Summers in India bring along with it scorching heat, unbearable humidity and a whole lot of discomfort. However, the country is blessed with multiple hill stations, mountain escapes, meadows and valleys, offering a welcoming respite from the heat. Be it in the North or South, East or West, there are several places to visit in summer in India with family. From picturesque destinations like Gulmarg for vibrant meadows and blooming flowers to Dalhousie for a spiritual retreat, there are best family outing places in India. The only best way to deal with it is to plan your next family vacation regarding everyone’s interests.
Top 10 Places To Visit In Summer In India With Family
Be it hill stations or valleys, exploring these places to visit in summer in India with family can be an enriching experience :
1. Gulmarg
Photo : Vikas Panwar / Wikimedia Commons
Gulmarg, a piece of heaven on Earth, is located in the Baramulla district in Jammu and Kashmir. Gulmarg transforms into a lush green landscape with meadows covered in bright-coloured flowers during summer. While snow isn’t a common occurrence during the peak summer months, the high altitude guarantees pleasant weather to explore varying sightseeing and indulge in outdoors activities like a Gondola ride and playing Golf on the Gulmarg Golf Course. For wildlife spotting, head over to the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve or trek to Alpather Lake.
State: Jammu and Kashmir
Weather In Summer: Temperature ranges from 13°C to 25°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Gulmarg Gondola, Apharwat Peak, St. Mary’s Church, and Alpather Lake.
Top Experiences: Enjoy a thrilling Gondola ride, Go trekking and nature walks in the meadows, and Indulge in golf at the Gulmarg Golf Course.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
Suggested Read: Famous Forts In India To Explore For An Amazing Experience
2. Panchgani
Photo: Amol Bakshi / Wikimedia Commons
With striking waterfalls, lakes and valleys, Panchgani in Maharashtra is one of the best places to see in summer in India with family. Featuring strawberry farms and colonial-era charm, it is located at an elevation of 1355 metres, surrounded by five hills, hence the name. From exploring the tableland to hiking to Kate’s point to catch beautiful views of the surroundings, it brings amazing experiences for families. For adventure, visit the Rajpuri Caves, surrounded by lakes. Dhom Dam and Lingmala Falls are two places you can’t miss out on as well.
State: Maharashtra
Weather In Summer: Temperature ranges from 20°C to 38°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Table Land, Parsi Point, Sydney Point, and Devrai Art Village
Top Experiences: Strawberry Picking, Boating on Venna Lake, and Paragliding, Hiking.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
3. Dalhousie
Photo: Dineshkumar M / Unsplash
From paragliding to laidback monastery hopping, Dalhousie offers one of the best tourist places in India for families. You can explore the whispering woods in Panch Pulla or try paragliding with your family in Khajjiar. For a less hectic activity, go boating on Chamera Lake or take a dip at the base of Satdhara Falls. You can’t visit Dalhousie and not explore the monasteries or buy from the local Tibetan markets. To explore the scenic hiking trails, plan a hike to the nearby Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary.
State: Himachal Pradesh
Weather In summer: Temperature ranges from 20°C to 38°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Khajjiar, Dainkund Peak, St. John’s Church, and Panchpula.
Top Experiences: Trekking, Boating, Paragliding in Khajjiar, Nature Walks, and Wildlife spotting in Kalatop Sanctuary.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Monsoon In India
4. Dzukou Valley
Photo: Inu Etc / Wikimedia Commons
For an offbeat family vacation, consider Dzukou Valley in Nagaland. The beauty of the untouched landscapes comes to life during the summer months when the valley is covered in thick green and offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills. You can trek to Dzukou Peak or set up a camp in the middle of the valleys, under the night sky. There’s Valley of Flowers, a charming spot for tourists to witness the vibrant blooms during the summers. For a taste of the local culture, visit the nearby Jakhama Village.
State: Nagaland
Weather In Summer: Temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Dzukou Lily, Japfu Peak, Shiva Temple, Jakhama Village.
Top Experiences: Trekking, Camping under the night sky, Visiting the nearby villages, and Trying authentic Naga dishes.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
5. Coonoor
Photo: Sriram Rajkumar / Wikimedia Commons
If you love exploring nature without many adventure activities, Coonoor is one of the best places to visit in India with family. With sprawling valleys and tea plantations, the views of Coonoor are too mesmerising. You can start with a joyride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railways or have a family picnic at Sim’s Park. Plan a day trip to visit Lamb’s Rock or trek to Hidden Valley. You can take a dip in the base of Catherine Falls or learn about the place’s historical significance at Droog Fort.
State: Tamil Nadu
Weather In Summer: Temperature ranges from 22°C to 37°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Sim’s Park, Dolphin’s Nose, Lamb’s Rock, and Highfield Tea Factory
Top Experiences: Toy Train Ride, Tea Tasting, Nature Walks, and Picnicking.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
Suggested Read: Top Places For Trekking In India
6. Darjeeling
Photo: Judith / Wikimedia Commons
When looking for the best places to go in summer in India with family, Darjeeling is one of the most alluring spots. It’s tourist-heavy during summers but the experiences like river rafting on the Teesta river or trekking to Sandakphu with your family make it a worthwhile spot to explore. You can visit Tiger Hill to catch a stunning sunrise with your family or visit the Peace Pagoda for some calm and peace. To try the local favourites, head to Keventers and Glenary or hit Mall Road to try street-side momos.
State: West Bengal
Weather In Summer: Temperature ranges from 18°C to 25°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Tiger Hill, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Settlement, and Tea Gardens.
Top Experiences: Toy train ride, River rafting, Shopping, Trekking and Trying local food.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
7. Almora
Photo: Miheer Tewari / Unsplash
Almora is located in the Kumaon Hills in Uttarakhand and is a staple place for every family vacation. The laid-back charm of this place makes it a great choice for families. To encounter wildlife and birds, head over to Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. The high-altitude location also guarantees stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. A trek to Zero Point guarantees thrill, adventure and panoramic views of the valleys. Lakhudiyar Caves offer a great experience getting a glimpse into the past.
State: Uttarakhand
Weather In Summer: Temperature ranges from 20°C to 25°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Kasar Devi Temple, Zero Point, Deer Park, and Swami Vivekananda Ashram.
Top Experiences: Birdwatching, Trekking, Yoga and meditation, and Shopping.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In India In June With Family
8. New Tehri
Photo: Rahul Upreti / Wikimedia Commons
One of the good places to visit in summer in India with family in Uttarakhand is New Tehri. With a rich history and cultural heritage, Tehri serves as a great spot to explore with your family. From a tranquil camping experience by the Tehri Lake to exploring New Tehri, the quaint town nearby, there’s a variety of activities to indulge in. You can try your hands at different water sports like jet skiing, paddleboarding, speed boating, etc. on Tehri Lake. There are trekking options to Chandrabadni Temple and Surkanda Devi Temple to seek blessings from the Goddesses.
State: Uttarakhand
Weather In Summer: Temperature ranges from 8°C to 20°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Tehri Lake, Tehri Dam, Surkanda Devi Temple, and Thangad Bird Sanctuary.
Top Experiences: Water sports, Paragliding, Adventure Sports, Visit Temples, and Shop from New Tehri.
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 Days
9. Manali
Photo: Neerajsinghazm / Wikimedia Commons
Manali is a popular destination to visit in summer in India with family. It’s one of those few spots that offers rejuvenation and thrill at the same time. Paragliding at Fozal hamlet in Manali is a highlight that tourists must explore. Visit the Hidimba Devi Temple or you can head to Rohtang Pass with your family. To appease the shopaholic in you, head over to Mall Road and browse through the shops. Don’t miss out on exploring the roads and charm of Old Manali.
State: Himachal Pradesh
Weather In Summer: Temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Rohtang Pass, Hidimba Devi Temple, Vashisht Temple, and Solang Valley
Top Experiences: Trekking, Mountain biking, Rafting, and Camping.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Summer In India – Finding Solace In Scorching Heat
10. Lonavala
Photo: Lalith475 / Wikimedia Commons
Among the best places to visit with family is Lonavala, with its lush greenery and popular adventure activities. You can trek to Lohagad Fort or visit the nearby Pavana Lake to soak in the views of the serene beauty. VIsit the nearby Della Adventure Park where you can indulge in off-roading, ATV bike rides, and even bungee jumping experiences. For a spiritual experience, visit the Ekvira Devi Temple and the Shri Narayana Dham temple. There are nearby caves like Bhaja caves and Karla caves that are worth visiting as well.
State: Maharashtra
Weather In Summer: Temperature ranges from 25°C to 33°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Della Adventure Park, Lohagad Fort, Shree Narayana Dham temple, and Ekvira Devi temple.
Top Experiences: Trekking, Adventure Activities, Cave exploration, and ATV Rides.
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 Days
There are numerous places to visit in summer in India with family. From the cooling respite of the hill stations to the unexplored pathways leading to hidden valleys, there’s something to pique the interest of every family member. However, with the summer months being peak tourist season, you must plan and secure all your bookings with TripXL to avoid last-minute rush or cancellations.
Cover Photo: ANKAN / Wikimedia Commons