Travelling in summer in India can be a daunting experience with scorching temperatures, unbearable humidity, and stifling air. However, I remember when I was a little girl, summer meant vacation in our house. Every year, around January, my father would call a family meeting and announce the dates for the summer road trip that we would take that year, and he would ask us to plan a trip and then later, we would choose one location as a family. I remember me and my brother impatiently waiting for our father to make the much-awaited announcement and then getting into a fierce competition of who will come up with the best Indian summer destinations.
With both me and my brother in school, the only good time to step outside was during the summer break and skipping town seemed like an excellent opportunity to avoid the Bangalore heat. Not only that, but while planning all these trips, we realised that summer in India offers plenty of places to escape the heat and enjoy a cool and refreshing vacation, from the snow-capped Himalayas of the north to the pristine beaches of the south. Summer is also the best time to experience the bright colours of the festivity of the country. But planning a road trip in the summer requires extensive research, and to save you all the hassle, we have curated a list of the best Indian summer destinations. Now all you have to do to make your travel seamless this summer is to book an air conditioned cab, with an experienced chauffeur and enjoy the road trip of your life.
Table of Contents
- Sakleshpur, Karnataka- All things coffee and spice
- Lakkidi, Kerala- The most relaxing summer destination
- Rajahmundry, Andra Pradesh- The unicorn of Andra Pradesh
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands- Go exploring underwater
- Darjeeling, West Bengal-The Queen of good times this summer
- Mokokchun, Nagaland- The Aos people
- Mount Abu, Rajasthan- The only hill station in Rajasthan
- Velas, Maharashtra- The land of hatching turtles babies
- Auli, Uttarakhand- The skiing destination of India
- Shimla, Himachal Pradesh- The charm of the summer festivals
- Kufri, Himachal Pradesh- The view of the Gods
- Mana, Uttarakhand- The last village of India and the tales from Mahabharata
1. Sakleshpur, Karnataka- All things coffee and spice
Sakleshpur is one of the best Indian summer destinations to beat the heat due to its moderate and pleasant climate. I specifically remember the year we planned for Sakleshpur because our trip was almost cancelled because of our extended family joining us. But my mother came up with a brilliant idea and we booked a tempo from Bengaluru so that all of us could go together. I remember sitting in the back of the tempo, and all the cousins of the family screaming songs as we entered the lush green forests and coffee and spice plantations, providing a perfect atmosphere to relax and rejuvenate in the lap of nature. The cold climate and the exotic views, along with all the family banter, made Sakleshpur a perfect destination for those looking to escape the notorious heat of the summer in India.
Temperature in summers- 18℃ to 31℃
Things to do in Sakleshpur-
- One can enjoy trekking in the nearby hills.
- Rejuvenate yourself in the waterfalls, and dip in the natural swimming pools.
- The town is also known for its famous trekking trails, which offer stunning views of the Western Ghats.
2. Lakkidi, Kerala- The most relaxing summer destination
The year we went to Lakkidi, we had actually not even planned to go there. Our trip was to Wayanad in Kerala, but fate may have something else in store for us. We had booked an air-conditioned cab from Thiruvananthapuram to Wayanad because the thought of travelling any other way in the Kerala heat was scary to, us. My brother and I heard the driver talk about the Chain-tree in Lakkidi and ended up staying awake for the entire ight because we were so spooked. By the next day, my parents had had enough of us and asked the driver to take us there to face our fears. It was the best last-minute change-up. Not only did we get off the ghost of the chain tree, but we had the most refreshing day surrounded by dense forests, gushing waterfalls, and meandering rivers. Swimming in the natural springs provided a perfect atmosphere to relax and rejuvenate in the lap of nature.
Temperature in summers- 23℃ to 30℃
Things to do-
- Enjoy trekking in the hills.
- Picnic at the nearby Pookode Lake.
- Refresh yourself by dipping in the natural swimming pools to beat the heat.
- The town is also known for its scenic drives, which offer panoramic views of the Western Ghats.
“I really enjoy my drives to Lakkidi, especially because the monkeys always seem to be waiting for me when I drive through. Another thing that interests me every time I come here is the Chain Tree. There is a ficus tree that has a chain around it. It is said that a British engineer failed to create a passage through the forests of Wayanad even after many tries. Then a tribal boy, Karinthandan, guided him in making the route. The engineer was reluctant to share the glory, so he killed Karinthandan. Local people believe that later the soul of the tribal youth started haunting the travellers on this way, and at last, a priest chained the spirit to the tree. It gives me goosebumps every time I drive by it.”
Ramesh Babu, Savaari driver.
3. Rajahmundry, Andra Pradesh- The unicorn of Andra Pradesh
We were in Hyderabad the summer my brother suggested Rajahmundry for our next road trip, and everybody was clueless. None of us had even heard of it, and honestly, I was sure that he was making it up. So we bet on it. If Rajahmundry was a legitimate place for a road trip, then that’s where we’ll go. But when we looked it up, we were shocked to know that situated on the banks of River Godavari, Rajahmundry is best known as the cultural capital of Andhra Pradesh. So, we booked a Savaari from Hyderabad to Rajahmundry, and we were surprised to learn that this ancient town is said to have been established in the 11th century and is home to temples which flaunt their exquisite architecture. Looking back, I am glad that I lost that bet.
Temperature in summers- 30℃ to 34℃
Things to do-
- Take a dip in the holy waters of the ghat at the 10th-century Kotilingeshwara Temple.
- Tingle your religious side at the 2nd largest Iskon temple and Lord Shiva’s Drakshramam temple, which is known for its architecture from the sculptural traditions of the Chalukyan and Chola dynasties.
- Immerse yourself in history and culture at the Rallabandi Subbarao Government and Aryabhatta Science and Technology Society.
- Take a boat ride on the Godavari River.
- Don’t miss out on eating the famous Hyderabadi Biryani.
- Visit this page to learn more about travelling from Hyderabad to Rajahmundry.
4. Andaman and Nicobar Islands- Go exploring underwater
Andaman is where I had my first underwater experience right after the year Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara was released. Who knew that Andaman and Nicobar Islands is one of the best Indian summer destinations for scuba diving and snorkelling? The summertime brings calm, and high temperatures make more aquatic flora and fauna to be visible. But the thing to remember is that it can get warm here during the summer months, so it is advised to be prepared, have lots of fluids and enjoy all your time near and in water to save yourself from the heat.
Temperature in summers- 24℃ to 37℃
Things to do-
- Go explore the underwater way of life by scuba diving and snorkelling.
- Try your hand at surfing.
- Enjoy multiple water sports and activities.
- Take your tastebuds on a coastal ride with authentic seafood here.
5. Darjeeling, West Bengal-The Queen of good times this summer
I remember this one special summer in India when I visited my grandparents during the holidays, and they made me watch Aradhana (1969), and it had this iconic song “Mere sapno ki rani”, and I just fell in love with the toy train. So, obviously, the next trip had to be in the “Queen of Hills”, Darjeeling for the summer in India. We flew to Kolkata and then booked a Savaari for a comfortable ride to Darjeeling. The rustic colonial town looks like it has a charm bracelet of colourful flowers like orchids, pines and rhododendrons. The town is surrounded by lush green tea plantations, providing a perfect atmosphere to relax and rejuvenate in the lap of nature. The cool climate and greenery are a refreshing change from the summer heat. The majestic view of the Kanchanjunga makes it all the more picturesque.
Temperature in summers- 11℃ to 19℃
Things to do-
- Enjoy the charm of the cutest toy train.
- Try white water river rafting and let your adventurous side play.
- Enjoy the views from the cable cars.
- Shop for local art and crafts and trinkets from Mall Road.
- Visit the monasteries and learn about the tibetan way of life.
- Visit this blog for more things to do in Darjeeling.
“I am from Darjeeling but was born and raised in Delhi. I have always wanted to travel and explore the Eastern side of India, and the best way to do that was to reach Kolkata and tart on a road trip from there because there is so much to see, and I didn’t want to miss out on anything. With the help of Mr Guman Singh, who drove me all around and always knew the best places to eat, I could visit Kalimpong, Tinchule, Gangtok and Kurseong, along with Darjeeling, all in just seven days. It was an impossible mission made possible by Savaari.”
Davina Tamang, Customer
6. Mokokchun, Nagaland- The Aos people
East of India has always been close to my mother’s heart. Her father was in the Indian Army and was posted in the east almost all his life, and my mother, born in Mizoram, was called “ Zorampoi”, meaning queen of the hills. And so, to revisit memories from her childhood, we visited the East often. On one of those trips, our Savaari driver told us the lore of the first of the Nagas to embrace Christianity, who are called Aos (people who crossed) and how it was the Moatsu festival, which takes place every year in May, was the very next day. After hearing the story of the Mokokchun, we knew we had to go there. We booked our cab to Mokokchun and were on our way to the adventure of our lives. We were very glad that our driver was from the area and knew so much because it would have been impossible to be able to observe the tribes without him.
Temperature in summers- 16℃ to 21℃
Things to do-
- Lose yourself in the beauty of the Longkhum Village.
- Visit the birthplace of the Ao tribe at the Ungma Village.
- Explore the Langpangkong caves.
- Learn about the mysteries of the Moatsu festival.
7. Mount Abu, Rajasthan- The only hill station in Rajasthan
Whenever I think about Mount Abu, it puts a smile on my face. Years ago, on a trip with my family, I wrote for the first time here. Sitting in the Toad rock, soaking in the view of the Aravalli hills, old Bollywood music playing in the cab we took from Jodhpur to Mount Abu and the pleasant breeze, which was much needed in the summer months of Rajasthan. I remember feeling inspired by the characters of history the state tells so well and the beautiful sun setting into the lush green forests, breathtaking lakes, and picturesque landscapes. An experience you shouldn’t miss is the Mount Abu Summer Festival which is held on the occasion of Buddha Purnima every year. The boat race, folk songs and dances and the beautiful fireworks are a perfect way to celebrate the rich culture of Rajasthan. It was the perfect way to end the summer in India because when most parts of the country experience intense heat, the hill station of Mount Abu offers a much-needed respite.
Temperature in summers- 20℃ to 33℃
Things to do-
- Enjoy the view from Toad Rock.
- Picnic next to the Nakki Lake and Trevor’s tank.
- Go for hikes and treks.
- Witness history at Achalgarh Fort.
- Indulge in Rajasthani culture during the Mount Abu Summer Festival.
- You can visit this blog for more things to do in Mount Abu.
8. Velas, Maharashtra- The land of hatching turtles babies
The story of how the trip to Velas happened is a funny one. One evening, after a busy day, my father fell asleep watching the discovery channel and he woke up to a documentary about the turtle babies of Velas. Velas is known for its pristine beach and its unique ecosystem, which includes the Olive Ridley turtles that visit the beach during summer in India to lay their eggs. Once he realised that you could witness the hatching of the eggs and the release of the hatchlings into the sea during March, there was no way we were going anywhere else for the road trip of the year. When we arrived at Velas in our Savaari from Pune airport, we were surprised to find that lush green hills surround the beach and has a peaceful and serene environment, making it an ideal place to relax and rejuvenate in summer. It was the only summer destination our father chose for us, and it is more than worthy to be on the list for the best Indian summer destinations.
Temperature in summers- 30℃ to 40℃
Things to do-
- Witnessing the hatching of baby turtles on Velas beach at the Turtle Festival in March is an experience you shouldn’t miss in summer in India.
- Velas also offers a range of water sports activities, such as snorkelling and scuba diving.
- Experience history and tradition at the Bankot Fort and the Suvarnadurga forts.
- For more information related to the Turtle Festival, visit their official website.
9. Auli, Uttarakhand- The best India summer destination for skiing
My grandparents live in Dehradun, and one summer, we decided to visit Auli, a beautiful hill station in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. The hills of Auli offer breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, and the cool breeze provides a refreshing break from the heat in summer in India. I even got to try skiing here, and it was electrifying. It is undoubtedly one of India’s best places to beat the heat, offering a perfect combination of adventure, nature, and relaxation. The highlight of the trip was witnessing the annual bloom of the Valley of Flowers in the month of May.
Temperature in summers- 20℃ to 25℃
Things to do
- Visit the valley of flowers to witness the rare phenomena of blooming flowers.
- Try your hand at the skiing paradise of India.
- Enjoy a cable car ride which offers a stunning aerial view of the valley.
- Take a refreshing dip in the waterfalls and natural springs.
- Trek and camp in the panoramic views of the beautiful hill.
- You can also visit this page for the top things to do in Auli.
10. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh- The charm of the summer festivals
I have never been to Shimla, but I have heard endless stories about it, and it had to be on my list of the best places to visit in the summer. In 1996, my parents were roaming the streets of Shimla with their friends and ended up booking the same camp near Mashorba. Dad sang “Neele Neele Ambar Par”, clear summer sky of Shimla, and Mom became the chand (moon) of his life. Later they met at the Shimla and Summer festival, which is a 5-day bonanza of folk music, art and Himachali culture; they started to spend time together and eventually got married. The summer festival in Shimla must visit, and the best way to go sightseeing around Shimla is by booking a comfortable cab with a local driver who has the best food suggestions in town.
Temperature in summers- 15℃ to 30℃
Things to do-
- Take your tastebuds on a trip in by trying amazing authentic cuisine. You should read this article for amazing places to eat in Shimla based on Savaari driver suggestions.
- Shop at the Lakkar Bazaar, known for antiques, artefacts, locally handcrafted goods etc.
- Go for a paragliding ride in Waknaghat or Kangra Valley if travelling in summer.
- Explore the apple orchards in and around the hill town and go apple picking, orchard tours, and sampling fresh fruits and fruit-based goodies.
- Visit the nearby mountain retreat of Mashorba for the best experience of camping in Shimla, known for the best pine forests and wooded trails.
- You can visit this blog for more things to do in Shimla.
11. Kufri, Himachal Pradesh- The view of the Gods
I recently accompanied a friend of mine who is a nature and wildlife photographer on a road trip to Kufri, a picturesque hill station located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The place had some fantastic ways to beat the heat and stay cool. The town is a perfect backdrop for photographs, but my friend was hesitant about travelling with his expensive camera and accessories. But when I told him that we could just book a cab from the Chandigarh airport and the driver will be able to take care of his things while he was busy clicking pictures, he was more than convinced. The rustic hill station is graced by the heavenly Kedarnath and Badrinath temples. It is an ideal place to escape this summer in India for nature lovers and adventurers with the 180 species of fauna in the Great Himalayan Nature Park.
Temperature in summers- 12℃ to 19℃
Things to do
- Go for a refreshing walk in the shade of the pine forests that surround the town.
- Take a dip in the cool waters of the Fagu River.
- Indulge in some local delicacies, such as the famous chana kulcha or mango lassi, which will help you stay cool and refreshed even in the hottest of days.
- Don’t forget to try the famous chana kulcha while in Kufri.
“We booked a ride to Shimla with Savaari, and the driver suggested we stop at Kufri on the way. We had some time, so we agreed. It was the best decision I ever made. The driver knew so many places especially known for their chana kulcha. He even introduced us to a man who took us on a horse back ride to Mahasu Peak. It was the perfect sunset.”
Kelly Martin, Customer
12. Mana, Uttarakhand- The last village of India and tales from Mahabharata
Ever had chai at the last chai of India? Or bought beautiful trinkets from the last shop in India? Well, a bit of a bragging moment, but I have. When you visit Mana, a small village in Uttarakhand, you will find these charming, rustic shops and all marketing themselves as the “Last” of India. We went to Mana on our trip to thank the Lords at Badrinath right after COVID-19 ended, and only because my brother had spent the entire lockdown watching the Mahabharata on TV. You can read about the importance of Mana in the Mahabharata by visiting this link. The people of Mana are known for their warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage. I got a chance to learn about their unique way of life, customs, and traditions, and I even participated in local festivities. Dancing to the tunes of Garhwali folk songs and indulging in delicious regional cuisines like kachmauli and singodi was an absolute treat!
Temperature in summers- 18℃ to 24℃
Things to do-
- Trek to Neelkantha Peak, the queen of Garhwal.
- There is a bridge that is made up of rock. It is said to be made by Bheem for his wife Draupadi so that she could cross the river, Saraswati.
- Tapt Kund is believed to be the abode of Goddess Agni and is said to cure any kind of skin disease.
- Explore the historical Vyas Gufa, where Vyas sat while creating the Vedas.
Are you ready to travel to the best Indian summer destinations?
Summer in India can be disagreeable to a lot of people. However, the country has such a diverse landscape that escapes are available in every direction. There are hills, mountains, islands, beaches and forests that are at their best during the summer season. The flowers decorate the lush green backgrounds under the bright sunny sky. In fact, there are festivals and experiences that one can only witness during the warm months of the year.
However, we acknowledge that travelling to these places in the heat can be exhausting and troublesome. This is why we suggest booking an air-conditioned, chauffeured taxi to travel to these summer destinations is by comfortably at your own pace. You can download the Savaari app for the best road trip experience this summer.
Last Updated on January 17, 2024 by Swati Deol
