As summer looms on the horizon once again, we bring you a list of 10 cool, blissfully uncrowded Indian destinations for summer.
10 summer destinations in India:
1. Mahabaleshwar Maharashtra
Located in the Western Ghats in Maharashtra, Mahabaleshwar is a haven for lovers of both nature and adventure, especially as a summer getaway destination. Although known for its ancient temples—Mahabaleshwar Temple is believed to be 500 years old—this peaceful hill station has much to offer in its dense forests and towering hills. Take a boat out into Venna Lake, known for its staggering view of the surrounding hills. If you would rather stay on land, a horse ride on the shores of Venna Lake is equally enthralling. Drive up to Arthur’s Seat or Elephant’s Head Point (which, true to its name, is shaped like an elephant’s head) for a bird’s eye view of the surrounding hills and valleys. Trek to Pratapgarh Fort, built in the 17th century and known for its impressive architecture; or to Lingmala Waterfall, surrounded by lush forests. For a sweet souvenir, head to Mapro Garden where you can sample Mahabaleshwar’s famed strawberries and take home jars of jams, jellies, and chocolates.
Getting There: Mahabaleshwar is well-connected via road to Pune, Mumbai, and other nearby cities.
Stay: Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar Resort & Spa is well-appointed and offers rooms with private balconies overlooking the valley. Doubles from INR 14,599 (USD 176)
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2. Vagamon Kerala
With temperatures lingering in the 20°C even in the middle of summer, Vagamon is an idyllic plantation township with waterfalls, tea gardens, pine forests, and hills swathed in a blanket of greenery. Spend lazy afternoons on a boat in the tranquil waters of Vagamon Lake, or head to Vagamon Falls for a cosy picnic. Explore the riot of colours in Vagamon Meadows, or walk through the tall pine forests Vagamon is famous for. If you’re looking for adventure, challenge yourself with a trek up to Thangalpara, a rock sitting at the edge of a precipice, thought to be the resting place of revered Sufi saint, Hazrath Sheikh Fariduddin. Take the unforgiving road leading up to Mundakayam Ghat for surreal sunsets to wrap up your day.
Getting There: Drive to Vagamon from Erattupetta, Kotayam, a mere 25 km away. If you’re flying in, Cochin International Airport is closest (93 km) from where you can book a private car.
Stay: Saj Vagamon Hideout’s 16 cottages are spread around a lake and made using traditional architectural techniques for sustainable luxury.
3. Nandi Hills, Karnataka
Rolling hills and panoramic views aside, Nandi Hills also houses Tipu Sultan’s summer residence. Displaying intricately carved arches and painted ceilings, the palace is made mainly of wood and is open for visitors every day. From here, head to Tipu’s Drop, which sits 600 metres above sea level and is infamous as the cliff from where Tipu Sultan pushed prisoners off as punishment. Belying its macabre history, Tipu’s Drop offers a gorgeous bird’s-eye view of the town below. Other places of interest include Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, which dates back to the ninth century; and Brahmashram, a cave used by Ramakrishna Paramahansa as a meditation spot.
Getting There: Nandi Hills can be reached in about an hour and a half (61 km) by car from Bengaluru. Kempegowda International Airport is 37 km from the hills.
Stay: JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa offers suites with private gardens and a view of Nandi Hills. Doubles from INR 22,000 (USD 265)
4. Kabini Karnataka
Kabini is one of the largest forest areas in the country and connects many parks and reserves like Nagarhole, Bandipur, Mudumalai, and Wayanad. Once a hunting area for the British, Kabini is now a safe haven for the endangered tigers and Asian elephants, along with a host of other species of animals and over 300 species of birds. Take a leisurely stroll through the forests, enjoy a boat ride on the Kabini River, or amp up the adrenaline with adventure activities like trekking, kayaking, and rafting. Centrally located, Kabini is well connected to major cities in Karnataka, and has multiple luxury resorts that offer unique experiences in this exquisite land.
Getting There: Fly to Mysuru Airport, just over an hour (60 km) by road to Kabini.
Stay: With a design inspired by the Hadis or tribal villages, Evolve Back, Kabini combines tradition with luxury. Doubles from INR 51,000 (USD 616)
5. Pelling Sikkim
Pelling checks all the boxes for a summer destination—breathtaking views of the Himalayas, cool mountain air, opportunities for adventure activities, historic monasteries, and trekking trails that go through green forests and gurgling streams. It offers an uninhibited view of the towering Kanchenjunga and its neighbouring peaks. You can also head to Pemyangaste Monastery, one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Sikkim. Pelling serves as a base for a number of treks, and adventure companies here have on offer thrilling activities like mountain biking and paragliding, which will allow you to soak in panoramic views of the landscape. Make friends with the adorable (and endangered) red panda and snow leopard at the Khangchendzonga National Park.
Getting There: Fly to Pakyong Airport, Gangtok. From there, hire a cab to drive to Pelling, which is 124 km away.
Stay: Surrounded by a pine forest, The Elgin Mount Pandim, Pelling oozes royal charm. Doubles from INR 13,800 (USD 166)
6. Almora Uttarakhand
Surrounded by thick pine and fir forests, Almora is set against the backdrop of imposing snow-covered Himalayan mountains, making it a great summer destination for vacations. Catch up on history at the Govind Ballabh Pant Museum, which boasts a sizeable collection of artefacts from the Chand and Katyuri dynasties. Go even further back in time at Phulaseema, Pharkanauli, and Lakhuudiyar caves that were used by early humans as shelter—it has paintings from the Stone Age. Head to the stone-paved streets of Lala Bazar for retail therapy in a 200-year-old market. Admire the Nanda Devi and Jageshwar temples, and take in sweeping views of the Himalayas at Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Getting There: Almora is well connected to all major North Indian cities by road. The nearest airport—Pantnagar Airport—is 115 km away.
Stay: The Kumaon offers suites mirroring Kumaoni village homes and tailor-made itineraries for exploration. Doubles from INR 28,000 (USD 338)
7. Pachmarhi Madhya Pradesh
Popularly known as ‘Satpura ki Rani’ (Queen of Satpura), Pachmarhi has the distinct honour of being the only hill station in Madhya Pradesh. According to the Mahabharata, the five (pach) caverns (marhi) in the region are where the Pandavas are said to have lived during their exile. Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary, home to elusive tigers, leopards, and exotic varieties of birds, is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts. History buffs might find Christ Church, a remnant of the British era built entirely out of sandstone, more to their liking. Visit Dhoopgarh, Pachmarhi’s highest point, to see stunning sunrises and sunsets; or head to the Rajat Prapat waterfall.
Getting There: Pachmarhi is easily accessible by road from Bhopal, which also has the closest airport, Raja Bhoj Airport (222 km).
Stay: The Summer House, Pachmarhi, is perched 1,100 metres above sea level and provides stunning views of the Satpura hills and forests. Doubles from INR 5,500 (USD 66)
8. Western Dooars West Bengal
A vast region bordering Bhutan in the Eastern Himalayas, the Dooars are split into two by the mighty Sankosh River. The western half of these vast floodplains lies in West Bengal and is known for thriving tea gardens, lush forests, sanctuaries, and River Teesta. Summers here are mild and quickly chased away by monsoons, making it an ideal location to beat the heat. Catch a rare glimpse of the one-horned rhino at the Gorumara National Park, or ride an elephant through the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary.
Getting There: Dooars is well-connected to other cities. The closest airport is Bagdogra Airport, located 83 km from Dooars.
Stay: Sinclairs Retreat Dooars is spread over 20 acres and is ideal for those seeking rest, rejuvenation, and adventure.
9. Yercaud Tamil Nadu
Nestled in Eastern Ghats, Yercaud is a tranquil hill station located in Tamil Nadu. Its soothing atmosphere is the perfect antidote to scorching heat, compounded by its famous coffee and tea plantations, fruit orchards, and dense forests. Yercaud Lake is a popular summer destination for boating and fishing. Take the scenic route with a trek to the magnificent Kiliyur Falls; shop from an array of handicrafts, including silk saris; or experiment with popular street food including fried corn and banana bajji. The annual Summer Festival, held during the months of May and June, is a colourful affair with various events like the flower show and dance performances.
Getting There: Salem Airport is 47 km from Yercaud, and the one hour drive is scenic.
Stay: Great trails Yercaud by GRT Hotels and Resorts sits on Yercaud Hill, and offers posh amenities. Doubles from INR 12,600 (USD 152)
10. Majuli, Assam
Majuli is both, the world’s largest river island and the first island to be recognised as a district in India. Spread over an area of 352 square kilometres, the island has held its own against the unruly waters of the Brahmaputra, although climate change has forced it to shrink. A hub for Assamese culture, Majuli has long stood for religious cooperation and peace, and is the birthplace of the Neo-Vaishnavite movement. Its Satras, such as Garamurkh, Dakhinpat, and Auniati, are known for their traditional performing arts centres. Familiarise yourself with the rare birds, explore its fields, or interact with locals while at this destination during the summers.
Getting There: Majuli is only reachable by ferry. Fly to Jorhat Airport, which is well-connected to major cities. Ferries from Jorhat to Majuli run in the daytime.
Stay: Thengal Manor offers rooms bedecked with period furniture. Doubles from INR 8,500 (USD 102)
Related: 15 Honeymoon Destinations In India That Will Never Go Out Of Style
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