Published Date: March 28, 2024
In India, hill stations are one of the most favorite go-to holiday destinations for everyone, irrespective of the season. With the dog days of summer progressing, tourists have no choice other than flocking to nearby hill stations. However, you’ve got to realize that this is an opportunity to explore other hill stations in India that you haven’t visited so far. This blog post curates the best choices for summer holidays this year and helps you find your favorite spot.
Summer vacation ideas for families
There are countless family-friendly touring spots in India, with highlands and alpines surrounding them. Some have higher footfalls, and some are off-beat. Some are high in altitudes, some are lowlands. Some are adventure-oriented, and some are relaxation spots. Some are expensive, and some are economical. So, you can choose the summer touring destination that matches the needs and desires of your family—budget, cuisine preferences, number of passengers, etc.
Best Places To Visit In India In Summer 2024
Manali, Darjeeling, Shimla, Lonavala, Kashmir, Meghalaya, Coonoor, Ladakh, Shimoga, Ooty, Gangtok, Kasol, Khandala, Munnar, Nainital, Pelling, Wayanad, Mahabaleshwar, Kurseong, Tawang, Kodaikanal, and Saputara are some of the best hill stations to travel to in the summer with your family. A few of them are briefed here.
In North India
- Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Widely known as the “Queen of Himachal,” it is a place of paradise with pine forests, freshwater rivers, landscapes, an open valley, and snow-capped mounts.
- Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Previously called the “Summer Capital of British India,” it has a lot of things to do and admire when you visit with your family—colonial architecture, toy trains, museums, sightseeing and panorama views, wildlife sanctuaries, etc. Indeed, it is one of the country’s most-liked and visited summer vacation destinations.
- Leh, Ladakh
It is located on the banks of the Indus River and is mostly covered by mountainous landscapes. Lately, this place has received higher footfalls from domestic travelers.
- Jammu and Kashmir
This tourist destination combines the beauty and charm of the Great Himalayas and the Pir Panjal Range. Srinagar and Gulmarg are the two famous tourist spots you cannot miss for two reasons—the skiing and the world’s highest golf course.
Explore the best curated North India Tour Packages >>>
In South India
- Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
The word kodai+kanal means “Gift of the forest.” As the name implies, this place had shola forests natively. However, during British rule, these were replaced with pine forests. You must visit Guna caves, the lake, and the three-thousand-year-old ‘Kuzhanthai Velappar temple’.
- Ooty or Udhagamandalam, Tamil Nadu
It is referred to as the “Queen of Hill Stations” in India. Do not miss the summer vacation spots, like the botanical and rose gardens, the toy train experience, boating in the lake, Doddabetta Peak, and the Pykara River.
- Munnar, Kerala
Housed in the magnificent Western Ghats range, it is a must-visit holiday destination to visit with family when it comes to South India. Enjoy the virgin forests, gushing waterfalls, hills, scenic viewpoints, and stunning tea plantations in this destination.
In East India
- Darjeeling, West Bengal
Popularly called the “Queen of the Himalayas,” it is located in the Eastern Himalayas between the two rivers—the Mechi and Teesta. You can enjoy spotting animals in the zoo and admire the majestic tea plantations here.
- Shillong, Meghalaya
Elephant Falls, Don Bosco Center for Indigenous Cultures, Sweet Falls, Ward’s Lake, Capt. Williamson Sangma State Museum and Motphran are some major attractions here. Hence, it is considered one of the most unique summer vacation destinations for families in India.
In West India
- Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
This plateau is housed in the Sahyadri range of the long Western Ghats. The specialty of this plateau is that it is surrounded by valleys on all sides and gives the best viewpoints.
- Lonavala, Maharashtra
This hill station, along with Khandala, is called the “Twin Hill Stations.” The tourist places to visit here are Tiger’s Leap, Valvan Dam, Lonavala Lake, Rajmachi Fort and Point, Karla Caves, etc.
Offbeat Summer Vacation Destinations for Families
Here is a special list of summer tourist spots that are off-beat and untapped. If you’re an explorer, you can consider choosing any one of these for your summer holiday this year.
- Vagamon, Kerala
If you’re looking for a place with lots of activities and mild, warm weather, Vagamon should be your destination. You can enjoy cycling, paragliding, rock climbing, trekking, etc.
- Cherrapunji, Meghalaya
It is a place known for receiving rainfall throughout the year. So, visiting this place in the summer can be pleasant with mild rainfall and cool weather.
- Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Housed in the Great Himalayas, this place has pleasant weather during the summer months. Trekking aspirants can try this to unveil the beauty of snow-melting mountains.
Personalize your itinerary for this year’s summer vacation with the best travel agency in India!