India has a diverse geography and climate. Among them, the summer months bring an onslaught of mixed emotions. While the scorching heat and humidity in the urban cities often become unbearable, the thought of summer vacations is enough to pick up one’s mood. Be it for adventure or to find respite from the otherwise brutal heat of the summer months, there are several places to visit in summer in India. From the picturesque valleys of Kashmir to the coastal beaches of Goa, the options are diverse. To make the most out of your summer months in India, planning a vacation in the midst of it is an absolute must.
Top 8 Places To Visit In Summer In India
The best places to visit in summer in India, which normally lasts from April to June, include the following destinations.
1. Kashmir
Photo: N T Prabhakar / Wikimedia Commons
There’s a reason why Kashmir translates to Paradise on Earth. Being situated at a high altitude ensures comfortable weather even during peak summer months. From riding the shikaris and shopping from the floating markets on the Dal Lake to witnessing the vibrant and colourful blooms on the valleys and meadows across Pahalgam, Kashmir opens up a treasure of experiences during the summer months. The entire area is covered in green and getting to witness cattle grazing on the fields and exploring the varying trekking routes adds to the fun. June also opens up the opportunity to water sports activities like river rafting on the Lidder River or enjoying the world’s highest Gondola ride in Gulmarg.
Weather In Summer: 14°C – 30°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Dal Lake, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Shalimar Bagh, and Pari Mahal.
Ideal Duration: 6 – 7 Days
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Summer In India With Family For A Memorable Vacation
2. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Often known for its colonial enchantment, Shimla is another must-visit place in India to explore during the summer months. From visiting Shimla Ridge to trekking along the beautiful Himalayan ranges, there’s so much to unveil. River water rafting from Chabba to Tattapani is also a thrilling experience worth trying out in Shimla. To witness the allure of the surrounding landscapes, hop on a toy train ride that covers 20 stations and takes you through 103 tunnels and 800 bridges. There are paragliding opportunities available as well.
Weather In Summer: 15°C – 30°C
Top Tourist Attractions: The Ridge, Mall Road, Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, Viceregal Lodge (former British residence), Jakhoo temple, and Christ Church.
Ideal Duration: 3 – 4 Days
3. Gangtok, Sikkim
Photo: Kailas98 / Wikimedia Commons
Another vibrant hill station that brims with tourists during the summer months is Gangtok, one of the best places to visit in summer in India is Sikkim’s capital city. With rich culture and direct views of the Himalayan ranges, Gangtok is a pretty worthy spot to add to your itinerary. The highlight of a summer Gangtok trip lies in exploring the Goecha La trek, followed by river water rafting at the Triveni river. If you aren’t afraid of heights, head over to Baliman Dara to try paragliding or rent a cycle to explore the Silk Route. Gangtok is also home to monks and several monasteries where you can learn the art of meditation and to experience it first-hand, make your way to Rumtek Monastery.
Weather In Summer: 15°C – 25°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass, Rumtek Monastery, MG Road, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology.
Ideal Duration: 3 – 4 Days
Suggested Read: Top Places For Trekking In India
4. Ladakh
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
With colder and more pleasant weather and a wide range of adventure activities, Ladakh is a solo traveller’s dream come true. Motorbiking through the sharp bends and rugged terrains is the highlight of exploring the place. However, to add some thrill, go for the Chadar trek during the summer months or feel gravity defying itself at Magnetic Hill. At Hemis National Park, make a stop to spot the rare snow leopard in real-time. If your adventurer side seeks more, there’s river water rafting in the Ladakh and Zanskar regions. Also, Ladakh is dominated by several monasteries in the region, which you must visit to experience the utmost peace.
Weather In Summer: 5°C to 25°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Pangong Lake, Leh Palace, Nubra Valley, Magnetic Hill, and Thiksey Monastery.
Ideal Duration: 4 – 5 Days
5. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Located on the banks of the Holy Ganga river, Rishikesh is the perfect place for spiritual seekers. If you want to attain inner peace, find your true calling or simply catch a break from the daily monotony of your life, Rishikesh is the place to be during this summer. From camping to bungee jumping and river rafting, there are endless adventure activities to explore in Rishikesh. However, for tourists wanting a laid-back vacation or if you are travelling with family, there are more subtle experiences like aarti at Triveni Ghat, witnessing the Neer Garh Waterfall and exploring the temples. As it is celebrated as the Yoga capital of the country, you can indulge in some yoga training classes. Cross Laxman Jhula on the Ganges which is not just iconic but holds high religious values.
Weather In Summer: 15°C to 35°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Laxman Jhula, Triveni Ghat, Neer Garh Waterfall, Beatles Ashram, and Parmarth Niketan.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In India In June With Family
6. Munnar, Kerala
Photo: Arshad.ka5 / Wikimedia Commons
Munnar translates to a hill station paradise and poses as a perfect escape from the heat of the summer months in India. Getting to witness the sprawling tea estates and indulging in the surrounding landscapes is truly a treat to watch. Thanks to the clear skies and pleasant weather in the summer months, you can go out for hiking adventures or even stay in a treehouse in the city. For a rustic camping experience, you have Suryanelli Camping expeditions or you can opt for mountain biking along the Western Ghats. The trip to the highest tea estate in the world, Kolukkumalai, is a vision to capture while the soothing water falling from Attukal Waterfalls will create a symphony for you.
Weather In Summer: 15°C to 25°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Eravikulam National Park, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, Echo Point, Mattupetty Dam, Anamudi Peak, and Attukal Waterfalls.
Ideal Duration: 3 – 4 Days
7. Cherrapunji, Meghalaya
Photo: Sumanjit100 / Wikimedia Commons
Being known as the land of Eternal Rain, Cherrapunji is located in the Khasi Hills in Meghalaya. During the summer months that precede the rainy season, the beauty of the place multiplies. You can start with the staple tourist attractions like Double Decker Living Root Bridge and Mawsynram Village. However, for an offbeat exploration, visit the Mawsmai Cave or plan a day trip to Dawki. The serenity of Thangkharang Park also makes for a great escape during the summer months. Cherrapunji is also home to many falls, with water falling from great heights, and some renowned ones such as Nohkalikai Falls and Seven Sisters Falls.
Weather In Summer: 15°C to 23°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Cave, Living Root Bridges, Seven Sisters Falls, and Dainthlen Falls.
Ideal Duration: 3 – 4 Days
Suggested Read: Famous Beaches In India To Help You Take A Dive In Natural Beauty
8. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Photo: Mayur More / Wikimedia Commons
Known for its stunning landscapes, mountains and monasteries and also home to the second-highest monastery in the world, Tawang is a hidden gem in northeast India. Steeped in Tibetan culture, you get to witness a lot of the locals sharing stories of the past and local Tibetan delicacies with the tourists. There are multiple trekking routes in Tawang, including the Gorichen peak, which is 164 km from the main city of Tawang. For some peace, spend a day at Shonga-Tser Lake or visit Tawang monastery. Also, don’t miss out on paying tributes to the lost souls at JaswantGarh War Memorial.
Weather In Summer: 5°C to 20°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Tawang Monastery, Sela Pass, Nuranang Falls, Tawang War Memorial, and Madhuri Lake.
Ideal Duration: 3 – 4 Days
Exploring places to visit in summer in India opens up a treasure trove of options. With so many to choose from, picking one can become a challenge. So, consider your budget, travel convenience, accessibility and comfort before finalising the destination for your next summer vacation. Once you do, let TripXL be your travel partner and secure all your bookings promptly and at affordable rates.
Cover Photo: Trideep Dutta Photography / Wikimedia Commons