You may have heard several stories of Indian summer. That summer is hot and scorching in most of the Indian states is an undeniable fact. At the same time, it is true that India has many summer holiday destinations in the lap of nature. Since the British Raj, these destinations have been the summer capitals where heat does not dare to touch anyone. Most of these places are hill stations where nature does not obey to the whims of summer. Indian Eagle points out on the map of north, northeast and west India the top 10 summer holiday tourist destinations for fun, romance, peace, adventure, photography….
Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir
It won’t be unjust to call Srinagar the goddess of natural beauty in India. The capital of Jammu & Kashmir, it is a mirror to the wonderful artifices of nature. The summer ambience of Srinagar is cozy and charming. Adding to the lure of the landscape and the serenity of the surrounding is the Dal Lake where the floating vegetable and flower market is a photographers’ delight, in the morning. Sonmarg at a height of 2740 meters is an ideal visit for trekking and skiing which offer dollops of adventure. The snowy beauty of Sonmarg is really admirable.
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
The summer capital of the British Raj in the colonized India, Shimla is one of the best summer destinations in Himachal Pradesh. The face of Shimla dramatically changed when Charles Kennedy, a Scottish Civil servant, set up his summer abode here in 1822, and when the town became the official capital of the British for the summer season in 1864. After the capital of British India was shifted from Kolkata (then Calcutta) to Delhi, the officers of the East India Company and the British ladies took refuge in the cool & cozy atmosphere of Shimla in summers. October to June is the best tourist season of Shimla.
Darjeeling, West Bengal
The geography of Darjeeling is waved by green valleys of tea plantation and rocked by scenic mountains. Established by the British as a summer destination for their army, this hill station is the life and soul of West Bengal tourism. Darjeeling ticks all the boxes – wildlife, adventure, fun and romance. The panorama of this tourist destination spans across Kanchenjunga, Tiger Hill, Happy Valley Tea Gardens, Toy Train, Senchal Lake, and Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. Photography is an irresistible pleasure during sunset and sunrise. To be precise, Darjeeling is nature’s darling!
Shillong, Meghalaya
Surrounded by rolling hills, landscaped by tall pine trees and beautified by picturesque waterfalls, Shillong is like a piece of cloud floating in the sky. Now the capital of Meghalaya, it used to be a major British settlement. The food habits of the locals are influenced by the British. One of the summer capitals of the British India, this northeastern hill station is full of tourist attractions such as Shillong Peak, Lady Hydari Park, Wards Lake, Don Bosco Museum, and Mawsynram. Shillong takes pride in its hills and waterfalls which keep summer away.
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Called “gateway to the heaven”, Rishikesh is a major destination in North India. Not only the beauty but also the spirituality of nature makes itself felt all over here. Home to hermits, sages and monks in the Himalayan region, Rishikesh is famous for the Gangotri. Besides being a spot of pilgrimage, a seat of meditation and a hub of yoga in India, it is a swing of adventure as well. It is equally popular with pilgrims and adventure buffs. It is a very short drive from Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand. Many foreign tourists visit Rishikesh to attend the International Yoga Festival in the first week of March every year.
Cherrapunji, Meghalaya
One of the best summer destinations in India, Cherrapunji is the right place for those who spring into adventure even in summer. In India, it is one of the few tourist destinations where there is no off season. It teems with tourists and buzzes with activities throughout the year. The beautiful natural setting of Cherrapunji promises a rejuvenating vacation to the tourists in search of relief from the heat of summer. Among the tourist attractions of Cherrapunji, Mawsmai Falls is an irresistible temptation in itself.
Nubra Valley, Ladakh
The abstract beauty of nature is sensuously manifested in each nook and each corner of Nubra Valley in Ladakh. Nicknamed Ldumra that means “valley of flowers”, Nubra Valley defines how pleasant, how beautiful, and how relaxing the world of nature is. The passage to Nubra Valley goes through Khardung La Pass, the highest motorable pass in the world. Popularly known as the Orchard of Ladakh, Nubra Valley boasts two natural rich places – Hunder and Panamik. Waved by sand dunes, Hunder is called “desert in the sky”. Monasteries add to the picturesqueness of the valley.
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
If you are looking to spend summer months in the solitude of peace and silence, Tawang is a must visit in Arunachal Pradesh. Tawang is a sparsely populated town inhabited by the Monpa people who belong to the Monyul or Lhomon Kingdom. Home to beautiful monasteries, this region is like a hidden jewel. The tourist attractions of Tawang include Gorichen Peak, Craft Center, Sela Pass, Gorsam Chorten, Tsachu Hot Spring, Nuranang Falls, Banga Jang Lake, etc. This small town in Arunachal Pradesh has all the makings of a summer capital.
Nainital, Uttarakhand
If Rishikesh is popular with the spirituality seekers, Nainital is a favorite of romantics. Among the best hill stations in Uttarakhand, Nainital is gifted with the romantic beauty of nature. Lavished with serenity and greenery all over, this hilly region inspires tourists to fall in love with the lakes and hills. A must visit in summers, Nainital is sure to make you feel young during a sightseeing tour. Boating and angling in the Lake Naini are among the joyous things to do. The authentic Tibetan cuisine is a must try here.
Gulmarg, Kashmir
Glorifying Kashmir as a summer holiday destination in India is Gulmarg in the Baramula District. Gulmarg is the place to be for those who drink to pleasure out of peace and those who find adrenalin rush in adventure. Do feel the soulfulness of the place during a Gondola ride, do catch an eyeful of the panorama from the cable car, and do experience the kicks of adventure while skiing on the snow. So, why not add Gulmarg to your list of Indian destinations to visit in summers?
IndianEagle.com is booking the cheapest flights to the summer capitals of India. Hope, you are no more in two minds about flying to India in summer months!
Nainital is one of the most entertaining place in uttarakhand with the romantic beauty of nature.