Is the Summer Heat Weighing You Down? Now May Be the Perfect Time to Head Somewhere Cool: The Best Places to Visit in Summer in India in 2020!

The summers can be unforgiving across the country with temperatures even reaching 45 degrees Celsius at times. The sun is at the full might, and people feel like moving away from the plains. We start looking for locations where we can get some respite from the heat. We usually scout for places in the Himalayas – that run from the northern fringes of the country to the extreme north-east. The Western Ghats and the Andamans are also favourable locations. You are spoilt for choice. In this article, we will talk about the top places to visit in summer in India. Let us first understand the factors that you must consider when you are selecting your vacation destination.

You must change your travel plans based on the people with whom you are travelling. You need to take extra care if you are travelling with the elderly and children. You will need to pack more woollens. If you are going with friends, you might want to hit the road with your transport.

While deciding on your itinerary, you must consider the time to reach the destination. You must spare three to four days for local sightseeing. If your schedule is too packed, you may have to travel some part of the trip by air.

Assessing your budget is necessary before packing your bags. As you are visiting the hills, you may need to shell out a bit more on local travel and guides. You might have more luggage and have to shell out some finances there as well. Also, visiting during peak tourist season may cost more on accommodation.

You must also do research and check the status of the infrastructure of the destination. Are the roads right enough to travel? Is the location safe to travel at night? How convenient will it be for the elderly and children to travel to the destination? You will need to plan accordingly.

Are you willing to revisit a destination you visited earlier? In this case, you will have an idea of the finances you would require. You may wish to stay at the same hotel and reuse your earlier acquaintances to have a reduced budget.

How to reach the destination:

- The nearest airport is at Bhuntar – almost 50 kilometres from Manali with flights from Delhi and Chandigarh. You may also take a bus route from significant tourist destinations like Shimla, Kullu and Delhi. You may also travel by road.

Places to visit in Manali:

- There are several peaceful monasteries and temples in Manali. Tourists visit the Hadimba Temple that is situated in the backdrop of pine trees. You can also visit the Manu Temple, the Maa Sharvari Temple, the Gayatri Temple and the Gauri Shankar Temple. The Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa and the Himalayan Nyingmapa Gompa are monasteries frequented by tourists.

- The meandering Jogini Falls and the Jana Falls are a treat for the nature lovers. The journey that the waterfalls take through the majestic hills is stunning for your eyes. The Rahala Falls is among the deodar and birch forests and almost 16 kilometres from the city. The snow-clad Himalayas can be seen in the background.

Manali is also the ideal place to indulge in some adventure sports. There are a variety of activities to choose from; viz. rafting, paragliding, horse riding, etc. Do visit Solang Valley for more adventure sports. Also do not forget to visit the Rohtang Pass if you are visiting Manali in summer.

Few things first-time visitors should know:

- You need to know the weather conditions before you visit Manali, especially if you wish to travel to Rohtang Pass. The weather in the hills can change very fast.

- You should always carry a medicine box with you and take precaution against mountain sickness. Tourists are known to catch a cold very often at Rohtang Pass.

- You must always carry our official documents if you have to enter government buildings. There are quite a handful of such monuments where you will need you to have to prove your identity.

How to reach the destination:

- Nainital is among the best places to visit in summer in India with family. The nearest airport is Pantnagar which is a one hour drive from the city. There are only a handful of flights that touch the airport. If you are travelling by train, you must offboard at Kathgodam railway station – 34 kilometres from Nainital. The other option is to travel by road – either by your transport or using the frequent bus services that are available.

Places to visit in Nainital:

- Your destination owes its name from the Naini Lake - a fresh-body lake in the shape of a crescent. The surrounding snow-capped mountains offer a breathtaking view. Seven peaks are surrounding the lake, and the coniferous forests only add to its beauty.

- There are various points to view the surrounding mountains. Tourists can be seen flocking to the Naina Peak and the Tiffin Top for a gorgeous view of the surroundings. The Snow View Point and the Himalayan View Point will make you romance the mountains. Both of these spots are within 5 kilometres from the city.
The Hanuman Garhi and the Naina Devi Temple are renowned places of worship in Nainital. Considered to be very holy by the locals, you must not miss visiting these temples.

- Vehement shoppers can shop till they drop at the Mall Road while nature lovers can visit the Eco Cave Garden. The caves are a cluster of six small caves, built in the shape of various animals. The entry fee at the caves is Rs.60 for adults and Rs.25 for children.

Few things first-time visitors should know:

- If you travel by road, it is ideal that someone who is experienced about the route, is with you. Alternatively, you should carry a map of the location with you.

- You need to carry some warm clothes even during summer. You must doubly check for woollens if children are travelling with you.

- It is best to ask any local or the hotel about the local rules, especially if you have your car.

How to reach the destination:

- The nearest airport is in Dehradun with connectivity to major cities across the country. It is directly linked by train across the country. You can easily reach Haridwar by road or take the numerous luxury bus options. Numerous state transport buses are also available.

Places to visit in Haridwar:

- Haridwar is a sacred city located on the banks of the Ganga. Ardent Hindu devotees visit the city throughout the year. It is known to be one of the seven holiest cities, and the city has many famous temples that draw visitors from all over the country.

- Haridwar has a large number of temples that draws devotees. Some of the significant temples are Chandi Devi Temple dedicated to Lord Durga's form Chandi. You need to visit the temple through the ropeway.

- The Mansa Devi Temple dedicated to Goddess Manasa, Maya Devi Temple dedicated to Goddess Maya, Daksha Mahadev Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Vaishno Devi Temple are other temples where you may pay a visit. The Bharat Mata Mandir is dedicated to India as a country. The temple stands for the freedom fighters and patriots for our freedom struggle. Devotees also throng the riverside for the Ganga Aarti every evening and the Har-ki-Pauri ghat.

- You can also visit the Rajaji National Park that is rich in flora and fauna. Surrounded by the Shivalik range, it is home to tigers, elephants and bears. The forest department also organises elephant safaris and jeep safaris. The permits cost Rs.150 per person for Indians and Rs.600 for foreigners.

- You can also visit the Swami Vivekananda amusement park that is a place for fun and frolic for children. For more adventure activities and water rides, you can visit the Fun Valley Water Park.

Few things first-time visitors should know:

- Being on the banks of the Ganga, you will be tempted to take a dip. But do be on your guard and do not go deep into the water if you do not know swimming.

- The locals are very religious and followers of age-old traditions. You will be having vegetarian food and do not be overly boisterous in your behaviour.

- When visiting the ghats, do watch your step. The stairs of the ghats are wet, and you may fall and hurt yourself.

How to reach the destination:

- Dehradun is the nearest airport and also the nearest railway station. The rest of the journey is by road. There are many private and well as state transport facilities to take you to Mussoorie from Dehradun. People from Delhi usually travel in their car.

Places to visit in Mussoorie:

- How can you visit Mussoorie without taking in a view of gigantic peaks? Lal Tibba is the highest point in the area and gives a spectacular view of the surroundings. Nature lovers also visit the Lake Mist and are enchanted by the emerald waters.

- There are many magnificent waterfalls around the town. The Kempty Falls, Jharipani Falls and the Bhatta falls are worth mentioning. The majestic falls coming from the heights are a breathtaking sight in itself. It is best to avoid these spots during the monsoons.

- The Cloud’s End and the Camel’s Back Road are a stress buster amid the calm and serene mountains. You can always see couples walking hand in hand, feeling the cool breeze. The Gun Hill can be visited through a cable car costing Rs.75 per person. The trip to the top is truly enthralling. Wildlife enthusiasts can also visit the Benog Wildlife Sanctuary. The entry fee is Rs.150 per 3 hours for Indians and Rs.600 for foreigners.

- You can also spend your time at the Company Garden that provides ample chances of taking snaps. The garden is open from 9 AM – 7:30 PM. There is an entry fee of Rs.20 per person. In the evenings, you can visit Mall Road, that is a shopper's paradise. It is the central marketplace of Mussoorie where you will be able to shop anything of your choice.

Few things first-time visitors should know:

- You must always pack some woollens if you are visiting the hills – even in summer. Also, be in your guard when you participate in adventure sports. Always carry a first-aid kit along with some medicines.

- It is difficult to find an ATM while you may not get a mobile or internet connection if you are travelling outside the city.

How to reach the destination:

- Darjeeling is among the best cool places to visit in summer in India. The nearest airport is Bagdogra, and the nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri. Both of them are well connected to the rest of the country. However, you will need to travel the rest of the distance by road. You may also take the heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

Places to visit in Darjeeling:

- Darjeeling is in the Lower Himalayas but is bestowed with a view of the Kanchenjunga – the third highest mountain in the world. The view is best seen from Tiger Hill. Darjeeling is also known for adventure activities. It is the home of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. White water rafting on the Teesta is also a favourite with tourists. Those who love eco-tourism can also opt for the Sandakphu trek, which is the highest peak in West Bengal.

- You can also spend your time at Nightingale Park with the magnanimous Kanchenjunga in the background. The entry fee is Rs.10. You may also visit the Darjeeling Rock Garden which is open from 10 AM - 4 PM and has an entry fee of Rs.10. Tourists can have a scenic sojourn with the greenery amid the rocky hills.

- The Singalila National Park is a haven for the local wildlife amid the Himalayan background. The red panda and the Himalayan black bear call it their home. Entry fee is Rs.100 with another Rs.100 for still camera. The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park has some wild animals and is the largest high altitude zoo in the country. The entry fee is Rs.20.

Few things first-time visitors should know:

- Do not forget to take woollens as the nights are chilly even in summers. High altitude sickness among children is common. Do keep some medicines handy. Also, you must discuss your itinerary with your hotel as they can guide you very well.

- Being going out on your sightseeing spree, do take adequate amount of drinking water with you. Also, take an umbrella with you as showers are unpredictable.

- The summer months are the best to visit Darjeeling. Do not visit during the monsoons as it is a mess.

How to reach the destination:

- The nearest airport is Srinagar which is 56 kilometres away. The nearest railway station is Jammu. The rest of the journey has to be done by road.

Places to visit in Gulmarg:

- Known for its height, Gulmarg has the second-highest cable car in the world. Tourists can enjoy the great views of Khilanmarg also. Adventure lovers can go skiing and experience the Gulmarg gondola. You can ski along the forest which leads to the shrines around. It will cost around Rs.500 for you. However, when you are in the mountains, you must be on your guard.

- Tourists also visit the Alpather Lake, which is 13 kilometres. It is suggested you hire a taxi to the location. It is at the foot of two peaks of Alpharwat. In summer, the lake is bestowed with beautiful flowers surrounding it. Its is an excellent place for photography and people looking for solitude.

- There are also several temples here, and the Maharani Temple is an important one. Nature lovers can go trekking to Tangmarg or visit the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserves. The protected reserves are home to many exotic animals like the snow leopard and musk deer. You may also visit the Seven Springs and the Children's park to be near nature.

Few things first-time visitors should know:

- You must be carrying cash as the number of ATMs is inadequate. Also, most of the hotels may not accept credit or debit cards. Also, you must take loads of petty cash too if you like to indulge in fun activities.

- Given that you need to travel in the hills travel at an average speed of not more than 30 kmph. Do not make the mistake of speeding when you hit the road. While the trip is an experience to remember, do take the services of an expert driver.

- You will need to carry proof of your identification as the security agencies may require them occasionally. Also, you must bring a torch as the villages are dark at night.