Summers in India are an ideal time for a holiday, as we rush off to the nearest hill station or beach destination to seek respite from the sweltering heat of our cities. The long and languid days at home are immediately forgotten as we take to the road to explore places both near and far. Whether it’s waking up to panoramic vistas of the mountains, drinking your weight in coconut water by the sea, hitting the historical monuments and architectural marvels, or embarking on adventurous safaris at the national parks, summer travel in India has something to offer for everyone.
To help plan your next summer getaway, be it a romantic weekend break or a family holiday with your kids, we have prepared a list of the 9 must-visit summer destinations in India. Based on your travel style and choice of region, we hope you find a destination for your summer travels!
9 Must Visit Summer Destinations in India in 2024
1. Jim Corbett National Park
Spread over an area of 520 square km, India’s oldest national park at Jim Corbett, boasts a rich population of animal and plant life, and has now been incorporated as part of the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve. The national park is well known for the Royal Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, hornbills, leopards, gharials, and other animals and birds. The national park comprises lush grasslands, thick Sal forests, multiple riverines, small hills and several lakes sprinkled over its vast expanse. Jim Corbett National Park makes for an off-beat summer travel experience in India, allowing you to indulge in jungle safaris, bird-watching, camping, river-rafting, rock-climbing, and trekking, placing you in the lap of nature and its wild beauty.
Your summer trip to Jim Corbett can turn into an even better experience if you choose to stay at one of our properties neighbouring the national park.
2. Bhimtal
Located an hour away from Nainital, the lake town of Bhimtal is a less popular but equally serene destination. Sitting splendidly amidst the mountains, you can row past the water on a wooden boat on Bhimtal Lake and explore the aquarium that has been developed on the small island that lies at the lake’s centre. The region has a couple of other water bodies for you to make pit stops at, including Victoria Dam and Nal Damyanti.
With a small population and the air of a hamlet, Bhimtal is an ideal summer destination for you to unwind.
3. Mussoorie
Mussoorie has long held the title of the “Queen of Hills” and with good reason. Located at an easy distance from the capital of Dehradun, Mussoorie lies at the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas and has all the qualities of a summer destination. Spend your time taking leisurely strolls around Mall Road, Company Garden or an active hike up to Lal Tibba, the highest point in Mussoorie which offers a bird’s eye view over the town and the surrounding mountain ranges. You can also make a short trip to Kempty Falls, which lies 15km away, where the gushing water will refresh you quite literally!
Stay at one of our cottage-style villas to have a relaxing abode during your time in Mussoorie.
4. Kanatal
If you want to go further away from the urban landscape, head 38 km away from Mussoorie to Kanatal, a small village and hill station in Uttarakhand for an authentic off-the-grid experience. Revel in the elementary experiences of walking through grasslands, forest trails, and apple orchards, breathing in the pollution-free crisp mountain air, fishing by the streams, and enjoying a clean and organic diet.
Pine trees line the narrow pathways around Kanatal, allowing you to immerse in nature and truly get away from the heat and bustle of city life.
5. Pahalgam
Pahalgam attracts a healthy number of tourists every summer owing to its verdant green meadows and crystal blue lakes. Lying at a distance of 90 km (2.5 hours) away from Srinagar, Pahalgam makes for an ideal destination. Embark on hikes through the valleys of Aru, Chandanwari, and Betab, with their pristine hill slopes and gushing rivers, and visit the meadows of Baisaran, which has lovingly been nicknamed the “Switzerland of India”, ensconced by snow-clad mountains and pine forests. Sheshnag and Tulian Lake are a must-visit for everyone travelling to Pahalgam in the summer, and the adventurous ones can even opt for river rafting! Pahalgam is also the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra, thus, making it a favourite among travellers and pilgrims alike.
If you don’t know where to stay, choose Lohono’s villa in Pahalgam as your base.
6. Jaipur
Conveniently accessible from Delhi, Rajasthan’s “Pink City” is a great destination for a summer weekend trip in India. A history and architecture buff’s paradise, Jaipur’s list of things to do, see, and shop runs long. While the temperatures do rise during the day, the grandeur of the Amer Fort and the beautifully constructed halls and doorways of the City Palace quickly make up for it. Start your mornings at one of the many cafés opposite the Hawa Mahal, before you explore the places of interest such as Patrika Gate, Albert Hall Museum, Jantar Mantar, and Jal Mahal, and the countless bazaars.
For sunset, head to Nahargarh Fort, whose imposing walls overlook the cityscape of Jaipur, and watch the sun paint the sky in yet another shade of pink.
Consider staying at one of Lohono’s villas on your trip to Jaipur.
7. Alibaug, Maharashtra
If hill stations are not your first choice of summer destination in India, then the beach is your next best pick. Among these is Alibaug, located 97 km (2 hours 15 minutes) away from Mumbai, making it a sought-after beach getaway. Spend your days hopping from one beach to the next, from Nagon to Kahid, Varsoli to Akshi, Mandwa to Murud and several other beaches that dot the Konkan coastline of Alibaug. The beaches are great for those who love a warm summer trip that’s close to the city, which is made even better by the wide variety of scrumptious seafood that is made freshly available.
When in Alibaug, consider choosing one of our properties for a quiet and luxurious stay.
8. Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is a hill town in the Western Ghats and lies 230 km (5 hours) south of Mumbai. The town is abundant in hilltops, viewpoints and valleys from which you can watch the sunrise and sunset, including Wilson’s Point and Arthur’s Seat. Boating on the man-made Venna Lake is a must-do when in Mahabaleshwar, along with a visit to the roaring Chinaman’s and Lingmala Waterfalls.
You can also trek through the village of Tapola, or explore the forts set atop Mahabaleshwar’s cliffs.
9. Lonavala / Karjat
Lying at a comfortable distance of 82 km (1.5 hours) from Mumbai and 65 km (1 hour) from Pune, Lonavala is the nearest go-to summer destination for folks from either cities. Along with the neighbouring twin hill station of Khandala, Lonavala is set atop the lofty Western Ghats, offering jaw-dropping views from its multiple cliff-top viewpoints such as Tiger’s Leap and Rajmachi Fort. The region turns lush with the early onset of monsoon and offers much-needed respite from the sultry heat of Mumbai and Pune.
While you’re in the area, you can also travel 34 km north to Karjat, well-known for the host of adventurous activities it offers, such as the Kothligad Trek up to Perch Fort and rafting through the rivers that run between the valleys of the Sahyadri hills.
If you’re visiting the Lonavala-Karjat region in the summer, you can stay at one of our villas in the area.
