12 Offbeat Destinations for Summer Vacation in India that Defy the Usual

The summers are just around the corner. What better way to escape the scorching summer heat than to find relief away from the plains? Ditch the regular Shimla and Manali this summer, break free and gather some memories with your friends and family during these off-beat summer vacations in India. At a time when the summer bells are tolling, the best way to discover yourself is to take a vacation to the lesser-known best summer vacation places in India. After all, Columbus wouldn’t be the Columbus we know if he was stuck exploring the same journey repeatedly, wouldn’t he?

In India, summer begins in April and continues till the end of June. For those looking for off-beat places to visit in summer in India, our list gives you an opportunity to make a satisfying leap from being a mere tourist to an explorer. Here is our list of some of the best places for a summer vacation in India for you.

1. Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh - The Peace Seeker’s Paradise

Home to the Apa Tani tribe and the beautiful pine hills and rice fields, Ziro is a quaint little town in Arunachal Pradesh, popularly known as the peace seeker’s paradise. Away from the touristy trails, Ziro is one of the best off-beat summer vacation destinations in India, blessed with beauty, bliss and incredible experiences. This summer destination allures countless tourists and nature lovers throughout the year.

Nearest Airport: Tezpur, approximately 280 km from Ziro

Nearest Railway Station: Lakhmipur Railway Station

2. Mawsynram, Meghalaya - The Wettest Place on Earth

Acknowledged as the wettest place on earth, Mawsynram is incidentally also one of the unique summer vacation destinations in India. Maywsynram is situated approximately 16 km south of Shillong and is a perfect nature lover’s delight. Located in the East Khasi hill district of Meghalaya, ‘Maw’ in Khasi means ‘stone’. The village is known for its huge stalagmite formation, which resembles the ‘Shivling’.

Nearest Airport: Shillong or Umroi Airport

Nearest Railway Station: Guwahati Railway Station

3. Majuli, Assam - Biggest River Island

Majuli, a small village in Assam located on the banks of the Brahmaputra river, is one of the off-beat summer vacation places in India that you must visit once in a lifetime. The village is accessible only through local ferries, which can be hired from Jorhat, another off-beat destination in Assam. Majuli is one of the strong contenders for UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to its unique culture and surreal beauty. In addition, festivals, food and the unique charm of the village are the highlights for the tourists visiting this part of Assam.

Nearest Airport: Rowriah Airport

Nearest Railway Station: Jorhat town railway station

4. Hemis, Jammu and Kashmir - The Snow Leopard Capital of India

Hemis, or Hamis, is one of the coolest places in India during summer due to its geographical location. The quaint village is located in the Leh district of Jammu and Kashmir, which is approximately 40 km southeast of Leh on the banks of the Indus river. The village in Jammu and Kashmir is home to numerous monasteries. One of the monasteries was built by the Ladakhi king, Sengge Namgyal, and is believed to be one of the wealthiest monasteries in India. Hemis is also home to one of the well-known national parks in India, the Hemis National Park. The national parks house some of the rarest and most endangered snow leopards. Carry your camera when visiting the Hemis National Park; you can capture a picture if luck favours.

Nearest Airport: Leh Airport

Nearest Railway Station: Katra Railway Station

5. Mandu, Madhya Pradesh - Land of Islamic Architecture Marvel

Mandu in Madhya Pradesh is one of those non-missable and one of the best places for a summer vacation in India; that is not just a place but an experience one must not miss. Relive the days of the bygone era by visiting Mandu, which is the epitome of awe-inspiring Islamic architectural brilliance. Mandu is a testament to the unconditional love between Rani Roopmati and Prince Baz Bahadur. The city boasts one of the oldest erected monuments in India. Explore the awe-inspiring Islamic architectural masterpieces displayed in Mandu fort, Jami Masjid, Jahaz Mahal, Rewa Kund, Baz Bahadur Palace etc., when you visit one of the best summer vacation destinations in India.

Nearest Airport: Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, Indore

Nearest Railway Station: Mhow Railway Station

6. Tadoba National Park, Maharashtra - The Jewel of Vidarbha

Popularly referred to as the “Jewel of Vidarbha”, Tadoba is another off-beat summer vacation destination in India on our list, which is abundantly blessed with plenty of wildlife and natural beauty. Tadoba is famous for the Tadoba National Park in Maharastra's Chandrapur district. Taboba National Park is India’s best protected Tiger reserve, with Maharashtra's most visible tiger sightings. Apart from the Tadoba National Park, you can also explore the Tadoba-Andhari Reserve, Erai dam, Tadoba lake, Khosla Village and Moharli.

Nearest Airport: Nagpur Airport

Nearest Railway Station: Chandrapur Railway Station

7. Gokarna, Karnataka - Land of Golden Sands

Of the many surreal beach towns in India, Gokarna is one of the off-beat places that is famous for its pristine and unspoilt beaches. However, Gokarna in Karnataka is a summer destination in India, primarily a temple town with a relaxed atmosphere. The quaint town is situated on the coast of Karwar and is dotted with palm and coconut trees, ocean and clean sands. Gokarna is a unique place in Karnataka to add to your list of the best summer vacation places in India.

Nearest Airport: Dabolim in Goa

Nearest Railway Station: Ankola Railway Station

8. Bundi, Rajasthan - Relive the Bygone Era

Bundi is another off-beat summer vacation place in India in the princely state of Rajasthan, famous for its magnificent palaces, majestic forts, step wells, temples and chhatris with carved pillars. Bundi was previously known as “Bunda ka Nal”, where Nal means narrow lanes. The town's name is said to be derived from a former Meena tribe man called the Bunda Meena. The place in Rajasthan is of great historical significance, as it has seen many historical battles and legendary tales of valour. Budni is also blessed with abundant nature and a beautiful pattern of rivers, lakes and waterfalls.

Nearest Airport: Jaipur Airport

Nearest Railway Station: Kota Railway Station

9. Devprayag, Uttarakhand - Confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi

Marked by the confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, Devprayag is a religious place in Uttarakhand that worshippers frequent from across the country. Devprayag is one of the best places in India for summer vacation for numerous reasons. The town is positioned at an elevation of 830 metres above sea level. If you plan to visit Devprayag this summer, then miss out on visiting the holy places such as Sangam, Dhaneshwar Mahadev Temple, Raghunath Ji Temple and Danda Nagaraja Temple. Adventure enthusiasts can also indulge in numerous activities such as kayaking, white water rafting, trekking, rappelling and rock climbing.

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun

Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh Railway Station

10. Saputara, Gujarat - The State’s Only Hill Station

Saputara is one of the most unheard and off-beat summer vacation destinations in Gujarat, India, which is home to lush green forests and fascinating waterfalls. Saputara is Gujarat’s only tourist destination where you can indulge in hiking activities in Saputara while enjoying the picturesque beauty of the tourist destination. Apart from enjoying the eclectic beauty of Saputara, the village is also less-known for its beautiful hand-crafted tribal arts and crafts. Enjoy your vacation with your family at one best summer destinations in India.

Nearest Airport: Surat Airport

Nearest Railway Station: Waghai railway station at Billimora

11. Kalimpong, West Bengal - Get Acquaint with Picturesque Vistas

While talking about hill stations in West Bengal, Darjeeling is one of the places on the list. However, Kalimpong's scenic grandeur will captivate your senses through its captivating beauty, pleasant atmosphere and appealing location. Kalimpong is one the best summer vacation places in India to go with your family and friends. The village settled on the foothills of the Shivalik ranges and is located at an elevation of 1,250 meters above sea level. The place is home to numerous Buddhist monasteries, so you will witness several monks living peacefully in the mountains. Some of the best places to visit in Kalimpong are Pine View Nursery, Delo Park and numerous monasteries.

Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport

Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri Station

12. Damro, Arunachal Pradesh - Home to Longest Hanging Bridge

Damro in Arunachal Pradesh is a hidden summer vacation destination in India that enchants with thatched bamboo houses, one of the longest hanging bridges and the laid-back way of life of the locals. The sight of harvested crops, huge areas of meadows and grasslands and bison in Damro is very appealing. When in Damro, you can visit Arunachal Pradesh’s longest hanging bridge, near the Adi Pradam tribe’s homeland.

Nearest Airport: Pasighat Airport

Nearest Railway Station: Dibrugarh Railway Station

India is a country that is filled with incredible landscapes, stories, cultures, and traditions. We hope our list of some of the best places to visit in India during your summer vacation helped you plan your trip. Explore the various India tour packages listed on Veena World and make the most of your summer vacation. Explore the customised holiday section on the website for more tailor-made tour itineraries.