Despite the upcoming heat of summer in most of the regions of the country, India has a few cold, famous and attractive destinations that are ideal to visit during summer. You'll find the greatest places to visit in the summer holidays in India, whether it's for a weekend break with friends and family or a week-long solo journey. However, it may be tough to decide which is the best destination to plan for your trip. That’s why this article will tell you about the Best Places to Visit in India in Summer 2024.
List of Top 25 Best Places to Visit in India in Summer 2024
Before you plan a trip to India, take a look at the list and add them to your bucket list for a memorable experience. What's remarkable is that they're not simply scattered over a region, but throughout India. It's a magnificent assortment of hill stations, cities, and villages to which you may look forward to the blazing summers without breaking a sweat. The Best Places to Visit in India in Summer 2024 are listed here.
1. Kashmir
Kashmir is the first summer location to be kept on the list of cold places to visit in summer in India with family. The holy trinity of Gulmarg, Srinagar, and Pahalgam will grant you all of your tourist wishes. Take a Shikara ride on the sparkling Dal Lake or relax on a houseboat trip.
Things to do in Kashmir:
Kashmir offers lakes, hills, gardens, and houseboats to enjoy.
Dal Lake's blue waters are perfect for a cruise.
Visit the several Bollywood locations in Pahalgam along with a gondola ride in Gulmarg.
Sonmarg is noted for its captivating landscape of rich vegetation, pine-flocked slopes, snow-capped mountains, and calm valleys.
- Ideal duration to stay in Kashmir: 1 Week.
- Average Budget to visit Kashmir: ₹9,000-12,000 per person.
- How to reach Kashmir:
Srinagar is the closest airport.
Jammu, 290 km from Kashmir, is the nearest railhead.
2. Ladakh
Ladakh is certainly a heaven on Earth, with an abundance of things to explore and spectacular landscapes and culture. Ladakh is one of the top summer vacation destinations in India.
Things to do in Ladakh:
Explore the rough roads of Ladakh on your bike.
Take camel rides across the dunes in one of Ladakh's most popular tourist destinations called Nubra Valley.
Relax and unwind next to the beautiful Pangong Tso Lake.
- Ideal duration to stay in Ladakh: 6 days.
- Average Budget to visit Ladakh: ₹12000-1700 per person.
- How to reach Ladakh:
Ladakh's Leh Airport is well-connected to Delhi.
Jammu Tawi Railway Station is the closest railway station which is roughly 700 km from Leh, Ladakh.
A road trip from Delhi to Ladakh which is 1300 km is generally considered.
3. Auli (Uttarakhand)
An Auli trip is the perfect summer vacation destination. It is well-known for its skiing on the peaks' snow-capped slopes. The beautiful Himalayas, with their apple orchards and pine trees, create a mesmerizing scene. The Auli ropeway is one of the most exhilarating activities you can attempt here.
Things to do in Auli:
- Ideal duration to stay in Auli: 4 days at least.
- Average Budget to visit Auli: ₹7,000-12,000 per person.
- How to reach Auli:
The nearest airport to Auli is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is 280 km away.
The nearest railhead to Auli is Rishikesh, which is 255 km away.
The closest major city to Auli is Delhi, which is 500 km distant.
4. Nainital (Uttarakhand)
One of India's greatest summer vacation spots in the hill station Nainital in Uttarakhand. It has multiple lakes, which add to the town's old-town character. High Altitude Zoo, Naina Peak, and Nainital Lake are all major tourist attractions. Activities such as boating and paragliding are also available.
Things to do in Nainital:
One of the nicest things to do in Nainital is to go boating on the Naini Lake.
Trek to Tiffin Top for a breathtaking sunset or sunrise.
Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary are great places to go bird-watching.
- Ideal duration to stay in Nainital: 3 Days.
- Average Budget to visit Nainital: ₹8000-11000 per person.
- How to reach Nainital:
The nearest airport to Nainital is Pantnagar Airport, which is 60km away.
Kathgodam Railway Station is the closest railhead to Nainital, at a distance of 20km.
The next major city to Nainital is Delhi which is 300km away.
5. Mount Abu (Rajasthan)
Rajasthan's only hill station, with its mild climate and lush green environment, is a popular summer vacation destination in the state. The Dilwara temples, which are one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture in the country, are the most important attraction. If you enjoy history or architecture, this is one of the destinations in India that you should not miss. You can book your Mount Abu hotels online for smooth experience using MMT or Goibibo app.
Things to do in Mount Abu:
Nakki Lake is, without a doubt, the main attraction, where you may relax and have a boat trip.
To witness the most gorgeous sunset, visit the sunset point.
The world-famous Delwara temple is a must-see.
Take some time to see the wildlife sanctuary, which is known for its colourful and diverse floral diversity.
- Ideal duration to stay in Mount Abu: 3-4 days
- Average Budget to visit Mount Abu: ₹9,500-14,000 per person
- How to reach Mount Abu:
Mount Abu's nearest airport is at Udaipur, which is 207km away.
The nearest rail station is Abu Road, which is 29km from Mount Abu.
6. Gangtok (Sikkim)
Gangtok achieves a wonderful combination of vibrant urban life and tranquil hill-station living, making it ideal for a relaxing vacation. You can visit the Rumtek Monastery to learn about the holiness that surrounds the area, try Teesta Rafting to satisfy your need for adventure, and be mesmerized by the beauty of the Nathu La Pass. Don't miss out on the delectable local cuisine. So, Gangtok is a very popular summer destination in northeastern India which should be on your bucket list.
Things to do in Gangtok:
Add Rumtek Monastery to your visit list, which exemplifies Buddhism's ethics and sanity.
The zoological park in Gangtok is home to a variety of wildlife that you may observe.
Allow the alpine flora and animals to enchant you as you travel the Indo-China Route.
Tashi View Point should be on your list of places to visit because of the breathtaking vistas.
Trek to Chhangu and Tsomgo Lakes, then take a ropeway to the city's highest point for a perfect bird's eye perspective of Gangtok.
- Ideal duration to stay in Gangtok: 4-5 days
- Average Budget to visit Gangtok: ₹10,000-15,000 per person
- How to reach Gangtok:
The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, which is 124km distant.
New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri, 148km away, is the nearest railhead.
7. Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh)
It is noted for numerous important and magnificent monasteries, as well as being the birthplace of the Dalai Lama, and is located at a height of roughly 3048 meters.
Things to do in Tawang:
Visit the Tawang Monastery, which is well-known.
Spend some time relaxing beside the Nuranang Waterfall.
At the Tawang War Memorial, pay your respects to the military.
- Ideal duration to stay in Tawang: 1 week
- Average Budget to visit Tawang: ₹8,000-11,000 per person
- How to reach Tawang:
Salonibari Airport is the closest airport to Tawang, at a distance of 315km.
Tezpur Railway Station, 385km away, is the nearest railhead.
Road trip: Tawang is 1404km from Kolkata, the next major city.
A well-known name that comes to mind whenever you think of a summer vacation getaway! This tiny hill station, nestled among the gorgeous Himalayas, has a lot to offer. You may smell the fragrance of tea at every step if you take a walk along the meandering pathways. Take a bite to eat at Glenary's, take a trip on the Toy Train, or stroll around the bustling Chowrasta.
Things to do in Darjeeling:
Visit well-known monasteries such as Ghoom Monastery.
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, India's largest high-altitude zoo, is a great place to see wildlife.
Spend an evening in Darjeeling's bustling Batasia Loop, one of the city's most popular tourist attractions.
- Ideal duration to stay in Darjeeling: 3-5 days
- Average Budget to visit Darjeeling: ₹8,500-13,500 per person
- How to reach Darjeeling:
The nearest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra, which is 65km away.
Darjeeling Railway Station is Darjeeling's railway station.
Kolkata, the next major city to Darjeeling, is 165km distant.
9. Pelling (Sikkim)
Pemayangtse monastery is a popular tourist destination and good for summer vacation holiday that is less than a kilometer away. Pelling also serves as a base for several treks in the region and offers opportunities for rock climbing, mountain biking, meditation, village tours. So, tour to Pelling is must visit this Summer.
Things to do in Pelling:
The history of the Rabdentse Ruins can be found here.
Kanchenjunga National Park is a great place to go wildlife viewing.
From Singshore Bridge, take in the view from a bird's eye view.
- Ideal duration to stay in Pelling: 4-5 days
- Average Budget to visit Pelling: ₹10,000-15,000 per person
- How to reach Pelling:
The nearest airport to Pelling is Bagdogra Airport in Darjeeling. The distance between the two is 145km.
The nearest railway station to Pelling is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, which is 140km distant.
The next major city to Pelling is Kolkata, which is 690km distant.
10. Malshej Ghat (Maharashtra)
Malshej Ghat is a magnificent hill station with waterfalls, various lakes, and mountains that trekkers, attract hikers, and environment lovers, and probably the best places to visit in summer in India with friends.
Things to do in Malshej Ghat:
Go bird-watching at Pimpalgaon Joga Dam.
At Ajoba Hill Fort, go rock climbing.
Harishchandragad Fort is a trek worth doing.
- Ideal duration to stay in Malshej Ghat: 2-3 days
- Average Budget to visit Malshej Ghat: ₹7,000-12,000 per person
- How to reach Malshej Ghat:
The closest airport to Malshej Ghat is Pune, which is 115km away.
The nearest major railhead to Malshej Ghat is Kalyan Railway Station, which is 85km away.
The nearest major cities from Malshej Ghat are Mumbai and Pune. Both are around 125km.
11. Lonavala (Maharashtra)
Lonavala, the most visited hill station in Maharashtra and the place to go during monsoons, is located close to Pune and Mumbai in the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats. It is a popular camping, trekking, and other adventure sports site due to the abundance of lakes, waterfalls, and hills in the area.
Things to do in Lonavala:
Visit historical sites such as Bhaja Caves, Karla Caves, and Korigad Fort to learn about the past.
Wildlife can be seen in Rajmachi Wildlife Sanctuary.
Spend the night in the Lonavala campground.
- Ideal duration to stay in Lonavala: 1-2 days
- Average Budget to visit Lonavala: ₹9,500-13,500 per person
- How to reach Lonavala:
The closest airport to Lonavala is in Mumbai which is at a distance of over 100km.
Lonavala railway station line has direct train connections to Mumbai and Pune.
The nearest major cities to Lonavala are Mumbai and Pune.
12. Ooty (Tamil Nadu)
This beautiful tiny village in the country's south is a great place to visit for a summer holiday in India. Its appeal as a tourist attraction stretches back to the days when it was under British rule, and for good reason. If you enjoy nature, Ooty is a must-see destination. You can take a train trip on the Nilgiri Railways, watch the sunset from Doddabetta Peak, or take a boat ride on the calm Ooty Lake.
Things to do in Ooty:
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Nilgiri Railways for a picturesque ride.
Doddabetta Peak is a great place to watch the sunrise.
Enjoy a relaxing boat trip on Ooty Lake.
- Ideal duration to stay in Ooty: 2-3 days
- Average Budget to visit Ooty: ₹8,000-13,000 per person
- How to reach Ooty:
The nearest airport to Ooty is Coimbatore, which is 85km away.
Udhagamandalam Railway Station is Ooty's railway station.
Bangalore is the closest major city to Ooty, at a distance of 280km.
13. Ziro (Arunachal Pradesh)
Ziro is a peace seeker's heaven, home to a unique tribal community with a pleasant climate. Ziro is a charming historic town in Arunachal Pradesh that is known for its pine hills and rice fields and is home to the Apa Tani tribe.
Things to do in Ziro:
- Ideal duration to stay in Ziro: 1 Week
- Average Budget to visit Ziro: ₹9,000-14,000 per person
- How to reach Ziro:
Tezpur, 280km from Ziro, is the nearest airport.
Lakhimpur is the closest railhead.
The distance between Guwahati and Ziro is 450km.
14. Mcleodganj (Himachal Pradesh)
Mcleodganj is a renowned trekking destination near Dharamshala. Its culture is a lovely mix of Tibetan and British influences. It is the best destination to spend your summer holidays in India.
Things to do In Mcleodganj:
Visit Triund Trek, Namgyal Monastery, Bhagsu Falls
At one of the Tibetan Cafes, order momos.
- Ideal duration to stay in Mcleodganj: 3-4 days
- Average Budget to visit Mcleodganj: ₹7,000-10,000 per person
- How to reach Mcleodganj:
Kangra Airport, 30km distant, is the closest airport.
Pathankot, 90km away, is the nearest railhead.
The distance between Delhi and Mcleodganj is 480km.
15. Rishikesh (Uttarakhand)
Rishikesh is a stunning combination of spiritual activities. Rishikesh has expanded significantly as a favorite, serving people with various demands, with the Whitewater Rafting sector increasing and a lot of camping and dining locations springing up.
Things to do in Rishikesh:
Bungee Jumping, Camping, and river rafting
Retreat for yoga
At the Ghat, you can see evening aarti.
- Ideal duration to stay in Rishikesh: 2-3 days
- Average Budget to visit Rishikesh: ₹6,000-10,000 per person
- How to reach Rishikesh:
Jolly Grant Airport, 35km distant, is the closest airport.
Yoga Nagri Rishikesh is the nearest train station.
The distance between Delhi and Rishikesh is 250km.
16. Spiti (Himachal Pradesh)
Spiti Valley, in Himachal Pradesh, is surrounded by the Himalayas and has an elevation of 12,500 feet above sea level. It receives roughly 250 days of sunshine each year, making it one of the coolest regions in the country. When you enter Spiti Valley, you are greeted by long winding roads and gorgeous valleys with glimpses of cold deserts and snow-capped mountains, as well as intermittent greenery and picture-perfect settlements. Because Spiti is cut off from the rest of the country for about 6 months of the year by thick Himalayan snow, the summer months are the only time Spiti is directly accessible by motorway.
Things to do in Spiti:
Take a fantastic bike ride.
Go trekking on one of the many paths available.
From Kibber to Chichum, take the famed mountain ropeway.
- Ideal duration to stay in Spiti: 3-4 days
- Average Budget to visit Spiti: ₹9,000-12,000 per person
- How to reach Spiti:
Pantnagar, the nearest airport, is 125km away.
The nearest rail station is Kathgodham, which is 81km away.
The distance between Delhi and Almora is 408km.
17. Sikkim
The part of the Eastern Himalaya, Sikkim, is known for its biodiversity. It is home to the world's third-highest peak and India's highest mountain, Kangchenjunga, and includes alpine and subtropical climates.
Things to do in Sikkim:
Adventure activities such as paragliding, hang gliding, parasailing, and more are available.
Visit the tourist attractions and national parks.
Go on several hikes with your friends.
For peace of mind, go to the monasteries.
- Ideal duration to stay in Sikkim: 6 days
- Average Budget to visit Sikkim: ₹13,000-16,000 per person
- How to reach Sikkim:
Bagdogra Airport, 120km distant, is the closest airport.
The nearest railhead is in Siliguri, which is 145km distant.
18. Wayanad
This popular town is known for its spice farms and animals, and it is full of gorgeous waterfalls, pleasant resorts, historical caverns, and homestays.
Things to do in Wayanad:
- Ideal duration to stay in Wayanad: 4 days
- Average Budget to visit Wayanad: ₹8,000-11,000 per person
- How to reach Wayanad:
The nearest airport is Karipur International Airport, which is 100km away.
The nearest railway station is at Kozhikode, which is 110km away.
19. Kohima
Nagaland is a country of folklore passed down through the ages, known for its ethereal environment and pristine beauty. It is provided with lovely hills, verdant forests, and a picturesque landscape at a height of 1500 meters above sea level. It's the location to go for all you adventurers, as it's perfect for trekking, camping, and hiking. Find and book best hotel in Kohima, Nagaland using popular hotel booking apps like MMT, Ibibo etc.
Things to do in Kohima:
- Ideal duration to stay in Kohima: 4 days
- Average Budget to visit Kohima: ₹8,000-11,000 per person
- How to reach Kohima:
20. Mussoorie
The town rises towering at 7000 feet, surrounded by mountains. This is because of the unusually cool climate, which is enjoyable and a relief from the heat. You may browse the Library Bazaar's many shops, and seek tranquillity at Cloud's End, where the scenery is well worth the trip.
Things to do in Mussoorie:
- Ideal duration to stay in Mussoorie: 4 days
- Average Budget to visit Mussoorie: ₹8,000-10,000 per person
- How to reach Mussoorie:
Jollygrant Airport is the closest airport.
Dehradun railway station is the nearest railhead.
The distance between Delhi and Mussoorie is 291km.
21. Cherrapunji
This is the place for you if you enjoy the fragrance of rain. Misty clouds envelop Cherrapunji at all times. During the summer, there are numerous cold-water springs, waterfalls, and streams to enjoy.
Things to do in Cherrapunji:
Visit the beautiful and naturally constructed UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Double Decker Living Root Bridge, and take a walk across it.
Seven Sister Waterfall and Nohkalikai Falls are both breathtakingly beautiful.
Explore the Mawsmai Cave, which is a limestone cave where various fossils may be found.
- Ideal duration to stay in Cherrapunji: 6 days
- Average Budget to visit Cherrapunji: ₹9,000-14,000 per person
- How to reach Cherrapunji:
The nearest railway station to Cherrapunji is Guwahati, which is 181km away.
Cherrapunji is served by the Shillong airport.
22. Coorg (Karnataka)
Coorg is the place for all nature enthusiasts since it is nestled among magnificent mountains in Karnataka with a continuously misty landscape. This prominent coffee-growing hill region is known for more than only its lovely green slopes with streams running through them. It is also a renowned tourist destination because of its culture and people. The Kodavas, a local martial arts tribe, are particularly well-known for their warm hospitality.
Things to do in Coorg:
Relax and enjoy some watersports while beating the summer blues besides the serene Cauvery.
It's a great destination to visit in India in July because of the beautiful Iruppu Falls and Unchalli Falls.
Visit Omkareshwara Temple, Igguthappa Temple.
- Ideal Duration to stay in Coorg: 6 days
- Average Budget to visit Coorg: ₹10,000-15,000 per person
- How to Reach Coorg:
Mangalore, 160km from Coorg, is the nearest airport.
Mysore, 95km from Coorg, is the nearest railhead.
Coorg is 237km from Bangalore.
23. Munnar (Kerala)
Munnar is located in Kerala's the Western Ghats. It is an exquisite hill resort known for its jagged peaks, unique lush foliage, and tea estates. There are commercial headquarters of some of the world's largest tea farms in Munnar. Munnar also includes several protected areas where endemic and endangered species such as the Nilgiri Thar and the Neelakurinji can be found.
Things to do in Munnar:
Munnar's most outstanding feature is its location at the confluence of three rivers: the Nallathanni, Madhurapuzha, and Kundaly.
Explore the expansive tea estates and participate in hobbies such as horseback riding, cycling, hiking, and more.
Don't miss the Athirapally Waterfall, which is pouring with water.
- Ideal Duration to stay in Munnar: 3 days
- Average Budget to visit Munnar: ₹10,000-14,000 per person
- How to Reach Munnar:
The nearest airport is at Cochin, which is 110km away.
Aluva, 100km from Munnar, is the nearest train station.
Munnar is 131km from Kochi.
24. Nandi Hills (Karnataka)
The hills are close to Nandi, a town. The hills are said to be the source of the Arkavathy, Ponnaiyar, Palar, Papagni, and Penna rivers, according to legend. Tourists flock to Nandi Hills to witness the sunrise. In 1986, India hosted the first-ever SAARC summit at Nandi Hills.
Things to do in Nandi Hills:
Tipu's Departure
Biking/Cycling
Visit Amrita Sarovar
- Ideal Duration to stay in Nandi Hills: 3 days
- Average Budget to visit Nandi Hills: ₹7,000-13,000 per person
- How to Reach Nandi Hills:
Bangalore Airport is the closest airport, located 58km away.
Chikkaballapur, 9km away, is the nearest railhead.
The distance between Bangalore and Nandi Hills is 61km.
25. Ranikhet
Ranikhet is one of India's greatest summer holiday destinations and the best places to visit in summer in north India. The already magnificent scenery is enhanced with holy monuments, breathtaking nature, and many orchards. The famous Upat Golf Course, the Bhalu Dam, and the Jhula Devi temple are among the most popular tourist attractions in the area.
Things to do in Ranikhet:
Jhula Devi Temple and Mankameshwar Temple are two holy temples to visit.
Enjoy the tranquillity of Bhalu Dam.
Adventure activities such as mountain biking and paragliding are available.
- Ideal duration to stay in Ranikhet: 3 days
- Average Budget to visit Ranikhet: ₹6,000-10,000 per person
- How to reach Ranikhet:
Pantnagar Airport is the closest airport to Ranikhet, at a distance of 110km.
The nearest significant rail station to Ranikhet is Kathgodam Railway Station. The distance between them is 75km.
The closest major city to Ranikhet in Delhi, which is 355km distant.
A Good Luck with your Summer Trip
With so many destinations to visit in India during the summer, there aren't many reasons not to go. I hope you found this list of best places to visit in summer in India with friends or family to be helpful. Tourists must take all essential precautions to avoid becoming infected with the corona or omicron viruses. So, take care and enjoy.
FAQ's on Best Places to Visit in Summer in India
Here are few FAQs on Summer Vacation destinations in India to solve your queries frequently -
Q1. What are best places to visit in July in India ?
Ans. The best places to visit in July in India are Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Ooty, Meghalaya, Madhya Pradesh, Shimoga, Darjeeling, Spiti, Dharamshala, Amarnath, Rajasthan, Kerala, Kodaikanal, Sikkim, Kashmir, Goa, Coorg, Diu, Assam, Pahalgam and Lakshadweep, Arunachal Pradesh, Lonavala, Panchgani, Shillong etc.
Q2. How can I book flight & hotels for my Summer Vacation Trip in India ?
Ans. You can use reputed online tour & travel brokers like Goibibo, MMT, Cleartrip to get cheap & best hotel and flight deals.
Good effort and nice compilation