All of us are aware that the scorching heatwaves are becoming unbearable with each passing day and our dear Sun is a little ruthless these days. The summer season is at its peak and the mercury levels are at an all-time high rate in these summer months.
But there’s nothing to worry about if one lives in a country like India where we are blessed with mountains, beaches, forests, and other lovely travel destinations, which not only help in replenishing the soul but are also a great escape from the exhausting humid and dry weather.
If you are confused about where to spend your summer break with your family, friends, relatives, or for that matter even your solo trips, then here’s the list of top 10 places which you should definitely add to your bucket list and take time out of your hectic schedule to go and explore these beauties.
Shimla – Queen of Hills
Overview
Shimla is one of the most stunning and popular hill stations of India, located on the north side, and is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. This place is known for its exotic hill resorts and the heart-touching walking experiences along the hillsides which are surrounded by oak and pine forests. This place contains the royal British magnificence and has artistic monuments and sculptures all around which are nothing less than a treat to the eyes.
Things To Do
In order to make your trip memorable and more fun, here’s a list of things that one needs to definitely try out in Shimla
Scandal Point – for all the sunset lovers, this place is the icing on the cake.
Explore Lakkar Bazar – for all the shopping freaks out there, you will find some really cute souvenirs from this place.
Pine and Oak forests – for all the nature-loving folks out there, this place serves as a food to your soul.
Jakhu Hill – This place is a short and picturesque trek from Shimla and Hanuman temple located here is a must-visit.
Adventures such as ice skating, rafting, paragliding, trekking, and skiing need to be tried out in the Shimla hills.
How to Reach
If planning to go via road through self-drive, then the road trip is quite fun and Shimla is around 360 km from Delhi.
Talking about air travel, the nearest airport is Chandigarh which is approx. 115 km from the Shimla.
The nearest railway station is at Kalka which is 96 km from Shimla.
Average Budget
Rs 8000-10000/person ( depending upon the tourism tour and package selected )
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Ideal duration to visit and explore Shimla is 3-4 days and the best time to visit this pretty destination is in the months of May and June. The weather at this time is pleasant and one can go along with the base layer thermals and waterproof jackets and pants for the adventure sports. Wander in the toy trains and get your soul lost in the hills of Shimla.
Base layer thermals for men can be checked here
Base layer thermals for women can be checked here
Darjeeling – The Tea Garden Paradise
Overview
Located in the arms of the eastern Himalayas amidst the northern region of West Bengal, Darjeeling is situated at an altitude of 2100 meters. Famous for its tea plantations and aromatic vibe all around, this place is loaded with scenic views from Kanchenjunga and the mesmerizing sunset view from the peak of tiger hills will captivate your soul with surreal vibes.
Things To Do
Here’s the list of things to make your Darjeeling trip joyful and cherishable
Toy train – unleash the child in you and go for a joyful ride
Kalimpong – visit the famous monasteries to get the touch of the rich legacy of the place
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park – this the highest altitude zoo of the country and experiencing the majestic wildlife from this point will certainly renew your soul
Tea Estate – spend some time roaming around the happy valley tea estate to refresh your soul with the aromatic ride
Batasia Loop – this is one of the famous and memorable war memorials which is established in the memory and honor of the brave martyrs and is a great sightseeing spot
How to Reach –
If planning to go via road, then the nearest city is Kolkata which is at a distance of 165 km from Darjeeling
Darjeeling has its own railway station known as Darjeeling railway station and Jalpaiguri is the other nearest railway station from the place
Siliguri and Bagdogra are the nearby airports from the place
Average Budget
Rs 9000- 13500/ person ( based on travel tour package and time )
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Ideal time to visit this place is in the months of April and may, and the whole place can be explored in the timeframe of 4-5 days. Temperature ranges between 11 degrees to 18 degrees and one can comfortably roam around with a minimal number of winter layerings
Sweaters and pullovers for men can be checked here
Sweaters and pullovers for women can be checked here
Munnar – Kashmir of south India
Misty Munnar
Overview
Located in the god’s own country Kerala, Munnar is located at around 1600 meters from the sea level in the western ghats region. This place is a very delightful escape from the summer heat, and one is bound to be hypnotized by its strikingly blissful landscapes, scenic views, lovely weather, unique flora and fauna, and the aromatic effect of spices and tea valleys
Things To Do
Here’s a list of things to be considered while planning your vacation to Munnar
Adventure sports – indulge your soul and body in activities such as mountaineering, cycling, horse riding, and much more.
Tata tea museum – explore the emerging tea plantations with their lush green beauty and magnificent aromatic site.
Anamudi Peak – plan a trek to this place and stay in a treehouse for one night.
Plan a visit to famous spots such as Kundala Lake, elephant lake, chithirapuram, devikulam, and echo point.
How to Reach
The nearest airport from Munnar is at Kochi at a distance of 110 km.
Ernakulum railway junction and Aluva are the nearest railway stations.
A road trip from Kochi to Munnar can also be planned as the place is around 131 km from it.
Average Budget
Rs 10000- 15000/ person ( depending upon the selected tour package and days of stay)
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Ideal duration for exploring Munnar is 2-3 days and the place can be visited during all summer months in order the beat the heat. The temperature remains pleasant and one can pull off their stylish attires and accessories amidst the hilly region
Accessories for men can be checked here
Accessories for women can be checked here
Ladakh – Land of High Passes
Overview
Located in Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh is definitely one of the best places to visit during summers. The temperature here remains at an all-time low which will certainly make you forget about the summers. This place is a dream destination for all the bike riders and with its crystal clear beige lakes, high altitude mountain terrains, rugged landscapes, and beautiful monasteries one can’t help it and is bound to fall in love with the enriching ranges of Ladakh
Things To Do
To make the most out of your Ladakh vacation, do try out these things
Lamayuru – the perfect place for camping and getting lost in the stargazing experience.
Nubra Valley – take a terrific glance of the beauty by taking the ride of the double-humped camel in the sand dunes of this valley.
Namgyal Tsemo Monastery – to get a touch of the cultural insights of the place and gain knowledge about Buddhism while interacting with the monks amidst the serene mountains.
Visit and explore other places such as magnetic hill, chadar trek, Zanskar valley tour, and a tour of Hemis festival with your Enfield and amazing local foods by the side.
How to Reach
The airport of Leh is well connected to cities such as Delhi and other famous routes.
The Jammu Tawi railway station which is around 700 km from Leh is the nearest railway junction.
A road trip from Manali or Srinagar is the best and most rejuvenating way to reach Ladakh.
Average Budget
Rs 12000-16500/ person ( depending upon the travel package and duration of the trip)
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One needs to plan a week time i.e. 6-7 days to explore this beauty completely. The temperature remains very low around 3 degrees to 4 degrees and reaches even at minus level, so one needs to properly carry their winter wears in order to avoid health problems at higher attitude. A complete solution for your winter wear shopping can be checked out at Kosha
Jackets and coats for men can be checked here
Jackets and coats for women can be checked here
Mussoorie – the queen of mountains
View from Mussoorie Mall Road
Overview
This place is one of the most popular tourist spots in the country and one just can’t say no to this place while booking tickets for the summer vacations. Mussoorie is located at an altitude of 7000 m above sea level and is situated on the borders of the Dehradun district in the north Indian state of Uttarakhand. For all mountain lovers, this place is the perfect fit for your souls. The natural beauty of this place will leave you awestruck and the spell-bounding waterfalls, caves, serene picturesque landscape, and the local city vibe will make you cherish and remember your Mussoorie trip throughout your lifetime.
Things To Do
Here’s a list of things that you must do while travelling to Mussoorie in order to gain maximum pleasure from your journey
Mall road – mall road is the place where all the travel junkies at all hill stations reach to explore the city culture and get a holistic view of the place. Mussoorie’s mall road is exceptionally vibrant and provides a carnival experience to its visitors
Zip Lining – zip swing adventures is one of the most popular adventure sports to be carried out in Mussoorie. This thrilling and breath taking adventure will give you chills and at the same time will make you experience the soulful beauty of the nature
Hiking and trekking in Mussoorie – Mussoorie is famous for its phenomenal treks such as the Dodikal trek, nag tibba summit, Bhadraj temple trek, and many more which will surely provide a rush of adrenaline to the adventure freaks. Apart from trekking, Mussoorie is also famous for some of the best hikes which are the Kempty waterfall hike, happy valley hike, nag tibba, and many more.
How to Reach
1.The nearest airport from Mussoorie is the jolly grant airport which is around 54 km from the place
2. The nearest railway station from Mussoorie is the Dehradun railway station which is around 36 km from the place
3. The road trip from Mussoorie to Delhi is about 290 km and can be considered a fun and easy-going option
Average Budget
Rs 8000-11500/person ( depending upon the travel tour package and stay duration)
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Mussoorie is full of gigantic mountain belts, lush green valleys all over, and the rich flora & fauna of the place, and thus one needs ideally 3-4 days to explore the whole beauty of this place. The best time to roam around Mussoorie is in the months of April to May when the climate remains enjoyable and one can surely flaunt their stylish winter layers without having too many coatings. If you haven’t done your shopping yet and are confused as to what to wear, Kosha will guide you in selecting the best fits for your trip
Conclusion
After getting a brief overview of the famous travel destinations to be visited during summers, start planning your trip to these places and be ready to heat this beat with the soothing enriching vacation moments
FAQs
What are the best places to visit in India during summer with friends?
– If you are a group of college and school friends or are finally planning to take some time out from your busy schedule to go on your long-awaited trip with your friends, then places such as Shimla, Manali, Leh-Ladakh, Rishikesh, Mussoorie, and Dehradun will be the best for your gang
What are the best destinations in India in summers to experience snow?
– If you crave snow during the unbearable summer waves, then you must watch out for places such as Rohtang pass in Himachal Pradesh, Khardungla Pass in Leh, Yumthang valley in Sikkim, Drass and Gulmarg in Kashmir
Which is the best place to get off the grid in India?
– If you are planning to forget the hullabaloo of the urban life and forget about the hectic hustle of the city, in other words, if you are keen on planning to get off the rid, then places such as Chikmagalur in western ghats, Hanle in Ladakh, Meghalaya, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Spiti valley of Himachal Pradesh will be ideal for your soul