As temperatures rise across the country, Indian travellers are increasingly seeking cooler, scenic, and less crowded destinations for their summer getaways. According to insights from EaseMyTrip, there
is a strong early booking trend this season, with travellers planning ahead to secure better fares while exploring both popular and offbeat destinations.
Rikant Pittie, CEO and co-founder, EaseMyTrip, notes, “Travellers today are prioritising destinations that offer a balance of experience, affordability, and comfort. We are also seeing a growing shift towards destinations that provide a more immersive and peaceful travel experience.”
From the hidden tribal hamlets of the Northeast to the high-altitude deserts of the North, India offers a diverse palette of summer refuges for the discerning traveller.
1. Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
Nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, Ziro Valley offers a peaceful retreat where nature and local culture exist in perfect balance. The region is known for its unique practice of combining rice cultivation with fish farming, set amidst lush valleys and pine-covered hills. Travellers can engage with the local community to understand their sustainable way of life, take in sweeping views of the landscape from vantage points like Kile Pakho, and explore the nearby Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, which is rich in biodiversity and natural beauty.
2. Shillong, Meghalaya
Known as the “Scotland of the East,” Shillong is a vibrant hill city that blends rolling landscapes, colonial-era charm, and a lively contemporary culture. During summer, its cool climate and mist-covered hills make it an ideal escape from the heat. Travellers can explore natural attractions like Elephant Falls and the scenic Laitlum Canyons, experience the city’s thriving café and music culture, earning it the reputation of India’s rock capital—and unwind by the serene Umiam Lake, with activities ranging from boating to peaceful lakeside strolls.
3. Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh
Often called the “Mini Switzerland of India,” Khajjiar is a picturesque destination in the Chamba region, known for its lush, saucer-shaped meadow surrounded by dense deodar and cedar forests, with a tranquil lake at its heart. The expansive green landscape offers a postcard-like setting for leisurely walks, while the 12th-century Khajji Nag Temple reflects the area’s deep-rooted spiritual heritage. For those seeking adventure, the nearby Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary offers scenic trekking trails through rich forest cover and diverse wildlife.
4. Auli, Uttarakhand
While widely known as a winter ski destination, Auli transforms into a stunning summer retreat as the snow gives way to lush alpine meadows, or ‘bugyals’. The region offers breathtaking Himalayan views, especially during the cable car ride from Joshimath to Auli, which provides sweeping aerial perspectives of the surrounding peaks. Travellers can explore scenic trails like the Gorson Bugyal trek, ideal for a relaxed yet immersive hiking experience, and visit the Auli Artificial Lake, which adds a unique element to this serene mountain escape.
5. Kashmir
Often regarded as the crown jewel of Indian tourism, Kashmir comes alive in summer with blooming gardens, glistening lakes, and pleasant weather. Travellers can experience the charm of staying in intricately carved houseboats on Dal or Nigeen Lake, explore scenic spots like Gulmarg with its iconic cable car and Pahalgam with its serene riverside landscapes, and stroll through Mughal-era gardens such as Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, known for their timeless beauty and meticulous design.
While these five destinations make for compelling summer escapes, India’s diverse landscape has no shortage of hidden gems. For travellers drawn to the south, Munnar in Kerala offers an equally enchanting retreat.
Nestled in the Western Ghats, Munnar is a cool, mist-laden hill station defined by its sweeping tea estates, cascading waterfalls, and rich biodiversity. Travellers can explore the region’s famous tea plantations, visit Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and soak in panoramic views of rolling green valleys that offer a welcome contrast to the summer heat.
Summer travel today is less about ticking destinations off a list and more about finding the right environment to unwind and recharge. With thoughtful planning and the right destination, travellers can turn the season into an opportunity to explore India in a more relaxed and meaningful way.
