Places to visit in summer, I mean deciding on summer vacation spot is a thing to worry about. The weather forecast for the next few months is not very comforting. So we all want to go somewhere for a few days to get some relief from this heat. Let’s first select the spots keeping in mind the duration, family members and budget. As a first we will prepare a list of places which is family friendly, have a balance of calmness, adventure and budget friendly.
How to Choose Places to Visit in Summer
We all know that the main cost of traveling is car rental and accommodation. In the context of car rental, the cost increases or decreases depending on whether the destination is near or far, by train or by plane or by bus or other vehicle. The distance between Calcutta and Darjeeling, Daringbari or Ooty is quite different and the cost of accommodation and food in those three places is quite different. Another thing is the type of place like if you can go to a nearby forest or reserve forest instead of going to a hill station in summer. To be honest, it’s less hot than in the jungle.
Summer Vacations: Top 10 list of Spots
1. Sikkim
One of the most beautiful and affordable tourist destinations in India, Sikkim can be visited for summer vacations. Both your body and mind will be rejuvenated when you reach Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Although Sikkim is a small state in size, the entire state is travelable. In a three or four day vacation, it is convenient to visit any of the north, east and west sides of Sikkim. And wherever you go, Gangtok is the right place to start your journey. Sikkim can be visited throughout the year. The influence of Tibetan Buddhist culture is considerable here. The beauty of the Himalayas here is extraordinary. His Highness Kanchenjunga stayed here. The taste of local food here is quite good.
How to get to Sikkim:
- By Air: Sikkim’s only airport near Gangtok is Pakyong Airport which is the closest.
- By Train: The nearest railway station to Gangtok is New Jalpaiguri station in Siliguri.
- By Road: Gangtok can be reached by taxi from Siliguri, Darjeeling, Kalimpong.
Also Read: 15 Places to visit in North Sikkim in detail
2. Darjeeling
Everybody’s favorite hill station is Darjeeling, the queen of hills. You can spend your vacation there for a few days this summer. The most loved thing in this city is the toy train here. Not only this, a trip to the mall in this rock city, sipping a cup of tea, sunrise on Tiger Hill and a view of Kanchenjunga are also highlights. Darjeeling does not cost too much. As a result, it will be very good to travel cheaply.
How to go to Darjeeling
Darjeeling is not directly accessible by train from plains. You have to come to Newzalpaiguri by train or bus. And from Newsalpaiguri you have to reach Darjeeling or other hilly destinations by car or small bus etc.
- Air – Nearest airport is Bagdogra – then Darjeeling by road
- Train – There are many trains from Sealdah or Howrah to New-Jalpaiguri. Various types of vehicles or buses will take you to your destination from New-Jalpaiguri.
3. Mount Abu
It’s hot and Rajasthan again? Many may be shocked to hear. But in this Rajasthan there is a place where both body and mind will be well. Mount Abu, the only mountain in Rajasthan, is like an oasis. The cool breeze of the Aravalli hills will beat the summer vacation. Guru Shikhar is the highest peak in the desert state of Rajasthan. The height of this peak belonging to Aravalli range is 1722 meters above sea level. If you love trekking, Pakdandi Path is yours in this rainy season. Don’t forget to visit the cave of Vishnu worshiper Dattatreya Muni on top of the hill.
What you must see: Nakki Lake Boat Ride, Mount Abu Sunset Point, World Famous Dilwara Temple, Guru Shikhar
How to go to Mount Abu:
- Abu Road is the nearest railway station, 28 km from Mount Abu, from where you can go by bus or any taxi.
- If you want to travel by air then Udaipur is the nearest airport, or you can also opt for Ahmedabad which has better connectivity. You can book any taxi from there.
4. Nainital
Nainital is the headquarters of Nainital District in Kumaon Division of Uttarkhand. It is a very beautiful hill station in the valley of Naini Lake. The views of the snow-capped Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Kot peaks are simply breathtaking. An ideal place for a summer vacation with everyone. There are many places to visit. You can visit from Naini Lake, you can go boating there. You can also go to Naina Devi temple nearby. You will need three days to visit Nainital and its surrounding areas.
How to go to Nainital:
- Airport: Panthnagar Airport in Udham Singh Nagar District.
- Trains: Howrah-Kathgodam Bagh X is available daily by direct train from Howrah. For the list of trains to and from Nainital.
- By Bus: Distance from Ramnagar to Nainital is only 64 km. Every one to one and a half hours the bus leaves for Nainital via Kaladhungi. It takes 3 and a half hours.
5. Rishikesh
There is no better place than Rishikesh if you are looking for a touch of coolness in the heat, along with mountain adventure. In this part of Uttarakhand, the river Ganga is absolutely clear, quite calm and full of pure water. The course of the mountain river is also worth seeing here. Very few places in the country have such good water sports facilities.
What to see: Bungee jumping on mountain slopes, riverside camping, yoga retreats, evening at the Ganga Ghats.
How to go to Rishikesh:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is approximately 35 km from Rishikesh. From there you can take taxi or bus to reach Rishikesh.
- By Train: Rishikesh has a railway station, but it is a small station with limited connectivity. Nearest main railway station is Haridwar – 25 km from there to reach Rishikesh by local train or hire a taxi.
- By Road: Rishikesh is well-connected by road, and you can reach there by bus, car or motorcycle. You can bus or drive along NH58.
6. Kaziranga
Assam’s Kaziranga National Park is one of the most famous sanctuaries in the country and the world. Here is a rare species of one horned rhinoceros. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Royal Bengal Tiger density is highest in this forest. Apart from rhinoceros or tigers, there are plenty of elephants, wild water buffaloes, barashringars, Indian bison, sambar deer, Maya deer, wild boar and para deer. Leopards and Royal Bengal Tigers can also be seen here. There are three main safari ranges in Kaziranga. Bagri, Kohra and Agratli. Jeep safari starts from 2 pm. Then book the next morning elephant safari. Elephants and jeeps have separate roads in Kaziranga. The thrill of spinning is also different.
How to go to Kaziranga:
- Air: Nearest airport is Guwahati International Airport.
- Train: Nearest railway stations are Helm and Forkating Junction.
- Bus: Upstream Assam bound bus from Guwahati to Kaziranga, Travelers discount from Khanapara. Distance from Guwahati to Kaziranga is four hours.
7. Shimla
Shimla is definitely the most popular travel destination in all of North India. In this capital of Himachal Pradesh, nature has completely uprooted the branch of form. During the British period, Shimla was famous as the summer capital city of India. Green hillsides and perfectly built wooden houses in steps – all in all beautiful Shimla, the pleasant climate of this small hill town attracts tourists of all kinds. If you go to Shimla, your summer vacation will freeze.
What you must see: Shimla Mall Road, Shimla to Jakhu Hills, Hanumanji Temple Visit, Vairegal Lodge or President’s Residence, Polo Game at Annadale.
How to reach Shimla:
Best to get down from Howrah to Kalka. From Kalka by Toy Train to Shimla. Alternatively from Delhi by Volvo Bus or Himachal Tourism Development Corporation Bus to Shimla.
8. Ladakh
If you can visit Ladakh during the summer holidays, what else do you want! When the whole country is panting in the heat, snow peeks out somewhere in Ladakh. However, if you do not go very high, there is no snow in Ladakh during the months of May-June. But there is no doubt that the weather remains pleasant. It must be said though that a Ladakh trip is up there among the best trips of a lifetime, but taking companions of all ages is extremely difficult. Ladakh is actually a cold desert region. Surrounded by high mountains, cool desert, cloudless blue sky, green valleys, snow-capped mountain peaks, uninhabited horizon, Ladakh is a wonderful creation of nature.
What to see in Ladakh: Bike ride on rocky roads of Ladakh, Nile Pangong Lake, Nubra valley sand camel ride.
How to go to Ladakh:
From Delhi to Ladakh can be reached from two directions. First via Srinagar, the other via Manali. If you fly to Srinagar, Leh can be reached quickly but the cost is a little higher and if you take Shimla-Manali route then it takes a little longer but the natural beauty is unparalleled, which may be the best you will ever see.
9. Tawang
Tawang, the administrative capital of Arunachal, feels like visiting Tibet. Tawang Monastery, Jaswant Garh, Jung Falls, Sathaltsar Lake, Tawang War Memorial can be visited. Tawang Monastery, also known as Golden Namgyal Latse. It is the largest monastery in India and the second largest monastery in the world. The monastery is situated at an altitude of about 10,000 feet above sea level. The main attractions here are Mandala Wall Murals, Buddhist Thankas, Footprints of Chitenpa and Buddha Statues at Dukhang. The nearest airport is Salonibari Airport in Tezpur. And the nearest railway station is Rangapara and Tezpur.
How to get to Tawang:
- By Air: Guwahati or Tezpur are the nearest airports – from there by car to Tawang.
- By Rail: Tezpur Railway Station is the nearest station to Tawang. From the station, tourists have to travel another 340 km by taxi or bus to reach the city. Cachar Express, Barak Valley Express, and Arunachal Express are three popular trains that one can make reservations to reach.
- By Road: Road trips are an exciting and memorable way to fully explore any destination. The roads take you to the core of the place and it’s surrounding spots too. If you are planning a road trip to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh then you can either travel by interstate tourist bus or your private car.
10. Manali
The city of Manali is located in the valley of the river Bipasha in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. The natural beauty of Manali is beyond description because the impression of Manali is evident in many movies, novels etc. in different languages of India. The must-sees here are: Rotang Pass, Solang Valley, Manikaran, Ban Vihar, Bipasha River, Mandi etc.
How to get to Manali:
Kolkata to Delhi by train or flight. Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation buses leave from Delhi to Manali every afternoon. Apart from that, there are also plenty of private buses and Volvo services from Delhi.