Here are the top 10 summer destinations to visit in India, along with
information on how to reach them and their main attractions:
Manali, Himachal Pradesh: Nestled in the beautiful Beas
River Valley, Manali is a popular hill station known for its breathtaking
views, adventure sports, and serene landscapes. It offers a pleasant climate,
making it a perfect summer getaway.
How to reach: Fly to Bhuntar Airport near Kullu or take a bus from
Delhi (12-14 hours).
Attractions: Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Hidimba Devi Temple,
Paragliding, River Rafting.
Leh-Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir:Located in the trans-Himalayan region,
Leh-Ladakh is renowned for its rugged beauty and picturesque landscapes. It is
a haven for adventure enthusiasts, offering activities like trekking, mountain
biking, and river rafting.
How to reach: Fly to Leh Airport or take a bus from Srinagar or Manali
(depending on the season).
Attractions: Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, Magnetic Hill, Khardung La
Pass, Monasteries.
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh:Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is a
charming hill station that retains its colonial-era charm. It boasts beautiful
colonial architecture, lush greenery, and panoramic views of the surrounding
mountains.
How to reach: Fly to Jubbarhatti Airport near Shimla or take a
train/bus from Delhi (8-10 hours).
Attractions: Mall Road, Kufri, The Ridge, Jakhu Temple, Toy Train Ride.
Ooty, Tamil Nadu:Often referred to as the "Queen of Hill
Stations," Ooty is a popular summer retreat in South India. It is known
for its rolling hills, tea plantations, and pleasant weather. The toy train
ride in Ooty is a must-try experience.
How to reach: Fly to Coimbatore Airport and then drive to Ooty or take a
toy train from Mettupalayam.
Attractions: Botanical Gardens, Ooty Lake, Doddabetta Peak, Tea Gardens,
Nilgiri Mountain Railway.
Munnar, Kerala:Located in the Western Ghats, Munnar is famous for its
tea gardens, misty hills, and scenic beauty. It offers a tranquil and
refreshing ambiance, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and
honeymooners.
How to reach: Fly to Cochin International Airport and then drive to
Munnar (3-4 hours).
Attractions: Tea Gardens, Mattupetty Dam, Eravikulam National Park, Echo
Point, Top Station.
Darjeeling, West Bengal:Darjeeling, known for its tea industry, offers
breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, including the majestic
Kanchenjunga. It is also famous for its toy train and is a gateway to several
trekking routes.
How to reach: Fly to Bagdogra Airport and then drive to Darjeeling or
take the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
Attractions: Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Himalayan Mountaineering
Institute, Darjeeling Tea Gardens.
Coorg, Karnataka:Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is a picturesque hill
station in Karnataka. It is known for its coffee plantations, lush green
forests, and stunning waterfalls. Coorg offers a peaceful and rejuvenating
retreat amidst nature.
How to reach: Fly to Mangalore Airport and then drive to Coorg or take a
bus from Bangalore (5-6 hours).
Attractions: Abbey Falls, Dubare Elephant Camp, Talacauvery, Raja's
Seat, Coffee Plantations.
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand:Situated on the banks of the holy Ganges River,
Rishikesh is a renowned spiritual destination and the Yoga capital of the
world. It offers a mix of spirituality, adventure sports, and scenic beauty.
How to reach: Fly to Dehradun Airport and then drive to Rishikesh or
take a train/bus from Delhi (5-6 hours).
Attractions: Laxman Jhula, Parmarth Niketan Ashram, River Rafting,
Beatles Ashram, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.
Puri, Odisha:Puri is a coastal town known for its famous Jagannath
Temple, dedicated to Lord Jagannath. It attracts thousands of devotees and
tourists who come to witness the famous Rath Yatra festival. The pristine Puri
Beach is another major attraction.
How to reach: Fly to Bhubaneswar Airport and then drive to Puri or take
a train/bus from major cities.
Attractions: Jagannath Temple, Puri Beach, Chilika Lake, Konark Sun
Temple, Puri Rath Yatra.
Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra:Mahabaleshwar is a charming hill station
located in the Sahyadri Mountain Range of Maharashtra. Known for its pleasant
climate, lush greenery, and breathtaking views, it is a popular summer
destination for both locals and tourists.
How to reach: The nearest airport is Pune Airport, which is
approximately 120 kilometers away from Mahabaleshwar. From Pune, you can hire a
taxi or take a bus to reach Mahabaleshwar. The journey takes around 2-3 hours.
Alternatively, you can also reach Mahabaleshwar by road from Mumbai, which is
about 250 kilometers away.
Attractions:Wilson Point, Pratapgad Fort, Venna Lake, Lingmala
Waterfall, Mapro Garden.
These destinations offer a variety of experiences and natural beauty that make
them popular choices for summer vacations in India. Remember to check travel
advisories, weather conditions, and local guidelines before planning your trip.