Nowadays, summer vacations are no longer just about enjoying the AC on blast or all-day scrolling through Instagram reels. It is more about packing your bags, wearing your most comfortable shoes, and navigating the places that turn heat into a memorable experience. From beachy locations to windy mountains, summer brings a treasure of destinations in India that are perfect for every traveller.
Whether you are planning to relish hot Maggi and chai in the breezy hills of Himachal, relaxing at the serene Dal Lake in Kashmir, or chasing the sunsets on the cliffs and beaches in Goa, there is always a summer escape calling your name. The best part? You do not have to burn your pocket or plan months in advance - just the right pick, and you can make every weekend a mini vacation and every place a postcard memory.
Still confused about where to go? In this blog, we have rounded up some of the coolest places to visit in summer. What to expect? Chilled vibes, scenic drives, refreshing treks, and lots of Pinterest moments. So, take out your suitcase, pack your clothes, make your travel playlist, and swap the heat for cool winds. Your perfect summer vacation is a scroll away.
Escape the heat: Best places to visit in the summer
Is the summer sun playing villain in your life story? It is time to rewrite your plot with these getaways that will effortlessly help you escape the heat in style.
1. Manali
Where the mountains whisper and the snow lingers
State: Himachal Pradesh
Love breathtaking mountain views and dense pine forests? Manali has been a go-to place for dreamy places to go for the summer vacations for decades. Dhauladhar ranges, Deo Tibba, and Pir Panjal - all of them offer a photographic backdrop to your adventurous visit.
River rafting in the Beas, trekking through the stunning views in the Hampta Pass, or indulging in spirituality at Hidimba Temple - Manali never fails to deliver serenity and comfort. Also, do not miss out on the fun and food in the boho cafes of the old city.
2. Shillong
The Scotland of the east is calling
State: Meghalaya
Welcome to the capital city that smells like pine trees and sounds like lullabies of waterfalls. With rolling hills, clean streets, pleasant temperature, and colonial architecture, Shillong is a refreshing experience in the North East for all good reasons.
Witness the alluring culture at Don Bosco Museum, take a boat ride at the calming Umiam Lake, stroll through the flowering gardens and the modest zoo at Lady Hydari Park, or just watch the gorgeous 3-tier Elephant Falls. Want something more? Take a short drive to Cherrapunji, the land of oranges.
3. Darjeeling
Sip, stroll, and soak in the misty magic
State: West Bengal
Want to wake up in the snow-covered hills and sip delightful varieties of tea? Darjeeling is truly like an old postcard. In the beautiful Kanchenjunga, this destination is a perfect combination of aromatic tea gardens, cool mountain winds, and heritage charm.
Wondering what to explore? Start your day at Tiger Hill to capture the stunning sunrise. Learn and enjoy a tea-making experience at Happy Valley Tea Estate, or melt your worries with snow leopards and red pandas at Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. And do not forget to hop on the famous toy train and try local momos.
4. Ranikhet
A quiet hug from the Himalayas
State: Uttarakhand
For a summer vacation itinerary that involves doing nothing while being surrounded by dense forests and snow-covered mountains, the trip to Ranikhet should be on top of your list of best places to go in summer. Less popular and commercialised than its sister, Nainital, this one is an assortment of serene beauty and old temples.
Ring the prayer bells at Jhula Devi Temple, embrace the gorgeous views of Nanda Devi from Chaubatia Gardens, or learn about the local military heritage at Kumaon Regimental Center (KRC) Museum; every sight in the city slows down time to make memories.
5. Leh-Ladakh
India’s roof of the world
State: Jammu and Kashmir
Need a trip to a place that feels like another planet? Leh-Ladakh is a dream destination for every traveller. Packed with a calm environment, crystal water lakes, and monasteries on cliffs, this is one of the surreal places to visit during summer vacations.
Ride through the world’s highest motorable road, Khardung La, ride a double humped camel in the Himalayan region in Nubra Valley, trek across the frozen river, or admire a giant Buddha statue, each experience is truly mesmerising. Do not forget to acclimatise yourself and relish Kahwa to keep your health in check.
6. Mount Abu
Desert’s coolest hill surprise
State: Rajasthan
Rajasthan and a summer destination? It’s a joke, right? But wait, it's true! We all know that Rajasthan is extremely hot in summer, but Mount Abu is an exception here. It is the only hill station in the state that boasts scenic viewpoints, serene lakes, and cool winds of the Aravalli Hills. Wondering what to put on the itinerary?
The destination features day boating in the Nakki Hills, spiritual charm at the ornately carved white marble Dilwara Temple, and a climb to the top of the Guru Shikar Hills for a pleasant escape. You can also enjoy shopping at Tibetan markets and a piping hot plate of jalebis or corn-on-the-cob.
7. Munnar
Green is the new cool
State: Kerala
When it comes to visiting a place that dances in the natural setup of plantations and waterfalls in every corner, Munnar screams exactly this. Pleasant weather, refreshing cool air, and lush greenery - this Kerala city tops the list of good places to visit in summer.
Situated in the Western Ghats, here you can visit Eravikulam National Park to adore the goat Nilgiri tahr, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate for a delicious tea-tasting experience, and Lakkam Waterfalls for an unwinding trek through dense jungle. Also, taste mouthwatering, flavourful cuisine cooked with local spices and organic ingredients.
8. Spiti Valley
Where silence speaks louder than words
State: Himachal Pradesh
Remote, rugged, and stunning - this is what Spiti Valley is all about. Located in the middle of India and Tibet, this is one of the best-kept secret high-altitude places to visit in summer. It is open from June to September, offering open roads, clear skies, and exquisite vibes to feed every soul.
From exploring Kye Gompa for ancient murals, weapons, and rare thangkas to visiting the historic Tabo Monastery, the region offers a deep dive into cultural heritage. Add to that the calming, crystal-clear waters of Chandratal Lake. With the world’s highest post office in Hikkim Village, it’s a fusion of natural beauty and history like no other.
9. Ooty
Vintage vibes in a cool hill
State: Tamil Nadu
Dreaming of a summer vacation in the old-school hill station? Ooty is the place where the South cools down. Located in the Nilgiris, this destination greets visitors with nature's beautiful gifts. Flower gardens, tea estates, open roads, cosy cottages, and the oh-so refreshing scent of eucalyptus, you will find everything here.
You can worship Lord Muruga at Elk Hill Murugan Temple, take a boat ride through hills draped in green, hop on a toy train, or spot wild elephants and tigers on a jungle safari. Want to see the blue mountains? Make a quick day trip to Doddabetta Peak.
10. Coorg
Coffee, calm, and a whole lot of green
State: Karnataka
Do you know what happens when nature comes in the mood to show off? A place like Coorg takes birth. Misty mornings, coffee plantations, breezy waterfalls, and lush greenery - every corner makes your eyes and camera lens fall in love.
Perfect for couples, friends, and family, Coorg offers a picturesque destination. It's multi-level Abbey waterfall, stunning sunrise and sunset at Mandalpatti Peak, a musical fountain show at Raja's Seat, an ancient Madikeri Fort, and a unique architectural style of Omkareshwara Temple. All these make some amazing sightseeing options here. This is one of the best places to go on summer vacation to hit the refresh button.
11. Tawang
Mystical monasteries at the edge of the world
State: Arunachal Pradesh
Are you searching for a hidden gem that is still unexplored by mainstream tourists? Keep Tawang on your radar. Nestled at 10,000 feet, it is popular for photoshopped beauty, cool winds, and the huge Tawang Monastery, the largest in India. Summer here is all about starry nights, blooming flowers, and prayer flags, making the journey worth it.
For a fairytale vacation, visit Sela Pass to experience snow and solitude in summer. Also, the Tawang War Memorial pays solace to the fighters of the Indo-Sino War. Urgelling Monastery, birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama, and the highest Gorichen Peak in the state. And do not forget to delight your taste buds with local Thukpa.
12. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Sun, sand, and sea breezes that whisper chill
For a beach vacation without the hustle and bustle of Goa, you should definitely head to the Andaman Islands. With clean beaches, turquoise waters, and soothing vibes, this island magically touches souls.
Visit Havelock Island (now Swaraj Dweep) for white sand and pristine beauty, with Kala Pathar Beach to check out the black rock formations and coastal beauty. What more? Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) is for calm waters and sunbathing. Baratang Island is for mud volcanoes and limestone caves, and Ross and Smith Islands are for cultural history.
13. Gangtok
A breezy blend of culture, clouds and charisma
State: Sikkim
Gangtok is one of the urban places to visit in summer. It is known for its Eastern Himalayas, vibrant monasteries, prayer flags, and ancient stupas. Situated in the breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga, it is one of the pleasant places to visit in summer vacation for sightseeing, shopping, and cafe-hopping.
Now, the things that can be done in Gangtok are stunning. The turquoise Tsomgo Lake, high-altitude Nathu La Pass between India and China, cascading Seven Sisters Waterfall, intricate architectural Tsuglakhang Monastery, and the memorial temple of Baba Harbhajan Singh. Every corner of Gangtok is full of culture, comfort, and cool weather.
14. Gulmarg
Heaven isn’t too far away
State: Jammu & Kashmir
Yes, it is June or July, and you can experience snow in Gulmarg. Located in the Baramulla district of Kashmir, this hill station is a perfect postcard of your dreams wrapped in snow and grassy meadows.
The famous attraction? Hop on the world’s highest gondola ride to enjoy Khilanmarg and Alpather Lake view; they will surely leave you speechless. Activities? From skiing on Himalayan slopes, snowboarding on snowy slopes, and ice skating on frozen peaks to riding horses on alpine meadows and driving ATVs on mountain trails. There is nothing you would want to miss.
15. Mahabaleshwar
Strawberries, sunsets and soothing breezes
Craving for some strawberries in the scorching heat? Plan a visit to Mahabaleshwar. Colonial charm, breezy mornings, peaceful nights, and cool plateaus - this is one of the refreshing places to go on summer vacation in the Western Ghats.
You can spend your day here boating in Venna Lake, admiring the famous Pratapgad Fort built on a hilltop, trek to Lodwick Point for a beautiful sunset, and cascading Dhobi Waterfall for lush green surroundings. Also, do not leave without trying the unforgettable strawberry treats at Mapro Garden. For a wholesome holiday, add a trip to nearby Panchgani.
Insider tips for a flawless summer vacation
Travel smarter, not harder. These little-known tips can make all the difference in your dream summer vacation.
● Pack light, pack right
Gone are the days of overpacking; today, a capsule wardrobe is trending. Carry breezy clothes and comfortable footwear for a perfect holiday. Also, stick to lightweight fabrics in neutral colours and tropical prints.
● Timing is everything
If you want to avoid overpriced flight tickets and hotel rates, book them during the shoulder season. Late April or early May is the perfect time to have the best deals. Also, make reservations in mid-week to secure some great discounts.
● Hydration is key
During the summertime, staying hydrated is essential. If you are in the mountains or on an island, and the sun is shining and bathing you in warmth, make sure you have a reusable water bottle. Add a lemon slice to ensure you are staying healthy. You can also take advantage of water-rich fruits to help stay hydrated.
Final thoughts
India is packed with summer-friendly destinations. The beautiful nature retreats and adventure-filled road trips are waiting for you to arrive and enjoy every moment of it. So, do not let the heat pin you down. It's time to pack your bags, grab your sunglasses, and let the summer adventures begin in full swing.
FAQs
Why are the hill stations of India popular during the summer season?
In summer, the hill stations of India have cooler temperatures and refreshing climates. They offer amazing views, fresh air, and peaceful surroundings. They make a perfect way to escape the scorching heat and the hustle and bustle of the city.
What is the best time to plan a summer vacation in Manali with your family?
Manali is a stunning all-year-round destination. You can schedule your summer vacation typically from March to June when the temperature ranges between 10 °C to 25 °C. At this time, you will experience beautiful green scenery, pleasant winds, and beautiful views. Avoid visiting the monsoon season due to the risk of landslides.
Which are the best road trip routes for summer in India?
Some of the greatest road trips in India comprise Manali to Leh, Guwahati to Tawang, and Bangalore to Ooty. They include stunning views and adventure. And they are among the commonly chosen routes for bike lovers too.