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Summer is a great time to take a break and explore new places with friends, making it the perfect season for adventure and shared experiences. There are many places to visit in summer in India with friends, from scenic landscapes and thrilling activities to vibrant nightlife and cultural festivals. Whether it is trekking through the mountains, unwinding on a beach, or taking a long road trip, these experiences create lasting memories, strengthen bonds, and provide a refreshing escape from routine.
10 Best Places To Visit In Summer In India With Friends
Here’s a list of the 10 best places to visit in summer in India with friends, each with its own unique experience for travellers:
1. Goa
Photo: Biswajit Majumdar / Wikimedia Commons
Goa is a great place to visit with friends in the summer, offering relaxation and adventure. You and your friends can visit Palolem Beach to relax on the shore, kayaking in its calm waters, and enjoy fresh seafood at the beachside cafes. For something more thrilling, you can head to Baga Beach, where water sports like parasailing add a thrill to the day before unwinding at a seaside shack with delicious Goan seafood. Additionally, you can visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which provides a glimpse into Goa’s rich history.
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 5 days
Nearest Airport: Dabolim International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Madgaon Railway Station
2. Manali
Photo: Jishnu2602 / Wikimedia Commons
Manali is perfect for a summer getaway with friends, especially those who love adventure and scenic landscapes. You can begin at Solang Valley, where activities like paragliding and ropeway rides provide an exciting start to the trip. Afterwards, the Beas River offers a thrilling rafting experience, adding more adrenaline to the day. As you explore further, local cafes also serve delicious momos and Himachali siddu, making for a perfect evening snack.
Ideal Trip Duration: 4 – 5 days
Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport / Kullu-Manali Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Chandigarh Railway Station
3. Rishikesh
Photo: आशीष_भटनागर / Wikimedia Commons
Rishikesh offers both adventure and spirituality for summer travellers. You can experience the thrilling rapids of white-water rafting on the sacred Ganges River, where you’ll navigate through class III and IV rapids. You can also challenge yourself with the 83-meter bungee jump at Jumpin Heights, one of India’s highest bungee platforms. Later in the evening, witness the enchanting Ganga Aarti ceremony at Triveni Ghat, where priests perform rituals with fire, and hundreds of oil lamps illuminate the flowing river.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Haridwar Junction
4. Leh-Ladakh
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Leh-Ladakh is a dream destination for a summer road trip, offering adventure and breathtaking landscapes. You can start by driving through Khardung La Pass, one of the highest motorable roads, where stunning mountain views unfold at every turn. Upon reaching Leh, the bustling markets welcome you with Tibetan handicrafts and local jewellery, making for a perfect shopping stop. As you continue your trip in Leh, visit Pangong Lake to see its changing blue shades that create an unforgettable sight, ideal for a relaxing break.
Ideal Trip Duration: 7 – 10 days
Nearest Airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi Railway Station
5. Andaman And Nicobar Islands
Photo: Singhabhinav7 / Wikimedia Commons
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are perfect for friends who love beaches, nature, and water activities. Radhanagar Beach, with its white sand and clear waters, is great for swimming and sunbathing, offering a relaxing start to the day. Elephant Beach is also a must-visit for those looking for adventure, where snorkelling reveals coral reefs and colourful marine life. Additionally, history enthusiasts can explore the Cellular Jail in Port Blair, which provides a glimpse into India’s past.
Ideal Trip Duration: 5 – 7 days
Nearest Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport
6. Jaisalmer
Photo: Anahgem / Wikimedia Commons
Jaisalmer, one of the best places to visit in summer in India with friends, is an exciting summer destination that brings the magic of the desert to life. The journey begins with a visit to the Golden Fort, where winding alleys and rooftop cafes provide stunning city views. As the sun sets, the adventure unfolds at the Sam Sand Dunes, where camel safaris create unforgettable moments. Desert camps come alive by night with folk music, dance, and a spread of traditional Rajasthani meals.
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
Nearest Airport: Jaisalmer Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Jaisalmer Railway Station
7. Darjeeling
Photo: shankar s / Wikimedia Commons
Darjeeling, one of the best places to visit in summer in India with friends, is a refreshing summer retreat, perfect for friends who love nature, tea, and mountain views. A ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway takes you through misty hills and charming villages, setting a relaxed tone for the trip. Later, a visit to a tea estate offers an opportunity to witness the tea-making process firsthand while enjoying fresh Darjeeling tea.
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station
8. Munnar
Photo: Kondephy / Wikimedia Commons
Munnar is an ideal summer getaway for friends who appreciate nature and peace. The rolling green hills and vast tea plantations create a peaceful setting for long walks, making unwinding easy. As you explore further, Eravikulam National Park provides a chance to spot the rare Nilgiri Tahr while enjoying the beauty of the grasslands. The Lockhart Tea Museum provides an informative break where you can observe tea production techniques firsthand while sampling just-processed tea leaves directly from the factory floor.
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Aluva Railway Station
9. Jammu And Kashmir
Photo: N T Prabhakar / Wikimedia Commons
Jammu and Kashmir offer lakes, gardens, and mountains, making them an ideal summer destination for friends. A shikara ride on Dal Lake takes you past floating markets, houseboats, and lotus gardens, creating a lovely start to the journey. Moving on, Gulmarg’s cable car ride to Apharwat Peak presents breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains, making it a must-try experience. As you explore further, the Mughal Gardens in Srinagar showcase beautifully manicured lawns and flowers, adding to the trip’s charm.
Ideal Trip Duration: 5 – 7 days
Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi Railway Station
10. Puducherry
Photo: Flickr user NDSRAM / Wikimedia Commons
Puducherry combines French charm with coastal beauty, making it a great summer destination for friends. A walk through the French Quarter reveals colonial-era buildings, colourful cafes, and bougainvillaea-lined streets, creating a charming European vibe. Later, visiting the famous Promenade Beach offers a perfect relaxing spot, with the sound of waves setting a soothing backdrop. Aurobindo Ashram provides insight into spiritual teachings for those interested in history, adding a peaceful element to the trip.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Puducherry Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Puducherry Railway Station
Summer in India is more than just a season, it’s a chance to explore, unwind, and make memories that last a lifetime. These best places to visit in summer in India with friends offer adventure, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, making every moment unforgettable. Book with TripXL for the best hotel deals, transport, and itinerary deals while you focus on the fun.
Cover Photo: Bimal K C / Wikimedia Commons
