Best Places to Visit in India During Summer | Top Summer Destinations

Start with Malpe Beach in Karnataka, a compact coastal gem known for white sand, palm-fringed shores, and calm turquoise water. The scenery here shifts from sunlit mornings to misty coves at dusk, making a complete, perfect starting point for your summer itinerary. Visiting Malpe also offers easy access to nearby towns and a taste of fresh seafood, setting the tone for the days ahead.

Then chase whitewater adventures in Rishikesh, where the Ganges offers exhilarating rapids in summer and easy day trips to temples and cafes. The activity is especially popular with groups, and nights along the ghats bring calm after the adrenaline, with campfire stories and starlit skies. Visiting the town also supports their guides who know the best routes and viewpoints.

For dramatic scenery, head north to Leh-Ladakh in summer when passes reopen and the high-altitude terrain shines. The unforgettable views stretch across Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, and Leh’s old town, offering photography-worthy moments from dawn to nights. Travel writer neil notes that the culture here is deeply cultural, with monasteries, music, and local festivals that enrich your trip.

For a coastal contrast with vibrant culture, Goa shines in summer cu cultural events, spice markets, and lively nights on the beach. If you want a different flavor, consider a quick day trip to Malpe or Gokarna to see pristine coastlines, temples, and sailing routes–such experiences are such as the spice tastings that define the place. This stop is also a good place to include a few farm-to-table meals and local tastings.

Plan with practical steps: some passes require permits, so check requirements in advance; book early for Leh and Rishikesh programs, and pack light layers for hot days and chilly nights. Keep your itinerary flexible to enjoy unexpected views, and leave room for visiting nearby towns their locals recommend so you can extend the route if weather allows.

Best Places to Visit in India During Summer

Go to Leh-Ladakh for your summer tour to enjoy cool air, surreal land formations, and spiritual monasteries; plan 8–12 days to include Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley, where each day brings adventures and clear skies for after-dusk stargazing.

In Himachal Pradesh, Shimla delivers a gentle break and Manali offers expansive trails; from Delhi, the road distance to Shimla is about 350 kilometers, while Manali sits roughly 540 kilometers away, making a comfortable progression through pine forests and river valleys.

For a coastal contrast, Malpe Beach near Udupi presents calm seas, broad sands, and easy beach trails; Bengaluru to Malpe is roughly 400–450 kilometers by road, ideal for a relaxed weekend tour that pairs sea breezes with fresh seafood.

Rishikesh on the ganga blends white-water adventures with spiritual practices; a Delhi–Rishikesh drive spans about 230 kilometers, and you can mix rafting, yoga sessions, and temple visits into a compact city break or extended touring itinerary.

Up in the Nilgiris, Ooty and nearby Coonoor offer upscale stays, tea trails, foggy mornings, and gentle strolls, especially for city dwellers seeking a cool escape; Bangalore–Ooty distances hover near 265 kilometers, enabling a compact land trip that fits a busy calendar this year.

Hot springs near Manikaran invite a restorative pause after rugged trails; this stop adds a spiritual note to the circuit. Because plains heat can be intense, planning matters, so check visa requirements if youre travelling abroad, and arrange a smooth routing that links a city start with highland escapes, ensuring you hit the best scenery this year.

Top Summer Destinations in India: Kashmir Highlights – Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam

First, base your summer trip in Srinagar and book a Dal Lake package that includes a night on a houseboat. The calm water and wooden crafts set a relaxed tone for your indian adventure.

From the houseboat, take shikara cruises at sunrise to capture photos of the floating gardens and the reflected sky. Srinagar’s city life blends markets, mosques, and garden lanes, offering a glimpse into local culture and history. Shankaracharya Temple sits on a hill overlooking the city, adding a quiet temple moment to your day.

Within reach, Gulmarg shifts the pace to alpine scenery. Long green meadows, a gondola ride to Apharwat, and easy to moderate trails invite you to stretch your legs and breathe in fresh, cool air. The picturesque slopes glow in the midday sun, making it a vibrant contrast to Srinagar.

Pahalgam serves as a nature-centric retreat. Explore Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, and Baisaran, then stroll along the Lidder River. This area attracts birds and hikers alike, with several spots ideal for short treks or simple riverside picnics.

Practical notes: plan for mild heat and comfortable temperatures, and choose a multi-city package that minimizes transfers. If you travel from abroad, check visa requirements and consult your consulate for entry rules. Indian travelers can organize a domestic package that links these spots with smooth transfers; carry copies of your photos and important documents for every person in your group.

Beyond Kashmir, savvy travelers like neil often weave this segment into a longer loop that includes Manali and Spiti for a long, scenic drive. For a broader Indian itinerary, consider karnatakas or a nara-inspired birding detour, and note that eastward links connect you to other cultural threads, including Portuguese-influenced sites in distant ports. This approach keeps travel flexible and within reach of a balanced tempo.

Srinagar in Summer: Top Experiences and Dal Lake Tips

Stay two nights on a Dal Lake houseboat to wake to glassy water, soft light, and mountain silhouettes.

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, sits at high-altitude and offers a cool escape during the hot months, with a cluster of retreats and museums around the Dal Lake corridor. The city boasts Mughal gardens, floating aesthetics, and a waterfront rhythm that fuels memorable experiences within the season.

• Dal Lake experiences: glide in a shikara along the lake, admire houseboats, and watch dawn light ripple across the waves; consider a sunset cruise for photography and quiet moments. Dal Lake also hosts floating gardens and seasonal vendors offering saffron tea and keema naan, making mornings truly picturesque for families and solo travelers alike.
• Gardens and museums: explore Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Pari Mahal for classic Mughal design, then visit nearby museums to learn about Kashmiri craft, woodwork, and shawls. Such sites provide compact, day-friendly itineraries among Srinagar’s core highlights.
• High-altitude day trips and adrenaline-friendly options: take a cable car to Gulmarg for panoramic views and gentle walks, then pair it with a guided trek into nearby meadows. Dachigam National Park offers wildlife spotting with a cool climate, while short treks around Sonmarg or Naranag add light adventures for enthusiasts who like to move actively.
• Districts and easy escapes: within a short drive, Budgam and Ganderbal districts deliver rural scenery, apple orchards, and quiet lakeside pockets that pair well with a day of shopping for Kashmiri handicrafts.
• Family-friendly retreats and culture: choose eco-retreats and wooden cottages near the Dal Lake corridor that welcome kids and elders, offering safe walks and comfortable amenities for a relaxed summer stay.
• Practical planning and travel tips: if you travel from Australia, connect through major hubs with reliable airlines, then transfer to Indian domestic services to reach Srinagar. For international visitors, check visa requirements and plan a buffer in case Monsoon weather affects schedules; MakemyTrip can help you bundle flights, stays, and local activities for a smooth trip.
• Seasonal tips and pacing: plan your days around cooler mornings and late afternoons, avoiding peak heat, and reserve popular boat slots in advance to reduce wait times. The season supports multiple experiences within a compact itinerary, making Srinagar an ideal summer break for relaxed sightseeing and gentle adventures.
• Practical reminders: carry sun protection, light layering for evenings, and a waterproof bag for lake activities; anticipate modest crowds on weekends and holidays, and practice respectful photography around local communities as you capture nara moments with family and friends.
• Food and culture notes: sample kahwa tea, saffron-infused dishes, and Kashmiri dum aloo while exploring markets for papier-mache crafts and walnut wood carvings that reflect regional artistry.

Gulmarg in Summer: Gondola Rides, Meadows, and Altitude Considerations

Plan an early ascent: reserve the Gulmarg Gondola in advance and reach the base before 7:30 am to beat the crowds and gain clear views. From Gulmarg, Phase I to Kongdoori Station lasts about 10–15 minutes; Phase II to Apharwat Peak requires another 20–25 minutes. The two-stage ride yields broad panoramas of the Pir Panjal range and the surrounding meadows.

Altitude notes: Gulmarg sits at roughly 2,650 m above sea level. Kongdoori lies near 2,900–3,000 m, and Apharwat Peak rises to roughly 3,900–4,000 m. Expect cooler air, stronger winds, and thinner air on the upper segment. If you are new to high elevations, pace yourself, hydrate, and eat light during ascent.

Gulmarg’s meadows turn emerald and stay lush through the growing season, with walking trails along the slopes offering wildflowers and sweeping views of rolling valleys. Photographers frequently capture the first light on the snow at Apharwat, producing crisp contrasts.

Gear up: wear sturdy shoes, a windbreaker, and sunglasses; carry a water bottle and light snacks. A hat helps with glare on the higher segment. Take breaks at Kongdoori to acclimate before proceeding to Apharwat.

Practical timing: Weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends; book online to avoid lines. The base area has shaded rest spots and snack options. If a late-season visit coincides with cloudy skies, consider postponing the Phase II ride to protect the view.

Pahalgam in Summer: Scenic Drives, Treks, and Family-Friendly Spots

Start your summer in Pahalgam with a dawn drive from Srinagar (about 92 km, 2.5–3 hours). The route hugs the Lidder River, winding through pine forests and white peaks that frame Kashmir’s famed beauty. Located in kashmir, this leg sets a relaxed pace for the day and gives you a chance to pace yourself before the trails begin. Along the way, grab a quick bite at a riverside spot and fuel up on hot puri with dal or aloo, a simple local treat that delights little travellers.

In Pahalgam, choose trails that match your group’s energy. Betaab Valley offers a gentle 1–2 hour stroll among sunlit boulders and wildflowers, a perfect starter for families. For a higher vantage, Tulian Lake presents a easy loop of 2–3 hours with lake views and a cooler breeze. Baisaran meadow, reachable by a short ride or stroll, becomes a kid-friendly playground with pony rides and wide, unfenced greens. If you want a longer escape, the Aru Valley trek clocks in around 3–4 hours and reveals untouched alpine meadows and snowy ridges that keep the imagination engaged while you travel. Trails here are varied, so you can mix shorter trips with a longer option, which keeps everyone engaged without wearing the youngest travellers out.

Plan a day that suits a relaxed family rhythm: riverbank picnics on the Lidder, easy walks for small children, and a few photo stops at vantage points. The town itself hosts a handful of venues for sunset views and kid-friendly evenings, and you’ll find spaces that offer shade, snacks, and cold drinks. For evenings, cool nights and fewer crowds in the shoulder season let you linger over a quiet view of the valley’s silhouettes, a contrast to bigger hill stations with more nights of activity.

Thrill-seekers can pair Pahalgam with a short Gulmarg tour if you want more altitude and a separate day. The two locations are well linked by road, and Gulmarg’s gondola ride adds a different dimension to your summer itinerary. International visitors often appreciate the ease of travelling between these gems, which keeps the pace comfortable for families. If you want a quick cultural touch, small local markets around the town offer handicrafts and a few wine options from regional producers that pair nicely with light snacks after a day outdoors.

Food and culture add flavor to the trip. At day’s end, you’ll see local stalls offering freshly made puri and spiced tea, a simple but satisfying conclusion to your outdoor adventures. Take time to wander the quiet lanes, discover agatti-style pockets where guest houses offer serene views, and notice how the light on the mountains shifts as the sun goes down. This is a spot where travellers can feel the calm of untouched landscapes while enjoying the renowned hospitality that Kashmir is famous for, making it a memorable, family-friendly stop on your summer route.

Summer Travel Tips for Kashmir: Weather, Packing, and Safety

Pack a compact rain jacket and a lightweight daypack; that setup keeps you dry during sudden showers and makes strolls around srinagar comfortable.

Weather in Kashmir shifts quickly: daytime temperatures hover around 25-32°C in the valley, while higher trails stay cooler and nights drop to 15-18°C; from several viewpoints you can spot snow-capped peaks and lush foliage.

Packing tips: bring breathable cotton outfits, a fleece for evenings, sun protection (SPF 40+), a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, sturdy walking shoes, and a waterproof dry bag; if you live in gopalpur or orissa or malpe, adjust to inland heat by layering.

Safety: carry copies of documents, enough cash in small notes, a mobile with a local SIM, and the contact of a licensed guide; stick to marked trails near towns, villages, and temples, avoid isolated lanes after dark, and book rides with reputable operators.

Activities and planning: start early to catch foliage and sunrise views; if you’ve visited nara, you’ll value Kashmir’s pace; in Dal Lake and nearby parks you can opt for a calm shikara ride instead of scuba; west Kashmir offers several scenic loops with white ridges and chances to meet locals in traditional villages.

3-Day Kashmir Itinerary: Srinagar → Gulmarg → Pahalgam

Start with a dawn Shikara ride on Dal Lake, then explore the lakefront markets and Mughal gardens; this must-visit sequence sets a relaxed pace for summers when tourist crowds peak and introduces you to Kashmiri culture and foliage.

Day 1: Srinagar – Begin with a Shikara on Dal Lake, then visit Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, followed by a stroll across a wooden bridge over the Jhelum. Lunch at a lakefront venue, then a quick visit to a small museum to glimpse local crafts. In the evening, choose a heritage houseboat or a riverside hotel to soak in the rich buildings and thera-like calm before nightfall.

Day 2: Srinagar to Gulmarg (about 2–3 hours). Take Gulmarg Gondola up to Kongdori and Apharwat for panoramic views; if you prefer, hike to Khilanmarg through pine foliage. Return to Gulmarg for lunch at a hillside venue. The afternoon is ideal for exploring alpine meadows, enjoying the fresh air, and capturing photos featuring emerald slopes and snow-dusted peaks, with a marbella-like ambience in the hillside resorts.

Day 3: Gulmarg to Pahalgam via Tangmarg (roughly 4–5 hours). In Pahalgam, visit Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, and Baisaran meadows; choose a short hike or pony ride, and stroll along the Lidder river. The scenery is rich in culture and nature, with vibrant foliage and river sands along the banks–an experience that nods to Digha’s sands but delivers mountain air and cool temps. End with a relaxing holiday pause and plan the return route to Srinagar for departure.

Practical notes: book Gulmarg gondola slots early and pack layers for sudden weather changes; carry a lightweight rain jacket, sunscreen, and water. This route requires flexible timing but rewards you with lake views, historic buildings, and opportunities to explore museums, markets, and local cuisine. If you crave coastal comparisons, Malpe’s vibe is distant, yet Kashmir’s lakefronts offer a similar breezy feel–only richer in culture and nature, perfect for tourist summers and unforgettable holiday memories.