Come summers, a family, invariably, looks forward to escape the scorching summer sun, and revel in the cool and serene surroundings of a hill station or someplace where one can get away from the scorching sun. India as a country, if you look at it , form Jammu & Kashmir, in the North to Thriuvananthapuram formerly Trivandrum in the South, and from Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, to the Seven Sisters in the Northeastern part of the country, abounds in some of the best destinations to visit in summers in India and of various other places of tourist interests, for all kinds of vacation trip seekers.
To start with let’s talk of our very own Switzerland and the ‘Venice of the East’, yes the pristine state of Jammu & Kashmir, and Srinagar in particular and Pahalgam, both qualify for the Holiday package destinations, be they in summers or winters.
Summer Vacations Destinations in India
SRINAGAR
LEH – LADAKH
DALHOUSIE
SHIMLA
MANALI
SRINAGAR
Srinagar, famous for its natural environment, gardens, waterfronts and houseboats, is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts, Kashmiri Pashmina shawls, and dry fruits etc. Lakes around the city include Dal Lake – noted for its houseboats and Nigeen Lake. Apart from these, Wular Lake, which is one of the largest fresh water lakes in Asia and Manasbal Lake, both lie to the north of Srinagar.
Main attractions: Dal Lake, Pari Mahal, Hazratbal Shrine, Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden, Shankaracharya Temple, Floating Market, Kheer Bhawani Temple, Dachigam National Park, Mughal Gardens, Lakes etc.
How to spend time: Golf, Fishing, Shikara ride, Handicrafts Shopping, Photography, Sightseeing, etc.
Best Time to Visit: June to Early November, December to February.
Best places to stay at, in Srinagar: Srinagar offers a variety of accommodation ranging from budgeted, mid-range, to luxury hotels. Houseboats, is another option, one has, which too offer a similar range of accommodation.
Best places to eat at, in Srinagar: There are an innumerable restaurants, cafes and street stalls which serve delicious food. The most popular places to eat in Srinagar are found near Lal Chowk, Khayam Road and the area near Dal Lake.
How to reach Srinagar
By Air
The airport is well connected and airlines offer regular flights from Srinagar to Delhi, Mumbai and Chandigarh. The airport is just 15 km away from the center of the city.
By Rail
To reach Srinagar by train, one has to reach either Jammu Tawi or Udhampur railway station and take a cab or government buses from thjere on to Srinagar.
By Road
It is well connected with major cities like Delhi (876 km), Chandigarh (646 km), Leh (424 km) and Jammu (258 km).There is good Bus service and Cab service available.
The Summer destinations to visit in India package includes visit to nearby Pahalgam and Gulmarg areas, which in themselves are travel destination and qualify for the Summer destinations in India, tag..
Suggested Read: Best Places to Visit in Jammu
LEH – LADAKH
Ladakh, truly a heaven on Earth, is an adventure playground for climbing, jeep tours, rafting and high-altitude trekking and one of the best North India destinations to visit in summer.
For the adventurists living their life on the edge, Ladakh is their Mecca. From bike riders to cycling enthusiasts, this is the place to test your endurance and skill, not to miss the river rafting in Zanskar river at the confluence of Indus and Zanskar, an absolutely unforgettable experience for people who seek thrills.
"India's Own Moonland"
Main attractions in Leh Ladakh: Pangong Lake, Magnetic Hill, Nubra Valley, Tso Moriri Lake, Lamayuru Monastery, Diskit Gompa, Shanti Stupa, Royal Leh Palace, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, and many more monasteries and places.
Things to do: Visit Pangong Tso Lake, a trek to the Chedar Valley, River Rafting in Zanskar River, visit to Khardungla Pass, trip to the Nubra Valley, visit the anti gravity Magnetic Hill, some popular trekking routes include Spiti to Ladakh, Markha Valley trekking, Ladakh Zanskar trekking and the Nubra Valley trekking and many more.
Best time to visit Leh Ladakh: Mid-June to September as well as the season to is the best time to visit Leh and Ladakh
Places to stay at, in Leh Ladakh : There are varieties of accommodations available in Ladakh. The region is sprawling with the innumerable hotels, guest houses, homestays, and hostels. People can easily find accommodation in Ladakh without any hassle.
Best places to eat at, in Leh: Leh is a multicuisine city serving Indian, Tibetan, Chinese and even Korean foods. Some of the best restaurants in Leh are, Lamayuru,Lala’s Art Café, La Piazzetta, Jeevan Café, etc.
How to reach Leh: The best way to travel to Ladakh is by flight. Leh Airport is well-connected with major cities like Delhi, Jammu, Chandigarh, Srinagar, and many other places through direct and connecting flights. If you are traveling by road then there are two different routes lead to Ladakh - one from Srinagar and another from Manali. All the roads remain open from May to October.
Suggested Read: Best Things to do in Leh Ladakh
DALHOUSIE
The tiny tinsel town of Dalhousie is a paradise tucked away in the lap of Himachal Pradesh, and is one among the best north Indian summer destinations. It boasts of old-world charm, mesmerising natural landscapes, pine-clad valleys, flower-bedecked meadows, fast-flowing rivers and magnificent misty mountains. The Scottish and Victorian architecture reminds you of its colonial heritage while the wispy air continues to hone British aromas.
Places to visit in Dalhousie: Khajjiar, Satdhara falls, Panch Pula, Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary, Dainkund Park, Bakrota Hills, Chamunda Devi Temple, Dalhousie Rock Garden, Chamera Lake etc.
Things to do: Paragliding at Khajjiar, Rock climbing, Trekking & Hking, River crossing & River Rafting, Boating at Chamera Lake,
Best time to visit: The best time to visit is the period from March to June. The snow begins to melt in the months of March and April and its brilliance can be seen when the rays of sun hit the snow-capped mountains and pastures.
Best Places to stay at, in Dalhousie: While in Dalhousie you have a choice to paolces where you can stay ranging from Homestays, Budgete hotels, mid range to luxury hotels and resorts.
Places to eat: Dalhousie has a number of restaurants and Dhaba’s that offer delicious traditional and Punjabi foods, as well as different types of cuisines as per your choice or liking.
Suggested Read: Best Places to visit in Dharamshala
How to reach:
By Air
The city does have an airport but tourists from different parts of the country can land at the airport Gaggal in Kangra to reach this hill station. The airport is approximately 140 km away from the heart of Dalhousie.
By Rail
Pathankot railway station is the nearest railway station to Dalhousie, directly connected via rail to all major stations of North, East and West India. Major cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmadabad and Jodhpur are connected directly to Pathankot. .
By Road
The city is connected with all major cities of the country as the national highway links Dalhousie with Pathankot and hence, one can easily reach by road. Dalhousie is connected with the cities like Chamba, Dharamshala and Shimla. You can find regular cab and bus services which provide solutions to reach Dalhousie.
SHIMLA
Situated at the height of 2200m, the capital and the best place to visit in Himachal Pradesh in India, is also the best destination to visit in summers in India. Set amidst beautiful hills and mystical woods, Shimla has been a very popular hill-station among Indian families and honeymooners.
Places of interest: The Ridge, Kufri, Chail, Kalka Shimla Toy Train, Tattapani, The Mall Road,Shimla, Jhaku Temple, Green Valley, Mashobra, Naldhera, Scandal Point, Himachal Bird Park, Water catchment Sanctuary, Military Meuseum at Annandale Johnnie’s Wax MKeuseum etc.
Things to do: Toy Train Ride, Ice skating, Rafting At Tattapani, Camping, River Rafting, Paragliding, Cycling, Golfing at Naldhera, Trekking to Jakhu Temple top,
Suggested Read: Rohtan Pass-Place to visit in Kullu Manali Tour
Best time to visit:
Shimla is a year-round destination. However, due to heavy rainfall and the high possibility of landslides, it must be avoided during the monsoon season (July – September).
March – June: Summers in Shimla are pleasant and perfect for trekking, camping, and rafting. The temperature varies between 15 ° & 30 ° and you would need light woolens during the night hours.
October – February: Winters in Shimla are popular for snowfall and snow activities. The temperature varies between – 2 ° & 8 ° and you would need thick woolens. Snowfall in Shimla is a must-try at least once in a lifetime.
Places to stay at, in Shimla: There are a variety of places one can stay at, in Shimla, starting from Dharamshala, Sarai’s, Homestays, budget hotels, mid-range hotels to luxury hotel and resorts.
Places to eat: From a traditional Himachali food dham to upscale fine dining, you can pick the best restaurants in Shimla. Shimla abounds in Dhabas to starred restaurants offering a large variety of cuisine to cater to every taste.
How to reach:
By Air: The nearest airport, Jubbarhatti, is located 23 km from the main city. The other nearby airports are Chandigarh and New Delhi.
By Train: The world heritage narrow gauge railways connect Shimla to Kalka. This toy train route is quite popular with kids. Further, Kalka is abundantly connected to all the major cities of India.
By Road: Shimla is approximately 350 km from New Delhi, and 118 km from Chandigarh. Regular buses, both private and state-run, ply from Delhi en-route Chandigarh.
Suggested Read: Honeymoon Destinations in Himachal Pradesh
MANALI
A beautiful township nestled in the picturesque beas valley in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. It is a rustic enclave known for its cool climate, and snow-capped mountains, offering the tourists a respite from the scorching heat of the plains making it ideally the best destination to visit in summer in north India. The place is a classic blend of peace and tranquility, making it a heaven for the nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
Places of interest: Solang Nullah, Rohtang Pass, Hadimba Devi Temple, Naggar, Vashisht Village, Bhrigu Lake, Manali Gompa, Manu Temple old Manali, Mountaineering Institute Manali, Manali Wild Life Sanctuary, Van Vihar National Park
Things to do: Hot water bath at Manikaran, Paragliding at Solang Nullah, drive up tyo Rohtang Pass, Rafting in the Beas river, Ski and Snow boarding at Rohtang & Patalsu,
Best Time to visit: September to February, and December end to January as this is the time time when you can enjoy snowfall and the spectacular scenic white views of the surrounding mountains, making it a favourite with the honeymooners and the skiers. March to June as this is the time when summer steps in from March but the weather is still pleasant. This is the perfect time to indulge in outdoor activities such as paragliding, rafting, trekking and mountain adventures in the Solang Valley.
Places to stay at, in Manali: Manali offers a variety of budget hotels, homestays, mid range and luxury hotels and resorts to stay at.
Places to eat: A hill station glittering with amazing restaurants, cafes and bars, that can cater to any need, desires or cravings that its visitors may have. You will find countless restaurants with a rich variety and some of the most delicious food on their menus. You can find Italian, Chinese, Korean, Continental, Indian, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese cuisines here along with the popular Tibetan Momos.
Suggested Read: Must Visit Destinations in Himachal Pradesh
How to reach:
By air:
The nearest airport serving this beautiful hill station is situated at Bhuntar. Known as Kullu Manali Airport, it is at a distance of approximately 50 km and 10 km from Manali and Kullu, respectively.
By road:
It is well connected by a network of roads with cities like Delhi, Ambala, Chandigarh and Shimla serving as pivotal points. A number of bus services including private services like the very comfortable Volvo ply frequently from Delhi to Manali. Besides, Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) also offers services from New Delhi to Manali.
By train:
The nearest railway station is Chandigarh (315 km) or Pathankot (290 km). You can make your travel bookings till either of these two cities and then take a prepaid bus or a cab till Manali.
So if you are looking for an ideal getaway to a good summer destination in north India visit the destinations suggested above for a lifelong rejuvenating experience
This article is Originally Published in HP Tourism
