I know it's only January, but for me, it's time to book my summer holidays. I have been to the nearby hill stations and main tourist places like Shimla, Ooty, Agra, Jaipur, Goa, etc. This time I want to go to more than one destination and need to know what the best summer tourist places in India are. I have been to places in India during the winter season and during the months of March and April so going during the summer will be a first for me. I would like to know what places you would suggest for summer tourist places in India. My stay at the destination will purely depend on where I stay, but I am looking forward to staying in one of the tree houses or a villa by the beach.
Hello, @Praneeta, welcome to the forum! (Images from Natataek, Abhinav Nature Conservation and Nisha Khulbe) Overview Summer in India usually begins by the middle of March and continues until the end of May, sometimes, reaching the first week of June. April is the hottest month for the southern and western regions of the country. May is the hottest month for the central and northern regions of the country. The usual getaways to escape the heat during the summer season are hill stations, which can be found mostly in the southern and northern regions of India. For those brave enough to face the heat, usual getaways are wildlife sanctuaries and coastal areas. In this guide, we would highlight the best summer tourist places in India, with varied destination types so you won't need to be stuck in the same rut of holiday destinations. Best Summer Tourist Places in India (Not Your Usual Ones!) Higher altitude equals lower temperature... 1. Pelling (Sikkim) - Onto the laps of the mountains with the hill station of Pelling and you're bound to find it hard to leave the region thereafter. Pelling, located in the western side of Sikkim, has mild summers, with temperatures not exceeding 28°C. The best view of the mountain of Kanchenjunga can be seen from Pelling itself, without having to venture close to the mountain or reaching any view point. Yes, right at the balcony or window of your hotel, provided that it faces the mountain range, you can get a clear and crisp view of the Kanchenjunga. More so during the summer season, when skies are clearer and cloud covers are less. But what else can you do in Pelling, aside from basking in the glorious view of the mountains? There are many attractions around the hill station, both man-made ones and natural ones. Begin by visiting the Pemayangtse Monastery, a 200-year old Buddhist structure with white facade, accented by red and yellow elements. It has three storeys with interesting wall paintings and provides one with a view of the Kanchenjunga range from the top as well. You can also visit the Rabdentse Ruins is also worth visiting, the ruined structures of the royal palace of the Chogyal dynasty of Sikkim. The ruins can be approached through a short trek, taking one through dense forests. Cross over the Singshore Bridge, believed to be the second highest suspension bridge in Asia. The views of the distant mountains coupled with the waterfalls are sure to enamour you. Excursions outside of Pelling are also possible, you can reach the Kanchenjunga Waterfalls. This tall waterfall looks even more majestic during monsoon but has enough water even in summer. You can even try zip lining, an adventure activity, to view the waterfalls from above. Finally, the sacred Khecheopalri Lake should also be included in your itinerary. It is located en route to Yuksom from Pelling, approachable by walking for the last 500 metres. There are no activities here as it is considered holy by both Hindus (As the abode of Goddess Tara) and Buddhists (Where the Guru Padmasambahava preached). Must Visit Attractions - Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse Ruins, Singshore Bridge, Kanchenjunga Waterfalls and Khecheopalri Lake Related Thread - Sikkim Tourism Pemayangtse Monastery in Pelling (Image from Aakash Gautam) 2. Almora (Uttarakhand) - Almora is a lesser known hill station in the state of Uttarakhand. Once the home of the Kumaon dynasty, Almora receives less of the limelight as compared to the nearby hill stations of Nainital, or even Munsiyari. The summers here are mild, with temperatures not exceeding 32°C. Despite being less crowded with tourists, Almora boasts of lively street-side markets that are sure to fascinate the shopaholics. Aside from that, the hill station is also home to a number of religious sites that can enhance your spiritual side. An interesting one is the Chitai Temple, dedicated to the Lord of Justice, Golu Devta. For the devotees, the temple is supposed to grant your wishes with regards to property or legal disputes. The bells in the temple signify the number of the devotees who have had their wishes fulfilled by the Golu Devta. There's also the Kasar Devi Temple, believed to be the place where Swami Vivekananda received enlightenment. The temple is mainly dedicated to Kasar Devi, or Goddess Durga, but climb a bit further and you'll find another shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva as well. Next is the Katarmal Sun Temple, located about 20 kilometres away from Almora. The drive to reach the second sun temple in India can be quite challenging, add to that the last kilometre of trekking to reach the premises proper. All efforts are worth it though since this is one of the few temples dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, locally known as Burhadita. And finally, for the photographers out there, don't miss out on various view points around Almora like the Bright End Corner and Tarikhet, where you can enjoy a clearer view of the Himalayan ranges. Must Visit Attractions - Chitai Temple, Kasar Devi Temple, Katarmal Sun Temple, Bright End Corner and Tarikhet Related Thread - Places to Visit Near Nainital 3. Kotagiri (Tamil Nadu) - How many times have you read about the popular hill stations of Tamil Nadu, mainly Ooty and Coonoor? Other hill stations like Valparai and Kodaikanal sometimes have their fare share of articles about them too. However, it is rare that tourists talk about the beauty of the hill station of Kotagiri, barely 29 kilometres away from the favoured, Ooty. Temperatures during summer here remain around 20°C to 30°C so they're very mild. With the views of nearby shola forests, exquisite tea plantations and encounters with wild animals like Indian bisons, Kotagiri takes you a little bit closer to nature, without any difficulty at all. A must visit here is the Kodanad View Point, where you can have undulating views of the valleys below, along with the various tea estates. Even the pristine Moyar River can be viewed from this point on a clear day. Feeling adventurous? Try trekking to reach the Rangaswamy Peak. The base for the trek can be approached by car or bike, but for the last three kilometres, you need to do that by foot. The thrill of going through lush forests and maybe encountering wild elephants along the way are sure to ignite your adrenaline. At the peak, enjoy the view of the Kanakpura ranges and you can also visit the Rangaswamy Temple located here. A simpler adventure would be to trek around the Longwood Shola Forest of Kotagiri proper. However, you need prior permission from the forest officials for this adventure. Other excursions out of Kotagiri can lead you to the Catherine Waterfalls and Elk Waterfalls, though water levels might not be as full during summer. Must Visit Attractions - Kodanad View Point, Rangaswamy Peak, Rangaswamy Temple, Longwood Shola Forest, Catherine Waterfalls and Elk Waterfalls Related Thread - Unspoilt Scenic Hill Stations in South India (Part 1) - Kotagiri Bountiful wildlife... 4. Kaziranga National Park (Assam) - Summer season usually means the best time for wildlife safaris. It is a common known fact that animals come out of the hiding during these months for some relief from the heat through various watering holes of the wildlife reserve itself. The Kaziranga National Park in Assam is home to about 80% of the one-horned rhinoceros population in the world. It has been designated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site in itself. With its varied topography, consisting of grassland and tropical forests, it is also not uncommon to find other animals residing here. Other endangered species of animals that have made the national park their home are Asiatic water buffalos, barasinghas, royal Bengal tigers and Indian leopards. Even smaller animals like the rare pangolins and golden langurs reside in the national park. The national park has various small beels, formed by flooding which usually occurs during monsoon season in the region. As the Brahmaputra River fills the various areas of these wildlife reserve, these beels are formed that gives the animals some form of watering holes, in a way. The Kaziranga National Park can be divided into three sections: Western, Central and Eastern, but the former two have higher sightings of wild animals, the latter used more of for bird watching. Must Spot Animas - One-Horned Rhinos, Asiatic Water Buffalos, Barasinghas, Royal Bengal Tigers, Indian Leopards, Pangolins and Golden Langurs Related Thread - Kaziranga Travel Guide Kaziranga National Park (Image from Mayank) 5. Dachigam National Park (Jammu & Kashmir) - A lesser known wildlife reserve, located just 22 kilometres away from Srinagar, is the Dachigam National Park. Unlike most national parks, where it's common to find dense forests and grasslands, the Dachigam National Park has varied landscapes. It ranges from green grasslands, to sloping hills, to even barren and rocky outcrops. This gives the wildlife reserve a unique appeal and vibe, truly a must visit for the nature and wildlife lovers. The national park gives a different vibe in summers, filled with various colours, and during winters, covered in snow in higher areas. The national park is the sole home of the Kashmir stag, also known as the hangul, with dwindling numbers of just 160. The reserve also has some caged enclosures, where you can find rehabilitated animals like leopards and Himalayan black bears. Other animals residing in the reserve are Himalayan grey langurs, jackals and Himalayan weasels. You can also go for trout fishing the Dagwan River, located within the national park premises. But in order to access the place, you must acquire a permit or at least contact the forest department of the reserve prior to visiting. It is one of the few wildlife sanctuaries in India that allows nature trailing as well. Must Spot Animas - Kashmir Stag (Hangul), Leopards, Himalayan Black Bears, Himalayan Grey Langurs, Jackals and Himalayan Weasels Related Thread - How Many National Parks Are There in India? 6. Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary (Maharashtra) - Another lesser known wildlife reserve is the Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary. Usually, when you think of wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra, the Pench National Park or Tadoba National Park comes to mind. Don't dismiss visiting this little known wildlife reserve though, because it has the same wildlife and pristine landscapes as the most popular wildlife ventures in the state. Sure, the tiger population here is less, but the variety and number of other wild animals are more, meaning, spotting them might even be easier. Grasslands and mixed dry deciduous forests abound in the national park. Commonly spotted animals here are gaurs, dholes, wild boars, black bears, panthers and jungle cats. Of course, herbivores like sambars, barking deers, chitals and antelopes are also very common. As a bonus, wildlife safari rates here are significantly lower as compared to the previously mentioned national parks in Maharashtra. You can even bring your own vehicle in the national park, provided that you would be hiring a guide. Must Spot Animas - Tiger, Gaurs, Dholes, Wild Boars, Black Bears, Panthers, Jungle Cats, Sambars, Barking Deers, Chitals and Antelopes Related Thread - n/a Long coastlines... 7. Ratnagiri (Maharashtra) - Located on the Konkan coast is the town of Ratnagiri, mostly known as a pilgrimage destination. It does have a number of beaches that one can enjoy taking a dip in during summer season. The most popular beach here is the Ganapatipule Beach, mainly because the Swayambhu Ganpati Temple is located just close to it. There are alternatives to this beach though, especially for the travellers who are tired of the crowds. The Guhagar Beach, with its seven-kilometre coastline, white sandy shores, is a sure winner. The surrounding coconut trees on one side add to the sublime peaceful vibe of the beach. There are ample food stalls, just enough for some options but not too many that it becomes too commercialised. The water is exceptionally clean and the surrounding views are just breathtaking. On the other hand, the unique Bhatye Beach, has soft sandy shores that are a mixture of white and brown sands. The coastline is shorter, about a kilometre long, but the water is quite clean. This is one of the favourite beaches of the locals so it's not unusual to find them spending some time in the area. Last but not the least is the Ganeshgule Beach, located about 18 kilometres away from Ratnagiri proper. This isolated beach has white sands and palm-lined shores. There is little activity and tourists in the beach. The water is a clear blue, where you can even spot some crabs swimming under. There are many more remote beaches in Ratnagiri that would make you love the Konkan coast even more. Must Visit Beaches - Ganapatipule Beach, Guhagar Beach, Bhatye Beach and Ganeshgule Beach Related Thread - 20 Weekend Getaways from Mumbai 8. Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) - Most beach bums reach the western coast of India for beach destinations, like Goa or even Gujarat. The eastern coast gets lesser attention when it comes to beaches, case in point, Visakhapatnam. This lively city in the state of Andhra Pradesh is famed for its temples and more recently, the Borra Caves. What most people don't know is that Visakhapatnam, also known as Vizag, is also home to a number of beaches. The Rama Krishna Beach is probably the most crowded and vibrant beach of the city. While this isn't a suitable beach for swimming, you can enjoy a sunrise or sunset view in here, as well as enjoy local snacks in the numerous food stalls around. Another lively beach is the Rishikonda Beach, though relatively less crowded than that of the former. It has creamy sands that are flanked by rocks on many sides. Just opposite the beach is a hill that provides one with a contrasting view of the sea and the mountain. Yarada Beach is Visakhapatnam's hidden gem, with its white sandy shores and tranquility. Surrounded by hills on three sides, the views are quite stunning. The beach is approachable by a small uphill climb through a hillock and then another downhill climb. However, there are no proper tourist facilities here, plus you need to pay a small entrance fee to access the beach. About 30 kilometres away from the city is the Bheemunipatnam Beach, famed for its shiny black sands. It is more remote hence less frequented by tourists. Other beaches of Vizag that you can visit are the Kondakarla Ava Beach and Gangavaram Beach. Must Visit Beaches - Rama Krishna Beach, Rishikonda Beach, Yarada Beach, Bheemunipatnam Beach, Kondakarla Ava Beach and Gangavaram Beach Related Thread - Best Summer Holiday Destinations in India 9. Kannur (Kerala) - Though a largely developing region, most of the inner villages of Kannur remain far away from the ill-effects of commercialism. An evidence of this is the preserved art of handloom weaving, that many families in the region still rely on as a living means. Kannur captivates the beach bums by providing them with idyllic but many options when it comes to coastal destinations. Did you know that the only drive-in beach in India is located in Kannur? That is the Muzhappilangad Beach, a pristine stretch of white shores, where you can enjoy a scenic drive with your own vehicle. There's also the Payyambalam Beach, which is one of the crowded beaches of the region. Perhaps this has to do with the nature park, located close to the beach, where you would find families with small children enjoying the mini rides. The beach itself is quite nice, with clean water and firm, creamy sands. It is also bustling with activities, filled with many food stalls to satisfy your hunger. Further from the town is the Thottada Beach, which has golden soft sands and shallow waters. It is not developed yet but is a good option for those who want to stay away from the crowds. The water is also shallow for several metres, with calm waves, so swimming can be done. Other beaches of Kannur worth visiting are the Ezhara Beach, Meenkunnu Beach and Ettikulam Beach. Must Visit Beaches - Muzhappilangad Beach, Payyambalam Beach, Thottada Beach, Ezhara Beach, Meenkunnu Beach and Ettikulam Beach Related Thread - Kannur Travel Guide Muzhappilangad Beach in Kannur (Image from Nishant Biswal) Can't complete this list without something offbeat... 10. Dzukou Valley (Nagaland) - This little known trekking trail, located on the border of Nagaland and Manipur, is sure to steal the heart of the nature lovers. Dzukou Valley is located in the state of Nagaland. It can only be reached by trekking, either from the Zakhama Village or the Viswema Village. The trek is equally appealing as the destination, taking you through small streams and lush meadows. After a few hours, six hours at the most, you'd reach the peak. During summer, the entire valley is a riot of colours owing to the presence of lilies, aconites and rhododendrons, interspersed amidst grasslands. All throughout the valley, there are various streams, fed by both the rivers of Dzukou and Japfu, making the valley seem like a huge garden. You can even camp for the night in the valley, embracing the darkness amidst the sparkle of the stars. Little known to many, the Dzukou Valley is sometimes referred to as the Valley of Flowers of the East, in contrast to the famous Valley of Flowers of Uttarakhand. This is less popular though but boasts of more untouched landscapes. Must Do Activities - Trekking and Camping Related Thread - Dzukou Valley Conclusion With your handy sunblock on hand and a few sun gears as well, you're ready to brave the heat of the summer season. These destinations take you away from the main tourist destinations, far from the usual crowds that you'd find in most summer getaways like Shimla, Manali or Goa. Don't worry because these places are every bit as beautiful, if not more, than the aforementioned popular getaways. India is a vast country, that at every point and turn, you're bound to find a destination suitable for your interests and goals. Good luck, enjoy your summer getaway and I hope this helps you!
