Top 10 Summer Destinations in India

Shimla

The majestic hill retreat discovered by the British, Shimla is among the top summer destinations in the country. The first summer home came up in 1822 here. Soon several cottages began to offer accommodation facilities and Shimla became an important weekend getaway for tourists from New Delhi. People plan their vacation here to escape the heat of the plains. Located in the north western part of the Himalayas, summers are pleasant here but winters bring in snow. Summer temperatures vary from 19 degree to 28 degree Celsius. The Kalka-Shimla heritage railway was introduced in these hills in 1906 and since then, it has become a significant site of visit in Shimla. Well equipped resorts, beautiful landscape and opportunities of adventure sports also interest the visitors.

Manali

Bordering the Beas River, Manali is another favorite hill station for summer vacation in Himachal Pradesh. Situated at an elevation of 1950 meters above sea level, Manali is also a popular town in the Kullu valley. Though it is predominantly cold from November to March, summers are pleasant just like Shimla. Temperature during May-July is around 15 degrees. During the summer months, this hill town is bustling with crowds of tourists who indulge in picnic, sightseeing tours and trekking for short distances. Paragliding is a winter sport that is popular in the Manali hills during summer. Tourists also love to unwind at their resort premises or in the nearby valleys such as Solang Valley. Summer is also the best time to visit the Rohtang Pass that remains closed from November to May due to snowfall.

Ooty

The popular hill station in South India, Ooty draws tourists from Tamil Nadu coast, Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh. Parts of Tamil Nadu have extreme humid temperatures during summer and a visit to Ooty can be rejuvenating. The variety of flora and fauna here, secluded resorts and the beautiful sight of the Nilgiri hills make Ooty the Queen of Hills. January-February has chilly nights while it is pleasant in other times of the year. Tourism is an important sector of the local economy and scenic attractions include the Ooty Lake, Ooty Botanical Garden and the large expanse of eucalyptus trees. The Ooty Golf Course is ideal for summer games. During the British rule, Ooty was the administrative center during the summer months.

Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is popularly known as Princess of Hill Station and is another hilly getaway in Tamil Nadu, ideal for relaxing. Its cooler climate is a major draw for tourists especially from Bangalore and Chennai. Kodaikanal town is nestled along the Palni Hills. The grasslands and meadows offer a stunning sight. Due to the high elevations, Kodaikanal is cold during November-February. There are important places to visit here, Bryant Park, Church of South India, Kodai Lake, Silver Cascade Falls and Kodaikanal Solar Observatory.

Coorg

Easily accessible from Bangalore and Mysore, Coorg is a fascinating place to visit in summer. The coffee plantations, deep-gorge valleys and the teak forests are major draw. Lying along the Western Ghats, Coorg features a subtropical climate. Tadiandamol has a height of 1750 meters and is the highest peak here. This hill town experiences heavy showers from June-September and summer has an average temperature of 15-28 degree Celsius. The place is rich in agricultural productivity, flora and fauna. Wildlife is integral to Kodagu or Coorg forests. The Nagarhole National Park and Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary will interest wildlife lovers. The best time to visit these parks is during summer.

Matheran

A popular hill station close to Mumbai, Matheran is situated in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. Matheran has an elevation of 2625 meters above sea level. The drive from Mumbai to Matheran is around 90 km and locals consider it the best weekend retreat. The place is comparatively unpolluted, as vehicles are not allowed on the hills. There are 38 view points in Matheran offering stunning sight of the surroundings. From Panorma Point in Matheran, you can see the Neral town. It is from Louisa Point that you can have clear views of Prabal Fort. There are 2 lakes here, the Matheran Railway Station and the market place that are worth visiting as well.

Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is another hill retreat in Maharashtra in proximity to Pune and Mumbai. It is a great destination for honeymoon couples in summer. Situated along the Western Ghats, this place once served as the summer headquarters of Bombay province. Presently, the evergreen forests at Mahabaleshwar, the ancient Shiva temple and the pleasant climate are the major draw for tourists. Just 5 -hour drive from Mumbai, Mahabaleshwar is most visited between April-June. This is also the time of Mulberry bloom on the hills. Venna Lake is among the prominent tourist attractions here and boat ride is an interesting activity. Panchgani is another hill resort close to Mahabaleshwar.

Srinagar

The capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar is regarded as the summer capital of northern India. The famous Dal Lake is situated here and shikara ride will make your trip an experience of a lifetime. While the Dal Lake freezes during winters, summer is mild here. April-July has a temperature of around 17-24 degree Celsius. An important part of Kashmir valley, Srinagar is noted for its meadows, orchards and serene gardens. The Mughal Gardens is an example that the beauty of the place enthralled even the Mughal rulers. The hill resort of Gulmarg is around 50 km drive from Srinagar city.

Nainital

Nainital is a hill district in Uttarakhand that is well known for its lakes, subtropical climate and the backdrop of the Kumaon range. Nainital has an elevation of 1938 meters and Naina is the highest peak here. You can have magnificent views of the plains from here even as you enjoy the cool climate. The snowy range is a stunning sight during the winters. The maximum temperature in summer is around 27 degree Celsius. Places of tourist interest in Nainital include the Naini Lake, Nakuchia Lake, Naini Devi Temple and the St John's Church.

Munnar

Munnar is the only hill retreat in Kerala that is relatively cooler when the rest of the state is prey to humid temperatures in summer. This season in Kerala lasts from March-September. The state also receives rainfall from July-September. The town is situated at the interaction of - Nallathanni, Kundaly and Madhurapuzha rivers. The Kannan Devan Hills is forms an important backdrop. The large expanse of green landscape, undulating hills and the varied plant species here make Munnar a popular place of visit in summer. The temperature in summer varies from 15 to 25 degree Celsius.