Best Places in India to enjoy summer vacations 2023

List of Top Destinations to Visit in Summer in India

If you’re planning a chill-pill getaway during the summer holidays of 2021, Plan your perfect summer escape! from the below lists.

Gangtok: Sikkim

A slice of India’s heaven is the capital city of Sikkim. Gangtok is an amalgamation of Hindu, Tibetan and Nepali culture. The bustling alleys of the city whisper stories about the teachings of Lord Buddha and how he changed the lives of many people.

Blessed with remarkable natural resources, elegant mountains and some fascinating panoramas, this capital city of Sikkim has all that you seek in a perfect summer destination.

To-Do List in Gangtok

Visit the Rumtek Monastery which depicts the spirit of BuddhismEnjoy the Seven Sisters’ Waterfall. As the name suggests seven waterfalls of different sizes fall side by side.
Trek to Chhangu Lake and Tsomgo Lake that offers a bird eye-view of Gangtok.
Take a cable car to reach the highest point of Gangtok.
Educate yourself about the diverse flora and fauna of the capital city by visiting the Himalayan National Zoological Park.
Witness an enchanting view of the third highest peak of the world, Kanchenjunga from Tashi View Point

How to Reach Gangtok?

By Air: The nearest airport from Gangtok is Bagdogra, at a distance of 124 km

By Rail: The nearest railhead from Gangtok is New Jalpaiguri, at a distance of 148 km

Shillong: Meghalaya

Popularly known as the ‘Scotland of East’ is the hill station and capital city of Meghalaya. It is one of the most desirable destinations in North East India. And why shouldn’t it be? With maximum temperature rarely crossing 25 degree Celsius, ‘The Abode of Clouds’ feels like an icepack on a very hot day.

The city is well-developed but has not lost its rustic colonial charm. The beauty of this town comes from its crystal clear lakes, lush green hills and exquisite cascades.

To-Do List in Shillong

Hike to the highest point of the city, Shillong Peak to capture a panoramic view of the cityWitness the Elephant Falls cascading down the hills.
People with a strong heart can also opt for waterfall hopping.
Boating on Umiam Lake.
This pristine water body is surrounded by rich flora on both sides and offers various adventure activities such as water skiing and sailing visit the cleanest village in Asia, Mawlynnong.
The village offers an experience that makes you feel closest to nature.
Detached from the city life, Shillong offers an exciting nightlife experience. This small town has exclusive nightclubs, lounges, and bars.

How to Reach Shillong?

By Air: Shillong has its own airport, Shillong Airport

By Rail: The nearest railhead from Shillong is Guwahati, at a distance of 100 km

Tawang: Arunachal Pradesh

Tawang, a historical mountain town nestled in the hills of the Himalayan range of Arunachal Pradesh. Its rich history and abundance of nature’s elements make it one of the best summer destinations in India.

This place is an untouched beauty. Its serene waterfalls, mystical forests, and mighty peaks are the perfect detoxification your soul needs.

To-Do List in Tawang

Visit the 14th century Tawang Monastery- the second largest monastery in Asia.
A treasure trove of old manuscripts and artifacts related to the life of Lord BuddhaTrek through the dense woods of the Tipi Orchid Sanctuary.
Drive through the Sela Pass- the only high altitude motorable pass Hike to the 22,500 feet tall, Gorichen Peak for a panoramic beauty of white mountains.
Visit the milky white Nuranang Waterfalls which seems like a white curtain on a green wall

How to Reach Tawang?

By Air: The nearest airport from Tawang is Salonibari Airport, at a distance of 315 km

By Rail: The nearest railhead from Tawang is Tezpur Railway Station, at a distance of 385 km

By Road: The best way to reach Tawang is through the road as it takes you across the scenic roads of Arunachal Pradesh. There are various state-run buses and private buses operating between Tezpur and Tawang.

Manali - Mcleodganj: Himachal

Mcleodganj Known fondly as the ‘Little Lhasa’ by many avid explorers, this town is a perfect example of harmony between Indian and Tibetan culture.

Comprising trekking trails, soothing weather, hippie vibes and vibrant culture, this hill town can never let your expectations drown. Adventure Travel bucket-list is incomplete without the ‘Land of His Holiness- Dalai Lama’.

To-Do List in Mcleodganj

Visit Bhagsu Falls and take a dip in the freezing water and devour some finger-licking Tibetan food at nearby caves trek to the crown jewel of Dharamshala, Triund.
Camp overnight under the moonlit sky perfect for stargazing. Do not forget to enjoy steaming hot maggie with the white Dhauladhar in the backdrop visit the Namgyal Monastery- the largest Tibetan temple outside of Tibet.
It is the abode of Dalai Lama, the Tibetan Spiritual LeaderExplore the 8th-century Masroor Temple for its ancient North Indian Nagra architectural style. It is well-known for its artistic masterpieces and stone carvings on the monolithic rocksVisit a hidden hippie village near Mcleodganj, Dharamkot.
This village is blessed with a lesser human population and is an ideal getaway to soak all the serenity and tranquility the mountains have to offer

How to Reach Mcleodganj?

By Air: The nearest airport from Mcleodganj is Kangra Airport, at a distance of 30 km

By Rail: The nearest railhead from Mcleodganj is Pathankot Station, at a distance of 90 km

By Road: Dharamshala is located at a distance of 480 km from Delhi

Auli - Kausani: Uttarakhand

Auli, located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, is a skiers’ paradise. Due to its elevation, the town is free from carbon footprints and gives you a peaceful environment to enjoy your holiday.

The snow-clad slopes and terrains of Auli leave you mesmerized by its white beauty. A 500-meter long ski lift is a runway to heaven for all the snowboarders and skiers. In summers, the hill station is adorned with flora and forms the Valley of Flowers.

To-Do List in Auli

Onboard the ropeway from Joshimath to Auli to enjoy a bird-eye view of the town.
Boating on one of the highest man-made lakes in the world.
Lake AuliTrek to Gorson Bugyal amid coniferous forests and old oak treesCamp under the moonlit sky in Kwani Bugyal

How to Reach Auli?

By Air: The nearest airport from Auli is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, at a distance of 280 km

By Rail: The nearest railhead from Auli is Haridwar, at a distance of 285 km

By Road: Auli is located at a distance of 500 km from Delhi

Leh - Ladakh

One of the best Indian destinations to travel to From April to June, Ladakh is a high altitude cold desert. Its earthy hillscape adds color to the hues of the blue sky and makes this place an eye-candy for all travel buffs.

Imagine Yourself riding a Bike on the long journey to Leh-Ladakh and summer is the perfect time to change it into a reality. This town boasts of lip-smacking local cuisines, soft pashmina shawls, and the hospitality of the locals.

To-Do List in Leh-Ladakh

Worship at Buddhist monasteries such as Shanti Stupa, Sankar Monastery.
Ride your bike through the high passes of Leh-Ladakh to the highest motorable pass in the world, Khardungla Pass.
Explore one of the most beautiful lakes in Ladakh, Pangong TsoRaft your way through the high rapids of River IndusTrek through Nubra Valley to visit the largest national park in North India, Hemis National Park

How to Reach Leh-Ladakh?

By Air: The nearest airport from Ladakh is Leh Airport

By Rail: The nearest railhead from Ladakh is Jammu Tawi Railway Station, at a distance of 700 km

By Road: Rent a bike/car from Delhi or Chandigarh or take your own it’s much better instead of renting.

Kodaikanal: Tamil Nadu

Nestled amongst the Palani hills of Western Ghats, this hill town is a ‘gift of the forest’. Situated around the artificial Lake Kodaikanal, this dainty town has endless charms of nature that engulfs you in peaceful sanity.

Absorb the beauty of nature with misty mornings, dense woods, and echoing hills that fills your heart with sheer happiness.

To-Do List in Kodaikanal

Ride a boat on the calm waters of the Lake.
KodaikanalTake a lazy stroll on the Coaker’s Walk and enjoy the misty mornings of the hilltownHike to the Dolphin’s nose- a short 3km hike, which is shaped like a dolphin’s nose.
This tourist hotspot is a photographer’s dream Kodaikanal is home to eight unique waterfalls.
You can go waterfall hopping and try to cover as many as you can or just have a day chilling at the Bear Shola FallsVisit the Kurinji Andavar Temple to seek blessings from Lord Murugan.
Explore the traces of the Paliyan tribe at Kukkal Caves that show the hints of a tribe inhabiting the caves visit the birdwatcher’s paradise- Berijam Lake.
You can spot many migratory and resident birds at this particular spot Get lost in the dense and forgotten pine forest which feels like a fairytale background comes to life.

How to Reach Kodaikanal?

By Air: The nearest airport from Kodaikanal is Madurai Airport, at a distance of 120 km

By Rail: The nearest railhead from Kodaikanal is Kodai road, at a distance of 100 km

By Road: It takes less than four hours to reach Kodaikanal via NH 49, From Madurai (120 km).

Wayanad: Kerala

Home to the long ranges of Western Ghats, white cascades and lush green woods, it feels like being in a dreamland.

This quaint little town has retained its rich cultural heritage along with the abounds of natural striking beauty in God’s very own country Kerala.

To-Do List in Waynad

Hike to the highest peak in Wayanad, Chembra Peak. It is a nature enthusiast’s dream come true. Another highlight of this activity is the heart-shaped lake atop the hillCycle around the tea plantations of Nilgiri, feeling the cool wind and breathing the aroma of coffee and cardamom plantations.
Safari at the Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary to watch the elephants going about their day along with the other creatures of the animal world visit Thirunelli Temple- an ancient religious site known to be bestowed with the presence of Lord Brahma who installed the deity of Lord Vishnu in the temple explore the Edakkal Caves- invaluable treasure of human history. The carvings on the walls of the caves are from a time lost in the past.
Drive through the steep and twisted roads to reach Ghat View Point. Witness the sky change its colors at sunset with a glimpse of the Arabian Sea.

How to Reach Waynad?

By Air: The nearest airport from Wayanad is Karipur International Airport, at a distance of 100 km

By Rail: The nearest railhead from Wayanad is Kozhikode Railway Station, at a distance of 110 km

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir

You can always visit the very ‘Paradise on Earth’ that is Srinagar. Set amidst the beautiful valleys of Kashmir- Srinagar is just the place to spend your summers away from the bustling metro life.

How about leaving everything behind and waking up in the middle of the water? Well, that is the beauty of Srinagar and its houseboat stays.

To-Do List in Srinagar

Stay at the houseboats of calm and peaceful Nageen Lake.
Visit the personification of Mughal grandeur and architecture- Mughal Garden.
Drive to Gulmarg for a gondola ride on the high altitude of Kashmir Valley to enjoy the picturesque view.
Hikes around Chatpal located in South Kashmir for natural bliss with gushing creeks, forgotten forests, and lush green hills.

How to Reach Srinagar?

By Air: The nearest airport is Srinagar Airport

By Rail: The nearest railhead from Kashmir is Jammu Railway Station, at a distance of 290 km

By Road: Srinagar, Kashmir is located at a distance of 809 km from Delhi

Coorg: Karnataka

Do you know why it has maintained its position as one of the best places to visit in India? Because this town is like a painting drawn by celestial beings.

The melancholic trails with the clear sky as the background does not disappoint anyone. Adding to its undefined beauty are the tea and coffee plantations.

To-Do List in coorg

Visit the ancient tribal temple of Igguthappa Kick your summer blues by playing in the cold waters of Abbey Falls and Iruppu Falls.
Trek to the famous tourist attractions like Pushpagiri and Brahmagiri.
Quad bike amidst the private coffee estates.
River rafting is done at the Barapole River which is a must-visit for adventurers

How to Reach Coorg?

By Air: The nearest airport from Coorg is Mangalore, at a distance of 160 km

By Rail: The nearest railhead from Coorg is Mysore, at a distance of 95 km

By Road: Coorg is located at a distance of 237 km from Bangalore

Andaman Island

A perfect summer getaway is incomplete without sandy beaches and cool margaritas. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a union territory of India, is a hub for some pretty amazing water activities with small island beaches.

From scuba diving to snorkeling, the islands offer crystal clear water and white-sand beaches.

To-Do List in Andman

Experience the tales of history at Cellular Jail.
National Museum Scuba Diving and Snorkeling at Havelock Island.
Experience the wildlife at Mount Harriet and Madhuban Dwell into water adventure at Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex.
Experience the corals at North Bay Beach Explore the local delicacies.

How to Reach Andaman?

By Air: The quickest way to reach the islands is by boarding a flight from mainland India. You can board a direct flight to Port Blair from Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Vizag.

By Water: Another convenient way is through waterways. You can take the water route from Chennai, Vizag, and Kolkata.

If you are reading this then, please send your thoughts in the comment box. Thank you!

Disclaimer: We do not take credit for some of the licensed paid images used in our blogs, whether from Google Images, Fotolia & Shutterstock.

All such images are the copyrights of their respective owners and we try to provide credit for them wherever we can. If, however, any copyright image has been used on our blog, the concerned person can either mail us directly to remove the image or provide credit to whomsoever the image may belong.