India is a tropical country with relatively high temperatures and dry winters. Due to its peculiar position in the Indian Ocean and its proximity to the equator, the country experiences scorching heat in the summer season.
The summer season generally lasts from April to June. The summers in India can be extremely hot and sometimes even unbearable. But you can escape this parching heat and visit cold places in India.
In this blog, you will find the top 10 coldest places to visit during the summer months in India.
1. Ladakh
Ladakh is a Tibetan word that means the country of high mountain passes. Ladakh is also referred to as “ Little Tibet” because of its geographical location and strong connection with Tibetan culture.
Ladakh has a lot of routes between the mountain ranges thus gets its name. Ladakh has pristine mountain scenery, natural habitat, rich culture, and mesmerizing beauty. May is the best month to visit Ladakh as the weather is pleasant with cool breeze flowing.
The temperature of Ladakh ranges from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius in summer, making it makes it a perfect place to visit in the summer season.
Major Tourist Attractions in Ladakh
1. The Thiksey Monastery:
The Thiksey Monastery is the largest in central Ladakh. It is approximately 19 kilometers east of Leh, Ladakh. Thiksey Monastery is a twelve-story building. It has many interesting elements of beautiful Buddhist art such as stupas, statues, thangkas, wall paintings, and swords.
Thiksey Monastery Timing is 07:00 am – 07:00 pm. The entry ticket for the Thiksey Monastery Price is 20 INR. The approximate Time required to visit Thiksey Monastery is 02:00 Hrs.
2. The Maitreya Temple:
The Maitreya Temple is situated in the monastery and houses a statue of Maitreya Buddha which is 15 meters (49 ft) tall and is one of the largest such statues covering two floors of the building.
Its distinctive location surrounded by snow-clad mountains makes it a popular tourist attraction for thousands of tourists from all over the world. The aesthetic element of Buddhist culture, and architecture combined with breathtaking gorgeous sceneries make The Maitreya Temple a perfect destination for tourists to visit in summer.
3. Shanti stupa:
The Shanti stupa was built by the Japanese in 1991. This magnificent stupa was built to promote World peace and harmony as part of their Peace Pagoda Mission.
The Shanti Stupa has a unique and distinctive architecture to make it a two-level structure. On the first level, you can find the central relief of Dharmachakra with deer on each side and a central golden Buddha image.
The second level features reliefs depicting the birth and the death of Buddha and the Buddha defeating the devils while meditating. On both levels though, you can find a series of various smaller reliefs of meditating Buddha. The entry is free in this stupa.
4. Nubra Valley Sand Dunes:
Nubra Valley is a high-altitude cold desert where lush green poplar trees unite with beautiful dunes, painting a picturesque view. The stunning landscape is covered by bare mountains making it a serene location in nature. Nubra Valley is about 150 km away from Leh, Ladakh.You can reach Nubra Valley by bus or jeep from Leh.
How to Reach Ladakh?
You can reach Ladakh by air or by road. These are the two ways to reach Ladakh and its capital city Leh.
By Road: You can take a road trip by road via Manali (Himachal Pradesh) or Srinagar (Kashmir). The two main roads into Ladakh from outside of the city are the NH-3 Srinagar District-Kargil-Leh Highway via the Zoji La tunnel and the high-altitude Manali-Leh Highway via the Atal Tunnel from Himachal Pradesh.
By Air: You can travel by air with a flight to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport located just 4 km from Leh city centre. Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport has flights from Delhi year-round.
2. Auli, Uttarakhand:
Auli is an adorable small town with picture-perfect scenery. This hill station is one of India’s premier ski resort destinations. Auli’s slopes are perfect for skiing lessons or even an adventurous ski trip. Surrounded by oak and coniferous forests, Auli has a splendid view of some of India’s highest peaks, including Nanda Devi.
Auli also offers a gateway to Valley of Flowers National Park, as well as the Hemkund Sahib Gurdwara. It also has many popular trekking destinations such as Tapovan, Gorson Bugyal, and Pangerchulla Summit.
Major Tourist Attractions in Auli
1. The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve:
The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is a part of the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List. This reserve is located under the Nanda Devi peak and is spread across three districts Chamoli, Pithoragarh, and Bageshwar. The reserve is open from May to October. The river Alaknanda and its tributaries, Rishi Ganga, Dhauli Ganga, Pushwapati, and Khiro Ganga make the reserve even more spectacular. This beautiful reserve is home to many globally threatened species like the Himalayan musk deer and snow leopard, Asiatic black bear, Himalayan brown bear, bharal Himalayan tahr, etc
2. Chenab Lake:
Chenab Lake is an artificial water storage reservoir for the people living in the nearby villages. It is located in a little remote area that can be reached by trekking generally. Tourists have to pass through the Dang Village to reach the Chenab Lake. Nestled in the floral meadow and the lush green forests of Deodar, the Chenab Lake offers calm and tranquillity to its visitors.
3. Vridh Badri Temple:
Vridh Badri is one of the most revered temples among the devotees of Lord Vishnu. The temple has the main idol of Lord Badri seated in a meditative posture. Surrounded by the natural beauty and charming views of the Himalayas adds to the serenity of the place.
How to Reach Auli, Uttarakhand
By Road: Auli is a well-connected city by motorable roads. Buses and taxis are easily available to Haridwar and Rishikesh. This beautiful little town is situated only 14 km from Joshimath which lies on NH58. Therefore making the travel to Auli, Uttarakhand easy and reachable.
By Train: Rishikesh railway station is the closest to Auli. It is situated 264 km before Auli on NH58.
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport situated at a distance of 286 km from the city of Auli. Auli is well connected with the airport. Taxis are easily available from the airport to Auli.
3. Manali
Situated at an altitude of approximately 2050 meters, Manali is a Himalayan resort town full of greenery, natural beauty, valleys, and snow-capped peaks Manali’s natural beauty is splendid across the town. The average temperature of this city during the summer season is 10-25 Degree Celsius.
The River Beas, dense pine forests, and tiny fruit orchards add to the captivating charm of this town. Manali has numerous ancient temples and monasteries, showcasing the vibrant cultural heritage of the region. Tourists can enjoy skiing, Paragliding snowboarding, and mountain biking in Manali. The average temperature of Manali is 10-25 degrees Celsius in the summer season.
Major Tourist Attractions in Manali
1. Hadimba Devi Temple:
Hadimba Temple is locally known as Dhungari Temple. The temple is located at the foot of the Himalayas built around an ancient cave. This temple is dedicated to Hidimba Devi, wife of Bhima, a figure in the epic Mahabharata. The temple has a 24-meter-tall wooden tower above the sanctuary. The wooden doors of the temple have intricate carvings of the goddess Durga, giving it a distinct design and architecture. The entrance timings of this wonderful shrine are every day 8 AM to 6 PM and there is no entrance fee.
2. Himalaya Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple:
Located close to the Mall Road of Manali, Himalaya Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple is ideal for tourists who want to take a break from the chaos of daily hustle and experience serenity, calm, and tranquility. This temple is known for its iconic two-storey statue of the Sakyamuni (another name for lord Buddha). the management of the temple has made sincere efforts to put up signs for the tourists to direct them in the right direction around the Stupas without being confused.
3. Mall Road:
Mall Road is considered the heart and soul of Manali. The streets are flanked by numerous stalls, shops, dhabhas, and restaurants. Whether you are a foodie or a shopping enthusiast Mall Road has got something for every tourist. It has a tonne of interesting shops featuring unique items made by local artisans. If you are fond of street shopping, you can find the most fancy and exquisite pashmina shawls, handmade footwear, imitation jewelry and other items at the Mall Road.
How to Reach Manali?
By Road: Manali has good connectivity by road with cities like Delhi, Ambala, Chandigarh, and Shimla, making the road trip easier for travelers. Bus services include comfortable private services like Volvo ply from Delhi to Manali. Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) also offers services from New Delhi to Manali and various other tourist places in Himachal Pradesh. Manali is a well-connected city by national highways, NH 1 and NH 21.
By train: The closest railway stations are Pathankot (290 km) and Chandigarh (315 km). You can travel to either of these cities and then take a bus or a cab to Manali. You can either book your bus tickets in advance or make an on-the-spot booking as the bus frequency to Manali is pretty good.
By Air: Kullu Manali Airport is the nearest airport serving this hill station. It is located at a distance of 50 km from Manali and 10 km from Kullu. Regular domestic flights operate from Delhi, Chandigarh, and Pathankot. Once you reach the airport, you can get a taxi to reach Manali.
Check also: Distance From Shimla to Manali: By Road, Train, Bus, Car & Flight
4. Gangtok
Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim is a pristine hill station located in the mountain ranges. This beautiful city justifies the word “Gangtok” which means “top of the hill” Gangtok is considered the paradise of the northeastern region. You can even get an astonishing view of Kanchenjunga mountain. Gangtok has an abundance of natural beauty and attractions. Some of the tourist attractions are listed below.
Major tourist attractions in Gangtok
1. The Banjhakri Falls:
The Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park The Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park is a popular recreation center near Gangtok, in the state of Sikkim, India. The park has a man-made lake with a dragon in the center, statues of jhākri; the ancestors of the Lyam Lymay, and Banjkari ancestors of the Kirati people of Sikkim.
2. Do Drul Chorten:
The Do Drul Chorten is a giant stupa in Gangtok town. It was built in 1946 by a teacher of the 14th Dalai Lama, Trulshik Rinpoche. The stupa has a beautiful white dome with a shiny golden spire. The Do Drul Chorten is dedicated to a deity known as Vajrakilaya or Dorjee Rinpoche who is highly revered in the Nyigma Order of Tibetan Buddhism.
3. Enchey Monastery:
Enchey Monastery is an almost 200-year-old monastery located 3 km northeast of Gangtok. This monastery houses numerous images of Gods, Goddesses, and religious objects. Lord Buddha, Loki Sharia, and Guru Padmasambhava are revered and worshiped in this monastery. The walls of the large prayer hall are completely covered with paintings of four religious kings. The pillars supporting the roof of the monastery are intricately carved.
How to reach Gangtok?
By Road: Travelling by road is a great option when planning a trip to Gangtok. It can be a smooth journey with some of the best views and sites to enjoy. Gangtok is a well-connected city. The roads are well constructed except for some remote areas. You can either drive a car or travel via bus from Siliguri and Bagdogra. Several state-run buses also connect Gangtok and Siliguri in West Bengal. You can also travel to Gangtok by Sikkim Nationalised Transport Buses.
By train: New Jalpaiguri is the nearest station which is situated in the neighbouring state of West Bengal. It is easy to get to Gangtok as the city is well connected to the rest of the country, not just Kolkata and New Delhi.
By Air: If you want to fly to Gangtok, you can land at the Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri, West Bengal. From there, it’s a four-hour-long journey by road.
5. Shillong, Meghalaya
The word “Meghalaya” means “abode of clouds” and is a lovely place for nature lovers. This hill station is spread over an area of 22, 429 square kilometers, and lies between 20.1° N and 26.5° N latitude and 85.49 °E and 92.52 °E longitudes. It is bordered by Assam to the north and east and Bangladesh to its south and east side.
The hill station is filled with valleys, lakes, waterfalls, forests, and caves. You can find beautiful views of terraced slopes, cascading waterfalls, and rivers.
Major tourist attractions in Shillong
1. Elephant Falls:
Elephant Falls is named after an elephant-like stone at its foot. The Britishers named this fall after the stone shaped like an elephant at the bottom of the fall. The stone disintegrated due to an earthquake in 1897. Elephant Waterfalls is an amazing place to spend quality time with friends or alone amid nature.
2. Umiam Lake:
Umiam Lake is not a natural lake. This beautiful lake is a reservoir, formed by damming the Umiam River. The water is emerald blue and surrounded by lush green pine forests.
3. Laitkor Peak:
Laitkor Peak is also known as Shillong Peak. It is a breathtaking location mounted on the top of the hill. You can find picturesque views of the city. It is one of the highest points in Meghalaya.
How to reach Shillong?
By Road: Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) and Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) buses are available from Guwahati to Shillong. Depending upon your budget and requirements, you can choose sleeper, air-conditioned, luxury, or Volvo buses. You can also drive to Shillong from Guwahati via NH 40.
By Train: Guwahati Railway Station is the nearest, which is about 135 km away from Shillong. The Guwahati Railway Station is well-connected with the help of an extensive rail network. Trains such as Rajdhani Express take about 34 hours to reach Guwahati from New Delhi. From outside the station, you can take a taxi or cab or a bus to reach Shillong.
By Air: Shillong Airport is located 35 km away at Umroi. This is a domestic airport that links Shillong with Kolkata by regional flights. Another more convenient airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport at Guwahati, which is only 130 km away from Shillong.
6. Spiti Valley
Spiti is a region of the Himalayas, located in the northeastern part of the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The name “Spiti” means “The middle land”. It is the land between Tibet and India.
Spiti attracts thousands of people every year because of its captivating beauty and unscathed environment. Spiti is bordered on the northern side by Ladakh, Tibet in the East, Kinnaur in the South-East, and Kullu Valley in the North.
Major tourist attractions in Spiti Valley
1. Key Gompa( Monastery):
Key Gompa is one of the greatest attractions of Spiti Valley. This monastery is close to Kaza town which makes it easy to plan a trip here. It is the largest monastery in Spiti Valley.
2. The Chicham Bridge:
The Chicham Bridge is located at 4,150 m in the Spiti Valley. Before the completion of this bridge in 2017, residents utilized a pulley-driven ropeway to connect Kibber and Chicham villages.
How to reach Spiti Valley?
By Air: Kullu is the nearest airport, which is around 260 kilometers away. After reaching the airport you will have to travel for around 7 to 8 hours to reach Spiti from Kullu airport. You must keep in mind that Kullu is a small domestic airport so you might not find direct flights to Kullu airport if you are travelling from outside the country. The nearest international airport is in Chandigarh. Hence, traveling to Spiti by air can be quite difficult.
By Train: Joginder Nagar Railway Station is the nearest railway station which is 360 kilometers away from the valley. When traveling to Spiti by train, you will still have to cover a long distance by road.
By Road: There are various routes to reach Spiti by road. You can take the route from Manali via Rohtang Pass, from Shimla, or Srinagar via Kargil. You can use a Spiti Valley map when traveling to Spiti via road.
7. Srinagar
Srinagar is the definition of paradise due to the unrivaled beauty and cultural richness of the region. Known for its serene landscapes, iconic Dal Lake, and vibrant Mughal gardens, Srinagar beckons travelers worldwide to experience a unique blend of natural splendor and historical significance.
Major tourist attractions in Srinagar
1. Dal Lake:
Dal Lake is one of the Jewels of Srinagar and has shimmering water that reflects the surrounding snow-capped mountain. You can go for a Shikara ride along the floating gardens and the intricate houseboats that line the lake.
2. Mughal Gardens:
Srinagar has numerous exquisite Mughal gardens that travelers love to visit. Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashme Shahi are known for their beautiful lawns, vibrant flower beds, and cascading fountains. These gardens were built during the Mughal era.
3. Shankaracharya Temple:
Perched on a hilltop in Srinagar, the Shankaracharya Temple offers a spiritual retreat. It is also known as the Jyeshteshwara temple. It holds great religious significance and provides an amazing view of the entire city and its surroundings.
How to reach Srinagar?
By Air: The nearest airport is Srinagar Airport also called Sheikh ul Alam Airport is an international airport. The airport is located just 15 km away from the center of the city.
By Rail: You can reach Srinagar by train as well. Srinagar Railway Station is the nearest railway station. After that, you can take a Cab or taxi.
By Road: Srinagar is well connected with major cities like Delhi (876 km), Chandigarh (646 km), Leh (424 km) and Jammu (258 km). There is a good Bus service and Cab service available.
8. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Tawang is situated in Arunachal Pradesh. It is a beautiful haven hidden in the middle of the Eastern Himalayas. This destination is perched at an altitude of over 10,000 feet. It has amazing untouched beauty. Tawang has a rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and spiritual significance that make this place special.
Major tourist attractions in Tawang
1. Tawang Monastery:
Tawang Monastery is the second-largest monastery in the world and a spiritual nucleus for both locals and pilgrims alike. This majestic monastery was constructed in the 17th century. It is perched on a hilltop, offering a clear view of the surrounding valleys and snow-capped peaks. The intricate murals and serene ambiance make it a haven for people.
2. Sela Pass:
Sela Pass is at a height of 13,700 feet. It is a breathtaking mountain pass. You can find winding roads, flanked by clean lakes, high-altitude grasslands, and the Sela Lake. The pass offers a stunning view and gives a glimpse into the pure beauty of the Eastern Himalayas.
3. Bum La Pass:
Bum La Pass located near the Indo-China border on a high-altitude Bum La Pass reminds the visitor of the historical events of the 1962 Sino-Indian War. Although access to Bum La is restricted, the journey itself is an adventure, with a beautiful snow-clad peak.
How to Reach Tawang?
By Air: Salonibari Airport in Tezpur, Assam is the nearest airport. From Tezpur, You can take a beautiful road trip through landscapes, dense forests, and mountainous terrain. You can also reach Tawang by road from Guwahati, Assam, covering a longer distance.
9. Shimla
Shimla is a picturesque hill station, draped in pine forests and beautiful architecture. Shilma has scenic landscapes to a vibrant culture that captivates every visitor.
Major Tourist Attractions in Shimla
1. Mall Road:
Mall Road is lined with shops, cafes, and colonial-style buildings that have Shimla’s enduring charm. You can go shopping for local handicrafts, and woolens while enjoying the mountain air. The Gaiety Theater located on Mall Road often hosts plays and events.
2. Jakhu Temple:
When you go on a Shimla trip, a visit to Jakhu Temple is a must. Situated at the top of Jakhu Hill, is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. This temple offers a sacred retreat but also stunning views of Shimla and the surrounding valleys.
3. Kufri:
Kufri is famous for its ski slopes and the Himalayan Nature Park. Kufri offers a chance to take part in activities like tobogganing and horse riding.
How to reach Shimla?
By Air: Jubbarhatti Airport is the nearest airport to Shimla. You can fly to Shimla easily.
By Train: You can also go for the Kalka-Shimla Railway which can provide you with an amazing train journey through the hills. The scenic route from Kalka to Shimla on the toy train is a memorable experience.
By Road: For those who prefer road travel, Shimla is well-connected by a network of highways. The Kalka-Shimla National Highway (NH5) and the Chandigarh-Shimla Highway (NH22) offer are well maintained.
Check also: Best Time to Visit Shimla
10. Gulmarg
Located in the middle of Kashmir Valley, Gulmarg is a beautiful haven for tourists. It is also known as the “Meadow of Flowers,”. Gulmarg is one of the premier destinations for tourists. It offers a perfect blend of stunning landscapes, adventure, and tranquility.
Major tourist attractions in Gulmarg
1. The Gulmarg Gondola:
The Gulmarg Gondola is one of the highest cable cars in the world. It’s a beautiful journey that provides amazing views of the surrounding mountains.
2. Apharwat Peak:
Located at a height of 4,390 meters, Apharwat Peak provides beautiful views of the Himalayan range, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
3. Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve:
The Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve is a protected ecosystem, including coniferous forests and alpine meadows.
4. St. Mary’s Church:
St. Mary’s Church is a beautiful Gothic-style church located in Gulmarg. The church was built during the British colonial era. The architecture of the church is antique and the serene surroundings make it a peaceful retreat for visitors.
5. Khilanmarg:
Khilanmarg is a short ride or trek away from Gulmarg. During the summer, the meadow is carpeted with colorful wildflowers.
How to reach Gulmarg?
By Air: Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar is approximately 50 kilometers away. From the airport. Tourists generally hire taxis from the airport to reach Gulmarg.
By Road: The journey by road can be quite exciting. The area has well-maintained highways connecting Srinagar and other nearby cities.
By Train: Alternatively, tourists can opt for a train journey. The Gulmarg Railway Station is well-connected to Jammu and other major cities.
Conclusion
India is a place of diverse climates and cultures. Each place has its specialty. From the gorgeous landscapes of Leh-Ladakh to the beautiful meadows of Gulmarg, each place offers a unique experience. Enjoy the fresh air, by immersing yourself in the beauty of these top coldest places in India during summer for a rejuvenating experience..
