India summer (March to June) brings heat to most parts of the country, but it is also the perfect time to escape to the hills, beaches, or offbeat destinations. Here are the best summer vacation destinations in India that offer pleasant weather, stunning views, and memorable experiences.

1. Manali, Himachal Pradesh

• Best Time to Visit: March to June

• Weather: Pleasant (10 to 25 Degrees Temperature)

Top Attractions:

• Solang Valley - paragliding, ATV rides, and zorbing

• Rohtang Pass - snow even in early summer

• Hadimba Temple - serene and surrounded by deodar trees

• Old Manali  cafes, apple orchards, and hippie vibes

Why Visit:

Manali is a favorite for families, couples, and adventure lovers. From trekking to just relaxing in scenic beauty, it's a complete summer retreat.

2. Leh-Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir

• Best Time to Visit: May to September

• Weather: Cool and dry (7 to 20 Degrees Temperature)

Top Attractions:

• Pangong Lake - a stunning high-altitude lake

• Nubra Valley - sand dunes and double-humped camels

• Magnetic Hill - the mysterious anti-gravity hill

• Monasteries: Thiksey, Hemis, Diskit

Why Visit:

Known for its dramatic landscapes, Ladakh is a paradise for bikers, photographers, and spiritual seekers.

3. Nainital, Uttarakhand

• Best Time to Visit: March to June

• Weather: Mild and pleasant (12 to 28 Degrees Temperature)

Top Attractions:

• Naini Lake - boating and sunset views

• Naina Devi Temple - lakeside serenity

• Snow View Point - panoramic views of the Himalayas

• Mall Road - shopping, cafes, and strolls

Why Visit:

Nainital is a charming hill station known for its peaceful lake, family-friendly attractions, and cool mountain air.

4. Shimla & Kufri, Himachal Pradesh

• Best Time to Visit: March to June

• Weather: Comfortable (15 to 30 Degrees Temperature)

Top Attractions:

• The Ridge - colonial charm and scenic views

• Jakhoo Temple - dedicated to Lord Hanuman

• Kufri - horse riding and yak rides

• Toy Train Ride - Kalka to Shimla route

Why Visit:

Shimla is perfect for a leisurely holiday with colonial vibes, while Kufri adds adventure and fun for kids.

5. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

• Best Time to Visit: March to May

• Weather: Warm (15 to 35 Degrees Temperature) but river breeze keeps it comfortable

Top Attractions:

• Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula - iconic suspension bridges

• Triveni Ghat - evening Ganga Aarti

• Adventure sports - river rafting, bungee jumping

• Yoga retreats and ashrams - perfect for spiritual wellness

Why Visit:

Rishikesh offers the perfect blend of spirituality and adventure, making it a great summer destination.

6. Ooty, Tamil Nadu

• Best Time to Visit: March to June

• Weather: Cool (10 to 25 Degrees Temperature)

Top Attractions:

• Ooty Lake - boating and paddleboats

• Botanical Gardens - exotic flora and landscaped beauty

• Doddabetta Peak - highest peak in the Nilgiris

• Toy Train - Nilgiri Mountain Railway

Why Visit:

Ooty is South India, favorite hill station, ideal for honeymooners and families looking to escape the summer heat.

7. Munnar, Kerala

• Best Time to Visit: March to May

• Weather: Pleasant (15 to 25 Degrees Temperature)

Top Attractions:

• Tea Gardens - scenic estates and tea tasting

• Eravikulam National Park - home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr

• Mattupetty Dam - picnic spot and boat rides

• Attukad Waterfalls - hidden gem in the woods

Why Visit:

With misty hills, waterfalls, and spice-scented air, Munnar is a refreshing retreat for nature lovers.

8. Darjeeling, West Bengal

• Best Time to Visit: March to May

• Weather: Cool and breezy (10 to 20 Degrees Temperature)

Top Attractions:

• Tiger Hill - sunrise over Kanchenjunga

• Batasia Loop - panoramic train views

• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway - UNESCO-listed toy train

• Happy Valley Tea Estate - tea tasting and estate walk

Why Visit:

Darjeeling offers a unique blend of British colonial charm, Himalayan beauty, and tea culture.

9. Coorg (Kodagu), Karnataka

• Best Time to Visit: March to June

• Weather: Pleasant (15 to 30 Degrees Temperature)

Top Attractions:

• Abbey Falls - dramatic waterfall in the forest

• Dubare Elephant Camp - interaction with elephants

• Coffee Plantations - scenic drives and estate stays

• Talacauvery - origin of River Cauvery

Why Visit:

Coorg is a scenic paradise with hills, waterfalls, and coffee estates, often called the "Scotland of India."

10. Andaman & Nicobar Islands

• Best Time to Visit: March to June

• Weather: Warm and breezy (24 to 32 Degrees Temperature)

Top Attractions:

• Havelock Island - scuba diving and Radhanagar Beach

• Neil Island - peaceful beaches and coral reefs

• Cellular Jail - historic site with light & sound show

• Water sports - snorkeling, sea walking, kayaking

Why Visit:

For a summer beach escape with crystal-clear waters and underwater adventures, Andaman is unbeatable.

11. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

• Best Time to Visit: March to June

• Weather: Cool (5 to 22 Degrees Temperature)

Top Attractions:

• Tawang Monastery - largest in India

• Sela Pass - high-altitude pass with snow even in summer

• Madhuri Lake - breathtaking alpine lake

• Buddhist culture and Tibetan influence

Why Visit:

Tawang offers untouched natural beauty and spiritual calm, ideal for offbeat travelers.

12. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

• Best Time to Visit: April to June

• Weather: Cool and misty (11 to 20 Degrees Temperature)

Top Attractions:

• Kodaikanal Lake - boating and cycling

• Coaker Walk - scenic cliffside trail

• Silver Cascade Falls - photo stop

• Pillar Rocks - dramatic rock formations

Why Visit:

Known as the "Princess of Hill Stations, Kodaikanal is perfect for peaceful vacations amid nature.

13. Auli, Uttarakhand

• Best Time to Visit: March to June

• Weather: Pleasant (10 to 20 Degrees Temperature)

Top Attractions:

• Gurso Bugyal - scenic meadow trek

• Joshimath - religious and base town

• Cable car ride - Auli to Joshimath views

• Snow-covered slopes (early summer)

Why Visit:

Auli is famous for skiing in winter and trekking in summer, with breathtaking views of the Nanda Devi range.

14. Gangtok, Sikkim

• Best Time to Visit: March to June

• Weather: Cool (10 to 25 Degrees Temperature)

Top Attractions:

• Tsomgo Lake - glacial lake near the Indo-China border

• Nathula Pass - historic Silk Route point

• Rumtek Monastery - grand Buddhist monastery

• MG Road - shopping and local cuisine

Why Visit:

Gangtok blends Himalayan scenery with rich culture, making it a laid-back and beautiful destination.