Why India is Great for Summer Trips
In many areas, India gets hot in summer, with temperatures often going above 40°C. The good news is that this varied country has excellent spots where you can beat the heat and have amazing experiences.
This guide looks at India’s top summer spots – from cool Himalayan getaways to breezy beaches. You’ll learn about:
- What weather to expect
- Things you shouldn’t miss at each place
- Places to stay for all budgets
- How to get around
- Useful travel tips
Let’s check out the best places to go this summer Destinations in India!
1. Shimla: The Hill Station Queen
Summer Temperature: 15-28°C (59-82°F)
Shimla, once the summer hub of British India, draws visitors with its pleasant weather and old-world charm.
Why Visit:
- Walk down Mall Road to shop and eat
- Take in mountain scenes from The Ridge
- Check out the Gothic-style Christ Church
- Hop on the UNESCO-listed “Toy Train”
- Climb to Jakhu Temple for sweeping views
Where to Stay:
- Fancy: The Oberoi Cecil, Wildflower Hall
- Mid-priced: Clarke’s Hotel, Hotel Willow Banks
- Cheap: YMCA Shimla, Hotel Combermere
Best Time: April through June for clear skies and comfy temps
Getting There: You can fly to Shimla Airport or drive from Delhi (342km) or Chandigarh (113km) to enjoy the views
2. Darjeeling: Tea Gardens and Mountain Views
Summer Temperature: 11-19°C (52-66°F)
Darjeeling stands out for its tea plantations and breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain.
Why Visit:
- Catch the sunrise over the Himalayas from Tiger Hill
- Take a trip on the UNESCO Heritage “toy train”
- Tour tea estates to learn about and taste their products
- Spot rare animals at the Himalayan Zoological Park
- Check out the spiral railway track at Batasia Loop
Where to Stay:
- Luxury: Mayfair Darjeeling, Windamere Hotel
- Mid-range: The Elgin, Sterling Darjeeling
- Budget: Hotel Dekeling, Hotel Tranquility
Best Time: April to June, before the monsoon rains start
Getting There: Take a flight to Bagdogra Airport (95km) or catch a train to New Jalpaiguri Station (80km)
Pro Tip: “Get your Darjeeling toy train tickets a month —they run out when school’s out for summer!”
3. Manali: Adventure Paradise
Summer Temperature: 10-25°C (50-77°F)
Manali sits in the stunning Beas River Valley, offering natural beauty and exciting activities.
Why Visit:
- See the snow at Rohtang Pass (opens in June)
- Go paragliding in Solang Valley
- Check out the artsy cafes of Old Manali
- Stop by the old wooden Hadimba Temple
- Soak in Vashisht’s natural hot springs
Where to Stay:
- Fancy: The Himalayan, Span Resort & Spa
- Middle-of-the-road: Johnson Lodge & Spa, Apple Country Resort
- Cheap: Dragon Inn, Zostel Manali
Best Time: May to June to access most attractions
How to Get There: Fly to Kullu–Manali Airport (50km) or take an overnight bus from Delhi (550km)
4. Mussoorie: Breathtaking Valley Sights
Summer Temperature: 15-30°C (59-86°F)
People call Mussoorie the “Queen of the Hills.” It gives you amazing views of the Doon Valley.
Why Visit:
- Ride the cable car to Gun Hill for a complete view
- Enjoy a swim at the well-known Kempty Falls
- Check out the highest spot at Lal Tibba
- Stroll on Camel’s Back Road
- Discover the old-growth forest at Cloud End
Where to Stay:
- Luxury: JW Marriott Walnut Grove, Welcomhotel The Savoy
- Mid-range: Fortune Resort Grace, Country Inn & Suites
- Budget: Brentwood Hotel, Hotel Himalaya Castle
Best Time: April to June to see clear mountain views
Getting There: Fly to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport (60km away) or take a train to Dehradun Railway Station (35km away)
Kashmir: Heaven on Earth
5. Srinagar: Lakes and Gardens
Summer Temperature: 15-30°C (59-86°F)
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is renowned for its stunning Dal Lake and Mughal gardens.
Why Visit:
- Live on a houseboat in Dal Lake
- Enjoy a shikara (boat) trip as the sun sets
- Tour the stunning Mughal Gardens
- Check out the Shankaracharya Temple for views of the city
- Watch the floating vegetable market (in the morning)
Places to Stay:
- High-end: The Lalit Grand Palace, Vivanta Dal View
- Middle-range: Fortune Resort Heevan, Mascot Houseboats
- Low-cost: Hotel Paradise, New Lucky Star Houseboats
Ideal Season: April to June, when gardens bloom
How to Get There: Fly straight to Srinagar International Airport
6. Gulmarg: Meadows and Mountains
Summer Temperature: 13-25°C (55-77°F)
A stunning meadow encircled by snow-topped peaks changes into a wildflower haven during summer.
Why Visit:
- Go up in one of the world’s tallest cable cars
- Check out Alpather Lake (it stays frozen even in summer)
- Tee off at one of the highest golf courses on Earth
- Take a look at the Victorian-style St. Mary’s Church
- Trek to Khilanmarg to see Himalayan vistas
Where to Stay:
- Luxury: The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Hotel Highlands Park
- Mid-range: Hotel Gulmarg Regency, Nedou’s Hotel
- Budget: Hotel Alpine Ridge, Hotel Affarwat
Best Time: May to June when skies are clear
Getting There: Fly to Srinagar Airport (56km), then take a scenic drive
Northeast India: Hidden Treasures
7. Gangtok: Clean, Green, and Peaceful
Summer Temperature: 13-22°C (55-72°F)
Sikkim’s capital shows stunning views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, which has a rich Buddhist culture.
Why Visit:
- Go to Nathula Pass on the Indo-China border
- Check out Rumtek Monastery
- Buy things and eat at walker-friendly MG Marg
- Look at the high-up holy Tsomgo Lake
- Take in expansive views from Ganesh Tok
Where to Stay:
- Luxury: Mayfair Spa Resort & Casino, Elgin Nor-Khill
- Mid-range: Summit Namnang Courtyard & Spa, The Royal Plaza
- Budget: Hotel Tibet, Hotel Tashi Delek
Best Time: April to June to see clear mountain views
Getting There: Fly into Bagdogra Airport (124km) or catch a train to New Jalpaiguri (125km)
8. Tawang: Buddhist Heritage and Natural Beauty
Summer Temperature: 10-20°C (50-68°F)
One of the world’s largest Buddhist monasteries, Tawang, is surrounded by stunning scenery.
Why Visit:
- Check out the Tawang Monastery, that’s been around for 400 years
- Go over the beautiful Sela Pass
- Stop by Madhuri Lake (an earthquake made it)
- Look at the impressive Nuranang Falls, which drop 100 meters
- Show your respect at the War Memorial
Where to Stay:
- Fancy: Tawang Resort, Dirang Boutique Cottages
- Mid-priced: Hotel Tashi Gyaltsen, Hotel Mon Palace
- Budget-friendly: Hotel Gayki Khang Zhang, Hotel Yangzom
Best Time to Visit: May to June when the weather’s nice
How to Get There: Fly into Tezpur Airport (320km away), then take a pretty drive
Western Ghats: Green Getaways
9. Munnar: Tea Country
Summer Temperature: 19-30°C (66-86°F)
Munnar boasts endless tea plantations, rolling hills, and a cool climate.
Why Visit:
- Stroll through lush green tea estates
- Look for the rare Nilgiri Tahr in Eravikulam National Park
- Take a boat ride on Mattupetty Dam’s scenic lake
- Take in the Western Ghats views from Top Station
- Discover tea history at the Tea Museum
Where to Stay:
- Luxury: Windermere Estate, The Tall Trees
- Mid-range: Tea County, Munnar Tea Country Resort
- Budget: KTDC Tea County, Hotel Eastend
Best Time: April to May, before the rainy season
Getting There: Take a flight to Cochin International Airport (110km)
10. Coorg: India’s Scotland
Summer Temperature: 15-35°C (59-95°F)
Foggy hills, coffee farms, and a one-of-a-kind culture make Coorg stand out.
Why Visit:
- Check out Abbey Falls, surrounded by coffee farms
- Meet elephants at Dubare Elephant Camp
- Stop by the striking Namdroling Monastery
- Catch the sunset from Raja’s Seat
- Find the start of the River Kaveri at Talakaveri
Where to Stay:
- Luxury: The Tamara Evolve Back (Orange County)
- Mid-range: Club Mahindra Madikeri, Taj Gateway Coorg
- Budget: Hotel Coorg International, Hotel Mayura Valley View
Best Time: April to May before monsoon rains
Getting There: Fly to Mangalore Airport (160km) or Mysore Airport (120km)
Beach Getaways
11. Andaman Islands: Tropical Paradise
Summer Temperature: 24-32°C (75-90°F)
Clean beaches, fantastic coral reefs, and one-of-a-kind colonial history.
Why Visit:
- Unwind on Radhanagar Beach (one of Asia’s finest)
- Check out the historic Cellular Jail
- View coral reefs from glass-bottom boats at North Bay
- Check out the limestone caves on Baratang Island
- Find British ruins, nature has taken over on Ross Island
Places to Stay:
- High-end: Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Barefoot at Havelock
- Mid-priced: Symphony Palms Beach Resort, Shell’s Resort
- Low-cost: Wild Orchid Resort, Emerald Gecko
Best Months: April to June, before the rainy season starts
How to Get There: Fly straight to Port Blair Airport
12. South Goa: Quiet Beaches
Summer Temperature: 25-33°C (77-91°F)
South Goa has fewer visitors than North Goa, with quiet beaches in summer.
Why Visit:
- Unwind on the half-moon Palolem Beach
- Find hidden Butterfly Beach by boat or hike
- Check out the Cabo de Rama Fort with ocean views
- See Dudhsagar Falls (best right after the rainy season starts)
- Walk through fragrant spice farms
Where to Stay:
- Fancy: The Leela Goa, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa
- Middle-priced: Caravela Beach Resort, The Zuri White Sands
- Cheap: Palolem Beach Resort, Cuba Premium Beach Huts
Best Time: April to May for cheaper rates and less crowded
Getting There: Fly to the Goa International Airport in Dabolim
Desert Destinations (Yes, in Summer!)
13. Ladakh: High-Altitude Wonder
Summer Temperature: 5-25°C (41-77°F)
Mountain passes open in summer, making this high-altitude cold desert easy to reach.
Why Visit:
- Check out the beautiful blue Pangong Lake
- Discover Nubra Valley’s dunes
- Stop by Hemis, Ladakh’s biggest monastery
- See the “gravity-defying” Magnetic Hill
- Walk through the nine-story Leh Palace
Where to Stay:
- Luxury: The Grand Dragon, Stok Palace Heritage Hotel
- Mid-range: Hotel Ladakh, Hotel Yarab Tso
- Budget: Zostel Leh, Hotel Omasila
Best Time: June after pass openings but before the tourist surge
Getting There: Fly straight to Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport
14. Mount Abu: Rajasthan’s Only Hill Station
Summer Temperature: 23-33°C (73-91°F)
Mount Abu offers more pleasant summer temperatures than the rest of Rajasthan.
Why Visit:
- Admire the intricate marble carvings at Dilwara Jain Temples
- Take a boat ride on picturesque Nakki Lake
- Hike up Guru Shikhar, the Aravalli Range’s highest peak
- Enjoy breathtaking sunsets from Sunset Point
- Discover the historic Achalgarh Fort
Where to Stay:
- Luxury: The Cama Rajputana Club Resort, Palanpur Palace
- Mid-range: Hotel Hillock, Hotel Mount Regency
- Budget: Hotel Samiralok, Hotel Banjara
Best Time: April to June, when temperatures are lower than in other parts of Rajasthan
Getting There: Catch a train to Abu Road Railway Station (27km) or fly into Udaipur Airport (185km)
Wildlife Experience
15. Corbett National Park: Tiger Territory
Summer Temperature: 20-40°C (68-104°F)
Summer provides the most opportunities to see wildlife as animals gather near water sources.
Why Visit:
- See Royal Bengal Tigers during a safari
- Check out the central Dhikala Zone to view wildlife
- Go to the beautiful Corbett Falls
- Check out the old Garjiya Devi Temple
- Please find out about Jim Corbett at his old home, now a museum
Places to Stay:
- Fancy: Taj Corbett Resort & Spa, Infinity Wilderness
- Middle-of-the-road: Namah Resort Corbett The Baagh
- Cheap: Corbett Machaan Resort, Tiger Camp Resort
When to Go: April to mid-June gives you the best chance to see wildlife
How to Get There: Fly into Pantnagar Airport (80km away) or catch a train to Ramnagar Railway Station (12km away)
Key Tips for Traveling in India During Summer
Health and Safety
- Drink lots of bottled or clean water
- Put on sunscreen, wear hats, and cover up with protective clothes
- Use bug spray in the woods
- Take it slow when you go to high places like Ladakh
- Eat hot, fresh food from places you trust
What to Pack
- Airy light clothes for low areas; warmer stuff for hills
- Comfy shoes for walking
- Your meds and basic first-aid kit
- Camera backup battery, and a plug that works everywhere
- Extra copies of your ID and travel insurance papers
Transportation Tips
- Book trains, flights, and hotels ahead of time (summer is a busy season)
- Look into possible landslides or closed roads in hilly regions
- Look up local transport choices before you get there
- Get needed permits for off-limits areas (Ladakh, Sikkim, Arunachal)
Cultural Tips
- Wear conservative clothes at holy sites
- Honor local ways and beliefs
- Ask first before snapping pics of people or holy places
- Take reusable water bottles to cut down on plastic trash
Create Your Dream Indian Summer Trip
India offers excellent ways to escape the summer heat. Whether you like foggy mountains, stunning beaches, or one-of-a-kind cultural experiences, you’ll find your ideal getaway here.
As you plan your trip, think about:
- The climate you like best
- If you want to experience culture or see natural wonders
- How well you handle lots of tourists
Final destination thoughts
Remember that May-June is when most Indian families travel (school’s out). Book ahead to get good deals and choices!
This guide will help you explore India’s fantastic variety—even when it’s hot in summer.
Are you excited to plan your perfect summer getaway? Tell us your top spot. Then, post your vacation tales with #foldvoiceSummer!
Common Questions About Summer Trips to India
When should I visit India in summer?
The best time to travel to India is in summer, from April to mid-June. This time gives you excellent weather in hill stations, beaches, and other summer spots before rain starts in most of India.
Where’s the most incredible place in India during summer?
Drass in Ladakh is India’s coldest inhabited place, maintaining this status even in summer. Popular tourist spots like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Ladakh boast the lowest summer temperatures between 5-20°C (41-68°F).
Is it safe to travel to India during summer?
Summer travel to India is safe in the places this guide mentions. In warmer areas, take steps to prevent heat-related problems, drink plenty of water, and follow basic travel safety rules.
How can I avoid the summer heat in India?
Pick spots in the mountains, such as Shimla, Darjeeling, or Munnar, where the weather stays cool. Or head to the coast—places like the Andaman Islands have ocean winds that cool things down. Drink lots of water, stay inside when it’s hottest in the afternoon, and dress right for the weather.
Do hill stations get packed in India during summer?
Yes, famous mountain towns like Shimla, Manali, and Mussoorie fill up with people during the hottest months (May-June) when schools let out. To avoid the crowds, you might want to check out less popular spots like Tawang or Gangtok, or plan your trip for April or late June instead.
What should I wear when I travel to hill stations in India in summer?
Bring layers when you go to hill stations. It gets cool in the mornings and evenings (you might need a light jacket), but afternoons are lovely. Pack breathable cotton clothes, comfy shoes for walking, a light coat to keep you dry if it rains, and stuff to protect you from the sun.
What clothes should I pack for summer travel to hill stations in India?
Pack layers for hill stations. Mornings and evenings can be cool (sometimes you’ll need light jackets), while afternoons are pleasant. Bring breathable cotton clothes, comfy walking shoes, a light coat, stuff to keep you dry in the rain, and gear to protect you from the sun.
Do I need permits to visit places like Ladakh and Northeast India?
Yes, some areas need permits:
- Ladakh: You need Inner Line Permits to go to places like Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley
- Sikkim: You need Restricted Area Permits for certain parts
- Arunachal Pradesh: Everyone needs an Inner Line Permit to visit
You can arrange these permits online through your hotel, travel agent, or official government websites.
What’s the best way to travel between destinations in India during summer?
Flights are most convenient for long distances. Trains offer a comfortable and scenic option for many routes. Local taxis are the main transport in hill stations. Ferries link various islands and beaches in coastal areas.
How far in advance should I book accommodations for summer travel in India?
Book at least 2-3 months ahead for popular destinations during peak season (May-June). You should book premium accommodations in places like Shimla, Darjeeling, and the Andaman Islands up to 6 months in advance during summer vacation.
Can you see snow in India when it’s summer?
! Some places, like Rohtang Pass close to Manali and high areas of Ladakh, often have snow even in the summer. Some spots in Kashmir, such as Sonamarg and Gulmarg, also have snowy areas you can visit during the summer.
