Unwind, Rewind: 8 Vacation Spots In India Worth Travelling To

Summer vacations are getting closer and we will be daydreaming of mountains or beaches or both may be. Summer vacations are an excellent time to experience the vibrant culture, rich history, and natural beauty. India is blessed with several hill stations that offer a pleasant respite from the scorching heat of the summer months. You can take a holiday with family in hill stations like Shimla, Manali, Ooty, Munnar or Darjeeling, and enjoy the cool weather, scenic beauty, and adventure activities.

If you are a beach person, there is a long coastline and several beautiful summer tourist places in India that are perfect for a summer getaway. You can visit beaches like Goa, Andamans, Kerala, and Puducherry, and enjoy water sports, sunbathing, and beachside activities.

Talking about the diversity of the Indian continent, summer has lots of colourful festivals and celebrations like Holi, Rath Yatra, and Bihu where you can enjoy music, dance, and food. If you have a spiritual inclination, you can explore spiritual centres and ashrams during the summer holidays that offer a unique experience of yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda. For that visit centres like Rishikesh, Varanasi, and Haridwar, and immerse yourself in the spiritual practices.

These are just a few ways to experience India in the summer. The country has much to offer, and depending on your interests and preferences, we have curated a list of places to visit in summer in India:

8 places to visit in summer in India with family

1. Leh-Ladakh

If you love adventure and are planning summer trips in India, then Leh-Ladakh is the perfect destination. The high-altitude desert landscape, snow-capped mountains, and clear blue skies make it a dream destination for travellers. The temperature remains cool during summer and you can indulge in activities like trekking, river rafting, and mountain biking.

Must-visit places in Leh-Ladakh:

Pangong Lake: A beautiful lake surrounded by majestic mountains.
Nubra Valley: A picturesque valley with stunning landscapes, famous for its sand dunes and double-humped camels.
Khardung La Pass: A high-altitude pass and one of the highest motorable roads in the world.
Magnetic Hill: A unique natural wonder where the magnetic force seems to pull cars uphill.

2. Kashmir

Known as the "paradise on earth," Kashmir is a beautiful destination for summer tourist places in India that offers breathtaking views of hauntingly beautiful mountain ranges, serene valleys, and pristine lakes. From April to September, the weather in Kashmir is mild and pleasant, making it one of the ideal summer tourist places in India to visit.

Must-visit places in Kashmir:

Dal Lake: A beautiful and serene lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains and famous for its houseboats and shikaras.
Gulmarg: A popular skiing destination that is known for its meadows and gondola ride.
Pahalgam: A picturesque town on the banks of the Lidder River, Pahalgam is known for its scenic beauty and adventure activities like trekking and rafting.
Sonamarg: Known as the 'Meadow of Gold’, Sonamarg is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and glaciers.
Amarnath Cave: A sacred Hindu shrine, a must-visit destination for pilgrims during the summer months.

3. Nainital 

Nainital is a captivating hillside located in Uttarakhand. You can visit the famous Naini Lake, Tiffin Top, and enjoy boating and trekking. If you are looking for the best summer holiday destinations in India, this is it.

Must-visit places in Nainital:

Naini Lake: A beautiful and serene lake surrounded by lush green hills. It is a popular destination for boating. You can also visit Naina Devi Temple on the banks of Naini Lake.
Tiffin Top: A popular viewpoint on Ayarpatta Hill, Tiffin Top offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Bhimtal Lake: Located about 22 km from Nainital, Bhimtal Lake is a tranquil lake famous for boating and bird-watching.

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4. Darjeeling

Darjeeling is a hill station known for its tea gardens, scenic beauty, and colonial architecture. The summer season lasts from March to June, and the weather is pleasant. During summer, Darjeeling offers tourists a chance to escape the heat of the plains and experience the best summer holiday destinations in India.

Must-visit places in Darjeeling:

Tiger Hill: A famous viewpoint located about 11 km from Darjeeling, Tiger Hill offers breathtaking views of the sunrise over the Kanchenjunga mountain range.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the 'Toy Train,' is a popular attraction that takes tourists on a scenic ride through the hills.
Ghoom Monastery: A famous Buddhist monastery about 8 km from Darjeeling, Ghoom Monastery is known for its ancient manuscripts and unique architecture.

5. Coorg 

Also known as Kodagu, Coorg is a celebrated tourist destination all year long; located in the state of Karnataka. During summers, Coorg offers tourists a chance to enjoy its scenic beauty, wildlife, and adventure activities.

Must-visit places in Coorg:

Abbey Falls: A famous waterfall located about 8 km from Coorg, Abbey Falls is known for its picturesque surroundings and is a great place for nature lovers.
Nagarhole National Park: Located about 90 km from Coorg, Nagarhole National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and leopards, and is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Dubare Elephant Camp: Located about 28 km from Coorg, Dubare Elephant Camp is a popular destination for tourists to interact with elephants and learn about their lifestyles.

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6. Munnar

Munnar is known for its tea plantations, environmental tranquillity, and pleasant climate. If you are looking for the best summer holiday destinations in India, Munnar will not disappoint you.

Must-visit places in Munnar:

Mattupetty Dam: A popular picnic spot located about 13 km from Munnar, Mattupetty Dam is known for its scenic surroundings and boating activities.
Anamudi Peak: The highest peak in South India, Anamudi Peak is located about 13 km from Munnar and is a popular destination for trekking and hiking.
Eravikulam National Park: Located about 15 km from Munnar, Eravikulam National Park is home to diverse wildlife, including the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, and is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

7. Pondicherry

Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry, is a charming coastal town in Tamil Nadu. It is known for its French colonial architecture, beaches, and spiritual centres. The summer months typically last from March to June, making it one of the places to visit in the summer in India.

Must-visit places in Pondicherry:

Promenade Beach: A famous beach known for its picturesque surroundings and a great place for a morning or evening walk.
Auroville: An experimental township about 10 km from Pondicherry, Auroville is known for its unique community-based living and spiritual practices.
French Quarter: A charming French neighbourhood known for its colonial-era buildings and a great place to explore on foot.

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8. Hampi

Hampi is accredited as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its rich cultural heritage, ancient temples, and beautiful landscapes, Hampi offers tourists a chance to explore its historical significance and beauty. It is recommended to plan your visit during the cooler months. If you are planning a summer holiday vacation, ensure to stay hydrated and wear comfortable clothing.

Must-visit places in Hampi:

Vithala Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 3 km from Hampi, Vithala Temple is known for its iconic stone chariot and musical pillars.
Anjaneya Hill: A popular destination for trekking and hiking, Anjaneya Hill is located about 2 km from Hampi and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
Lotus Mahal: A beautiful palace located in the Zenana Enclosure, Lotus Mahal is known for its unique blend of Islamic and Hindu architectural styles.

If you plan to travel with family for a longer duration, you can also plan for the northeast. There are so many places to visit in northeast India apart from Darjeeling like Shillong, Meghalaya etc. While we have handpicked some more places, you can also try other summer vacation destinations in north India like Shimla, Manali and many more. Although the south of India experiences high temperatures, beaches and hills as tourist places in South India during the summer are a great idea as well. You have Mahabaleshwar near Bombay and Marina Beach in Chennai to look forward to.