India’s scorching summers can be challenging, but the country is also home to some amazing cool retreats that provide the perfect escape from the heat. Whether you’re looking for snow-capped mountains, serene beaches, lush hill stations, or adventure spots, India has something for everyone.
In this guide, we explore the best places to visit in summer in India, along with travel tips, must-visit attractions, and budget recommendations.
Best Summer Destinations in India (Quick Comparison)
| Destination | State | Avg. Temp in Summer | Why Visit? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shimla | Himachal Pradesh | 15°C – 25°C | Colonial charm, Mall Road, Kufri |
| Manali | Himachal Pradesh | 10°C – 22°C | Snow-capped peaks, adventure sports |
| Ladakh | Ladakh UT | 5°C – 20°C | Pangong Lake, monasteries, bike trips |
| Ooty | Tamil Nadu | 15°C – 22°C | Tea plantations, toy train, lakes |
| Munnar | Kerala | 16°C – 24°C | Tea gardens, waterfalls, scenic beauty |
| Darjeeling | West Bengal | 12°C – 22°C | Toy train, Kanchenjunga views, tea estates |
| Gangtok | Sikkim | 10°C – 20°C | Stunning landscapes, monasteries, MG Road |
| Mahabaleshwar | Maharashtra | 18°C – 24°C | Strawberry farms, waterfalls, scenic viewpoints |
| Coorg | Karnataka | 18°C – 25°C | Coffee estates, Abbey Falls, misty hills |
| Auli | Uttarakhand | 8°C – 15°C | Skiing destination, lush meadows |
| Ranikhet | Uttarakhand | 12°C – 20°C | Quiet hill station, temples, orchards |
| Mount Abu | Rajasthan | 17°C – 27°C | The only hill station in Rajasthan |
| Tawang | Arunachal Pradesh | 8°C – 18°C | Monasteries, breathtaking landscapes |
| Spiti Valley | Himachal Pradesh | 5°C – 18°C | Remote beauty, Buddhist culture |
| Shillong | Meghalaya | 15°C – 23°C | Waterfalls, living root bridges, nature trails |
Top Summer Destinations in India – Detailed Guide
1. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
🌿 Why Visit? The Queen of Hill Stations with a colonial charm and scenic beauty.
🚂 Things to Do: Ride the Toy Train, visit Kufri, stroll on Mall Road, explore Jakhoo Temple.
📌 Best Time: March – June
2. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
🏔️ Why Visit? A snowy paradise with adventure activities and breathtaking landscapes.
🎢 Things to Do: Paragliding, Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, explore Hidimba Temple.
📌 Best Time: April – June
3. Ladakh, UT of Ladakh
🏍️ Why Visit? India’s adventure capital, perfect for bikers and nature lovers.
🛕 Things to Do: Visit Pangong Lake, Magnetic Hill, explore Buddhist monasteries.
📌 Best Time: May – September
4. Ooty, Tamil Nadu
🌸 Why Visit? A lush green paradise famous for its tea plantations and pleasant climate.
🚆 Things to Do: Ride the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, enjoy Ooty Lake, visit Botanical Gardens.
📌 Best Time: April – June
5. Munnar, Kerala
🌿 Why Visit? Endless tea gardens, cool climate, and waterfalls make this a perfect summer retreat.
🏞️ Things to Do: Visit Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, explore Tea Factories.
📌 Best Time: March – May
6. Darjeeling, West Bengal
🚞 Why Visit? The Queen of the Hills with stunning Himalayan views and a charming atmosphere.
🌅 Things to Do: Witness Tiger Hill Sunrise, ride the Darjeeling Toy Train, explore Batasia Loop.
📌 Best Time: April – June
7. Gangtok, Sikkim
⛩️ Why Visit? A perfect blend of culture, adventure, and nature with a cool climate.
❄️ Things to Do: Explore Nathula Pass, Tsomgo Lake, visit Rumtek Monastery.
📌 Best Time: March – June
8. Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
🌳 Why Visit? Famous for strawberry farms, waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints.
🍓 Things to Do: Visit Venna Lake, Elephant’s Head Point, Pratapgad Fort.
📌 Best Time: March – June
9. Coorg, Karnataka
☕ Why Visit? Known as the “Scotland of India”, famous for coffee plantations and lush greenery.
🌲 Things to Do: Visit Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, Dubare Elephant Camp.
📌 Best Time: March – May
10. Auli, Uttarakhand
⛷️ Why Visit? One of the best skiing destinations in India with breathtaking views.
🏔️ Things to Do: Try skiing, take the Auli Ropeway, trek to Gurso Bugyal.
📌 Best Time: March – June
11. Ranikhet, Uttarakhand
🏞️ Why Visit? A peaceful hill station with pine forests, temples, and orchards.
🛶 Things to Do: Visit Jhula Devi Temple, explore Chaubatia Orchards, enjoy nature walks.
📌 Best Time: March – June
12. Mount Abu, Rajasthan
🏜️ Why Visit? The only hill station in Rajasthan with a refreshing climate.
🌊 Things to Do: Boating at Nakki Lake, explore Dilwara Temples, enjoy Sunset Point.
📌 Best Time: April – June
13. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
🕍 Why Visit? A hidden gem with Buddhist monasteries and breathtaking landscapes.
🏞️ Things to Do: Visit Tawang Monastery, Sela Pass, Bum La Pass.
📌 Best Time: March – June
14. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
🏔️ Why Visit? A remote paradise with Buddhist culture and stunning landscapes.
🛕 Things to Do: Explore Key Monastery, Chandratal Lake, go on a road trip.
📌 Best Time: May – September
15. Shillong, Meghalaya
🌧️ Why Visit? Waterfalls, misty hills, and scenic beauty make this the perfect summer getaway.
🌉 Things to Do: Visit Elephant Falls, Umiam Lake, Living Root Bridges.
📌 Best Time: March – June
FAQs on Summer Travel in India
Q1. Which is the coldest place in India during summer?
❄️ Dras in Ladakh is the coldest place in India during summer, with temperatures dropping as low as -5°C to 15°C.
Q2. Which hill station is best for a summer honeymoon?
💑 Manali, Darjeeling, and Ooty are some of the best hill stations for honeymooners looking for a romantic getaway.
Q3. What are the best budget-friendly summer destinations in India?
💰 Ranikhet, Coorg, and Shillong offer budget-friendly accommodation and scenic beauty without burning a hole in your pocket.
Q4. Where can I find snow in India during summer?
🏔️ Rohtang Pass (Manali), Auli (Uttarakhand), and Spiti Valley have snow even during summer.
Q5. Which are the best offbeat summer destinations in India?
🌿 Tawang, Spiti Valley, and Auli are great offbeat destinations for those looking to avoid tourist crowds.
Final Thoughts
Summer in India doesn’t have to be unbearable! With so many cool destinations, you can easily escape the heat and enjoy a memorable vacation. Whether you love adventure, peace, scenic landscapes, or cultural heritage, these places have something for everyone.
Plan your trip now and explore the best of India this summer! ✨