Summer vacation destinations in India! There is no shortage of summer holiday destinations in this country. From North to South, and from East to West, there are a plethora of destinations for summer holidays. Shimla, Manali, Kashmir, Darjeeling, Ooty, and Nainital are among the top summer vacation places in India with family. These destinations offer relief from the blazing heat and the commotion of the city.

On your summer holiday trips in India, you will enjoy yourself a lot. The pleasant climate will soothe your soul whereas adventure activities will thrill you. In short, you will find a diverse range of summer holiday destinations in India. And we are pretty sure that you will fall in love with the places. In this post, we will let you know about the top 11 best summer vacation destinations in India.

Top 11 Handpicked Summer Getaways in India

So, you are very enthusiastic and eager about your summer vacation in India. You have made the correct decision. The country will never disappoint you. Because it has many destinations that can offer you respite from the scorching heat. Let’s have a look at the top 11 best summer vacation places in India with family and adventure enthusiasts.

1. Shimla: The Queen of Hills

When we talk about summer vacation in India, many names strike our minds. But the first name that hit our mind is none other than Shimla, the Queen of Hill Stations.

Located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is one of the most sought-after summer vacation destinations in India. There are many things that you can enjoy here. Picture-perfect landscapes and a delightful climate will transport you into a nature-blessed paradise. And the beautiful colonial architecture will also not fail to seize your heart.

The weather in the summer months in Shimla is mild and enjoyable. Thus, summer can be the best time to explore the city’s best attractions. You can take a leisurely stroll down the Mall Road of the city. You can visit the famous Jakhu Temple or enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas from the Ridge.

In addition, you can enjoy several adventure activities, such as trekking and paragliding. If you seek a more thrilling experience, you can go camping. In short, a summer vacation in Shimla will never disappoint you. It promises a rejuvenating break from the hustle and bustle of city life.

2. Manali: A Paradise for Mountain Lovers

Manali is another important hill station in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is an extremely popular summer vacation destination in India. Nestled in the scenic Kullu Valley, it is a paradise for mountain lovers. Tourists from all over the world come here to see the vista of snow-capped mountains, sparkling rivers, and lush greenery.

Summer holidays in Manali will embrace you with a pleasant climate. It will give you a perfect escape from the blazing heat of the plains. You can indulge in several activities: trekking, camping, river rafting, and paragliding. You can visit stunning natural attractions like the Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley. Do not forget to visit the Hadimba Devi Temple, a must-visit for tourists.

Additionally, you can explore local markets that offer an array of souvenirs, and handicrafts. In general, summer vacation in Manali is sure to leave you rejuvenated and refreshed.

3. Nainital: The Jewel of Kumaon

Located in the Kumaon foothills, Nainital is a jewel of Kumaon with abundant scenic beauty. It is set in a picturesque valley around the Nainital Lake—an eye-shaped lake. Named for the Naini Lake, it is a popular hill station in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. Because of its abundant scenic beauty and pleasant climate, the hill station has become one of the best places to visit in the summer in North India.

Nainital—the Lake District of India—is a wonderful destination for a summer holiday in the country. Serene lakes, lush green hills, and a delightful climate, especially in summer months, make Nainital a paradise for summer vacationers. This is not all. The hill station, surrounded by picturesque mountains also offers a range of activities. You can indulge in sightseeing, boating, and trekking.

Sightseeing attractions in Nainital include Nain Lake, Naina Devi Temple, Tiffin Top, Snow Viewpoint and Bhimtal. If you are looking for one of the summer vacation destinations in India, you can consider Nainital. We are pretty sure that, the hill station will never disappoint you. You will get the perfect place to escape the scorching summer heat and rejuvenate yourself amidst nature’s copious beauty.

4. Kashmir Valley: Paradise on Earth

Kashmir Valley holds a prominent position among the best destinations for summer holidays in India. It is a beautiful region in the Jammu and Kashmir union territory in the northernmost part of India. The region is in the lap of the majestic Himalayas and has unparalleled natural beauty. Due to its abundant beauty and serene environment, it is often called “Paradise on Earth”.

Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg are popular destinations in the valley of Kashmir. Gulmarg is one of the finest skiing resorts in the world. It offers a great vista of the snow-covered mountains.

Pahalgam is a scenic town with lush green meadows, gushing streams and dense forests. And Sonamarg—Meadow of Gold—is a great destination in the valley that offers wonderful views of snow-capped mountains. It is also home to the Thajiwas Glacier.

Summer vacation in Kashmir Valley will give you a lifetime experience. It will let you treat your eyes with a great vista of snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear rivers, lush greenery, and pristine lakes.

5. Ooty: Queen of Hill Stations in South India

Ooty is a popular hill station located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is lovingly called the Queen of Hill Stations in South India. Lovely landscapes, cheerful climate, and abundant scenic beauty are the speciality of Ooty.

Summer holiday in this picturesque hill station is a popular choice for people looking to escape the blazing heat of the plains. You can enjoy a lot of activities: trekking, camping, boating, and sightseeing.

Sightseeing will fascinate you. You will also see the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sprawling tea plantations will give you a great treat for your eyes. In general, Ooty is a perfect summer vacation destination in India for a memorable holidaying experience.

6. Kodaikanal: Princess of Hill stations

Kodaikanal is another beautiful hill station in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Referred to as the “Princess of Hill Stations”, it is an excellent alternative to Ooty for summer vacation. The town offers pleasant weather throughout the year. Due to this, it has been a great summer getaway in the country.

Apart from the scenic beauty, you can explore here stunning waterfalls and serene lakes. You can also enjoy boating, horse riding, and trekking in the hills during your summer vacation in Kodaikanal. So, if you are looking for a peaceful and refreshing break from the blazing summer heat, Kodaikanal is the best choice.

7. Munnar: The Kashmir of South India

Munnar—the Kashmir of South India—is a picturesque hill station in the Western Ghats of Kerala. Sprawling tea plantations, misty hills, and a cool climate are traits of this town. Due to these specific traits, it has been a popular summer vacation destination in India. Visitors can enjoy here a range of activities, such as trekking, cycling, camping, and wildlife safaris.

The Eravikulam National Park is a must-visit in the town. It is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. During the summer months, the beauty of Munnar is incomparable with lush greenery and blooming flowers. While in Munnar, you can explore the nearby waterfalls, lakes, and spice gardens. The serene atmosphere, cool climate, and abundant natural beauty will never fail to seize your heart. In a nutshell, summer vacation in Munnar is the best choice for escaping the scorching heat of the summer.

8. Darjeeling: Queen of the Hills

Darjeeling—Delightful Darjeeling—is a popular summer vacation destination in India. Also called the Queen of Hills, the beautiful hill station is in the Indian state of West Bengal. The town is worldwide acclaimed for its delightful climate and serene surroundings.

Spectacular views of the Himalayan Mountain Range and eye-catching lush green tea plantations are a feast for tourists. Tiger Hill Sunrise Viewpoint, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, and Ghoom Monastery are major attractions in the hill station.

Also, you can enjoy many fun and adventure activities apart from sightseeing. Do not forget to take a ride on the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway—a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In general, the Darjeeling summer vacation in India will not disappoint you. the beautiful landscapes and range of activities will make your summer vacation in India memorable.

9. Tawang: Most Beautiful Town of Arunachal

Twang is a beautiful town in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. , often referred to as the Most Beautiful Town of Arunachal. The town is a popular summer holiday destination in India with lots of specific features. It is surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful mountains and forests. Because of these traits, it has been a great place for vacationers coming from different parts of the country and world as well.

Besides its abundant natural beauty, it is also known for its ancient monasteries. The Twang Monastery—the largest monastery in India—is a major attraction in the town. In the vicinity, there is Gorichen Peak. From here, you can treat your eyes with a great vista of the surrounding mountains.

During the summer months, the town becomes paradisiacal for tourists. If you looking to escape from the searing heat and experience and serene and delightful climate, Twang is can be the best choice.

Twang also offers several adventure activities. Popular ones are trekking, camping, and river rafting. In simple words, Twang is indeed a great destination for a summer vacation in India with its unique culture, abundant natural beauty, and several outdoor activities.

10. Gangtok: Land of Monasteries

Gangtok—the capital of Sikkim—is a popular summer vacation destination in India. Nestled in the mighty Himalayas, the city has a lot to offer its visitors. It offers lovely landscapes with serene surroundings, making it one of the popular summer getaways in India.

Gangtok is also famous for its ancient monasteries and is often referred to as the Land of Monasteries. Enchey Monastery and Rumtek Monastery are popular monasteries in the city. The exquisite architecture and peaceful atmosphere of these ancient monasteries will never fail to lure you.

During your summer holiday in Gangtok, you can also explore Tsomgo Lake. The lake is located at an altitude of 12,313 feet above sea level. Also, you can treat your eyes with the beauty of the surrounding mountains. Other activities include trekking, river rafting, and paragliding. Rich culture, abundant natural beauty, and lots of activities… indeed Gangtok is an ideal place for a summer vacation in India.

11. Mahabaleshwar: Mini Kashmir

Often referred to as “Mini Kashmir”, Mahabaleshwar is one of the most sought-after summer vacation destinations in India. The town is located in the lap of the Western Ghats Mountain Range. It boasts flamboyant hills, graceful waterfalls, and lush green forests. These all specific traits make Mahabaleshwar a perfect summer vacation destination in India. It will offer you a great place to escape the searing heat of the cities during the summer months.

Mahabaleshwar is also popular among people because of its strawberry farms. You will have a unique experience of picking fresh strawberries directly from the farm.

For vacations, the hill town offers a range of activities. You can enjoy adventure activities like trekking, rock climbing, and paragliding. Or, you can simply relax and unwind amidst the natural beauty of the place. So, consider Mahabaleshwar as your upcoming summer vacation destination in India. And indulge yourself in a pleasant climate, peaceful surroundings, and a variety of recreational activities.

Final Words

In conclusion, India is a vast and diverse country with many summer vacation destinations to explore. From the abundant natural beauty of Shimla, Manali, Nainital and Kashmir to the lush greenery of Ooty, Kodaikanal, and Munnar, the country has many paradisial places for summer holidays. Whether you want to enjoy adventure activities or just want to relax in serene surroundings, India won’t let you down. In this blog, we have discussed the top 11 summer vacation destinations. These picturesque places are just a few examples of many incredible summer holiday destinations in India. So, what are you waiting for?  Pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to embark on a summer adventure of a lifetime in India. Choose from our handpicked summer holiday packages for the best experience of summer vacation in India.