Looking to escape the heat and find the best places to visit in summer in India? From cool hill stations to serene beaches, India offers a variety of stunning destinations perfect for a summer retreat.
Whether you’re craving the lush green valleys of Himachal Pradesh or the pristine beaches of Goa, the top 10 best places to visit in summer in India promise unforgettable experiences. Enjoy a breath of fresh air in the peaceful town of Ooty, or head to the majestic mountains of Ladakh for an adventure like no other.
If you’re seeking tranquility and excitement, these destinations have it all. Get ready to plan the perfect summer getaway and explore India’s coolest spots!
1. Munnar, Kerala
Nestled in the Western Ghats, Munnar is one of the best places to visit in summer in South India, offering a cool escape from the heat. Its rolling tea plantations, misty hills, and cascading waterfalls create a serene, picturesque landscape. A visit to the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, provides stunning views and a chance to spot wildlife.
The Mattupetty Dam is another must-see, offering breathtaking views and peaceful boating experiences. Munnar’s rich tea culture can be explored through its tea museums and guided estate tours, where you can learn about the tea-making process. For adventure seekers, trekking up Anamudi Peak offers rewarding panoramic views.
Where to stay: For luxury, Tea County Munnar offers spacious rooms with hill views and a spa for relaxation. For a budget-friendly, eco-conscious option, Wild Elephant Eco-Friendly Resort provides cozy cottages with valley views, practicing sustainable tourism through solar energy and rainwater harvesting. Both stays ensure a memorable experience in one of the best summer destinations in India.
2. Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Experience Ooty, the “Queen of Hill Stations,” a perfect summer retreat renowned for its cool climate, undulating tea estates, and breathtaking scenic beauty. One of the highlights of a trip to Ooty is undoubtedly a ride on the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway. This UNESCO World Heritage site, affectionately known as the “Toy Train,” offers a journey back in time as it chugs along its narrow-gauge track.
Visitors can enjoy boating at Ooty Lake and take in panoramic views from Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiri Hills. Paddle boats and rowboats are available for rent, allowing visitors to explore the lake at their own pace while enjoying the cool mountain breeze. The town’s colonial past is evident in its architecture, with numerous buildings harking back to the British era. The St. Stephen’s Church, with its stained glass windows and intricate woodwork, is a fine example of colonial architecture worth visiting.
Where to stay: For a luxurious experience, Savoy Ooty – IHCL SeleQtions offers heritage charm with colonial-style rooms, landscaped gardens, and a wellness center. For a budget-friendly stay, Zostel Ooty provides a social, vibrant atmosphere with dormitory and private room options, perfect for backpackers and young travelers.
3. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Manali is one of the best places to visit in summer in North India, offering adventure and relaxation. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush valleys, it’s a hub for outdoor activities like paragliding in Solang Valley and trekking, with the Hampta Pass being a popular route. The Beas River provides exciting white water rafting experiences, while a visit to Rohtang Pass offers breathtaking mountain views and snow even in summer.
For relaxation, visitors can enjoy scenic walks by the river or unwind at one of the town’s many cafes. The Hadimba Temple, a 16th-century wooden temple dedicated to Hidimba Devi, is a must-visit. The temple’s pagoda-shaped roof and intricate wood carvings are a testament to the rich architectural traditions of the region.
Where to stay: For luxury, The Himalayan offers a castle-style hotel with panoramic valley views, a spa, and fine dining. For a boutique experience, Johnson Lodge & Spa provides cozy rooms, a renowned restaurant, and Ayurvedic spa treatments.
4. Darjeeling, West Bengal
Perched in the eastern Himalayas of West Bengal, Darjeeling is one of the best summer destinations in India, known for its tea gardens, colonial architecture, and stunning views of Kanchenjunga. The iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a nostalgic ride through scenic landscapes. The town’s spiritual charm is evident in its Buddhist monasteries, including Ghum Monastery and the serene Peace Pagoda.
Darjeeling’s world-renowned tea culture can be experienced through tours and tastings at estates like Happy Valley Tea Estate. Adventure seekers can enjoy trekking, with the Singalila Ridge offering views of Everest and Kanchenjunga. Watching the sunrise from Tiger Hill is a magical experience as the peaks glow in golden hues. With its cool climate, misty mountains, and tranquil atmosphere, Darjeeling provides a perfect summer retreat. Its rich cultural blend of British, Tibetan, Nepali, and Bengali influences further enhances its allure.
Where to stay: For a colonial experience, the Windamere Hotel offers historic charm with period-furnished rooms, breathtaking Kanchenjunga views, and activities like heritage walks and tea tastings. Alternatively, the Summit Grace Hotel & Spa provides modern luxury with spacious rooms, a rooftop restaurant, a relaxing spa, and eco-friendly practices, all while offering stunning mountain views.
5. Coorg, Karnataka
Situated in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is among the best places to visit in summer in South India. Known for its misty hills and lush coffee plantations, Coorg offers a refreshing escape with cool temperatures, perfect for exploring its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can tour coffee plantations, admire the stunning Abbey Falls, or embark on wildlife safaris in Nagarhole National Park. Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy thrilling white-water rafting on the Barapole River. The region’s Kodava culture, reflected in its unique customs and cuisine, adds to Coorg’s charm. With its tranquil atmosphere and cool climate, Coorg is an ideal summer retreat.
Where to stay: For a luxurious retreat, Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa offers stunning rainforest views, authentic Kodava cuisine, a rejuvenating Jiva Spa, and unique activities like pottery classes and nature walks. For a more immersive nature experience, Coorg Jungle Camp Backwater Resort provides eco-friendly cottages by the Cauvery River, offering activities like elephant interactions, river rafting, and organic local dining.
6. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Discover Shimla, the captivating capital of Himachal Pradesh, widely regarded as one of the best places in India to visit in summer. Known for its colonial architecture, scenic mountain views, and pleasant climate, Shimla is perfect for a summer vacation. Once the summer capital of British India, Shimla retains its colonial charm with landmarks like the Viceregal Lodge and the neo-Gothic Christ Church on The Ridge.
The bustling Mall Road is a popular spot for shopping, dining, and leisurely strolls. Nature lovers can explore nearby Kufri for trekking and horseback riding, while Jakhu Temple offers panoramic views from Shimla’s highest point. The Kalka-Shimla Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, provides a picturesque journey through the mountains. Shimla’s pleasant summer temperatures, ranging from 15°C to 28°C, make it ideal for outdoor activities.
Where to stay: For a luxurious heritage experience, The Oberoi Cecil offers elegant rooms, panoramic views, and top-notch amenities like a heated indoor pool, spa, and fine dining, all complemented by impeccable service. For a budget-friendly option, Honeymoon Inn Shimla provides cozy accommodations, a rooftop restaurant with stunning views, and warm, personalized service, making it a great value for money.
7. Leh-Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir
Have you ever dreamed of visiting a place that feels like it’s on top of the world, with crisp air, stark landscapes, and vibrant blue skies? Leh-Ladakh, nestled high in the Himalayas, is one of the best summer places to visit in India especially during summer. The stunning Pangong Lake, with its ever-changing hues, and the Nubra Valley, known for its sand dunes and Bactrian camels, are must-visit highlights.
Adventure seekers will enjoy trekking in the Markha Valley or biking through Ladakh’s rugged terrain. For a spiritual experience, a visit to Thiksey Monastery and witnessing the monks’ morning prayers are unforgettable. With cool summer temperatures and clear skies perfect for stargazing, Ladakh offers a unique escape from India’s summer heat. Visitors should acclimatize to the high altitude upon arrival to fully enjoy this awe-inspiring region.
Where to stay: For a luxurious stay in Leh, The Grand Dragon Ladakh offers stunning views, eco-friendly practices, and top-notch service. For a more intimate, affordable option, Gomang Boutique Hotel provides cozy rooms, a rooftop restaurant, and cultural activities like traditional cooking classes, all within walking distance of Leh’s main attractions.
8. Shillong, Meghalaya Bengal
Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya and known as the “Scotland of the East,” is one of the best summer places to visit in India due to its cool climate, rolling hills, and lush landscapes. The city blends modernity with traditional Khasi culture, featuring colonial-era architecture and landmarks like Elephant Falls, a stunning three-tier cascade surrounded by greenery.
Cultural enthusiasts can visit the Don Bosco Museum, which showcases Northeast India’s diverse heritage. Nature lovers can trek to Shillong Peak for panoramic views or enjoy water sports at the scenic Umiam Lake. With summer temperatures rarely exceeding 24°C, Shillong offers a refreshing retreat from the heat of the plains. The frequent misty mornings and light showers add to its charm. Additionally, Shillong boasts a vibrant music scene, earning it the title “Rock Capital of India.”
Where to stay: For a luxurious retreat, Ri Kynjai – Serenity by the Lake offers eco-friendly cottages with stunning Umiam Lake views, traditional Khasi architecture, a wellness spa, and activities like nature walks and boat rides. For a more budget-friendly stay, Cafe Shillong Bed & Breakfast provides cozy accommodations near the city’s main attractions.
9. Mount Abu, Rajasthan
Discover Mount Abu, Rajasthan’s only hill station and one of the best places to visit in summer in North India, where the cool mountain air provides relief from the desert heat. Surrounded by the Aravalli Range, the town is home to the intricately carved Dilwara Temples, masterpieces of Jain architecture. Nakki Lake provides a peaceful spot for boating, with unique rock formations like Toad Rock adding to its charm. Sunset Point offers stunning views of the Aravalli hills, perfect for evening strolls.
The Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for nature lovers, home to leopards, sloth bears, and over 250 bird species. The pleasant climate, with temperatures between 23 and 33°C, is ideal for outdoor activities like trekking and exploring the town’s gardens. The colonial history of Mount Abu is reflected in its architecture, blending with the region’s rich Rajputana heritage.
Where to stay: For a royal experience, Palace Hotel – Bikaner House offers luxurious rooms, stunning views of the Aravalli Range, and cultural performances in a historic setting. For a more budget-friendly option, Hotel Hilltone provides modern amenities, a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views, and packages that make exploring Mount Abu both comfortable and affordable.
10. Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
Mahabaleshwar, nestled in the Western Ghats, is one of the best summer destinations in India, known for its lush landscapes, cool climate, and scenic beauty. The town offers panoramic views from Arthur’s Seat, a stunning viewpoint overlooking the Sahyadri mountains and Savitri river valley. Visitors can relax by Venna Lake, enjoy boat rides, or picnic amidst serene surroundings. Famous for its strawberries, Mahabaleshwar’s farms allow visitors to pick fresh fruit and indulge in strawberry-based treats.
History lovers can explore Pratapgad Fort, a significant 17th-century Maratha site with breathtaking valley views. The area also boasts trekking trails through dense forests and the beautiful Lingmala Waterfall, especially striking during the monsoon. With temperatures rarely exceeding 25°C, Mahabaleshwar is the perfect escape from the summer heat.
Where to stay: Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar Resort & Spa offers a luxury forest retreat with an infinity pool and fine dining options. For a more affordable option, Bella Vista Resort provides comfortable rooms and scenic views from its hillside location.
Takeaway
India offers a diverse range of destinations perfect for summer vacations, from cool hill stations to serene beaches. Popular spots like Munnar, Ooty, Shimla, and Leh-Ladakh provide relief from the heat with their pleasant climates, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or historical exploration, these top summer destinations in India cater to all preferences, making them ideal for memorable getaways during the hot season.
To make the most of these incredible locations, savvy travelers need access to the best deals on flights and accommodations. That’s where OneAir comes in – our AI-powered, members-only travel app scans millions of airfares and hotel rates, sending instant alerts when prices drop. Sign up for FREE to explore India’s top summer spots while enjoying exclusive discounts and unpublished deals from over 700 global airlines and 2 million+ hotel brands worldwide.
US
India