Top 10 Summer

Destination In India

The first thing that strikes one's mind after hearing the word ‘summer’ is that of vacations. Choosing
the best destination for family vacation in India is not an easy task. From tropical islands to tea
plantations and lush valleys overlooking the mighty Himalayas , there is no dearth of options when
it comes to planning the perfect getaway in India. Pack you bags and head towards any of the below
mentioned top 10 summer destinations in India

Leh-Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir

Ladakh is one of the finest summer destinations in India. Located in the Greater Himalayas within
the Karakoram Range, Ladakh is renowned for its high mountain passes which also happens to be
some of the highest motorable roads in the world. Then there are the spectacular high altitude lakes
Pangong Tso, Tso So Mori and Tso Kar which beckons thousands of adventure lovers from around the
world.
How to reach:

● Leh Airport in Ladakh is well-connected to cities like Delhi.

● Jammu Tawi Railway Station is located about 700 km from Leh in Ladakh. This is the
closest railway station from Ladakh.
● Road trip:The approach by road is via Leh Manali Highway through Himachal Pradesh
or via Leh Srinagar Highway via Jammu and Kashmir.
Things to do:

● Explore the rocky routes of Ladakh on an Enfield.

● Experience sheer serenity beside the emerald Pangong Tso Lake.
● Take the camel rides through the sand dunes of Nubra Valley, one of the top places to
visit in Ladakh.
Srinagar , Kashmir

Srinagar is home to some magnificent gardens and lakes. It is a bewitchingly beautiful place and
also a perfect place for summer vacation in north India.Srinagar is renowned for its placid lakes,
spectacular Mughal Gardens and religious sites like Shankaracharya and Hazrat Bal. One of the
most popular things to do in Srinagar is Shikara Ride in Dal Lake.
How to Reach:

● Nearest Airport is in Srinagar

● Nearest railhead is Jammu, 290 Kms away from Kashmir

Ideal duration: 4-5 days

● Shikara rides in Dal Lake,

● Bird watching at Hokersar, wildlife seeing at Dachigam National Park
● Nishat Bagh, Chasme Shahi and Shalimar Bagh are 3 of the most spectacular Mughal
gardens
● Temple of Shankaracharya and Hazrat Bal are the two most important religious sites

Manali, Himachal Pradesh

 Manali is a paradise for mountain lovers , located at a height of 2050 meters. Explore
the spellbinding natural beauty of the Himalayas trekking at the Hampta Pass. Get
chilled with white river rafting on the wild waters of River Beas or shore high in the sky
with paragliding and skiing on the icy grounds of Rohtang Pass. Roll down the
sprawling green hills of Solang Valley for some fun.
How to reach:

● Nearest Airport is Bhuntar, 50 Kms away from Manali

● Nearest rail head is in Chandigarh, 291 Kms away from Manali
● Road trip: Manali is 546 Kms away from Delhi
Ideal Duration: 3-4 Days

Things to do:

● Indulging in adventure sports at Solang Valley is one of the best things to do in

India in summer. Try paragliding, zorbing, quad biking and many others
● Head to Rohtang Pass to play in the snow in summer
● Spot the most beautiful migratory birds in a bird sanctuary nearby
● Pray your heart out at the ancient shrines of Hidimba, Manu and Vashist.
 Darjeeling , West Bengal

Darjeeling in West Bengal in one of the popular summer holiday getaways in the North East.
Presided by the majestic Kanchenjunga (8,586 meters above sea level) and surrounded by the
emerald-green tea plantations, the hill town is perfect for a relaxing summer vacation. Explore the
beautiful sights created by nature and man.

How to reach:

● Bagdogra is the nearest airport from Darjeeling, located at a distance of 65 km

● Darjeeling has its own railway station, named Darjeeling Railway Station.
● Road trip: Nearest major city from Darjeeling is Kolkata, 165 km away.

Ideal duration: 2-3 days

Things to do:

● Visit the famous monasteries like Ghoom Monastery.

● Witness wildlife at the largest high altitude zoo in India, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan
Zoological Park and Watch the majestic sunrise from Tiger Hill
● Spend an evening in the bustling Batasia Loop, one of the major tourist attractions of
Darjeeling and Shop for treats at the Mall Road.

Nainital , Uttrakhand

The hill town of Uttarakhand is known for its magical lakes, breathtaking views of snow-clad
mountains and a small-town charm. Enjoy the romantic boat rides on the Naini Lake or other lakes
nearby. Set far away from pollution, noisy traffic and hustle-bustle of the metropolitan cities, enjoy a
refreshing vacation.
How to reach:

● Pantnagar Airport is the nearest airport from Nainital, located 60 km away.

● Nearest railhead from Nainital is Kathgodam Railway Station, at a distance of 20 km.
● Road trip: Delhi is the nearest major city from Nainital. The distance between the two is
300 km.
Things to do:

● Enjoy boating in Naini Lake

● Trek to Tiffin Top for a mesmerizing view of the sunset or sunrise.
● Go bird-watching in Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary.
● Shopping at Tibetan market.

Shimla

The ‘Queen of Hill Stations’ in Himachal Pradesh is one of the favorite holiday getaways. The
salubrious climate was in fact the reason that the British colonials settled here every summer. It is
bequeathed with a rich history and is sanctified with natural beauty.This place is cool, exotic, has
unique vegetation and provides a romantic environment.
How to reach:

● By Air: The nearest airport, Jubbarhatti, is located 23 km from the main city
● By Rail: Kalka Railway Station
Ideal Duration: 2-4 days

Things to do:

● Mall road which fascinates the tourist the most

● Jakhu Hill is a short and a beautiful drive from Shimla.
● Visit Lord Hanuman’s Temple here
 ● White water rafting at Tattapani.
● Visit the beautiful Christ Church on the Ridge near the mall.
● A visit to Kufri, Chail and Mashobra, beautiful hill getaways.

Ooty, Tamil Naidu

Snuggled in Nilgiris, the hill town has been a favorite hangout in the rising temperatures
that too from the days of British Raj. The Toy Train ride is one of the experiences you
should definitely try. Enjoy exploring tea estates, flower gardens, colonial attractions,
waterfalls, etc. Do not miss on the adventures, and home-made chocolates.
How to reach:

● By Air:By Air: Coimbatore (105 km from Ooty)

● By Rail: Mettupalayam (47 km from Ooty); toy train connects Ooty

Ideal Duration: 3-5 days

Things to do:

● Take the scenic ride aboard Nilgiri Railways, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
● Watch the sunrise from Doddabetta Peak.
 ● Take the peaceful boat ride on Ooty Lake.
● Visit ancient churches in exotic locations.

Munnar , Kerala

Munnar settled in the lush lap of Western Ghats is a pleasant escape when the heat goes
rising. Famous for its beautiful sights, tea plantations, unique flora and fauna, aroma of
spices, and pleasant weather.When it is summer, it is the time of colorful wildlife and
exclusive romance. This ultimate rejuvenating destination is a cliché summer destination
of the land.
How to reach:

● Nearest Airport is in Cochin, 110 Kms away

● Nearest rail head is Aluva, 100 Kms from Munnar
● Road Trip: Munnar is 131 Kms from Kochi

Ideal Duration: 2-4 days

Things to do:
● The most striking feature about Munnar is that it lies in the convergence of the three
rivers Kundaly, Madhurapuzha and Nallathanni
● Do not forget to visit the gushing Athirapally Waterfall
● Trek to Anamudi Peak and explore Tata Tea Museum
● Pay a visit to Chithirapuram, Devikulam, and Chinnakanal

● Kodaikanal , Tamil Naidu

Perched at the Palani Hills, this hill station is at an elevation of 7200 feet. The foggy weather, the
twisted roads, dense woods and echoing hills of Kodaikanal beckons the romantic hearts.The hill
station is filled with grasslands, forests, lakes, meadows and waterfalls.Around every corner, there is
an interesting attraction awaiting you.

How to reach:

● Nearest Airport is in Madurai, 120 Kms away from Kodaikanal

● Nearest rail head is Kodai road, 100 Kms away

Ideal Duration: 3-4 days

Things to do:

● Soak the beauty of Kodaikanal Lake.

● Feel refreshed at Bryant Park.
● Rejuvenate at Silver Cascade Falls.
● Visit the famous temple in Kodaikanal which is Kurinji Andavar Temple to seek
blessing from Lord Murugan

Auli , Uttrakhand

Auli, also known as Auli Bugyal is a beautiful hill station set at an elevation of 3000 m,
popularly known as a ski resort. This destination is covered in the charm of the
Himalayas, apple orchards and pine trees which are just some reasons travelers love
visiting here. Apart from this, the hill station is known for the Auli Artificial Lake, the
trekking routes, the surrounding beauty of peaks like Nanda Devi and the joy-filled chair
car ride.

How to reach:

● By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (279 km from Auli)

● By Rail: Haridwar railway station (273 km from Auli)

Ideal Duration: 3-4 days

Things to do:

● Enjoy skiing at India’s Ski-Hotspot.

● Marvel at the Auli Artificial Lake.
● Explore the realms of Joshimath.
● Touch the sky with a Ropeway ride.
● Test your limits with Auli Gorson trek.

All images credits: google.com