When the hot summer sun sweeps across the plains, a cooling respite seems unskippable. However, the relentless sun sometimes overshadows the joy of travelling, and so it becomes crucial to flee to cooler climes. Blessed to report India has plenty of options that offer respite from the scorching heat.
From serene hill stations to sea-breezy towns, there is something for everyone. This guide explores the best summer holiday destinations in India, so you can enjoy cooler temperatures, breathtaking views, and unforgettable experiences with friends and/or family.
From the jaw-dropping views of the Himalayan hill stations to the breezy temperate beaches, this blog will give you the exact summer holiday destinations for a relaxed, scenic retreat from the summer sun.
Best Hill Stations to Escape the Summer Heat
The search for the best hill stations automatically increases as soon as the summer heat starts showing up. People quickly book tickets to get a chilled holiday trip amidst a cooling breeze, lush greenery, and a peaceful ambience.
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Shimla, with its pleasant weather and impressive colonial architecture, remains on most Indians’ bucket list of go-to destinations. There used to be a reason why the British chose Shimla as the summer capital of British India.
Things to Do
- Stroll along Mall Road to see Christ Church, Lakkar Bazaar, Scandal Point, and Gaiety Theatre and do some shopping.
- Visit Kufri for the Kufri Fun World adventure park and to experience apple orchards in the Fagu village.
- Worship at the Jakhoo Temple between 7 am and 8 pm and witness the 108-foot Hanuman and the Kath Kuni architecture.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal months to visit Shimla are March to June, when you can enjoy a soothing, temperate atmosphere.
Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Manali, in the exotic Kullu Valley with breathtaking mountains, is one of the favourite destinations for adventure seekers. It is extremely famous for trekking and skiing, among bachelors and family men as well.
Things to Do
- You can try a 12 km trek at Kheerganga, a 26 km trek by the Bhrigu Lake, and a 35km trek at Hampta and Chanderkhani Pass.
- You can choose from Solang Valley, Fatru, Bijli Mahadev, Kangra Valley, and Marhi, among other popular paragliding spots.
- Visit the Solang Valley, especially for skiing and snowboarding, between 9 am and 5 pm.
- Experience the snow-covered majestic peaks by Rohtang Pass. To visit this place, you must have government permission and cross the Gulaba Check Post between 7.45 am and 10 am.
Best Time to Visit
Visit Manali between April and June, when the weather is perfect for outdoor fun and adventures.
Darjeeling, West Bengal
Darjeeling, the Queen of the Hills, has the mesmerising beauty of vast, stretched exotic tea gardens. The panoramic picturesque views of the Kanchenjunga amidst pleasant cool temperatures will be your perfect escape from the summer heat.
Things to Do
- You can take a heritage steam engine toy train ride from Darjeeling to the Ghum station for rupees 1,500 per person.
- Visit Batasia Loop for a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire Darjeeling town and the Kanchenjunga range.
- Explore lavish tea estates like Happy Valley Tea Estate, Makaibari Tea Estate, and Castleton Tea Estate anytime between 9 am and 4 pm and taste the world-famous Darjeeling tea.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to go to Darjeeling is between March and June, as you will get a clear sky to see the Kanchenjunga.
Munnar, Kerala
Another place where you can witness lush green tea plantations is Munnar in Kerala. Here, you will enjoy sweet, misty weather, with greenery and tranquillity soothing your eyes and soul.
Things to Do
- Amidst things to do in hill station like Munnar visit popular tea gardens, Kolukkumalai tea garden, Lockhart tea estate, and the Tata Tea Museum anytime between 9 am and 5 pm.
- Experience the Attukal Waterfalls between 10 am and 6 pm and enjoy the splashes of water in the summer.
- Take a safari tour and explore the biodiversity in Eravikulam National Park, which is open daily from 7 am to 4 pm.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Munnar is from March to May for a hassle-free experience. However, the monsoon here is also something worth exploring.
Top Beach Destinations for a Cool Summer Retreat
Beaches are extremely summer-friendly, with cool sea breezes, refreshing drinks, and late-night parties and concerts. You can wear your funky beachwear and beat the summer like a pro. Let’s then explore the top beach destinations.
Goa
Amidst all the beaches of India, Goa is undoubtedly the prime one for tourists within and outside the country. May it be Anjuna Beach or Baga Beach, the water sports, vibrant nightlife, and local cuisine will let you fall into a trance.
Things to Do
- For water sports activities like jet-skiing, snorkelling, paddle-boarding, parasailing, etc., you can head to Colva Beach and Baga Beach in south Goa or to Candolim Beach and Sinquerim Beach in North Goa.
- Other north Goa beaches like Anjuna and Calangute are famous for night parties, whereas south Goa beaches give you a more serene, peaceful experience.
- Explore the Chapora fort in North Goa, famous for the Dil Chahta Hai movie
- Visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus, A UNESCO World Heritage site, and St. Michael’s church, built in 1613
- To indulge in beachside seafood, you can head to La Plage or Bomra’s or to the St.Regis Goa Resort.
Best Time to Visit
While Goa is a tourist destination, it is best to visit during the summer months (March to May) to get a quieter experience at cheaper prices.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
If you are looking for crystal clear turquoise sea water and white, untouched beaches, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are among the summer holiday destinations. This can be your summer paradise, with serene views and a tranquil ambience.
Things to Do
- You can go snorkelling at Elephant Beach, Nemo Reef, and Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island between 8 am and 2 pm.
- Get to The Wall, Johnny’s Gorge, Minerva Ledge, etc., on Havelock Island and Margherita’s Mischief, as well as the Junction on Neil Island, to experience soft coral reefs and majestic fish.
- Visit Havelock Island and Neil Island for scuba diving, beach hopping, and kayaking, and experience the Cellular Jail in Port Blair to witness India’s history of freedom struggle.
Best Time to Visit
It is ideal during the summer months, from March to May, when the weather is dry.
Kochi, Kerala
Kochi offers a careful blend of coastal charm and its rich cultural heritage. Here, you can explore scenic backwaters, century-old architecture, and churches.
Things to Do
- Visit Fort Kochi, which is a blend of Dutch, Portuguese, and British architecture.
- To explore the backwaters, visit Vembanad Lake, Cherai Backwaters, and Alleppey. These are all 15 to 50 km away from the main Kochi city.
- You can drive to Fort Kochi, Cherai Beach, and Marine Drive to enjoy the cool coastal air.
Best Time to Visit
Kochi is great for visits from March to June to get mild to temperate beachside temperatures.
Unusual Summer Escapes for the Adventurous Traveller
While the above locations are exotic, they are also oversaturated, being so famous among tourists already. Therefore, to seek a peaceful retreat, you need to get to some unusual summer holiday destinations like those listed below.
Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
At Spiti, you will get the chance to experience Tibet, as the location, from its look and feel, has earned the name “Little Tibet.” The cold desert, with its serene landscapes and Buddhist monasteries, will make you forget the summer stress.
Things to Do
- Explore magnificent Buddhist monasteries like Key Monastery, Tabo Monastery, Tangyud Monastery, Lhalung Monastery, etc.
- Take a stick and go for the Parang La Trek, from the Kibber village to Karzok village, to see the breathtaking Himalayas by the Moriri lake.
- At Kibber, you can spend the days visiting the nearby monasteries and wildlife sightings while you can secure the nights for stargazing.
- Don’t miss the crescent-shaped Chandratal Lake at an altitude of 4,300 meters. This height is famous for its unique, indescribable beauty and camping opportunities.
Best Time to Visit
The summer months, typically from May to September, are perfect for trekking and exploring the Spiti Valley.
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Apart from the hill stations of North India, if you want your summer retreat in the North Eastern seven sisters, then choose Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. Tawang offers green mountains with Buddhist monasteries, lakes, waterfalls, and peace.
Things to Do
- Visit the largest monastery in India and the second largest in the world, the Tawang Monastery, anytime between 7 am and 7 pm.
- Trek 35 km from Tawang to visit Madhuri Lake, which gets its name from the Indian actress Madhuri Dixit after the film Koyla
- Go to the local villages of Lumla and Zemithang, take part in the Losar or Torgya festival, and experience the variety of Monpa culture.
Best Time to Visit
You can book your tickets between April and June when the weather is moderate, and the views are clear.
Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir
Ladakh, with its alluring rugged mountains and cold desert outlook, is not for weak hearts but for those courageous enough to take a bike ride. It will be your perfect high-altitude escape, with the highest motorable road in the world.
Things to Do
- The rough terrains of Ladakh demand some breathtaking trekking steps in the Markha Valley and Chadar.
- Go to the Hemis monastery, especially during the Hemis festival, the Thiksey monastery, which resembles the Potala palace, and the Diskit monastery to see the Giant Maitreya Buddha.
- For a biking experience, you can choose the Leh to Khardung La route or the Leh to Nubra Valley route
- The Pangong Lake, at an altitude of 14,270 ft high altitude, offers a surreal beauty and takes a 5 to 6-hour drive from Leh via Chang La Pass.
Best Time to Visit
Late summer months, from June to September, are the best time to visit, as you get the places open for adventure.
Best Summer Retreats for Families and Kids
Apart from the excitement and adventures, if you are seeking summer holiday destinations suitable for family vacations, then check out this list. The places are child-friendly, so you can utilise the summer vacation days for a short trip to any of the following.
Nainital, Uttarakhand
Nainital, with its majestic Naini Lake, jaw-dropping viewpoints, historic Naina Devi temple, and safari in the Jim Corbett National Park, has everything you may wish to complete your family trip. It is calm and serene and offers unrealistically beautiful views of the Himalayas.
Things to Do
- You can go for a family boating on Naini Lake by just taking a rowboat or a paddleboat ride on the Naini Lake.
- If you are with your parents, take them to the nearby Naina Devi Temple early in the morning to avoid the crowd.
- Enjoy exotic views of the Himalayas from nearby viewpoints like Tiffin Top, Snow View Point, Naina Peak, or China Peak.
Best Time to Visit
It will be ideal if you visit this place between March and June for pleasant weather for outdoor fun.
Coorg, Karnataka
Coorg, with its vast green coffee plantation fields, gets the righteous name “Scotland of India” in Karnataka. Its greenery, peace, and tranquillity make this place a perfect choice for a summer vacation with family.
Things to Do
- Visit coffee plantation estates, such as Tata Coffee Plantation Trails, Evolve Back, and Mercara Gold Estate, and let your children learn how coffee grows and is processed.
- You must also visit the Abbey Falls, which is around 8 km away from the town of Madikeri.
- For your children to witness biodiversity in raw nature, visit the Nagarhole or Rajiv Gandhi National Park as well as the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary.
Best Time to Visit
You must book your tickets from March to June, which are perfect for a family escape during summer.
Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Among the best hill stations in South India, you can take your family to Ooty in Tamil Nadu. The picturesque views of the Nilgiri mountain range, the cool mountain climate, tea estates, and rose gardens made this place special.
Things to Do
- Visit the man-made Ooty Lake between 9 am and 6 pm, and let your parents and children enjoy boating and mini-train riding in the nearby amusement park.
- There is a vast Botanical garden with 1000+ plant species in an Italian-style garden that is open from 7 am to 6.30 pm.
- The Nilgiri Mountain Railway offers toy train rides from Mettupalayam to Ooty via Coonoor.
Best Time to Visit
It is great to visit Ooty with your family from March to June, as the temperature will be soothing for your loved ones.
Tips for Planning a Summer Vacation in India
All of the above summer holiday destinations are worth visiting at least once with friends or family. But to enjoy your summer trips effortlessly, you need to plan early and book early. Late or last-minute bookings will increase your budget, as prices will rise in the best hill stations during peak seasons.
If you are choosing beach holidays, pack lightweight clothes, good sunscreen, comfy footwear and funky sunglasses to slay. Also, drink enough to hydrate yourself amidst the summer adventure. Lastly, be environment-conscious, avoid plastic, and travel sustainably to reduce your environmental impact.
Conclusion
From the misty hilltops of Darjeeling and Munnar to the snow-crowned Manali and adventurous Ladakh, India has tons of exotic summer holiday destinations. On the other hand, its breezy, cool beaches can give you a temperate, soothing escape from the scorching summer heat waves.
Are you seeking a summer retreat for a week or a weekend? Select your go-to destination and book your tickets today to unleash stunning summer memories!
FAQ
1. What are the best destinations to visit in India during the summer?
Shimla, Manali, Darjeeling, Munnar, Goa, the Andaman Islands, and Ladakh are the most popular summer vacation destinations. All of them are blessed with pleasant climate conditions as well as landscapes, and so are suitable for an escape from hot weather conditions in summer.
2. When is the best time to visit hill stations in India?
The Top Hill Stations in India are ideal between March and June when the weather is nice and nature is blooming. The time provides optimal conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
3. What activities can I do in these summer holiday destinations?
There’s no shortage of fun things to do in beach and hill station destinations—such as trekking, rafting, paragliding, boating, tea garden walks, beach hopping, and immersion in local culture and food.
4. What are the best beach destinations in India for the summer?
Top choices include Goa, Kochi, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These Top Beach Destinations provide sea breezes, water activities, and a laid-back beachy atmosphere.
5. How do I avoid the summer crowds at popular destinations?
Plan, go during mid-week and try going to lesser-known or offbeat places such as Spiti Valley or Coorg for a peaceful time.