Summer is the best time to relax and enjoy the time you have with your loved ones. As the heat and the stress in city life rises, it’s only fair to get away from all this hustle and take a trip to a place where you can re-energise and enjoy the happy moments in your life. But if you’re confused about where to go, we’ve got you!
Summer Holiday Destinations
Here are six must-visit cities in India where you can enjoy the sun and spend some quality time exploring with your family.
- Shimla
- Rishikesh
- Andaman and Nicobar
- Ladakh
- Darjeeling
- Goa
MORE: 15 Life-Changing Adventure Trips You Must Go On
READ: Looking For An Exotic Vacation Destination?
Shimla
The Queen of The Hills, Shimla is one of the most scenic hill stations in India. Residing in the hills of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is a perfect destination for anyone who wants to spend their summer in the hills.
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Best Time To Visit
The most ideal time to visit Shimla is from May to July if you want to enjoy pleasant weather with some beautifully clear skies. If you love to see some snow-clad mountains, the end of December to early February is the perfect time to enjoy the snow.
Things To Do
- Trek in the scenic woods of Chail and Kufri.
- Spend the day at the iconic Mall Road and indulge in some local shopping, sightseeing, and enjoying a fresh pint at the local breweries with the beautiful hills in the backdrop.
- White water rafting at Tattapani is for anyone who loves a little bit of adventure.
- Visit the Chail Palace, which was previously occupied by the Maharaja of Patiala and is now a heritage hotel.
- Explore the brilliant British architecture of the Viceregal Lodge and Christ Church.
Hotels To Stay
Welcome Hotel Shimla
Address: Shoghi Bypass, Beolia, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171009
The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla
Address: Chaura Maidan Rd, Nabha, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171004
Taj Theog Resort & Spa, Shimla
Address: Tehsil, Taj Theog Resort & Spa Shimla, Theog, Himachal Pradesh 171201
Wildflower Hall, An Oberoi Resort, Shimla
Address: Charabra, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171012
Welcome Hotel, Chail
Address: Bhalawag Forest, Kandaghat-Chail-Kufri Rd, near Janedghat, Himachal Pradesh 173217
How To Reach
By Air: The closest airport to Shimla is the Chandigarh Airport, from there you will have to take a bus or a car to reach Shimla, which is about 120 km. The journey by road will take you about three to four hours.
By Train: Kalka train station in Haryana is the closest to Shimla, from where you can take the toy train, the Shivalik Deluxe Express, which takes you through a beautifully scenic route.
By Road: Shimla is well connected via multiple road routes. If you want to take a road trip, it is highly suggested that your start your journey from Delhi—it takes six hours from there.
Rishikesh
A place where spirituality meets adventure, Rishikesh is for anyone who is on a journey to discover themselves, spiritually and through life-changing adventures. With mouth-watering street food delicacies to indulge in, we guarantee that Rishikesh will soon be your favourite getaway destination.
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Best Time To Visit
March to June is the best time to visit Rishikesh as it is the ideal season that favours all of the adventurous activities and the weather is also quite pleasant with some warm sunny days in hand.
Things To Do
- Visit ancient historic temples in the main city of Rishikesh and learn about Ayurveda.
- If you love to do Yoga, there are many camps and sessions where you can practice and learn all about the ancient form.
- One of the most popular activities to do in Rishikesh is river rafting in the Ganga. The best part is, you can also camp by the banks of the river, living your best adventurous life.
- Fly across the mountains with fox-flying in Rishikesh.
- The iconic Beatles Ashram is a must-visit! This is where The Beatles visited in the ‘60s and ended up creating one of their most creative and soulful albums, which was highly inspired by their trip.
- The infamous Ganga Aarti is an absolute vision, you can see the banks of the river lit with diyas and there is an air of spirituality.
Hotels To Stay
Taj Rishikesh Resort
Address: Singthali, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249192
The Roseate Ganges Rishikesh
Address: Timli Kalthri, Rishikesh, Distt, Badrinath Rd, Shivpuri, Uttarakhand 249192
Raga on the Ganges
Address: 35th Milestone, Village Singthali, Post Byasi, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249192
How To Reach
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the closest to Rishikesh at a distance of 21 km. You can take a private vehicle or a public cab from here to reach your destination. Jolly Grant Airport is well connected with Delhi Airport and has daily flights.
By Train: Rishikesh has a well-connected railway station making it perfect for people across the country to reach via train.
By Road: Multiple buses and taxis are easily available from Delhi that can reach Rishikesh in about four to five hours.
Andaman and Nicobar
Need to get away from the city life and enjoy some time on a serene island with no one to bother you? We’ve got you! With the deep blue sea and sandy beaches, Andaman and Nicobar is the perfect destination for a relaxing holiday. With beautiful ocean views and tropical rainforests, the islands in the Bay of Bengal are literally heaven on earth.
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Best Time To Visit
October to late May because the weather is pleasant and perfect for water sports. It is best to avoid going from July to September since the monsoons bring in high tide and strong winds with the rain, making it really unsafe.
Things To Do
- Discover the beautiful sea with some fun water activities such as snorkelling, sea walking, and scuba diving.
- Enjoy a completely different side of the islands with an exciting trek into the rainforest, while also spotting some unique birds.
- Visit Port Blair, the capital city of Andaman and Nicobar, and walk through cellular jail and indigenous museums that teach you about the history and the culture of the people of the island.
- Go island-hopping on Havelock Island, and Neil Island and enjoy some alone time with crabs and fishes.
Hotels To Stay
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans
Address: Radha Nagar Beach Number 7, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744211
Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Port Blair
Address: Marine Hill, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744101
The Barefoot At Havelock
Address: Beach N0. 7, Radhanagar Village Havelock Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744211
Munjoh Island House
Address: Sippighat, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744105
How To Reach
By Air: Since the island is quite remote, some flights are available from a few selected airports. There are also sea cruises that will take you to the specific island that you want to go to from Port Blair.
Ladakh
One of the most beautiful places in India, Ladakh is rich in scenic views and culture. With rugged landscapes and stunning Tibetan monasteries, Ladakh should be on everyone’s bucket list. The kind of serene views that one can see in this union territory are unlike anything you will ever see in the world.
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Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Ladakh has to be in the summer from April to July since the temperature is between 15 to 30 degrees Celsius, offering pleasant summer weather. Since the temperature tends to drop after July, it is highly advisable to avoid going during te colder months since the area is prone to landslides and major snow storms.
Things To Do
- Explore the capital, Leh, and its iconic attractions, Leh Palace and Shanti Stupa.
- Make sure to visit their historic monasteries, which are famous across the world.
- Drive up to the highest motorable road, Khardung-La Pass, which is famously known as the gateway to the Nubra and Shyok Valleys. Don’t forget to take some memorable pictures at the top!
- Visit the iconic Pangong Tso Lake which is known for its stunning gradient blue waters, which we share with our neighbouring country, China.
- If you are up for some adventure, go river rafting on the chilly Indus river.
- You must also take a ride on the double-humped Bactrian camel in the Nubra valley.
Hotels To Stay
The Grand Dragon, Leh
Address: P. Namgyal Road Sheynam, Union Territory of Ladkah, Ladakh 194101
The Indus Valley, Leh
Address: Library Rd, Leh, Ladakh 194101
Stone Hedge Ladakh
Address: Hunder, Jammu and Kashmir 194101
How To Reach
By Air: There are many direct as well as connecting flights that go to Ladakh’s local airport, Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh. If your city doesn’t have direct flights, you can opt for a layover in Delhi and then catch a connecting flight from there to Leh.
By Road: Many people enjoy taking the road when it comes to travelling to Ladakh. But if you don’t want to be on the road for many hours, you can drive down from Manali or Srinagar.
Darjeeling
With the beautiful luscious green hills filled with tea plantations, Darjeeling is the perfect summer getaway for anyone who wants to spend some serene time in the lap of nature. If your downtime includes trekking and catching the beautiful sunrise among the green plantations, Darjeeling might just become your new favourite holiday destination.
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Best Time To Visit
To enjoy Darjeeling in all its glory, you should visit between April and June. The weather will be pleasant and you can enjoy the lush greens to the fullest.
Things To Do
- Take the toy train. You’ll feel like you’re in a Bollywood movie as you go through hills and pass by some beautiful views.
- If you are a tea lover, you need to visit the Happy Valley Tea Estate and see how they make tea first-hand.
- Visit the beautiful Yiga Choeling Monastery, which was built in 1909, for its stunning Buddha sculptures and art.
- Trek to the Peace Pagoda point at Charlemont Hill.
- Indulge in a local shopping spree at Mall Road.
Hotels To Stay
Taj Chia Kutir Resort & Spa
Address: Kurseong, West Bengal 734217
The Elgin, Darjeeling
Address: 18, HD Lama Rd, Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101
How To Reach:
By Air: The closest airport to Darjeeling is the Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri, which can be reached by a direct flight via Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati. From the airport, it will take you around three hours to reach Darjeeling.
By Train: The New Jalpaiguri train station is the closest to Darjeeling, which also happens to be well connected to many major cities in the country. Once you have reached the station, you can take a cab and reach your destination in about three hours.
Goa
The ultimate party destination in India, Goa is the one city you know you will have guaranteed fun, wherever you go. Perfect for anyone who loves to relax by the beach during the day and have a good time partying at night, Goa is the full package destination.
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Best Time To Visit
If you are up for summer fun, the best time to visit the party capital of India is anywhere between March to late May. But if you want to relax and enjoy the pleasant weather, we would highly recommend you visit Goa anytime between mid-November to late February.
Things To Do
- Shop at the Anjuna Flea Market.
- Try out the water sports on Baga Beach, Anjuna, or Candolim beach.
- Visit the iconic Basilica of Bom Jesus church and the Se Cathedral and admire the art and architecture of the 17th century.
- Artjuna Cafe is an absolute must for anyone who wants to enjoy a good Sunday brunch under the sun.
- If you are craving the best burger you have ever eaten, The Burger Factory is a must-visit.
- A Goa trip is almost impossible without a visit to the iconic Thalassa, a beach-facing restaurant where you can enjoy the sunset and end the night with some groovy beats.
Hotels To Stay
Grand Hyatt Goa
Address: P.O Goa University, Road, Bambolim, Goa 403206
Alila Diwa Goa
Address: 48/10, Adao Waddo, Majorda, Goa 403713
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa
Address: Calwaddo, Benaulim, Goa 403716
Taj Fort Aguada Resort
Address: Beach Sinquerim, Candolim, Goa 403515
Hard Rock Hotel Goa
Address: 370, 14, Porba Vaddo, near KFC, Calangute, Goa 403516
The Westin Goa
Address: Survey No 204/1 Sub Division 1, Dmello Vaddo, Anjuna, Goa 403509
Hilton Goa Resort
Address: Pilerne - Candolim Rd, Saipem, Candolim, Goa 403515
How To Reach
By Air: Goa International Airport is well connected around the country with multiple daily flights coming in from many cities. You can easily take a cab or rent a private car outside of the airport for your entire stay.
By Train: Goa has two major train stations, Vasco da Gama and Margao, which are located in the southern region of Goa. You can easily take a cab as well as rent a private vehicle to reach your hotel or guest house.
By Road: The ultimate road trip destination, you can get on the road from Mumbai by taking the NH4 which takes you via the scenic route. Get ready to see forts, lakes, temples, and even wildlife sanctuaries on your way.
FAQ
Q1. Are these cities safe for families and women travellers?
A: Yes, they are. While it is always important to stay alert when you are travelling alone, these cities are relatively safer for families and women.
Q2. Can these cities be visited throughout the year?
A: Some cities due to their climatic conditions cannot be visited during a certain time of the year since they won’t be safe and you won’t be able to enjoy your holiday to the fullest.
