The hot and ferocious Indian summers are on. There was the COVID pandemic too that had been spreading like wildfire ever since it first broke out in 2020. So, you need to plan the perfect summer vacation in India. India is an exciting destination for the summer holidays and is the most happening touring destination to make some exciting travel choices for your family, friends and loved ones.  So what makes India, the land of numerous ancient cultures and traditions, the most popular destination for vacations during summer, and what are the best places to visit in India in summer and the best things to do while you’re in India for vacation during summer.

Shimla

What is that one place that instantly comes to your mind when you think of the best places to visit in summer in India? Shimla, is it? You guessed it right as it’s the perfect getaway to spend the summer season with your kith and kin. Popularly dubbed as the ‘Queen of Hill Station’ in the state of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is rated as one of the most visited holiday getaways. Shimla has a salubrious climate all throughout the year such that in the erstwhile colonial era, it served as the summer capital of the British. You won’t be disappointed once you’re in Shimla with its range of accommodation, amusement and sporting options for the entire family. 

Shimla is an ideal destination to spend the summer season in India. With its name derived from the goddess “Shyamala”, Shimla in Himachal Pradesh is one of the favourite holiday getaways. The all-year-the-round salubrious climate was in fact the reason the British families settled here every summer pre-independence. There are several accommodation options and amusement choices. Come with your loved ones to the town, listed among the top places for summer vacations in India. You shouldn’t miss out on travelling in the Kalka Shimla toy train, river rafting at Tattapani, shopping and dining at Mall Road, visiting the gorgeous Christ Church near the mall, trekking to Jakhu Hanuman Temple nestled atop a hill, exploring the Viceregal Lodge and the magnificent British architecture, visiting the lovely hill getaways of Kufri Chail and Mashobra, and capturing a family group photo whose memory will linger forever. 

Manali

There is a strong reason why Manali, again another beautiful hill station from Himachal Pradesh, has made it to the top of the list for the best places to visit in summer in India. Manali for a long was the number one choice for honeymooners and newlywed couples considering its ravishing picturesque locations including the lush green meadows fed by the River Beas and snow-laden mountains. Manali also offers you sights that are reminiscent of Indian legends and mythology. Manali is truly one of the best summer destinations in India with a range of things to do including visiting the famous Rohtang Pass and enjoying the snow sightseeing at Himalayan Nyingmapa Gompa, Club House, Hadimba Temple enjoying adventure sporting activities at Solang Valley, river rafting in the Beas making short trips to Jogini Falls, Manikaran Gurudwara, Kullu, Arjuna Gufa, Vashisht Hot-Water Springs and Bhrigu Lake, trekking and camping and picnicking at the apple orchards. You can also try out paragliding, zorbing, parachuting and other high-adrenaline activities. 

Darjeeling

Time for some quick trivia: name the most common beverage followed by the word Darjeeling? Yeah, you got it absolutely right. It’s tea. Now, the other way round think of tea and what comes to your mind in a flash is Darjeeling, located in the north-eastern state of West Bengal, undoubtedly the best summer destinations in India. Set on the backdrop of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m above sea level) and enveloped by fresh, green tea plantations, the beautiful hill station of Darjeeling is rated as one of the best places to visit in summer in India. The confluence of mother nature and man-made creations can leave you absolutely spell-bound. You can study a bit about the Tibetan roots at the Buddhist monasteries here. Not to mention shopping, yummy treats and lots more. Don’t forget to enjoy the toy train ride to Darjeeling, visit the Gorkha War Memorial and Batasia Loop, discover the freshness of the tea gardens of Darjeeling’s Happy Valley Tea Estate, go to the Tiger Hill and view the fantastic sunrise, trek at Charlemont Hill to Peace Pagoda, enjoy the flora and fauna at Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park and do some shopping at Mall Road.

Munnar

It comes to an as little surprise to many that Munnar, located in the southern state of Kerala, God’s own country, has made it to the list of the best destinations to be visited during summer vacations. Take Kerala as such, the state has some of the best summer holiday destinations in India, and Munnar stands out among them in terms of its sheer beauty and unique flora and fauna. Nested in the verdant lap of the Western Ghats, Munnar is the perfect place to visit if you find the summer heat hard to take. With a pleasant climate all throughout the year, and a range of aromatic spices and dry fruits, Munnar has so much to offer to tourists therefore, why travel anywhere else in South India? While you’re in Munnar, enjoy the greeneries of the tea garden estates, visit Elephant Lake, Anamudi Peak, Echo Point and Kundala stopover at the Tata Tea Museum, stay for a day at a treehouse, take a break at Chinnakanal, Devikulama and Chithirapuram, trek to the echo point, take the unbelievably romantic Shikara ride on the Kundala Lake, do mountain biking in Vandanmedu, Periyar and Suryanelli and take a smooth elephant ride in Carmelagiri Elephant Park.

Lakshwadeep Islands

Lakshwadeep Islands, one of India’s union territories, is a gem in the crown of India’s most splendid tropical island destinations. Undoubtedly, the coral islands are one of the best summer destinations in India. Lakshadweep, a tropical archipelago comprising 36 islands and coral reefs in the Lakshadweep or Laccadive Sea, is 280 km to 480 km off Kerala’s coast. These islands, which make the perfect destination to spend summer holidays, dazzle like emeralds compared to the cerulean waters. If you’re on this awe-inspiring island, you get to discover the pristine beauty of the coral reefs enjoy a range of adventure sporting activities such as windsurfing and diving, swimming, kayaking and snorkelling and take delight in savouring the fresh coconuts and tropical fruits, whilst enjoying the sandy beaches of the islands. 

Rishikesh

We wanted to add a spiritual dimension to the list of summer vacations in India, and here we go. A visit to India, known for its spiritual roots and values, and where almost every faith coexists in harmony with one another, is incomplete without travelling to Rishikesh, one of the best places to go in summer in India. Spend time rejuvenating yourself on the banks of the River Ganges at the foothills of Mount Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand. If you’re looking to learn Yoga, Sanātana Dharma and the Vedic truth and eternal teachings of Hinduism, Rishikesh is where you need to go. 

When visiting the ancient temples of the region, you will also find spiritual teachers (Yogis) who discipline their followers in the area of Hindu spiritual practices.  Rishikesh is also perfect for those seeking adventure sports including cliff jumping, body surfing, river rafting in the Ganges, suspended fox-flying on wires between two mountains, camping on the banks of the river, bungee jumping and others. The world-famous Ayurveda treatment centres in Rishikesh offer holistic treatment for the mind, body and soul.

Ooty

Let’s travel down south again to another popular hill station Ooty. One of the most stunning summer tourist places in India, Ooty is nestled in Nilgiris, the hill station that had once served as a favourite escape getaway for the British from the scorching Chennai (previously Madras) summer heat during colonial rule and is now one of the most important places to visit in India in summer vacations. That’s why you can see so many British architecture inspired buildings in supreme condition here even today. Touring in and around Ooty in itself is an experience like the famous toy train ride from Mettupalayam. Enjoy the picturesque tea and coffee estates, the Ooty Botanical Garden and colonial buildings. Why not take a boat ride in Ooty lake with your friends and family?

We recommend that you taste the delectable local homemade Ooty chocolates, set up night camp and trek at the Avalanche Lake, enjoy a round of golf or two at the famous Golf Course, and of course fete champetre at the Kamaraj Sagar Dam, Emerald Lake, etc. The highest peak in the region is Doddabetta located at 2,637 metres above sea level. Take a breathtaking bird’s eye of the entire landscape and all that surrounds the region including the misty clouds hovering over the distant hills.

Hope we’ve covered the major places to visit in summer in India in this blog, and provided you with some basic information on the major touring destinations. You’re free to add your preferred destinations for summer to the above list.