Perfect summer destinations in India

Planning a summer vacation in India is a challenging task with the country’s incredible diversity throwing up a long list of names. From tropical islands, offbeat summer destinations in India to tea plantations, and lush valleys overlooking the mighty Himalayas, there is no dearth of options when it comes to planning the perfect Offbeat summer getaway in India. Finding your best spot might be a challenge and to make things easier and less taxing for you, here is our pick of best summer holiday destinations in the country. All these places are incredibly beautiful and will surely add to your holidaying experience, so choose wisely! (Text by Reva Vidyalankar)

Spread out across the Western Ghats, the misty valley of Coorg, one of the best places to visit in Coorg, Karnataka during summer, offers the perfect getaway from the scorching city heat. Fondly referred to as the ‘Scotland of India’ due to its verdant beauty and pleasant weather conditions, Coorg has a special place among all hill stations in India. A place where you can just sit around and watch the fog roll by. Coorg in summer is mesmerizing, the verdant greenery and cool weather together impress travellers and holidaymakers from all over the country and abroad.

Styling itself as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, Rishikesh is a magnet for spiritual seekers, travellers and holidaymakers alike. Surrounded by the fast-flowing River Ganga and lush green forested hills, the setting is definitely conducive for relaxing and meditation. You can plan a Rishikesh trip in the months between September and November as it is the best time to visit Rishikesh and enjoy its beauty. The place is also a popular white-water rafting centre and backpacking hang-out. Weather in Rishikesh remains moderate most time of the year, which makes it a perfect weekend summer getaway from cities like Delhi and Lucknow.

A heady mix of religion, history and nature, Tawang is one of the least discovered towns in Arunachal Pradesh. The destination is dotted with splendid Buddhist monasteries and other mystical attractions on one end and a war memorial on another, the valley begins to work its magic on travellers the moment they start descending the hills. Anyone planning a trip here must choose between the months of March, April, May and June, as this is the best time to visit Tawang. September and October are also perfect months but Tawang weather can get quite cold and chilly during this time.

One of the most frequented summer destinations in south India, Ooty is no less than a paradise on earth. Established as a retreat from the scorching heat of the summer by the British, Ooty is a visual delight filled with pretty cottages, fenced flower gardens, thatched-roof churches and terraced botanical gardens. Venture a few kilometres out and find yourself surrounded by greener, quieter areas dotted with an abundance of pine trees. Summer vacation in Ooty can be refreshing, memorable and more importantly soul relaxing. The greenery and natural beauty surrounding the area makes this a picture-perfect summer destination in India.

Surrounded by emerald-green tea plantations and set against a backdrop of jagged white Himalayan peaks, Darjeeling in summer is supremely beautiful. The picturesque hill town is nestled away in the northern regions of West Bengal and is visited by a large number of travellers each year. A journey on the ‘Toy train,’ which meanders up the hills to Darjeeling from New Jalpaiguri in the plains is a great way to explore and soak in the magnificent surroundings of this hill station. Plan a trip to Darjeeling during mid-year as weather of Darjeeling in May and June remains perky, pretty and chilly.

Munnar is among the most prominent summer vacation places in Kerala. Sprawling tea plantations, picture-perfect towns and winding lanes make Munnar a perfect summer destination for those looking for respite from the sweltering heat. Although the town itself is forever buzzing with activity, wander a few kilometres out and you’ll be engulfed in a thousand shades of green. You surely wouldn’t mind coming here again and again as the place is so clean, green and pretty. Try visiting the place during the month of May as Munnar weather in May is most favourable and during this time the place receives maximum footfall.

Known as the ‘Valley of Shepherds,’ Pahalgam is a low-rise town that stands at the confluence of the Lidder River and Sheshnag Lake. Pahalgam in summer is incredible and is frequented by a huge number of travellers to beat the heat of plains. The surrounding mountains contain many picturesque spots and over 20 lakes to which countless guides and horsemen and more than eager to take you to. For people planning a summer vacation in Kashmir, Pahalgam with its serene location and Bollywood connection still remains the most desired places to visit in Pahalgam

With mountain adventures beckoning from all directions, Manali is the perfect summer destination for those looking to unwind during the burning months. The weather in Kullu Manali remains super cool making it a paradise for mountain lovers and travellers alike. Backpackers come to hang around in the villages near the main town and if you are planning an adventure trip to Manali, you can enjoy trekking, paragliding, rafting and skiing. About 53 km away from Manali is the famous Rohtang Pass offering breathtaking sights of glaciers, peaks and valleys. The place is also famous among Bollywood directors and a number of movies have been shot here.

A welcome relief from the heat of Delhi, Nainital hill station in summer is supremely picturesque. The small town in Kumaon region, Nainital is home to quaint Naini Lake. The night time is magical in Naintal when the lakes here have the reflection of stars and moon and the mountains surrounding, the scene looks like a page out of some glossy fairytale book. There’s a busy town bazaar and a web of walking Tracks around the forested hillsides, which have enticed travellers since pre-independence days to retreat to Nainital during the summer months. If you are lucky, you might also encounter snowfall in Nainital during summers.

The perfect summer getaway, Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer tourists a relaxed tropical ambience and an array of thrilling adventure activities. Andaman in summer attracts a horde of travellers and adventure enthusiasts from all across the globe. Tourists from all over the world visit this tropical paradise for its rich and diverse marine life which is best seen while snorkelling and scuba diving around its many pristine beaches. Andaman and Nicobar Islands weather remains moderate and offer perfect escape from heated and noisy cities. The islands are beautiful and have a number of interesting attractions apart from beaches and coral reefs.