Huddling at home in a warm blanket and sipping a hot cup of coffee sounds like a great idea in the winters. But soon facing the unrelenting heat of summer becomes a daily ordeal and we begin longing for the chilly, refreshing breezes of the mountains and hills. It’s time to plan a holiday and escape to the hills – even a weekend getaway can be fun.
Fortunately, not every part of the country is simmering in heat in the summers. There are heavenly mountains, breath-taking hills, exotic beaches, enchanting lakes, and mesmerizing forests to escape the heat, enjoy nature, and refresh and recharge your body, mind, and soul. Hence, with the approaching Indian summer in our minds, here are the top 5 summer destinations in India that definitely should be in your summer holiday bucket list this year.
Top 5 Summer Destinations in India
- Leh, Ladakh
There is something about Ladakh that every adventurous soul craves. You don’t have to be a biker to enjoy and appreciate the enthralling beauty of Ladakh. Summer is the right season to experience the true colours of Ladakh.
Things to do:
- Visit the breathtakingly beautiful emerald Pangong Tso Lake
- Take a camel ride to Nubra Valley and explore the sand dunes and majestic views
- Experience the sheer pleasure of riding a bike on the top of the world
How to reach:
- You can fly by air directly to Leh Airport, from major cities such as New Delhi.
- If you travel by train, you will have to get down at Jammu Tawi Railway station which is 700 km away from Leh. You can travel by road from there.
- Bikers and driving enthusiasts love the road trip to Ladakh since it’s an amazing experience. Leh is around 1300 km away from New Delhi by road.
- Auli, Uttarakhand
Auli offers an unforgettable experience to travelers who love the hills. Picture rolling greens and white clouds touching the ground, flocks of sheep grazing on the landscape and snow-capped peaks on the background – and that’s just a glimpse of Auli. This mountainous sanctuary is also a popular skiing destination and is blessed with scenic views and pleasant weather.
Things to do:
- Explore the popular trekking trails such as Gorson and Kunwari Pass
- Hop inside a ropeway and enjoy amazing aerial views of the landscape
- Travel to Joshimath on the ropeway
How to reach:
- You can fly by air directly to the nearest airport in Dehradun, which is 280 km away from Auli.
- The nearest railway station is Haridwar, located 285 km from Auli.
- If you are planning a road trip to Auli, the nearest major city to start is New Delhi. A 500 km drive from Delhi is all it takes to reach Auli.
- Mount Abu, Rajasthan
Other places in Rajasthan may be an unlikely place to visit in the summer season but not Mount Abu, the only hill station in the state. Though you can expect a lot of tourists during summer here, nothing can match the joy of watching the sunset or relaxing on a boat ride at the Nakki Lake in this hill station.
Things to do:
- You shouldn’t miss the boat ride on the Nakki Lake and the opportunity to relax in the serenity of this place
- Watching the sunset from sunset point is an unforgettable experience
- Visit the local wildlife sanctuary and the world-famous Dilwara temple
How to reach:
- Udaipur is the nearest airport and is located 207 km from Mt. Abu
- You can also reach by train and get down at Abu Road, which is located 29 km away
- Gangtok, Sikkim
Gangtok is a bustling, vibrant town atop a hill in the mountainous state of Sikkim. This hill station is surrounded by pristine natural beauty all around – including waterfalls, natural streams, lakes and springs. It is also known for its beautiful and towering Buddhist monasteries. There are also a lot of opportunities for travelers to shop, dine and entertain themselves.
Things to do:
- Visit the Rumtek Monastery and enjoy the architecture
- Visit the zoological park for a glimpse of abundant wildlife
- Explore the Nathula Pass near the Indo-China border
- Enjoy mesmerizing views at Tashi View Point
- Drive to Tsomgo Lake on the mountains
- Go for Char Dham Yatra to enjoy a bird’s eye view of Gangtok on a ropeway
How to reach:
- The nearest airport is located in Bagdogra, Siliguri, located 124 km from Gangtok
- Nearest Railway Station is New Jalpaiguri Railway station, located 150 km from Gangtok
- Kashmir
A summer holiday list in India is incomplete without mentioning India’s crowning glory: Kashmir. Irrespective of the political climate and other problems faced by local citizens in the state, Kashmir will always remain at the top of the holiday list. Must-visit places in Kashmir include Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Pahalgam.
Things to do:
- Stay in a houseboat and boat on the picturesque Dal Lake
- Enjoy a gondola ride in Gulmarg
- Explore the picturesque surroundings in Pahalgam that were glamorized by Bollywood for many years
- Don’t forget Sonmarg and its unforgettable green landscape, flowers, valleys and slopes
How to reach:
- You can fly directly from major cities in India to Srinagar airport
- If you plan to travel by rail, the nearest railway station is at Jammu, located 322 km from Srinagar
Conclusion: India has a lot of beautiful places to help you escape the summer heat and refresh yourself. These five destinations represent five different parts of India and each has its own unique flavour and beauty.
Once you’ve zeroed in on the destination of your choice, the next step is to secure travel funding. In order to make the most of your dream holiday, you can secure comprehensive funding by opting for a personal loan for travel. Apply for a Bajaj Finserv personal loan for travel on Finserv MARKETS and enjoy competitive travel loan interest rates and deals this season. Get an instant personal loan up to Rs. 25 lakh with zero collaterals and assured flexibility in repayments with easy EMIs up to a period of up to 60 months. You can journey to the most famous summer destinations in India, and do so at completely nominal rates!