Fed up with the hot weather? Come, let’s together see the best places to visit in India that are known for their beauty in summer.
High-altitude mountains always welcome a respite when the temperature rises.
Here is a list of places in North India ranging from the gigantic Himalayan mountains to the emerald green tea plantation hills that sighs relief during the hot summers.
Manali, Himachal Pradesh
The beautiful city of Manali is situated in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh. In the covet of green mountains and snow-covered ranges, Manali gives a breath of fresh air and a relaxed vacation. In summer, Manali is the best place to visit in India. It also serves as the gateway to the Lahaul and Spiti districts and the city of Leh in Ladakh.
Major Attractions
- Hidimba Devi Temple
- Vashisht Kund (Baths)
- Solang Valley
- Bijli Mahadev Temple
- Atal Tunnel
- Sissu Waterfall
- Jogini Waterfall
- Tibetan Monasteries
- Mall Road
- Club House
- Manu Temple
- Naggar Castle
Places to stay:
- The Himalayan
- Snow Valley Resorts
- Himalayan Heights
- Honeymoon Inn
Nearest Airport: Kullu-Manali Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Joginder Nagar Railway Station
Best Time to visit: December to February
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Situated in the state of Himachal Pradesh of Northern India, Shimla is one of the most famous vacation places in summer. It is said to have been built on top of seven hills. The city beautifully captures Indian magnificence with British elegance. Along with natural beauty, Shimla also has a rich history with Indian independence. This city needs to be on your list of coolest places to visit in India in May and June.
Major Attractions
- Shimla Summer Festival
- Mall Road
- Jakhu Hill
- Lord Hanuman Temple
- Tara Devi Temple
- Viceregal Lodge
Places to stay
- Snow Valley Resorts
- The Oberoi Cecil
- Woodville Palace Hotel Shimla
- Radisson Jass Shimla
Nearest Airport: Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport in Chandigarh
Nearest Railway Station: Kalka Shimla Railway
Best time to Visit: April to June
Auli, Uttrakhand
Auli is the coolest place in India during summer. Being a popular skiing destination, it welcomes travellers from across the globe. The backdrop of green pastures and snow-capped peaks makes it one of the best places to visit in summer.
Major Attractions
- Nanda Devi National Park
- Trishul Peak
- Bird’s eye view
- Bhavishya Badri
- Chenab Lake
- Gorson Bugyal
- Himalayan High Adventures
Places to stay
- The Apple Farm Stay
- Blue Poppy Resort
- The Tattva
- Faraway Cottages
- Panchvati Inn
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun
Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh Railway Station
Best time to visit: Between March and June
Darjeeling, West Bengal
The list of top hill stations is incomplete with Darjeeling. Also known as the Queen of the Hills, it is the best destination for winter vacations because of its rich natural beauty, the Toy Train (UNESCO World Heritage Site), other sightseeing opportunities, and colonial-era architecture.
Attractions of Darjeeling
- Darjeeling Toy Train
- Senchal Lake
- Ghoom Monastery
- Mahakal Temple
- Bhutia Busty Monastery
- Dhirdham Temple
- Mountaineering Institute
- Darjeeling Zoo
- Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri
- Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
- Best time to visit: April to June
Places to stay
- Udaan Nirvana Resort
- Sparrow Nest Homestays
- Pitstop Homestays
- Hotel Seven Seventeen
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri
Best time to visit: April to June
Also read | 7 Must-visit places in India
Gulmarg, Kashmir
Tucked away in the picturesque valley of Kashmir, Gulmarg is no less than a fairytale land. Also known as the Meadow of Flowers, it is one of the best hill stations to visit in India.
It is a popular skiing destination and is also known for one of the longest cable car projects in Asia. Other than skiing or winter adventure sports, one can enjoy trekking and golfing as well.
Attractions of Gulmarg
- Gulmarg Gondola
- Golf Course
- Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve
- Baba Reshi Shrine
- Shark FinKongdori
- Maharani Temple
- St Mary’s Church
- Nearest Railway Station:
- Nearest Airport: Srinagar Airport
Places to Stay
- The Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa
- JKTDC Huts
- Gulmarg Gateway Resort
- The Vintage Gulmarg
Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi Railway Station
Best time to visit: April to June
Nainital, Uttrakhand
Home to the spectacular Lake Naini is situated in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. It is also known as the ‘Lake District’ of India. Primarily, it is an ideal destination for a family.
Well-connected to the major cities in North India, it is a home for all types of tourists. The place offers several activities promising a good time to each member of the family.
Major Attractions
- Naini Lake
- Naina Devi Temple
- Gurney House
- Govind Ballabh Pant ZooTiffin Top
- Astronomical Observatory
- Snow View Point
- Himalayan Botanical
Places to stay
- The Naini Retreat
- Shervani Hilltop Nainital
- The Palace Belvedere
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam Railway Station
Best time to visit: May-June
Shillong, Meghalaya
The capital city of Meghalaya, Shillong has secured a place among the list of top 50 hill stations in India.
With lush green rolling hills, vibrant ambiance, and tranquil settings, the place is considered one of the top tourist destinations.
There are many options for sightseeing in the region. From Shillong Peak to Elephant Falls, the tourist can enjoy whatever he/she likes.
Attractions of Shillong
- Shillong Peak
- Umiam Lake
- Lady Hydari Park
- Elephant Falls
- Ward’s Lake
- Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Culture
- Laitlum Canyons
- Mawphlang
- Spread Eagle Falls
- Diengiei Peak
- Meghalaya State Museum
Places to Stay
- Courtyard Shillong
- The Habitat Shillong
- Hotel Boulevard
- Zostel Shillong
Nearest Railway Station: Guwahati Railway Station
Nearest airport: Barapani Airport
Best time to visit: March to June
Ranikhet, Uttrakhand
Ranikhet is a top hill station in India that was built by the Britishers. It provides a calm atmosphere with the beauty of the topography, flora, and fauna of the Himalayas. The place also serves well for an ideal family outing away from the bustle of cities. It gives a relaxing vibe with its pristine and picturesque settings.
Attractions of Ranikhet
- Jhula Devi Temple
- Chaubatia Orchard
- Mankameshwar Temple
- Haidakhan Babaji Temple
- Binsar Mahadev Temple
- Golf Course
Places to Stay
- Hotel Chevron Rosemount
- Windsor Lodge
- West View Hotel
Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport
Best time to visit: March to July
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