Check Out The Best Places in North India to Visit in The Summers

From Nainital to Auli, here are our top suggestions in north India.

The summer season is almost here and it brings with it unbearable heat, mangoes as well as vacation time for children. Since many parts of north India are home to a number of hill stations in the country, most vacationers head to this region to beat the heat. Even though there are several hill stations, there are a few popular ones and then ones where fewer tourists go. We give you a list of our top suggestions to visit in north India this summer.

Shimla

Photograph courtesy: Ben Tubby/Creative Commons

Shimla is one of the most popular hill stations in India and summer is the best time to visit the place. However, be prepared to see a lot of other tourists as well when here in the summer especially honeymooners and families. If you love mountain views and nature, Shimla is apt for you. It is also famous for its adventure activities that include trekking, rappelling, zorbing, paragliding and more. Shimla is also home to several cafes and shops on the Mall Road that you must check out. There is accommodation available for all budgets as it is a very popular hill station.

Manali

Another popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh is Manali. Perched at an altitude of 6398 ft, this place offers clear views of the Himalayan range covered in snow. In fact, you can also visit Rohtang Pass where there is a spot called Snow Point. Here, you can rent clothes and gear and enjoy playing in the snow. Manali is also famous for trekkers and adventure sports lovers. From white water rafting to rock climbing and zip-lining, there’s a lot you can do when here. Being so popular, you get all kinds of accommodation available in the hill station.

Kasol

A favorite with backpackers, Kasol has become one of the most popular destinations for solo travelers or those traveling on a shoestring budget. Kasol is safe enough for female solo travelers and offers basic accommodation in the lap of nature for a cheap price. The hill station is also popular with youngsters as you get the best marijuana here. Most backpackers come here and then look for accommodation as there aren’t many hotels where you can book before. Since it isn’t too mainstream, Kasol offers a respite from all the crowds and you are likely to find like-minded people here.

Nainital

Called the Lake District of India, Nainital is known for its Lake Naini, temples and quaint atmosphere. The hill station in Uttarakhand is well-known and popular all over India and most people come here between May to July. However, you can go here before that too to avoid the crowds. Book a resort overlooking the lake or you can even stay in a quaint villa near it. The Kainchi Dham temple is also a sightseeing spot and several foreigners too throng it every year. Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg are few famous people to have visited this temple.

Mussoorie

Mussoorie is another very popular hill station in Uttarakhand and summer is a good time to visit it when the climate is cool and nature’s bounty is at its best. Mussoorie is surrounded by green hills and has a wide variety of flora and fauna to offer. Popular attractions in this hill station include the Lal Tibba that is the highest point in Mussoorie and offers a bird’s eye view of the hill station. Kempty Falls is another point and so is the Bhatta Falls. You will find accommodation for every budget in this hill station.

Ranikhet

Popular for being a hill station that is at the base of the Kumaon region, Ranikhet is also in Uttarakhand and offers majestic views of the snow-capped Himalayas. The hill station has many sightseeing attractions that include the Ranikhet Golf Course that is one of the highest ones in Asia. Rani Jheel is another attraction where you can also go boating. There are also several temples in Ranikhet that pilgrims throng to. Summer is the best time to visit this hill station as winters can be quite cold here and the region also receives snowfall.

Dharamsala

If you are looking for a vacation that offers a different feel and gives you a peek into a different culture, Dharamsala should be your pick. The hill station is where you will find several monasteries and Tibetan monks lost in meditation. Dalai Lama also resides in Dharamsala and you can even get an opportunity to meet him. The weather in Dharamsala is very pleasant and the view of snow-clad mountains makes for a complete trip. You will easily find cheap accommodation options here.

Auli

Photograph Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

Not many may know about Auli but it is a small town in Uttarakhand that is simply breathtaking, It falls en route to Badrinath and is known for its snow-covered landscape. A white winter is what you can experience here and summers are equally pleasant. Auli is also popular for having the longest cable car that runs for four kilometres. Skiing and trekking are popular sports that tourists come here to try. Since it isn’t very commercial yet, you can expect fewer crowds in Auli so do consider it this summer.

Srinagar

Srinagar is one of the most beautiful destinations in India and even so, it sees a lesser number of tourists than some of the other hill stations. This should be reason enough to visit it this year. The hill station’s prime attraction is the Dal Lake that is the lifeline of several people. But as a tourist, you can enjoy the vistas and the everyday scenes as well as stay in a shikara on the lake. The beautiful gardens are another attraction of Srinagar.

Gulmarg

If you want to see snow and learn skiing, Gulmarg is another place you can visit. Known as a ski resort, this hill station is one of the most scenic places in India. From gondola rides to ski sessions, Gulmarg is perfect for adventure lovers who want to learn and try new activities on vacation. Gulmarg has limited accommodation options and summer being the peak season, it is important that you book yours before you head there. You can also enroll for ski lessons and choose a package that offers training as well as stay.