During the hot summer months, India’s various landscapes provide a variety of cool getaways. There’s a suitable hideaway for everyone, from tranquil hill settlements to picturesque lakes and luscious tea plantations. Whether you want to rest amidst natural beauty or go on an adventure, India has it all. These destinations are great for summer vacations due to their temperate weather, breathtaking scenery, and unique cultural experiences. Whether it’s exploring the highlands of Himachal Pradesh, trekking in Uttarakhand, or taking in the tranquil vibes of the Nilgiris, Here are 20 best places to visit in India during the summer!

1. Manali, Himachal Pradesh

One of India’s most well-liked summer vacation spots, Manali is renowned for its pleasant climate, verdant surroundings, and adventurous activities. The village draws visitors looking for a tranquil getaway because of its gorgeous Himalayan views.

How to Reach:

By Air: Bhuntar Airport (50 km from Manali)

By Train: Joginder Nagar Railway Station (165 km from Manali)

By Road: Manali is well-connected by road via NH 3.

Ideal Duration: 3-4 Days

Things to Do in Manali:

Rohtang Pass for snow activities

Solang Valley for paragliding

Visit Hidimba Devi Temple

Trekking to Jogini Falls

Places to Eat:

Johnson’s Cafe

The Lazy Dog

Café 1947

Places To Stay:

Manali Resort

Apple Country Resort

The Himalayan Village

2. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

The queen of hill stations, Shimla, is a must-see for everyone seeking a cool, pleasant summer vacation spot. Shimla, famous for its colonial architecture, breathtaking scenery, and lively bazaars, is the ideal place to escape the heat.

How to Reach:

By Air: Jubbarhatti Airport (23 km from Shimla)

By Train: Shimla Railway Station

By Road: Well-connected by NH 5.

Ideal Duration: 2-3 Days

Things to Do in Shimla:

Ride the Shimla-Kalka Toy Train

Visit Kufri for adventure activities

Explore the Ridge and Mall Road

Visit Jakhoo Temple

Places to Eat:

Café Sol

The Oberoi Cecil’s Restaurant

Indian Coffee House

Places To Stay:

Wildflower Hall

The Oberoi Cecil

Shimla Havens Resort

3. Darjeeling, West Bengal

Darjeeling is a great destination for a cool summer vacation because of its tea gardens and breathtaking vistas of the Kanchenjunga. It is a well-liked vacation spot for both singles and families due to its lively culture and temperate climate.

How to Reach:

By Air: Bagdogra Airport (95 km from Darjeeling)

By Train: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (88 km)

By Road: Accessible by NH 27.

Ideal Duration: 3-4 Days

Things to Do in Darjeeling:

Visit Tiger Hill for sunrise

Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)

Explore Batasia Loop

Visit the Peace Pagoda

Places to Eat:

Kunga Restaurant

Glenary’s Bakery & Café

The Park Restaurant

Places To Stay:

Windamere Hotel

Mayfair Darjeeling

The Elgin

4. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

Known as the “Queen of Hills,” Mussoorie is a quaint hill station with lovely natural settings and good weather. The area’s colonial elegance, verdant surroundings, and close proximity to Dehradun make it the perfect place to spend the summer.

How to Reach:

By Air: Jolly Grant Airport (59 km from Mussoorie)

By Train: Dehradun Railway Station (35 km)

By Road: NH 7 connects Mussoorie with major cities.

Ideal Duration: 2-3 Days

Things to Do in Mussoorie:

Visit Kempty Falls

Explore Gun Hill

Trek to Lal Tibba

Take a walk on Camel’s Back Road

Places to Eat:

Chic Chocolate

Kalsang Friends Corner

The Tavern

Places To Stay:

The Claridges Nabha Residence

Mussoorie Gateway

Royal Orchid Fort Resort

5. Nainital, Uttarakhand

Nainital is a pleasant hill station that is well-known for its beautiful slopes and charming lakes. It is one of the greatest summer vacation spots in India because of its moderate summer temperatures and scenic surroundings.

How to Reach:

By Air: Pantnagar Airport (65 km from Nainital)

By Train: Kathgodam Railway Station (35 km)

By Road: Connected by NH 87.

Ideal Duration: 2-3 Days

Things to Do in Nainital:

Boat ride in Naini Lake

Visit Naina Devi Temple

Explore Snow View Point

Trek to Tiffin Top

Places to Eat:

The Machan Restaurant

Chai Gully

Cafe de Mall

Places To Stay:

The Naini Retreat

Shervani Hilltop

The Pavilion

6. Leh-Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir

Leh-Ladakh’s magnificent scenery is perfect for summer getaways since it combines culture, adventure, and scenic beauty. The monasteries, lakes, and high-altitude deserts in this area are well-known.

How to Reach:

By Air: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (Leh)

By Road: Leh is accessible from Manali (490 km) and Srinagar (434 km).

Ideal Duration: 5-6 Days

Things to Do in Leh-Ladakh:

Visit Pangong Lake

Explore Nubra Valley

Trek to Markha Valley

Visit Thiksey Monastery

Places to Eat:

The Tibetan Kitchen

Leh View Restaurant

Lala’s Restaurant

Places To Stay:

The Grand Dragon Ladakh

Ladakh Sarai Resort

Zen Ladakh

7. Ooty, Tamil Nadu

A popular summertime vacation in India is Ooty, which is situated in the Nilgiri Hills. Ooty, known for its temperate environment, lush tea farms, and picturesque scenery, is the ideal destination for a restful getaway.

How to Reach:

By Air: Coimbatore Airport (85 km from Ooty)

By Train: Ooty Railway Station

By Road: Well connected by NH 67.

Ideal Duration: 2-3 Days

Things to Do in Ooty:

Boat ride at Ooty Lake

Visit Botanical Gardens

Explore Rose Garden

Take a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway

Places to Eat:

Earl’s Secret

The Ooty Bakery

Shinkow’s Chinese Restaurant

Places To Stay:

Sterling Ooty Fern Hill

Savoy Ooty

The Monarch

8. Almora, Uttarakhand

Located in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon area, Almora is a charming mountainous station. Almora is a great place to get away from the summer heat because of its serene surroundings and stunning Himalayan views.

How to Reach:

By Air: Pantnagar Airport (120 km from Almora)

By Train: Kathgodam Railway Station (80 km)

By Road: Accessible by NH 87.

Ideal Duration: 2-3 Days

Things to Do in Almora:

Visit Nanda Devi Temple

Trek to Zero Point

Explore Bright End Corner

Shopping at the local markets

Places to Eat:

The Café

Mall Road Restaurants

Bhalu Gaad

Places To Stay:

Kasar Himalaya Holiday Resort

The Almora Retreat

The Pines

9. Munnar, Kerala

Munnar is a charming hill station in Kerala that is well-known for its expansive tea plantations, foggy hills, and tranquil surroundings. For honeymooners and nature lovers, it is the perfect summer getaway.

How to Reach:

By Air: Cochin International Airport (110 km from Munnar)

By Train: Aluva Railway Station (100 km)

By Road: Well-connected via NH 85.

Ideal Duration: 2-3 Days

Things to Do in Munnar:

Visit Eravikulam National Park

Explore Tea Museum

Trek to Anamudi Peak

Enjoy boating at Mattupetty Dam

Places to Eat:

Rapsy Restaurant

Saravana Bhavan

Copper Castle Restaurant

Places To Stay:

The Fog Munnar

Fragrant Nature Munnar

Elixir Hills Suites Resort

10. Coorg, Karnataka

Coorg, called the “Scotland of India,” is famous for its coffee farms, mist-covered hills, and stunning waterfalls. It is an ideal location for a relaxing summer holiday.

How to Reach:

By Air: Mangalore Airport (137 km from Coorg)

By Train: Mysore Railway Station (120 km)

By Road: Well-connected by road from Bangalore and Mysore.

Ideal Duration: 2-3 Days

Things to Do in Coorg:

Visit Abbey Falls

Explore Dubare Elephant Camp

Trek to Tadiandamol Peak

Visit Raja’s Seat

Places to Eat:

Coorg Cuisine

Raintree Restaurant

The Falls at The Tamara

Places To Stay:

The Tamara Coorg

Evolve Back Coorg

Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa

11. Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir

Gulmarg is a stunning summer getaway with beautiful green meadows, cool temperatures, and exciting activities. The famed Gulmarg Gondola ride offers breathtaking views of the snow-covered peaks.

How to Reach:

By Air: Srinagar Airport (56 km from Gulmarg)

By Train: Jammu Railway Station (290 km)

By Road: Accessible via Srinagar-Gulmarg Road.

Ideal Duration: 2-3 Days

Things to Do in Gulmarg:

Ride the Gulmarg Gondola

Explore Alpather Lake

Trek to Apharwat Peak

Try golf at Gulmarg Golf Course

Places to Eat:

Bakshi Restaurant

Nedous Dining Room

Cloves Restaurant

Places To Stay:

The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa

Hotel Highlands Park

Pine View Resort

12. Ranikhet, Uttarakhand

Ranikhet, a charming hill village, has spectacular Himalayan views, lush woods, and historical elegance, making it an ideal summer escape.

How to Reach:

By Air: Pantnagar Airport (109 km from Ranikhet)

By Train: Kathgodam Railway Station (75 km)

By Road: Accessible via NH 109.

Ideal Duration: 2-3 Days

Things to Do in Ranikhet:

Visit Chaubatia Orchards

Explore Jhula Devi Temple

Enjoy golf at Upat Golf Course

Trek to Bhalu Dam

Places to Eat:

Mayur Restaurant

Chevron Rosemount Restaurant

Ranikhet Club

Places To Stay:

West View Ranikhet

The Solluna Resort

Chevron Rosemount

13. Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh

Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh’s sole hill station, is noted for its waterfalls, caverns, and lush green surroundings, making it a cool retreat throughout the summer.

How to Reach:

By Air: Raja Bhoj Airport, Bhopal (195 km from Pachmarhi)

By Train: Pipariya Railway Station (47 km)

By Road: Accessible via NH 45.

Ideal Duration: 2-3 Days

Things to Do in Pachmarhi:

Visit Bee Falls

Explore Pandav Caves

Trek to Dhoopgarh

Visit Jata Shankar Caves

Places to Eat:

Jalaram Bhojanalaya

China Bowl Restaurant

Satpura Retreat

Places To Stay:

WelcomHeritage Golf View

Hotel Pachmarhi

The Misty Meadows

14. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

Tawang, a beautiful town in Arunachal Pradesh, is known for its monasteries, magnificent scenery, and cool weather, making it an ideal summer destination.

How to Reach:

By Air: Tezpur Airport (317 km from Tawang)

By Train: Naharlagun Railway Station (448 km)

By Road: Well-connected via NH 13.

Ideal Duration: 3-4 Days

Things to Do in Tawang:

Visit Tawang Monastery

Explore Sela Pass

Trek to Bum La Pass

Enjoy the beauty of Nuranang Falls

Places to Eat:

Dragon Restaurant

The Woodland Restaurant

Orange Restaurant

Places To Stay:

Tawang Gateway

Dolma Khangsar Guest House

Hotel Gakyi Khang Zhang

15. Auli, Uttarakhand

Auli, a picturesque hill station noted for its meadows and snow-capped mountains, is an ideal summer destination with good weather and adventure activities.

How to Reach:

By Air: Jolly Grant Airport (286 km from Auli)

By Train: Haridwar Railway Station (273 km)

By Road: Accessible via NH 7.

Ideal Duration: 2-3 Days

Things to Do in Auli:

Ride the Auli Ropeway

Trek to Gurso Bugyal

Visit Auli Artificial Lake

Skiing in winter months

Places to Eat:

GMVN Restaurant

Cliff Top Club Restaurant

Auli D’s Food Plaza

Places To Stay:

The Tattva Resort

Clifftop Club Auli

Blue Poppy Resorts

16. Shillong, Meghalaya

Shillong, commonly referred to as the “Scotland of the East,” is a relaxing summer escape with lush green hills, waterfalls, and nice weather.

How to Reach:

By Air: Shillong Airport (30 km) or Guwahati Airport (125 km)

By Train: Guwahati Railway Station (100 km)

By Road: Well-connected via NH 6 from Guwahati.

Ideal Duration: 2-3 Days

Things to Do in Shillong:

Visit Elephant Falls

Explore Umiam Lake

Trek to Laitlum Canyons

Shop at Police Bazaar

Places to Eat:

Trattoria

Café Shillong

Dylan’s Café

Places To Stay:

Ri Kynjai Resort

Polo Orchid Resort

The Heritage Club

Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh

Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj, located in the Kangra Valley, provide the ideal summer hideaway with their mild environment, Tibetan culture, and stunning mountain views. McLeod Ganj, sometimes known as “Little Lhasa,” is the Dalai Lama’s residence and a popular destination for spiritual searchers and environment enthusiasts. With gorgeous monasteries, waterfalls, and adventure activities, these twin villages make for a relaxing yet exhilarating summer holiday.

How to Reach:

By Air: Gaggal Airport (15 km)

By Train: Pathankot Railway Station (85 km)

By Road: Well-connected via NH 503 from Delhi and Chandigarh

Ideal Duration: 2-3 Days

Things to Do in Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj:

Visit the Dalai Lama Temple

Trek to Triund for panoramic views

Explore Bhagsu Waterfall

Visit the Tibetan Museum

Places to Eat:

Illiterati Café

Tibet Kitchen

Woeser Bakery

Places to Stay:

Fortune Park Moksha

The Pavilion Dharamshala

Hotel Norbu House

18. Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra

Mahabaleshwar, a hill station in the Western Ghats, is well-known for its strawberry plantations, scenic views, and mild summer environment.

How to Reach:

By Air: Pune Airport (120 km)

By Train: Pune Railway Station (117 km)

By Road: Accessible via NH 48.

Ideal Duration: 2-3 Days

Things to Do in Mahabaleshwar:

Visit Arthur’s Seat

Explore Pratapgad Fort

Enjoy boating at Venna Lake

Visit Mapro Garden

Places to Eat:

The Grapevine Restaurant

Bagicha Corner

Farmhouse Bistro

Places To Stay:

Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar

Evershine Resort

Brightland Resort & Spa

19. Lonavala, Maharashtra

Lonavala, located between Mumbai and Pune, is a famous summer vacation destination noted for its verdant valleys, waterfalls, and trekking trails.

How to Reach:

By Air: Pune Airport (70 km)

By Train: Lonavala Railway Station

By Road: Accessible via Mumbai-Pune Expressway.

Ideal Duration: 1-2 Days

Things to Do in Lonavala:

Visit Bhushi Dam

Explore Karla Caves

Trek to Rajmachi Fort

Visit Tiger’s Leap

Places to Eat:

The Kinara Village Dhaba

German Bakery Wunderbar

Mapro Garden

Places To Stay:

The Machan Resort

Fariyas Resort Lonavala

Rhythm Lonavala

20. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Spiti Valley is an adventurous summer destination noted for its breathtaking scenery, Buddhist monasteries, and rocky terrain.

How to Reach:

By Air: Bhuntar Airport (245 km)

By Train: Chandigarh Railway Station (495 km)

By Road: Accessible via NH 505 from Manali.

Ideal Duration: 5-7 Days

Things to Do in Spiti Valley:

Visit Key Monastery

Explore Chandratal Lake

Experience the world’s highest post office in Hikkim

Trek to Dhankar Lake

Places to Eat:

Sol Café

The Himalayan Café

Taste of Spiti

Places To Stay:

Zostel Spiti

Tethys Himalayan Den

Hotel Sakya Abode

Conclusion 

India has a wide variety of summer attractions, from misty hill stations to tranquil valleys and exciting escapes. Whether you’re searching for relaxation, adventure, or a cultural experience, these 20 best places to visit in India during the summer offer the ideal getaway from the sweltering heat. From the snow-capped peaks of Manali and Gulmarg to the lush green landscapes of Munnar and Coorg, each place has its own distinct charm. Plan your trip, pack your luggage, and head out on a relaxing summer vacation full with stunning sights, thrilling activities, and wonderful memories!