Top 9 Summer Holiday Destinations In India For Perfect Family Vacations
Summer holidays are the one moment in the year when families can take a break from the harsh weather and enjoy a fun trip together. If you are planning a trip now, explore this guide, highlighting the top destinations perfect for summer vacation.
All these places are kids and adult-friendly, safe & enjoyable. Most places feature beautiful views of peaks, freshness of lush greenery and a unique journey of snow-capped mountains, so pack your bags and get ready to experience an amazing holiday with your family.
1. Nainital And Bhimtal Uttarakhand
Nainital, located in Uttarakhand, can be one of the best places for summer vacations because the destination boasts cool temperatures. While Nainital is known for its beautiful lake, Bhimtal is famous for its lush surroundings, and both places are family-friendly to visit.
How To Reach Nainital & Bhimtal
- By Air-
If you plan to go to Nainital by air, land at the nearest airport in Pantnagar, about 60 km from Bhimtal and 70 km from Nainital.
- By Train-
If you plan to visit these places via train, the railway station is 34 km from Nainital and 22 km from Bhimtal.
- By Road-
Road wells connect Nainital and Bhimtal to almost every city located nearby, and their distance from Delhi is about 320 km.
Best Places To Visit Near Nainital & Bhimtal
- Naini Lake – Elegant Mountain Views
- Tiffin Top – Panoramic Landscape Views
- Nainital Zoo – Himalayan Wildlife Spotting
- Bhimtal Lake – Best For A Romantic Walk
- Naukuchiatal – Full Of Adventurous Activities
Best Things To Do In Nainital & Bhimtal
- Boating in Naini Lake
- Exploring The Eco Cave Garden
- Surfing The Ropeway To The Snow View Point
- Best Time To Visit Nainital & Bhimtal
Best Time To Visit Nainital & Bhimtal
The best time to visit Nainital & Bhimtal is between March & June when the temperature here is mild and the weather is quite pleasant. It makes outdoor activities and witnessing the sceneries quite fascinating.
Per Person Average Budget To Visit Nainital & Bhimtal
- Accommodation – ₹3000 – ₹8000 Per Night
- Food – ₹500 – ₹2000 Per Day
- Activities & Transport – ₹1000 – ₹4000 Per Day
2. Shimla And Manali, Himachal Pradesh
The capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla, & hill Station Manali are also the best places to visit in summer, as these are considered India’s most popular summer destinations. Shimla is known for its colonial architecture & ancient heritage, while Manali is known for its lush valley & snow-capped peak.
How To Reach Shimla & Manali
- By Air-
Travellers can land at Chandigarh Airport, located at a distance of 115 km from Shimla, and Bhuntar Airport, which is 50 km from Manali.
- By Rail-
Shimla is also connected to the railways from the Kalka railway station through a toy train, which is quite famous in Shimla, running 6 days a week.
- By Road-
By Road, Shimla and Manali are well connected to the major cities. The distance from Delhi to Shimla is 340 km, while the distance from Delhi to Manali is 530 km.
Best Places To Visit In Shimla & Manali
- Kufri – Full Of Adventurous Activities
- Rohtang Pads – Stunning Snow Capped Views
- Solang Valley – Enjoy Ropeway Rides & Paragliding
- Hadimba Temple – Experience The Peace & Cedar Forest
- The Ridge & Mall Road – Shop, Walk & Try Cafes
- The Rich and Mall Road Shimla
Best Things To Do In Shimla & Manali
- Enjoying Heritage Walk In Shimla
- Experiencing Toy Train In Shimla
- Experiencing Old Café and Local Market Of Manali
Best Time To Visit Manali & Shimla
It is best time to visit Shimla and Manali is in the month of April. However, you can experience pleasant weather and clear skies in the destination till June, enjoying plenty of outdoor activities.
Per Person Average Budget To Visit Shimla & Manali
- Accommodation – ₹2000 – ₹6500 Per Night
- Food – ₹800 – ₹3000 Per Day
- Activities & Transport – ₹3000 – ₹7000 Per Day
3. Leh & Ladakh, Jammu-Kashmir
Leh, Ladakh and Jammu Kashmir are the most beautiful destinations in the northern region of India, where families can plan a vacation during summer. While Leh is famous for ancient architecture & beautiful landscapes, Ladakh is famous for bike riding and solo tours.
How To Reach Leh & Ladakh
- By Air-
To reach Leh & Ladakh by Air, you must land at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, the nearest airport, at approximately 4 km distance.
- By Road-
Leh, Ladakh are well accessible by Road, especially through the Manali – Leh Highway, Shimla – Leh Highway & Shrinagar – Leh Highway.
Best Places To Visit In Leh & Ladakh And Jammu-Kashmir
- Leh Palace – An Ancient Palace Beautiful Viewpoint
- Nubra Valley – Homes Dunes & Bactrian Camels
- Thiksey Monastery – Explore The Tibetan Monastery
- Pangong Lake – Enjoy the high-altitude Surreal Blue Lake
- Shanti Stupa – Architectural Monument
Things To Do In Leh & Ladakh
- Enjoy The Camel Safari
- A Bike Ride To Leh – Ladakh Is A Must
- Visit Ancient Monasteries
Best Time To Visit Leh, Ladakh & Jammu And Kashmir.
Although Leh and Ladakh can also be visited in the summer, most activities are outdoors, therefore, the best time to visit Leh & Ladakh is after June and before September, when the weather remains pleasant.
Per Person Average Budget To Visit Leh & Ladakh
- Accommodation – ₹3000 – ₹8000 Per Night
- Food – ₹900 – ₹1400 Per Day
- Activities & Transport – ₹3500 – ₹6000 Per Day
4. Ooty and Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
If you want to enjoy this summer vacation in South India instead of North, in that case, Ooty and Kodaikanal are the two most popular hill stations in South India that are famous for their stunning landscape and heartwarming climate. Tourists can witness the tea garden, lakes and dense greenery here.
How To Reach Ooty & Kodaikanal?
- By Air-
If you want to visit Ooty and Kodaikanal by air, Coimbatore International Airport is the nearest airport to Ooty, which is 88 km away and 120 km from Kodaikanal.
- By Railway-
To reach Ooty via railway tracks, the nearest railway station is Mettupalayam, which is 40 km from Ooty and Kodai Road Railway Station, which is 80 km from Kodaikanal.
- By Road-
Roads are well connected to both Ooty and Kodaikanal, and you can easily reach them from nearby cities like Bangalore, Coimbatore and Chennai.
Best Places To Visit Near Ooty & Kodaikanal
- Ooty Lake – Enjoy The Majestic Watery Views
- Pillar Rocks – Witness The Natural Rock Formations
- Botanical Garden – Visit Here For Peaceful Vibes
- Doddabetta Park – Enjoy The Highest Panoramic Views
- Kodaikanal Lake – Experience Boating & The Calm View
Best Things To Do In Ooty & Kodaikanal
- Enjoy The Toy Train Ride On Nilgiri Mountain
- Witness The Tea Plantations & Bear Shola Falls
- Have A View Of Pine Forest
Best Time To Visit Ooty & Kodaikanal
To visit Ooty and Kodaikanal, the ideal time is summer, probably the month of March to June, during which, the weather remains quite cool and is suitable for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Per Person Average Budget To Visit Ooty & Kodaikanal
- Accommodation – ₹2000 – ₹5000 Per Night
- Food – ₹500 – ₹1500 Per Day
- Activities & Transport – ₹1000 – ₹4000 Per Day
5. Darjeeling And Kalimpong, West Bengal
Darjeeling, known as the Queen of the Hills and Kalimpong, which offers peaceful hilly vibes, are two of the best places to visit in summer in West Bengal. Darjeeling is famous for its tea gardens & toy train, and Kalimpong for its colonial heritage and & Buddhist monasteries offering insane landscape views.
How To Reach Darjeeling & Kalimpong?
- By Air-
The nearest airport to Darjeeling and Kalimpong is Bagdogra Airport, which is 70 km from Darjeeling and 80 km away from Kalimpong.
- By Train-
There is no railway station in Darjeeling and Kalimpong, so the nearest railway station is Jalpaiguri, 73 km from Darjeeling and 77 km from Kalimpong.
- By Road-
Roads are connected to Darjeeling and Kalimpong, and the nearest cities, like Siliguri, Gangtok and Kolkata, are the main routes to reach here.
Best Places to Visit Near Darjeeling & Kalimpong
- Bastasia Loop – Enjoy The Railway Loop & Garden
- Deolo Hills – Lovely Viewpoint In Kalimpong
- Ghum Monastery – Explore The Oldest Monasteries
- Kalimpong Science Centre – Educational Site
- Tiger Hill – Enjoy The Unforgettable Sunrise View
Best Things To Do In Darjeeling & Kalimpong
- Enjoy The Toy Train In Darjeeling
- Paragliding In Kalimpong Is A Must
- Explore The Flower Markets & Cactus Nurseries
Best Time To Visit Darjeeling & Kalimpong
Situated in hilly areas, Darjeeling and Kalimpong must be visited during the summers, especially from April to June, as, these months feature the best time to visit Darjeeling & Kalimpong with pleasant weather and clear skies.
Per Person Average Budget To Visit Darjeeling & Kalimpong
- Accommodation – ₹2000 – ₹7000 Per Night
- Food – ₹600 – ₹2000 Per Day
- Activities & Transport – ₹3000 – ₹5000 Per Day
6. Gangtok And Shillong, Sikkim
Gangtok & Shillong are Sikkim’s two most famous places to visit during the summer. Shillong, the Scotland of the East and Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, are two of the most charming destinations in North East India. Travelers can enjoy majestic views of the Himalayas & many fun-filled activities.
How To Reach Gangtok & Shillong?
- By Air-
To reach Sikkim and Gangtok by air, you must land at Bagdogra Airport, 124 km from Gangtok and 30 km from Shillong.
- By Train-
You can get down by train at New Jalpaiguri railway station, where you can rent a vehicle for Gangtok and Shillong as this station is 120 km from Gangtok.
- By Road-
Sikkim and Gangtok are well connected by Road, and these places are easily accessible from nearby cities like Siliguri and Guwahati.
Best Places To Visit Gangtok & Shillong
- Elephant Falls – Enjoy The Stunning Waterfall View
- Ward’s Lake – Most Beautiful Artificial Lake
- Tsomgo Lake – Enjoy The View Of A glacial Lake
- Umiam Lake – Enjoy Water Sports Here
- Rumtek Monastery – A Spiritual & Heritage Destination
Best Things To Do In Gangtok & Shillong
- Enjoy The Cable Car In Gangtok.
- Explore Artifacts At MG Road.
- Explore Cafes & Cultural Bliss In Shillong.
Best Time To Visit Shillong & Gangtok
Shillong and Gangtok will be more suitable to visit in summer when the weather remains quite pleasant, climatic conditions gets ideal, and exploring nature would be fun.
Per Person Average Budget To Visit Shillong & Gangtok
- Accommodation – ₹3000 – ₹7000 Per Night
- Food – ₹800 – ₹1800 Per Day
- Activities & Transport – ₹2000 – ₹5000 Per Day
7. Munnar And Thekkady, Kerala
Munnar and Thekkady are two of the most popular destinations in Kerala for summer refreshments, attracting a large amount of tourists in summer. While Munnar is famous for its tea gardens and misty hills, Thekkady is known for its spice plantation, wildlife sanctuary and tranquil backwaters.
How To Reach Munnar & Thekkady?
- By Air-
To reach Munnar and Thekkady by air, you must land at the Nearest Cochin International Airport, about 110 km from Munnar.
- By Train-
The nearest railway stations to Munnar and Thekkady are Aluva and Kottayam railway station, located 110 and 125 km from Munnar.
- By Road-
Both the destinations are easily accessible by Road as they are well connected to the nearby cities, and you will enjoy this mode of transportation.
Best Places To Visit In Munnar & Thekkady
- Mattupetty Dam – Enjoy Boating Here
- Tea Museum – Explore The Methods Of Tea Processing
- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – Go To A Jungle Safari
- Spice Garden – Witness The Aromatic Plantation
- Eravikulam National Park – Witness The Endangered Tahr
Best Things To Do In Munnar & Thekkady
- Explore The Munnar Treehouse.
- Enjoy The Elephant Ride To Thekkady.
- Enjoy A Leisure Walk To Periyar Sanctuary.
Best Time To Visit Munnar & Thekkady
The best times to visit Munnar and Thekkady are March and May, the ideal months for enjoying a refreshing climate and cool weather for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Per Person Average Budget To Visit Munnar & Thekkady
- Accommodation – ₹2000 – ₹5000 Per Night
- Food – ₹400 – ₹1500 Per Day
- Activities & Transport – ₹2000 – ₹4000 Per Day
8. Srinagar And Gulmarg, Kashmir
Srinagar is known as the Paradise of the Earth & Gulmarg is the magical summer destination as both are considered the havens of India’s northernmost destination. Srinagar offers an elegant view of lakes, while Gulmarg, for adventure, is India’s highest golf course.
How To Reach Srinagar & Gulmarg?
- By Air-
Srinagar is easily accessible if you want to reach here by air because the nearby Srinagar Airport offers easy proximity, which is approx. 10 km away from the city centre.
- By Train-
To reach Srinagar and Gulmarg, you must come via Jammu Railway Station, its nearest railway station, about 250 km away.
- By Road-
By Road, both places offer easy proximity connecting to nearby cities, and you can easily reach both of these places by any vehicle.
Best Places To Visit Near Srinagar & Gulmarg
- Mata Vaishnodevi Dham Jammu – Hindu’s Sacred Place
- Dal Lake – Heartwarming Natural Water View
- Pahalgam – Explore The Beautiful Nature Here
- Betaab Valley – Unforgettable Landscape Spot
- Gulmarg Gondola – Ride The Highest Ever Cable Car
Best Things To Do In Srinagar & Gulmarg
- Enjoy The Shikara Rides & House Boats In Srinagar
- Enjoy Skiing & Hiking
- Shop For Rare Kashmiri Handicrafts
Best Time To Visit Srinagar & Gulmarg
To explore these places, you should consider visiting here during the summer months, like April and June; these months boast mild temperatures, and the weather is quite charming, making it best time to visit Sringar & Gulmarg.
Per Person Average Budget To Visit Srinagar & Gulmarg
- Accommodation – ₹3000 – ₹9000 Per Night
- Food – ₹800 – ₹2000 Per Day
- Activities & Transport – ₹3000 – ₹5000 Per Day
9. Mahabaleshwar And Panchgani, Maharashtra
Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani are the crown jewels of the Western Ghats, the two most popular summer destinations in Maharashtra. At the same time, Mahabaleshwar Is famous for its ancient Lord Shiva temple, & lively evergreen forest; Panchgani is known for its strawberry farm.
How To Reach Mahabaleshwar And Panchgani?
- By Air-
If you want to visit Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani by air, in that case, you must land at the nearest Pune airport, which is 120 km away.
- By Train-
To reach Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani by train, you must rent public transport about 70 km from the Wather railway station.
- By Road-
By Road, Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani are well connected to nearby cities and are easily accessible, especially from Mumbai and Pune.
Best Places To Visit Near Mahabaleshwar & Panchgani
- Sydney Point – Enjoy The Sunset View
- Mapro Garden – Most Beautiful Strawberry Garden
- Table Land – Second Largest Mountain Plateau In Asia
- Arthur’s Lake – Enjoy The Vistas From Here
- Venna Lake – Enjoy Boating & Horse Riding
Best Things To Do In Mahabaleshwar & Panchgani
- Give A Try To Locally Grown Strawberries.
- Explore The Cheese & Chocolate Factories
- Enjoy Trekking & Photography
Best Time To Visit Mahabaleshwar & Panchgani
The best time to visit Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani is between March and June, when the destination remains pleasant and dry, ideal for outdoor activities and strawberry picking.
Per Person Average Budget To Visit Mahabaleshwar & Panchgani
- Accommodation – ₹2000 – ₹5000 Per Night
- Food – ₹400 – ₹1300 Per Day
- Activities & Transport – ₹1000 – ₹2000 Per Day
Final Thoughts
India has several heartwarming destinations to plan a vacation with your family in any season. Still, when it comes to summer, this guide mentions nine locations that are cool and offer a wonderful and unforgettable experience. Also, explore the budget, packages & get your trips arranged via NixTour.
