7 Best Summer Vacation Spots in North India for Families
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Summer has just begun, and it’s the perfect time to start planning a family vacation. From my adventures during these months, I have shared a few of my favorite spots that you should check out, too.
Summer and family are the most amazing combination we all have encountered since our childhood days! I used to get so excited when school vacations used to start and I got to go for a fun trip with my parents.
Now that I have become a parent, I am always in search of summer-friendly destinations to travel to with my family.
If you plan your vacations in the heart of North India, you will be able to enjoy sumptuous local meals in Rajasthan, meet the friendly people of Ladakh, and unlock peace and serenity in the Himalayas of Himachal.
All these experiences are enveloped within North India.
Dipped in fascinating history and marvelous natural beauty, North India is a cluster of ancient historical sites, religious attractions, and Instagram-able places.
A region of India engrossed with everything, North India is every photographer’s dream region.
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Is Summer The Best Time To Visit North India?
Yes, summer is the best time to visit North India because there are several hill stations in North India. If you visit Himachal Pradesh hill stations, you will find that the resort towns of Himachal are located at an equilateral distance from one another.
There is no dearth of places in Ladakh, a cold desert, where you will have unprecedented experiences! All you need to do is just perform careful research about the destinations to visit in North India that serve your travel taste.
From the lush greenery of distant valleys to the snow-capped Himalayas and golden sands of Rajasthan, you name it, North India has got your back!
Best Summer Vacation Destinations in North India for Families
1. Nubra Valley, Ladakh
If you want to witness the beauty of deserts and mountains in the same place, plan your vacation in the summer to Nubra Valley. Located in the Union Territory of Ladakh, Nubra Valley lies on the ancient Silk Route.
The beautiful Shyok River snakes through the Nubra Valley. There are old-aged Buddhist monasteries to explore in Nubra Valley, double-humped Bactrian camels to explore the desert, and several camping sites to camp under the star-studded sky.
Watch the dunes at such exhilarating heights. All tourists, including domestic and international, need to obtain a permit to visit Nubra Valley since the region is currently under military influence as its road connects with Siachen Base Camp.
Nearest Airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, 162 kilometers (approx.)
Ideal Duration: 4-5 days (approx.)
2. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
If you are looking for the best places in North India in the summer with family, you should consider Rishikesh.
With a touch of spirituality and serene ambiance, your trip to Rishikesh in the summer leaves you mesmerized as the temperature does not cause hindrance in your sightseeing plans.
Moreover, Rishikesh is the ‘Yoga Capital of India’ and is located on the lower foothills of the Himalayas. At several Ashrams, you can attain peace of mind and perform yoga and meditation to purify your mind and body.
Rishikesh is synonymous with river rafting sports because there are all types of river rapids for rafting, such as Grade 1 to Grade 5. So, if you consider yourself a thrill-seeker, you must visit Rishikesh in the summers for other adventure sports as well including paragliding, trekking, zip lining, and rock climbing.
Did I mention several other things to do, like camping and attending the Ganga Aarti ceremony on various ghats?
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, 20 kilometers (approx.)
Ideal Duration: 3-5 days (approx.)
3. Nainital, Uttarakhand
Nainital is one of the famous summer holiday destinations in India because it is a hill station in North India. Nainital holds a striking resemblance with the Cumbrian Lake District, England.
No wonder, hoards of tourists flock to Nainital during summers in April, preceded by March and followed by May. Nainital is fondly famous for its emerald eye-shaped lake, Naini Lake, where morning and evening boating are best enjoyed.
There are several other experiences to indulge in Nainital like ropeway, horse riding, temple hopping, and small treks. If you are traveling with your family, shop until you drop at Mall Road, adjacent to Naini Lake.
You will find luxury as well as budget accommodation options in Nainital. The opulent ones are set at the Naini Lake banks.
If you want to photograph unique birds like white-throated laughing thrushes and Rufous-bellied woodpeckers, take your binoculars and camera at Kilbury Bird Sanctuary.
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport, 70 kilometers (approx.)
Ideal Duration: 4-5 days (approx.)
4. Lansdowne, Uttarakhand
Take a step closer to nature at Lansdowne. It is a charming hamlet whose elevation is 1780 m (approx.) and remains tropical throughout the year.
Here you will find the rich history of Garhwal rifles as the town is in a cantonment zone and equally rich in lush greenery.
From wildlife encounters to bird-watching trips to nature walks amidst pine timberlands, a trip to Lansdowne in the summers will rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.
Several trekking trails, lakes, and temples in Lansdowne will add 5 stars to your summer vacation. So it goes without saying that you must not skip a trip to Lansdowne if your idea is to beat the summer blues with family in 2025.
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, 145 kilometers (approx.)
Ideal Duration: 1-3 days (approx.)
5. Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh
If there is one wildly popular place for paragliding in India, that foreign tourists are fond of – it is Bir Billing. This place is a perfect place if you are looking to quest for peace amidst hills in the summer.
Bir is a village often referred to as the ‘paragliding capital of India.’ Bir’s elevation is around 5,000 ft (approx.) and boasts snow-wrapped mountain vistas, ancient temples, a Tibetan colony, and charismatic cafes for food hopping.
Your wandering soul will urge you to extend your vacations in Bir Billing because there are several things to do there including trekking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and camping.
Nearest Airport: Gaggal Airport, 70 kilometers (approx.)
Ideal Duration: 2-4 days (approx.)
6. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
If you are looking for an adventure place in North India with family, then bookmark Mussoorie. Located in the Himalayan foothills, this hill station is rightly called the “Queen of Hills” as it is surrounded by snow-laden peaks and an expanse of greenery.
From a luxury point of view, Mussoorie is a well-developed hill resort town located near Dehradun and surrounded by plenty of other famous attractions like Dhanaulti.
While here, you should not miss a ropeway ride to Gun Hill to take a refreshing dip in the Kempty Fall, the lifeline of Mussoorie tourism. Activities like camping, skywalking, and zip lining will further satiate the thrill-seeker in you!
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, 60 kilometers (approx.)
Ideal Duration: 2-3 days (approx.)
7. Mount Abu, Rajasthan
Don’t be surprised! Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan that is sure to leave you spellbound in summer with its rejuvenating aura.
Here you can easily beat summer blues because the weather here in April and May remains tropical, and heat does not cause hindrance in sightseeing activities.
Unlike other places in Rajasthan, Mount Abu is one of the best places near Delhi to visit in April and May. You can witness the wildlife, enjoy boating in Nakki Lake, go for trekking excursions, and enjoy temple-hopping trips in Mount Abu in the summers.
So don’t think much; bookmark Mount Abu in your summer 2025 itinerary.
Nearest Airport: Udaipur Airport, 210 kilometers (approx.)
Ideal Duration: 2-3 days (approx.)
So, which place will you be visiting this summer, 2025? Do you have any suggestions to add to this list of top places to visit North India in the summers with family? If yes, share your views in the comments.
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INFORMATIVE ,Helpful in planning with family
Fabulous places, thank you for sharing
Yoga retreats in Rishikesh are amazing. Nubra Valley is beautiful, but I would prefer Zanskar Valley more. Loved the mountains there.