Summer months in India can be harsh, but there are many destinations in India that offers cool experience due to the vast geographical landscape. From the snow covered mountain ranges in the Himalayas to the lush greenery of the Western Ghats, India provides international travelers a wide range of cool and pleasant destinations.
So, whether you are looking for a natural escape, or indulge in adventurous activities or have spiritual experience, you are in for treat. Here is a list of the 20 incredible summer vacation destinations in India that you can include in India Tour Packages for a refreshing getaway:
- Manali, Himachal Pradesh
This is a charming hill station location in Himachal, perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
Top Attractions:
- Solang Valley: Best for paragliding, zorbing, and skiing in winter.
- Hadimba Temple: A sacred temple made of wood and surrounded by cedar forests.
- Jogini Waterfalls: Take a trek to the waterfalls offering stunning views.
- Vashisht Hot water springs: For a spiritual dip as the waters have medicinal properties.
- Rohtang Pass: Is covered with snow throughout the year and offers breathtaking views and snow activities.
Activities to Do:
- Enjoy River rafting in the Beas River.
- Opt for a Trek to Bhrigu Lake and Hampta Pass.
- Explore Old Manali.
- Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and is blessed with lush green valleys, beautiful landscape, dense forests, and colonial buildings.
Top Attractions:
- The Ridge & Mall Road: Commercial hub of Shimla, best for shopping, and dining, and views
- Jakhoo Temple: The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is situated at the highest hill of Shimla.
- Kufri: For breathtaking views and adventure activities
Activities to Do:
- Enjoy a toy train ride from Kalka to Shimla, through the famous Kalka-Shimla toy train route.
- Visit the Annandale Army Heritage Museum and the Viceregal Lodge.
- During the winter enjoy ice skating at the natural ice rink.
- Darjeeling, West Bengal
If you want to enjoy picturesque views and explore the tea gardens, then head to Darjeeling for the best summer vacation. Let the Best Inbound Tour Operators in India for a hassle-free trip to India.
Top Attractions:
- Tiger Hill: To see the sunrise over Mount Kanchenjunga.
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: Enjoy the toy train rides, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Batasia Loop: Offers breathtaking views of the landscape
Activities to Do:
- Explore the stunning tea gardens and enjoy teas tasting sessions.
- Enjoy cable car ride for the best views of the landscape.
- Visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.
- Gangtok, Sikkim
Sikkim is the capital of Gangtok and is famous for its stunning landscape and Buddhist monasteries that’s offers a spiritual experience.
Top Attractions:
- Tsomgo Lake: It is a glacial lake enclosed by snow-covered mountain ranges.
- Nathula Pass: It is a high-altitude pass located in India-China border.
- Rumtek Monastery: One of the largest Buddhist monasteries of the state offering serene and peaceful experience.
Activities to Do:
- Enjoy the famous cable ride in Gangtok city, offering aerial views of the city
- Try traditional local Sikkimese cuisines
- Do shop at the local market for souvenirs to take back home.
- Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Ooty is located in South India and is one of the breathtaking hill stations blessed with tea gardens, rolling hills, and pleasant climate.
Top Attractions:
- Nilgiri Mountain Railway: Enjoy a toy train ride through lush hills.
- Ooty Lake: Enjoy boating and small picnic near the lake
- Botanical Gardens: A beautiful garden planted with exotic plants and flowers.
Activities to Do:
- For thrilling experience, opt for a trek to Doddabetta Peak, full of breathtaking views.
- Visit tea gardens and engage in tea tasting sessions.
- Explore the Toda tribal settlements; know about the lifestyle of the people, their culture and tradition.
Also Read :- Journey through Tamil Nadu: Must-Visit Destinations and Unique Experiences!
- Munnar, Kerala
For nature lovers, and those wishing for a cool refreshing experience, head to Munnar, blessed with misty hills, tea gardens, coffee plantations and wildlife. Do include Munnar in your India Tour Packages for a serene and peaceful experience.
Top Attractions:
- Eravikulam National Park: Visit this national park to see the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
- Mattupetty Dam: Best for boating, scenic spots and picnic.
- Tea Museum: Know about the history of tea in the region, learn about tea cultivation to processing and engage in tea tasting sessions.
Activities to Do:
- Visit the spice plantations of Munnar and taste the famous spices.
- Trekking: Enjoy a trek to the highest peak of South India, Anamudi Peak.
- Elephant safari: At Carmelagiri Park, opt for elephant safari.
- Nainital, Uttarakhand
Located in Uttarakhand, this hill-station is surrounded by hills, greenery and offers pleasant weather even in summer season.
Top Attractions:
- Naini Lake: Located in the main hub of Nainital and offers wonderful boating experience
- Snow Viewpoint: For enjoying views of the Himalayas
- Naina Devi Temple: A scared temple, located near Naini Lake.
Activities to Do:
- Enjoy shopping in Mall Road
- Enjoy a cable car ride to the Snow Viewpoint
- Head to Tiffin Top amazing views of the landscape.
- Coorg, Karnataka
Coorg is located in South India and is one of the spectacular hill stations blessed with coffee gardens, waterfalls, hills, and pleasant climate.
Top Attractions:
- Abbey Falls: Stunning waterfall surrounded by coffee gardens.
- Dubare Elephant Camp: For close encounter with the elephants.
- Raja’s Sea: Best for sunset views.
Activities to Do:
- Visit coffee gardens and engage in coffee tasting sessions.
- For some adventure, trek to Mandalpatti Peak.
- For thrilling experience, opt for river rafting in the Barapole River.
Also Read :- Exploring Breathtaking Karnataka: Best Places to Visit and Things to Do
- Auli, Uttarakhand – A Summer Skiing Destination
Located in Uttarakhand, this hill-station is surrounded by hills, greenery, snow-covered mountains and is cool throughout the year.
Top Attractions:
- Auli Artificial Lake, world’s highest man-made lakes.
- Nanda Devi National Park designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its rich ecosystem.
- Gurso Bugyal, a beautiful meadow.
- Chenab Lake for stunning views.
Activities to Do:
- Cable car ride through Asia’s longest ropeway that starts from Joshimath to Auli.
- Opt for trek to Gorson Bugyal and Kuari Pass.
- Enjoy camping
- Enjoy skiing (in winter)
- Enjoy hiking (in summer)
- Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh – A High-Altitude Desert
Located in Himachal Pradesh, this valley is surrounded by rugged mountain terrain, monasteries, and Tibetan culture, and offers cool climate even in the summer season.
Top Attractions:
- Key Monastery
- Chandratal Lake
- Dhankar Monastery located on top of a cliff.
- Pin Valley National Park, home to snow leopard.
Activities to Do:
- Visit the Chicham Bridge; it is Asia’s highest suspension bridge.
- Visit the world’s highest villages like Komic, Kibber, and Langza.
- River rafting in the Spiti River for some daring activities
- Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir – A Dream Destination
Located in Jammu & Kashmir, this region is surrounded by rugged mountain terrain, monasteries, and, and offers adventurous activities with cool climate even in the summer season.
Top Attractions:
- Pangong Lake for views of the lake and its surrounding
- Visit Magnetic Hill
- Head to Nubra Valley, for sand dunes and double-humped camels.
- Visit Hemis Monastery, the biggest monastery in Ladakh.
Activities to Do:
- Bike ride on the Leh-Manali Highway for a road trip
- Camping near Pangong Lake for being close to nature
- River rafting in the Zanskar River for daring ones
- Don’t miss stargazing in Hanle.
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands – A Tropical Paradise
For the perfect island experience, head to Andaman & Nicobar Islands, offers breathtaking views and water sports activities.
Top Attractions:
- Visit Radhanagar Beach
- Explore Cellular Jail from India’s colonial era.
- Explore Ross Island, has old British ruins.
Activities to Do:
- Have a wonderful time snorkeling in Elephant Beach.
- Enjoy thrilling underwater experience, scuba diving at Havelock Island.
- To see coral reefs, enjoy Glass-bottom boat rides
- Lonavala & Khandala, Maharashtra – Quick Getaways from Mumbai
These hill stations are located in Maharashtra, the perfect getaways if you are in Mumbai or Pune.
Top Attractions:
- Bhushi Dam
- Tiger’s Leap, a viewpoint.
- Rajmachi Fort, a trekking destination with scenic views.
Activities to Do:
- Enjoy waterfall rappelling.
- Enjoy Trek to Duke’s Nose.
- Enjoy boating.
- Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh – A Hidden Gem in Northeast India
Located in Arunachal Pradesh, it is surrounded by snow covered mountain ranges, monasteries, lush green forests, and offers cool climate even in the summer season.
Top Attractions:
- Visit Tawang Monastery, India’s largest monastery
- Tawang War Memorial, in memory of the soldiers who fought in the 1962 Indo-China War.
- Sela Pass, a high-altitude pass covered in snow.
- Madhuri Lake (Sangetsar Lake)
Activities to Do:
- Visit the Giant Buddha Statue, high from the top overlooking Tawang town.
- Visit local Monpa tribe; know about their lifestyle, culture and traditions.
- Drive to Bum La Pass located near Indo-China border.
- For some adventure Trek to Gorichen Peak.
- Shillong, Meghalaya – Scotland of the East
Shillong is the capital of Gangtok and is famous for its spectacular landscape, misty hills, lush green forest, and offers a rich cultural experience.
Top Attractions:
- Elephant Falls, a multi-tiered waterfall.
- Umiam Lake, a man-made lake, best for boating and offers stunning views.
- Shillong Peak, highest point in Shillong
Activities to Do:
- For awe-inspiring views head to Laitlum Canyons.
- At Umiam Lake opt for boating or kayaking.
- Visit Mawlynnong village for the Living Root Bridges.
- Enjoy shopping for local handmade items at Police Bazaar.
If you are planning to explore the best of India, best inbound tour operators in India will guide you to plan your trip perfectly, even if you are visiting in the summer season.
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