Summer heat inspires traveling to some regions of cool weather and greenery. This is the time when people often search for the best places to visit during summer vacation. Summer is not about sweat and heat, it’s all about creating memorable moments among the beautiful panorama of India.
India is a land of a kaleidoscope of beauty and endless varieties of physical features with cultural patterns. Starting from high mountain ranges to dark forests, sandy deserts and vast seas have festooned India with an exceptional diversity. Thus, it becomes quite a challenging task to firm up the best summer destination in the country.
So, let us help you with the ten best summer getaways in India. All the places mentioned below are incredibly beautiful and will make your summer vacation mesmerizing.
Enigmatic Leh-Ladakh
Among the most amazing places in India, Leh-Ladhak is quite aloof from the rest of the country. It is a place of higher altitude which is surrounded by the Karakoram Peaks and it is decked by attractive lakes and mighty rivers, like Zanskar and Indus.
Some of the activities that you must do in Leh-Ladakh are-
- Worship at the multiple Buddhist monasteries like Hemis Monastery, Matho Monastery, Alchi Monastery, Shanti Stupa, Sankar Monastery, and many others.
- Trekking from Nubra Valley and Tso Moriri to reach the largest national park in North India, Hemis National Park which is a safe shelter for snow leopards.
- If you want to taste the flavor of Ladakh culture, then you need to trek through Chadar ice-trek over the shaky snow bridges via Markha Valley, Henaskut to Wanla, Lamayuru to Pandum via rustic villages like Likerto Khaltse. This whole trek will give you an opportunity to witness the picturesque gorgeousness of the place.
- Another most attractive and adventurous activity in Ladakh is River rafting through the fast rapids of River Indus. To make it more adventurous, then the popular routes you must follow Hemis- Stakna- Shey- Thiksey- Choglamsar and Alchi- Khaltsey.
- Biking through the high passes of Leh-ladakh is one of the most adventurous and it gives an adrenaline booster.
- The highest motorable pass in the world, Khardungla Pass will take you to the most enthralling lakes of Ladakh, Pangong Tso.
Ladakh has shops of soft pashmina shawls, woolen garments, and stoles. Also, you will find prayer wheels, colorful Thangka paintings, Buddhist masks, and sparkling turquoise jewelry as souvenirs. Moti market is one of the famous and remarkable markets in Leh.
Spiritualism in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Rishikesh is a package of excitement, divinity, and fun. It is located at the foothills of the Himalayas. This is one of the best summer holiday destinations which has a soothing climate and awe-scenic beauty. Here, they can mediate and perform yoga at the health resort within the city. Well, yoga will help you in transmuting your stress into peace and tranquility. Also, it will lead to a better diet and restoration of health.
Undoubtedly, you need to visit the banks of the River Ganges to watch Ganga Aarti. Here you will find that the priests will worship the holy waters by offering to illuminate the place by singing hymns and oil lamps. It is situated at the base of the Himalayan Mountains which is well-known as the “Gate to the Himalayas” also this holy place is known as the “Yoga Capital of the World.”
Besides, Rishikesh is also prominent for several activities like bungee jumping, water rafting, mountain biking, and many others.
In the district of Dindigul, Tamil Nadu has Kodaikanal which is one of the most beautiful hill stations. It is called “The Gift of the Forest.” It is also referred to as the “Princess of all Hill Stations.” This place not only has attractive sightseeing but also has incredible historical importance.
Greenery of Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
This place has lush greenery, enchanting waterfalls, luscious trees, and splendid water formations. However, the spiraling Ghats are now overseeing the greeneries. This hilltop is the best location for travelers who are looking for tranquility and wants to live close to nature’s beauty. Places you must visit-
- Kodai Lake,
- Bryant Park,
- Coaker’s Walk,
- Silver Cascade Waterfalls,
- Pillar Rocks,
- Guna Cave,
- Dolphin’s Nose,
- Moir Point,
- Bear Shola Waterfalls,
- Berijam Lake.
Spectacular scenic beauty of Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Among various places, Manali is one of the most attractive places to make your summer pleasant and peaceful. Nestled in the mountains of Kullu Valley, Manali is located in the state of Himachal Pradesh with an elevation of 6726 feet.
Here, you will get an opportunity to witness the vast views of the dense green forests, orchards, mountain ranges, and rivers. This is one of the important places which serves route for trade. On the other hand, the route is highly used for adventure purposes that are especially for the jeep, bikers, and riders. Places to visit in Manali-
- Jogini Waterfalls,
- Raison –River Rafting,
- Hidimbi Devi Temple,
- Manikaran,
- Manu Temple,
- Naggar Castle,
- Solang Valley,
- Rohtang Pass,
- Katrain Village Incredible Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Well, Spiti Valley is an unbelievable cold desert valley which is located in the Great Himalayan Mountains of Himachal Pradesh. Spiti is the land located between India and Tibet.
However, Spiti valley is not only known as the least populated place in India which acts as a crucial gateway for several northernmost regions. Spiti valley is bounded by the gorges and ravines which makes it’s a must-visit destination for travelers. The scenic beauty of hamlets, vibrant gorges, and ravines makes it a must-visit place on the bucket list. However, Spiti is not only a favorite place for the traveler but also a favorite place for Dalai Lama.
Here, the temperature lies between 15°C – 21°C. Places to visit in Spiti-
- Key Monastery,
- Chandratal Lake,
- Suraj Tal Lake,
- Kunzum Pass,
- Dhankar Monastery,
- Pin Valley National Park,
- Kibber village,
- Baralacha Pass,
- Tabo Monastery,
- City Shopping,
- Yak Safaris,
- Dhankar Lake.
Delightful Darjeeling, West Bengal
Darjeeling is surrounded by an emerald-green tea plantation. During the summer days, Darjeeling looks supremely beautiful. Moreover, this charming beauty of the hill town resides in the Northern regions of West Bengal which is visiting by a large number of travelers.
If you are visiting Darjeeling then don’t miss ‘The Toy Train’ experience that meanders ups the hills till Darjeeling from Jalpaiguri. It will give you a greater chance to explore and soak in the splendid surroundings of the hill station. In summer, the weather of Darjeeling remains perky, pretty, and chilly.
You must visit Peace Pagoda and Ghoom Monsatry to solace your mind. Also, must walk through the dew-drenched tea plantations and sip a cup of refreshing Darjeeling tea. From Tiger Hill, enjoy the mesmerizing sunrise. There are various kinds of trekking equipment at the Himalaya Mountaineering Institute and on the other hand, the zoo is located within its premises which is a safe shelter for Panda, snow Leopards, Black Bear and Himalayan Deer.
Enjoy sailing over the crystalline waters of Sumendu Lake at Mirik. You must visit Mahakal Temple which is a blend of Buddhist and Hindu. You must go to the Tibetan market to avail fresh Cardamoms, Pashmina shawls, and woolen carpets. To solace your taste buds relish the hot chick momo dipped in homemade sauces or thick noodles soup, Thupka.
Incredible Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Not only Tamil Nadu’s, but Ooty is India’s most outstanding hill station. It is rich in green grassy slopes, misty clouds, and eucalyptus-studded pathways. This makes Ooty look best in the month of May.
This place gained popularity because of its immense natural beauty and tall trees. Moreover, it’s an ideal retreat for escaping from the busy lifestyle and stayed impressed with its offers. This place is spotted with some outstanding fragments of a colonial building. Well, the Botanical Garden to Nilgiri Railways and Stone Houses, has the vintage touch. The places you must visit-
- Doddabetta Peak,
- Botanical Garden,
- Rose Garden,
- Deer Park,
- Ooty Lake,
- Nilgiri Railways,
- Avalanche Lake,
- St. Stephen’s Church,
- Mukurthi National Park,
- Kalhatty Waterfalls,
- Keeti Valley,
- Catherine Waterfalls,
- Stone House,
- Pykara Lake,
- Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary.
Well-known Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh
Pachmarhi is located at an elevation of 1,067. This is one of the most famous hill stations to spend the summer holidays. It is located in the district of Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh. This place is a well-known tourist retreat.
Moreover, this place features many timber reserves and cave paintings, as per historians these paintings are more than 10000 years old. However, the flora and fauna of Pachmarhi have been undertaken by the state and central government. The places to visit in Pachmarhi-
- Jamuna Prapat,
- Mahadeo, Forsyth Point,
- Irene Pool,
- Dhupgarh,
- Fairy Pool (Apsara Vihar),
- Handi Khoh,
- Pandava Caves,
- Cave Shelters,
- Christ Church,
- Catholic Church,
- Satpura National Park.
Spectacular Wayanad, Kerala
Wayanad is located in the luxuriant Western Ghat which is the captivating hill station in the state of Kerala. This is known as the “Green Paradise” because it shares borders within the green patches on the other states.
Moreover, the rich green agriculture, dense forests, and misty hills add more scenic charm. It has gorgeous flora as well as fauna. The places you must visit are-
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary,
- Soochipara Waterfalls,
- Thirunelli Temple,
- Kanthanpara Waterfalls,
- Bandipur National Park,
- Edakkal Caves,
- Wayanad Heritage Museum,
- Mudumalai National Park,
- Chembra Peak,
- Banasura Sagar Dam,
- Neelimala Viewpoint,
- Heart Lake,
- E3 Theme Parks.
Splendid Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh
Dharamsala is India’s most irresistible destination. This place is the second home for all the mountain lovers among them most of them are foreigners. This place is located in the district of Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, and shines amidst the Tibetan mists.
Dharamshala’s beauty keeps the visitors impressed. However, the greens and cool climate year-round. It is the perfect getaway for urban dwellers. Some of the interesting places to visit are-
- Namgyalma Stupa,
- Chamunda Nandikeshwar Temple,
- Kareri Lake,
- Dal Lake,
- Kotla Fort,
- Lahesh Caves,
- Indrahar Pass Trek,
- Gyuto Monastery,
- Triund Hill,
- Norbulingka Monastery,
- Bhagsunath Temple,
- St.John’s Church,
- Indru Nag Temple.
This summer get ready to plan a perfect summer holiday. Escape from the rising temperature and stay close to nature in a cool and peaceful destination.