Families that travel together, stay together.
Okay, yes it might sound a little made up but do not dismiss it just yet. Travelling is actually one of the best ways for you to bond as a family. Because it involves so many different things! From working as a team together to creating memories that stay with you a lifetime, travelling can be such a beautiful thing to do.
Especially if you do it in the summer. Because you get to escape the maddening heat! Even if it is just for a couple of weeks! And what could be better than that?
A list of the perfect summer travel destinations of course! Which we are all ready with for you! Here are top 5 summer travel destinations in India which we think you will love exploring as one big, happy family!
- Manali and Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
- Kodaikanal and Ooty, Tamil Nadu
- Kalimpong and Darjeeling, West Bengal
- Thekkady and Munnar, Kerala
- Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
They are like sister spots! If you are visiting one, you must visit the other. It only makes sense. Summer vacation days are long anyway for kids, so you have plenty of time in hand to explore these gorgeous hilly summer travel destinations in India. Both Shimla and Manali are dotted with charming lakes and panoramic views of snow-capped peaks that are bound to take your breath away.
Temperature breakdown: Shimla stays cool and comfy at 19 to 28°C in summer months, while Manali stays between 10 and 25°C.
Must-visit: Shimla has many amazing points of interest that you can visit as a family. We strongly suggest visiting The Mall, the Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex, the Viceregal Lodge, The Green Valley and The Christ Church for a wholesome experience. This way your kids will get to experience both the natural beauty and the architecture of the place.
As for Manali, not only is it home to beautiful temples, but there are so many absolutely stunning lakes and peaks. You can of course make your way to Rohtang Pass, but if you are worried about the kids, Parvati Valley and Solang Valley are just as good. You can also head to the Beas river or visit the Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple and the Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art.
Things to do: From mini hikes to nature trails, boating and yachting, you can enjoy a plethora of activities as a family in both places.
If you are looking for a lush escape, we suggest heading south to Kodaikanal and Ooty. One of the best summer travel destinations for families, you get a 60-acre star shaped lake that offers a bunch of activities for you and your kids to enjoy!
Temperature breakdown: Kodaikanal goes from 13 to 34°C so make sure you pack your woollies. Ooty is pretty much the same at the 15 and 30°C range.
Must-visit: In Ooty, we suggest you visit the Pykara Lake and Pykara Falls. They are just wow oh wow! You can also visit Avalanche Lake and Catherine Falls. As for architecture, St. Stephen’s Church and Annamalai Temple will give you the best of both worlds.
As for Kodaikanal, you absolutely cannot miss Kodaikanal Lake! Berijam Lake and Coakers Walk are great places of natural beauty too! You can also head to Pine Forest and Guna Cave for some adventure.
Things to do: From a night safari to a misty boat ride at the lake, Kodaikanal has plenty of things for you to do. And so does Ooty with its toy train ride and short treks. That is what makes both of them the best summer travel destinations for families!
Another top summer travel destinations in the hills, both Kalimpong and Darjeeling are charming little summer hill stations dotted with aromatic and lush tea estates that will leave you wanting for more!
Temperature breakdown: At 18 to 25°C, Darjeeling is summer cool. Yes, Kalimpong is 16 to 27°C!
Must-visit: Kalimpong is the perfect Himalayan hilly town with colonial architecture that takes you back to a different era! Durpin Monastery, MacFarlane Memorial Church and Zang Dok Palri Phodang are just some of the places you cannot miss!
Darjeeling was a British Raj summer resort, so you can only imagine how relaxing a retreat it can be! We suggest visiting the Peace Pagoda, the Padmaja Zoo and the Observatory Hill among many other spots!
Things to do: Darjeeling’s toy train and treks are such great family activities, we strongly recommend. Just as we do Kalimpong’s garden visits and local haats for some shopping! Definitely a top summer travel destination!
Trust us, down south is where it is at! All the natural beauty, luxurious greenery, gorgeous water bodies and delicious food. They have it all! Which is what makes Thekkady and Munnar such a fantastic summer travel idea for families! Wait till you see what these stunning destinations have in store for you.
Temperature breakdown: A warm and pleasant range of 21 to 27°C is what you will find at Thekkady, while Munnar will hit you with 23 to 36°C. We know that it is a little warm but the waters will make it feel cooler.
Must-visit: You and your kids will love Eravikulam safari in Munnar, we bet! We think you might even enjoy the Pothamedu View Point. As the name suggests, it offers gorgeous views! Also Echo Point and Lakkam Waterfalls.
As for Thekkady, you have got the Periyar National Park, which is bound to be a big hit! You can even head to Gavi Forest and Elephant Junction to get closer to nature’s fascinating creatures!
Things to do: Jungle safaris, boat rides and natural walks are the main attraction of both these places!
Heading to western India with your family? You must plan a trip to Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar because that is the most soothing place you can spend your summer in! You have got the most picturesque views of the Western Ghats here.
Temperature breakdown: Mahabaleshwar is pleasant at 25 to 35°C, while Panchgani will give you a cool maximum of 27°C.
Must-visit: Mahabaleshwar has Pratapgarh Fort, Panch Ganga Temple, Arthur’s Seat, Lingmala Waterfall and Venna Lake for you to spend quality family time in.
As for Panchgani, your kids will tell you that it is known as the Table Land because it is home to a huge volcanic plateau, which they would obviously be very excited to see. You can also visit Sydney Point, Dhom Dam Lake, Parsi Point and Kamalgad Fort.
Things to do: Boating, paragliding and stargazing are some of the things you can do at Panchgani, while at Mahabaleshwar you can go birdwatching, trekking and sunset viewing among other things.
We strongly recommend planning a summer trip to any of these places with your kids this season! It will be such a great break from screens and books. They will love being one with nature, getting to know it up close and personal. It will be beautiful and unforgettable. For more such interesting blogs, keep visiting EuroKids.
