Discover the Best Summer Vacation Destinations in India

With numerous attractions spread across the country, you can plan an amazing summer vacation in India. There are many great spots to choose from, catering to different preferences. From the snowy Himalayan peaks to the tranquil beaches of Goa, the lush greenery of Kerala to the arid beauty of Rajasthan, there’s something for everyone. 

This guide will highlight some of the best summer vacation destinations in India, perfect for escaping the heat and rejuvenating the mind and soul.

Best Summer Vacation Destinations in India

1. Manali, Himachal Pradesh

How to Reach:

• Nearest Airport is Bhuntar, 50 km away from Manali
• Nearest rail head is in Chandigarh, 291 km away from Manali
• Road trip: Manali is 546 km away from Delhi

Ideal Duration: 3-4 Days

Things to do in Manali:

• Enjoy exciting adventure sports at Solang Valley, such as paragliding, zorbing, and quad biking.
• Visit Rohtang Pass to experience snow even in the summer.
• Take a trip to a nearby bird sanctuary to see beautiful migratory birds.
• If you have extra time, consider exploring Kullu.

Places To Stay: Shivadya – A Boutique Hotel, Larisa Resort Manali, The Holiday Villa Resorts & Spa, Span Resort and Spa, Om Cottage.

Key attractions: Solang Valley, Jogini Waterfall, Hidimba Devi Temple, Museum Of Himachal Culture And Folk Art, Manu Temple.

2. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

How to Reach:

• Nearest Airport is Chandigarh, 115 km away
• Nearest railhead is Kalka
• Road Trip: Shimla is 360 km away from Delhi

Ideal Duration: 3-4 days

Things to do in Shimla:

• Jakhu Hill is a short and beautiful drive from Shimla. 
• You can visit Lord Hanuman’s Temple here.
• Another major landmark is the Viceregal Lodge, which was built during the British reign.
• If you enjoy polo, stop over at Annandale, which is 4km from the Ridge.

Places To Stay: Snow Valley Resorts, The Oberoi Cecil, Woodville Palace Hotel Shimla, Radisson Jass Shimla.

Key attractions: Mall road, Jakhoo Hill, Green valley, Christ Church, Kufri, Kali Bari Temple and many more.

3. Ladakh

How to reach:

• The Leh Airport in Ladakh has flights to and from cities like Delhi. 
• The Jammu Tawi Railway Station is about 700 km away from Leh city in Ladakh and is the closest railway station. 
• If you’re planning a road trip from Delhi to Ladakh, keep in mind that Delhi is about 1300 km away. 

Ideal duration: 5-7 days

Things to do in Ladakh:

• Camping at Pangong Tso Lake
•  Exploring the Monasteries
•  River Rafting at Zanskar River
• Trekking

Places to Stay: Grand Dragon Ladakh, Shaolin Ladakh, Gomang-Boutique Hotel, Yarab Tso, Hotel Jan Palace.

Key attractions : Magnetic Hill, Tso Moriri, Zanskar Valley, Nubra Valley, Khardung-la Pass, Kargil, Shanti Stupa, Diskit Monastery, Pangong Lake, Spituk Gompa.

Suggested Read : Spiti Valley Summer Edition, Spiti Valley Tour Packages 2024 

4. Auli, Uttarakhand

How to reach:

• Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport to Auli, located at a distance of 280 km.
• The nearest railhead from Auli is located in Haridwar, 285 km.
• Road trip: The nearest major city to Auli is Delhi, located 500 km away.

Ideal duration: 2-3 days

Things to do in Auli:

• Remember to take the ropeway to Joshimath for a bird’s-eye view. 
• Also, consider trekking to places like Gorson and Kuari Pass for adventurous experiences.

Places to stay : The Apple Farm Stay, Kanasar Eco Lodge.

Key attractions : Auli Artificial Lake, Gurso Bugyal, Nanda Devi peak, Auli Ropeway, Chattrakund.

5. Nainital, Uttarakhand

How to reach:

• The nearest airport is Patnagar Airport, where all the flights arrive and depart. Travelers can easily catch a flight without any problems. They can also travel by road, which takes about 2 hours.
• Kathgodam railway station is the closest station to Nainital, just 23 kilometers away.

Ideal duration: 3 days

Things to do in Nainital:

• Take a boat ride on Naini Lake
• Spot exotic wildlife at Nainital Zoo 
• Shop souvenirs at Tibetan Market
• Explore the shops and restaurants on Mall Road
• Trek up to Naina Peak 
• Undertake a ropeway ride

Places to stay: The Naini Retreat by Leisure Hotels Group, Cygnett Resort Mountain Breeze, Shervani Hilltop Nainital, WelcomHeritage Ashdale, Sterling Nainital, The Palace Belvedere.

Key attractions: Naini Lake, Nainital Zoo, The Mall Road, Tiffin Top, Eco Cave Gardens, Kilbury, Naina Devi Temple, Snow Viewpoint, Gurney House, Hanuman Garhi, Aurobindo Ashram, Naina Devi Bird Reserve, Raj Bhawan.

6. Kashmir

How to Reach:

• Nearest Airport is in Srinagar
• Nearest railhead is Jammu, 290 km away from Kashmir

Ideal duration: 6-7 days

Things to do in Kashmir:

• Kashmir offers a variety of attractions such as lakes, houseboats, hills, and gardens. 
• Sonmarg is known for its stunning landscapes with blooming flower-filled pastures, greenery, snow-capped mountains, still valleys, and pine-covered slopes.
• You can enjoy a cruise on Dal Lake’s blue waters, 
• Take a gondola ride in Gulmarg, and visit popular Bollywood locations in Pahalgam.

Places to stay: Hotel Mirage, Radisson Hotel Srinagar, Hotel Heevan Pahalgam, Hotel Pine Spring Pahalgam.

Key attractions: Dal Lake, Jama Masjid mosque, Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden, Sonmarg, Gulmarg.

7. Darjeeling, West Bengal

How to Reach:

• The Bagdogra Airport is 68 km from the city and is connected to other international airports in the country. You can take a taxi or cab from the airport to reach your destination for a memorable summer vacation in India. 
• There is a train connection from cities like Delhi and Kolkata to the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station.

Ideal duration: 3-4 days

Things to do in Darjeeling : 

• Visit famous monasteries like Ghoom Monastery.
• See wildlife at the largest high-altitude zoo in India, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park.
• Spend an evening in Batasia Loop, one of the top tourist attractions of Darjeeling.

Places to stay: Hotel Villa Everest, Singtom Tea Estate & Resort,  The Elgin, Summit Swiss Heritage Hotel & Spa.

Key attractions: Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Darjeeling Ropeway, Tea Plantation.

Suggested Read : Darjeeling vs. Shimla – Ultimate Hill Station Face-off 

8. Pelling, Sikkim

How to Reach:

• Bagdogra Airport in Darjeeling is the closest airport from Pelling. Distance between the two is 145 km.
• Nearest railway station to Pelling is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, 140 km away.

Ideal duration : 2-3 days

Things to do in Pelling:

• Visit the Pemayangtse Monastery
• Enjoy in the Kanchenjunga waterfalls
• Wish for luck at Khecheopalri Lake
• Trek to the Kanchenjunga National Park

Places to stay : Hotel Norling S.K. Groups, Pelling Hotel Ladakh House, Cherry Village Resort, Magpie Pachhu Village Resort.

Key attractions : Yuksom, Pemayangtse Monastery, Kanchenjunga Fall, Rimbi Waterfall, Sewaro Rock Garden, Singshore Bridge, Khecheopalri Lake, Ravangla.

9. Coorg

How to Reach:

Travelers can fly to Mangalore Airport or Bangalore International Airport and then continue the journey by road.

Ideal Duration : 3-4 days

Things to do in Coorg:

• Visit the Namdroling Monastery
• Experience the beauty of Abbey Falls
• Take a Trip to Talacauvery

Places to stay: Evolve Back, Coorg Wilderness Resort & Spa, Club Mahindra Madikeri, Woodstock Resorts

Key attractions: Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, Coffee Plantation, Dubare Elephant Camp, Iruppu Falls, Talalaveri

Suggested Read: Best Places to Visit in Coorg: Explore the Hidden Gems 

10. Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh

How to Reach:

• The nearest airport is Tezpur, 280 km away from Ziro

• Nearest railhead is Lakhimpur
• Road trip: Ziro from Guwahati is 450 km

Ideal Duration: 7-8 days

Things to do:

• Attend the Ziro Festival
• Try some of the best Ziro trekking trips to places like Midey and Dolo Mando
• Camp on the banks of the Pange River 
• Try river rafting in the Kamle and Siang rivers

Places to stay: KASA Resort, Ziro Palace Inn.

Key attractions: Kile Pakho, Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Shiva Linga, Ziro Putu.