Summers are always a time to go out and spend some quality time with your family and friends. It could range anywhere from going on a long vacation to planning a one-day trip. As the summer months are nearing, it is time once again to get away from the madness that this year has been. For some, it’s the beaches that are calling, while others find their solace in the hills. We’ve collected the best summer holiday destinations for you to pick the one that suits you the most.
Destinations To Visit For A Summer Holiday In India
1. Nagarhole National Park & Tiger Reserve, Karnataka
Crowd and heat are two combinations you don’t want to mix. And that’s exactly what you’ll face if you follow the masses and book tickets for Ranthambore National Park. Imagine battling the blistering heat and having people bump into you now and then, or waiting in long lines. Avoid the unnecessary exasperation and flee to Nagarhole National Park instead.
With the second-highest concentration of tigers in India, this reserve down south will assure a smooth-flowing holiday and unobstructed views of the wild cats. The park is named after ‘Nagara’, meaning ‘snake’ and ‘hole’, which stands for streams in Kannada. With the streams snaking their way across the land and through the reserve, the name Nagarhole is quite apt. Nagarhole was converted into a sanctuary in 1955 and now sprawls across 644 sq km.
The park was once a hunting reserve for the Wodeyar dynasty, once rulers of the Mysore kingdom. Today, its royalty has taken on another form: that of the magnificent tigers. October to May is the best time to visit the park, with the tourist numbers dropping slightly post-February. While visiting, the streams might have dried up because of the heat. But, it won’t take away the excitement to venture through a forest on the lookout for a thundering roar or calculating wild eyes. Apart from these striped big cats, you can also find a variety of wildlife here, including elephants, crocodiles, bears, leopards, deer, wild boars, and several birds. The best way to spot the animals is by going on a safari, and the Forest Department conducts 4 of these each day.
The safaris leave from two locations – Nanchhi Gate (Kutta) and Veeranahosalli Gate. Keep in mind that going on a safari doesn’t mean you’ll definitely spot a tiger, since they are notoriously elusive.
Timings For The Safari: 6:00 am to 9:00 am, 6:30 am to 9:30 am, 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, and 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Price For Safari: INR 700 (Indian) and INR 1,200 (Foreigner)
2. Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
For all those who find solace being at a considerable height from sea level, being enveloped by ceaseless mountains and foggy pathways, Coonoor is your perfect summer escapade. It’s the second largest hill station of the Western Ghats, giving you a magnificent view of the tall Nilgiris range.
Every day you spend in Coonoor, sip on the freshest tea harvested from the many tea plantations you’ll come across. You can explore the tea estates yourself and watch the entire process that goes into making the tea you get in the market. To feel nature’s embrace, trek through hills to the very top for rewarding views. One of the best treks that’s not difficult is Lamb’s Rock. If you get too tired, you can set up a picnic and get back all the energy in the quietness.
There are even parks like the Sims Park that come alive with vibrant flowers and the occasional chirping of the birds. Catch a sunset hitting Catherine’s Falls from the peak of Dolphin’s Nose – a memory that’ll be imprinted in your mind forever. The windy peaks and the misty mountains make summer the perfect time to visit Coonoor.
3. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Imagine a small town in Arunachal Pradesh that’s home to some of the most breathtaking scenery. That’s Tawang for you. In a bid to reach more popular destinations like Shimla, Mussoorie, and Dharamshala, the many little treasures of Northeast India lie hidden. Tawang is one such treasure, though it is steadily losing its offbeat status. The journey to Tawang itself is a gorgeous one; you drive on winding roads surrounded by trees and hills. You can also stop by Jang and Jaswantgarh, from where you can see the Nuranang Waterfalls in all their glory.
Tawang itself has plenty to see, the most prominent being the Tawang Monastery, which is the largest in India and the second largest in Asia. It is known as the Tawang Ganden Namgyal Lhatse and was founded in 1680. The monastery is stunning to behold, and the rolling hills that surround it only add to its beauty. There are also several other monasteries dotted around town, each as pretty as the next. Head to the War Memorial that commemorates the lives lost in the Sino-China war, and the Bumla Pass to see the McMahon Line, which separates China and India.
Visiting in the summer months means pleasant weather and clear skies. If you happen to feel like there are too many tourists around, escape the crowds by heading off on trails and hiking through the hills. There are shady pine groves interspersed with a burst of color from the blooming rhododendrons.
4. Vengurla, Maharashtra
You can’t have a summer holiday without a beach, but let’s stop you from running off to Goa. Located a stone’s throw away from Goa, and yet free from all the crowds that plague it, Vengurla should be on your list for an offbeat beach vacation.
Vengurla is sheltered by a ring of green hills and has not one but 5 gorgeous beaches to explore. The waves aren’t too strong or overwhelming either. When you’re done soaking in the fine sands and ceaseless waves, explore the tiny town. Don’t underestimate it; this sleepy town has colonial Portuguese architecture that has lasted through the years. Take a drive to Fort Tiracol, half an hour from Vengurla. Once a defence fort, this 17th-century structure is now a grand heritage hotel. If you want that luxurious treatment and have the budget to spare, definitely book your accommodation here.
How To Reach Vengurla
Goa’s Dabolim Airport is the nearest airport to Vengurla, while Kudal and Kankavli are the nearest train stations. It is also easily accessible by road, lying at one end of the Vengurla – Belgaum state highway. Take the NH 66 to reach your destination.
5. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Spiti Valley has a reputation for being cold throughout the year, making it a tourist favorite destination in the summer. The destination stands between India and Tibet, separating the two lands. That’s why Spiti translates to ‘The Middle Land’. Every road to Spiti will take you on a wondrous journey, with the end destination being a breathtaking sight.
Every nature lover and adrenaline junkie has several options to get their fix. Being so high up and free from any sort of pollution, prepare to witness a sky freckled with twinkling stars in the night. Many who go camping near Chitkul or Chandratal Lake stay up to stargaze. To experience more of Spiti Valley’s tranquillity, you can visit one of the many monasteries that rest there. The Key Monastery is a popular one with the gompa being its most irregular and fascinating feature. Made with low ceilings and narrow passageways, the monastery stands out on a monolithic conical hill.
For something more adventurous that gets your heart all loud and excited, try the Chandratal Trek. It usually starts from Manali and goes on for six days, taking you through vast green meadows, tall conifers, and the majestic Himalayas. By the end of the trek, you can set up camp, light a bonfire, and enjoy Tibetan cuisine.
6. Leh Ladakh
Ladakh is a place that never fails to feel surreal. No matter which direction you look, you’ll always find something beautiful to gaze at. Also known as India’s own moonland, Ladakh is India’s coldest desert, making it an ideal destination for a summer holiday. The journey to Ladakh is filled with picturesque scenery, making it a beautiful one. Before reaching Ladakh, you’ll have to spend two days acclimating in Leh. While you’ll surely be breathless metaphorically looking around you, you don’t want to be breathless literally.
For the two days that you’re in Leh, you can do some relaxed sightseeing and visit the Leh Market that offers everything – from attractive jewelry to clothes to Tibetan goods and spices. Make sure to haggle because the prices can be discounted everywhere if you know how to do it. Another beautiful structure to visit is the Shanti Stupa, which is divided into two storeys and contains relics of Buddha that were consecrated by the 14th Dalai Lama.
Once you’re in Ladakh, you can soak in one of the many beautiful lakes that change colors as the sun rays bathe in them. Pangong Tso, also known as The Hollow Lake, harbours brackish waters and is home to many migratory birds like rare black-necked cranes, Brahmani ducks, and seagulls. Tso Moriri is praised for its crystal clear waters and for having a Buddhist Monastery that’s very close to the lake. If you’re feeling gutsy, you can take a motorbike to Zanskar Valley or Khardung La Pass.
7. Nainital, Uttarakhand
A hill station is always a good idea for a summer holiday, especially if it’s nestled in Uttarakhand. It piqued the attention of the British due to the similarities with the Cumbrian Lake District and now carries remnants of history via the colonial structures that still stand. If you like small, wholesome towns, you can find Pangot, Almora, and Ranikhet near Nainital.
Of course, you must add Naini Lake to your itinerary. It’s a crescent-shaped lake that offers some unbeatable views of sunrise and sunset. You can go boating where you can enjoy floating above the calm waters and sink in the scenery. Do you want to see snow even in the summer? Head to Snow View Point, which lets you peek at the Himalayas. There’s even a huge pair of binoculars installed for a clearer look.
8. Gangtok, Sikkim
Capture the best views of Kanchenjunga from the capital city of Sikkim. On a clear summer day, you’ll see the mighty mountains that are absolutely Instagram-worthy. As you travel through the winding roads, you’ll enjoy prayer flags fluttering now and then in the pleasant winds. In the Tibetan language, Kanchenjunga means ‘five treasures of the high snow’, and to experience this beautifully, you must visit the Hanuman Tok during sunrise.
For those who find shopping to be therapeutic, MG Road is dotted with shops that’ll make you feel better. Or if you find solace and therapy amongst books, visit their bookstores and make your soul happy. And in case the stomach grumbles in hunger, there are many restaurants and pubs to curb your appetite.
Summing Up
Now that you have the names of all the destinations, which one entices you the most? Whichever destination you choose, we assure you that all of them will make your summer holiday a pleasant one, where you won’t have to worry about the heat or crowds.
FAQs
Where Should I Go In Summer?
Heading to destinations that have harsh summers means fewer tourists and better deals since it is their off-season. Ideally, avoid any mainstream tourist attractions and head instead to offbeat locations during summer.
Is It A Good Time To Book A Vacation?
The summer season sees a hike in tourist numbers since many head out for holidays. As a result, you may find expensive rates and locations that are mostly flocked by other travelers.
Which Is The Coolest Place In India During Summer?
The Himalayas are undoubtedly the coolest destinations in India in the summer, with the higher altitudes seeing snow year-round.
Which Hill Station Is Good For A Summer Holiday?
Hill stations enjoy pleasant weather during the summer, which is why people tend to flock to them to escape the heat. As mentioned, head to hill stations that are offbeat, like Kalimpong (West Bengal), Paderu and Horsley Hills (Andhra Pradesh), and Kanatal (Uttarakhand).
Which Is A Romantic Destination For A Summer Holiday?
Any destination can be romantic if you want it! But that being said, Andaman, Coorg, and the secluded beaches of Vengurla can be romantic destinations for a summer holiday.
Is Kerala Good To Visit For A Summer Holiday?
Temperatures in Kerala in the summer hover around 30-35°C, and can sometimes go as high as 40°C. It is still a good destination for a summer holiday if you stay indoors in the afternoons, and continue to enjoy your holiday the rest of the time. The hill stations continue to enjoy pleasant weather.
Is Rajasthan Good To Visit For A Summer Holiday?
Rajasthan faces very hot summers, with temperatures crossing 40°C. If you plan on exploring and doing a lot of sightseeing, we do not recommend visiting Rajasthan in the summer.
