You’ll find very few people who’ll confess their love for Indian summer. With scorching heat, long days, sweat, mosquitoes, and whatnot – there’s a lot to complain about this season. But summertime also offers some of the most remarkable getaways in India. Think lush green valleys, sunny skies with clear views of the mountains, or jungles full of wildlife. So, if you are one of those people who are always on the lookout to escape in this season, we’ve got you covered with a list of the 11 best places to visit in summer in India.
This list has been handpicked to include the best summer tourist spots across the country – from East to West and North to South – offering you a mixed bag of places that are known for tourism as well as hidden spots that remain off the radar.
So, book a bus, train, or flight and get ready to explore with IamNavigato.
11 Best Places to Visit in Summer in India
People might flock to the hill stations as soon as summer hits the calendar. But our list of places to visit in summer will surely spark new ideas for travel destinations as well as bring to mind some old ones on your bucket list.
| Sr. No. | 11 Best Places to Visit in Summer in India | Best Time To Visit |
| 1 | Manali | March to June |
| 2 | Gangtok | March to June |
| 3 | Ooty | March to June |
| 4 | Shimla | March to June |
| 5 | Darjeeling | March to May |
| 6 | Munnar | October to February (but summertime is also pleasant) |
| 7 | Rishikesh | March to May and September to November. |
| 8 | Leh | May to September |
| 9 | Dalhousie & Chamba | April to June |
| 10 | Mahabaleshwar | March to June |
| 11 | Pachmarhi | October to February |
1. Manali
Let’s start the list with a well-known destination. Anyone who lives in Northern India, has once in their lifetime gone or dreamt of going to Manali. According to the Ministry of Tourism, Himachal Pradesh saw a record tourist footfall in 2024 with 83,000 foreigners and 1.80 crore domestic visitors traveling to the state. And since Manali is the most popular place in Himachal Pradesh, it is extremely likely that a good chunk of this footfall went to this beautiful hill station.
But don’t let that discourage you, Manali is the most popular place to visit in summer in India for a reason. Pleasant temperatures, beautiful views, and many engaging spots make it a famous spot for summertime escape. You can even explore nearby places in this town, like Lahaul, Kasol, Tirthan Valley, and more. So, if you are planning a visit to the North of India this summer, Manali definitely deserves a stop-by.
State: Himachal Pradesh
Places to See: Hadimba Temple, Solang Valley, Old Manali Cafes, Rohtang Pass, and more.
2. Gangtok
Often overlooked by the locals and foreign tourists alike, this summer tourist place in India is nothing short of paradise in summer. Imagine just the right amount of temperature in the afternoon and cold breezy winds cooling late evenings, nights, and mornings. Summer offers the perfect time to visit the bustling markets and calming monasteries of this beautiful city. You can easily taste local foods (like gyakho and pork ribs), stroll around parks, or explore nearby pristine lakes while barely breaking a sweat.
State: Sikkim
Places to See: Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La Pass, MG Road, Rumtek Monastery, Enchey Monastery, and more.
3. Ooty
While North and North-East India has its own charm in summer, South India’s summer spots are magical and one of them is the iconic Ooty. Dotted with serene Hindu temples, beautiful gardens, captivating tea plantations, and charming Raj-era bungalows, there’s a reason why people call this place the “Queen of Hills”. And in summer this hill station unveils its true allure, with pleasant weather, lush green plantations, and blooming flowers.
Ooty also hosts its annual Ooty Summer Festival in May which includes attractions like flower shows, spice shows, fruit shows, rose shows, and more. So, if you’re planning to go down to the South of India to escape the summer heat, Ooty can be one of the best summer tourist places in India. But remember to carry an umbrella as you may see occasional rain in this season.
State: Tamil Nadu
Places to See: Government Botanical Garden, Ooty Lake, Pine Forest, Deer Park, Avalanche Lake, Doddabetta, St Stephen’s Church, and more
4. Shimla
There’s a reason why Himachal keeps popping up on our list. This is because this beautiful state holds some of the best places to visit in summer in India with Shimla being a popular option. Offering a glimpse of the colonial past of the country, you can find stunning buildings with evocative architecture, ancient mandirs, and markets that are a kilometer long. Though it might get a bit warm in the sun during afternoons, nothing beats eating an ice cream on the ridge while sitting in the shade with the view of the mighty Shivalik range in front of you.
State: Himachal Pradesh
Places to See: Jakhu Temple, Christ Church, Viceregal Lodge, Kali Bari Temple, The Ridge, Mall Road, Gaiety Theatre, and more.
5. Darjeeling
Just on the outskirts of West Bengal lies one of the best places to visit in summer in East India. Rightfully called, the ‘Queen of Himalayas’, Darjeeling is nothing short of majestic, especially during summer days. This small town in the lap of the Himalayan mountains has served as a summer capital for the Britishers in the past, and if you had a chance to visit it, you’ll understand why it is so favored.
Right after getting off your ride, the first thing that this place greets you with is the view of the majestic peaks of Khangchendzonga (or Kanchenjunga). Secondary to that, you get to explore Buddhist monasteries, see colonial-era architecture and tea plantations, and take a ride on the heritage 140-year-old Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. There are also winding bazaars bustling with an array of Himalayan products. But amid all this activity, don’t forget to taste the famous Darjeeling tea.
State: West Bengal
Places to See: Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Peace Pagoda, Observatory Hill, Happy Valley Tea Estate, Chowrasta, and more.
6. Munnar
Situated in ‘God’s Own Country’, this summer paradise offers sprawling tea plantations, lush forests, interesting museums, but most importantly cool climate even in the peak summer. This season can be the peak of tourism in Munnar but if you want to relax and get away from the crowd, you can stay just a few kilometers out from the main hub and experience what this place has to truly offer.
State: Kerala
Places to See: Mattupetty Dam and Lake, Eravikulam National Park, Tea Gardens, Top Station, and more.
7. Rishikesh
India’s yoga hub, Rishikesh, also provides an escape from the summer heat. Here, peace-seekers and thrill-seekers alike flock to the banks of the Ganga. You can do various things in this happening city from meditating on the banks and watching Ganga Aarti to white-water rafting and trekking through lush forests. This summer tourist place in India has a little something for everyone.
State: Uttarakhand
Places to See: Laxman Jhula, Triveni Ghat, The Beatles Ashram, and more.
8. Leh
If you’ve ever dreamed of snow-capped mountains, stunning blue skies, and vast desert landscapes all in one place, Leh, Ladakh is your dream place to visit in summer. Known for its breathtaking beauty and rugged terrain, Ladakh is a paradise for adventure lovers. You can take a bike trip across high-altitude passes like Khardung La, go river rafting in the Zanskar River, or simply marvel at the beauty of Pangong Lake.
And if you’re into culture, you can visit the amazing monasteries like Thiksey and Hemis. The best part? In summer, the temperatures are cool and perfect for exploring without freezing your toes off.
State: Ladakh
Places to See: Leh Palace, Magnetic Hill, Hemis National Park, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Shanti Stupa, and more.
9. Dalhousie & Chamba
Planning a relaxing vacation to a hill station to escape the summer heat? Dalhousie and Chamba in Himachal Pradesh offer the perfect combo of scenic beauty and tranquility. Dalhousie is full of colonial-era charm with its beautiful churches and pine-covered hills, while Chamba is all about lush valleys and ancient temples.
Take peaceful walks through the town, visit the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary for a short trek, or just enjoy the cool mountain breeze with a hot cup of tea. And don’t forget to check out Khajjiar, often called the “Mini Switzerland of India” for its sprawling meadows and forest views.
State: Himachal Pradesh
Places to See: Dainkund Peak, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, St Francis Church, Chamera Lake, St. John’s Church, Champavati Temple, and more.
10. Mahabaleshwar
Head to Mahabaleshwar if you are craving some fresh air and strawberries. This hill station is nestled in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra and is known for its cool climate, jaw-dropping views, and endless greenery.
And of course, don’t miss out on the strawberry farms! Mahabaleshwar is famous for its juicy strawberries, and you can munch on them fresh, or grab some delicious strawberry cream from local stalls. This is among the best summer tourist places in India if you find yourself caught up in the summer humid heat of Central India.
State: Maharashtra
Places to See: Elphinstone Point, Mahabaleshwar Temple, Venna Lake, Pratapgad Fort, and more.
11. Pachmarhi
This gem, tucked away in Madhya Pradesh is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It’s packed with greenery, waterfalls, and cool caves to explore. One of the coolest things to see here is Bee Falls, a stunning waterfall where you can even take a dip.
If you love history and adventure, you can explore ancient Buddhist caves and rock paintings that are over a thousand years old. You can trek, take nature walks, and relax amidst some of the most beautiful landscapes. Pachmarhi is one of the best places to visit in summer in India for families, nature lovers, or anyone looking for a peaceful escape.
State: Madhya Pradesh
Places to See: Jatashankar Temple, Shri Panch Pandav Caves, Bee Falls, and more.
Bonus: Manas National Park
This one is for all the lovers of wildlife and lush green forests. Manas National Park is the best place to visit in summer in India if you are a big safari buff. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the coolest places in the country (metaphorically) to spot wild animals like tigers, elephants, and the rare golden langur.
This place offers you the perfect opportunity to explore a dense jungle, with the chirping of exotic birds and the occasional sight of a tiger lurking in the bushes. You can go on jeep safaris, explore the Manas River, and even visit tea gardens nearby for a relaxing break. The sanctuary is perfect if you’re looking for a peaceful, nature-filled summer holiday
State: Assam
Places to See Nearby: Manas River and Mathanguri.
Conclusion
Whether you’re in the mood for snowy mountains, peaceful wildlife, or cool hill stations, these 11 spots offer the perfect places to visit in summer in India.
While beaches of India (Andaman & Nicobar especially) might seem charming to you in the summer. We advise you to not go there to save yourself from a tan that won’t come off in ages. Summer in Kerala, Goa, Andaman & Nicobar, or other coastal regions of India bless the tourist with a temperature of 35° C to 40° C, while this may not seem bad it is uncomfortable enough to keep you from making good memories.
On the other hand, you can stick to this list and stay ready for an unforgettable adventure. Happy summer traveling!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the best place to visit during the summer?
A. Hill stations like Manali, Shimla, or Ooty are popular for a cool summer escape with scenic views and pleasant weather.
Q. Which place is best for a 3-day trip in India?
A. You can explore destinations like Rishikesh, Dalhousie, Manali, Shimla, and more for a short 3-day trip with a mix of culture and adventure.
Q. Where is the affordable place to travel in the summer in India?
A. McLeod Ganj and Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh are affordable and offer a peaceful retreat in the summer. Other than that, you can also explore Dalhousie, Chamba, Rishikesh, and Mahabaleshwar for a budget trip.
Q. Which city is cool in India during summer?
A. Cities like Leh, Srinagar, and Gangtok remain cool and pleasant during the summer months.
Q. Which are the best places to visit in summer in India with Family?
A. Destinations like Nainital, Mussoorie, and Darjeeling are family-friendly with lots of activities for all ages.
Q. How can I plan an affordable trip?
A. Choose budget-friendly destinations, travel during the off-season, use public transport, and book accommodation in advance to save on costs.
Also Read:
Best Shopping Markets in Delhi | Treks from Manali | Places To Visit In Kashmir | Places to Visit in North India
