Top Places To Spend Summer Holidays In India
For those who haven’t narrowed down on the options to consider, choose from the 41 perfect destinations to spend your summer holidays in India. Every corner and nook of this country has a surprise just waiting to inspire awe in travelers. Take a look!
1. Ladakh – Family Escapade
For those who need a thrilling destination for their summer vacation in India, Ladakh is the ultimate getaway. With a myriad of interesting best places to visit in Ladakh, you can be sure of an amazing vacation. The mighty mountain peaks, the breath-taking views, the stunning lakes, and the perfect weather makes it a perfect vacation destination.
Places to visit: Zanskar Valley, Pangong Tso Lake, Khardung-La Pass, Spituk Gompa, and Hemis National Park
Things to do:Â Watch the Llamas perform colorful Chhams, spot a snow leopard at the Hemis National Park, ride a double-humped Bactrian camel and ride a bike up to the Khardung-La Pass
Places to eat: Wangchuk’s Ladakhi Kitchen, Jalsa Restaurant, Zomsa Restaurant, Leh Zakhang
Places to stay: The Grand Dragon, Tushita, Adu’s Eternal, Barath Hotel And Guest House
How to reach:
By Air:Â Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh
By Rail:Â Jammu Tawi Railway Station (700 km from Ladakh); hire a cab or board a JKSRTC bus to Ladakh
2. Srinagar – Backpack With Friends
Srinagar, the summer capital, is the best among the places to visit in Kashmir. Popular for its Shikara rides, floating gardens, and serene beauty, the city has been regarded as cash-cow of J & K. The city has enjoyed importance since historic times and rulers have forever been attempting to win the paradise city for themselves. At the moment, it is one of the most loved tourist places for summer holidays in India.
Places to visit:Â Dal Lake, Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Tomb of Zin-ul-Abidin, Jama Masjid, Hazratbal Mosque, and Shankaracharya Hill
Things to do:Â Shikara rides in Dal Lake, bird watching at Hokersar, wildlife seeing at Dachigam National Park, and shopping from the floating markets of vegetable & flowers in Dal Lake
Places to eat:Â Stream Restaurant, Ahdoos Hotel, Lhasa, Sunset Boulevard Restaurant
Places to stay:Â Hotel Chachoo Palace, Fantasia Houseboats, Lake Palace Group Of House Boats, Four Points By Sheraton
How to reach:
By Air:Â Srinagar Airport
By Rail:Â Udhampur Railway Station(229 km from Srinagar); Srinagar Railway Station is under construction
3. Manali – Backpacker’s Paradise
Manali is a popular backpacking and honeymoon destination in Himachal Pradesh. With the numerous popular places to visit in Manali, it is one of the most popular destination for summer holidays 2020. Nestled idyllically amidst the Pir Panjal & Dhauladhar Range of the Himalayas, Manali remains to be a popular honeymoon destination in north India. But it holds an equally important position among those who are looking for adventure activities or holy places.
Places to visit in Manali:Â Hadimba Temple, Himalayan Nyingmapa Gompa monastery, Club House, Solang Valley, Jogini Falls, Arjuna Gufa, and Vashisht Hot-Water Springs
Things to do:Â Paragliding at Solang & Rohtang Valleys, yoga at Shri Hari Yoga Ashram, yak-riding at the wildlife sanctuary and dipping in hot-water springs at Vashisht
Places to eat: Casa Bella Vista, The Johnson’s Cafe And Hotel, Chopsticks Restaurant, Sunshine Cafe
Places to stay:Â Royal View Cottage, Hotel Ambika Residency, HighQ Manali, Hotel Mountain Face
How to reach:
By Air:Â Bhuntar Airport (50 km from Manali)
By Rail:Â Una (245 km from Manali) on broad gauge
4. Kasol – Family Getaway
If you are looking for a hippie destination to spend your summer vacations in India, then Kasol should be your top pick. This quaint hamlet in Himachal is frequented mostly by youngsters. The cafes serve delicious food and the German bakery has desserts that are to die for. The views of the mountains are majestic and the camps by the river make for a great stay option. It is an amazing place for youngsters.
Places to visit:Â Gurudwara Shri Manikaran Sahib, Chalal, German Bakery Things to do in Kasol: Riverside camping and Chalal trek
Places to eat:Â The Evergreen, Moon Dance Cafe, Little Italy, Jim Morrison Cafe
Places to stay:Â Parvati Hill Cottage, Wood Rose, Moksha, Jim Morrison Homestay
How to reach:
By Air:Â Bhuntar Airport (31 km from Kasol)
By Rail:Â Pathankot is the nearest railway station (295 km from Kasol)
5. Nainital – Holiday With Friends
Situated in the lap of Uttarakhand at an elevation of 1,938 m above the sea-level, Nainital is one of the prime destinations in India for summer holidays 2020. The quaint hill-station is often pictured as a forested valley amidst which lies a beautiful lake. Though the list of places to visit in Nainital is pretty long, the Naini Lake and the Naina Devi Temple attract the maximum number of tourists. Surely, you cannot think of summer vacation in India without Nainital. It is one of the popular places to visit in India during summer.
Places to visit:Â Raj Bhavan, Naini Lake, Bhimtal, Tiffin Top, Nainital Zoo, and Naina Devi Temple
Things to do:Â Boating in Naini Lake, view the sunrise from Tippin Top, view sunset at Hanuman Garhi, shopping at Tibetan market, and enjoy a ropeway ride
Places to eat: Sakley’s Restaurant And Pastry Shop, Simz Cafe, Zooby’s Kitchen, Pots And Stones
Places to stay:Â Hotel Chandra Inn Royal Rose, Hotel Lakeside Inn, The Manu Maharani, Shikha Resort By Golden Plate
How to reach:
By Air:Â Pantnagar Airport (65 km from Nainital)
By Rail:Â Kathgodam Railway Station (34 km from Nainital)
6. Dharamshala – Family Vacation
For those who seek to spend their summer vacations in India among the picturesque hills, Dharamshala is another great destination. Its temples and monasteries make it stand out among the places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. The town is best known internationally as the home of Dalai Lama of Tibet. Since the introduction of ODIs and IPL T20s at the HPCA stadium, the hill station has been attracting a lot of regular sports enthusiasts from across the globe. The hill station is also going to be the first smart-city of Himachal Pradesh.
Places to visit:Â Kangra Fort, Bhagsunath Temple, Bhagsu Falls, Namgyal Monastery, Dalai Lama Temple complex, HPCA Stadium, and tea plantations of Kangra valley
Things to do:Â Meditation, stay in Namgyal Monastery, boat ride in Dal Lake, and walks through the tea plantations
Places to eat:Â Illiterati, Lung Ta Japanese Restaurant, KhanaNirvana, Seed Cafe
Places to stay:Â Hotel Udechee Huts, Quartz Himalayan Brothers, Hotel Pine Spring, Hotel Forest Hill
How to reach:
By Air:Â Gaggal Airport (13 km from Dharamshala)
By Rail:Â Pathankot Railway Station (85 km from Dharamshala)
7. Mussoorie – Solo Backpacker’s Dream
Mussoorie, one of the extremely popular places to visit in India during summer, becomes quite crowded during these months. The varied flora and the lush green hilly lands attract a lot of tourists to the little fairyland. From shopping on Mall Road to ropeway cable car to Gun Hill, and from Kempty Falls to the Jwalaji Temple; the summer destination has a lot to offer to its visitors.
Places to visit in Mussoorie: Kempty Falls, Landour Clock Tower, Jwalaji Temple, Rajaji National Park, Gun Hill, Library Point, Sir George Everest House, and Cloud’s End
Things to do:Â Boating in Lake Mist, cable car ride to Gun Hill, roller skating in Kulri Bazaar, and paragliding around Mussoorie Lake
Places to eat:Â Kalsang, Urban Turban Bistro, Funjabi Tandoorzzz, Clocktower Cafe
Places to stay:Â Walnut Grove Resort, WelcomHotel The Savoy, Jharipani Castle, The Three Oaks Boutique Hotel
How to reach:
By Air:Â Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (54 km from Mussoorie)
By Rail:Â Dehradun Railway Station (33 km from Mussoorie)
8. Kanatal – Family Trip
If you are looking for an offbeat destination to spend summer vacation 2020, then Kanatal is a quaint village located at a distance of 38 km from Mussoorie. The meandering roads lead the way to this beautiful place. It is surrounded by lofty mountains and is lush green. The sunrise and sunset views are amazing here. If you want to spend your summer amidst nature, then this is the perfect escape. Enjoy camping here.
Places to visit in Kanatal:Â Surkanda Devi, Tehri Lake
Things to do:Â Camping, trekking, Jetskiing in Tehri Lake
Places to eat:Â Chacha Sip And Dine, Brothers Cafe And Restaurant, Forest Cafe, Milan Restaurant
Places to stay:Â Hotel Dhanagiri, The Woodland Cottages, The Hillside Cottages, Nama-Stay
How to reach:
By Air:Â Jolly Grant Airport (91 km from Kanatal)
By Rail:Â Rishikesh railway station (75 km from Kanatal)
9. Auli – Laidback Family Holiday
Auli is among the great summer destinations in India. The majestic snow covered peaks and the lush green meadows are the highlights of this town. And when you are here during the summer holidays, make the most of this snow covered paradise. The town of Auli is one of the best hill stations in India and an amazing weekend getaway. Enjoy the local sightseeing, delicious local cuisine, and wander around in this quaint town.
Places to visit:Â Chattrakund Lake, Joshimath
Things to do in Auli:Â Trek to Gurso Bugyal, Visit the Artificial Lake
Places to eat:Â Hotel Sun Mount, Chinatown, Kailash Foods, Hatu Restaurant And Bar
Places to stay:Â The Himalayan Abode, Hotel Manik Resort, Hotel Mount View, Hotel Auli D
How to reach:
By Air:Â Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (279 km from Auli)
By Rail:Â Haridwar railway station (273 km from Auli)
10. Shimla – Family Summer Getaway
The capital city of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is a famous tourist destination that is perfect for summer vacation 2020. The cool temperatures make it an ideal spot to go on summer vacation here. The city is quite famous as it is easily accessible and have a lot of tourist attractions. It was also the summer capital during the time of the Britishers.
Places to visit in Shimla:Â Annandale, Jakhoo Hill, Scandal Point
Things to do:Â Shop at Lakkar Bazar, Enjoy at the Chadwick waterfall
Places to eat:Â Himachali Rasoi, Cafe Simla Times, Cecil Restaurant, Eighteen71 Cookhouse And Bar
Places to stay:Â Clarkes Hotel, Wildflower Hall, The Oberoi Cecil, Taj Theog Resort
How to reach:
By Air:Â The nearest airport, Jubbarhatti, is located 23 km from the main city
By Rail:Â Kalka Railway Station
11. Kinnaur – Solo Backpacking
One of the best places to visit in summer in India, Kinnaur is a destination that is famed for serenity and alluring beauty. The lush green forests, rugged mountains, and the flowing rivers of Satluj and Spiti makes this destination seem directly out of a storybook. Kinnaur gives travelers a chance to witness the finest amalgamation of cultures in this region. The locals here have adapted both Hinduism and Buddhism, making it one of the most religiously harmonious destinations. From temples dedicated to the Hindu Lord Shiva to the monasteries following Buddhism, one can witness numerous attractions sitting in the calm environment.
Places to visit:Â Reckong Peo, Kalpa, Sarahan, Nako, Ribba
Things to do:Â Visit the Bhimakali temple, explore the Kamru fort, indulge in local cuisine, witness the sunset, stroll around the lake
Places to eat:Â Little Chef, Hotel Apple Pie, Sangla Cafe, Cafe 42
Places to stay:Â Zostel, Banjara Camps And Retreat, Lake View Resort, Hotel Batseri Sangla
How to reach:
By Air:Â Jubbarhatti Airport, Shimla
By Rail:Â Kalka Railway Station
12. Pahalgam – Honeymoon Travels
Tucked away in the mountains of Jammu and Kashmir is this untouched beauty named Pahalgam. A treat for the minds, eyes, and souls of a traveler, Pahalgam is among the places to visit in summer vacation that is bound to leave one in awe of the majestic landscapes formed by the natural marvels here. Famed for its numerous farms of saffron, Pahalgam is a destination that covers tiny houses, vast green fields, and the valleys that are as pleasant as it can get. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains in all four corners, this mountain village is totally worth a visit.
Places to visit:Â Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, Lidder River, Kolahoi Glacier, Mamaleshwara Temple, Chandanwari
Things to do:Â Trekking, fishing, golfing at Pahalgam Golf Course, camping at Aru Valley, rafting, and sledding in Chandanwari
Places to eat:Â Dana Pani, Hotel Paradise And Restaurant, Cafe Log Inn, Sagar Ratna
Places to stay:Â Paradise Guest House, WelcomHotel Pine N Peak, Hotel Island, Royal Hillton
How to reach:
By Air:Â Srinagar Airport (95 km from Pahalgam)
By Rail:Â N/A
13. Gulmarg – Thrilling Escape
One of the most stunning places to visit for summer vacation in India, Gulmarg is one jewel of a destination residing in Jammu and Kashmir. Gulmarg is an impeccable and a popular skiing destination that has plenty to offer. From snow-covered Himalayas and deep meadows of flowers to evergreen forests and the second-highest Gondola Ride of the world, this destination is truly magical. Boasting about being the most beautiful town in the country, Gulmarg is a destination that appeals to each and every kind of traveler.
Places to visit: Alpather Lake, Ningle Nallah, Shiva Temple, Baba Reshi Shrine, St Mary’s Church
Things to do:Â Skiing and snowboarding on the Highland Park Slope, take a Gondola Ride, stroll around the outer circle, trekking, ice skating
Places to eat:Â Bakshi Restaurant, Highlands Park, Yemberzal Hotel & Restaurant, Fluoreschence Hotel & Restaurant
Places to stay:Â Gulmarg Resorts, The Vintage Gulmarg, Grand Mumtaz Resorts, The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa
How to reach:
By Air:Â Srinagar Airport (85 km from Gulmarg)
By Rail:Jammu Railway Station (290 km from Gulmarg)