beautiful blend of spiritual and adrenaline pumping experiences. With Whitewater Rafting industry growing and a number of camping and cafe spots springing up, Rishikesh has grown immensely as a favourite, catering to people with different needs.
Best Time: Throughout the year
11. Nainital
Known For : Naini Lake Snow View Point Mall Road Nainital
One of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Uttarakhand, Nainital, which is nestled amidst the Kumaon Hills, is a quaint hill station built around a uniquely shaped lake known as the 'Naini Lake' (thus contributing to its name Nainital). Also famously known as 'City of Lakes,' Nainital abounds in natural beauty, with its snow-capped hills and tranquil lakes lending it a nostalgic charm of its own. Situated at an altitude of 1938 km above sea level, Nainital has a pleasant climate all year round, and can rightfully be called a picturesque paradise for all travel lovers.
Best Time: Throughout the year
12. North Sikkim
Known For : Gurudongmar Lake Lachung Yumthang Valley
One of the most uninhabited areas of the country, yet extremely beautiful and charming, North Sikkim shares its boundary with China and Nepal.
Best Time: April to June, October to December
13. Munnar
Known For : Munnar Tea Plantations Atukkad Waterfalls Rose Garden Munnar
The idyllic hill station Munnar - famous for its tea estates, exotic lush greenery and craggy peaks, is located in the Western Ghats, in the state of Kerala. It serves as the commercial centre for some of the world’s largest tea estates. In addition, Munnar has many protected areas which are home to endemic and highly endangered species like the Nilgiri Thar and the Neelakurinji.
Best Time: September to May
14. Pachmarhi
Known For : Bee falls Jata Shankar caves Pandava Caves
The only hill station in Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi is often known as the queen of the Satpura ranges.
Best Time: Throughout the year
15. Ooty
Known For : Nilgiri Mountain Railway Ooty Lake Emerald Lake, Ooty
The Blue Mountains have always been shrouded in mysticism, and Ooty is no exception to that. For every mountain lover, the very idea of travelling to the city known as the Queen of the Hills holds an allure like no other. Once regarded as the summer headquarters of the East India Company (and for a very good reason), Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam, is a hill station in Tamil Nadu which serves as a very popular tourist destination for anyone looking for a picturesque place to relax and unwind. Ooty is nestled amidst the Nilgiri hills at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level and enjoys a favourable climate all year round.
Best Time: Throughout the year
16. Vaishno Devi
Known For : Vaishno Devi Mandir Katra Ardhkuwari
Located in Trikuta hills, 13 km from Katra at the height of 1560 m above sea level with bright clouds and thinning air, this town is the holy cave temple of Mata Vaishnodevi, with spirituality and vibrancy lingering in the atmosphere.
Best Time: Throughout the year
17. Srinagar
Known For : Dal Lake Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden Shikara Ride
Famously known as ‘Heaven on Earth’, Srinagar is every bit the epitome of paradise on earth. As picturesque as the most stunning painting to ever be painted, Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, lies on the banks of the Jhelum river, and has a cool, pleasant climate all year round, contributing to the perpetual influx of tourists visiting this city which offers a plethora of gorgeous scenic vistas.
Best Time: April to October
18. Gulmarg
Known For : Gulmarg Gondola Alpather Lake Apharwat Peak
Situated at an altitude of 2730 m above sea level, Gulmarg is surrounded by snow covered mountains, lush green meadows, deep ravines, evergreen forested hills and valleys.
Best Time: October to June
19. Shillong
Known For : Elephant Falls Shillong Peak Umiam Lake
A beautiful city encircled by pine trees, Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. It derives its name from Lei Shyllong, an idol worshipped at the Shillong Peak. Standing as tall as 1496 meters, Shillong provides a relief from the heat across the country. This hill station is known for its picturesque sights and traditions. The soothing climate makes Shillong suitable to visit in all seasons. The light drizzles and the cooling gentle wind adds to the joy of visiting this hill station. This place is also known as the ‘Scotland of the East’. One can find descendants of the Khyrim, Mylliem, Maharam, Mallaisohmat, Bhowal and Langrim tribes.
Best Time: September to May
20. Darjeeling
Known For : Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Tiger Hill Batasia Loop
Jaw-dropping locales, mesmerising sunrises, the untouched beauty of the hills, the old-world charm of the past, and the welcoming smiles of the local people all add up to make Darjeeling one of the most beautiful hill stations in Eastern part of India. Spread over a steep mountain ridge, nestled amidst acres of lush green tea plantations, Darjeeling stands at the height of 2,050 meters above sea level, thus boasting of cool climes all year round. This scenic hill station is the perfect getaway for a romantic honeymoon and is just around 700 kilometres away from Kolkata.
Best Time: February to March, September to December
21. Ranikhet
Known For : Chaubatia Orchards Majhkhali Golf Course
Ranikhet meaning Queen's farm, is a hill station developed by the Britishers around ancient temples, undulating Himalayan hills and forests.
Best Time: Throughout the year
22. Patnitop
Known For : Things to Do in Patnitop Things to Do in Patnitop Nathatop Skiing in Patnitop Paragliding in Patnitop
With endless meadows and panoramic views of the snow capped peaks of the Himalayas, Patnitop is a perfect place to experience nature at its picturesque best and widest.
Best Time: Throughout the year
23. Mcleodganj
Known For : Bhagsu Falls Namgyal Monastery Bhagsunag Temple
Mcleodganj is a hill station near Dharamshala, popular among trekkers. Its culture is a beautiful blend of Tibetan with some British influence.
Best Time: October to June
24. Corbett National Park
Known For : Jungle Safari in Corbett National Park Corbett Waterfall River Rafting in Corbett National Park
Corbett National Park, set amidst the foothills of Himalayas, houses a variety of flora and fauna including rare ones such as tigers and is a treat for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
Best Time: Mid October to Mid June
25. Tawang
Known For : Sela Pass Tawang Monastery Madhuri Lake
Located at a height of about 3048m, is known for many important and beautiful monasteries and is famous as the birth place of Dalai Lama.
Best Time: September to March
26. Kaziranga National Park
Home to two-thirds of the world's one horned rhinoceros population, this national park has been declared as a World Heritage Site.
Best Time: October to June
27. Kohima
Known For : Dzukou Valley and Japfu Peak Kohima Museum Touphema Village
Kohima is the hilly capital of Nagaland, which is one of the seven sister states of India. ‘Kohima’ is the anglicized name given by the British, the original name being 'Kewhira' derived from the Kewhi flowers found in the region. Famous for its ethereal environment and untouched beauty, it is a land of folklore passed down through the ages. Situated at a height of 1500 metres above the sea level, it is endowed with quaint hills, emerald forests and a picturesque landscape. It is the go-to place for all you adventure enthusiasts as it is ideal for trekking, camping and hiking.
Best Time: October to June
28. Cherrapunjee
Known For : Double Decker Living Root Bridge Dawki Nohkalikai Waterfalls
Among the wettest place on the Earth, Cherrapunjee with its clean and pristine surroundings is an excellent place to sit back and unwind.
Best Time: September to May
29. Ziro
Known For : Tarin Fish Farm - Paddy cultivation Kile Pakho Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
The cradle to a unique tribal group and a balmy climate, Ziro is the peace seeker's paradise. Ziro is a quaint old town in Arunachal Pradesh, home to the Apa Tani tribe and famous for its pine hills and rice fields.
Best Time: Throughout the year
30. Majuli
Known For : Kamalabari Satra Dakhinpat Satra Garmur
Majuli is a lush green environment-friendly, pristine and pollution free fresh water island in the river Brahmaputra, just 20 km from the Jorhat city.
Best Time: July to March
31. Puri
Known For : Sri Jagannath Puri Temple Puri Beach Markandeswara Temple
One of the four must-visit pilgrimage sites for Hindus (Char-Dham), Puri is a beach city with its most famous attraction as the Jagannath temple.
Best Time: July to March
32. West Sikkim
Known For : Pelling Geyzing Pemayangtse Monastery
West Sikkim, located at the foothills of Mount Kanchenjunga, offers one of the best views of Southeast face of Mt. Kangchenjunga.
Best Time: April to June, October to December
33. Gangtok
Known For : Nathula Pass MG Road, Gangtok Rumtek Monastery
Extremely alluring, pleasantly boisterous and wreathed in clouds - Gangtok, the capital city of the Sikkim can also give you a spectacular view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, at a distant skyline. The pristine hill station nestled in mountains and clouds is also a base for a whole lot of trekkers to the Himalayan mountain ranges. The mesmerising prismatic beauty and the beautiful winding hill roads are even more breathtaking if seen from a bird’s eye view in a cable car.
Best Time: Throughout the year
34. Kalimpong
Known For : Morgan House Durpin Dara hill Cactus Nursery
Kalimpong is a virgin hill station in West Bengal renowned for its panoramic valley views, Buddhists monasteries and churches and Tibetan handicrafts etc.
Best Time: March to June, September to December
35. Dooars
Known For : Mahanada Wildlife Sanctuary Sumsing and Suntalekhola Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary
Starting from river Teesta in the East to river Sankoshi in the west, Dooars is a local name given to the floodplains of North-East India around Bhutan. The name 'Dooars' has emerged from 'door' as Dooars is the gateway to Bhutan.
Best Time: Throughout the year
36. Coorg
Known For : Abbey Falls Raja's Seat Coffee Plantations in Coorg
Located amidst imposing mountains in Karnataka with a perpetually misty landscape, Coorg is the place to be for all nature lovers. This popular coffee producing hill station is not only popular for its beautiful green hills and the streams cutting right through them. It also stands as a popular destination because of its culture and people. The Kodavas, a local clan specialising in martial arts, are especially notable for their keen hospitality.
Best Time: October to March
37. Yercaud
Known For : Emerald Lake, Yercaud Pagoda Point Botanical Garden, Yercaud
Nestled in the Eastern Ghats, Yercaud is a hill station called poor man's Ooty with abundant forests, vast coffee plantations and some unique species of flora and fauna resulting in gorgeous views.
Best Time: October to June
38. Coonoor
Known For : Sim's Park Dolphin's Nose Ketti Valley
One of the most beautiful and serene hill stations you will come across in the country, Coonoor is the second largest hill station in the wonderful Nilgiri Hills of the Western Ghats. It is situated at an altitude of 1930 meters and just 19 km from Ooty.
Best Time: October to March
39. Nagarhole
Nagarhole is southern storehouse of rich flora and fauna and is host to Nagarhole national park, celebrated as one of the best wildlife parks as well as the Bandipur bird sanctuary.
Best Time: October to May
40. Kabini
Known For : Jungle Safari, Kabini Boating in Kabini
Once a private hunting area for the British, this famous wildlife destination has a rich variety of flora and fauna making it a gorgeous tourist spot.
Best Time: Throughout the year
41. Panchgani
Known For : Kaas Plateau Table Land Mahabaleshwar
Deriving its name from the five hills surrounding it, Panchgani is a popular hill station near Mahabaleshwar, famous for its various sunset/sunrise points and scenic valley view.
Best Time: September to May
42. Mahabaleshwar
Known For : Elephant's Head Point Chinaman's Falls Dhobi Waterfall
A hill town in Western Ghats, apart from its strawberries, Mahabaleshwar is also well known for its numerous rivers, magnificent cascades and majestic peaks.
Best Time: October to June
43. Raigad
Known For : Raigad Fort Diveagar Beach Jagadishwar Temple
Raigad, is a historically rich district is situated in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. Located at 2,851mts, it is surrounded by Mumbai Harbour, Thane, Pune, Ratnagiri and the Arabian Sea.
Best Time: November to March
44. Harihareshwar
Known For : Harihareshwar Beach Kalbhairav Temple Ganesh Gully
Surrounded by four hills and with river Savitri flowing through the town, Harihareshwar is famous for its temple of Lord Harihareshwar and is a popular weekend beach destination especially for people in Mumbai and Pune.
Best Time: October to March
45. Mount Abu
Known For : Nakki Lake Guru Shikhar Toad Rock
The only hill station of Rajasthan, its cool atmosphere and lush green surroundings make it a major tourist spot within the state. The most important attraction, however, are undoubtedly the Dilwara temples, which is one of the most stunning piece of architecture in the country. If you are a history or architecture buff, this is one of the places you should absolutely not miss out in India.
Best Time: October to March
46. Thekkady
Known For : Periyar National Park Periyar Tiger Trail Bamboo Rafting
Home to the country's largest Tiger Reserve- Periyar, Thekkady is a great way to enjoy a jungle vacation.
Best Time: Throughout the year
47. Kodaikanal
Known For : Green Valley View (Suicide Point) Kodaikanal Lake Bear Shola Falls
Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is one of the most famous honeymoon destinations in India. When you think of Kodaikanal, you think of a wonderful climate, cliffs covered in mist, cloud-capped mountains and beautiful lakes and valleys, and once you visit this hill station, you will find that every bit of what you have imagined it to be is true. Nestled amidst the rolling slopes of the Palani Hills in Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal stands at an altitude of 7200 feet above sea level and has a cool, pleasant climate all year round. Kodaikanal means the gift of the forests.
Best Time: September to May
48. Mukteshwar
Known For : Sitla Chauli ki Jaali Mukteshwar Temple
Mukteshwar is a small hill town mostly known for adventure sports such as rock climbing, rappelling etc. and the amazing view of Himalayan ranges you get from there.
Best Time: October to June
49. Auli
Known For : Skiing in Auli Trishul Peak Auli Ropeway
Dotted with the apple orchards, old oaks and pine trees there is no dearth of natural beauty in Auli. Apart from skiing you can also go for numerous treks in the hills of Garhwal Himalayas and enjoy the spellbinding views of the snow-draped mountains. Auli is a popular hill resort in the Himalayan range dating back to 8th Century AD.
Best Time: Throughout the year
50. Malshej Ghat
Known For : Malshej Falls Pimpalgaon Joga Dam Harishchandragad
A beautiful hill station with its numerous lakes, waterfalls and mountains, Malshej Ghat is popular among hikers, trekkers and nature lovers.
Best Time: July to March
51. Matheran
Known For : Louisa point Charlotte lake Monkey Point Matheran
Nestled amidst the Sahyadri range on the Western Ghats, Matheran is a cosy little hill station that stands at an elevation of 2600 feet above sea level, and is just 100 kilometres away from Mumbai, making it the perfect weekend getaway. With its name literally translating to “overhead forest”, Matheran is the smallest hill station in all of India, but it is extremely popular in terms of tourists looking for a short trip amid spectacular vistas and serenity.
Best Time: Throughout the year
52. Devikulam
Known For : Devi Lake Pallivasal Falls Thoovanam Falls
A lake with a legend of its own, greenest sceneries, waterfalls and tea plantations are what offer its charm to Devikulam, a hill station in Kerala.
Best Time: November to May
53. Pithoragarh
Known For : Munsiyari Chandak Kafni Glacier Trek
A small urban town bustling with tourists is a prime example of raw beauty of nature and is often fondly referred to as the ?Little Kashmir?.
Best Time: April to June, October to December
54. Almora
Known For : Zero Point Jageshwar Kasar Devi
Cradled in the wilderness of Himalayan ranges, the sprawling town of Almora shaped like a horse-shoe is a hill station that boasts of a pre-British heritage and an adyllic vibe.
Best Time: Throughout the year
55. Spiti
Known For : Chandratal Lake Key Monastery Kunzum Pass
Long winding roads and picturesque valleys presenting glimpses of cold deserts and snow-crowned mountains, with intermittent greenery and picture-perfect villages welcome you when you set foot into Spiti Valley. Bordered on all sides by the Himalayas, Spiti Valley, located in Himachal Pradesh, has an altitude of 12,500 feet above sea level, and gets around 250 days of sunshine in the year, making it one of the coldest places in the country. With the thick Himalayan snow cutting Spiti off from the rest of the country for around 6 months a year, the summer months are the only time Spiti is directly accessible via motorway.
Best Time: Mid May to Mid Oct
56. Kasol
Known For : Manikaran Sahib Malana Parvati River
A small village in Himachal situated along the banks of the river Parvati, Kasol is a tourist attraction that is rapidly gaining fame as a very popular hub for trekkers, backpackers, and nature lovers. Commonly known as the Amsterdam of India, this quaint little village is resplendent in natural scenic beauty, and is one of the few places in the country that is yet to be ruined by urbanization and commercialization. Situated between the towns of Bhuntar and Manikaran, Kasol might seem like a plain, nondescript village from the outside, but it is one of the best places in the country to just sit back and chill in the lap of nature.
Best Time: October to June
Which is your preferred place to visit in summer in India? Let us know in the comments below!