Dharamshala/McLeodganj

Dharamshala is one of the most famous hill stations in India and is located in Kangra district of the northern state of Himachal Pradesh. The city, in addition to its natural beauty, is famous for having one of the highest cricket grounds in the world, at 1,457 meters. Dharamshala's international reputation also stems from the fact that it is the home of the Tibetan government-in-exile under the Dalai Lama. Dharamshala is a favorite summer destination due to its favorable climatic conditions. It's also home to the sleepy Tibetan town of McLeodGanj and Trind Hill, a popular hiking trail.

Kodaikanal

This pristine hill station, one of the few in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is one of the summer destinations for almost all of southern India. Known for its tea plantations and climatic conditions, Kodaikanal is located near three major cities of Bangalore, Chennai and Coimbatore and serves as a respite from the summer heat for the residents of these cities. Located at an altitude of 2,133 meters, the hill station is home to several popular tourist attractions, such as the Silver Cascade Falls, the Guna Caves, and the famous Kodaikanal Lake.

Goa

The Sunshine State of India is a great tourist destination all year round, but there is definitely something special about visiting Goa during the summer. Whether it's because of the crowds of tourists during the summer or because it's the perfect opportunity to get that beautiful tan, Goa in summer is a beach paradise like no other. The best part is also that it is cheaper to visit the beach destination during the summer. And if there's any India experience that comes straight out of a Hollywood movie, it's spending the summer on Goa's golden beaches, sunbathing in a bikini and sipping a pina colada.

Ladakh

Ladakh has become the most popular tourist destination in India in recent years, and a trip to this mountainous city makes one of the best summer holidays in the country. This is mainly due to the fact that apart from the altitude of 3000 MT, the temperature of Ladakh also varies between 0° and 15° during the monsoon and winter seasons. However, during the summer, the temperature remains between 15 and 20 degrees. Also, if you are planning challenging adventures, such as a road trip to Khardung La Pass (the highest road in the world for motorized vehicles) or a Zanskar trek, it is recommended to do so in the summer.

Mount Abu, Rajasthan

You would think that one must be crazy to go anywhere near Rajasthan in the summer months. But although the state is largely covered in deserts and scorching areas, the Aravalli Range (one of the oldest ranges in India) is home to the fascinating and untamed hill station of Mt. Abu. When it comes to its merits as a summer destination, Mt. Abu can rival any hill station in India and boasts of having great tourist attractions such as Nakki Lake, Dilwara Jain Temple and several historical forts in the vicinity.

Mussoorie, Dehradun

While Dehradun itself is very popular as a summer destination, it is the picturesque town of Mussoorie that attracts the most tourists. Primarily known for its culture, resorts and climate, Mussoorie is one of the best scenic places not only in the mountainous state of Uttarakhand, but throughout the country. The city is also known as Himalayan arts and crafts center and has other natural attractions such as Kempty Falls. Another popular destination in Dehradun is the town of Landor, which is famous for being the home of one of India's most famous children's writers, Ruskin Pond.

Kashmir

Tourism in Kashmir may have been marred by controversy and turmoil in recent years, but it remains one of the best and most visited summer destinations in India. This is mainly due to the fact that Kashmir has the best weather in the country during the summer and is also home to many hill stations and other destinations like Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Himes National Park.

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