After hearing some of the stories of India from my friend who recently visited, I would also like to visit India. The time that I would be able to go would be only during the summer season from June to September. Apart from doing the regular visit to Delhi, Agra and Jaipur I would also like to go some other destination as well. I would like to know what places to visit in summer in India?
This is the main advantage of this country, that you can travel here in both the seasons. If yu want to travel here in summers, go for North East area. sikkim, Gangtok, assam , meghalaya are the heavens. pleasantly cold and awesomely beautiful
In summers people normally go for hill stations to enjoy the coolness of the weather. I will suggest one of the beautiful hill stations in India and that is Nainital. It is a city in Uttarakhand & Uttarakhand is meant for as a perfect holiday destination which is surrounded by Nature. The well known places to visit in Nainital are Naini Lake, Temples and the natural surroundings with different beautiful species of flora and fauna. I think the time spend in North part of India will be most memorable and peaceful time you will have in the labs of nature.
Hello, @Karla, welcome to the forum! (Images from The Compulsive Traveller, Arijit Chakrabarty, Travelling Slacker and Narender) Overview Summers in the lower lying areas of India can be very hot, especially so in the desert areas of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Many tourists opt to stray away from the summer heat and humidity by reaching any of the numerous hill stations of India. But if you're someone who doesn't mind the heat, the country also has many beach destinations and wildlife reserves that would be perfect getaways during the summer as well. However, keep in mind that summers can reach beyond 40°C at times, especially at the latter two destination types. In hill stations, temperatures are slightly lower, ranging from 25°C to 35°C, depending on the elevation of the hilly region itself. In this guide, we would highlight your best summer destination options when in India. You can choose from a myriad of destinations, so you won't need to restrict yourself to just one type of getaway. Places to Visit in Summer in India For that cooler hill station vibe... 1. Sarahan (Himachal Pradesh) - Sarahan, situated approximately 2,300 metres above sea level, experiences mild summers. Temperatures usually range from 10°C to 28°C during summer season here. Sarahan is around 5 hours away from Shimla and is usually bypassed by tourists, particularly those reaching the Kinnaur district. Sarahan offers quite picturesque views of the Himalayan ranges though and even the journey to get to the hill station passes through thick deodar forests and lush apple orchards. The main attraction of the small hill station is the Bhimakali Temple Complex, located right at the heart of the town. There are two main temples, with the right one being the older and the left one being the newer. The temple complex is unusual in that it blends a mixture of both Hindu, Himachali and Tibetan styles of architecture. The exteriors are mostly wooden with the base made from stone. There are intricate wood works all around, which make the complex even more stunning, as the mountains are pictured on the background as well. This temple is dedicated to the Goddess Durga, regarded as one of the sacred Shakti Peethas, where the ear of the deity has fallen off according to Hindu mythology. Inside the complex, there are also other shrines dedicated to other Hindu deities. Once the home of the Bushahr dynasty, you can find remnants of the old world rule in the hill station as well. One of which is the Shanti Kunj, which was the official residence of the Bushahr kings and their families during their reign here. Unfortunately, the palace isn't open for tourism but you can take a glimpse from the outside. The grounds remain open for visitors and it is carefully maintained so you can enjoy strolling here. A little further away is the Palace of the Crown Prince, yet another off-limits palace to visitors that you can only view from the outside. Both palaces have beautiful wooden structures, with a Tibetan style of architecture. Must Visit Attractions - Bhimakali Temple Complex, Shanti Kunj and Palace of the Crown Prince Related Thread - n/a 2. Mirik (West Bengal) - Mirik is located in the state of West Bengal, close to the western border of the state with Nepal. Summers in Mirik are very mild with temperatures normally not exceeding 30°C. It is about two hours away from the state's popular hill station, Darjeeling. Unlike Darjeeling though, Mirik is less frequented by tourists perhaps this has to do with the smaller size of the hill station. But the truth is, if you want a more relaxing getaway, a place where you can just enjoy the views of the mountains without disruptions, Mirik is the perfect place for that. In addition, it has the Sumendu Lake, a small but scenic lake, with pine trees surrounding it. In the middle of the lake, there's a bridge that you can cross and enjoy photographing the surroundings in. There are also some boating facilities that have pedal boats and motor boats that one can rent for a boat ride amidst the lake. From the lake, you can also visit the nearby Rameetay Dara. This is basically a view point where you can get panoramic views of the valleys below and the distant snow-capped mountains. You can also visit the Bokar Ngedon Chokhor Ling Monastery, located upon a hillock in Mirik. The monastery has very bright exteriors and interiors, which only make it stand out more amidst the snow-capped mountains behind it. It has the typical Tibetan architecture, with its tapered golden roof, spires on top and vibrant red walls. Over 400 monks reside in this monastery, which can be quite captivating to see, especially when they're chanting during prayer times. And finally, on your way home, you can also visit the Simana View Point, where you can enjoy the view of the Indo-Nepal Border. There are many food and beverage stalls here where you can buy some refreshments from. Oh, and don't forget to taste the fresh and authentic tea that Mirik has from any of its numerous tea plantations. Must Visit Attractions - Sumendu Lake, Rameetay Dara, Bokar Ngedon Chokhor Ling Monastery and Simana View Point Related Thread - Mirik Travel Guide Bokar Ngedon Chokhor Ling Monastery in Mirik (Image from Sujay) 3. Kohima (Nagaland) - Kohima in Nagaland is located around 1,400 metres above sea level. Summers here are pleasant, with temperatures usually around 30°C. It is also not unusual for rain showers to occur during the summers here, which only make the surroundings greener and more beautiful. Kohima is also known as the Land of the Warriors, the home of the Angami Naga tribe. Aside from that, it is one of the few regions in India which has a more dominant Christian population than the Hindu population. So what can you explore while in Nagaland? For starters, there's the Kohima War Cemetery, where the remains of the brave Indian, Sikh and British soldiers who fought the invading Japanese army in the region during the 1944 World War II are located. The lower cemetery area has the remains of the British soldiers while at the higher point, you would find the cremation area where the Hindu and Sikh soldiers were cremated. Since the population is predominantly Christian, you can also find various churches in the hill station. Perhaps the most popular of which is the Catholic Church, which is easy to spot because of its unique architectural style. Based off of the traditional Naga-style of architecture, the church has a semi-circular shape, with bright bluish roofing. The interiors also reflect elements of the traditional Naga houses and has ample natural lighting due to the stained-glass ceiling effects. If you want to learn more about the heritage and culture of Nagaland, visit either the Naga Heritage Village or Kisama Heritage Village. Both villages mimic the traditional lifestyle and living of the tribal people of Nagaland, giving one an opportunity to be closer to their life and traditions. Take a tour of the Kohima Museum as well, where you would find various artefacts relating to the tribal people of Nagaland. The displays here vary, from ancient weaponries, traditional agricultural items and musical instruments. Also worth seeing are the head gears that most tribal men wore to show their status in the community. Must Visit Attractions - Kohima War Cemetery, Catholic Church, Naga Heritage Village, Kisama Heritage Village and Kohima Museum Related Thread - Kohima Travel Guide For the splashing of the waves... 4. Ratnagiri (Maharashtra) - A coastal destination in the state of Maharashtra, Ratnagiri boasts of secluded yet beautiful beaches. It isn't as popular yet like Goa but isn't as underdeveloped as other beach destinations. The most popular beach here is the Ganapatipule Beach, close to the famed Ganapatipule Temple of the region. With its white sand shores and vast blue water, the beach attracts the major throngs of tourists yet remains clean and relatively serene. The assortment of food shacks and activities here can also appeal to the foodies and adventure seekers. Water sports like banana boat riding, speed boating and jet skiing can be enjoyed here. If you want a more laid-back vibe, then head on to the Guhagar Beach. It is still vibrant and active but has fewer visitors due to the non availability of nearby resorts. But this is the very reason for the pristine beauty of the beach, the lesser properties have helped preserve its natural beauty. A long coastline of around three kilometres, with a stretch of fine white sands and turquoise waters, it can rival the beaches of southern Goa anytime. Surrounded by suru trees, the Bhatye Beach is another must visit, especially if you love accessible beaches. The long golden coastline accentuated by the jungle area is sure to enamour the beach bums. Other beaches that you can visit in Ratnagiri are Anjarle Beach, Ganeshghule Beach and Kunkeshwar Beach. It's best to stay in or around Ganapatipule though and just make day trips to the other remote beaches of Ratnagiri. Must Visit Attractions - Ganapatipule Beach, Guhagar Beach, Bhatye Beach, Anjarle Beach, Ganeshghule Beach and Kunkeshwar Beach Related Thread - 20 Weekend Getaways from Mumbai Guhagar Beach in Ratnagiri (Image from Ankur P.) 5. Udupi (Karnataka) - Have a particular interest in white sand beaches? Well, who wouldn't really adore such beaches, with their silky soft white sands and clear, blue waters, they're bound to attract even the most snobbish tourists. In the Tulunadu region of Karnataka lies the city of Udupi, where a line of white sand beaches can be found. The busiest beach is of course, the Malpe Beach, located within the city centre. The sands are a mixture of silver and white, which sparkles in daylight. It is very lively with tons of water sports like parasailing, banana boat riding, jet skiing and speed boating. Food stalls and resorts can be found at one end of the beach as well. This is also the ferry point for reaching the famed St. Mary's Island, which is a one-hour boat ride away from the beach. This is one of the few places in the world where geological formations of columnar basaltic lava can be found. These geologic rock formations were formed over 88 million years ago, when India was still a part of Madagascar. The rock formations amidst the clear blue waters look very stunning. However, tourist facilities are very limited on the island. Next is Kapu Beach, which is about 18 kilometres away from Udupi proper. The sands here are of a pure white, with some rocky areas and a big rock where a lighthouse is located. From the lighthouse, you can get a panoramic view of the Arabian sea, the lush green lands and the rocky shores. There is also a small backwater area where you can enjoy the convergence of the river with the sea. Other beaches near Udupi that one can visit are Mattu Beach and Padubidri Beach. Must Visit Attractions - Malpe Beach, St. Mary's Island, Kapu Beach, Mattu Beach and Padubidri Beach Related Thread - Tourist Places in Karnataka for 3 Days 6. Balasore (Odisha) - The city of Balasore experiences quite hot summers but fortunately, there are many beaches around to keep the locals and also the tourists feeling refreshed. The most well-known beach here is the Chandipur Beach, which features a unique phenomenon to it. During low tide, which occurs daily, the sea water recedes up to five kilometres, enabling one to walk further into the sea bed. You can even spot underwater creatures like fishes, crabs, star fishes and sea urchins during the receding of the water. The shores lined with casuarina trees and the serene atmosphere, makes this a perfect beach destination for families and couples alike. Next is the Talasari Beach, which is located a but further away from the city centre. Lines of palm trees can be found on the shores of the beach, hence the name. It also features a unique phenomenon in that the backwater, just in front of the beach, recedes during low tide and can be crossed by foot. But during high tide, you would need to ride a boat to cross the backwater and reach the beach itself. About 60 kilometres away from Balasore is the Dagara Beach, considered as the virgin beach of the region. It is more isolated and tourist infrastructures are less here so make sure you bring your own food and drinks. However, if you love lone beaches still unexploited by the masses, this is the place to be. The sands are a creamy white and the surrounding casuarina trees provide some shades. If you still have time, there's Kharasahapur Beach, about 30 kilometres to the southeastern side of Balasore. This is another pristine but not yet developed beach in the region. It also has white sands and clear blue waters, mostly frequented by those who want to try out jetty fishing. Must Visit Attractions - Chandipur Beach, Talasari Beach, Dagara Beach and Kharasahapur Beach Related Thread - Best Tourist Places in India in May For the love of wildlife... 7. Namdapha National Park (Arunachal Pradesh) - The Namdapha National Park is located in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh. It is one of the largest national parks in the country and is home to four of the big cat species, namely: the clouded leopard, the common leopard, the snow leopard and the royal Bengal tiger. The approach to the national park is via the nearby village of Miao. Beware though as the roads leading to the national park, specifically the forest house, is very patchy and bumpy, preparing you for the rustic way of life you are about to encounter. But then again, for a raw and true jungle experience, nothing beats spending a few nights in the forest house of the Namdapha National Park. You can embark of nature trails, taking bridges crossing over the river and being shaded by dense tropical forests, as if shielding you away from the harsh sun. Spotting animals might be difficult but commonly seen ones are sambars, hoolock gibbons, capped langurs, Assamese macaques and sometimes, elephants. Butterflies are abundant in the national park though, even the rarer species. For Indians, they need to acquire an Inner Line Permit prior to entering the state while for the foreigners, they need to acquire a Protected Area Permit prior to entering the state. This is one of the main reasons why the jungles and wildlife of the Namdapha National Park remains pristine and untouched by commercialisation. Must Spot Animals - Clouded Leopard, Common Leopard, Snow Leopard, Royal Bengal Tiger, Sambars, Hoolock Gibbons, Capped Langurs, Assamese Macaques and Elephants Related Thread - National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in Northeast India in May 8. Mathikettan Shola National Park (Kerala) - Kerala is home to many wildlife reserves, the most popular of which would have to be the Periyar National Park. However, if you want to stay away from the crowds and experience a more authentic jungle experience, head on to the Mathikettan Shola National Park in Poopara, just under an hour away from Munnar. Aside from the bewitching shola forests, the paths around the reserve are quite tricky that it earned the name Mathikettan, which in Tamil, means 'mind confuser.' Don't let that discourage or scare you from visiting the national park though, as the jungles here are very dense and pristine. Home to animal species such as tigers, panthers, elephants, Nilgiri tahrs and flying squirrels, a wildlife safari here can be very thrilling and fun. Further, there are no crowds here, let alone noises that can hinder you from enjoying the wild. You can even enjoy trekking in the very paths where these animals walk in, but it's best to have a guide with you. Must Spot Animals - Royal Bengal Tigers, Panthers, Elephants, Nilgiri Tahrs and Flying Squirrels Related Thread - How Many National Parks Are There in India? 9. Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh) - Ending this section is the largest national park of Madhya Pradesh, the Kanha National Park. The very inspiration for the movie and novel, The Jungle Book, certainly deserves a spot on this list. Though very popular, Kanha National Park never fails to deliver, right from the lush jungles, up to the animal spotting. As of latest estimates, there are about 105 royal Bengal tigers residing in the national park. The forests are dense and lush, from the sal trees, up to the bamboo trees. Interspersed among these are open meadows, small watering holes and small lakes, which provide some nourishment for the other animals as well. There are various zones in the national park but recently, Mukki, Kanha and Kisli zones were praised for having the highest number of tiger sightings. Don't fret even if you don't see the majestic tiger as there are other animals that you can more easily spot here like sloth bears, black panthers, wild boars, jackals, sambars, langurs and hyenas. A more adventurous night safari can also be booked by tourists. Must Spot Animals - Royal Bengal Tigers, Sloth Bears, Black Panthers, Wild Boars, Jackals, Sambars, Langurs and Hyenas Related Thread - Tourist Places in Madhya Pradesh Tiger in Kanha National Park (Image from Kalyan Varma) For your dose of off the beaten track destination... 10. Dras (Jammu and Kashmir) - One of the highest hill stations in India is Dras, located in the Kargil district of Kashmir. Located about 3,280 metres above sea level, summers here are mildly cold, with temperatures not usually exceeding 25°C. Dras is known by several titles, like the Gateway to Ladakh or even the Second Coldest Inhabited Place on Earth. The primary attraction here is the Dras War Memorial, located just en route to Dras. The memorial holds the names of the Indian soldiers who died during the Kargil War of 1999. From the memorial, you can spot the peaks of Tiger Hill and Vikram Batra, the exact places that the Pakistanis tried to conquer and the Indian soldiers bravely fought for. You must also watch the short film here played by the Indian army highlighting the exact events that occurred during the war. Just seven kilometres away from Dras is the Ningoor Masjid, a charming blue and white mosque held very sacred by Muslims. It is fairly small but according to local legends, one of the walls of the mosque mysteriously rose during its construction which is why it is frequented by Muslim pilgrims. You can also indulge in various treks around Dras, like in the Mushku Valley and Gomchan Valley, both are under 8 kilometres away from the hill station. Well, Dras is not your typical tourist destination, accommodations here are sparse and so are dining options. But if you want to visit an off the beaten track place, a place filled with tragic yet important history, then Dras might be a good choice for that. Must Visit Attractions - Dras War Memorial, Ningoor Masjid, Mushku Valley and Gomchan Valley Related Thread - n/a Conclusion India is truly a diverse and varied country, where even at the peak of summer heat, there are places that you can explore. This guide listed out some of the best destinations to visit in India during summer. But the guide touches on places that aren't as visited yet, as compared to the usual hill stations of Shimla and Manali, or the beach destinations of Goa and Kerala, or even the wildlife reserves of Ranthambore and Jim Corbett. Don't worry though as these destinations mentioned above are still quite developed and perfect for first-time visitors of India. I hope this helps you!
I didn’t know that India has a summer place where you can escape the summer heat. This Sarahan is similar to Baguio City of the Philippines which is located on top of the mountain range of the Cordilleras. With that low temperature, it would be very comfortable to go up there during summer. And to think that there are other sites to see and not just the cool climate, Sarahan is one good place to visit. The added attraction are the temples that I’m sure would be interesting to my camera.
I never thought India had so much stuff to do/visit! Nowadays, making vacations on Asia or even honeymoons is very popular, probably one of the most popular places is Thailand. Although India is pretty amusing as well! I might make some research regarding the cost of life and houses to rent or hotels! If it's as cheap as Thailand I might give it a try. Thanks for sharing your post @briannagodess
Well, June to September is the rainy season here. You can visit Pune situated in Maharastra. The lush greenery everywhere with beautiful waterfalls. I bet you that you will have your own story too while going back.
If you want to come to India in the summer. There are many good places in India. Like: Nainital, Shimla, Manali, Mussoorie, Srinagar etc. Goa is a tourist destination in western India, situated on the shores of the sea. Here many tourists come to celebrate holiday and honeymoon.
I would just like to add something to your post here about visiting Goa in summers. It is true that many tourists visit Goa in the holidays and during the summers, but it is best that you avoid going to Goa in monsoons especially if you are visiting Goa especially for a beach holiday or for water sports.
