Incredible Indian Summer

Introduction: Let the Summer Tell You a New Story

Summer in India isn’t just a season—it’s a vibrant celebration of contrasts. While some regions simmer in heat, others bask in breezy coolness or ocean mist. It’s the perfect time to explore India’s rich geography, from lush valleys and snow-draped mountains to tropical islands and cultural heartlands.

Whether you're a solo explorer, a family planner, or a wanderlust-driven couple, India offers a colorful canvas for every kind of traveler. This guide walks you through some of the best summer destinations in India—each with its own story, soul, and flavor.

Ready to escape the ordinary? Let’s discover the places where summer becomes an unforgettable experience.

🏔️ 1. Manali, Himachal Pradesh – “Where the Mountains Whisper Peace”

📍 What to Do:

·         Paragliding and cable car in Solang Valley

·         Visit Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, and Vashisht Hot Springs

·         Trek to Jogini Waterfalls

·         Chill by the Beas River in Old Manali

🍲 Local Food:

·         Siddu (steamed bread with ghee)

·         Chana Madra (yogurt-based curry)

·         Babru (stuffed flatbread)

·         Tibetan Thukpa & Momos

🗺️ Attractions:

·         Rohtang Pass (snow even in summer!)

·         Mall Road for shopping and cafés

·         Manu Temple (mythology meets beauty)

🧘 Culture:

·         Pahadi culture with strong Tibetan influences

·         Folk music, woollens, and handmade souvenirs

❄️ 2. Gulmarg, Kashmir – “Where Earth Meets Heaven in Silence”

📍 What to Do:

·         Ride the Gondola to Apharwat Peak

·         Enjoy scenic pony rides and meadow walks

·         Tee off at the world’s highest golf course

🍛 Local Food:

·         Kashmiri Rogan Josh

·         Modur Pulav (saffron-sweet rice)

·         Dum Aloo

·         Kahwa (spiced saffron tea)

🗺️ Attractions:

·         Alpather Lake

·         Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve

·         St. Mary’s Church

🧣 Culture:

·         Wazwan feasts and warm hospitality

·         Skilled crafts: Pashmina, carpets, woodwork

🏞️ 3. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh – “Clouds Kiss the Monastery Here”

📍 What to Do:

·         Explore the serene Tawang Monastery

·         Drive to Sela Pass and Bum La Pass

·         Learn war history at the Tawang War Memorial

🥘 Local Food:

·         Thukpa & Momos

·         Churpi (Yak cheese)

·         Butter Tea

·         Zan (millet porridge)

🗺️ Attractions:

·         Nuranang Waterfall

·         Giant Buddha Statue

·         Tribal cultural centers

🧘 Culture:

·         Tibetan Buddhist traditions and festivals

·         Prayer flags, spinning wheels, and monk chants everywhere

🏝️ 4. Andaman & Nicobar Islands – “Where the Ocean Tells Forgotten Stories”

📍 What to Do:

·         Scuba dive in Havelock and snorkel at Elephant Beach

·         Visit Cellular Jail for a peek into history

·         Enjoy sunset at Radhanagar Beach

🦞 Local Food:

·         Fresh seafood (crabs, prawns, fish curry)

·         Coconut water and fruit platters

·         Island-style rice & lentils

🗺️ Attractions:

·         Neil Island (quiet and scenic)

·         Ross Island (colonial ruins)

·         Limestone Caves in Baratang

🌊 Culture:

·         Multi-ethnic: Tamil, Bengali, Tribal, Burmese

·         Peaceful, slow-paced island life

🏯 5. Udaipur, Rajasthan – “A City Painted in Royal Reflections”

📍 What to Do:

·         Sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola

·         Explore City Palace and Jagdish Temple

·         Attend folk dance at Bagore Ki Haveli

🍽️ Local Food:

·         Dal Baati Churma

·         Gatte ki Sabzi

·         Kachori with chutney

·         Rajasthani Thali

🗺️ Attractions:

·         Saheliyon ki Bari

·         Monsoon Palace

·         Traditional market shopping

🪷 Culture:

·         Royal Rajput heritage and architecture

·         Folk music, puppetry, and miniature art

🌿 6. Munnar, Kerala – “Green Dreams Brewed in Tea Gardens”

📍 What to Do:

·         Tea trail walks through plantations

·         Visit Eravikulam National Park

·         Boating at Mattupetty Dam

🍛 Local Food:

·         Kerala-style fish curry

·         Appam with stew

·         Banana chips and coconut chutneys

·         Spiced cardamom tea

🗺️ Attractions:

·         Tea Museum

·         Echo Point & Top Station

·         Blossom Park

🧘 Culture:

·         Kathakali performances, Ayurveda, and temple festivals

Blend

·         of Dravidian and colonial lifestyle

🌧️ 7. Meghalaya – “Where Rain Falls Like a Blessing”

📍 What to Do:

·         Walk on the living root bridges in Nongriat

·         Boating on Dawki River

·         Explore Mawsmai Caves and Cherrapunji Falls

🍲 Local Food:

·         Jadoh (pork rice)

·         Tungrymbai (fermented soybean)

·         Pukhlein (sweet rice bread)

🗺️ Attractions:

·         Mawlynnong – Asia’s cleanest village

·         Laitlum Canyon

·         Elephant Falls

🎶 Culture:

·         Matrilineal society and Khasi tribe traditions

·         Music festivals and eco-conscious lifestyle

☕ 8. Coorg, Karnataka – “Where Coffee and Mist Hug the Hills”

📍 What to Do:

·         Visit coffee plantations

·         Bathe elephants at Dubare Camp

·         Trek to Tadiandamol Peak

🍲 Local Food:

·         Pandi Curry (spicy pork)

·         Coorgi rice dumplings

·         Filter coffee with jaggery

·         Bamboo shoot curry

🗺️ Attractions:

·         Abbey Falls

·         Raja’s Seat

·         Namdroling Monastery (Bylakuppe)

🪘 Culture:

·         Kodava community with martial customs

·         Distinct attire, traditions, and unique local dialect

🧳 Final Travel Tips

·         ☀️ Avoid midday sun (12 PM–3 PM) for outdoor sightseeing

·         💧 Always stay hydrated—carry ORS or lemon water

·         📸 Respect local customs—especially tribal and religious sites

·         🧢 Pack breathable clothes, a cap, and good walking shoes

·         🌍 Be eco-friendly: avoid plastic and support local businesses

🌞 Conclusion: Let Summer Become a Journey, Not Just a Season

Each Indian destination is more than a tourist spot—it’s a memory waiting to be made, a story waiting to be lived. From cool Himalayan air to warm coastal waves, and tribal chants to temple bells, India offers a summer like no other.

So take that break, plan that trip, and let your heart find its rhythm in the colors of Indian summer.