Top 15 Destination for Summer Vacation in India

In India, even if you miss or fail to follow up the climatic changes that mark the beginning of summers, you really can’t miss the ‘Dermi Cool’ ad stating ‘chubhti jalti garmi ka mausam aya…’! Once you find this ad airing on all national channels, you know, the summer is knocking at your door!

Talking about the summers, India offers a myriad list of destinations that can cuddle up the scorching heat and pampers you with its pleasant ambience! Let’s have a look on such 15 best Indian destinations to beat the summers that will make you forget the blazing sun by soothing up your summer vacation:

1. Leh-Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir:

The ‘Kohinoor’ in India’s crown, Jammu and Kashmir not only boasts of its scenic and enchanting beauty! It is in this state, you can find two of the most precious summer destinations of the country; Ladakh and its Summer Capital Leh.

Jotted with gorgeous snow-capped mountains, Kashmir tours are never complete without a visit to any of these two places! Be it on a family vacation, fun with friends, honeymoon trip or any other holidays, a visit to Leh-Ladakh is a must during the Indian summers.

2. Gangtok, Sikkim:

If any other destinations in India can second any of the Kashmir holiday packages, it certainly has to be Sikkim! And in all the Sikkim holiday packages, Gangtok is considered as the most devout summer destination to visit.

Nestled in the lap of the Eastern Himalayas, this scenic town is the hub of the state’s tourism industry. Home to several fascinating trekking trails and other adventure activities, it is also a popular pilgrimage for the Buddhists.

3. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand:

Once you step into the bosom of Mussoorie in Uttarakhand, you will know why it is adorably called as the ‘Queen of Hills’! A magnificent hill station at the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas, it is located at a towering height of 1,880m.

As a retreat for the Indian summers, Mussoorie probably holds one of the oldest histories in the country. Its enchanting beauty has been alluring visitors since the Colonial Era in India and nothing has changed so far!

4. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh:

How about a summer holiday in one of the oldest hill stations in India? Even if this doesn’t fascinate you, how about a sojourn amidst 19 picturesque hills?

Yes, on a summer trip to Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, you will be romancing 19 scenic and evergreen hills. The once a capital of the British India, this hill station holds a unique old world charm and has a preserved beauty that make it one of the most visited hill stations in the country!

5. Ooty, Tamil Nadu:

While Kashmir tourism take you to the extreme north of the country, a visit to Ooty will bring you towards the southern end of the country. An emerald town in Tamil Nadu, this hill station is embraced by the alluring charm and appeal of the Nilgiri Hills.

Also known as the ‘Queen of Hills’, Ooty has an age-old summer tradition with the visitors. Also, it is this town, you can enjoy a jovial ride of the ‘Nilgiri Passenger’ or the NMR meter gauge line, which is amongst the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

6. Mount Abu, Rajasthan:

Rajasthan, the cultural and traditional capital of India has all the reasons to be called as the tourism capital of the country! Be it during the winters or the summers, this colourful state entices the visitors equally during all the seasons.

Located in this desert capital is the pictorial hill station called Mount Abu. The only hill station in the Thar Desert, while the rest of the state undergoes scorching heat during the summers, Mount Abu; an oasis in the desert, offers a pleasant and blissful experience to its visitors.

7. Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep:

For those, who shares a strong bond with pristine beaches, the Kadmat Island in Lakshadweep can be the most ideal summer destinations in India. Located on a coral reef, it is popularly known as the ‘Cardamom Island’ and is a paradise for the water sport devotees.

Adorned by the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea, the pleasant climate, picturesque beauty and the beach sides of Kadmat Island will surely add blissful moments to your holiday. Scuba diving, snorkelling, swimming and fishing are some of the most sought after activities in this coral island.

8. Darjeeling, West Bengal:

If you still think, West Bengal is all about ancient cultures, delicious foods and a rustic lifestyle, you must visit Darjeeling! Tucked away in the Lesser Himalayan range and at an altitude of around 2,045m, this hill station is often called the ‘Tea Capital’ of India.

Adorned with never-ending tea estates and evergreen pine forests, holiday in Darjeeling is all about candid and pleasant moments. Amongst the activities, you can enjoy the magical sunrise view from the Tiger Hills, take a Toy Train ride from the Ghum Railway Station, witness the majestic Mt Everest and Kanchenjunga peaks and several others.

9. Wayanad and Munnar, Kerala:

While the Kashmir holiday packages or the Sikkim holiday packages are more about towering mountains, snow-capped peaks and stunning valleys, Wayanad holidays are more about the untouched nature. Delightfully called the ‘Land of Paddy Fields’, this summer holiday destination in Kerala boasts of its evergreen outlook and alluring charm.

Standing graciously on the Deccan Plateau, the Western Ghats adds more to its scenic beauty. In addition to the nature lovers, Wayanad is also a dedicated summer retreat for families, honeymooners or any other types of tourists.

10. Shillong, Meghalaya:

If you are planning for a summer holiday away from all the gloominess of urban life, Shillong or the capital of Meghalaya should be on your top-list! A jewel in the Khasi Hills, this quaint hill station is often called as the ‘Scotland of the East’ and is known for its surreal beauty and rustic charm.

Also, on a visit to Shillong, you can easily visit Mawsynram; the rainiest place in the world, and Mawlynnong- the cleanliest village in India. Also, a visit to several waterfalls and fascinating caves will add more pleasant moments to your summer holidays in Shillong.

11. Coorg, Karnataka:

Coorg or the Kodagu district of Karnataka is also one of the most visited hill stations in the country. Nestled amidst the Western Ghats, this pictorial summer retreat takes the pride of being the producer of some of the finest quality coffee beans in India.

Though it can be easily reached from several popular destinations in South India, Coorg has still preserved its traditions and cultures in the liveliest form. Home to the ‘Kodavas’, it boasts of its rolling hills, evergreen forests, pleasant climate and friendly locals.

12. Ranikhet, Uttarakhand:

Hidden away in the Almora district of Uttarakhand, Ranikhet is one of the least explored hill stations in India. This is also the reason, it has successfully endured its rustic appeal and mesmerising beauty!

Also known as the ‘Queen’s Meadow’ it is said Raja Sudhardev won the heart of lady love Rani Padmini in Ranikeht. Well, if you are also yearning to win the heart of your beloved ones, you must take a summer trip to Ranikhet and feel the magic!

13. McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh:

A visit to McLeod Ganj is not only about leisure and pleasant moments during the summers. Vacations in this suburb of Himachal’s Kangra district has more to do with the pristine nature and spirituality.

Located on the captivating Dhauladhar Range, McLeod Ganj or ‘Little Lhasa’ is laced with Buddhist cultures. Serenity, tranquillity and peace of mind is a gift in this scenic suburb. Forget all the worries, and plan a summer trip to McLeod Ganj, and you will never be disappointed!

14. Manali, Himachal Pradesh:

Reaching a towering height of 2,050m, Manali is a cult among all the recent Indian summer destinations. Located in the Kullu and Beas River Valley, is indeed one of the most popular hill stations in Himachal Pradesh.

Credited to as one of the best skiing destinations in the country, Manali shares a strong bonding with the Hindu mythology and is believed to obtain its name after Manu, the Hindu God for Law.

15. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh:

Misty and enchanting, Tawang is one of the highest summer destinations in India. Located in Arunachal Pradesh; at around 10,00ft, this north-eastern retreat is a must for you if you are yearning for a change of mind and soul.

Home to the sacred Tawang Monastery, Sela Top Pass, Pankang Teng Tso Lake and several other attractions, Tawang is all about peace, magnificence and blissful moments! And in case, you are an adrenaline junky, this summer retreat has biking, trekking, river rafting and several other offerings for you.