Why Choose This India Summer Vacation Itinerary?
Beat the heat with this India summer vacation itinerary, exploring the country’s best hill stations, lakes, and breezy retreats. This plan covers Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, and Darjeeling.
Our AI-optimized India summer vacation itinerary ensures smooth travel, iconic sights, and local flavors from momos to Himalayan teas. It’s the ideal framework for a refreshing summer journey.
Your Complete India Summer Vacation Itinerary
This guide outlines a seamless India summer vacation itinerary, blending hill stations, adventure, and culture.
Day 1: Arrival in Shimla & Mall Road
Begin your India summer vacation itinerary in the Queen of Hills.
Mall Road
Colonial Promenade
Shimla’s bustling main street, lined with shops, cafes, and colonial architecture.
Why You Should Visit:
Enjoy cool breezes, shop for souvenirs, and savor ice cream in the summer sun.
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Walk from hotel
2 hours
How to Reach:
Arrive by toy train from Kalka or drive from Chandigarh, then walk to Mall Road.
Insider Tip:
Try the local fruit ice cream and visit in the evening for lively crowds.
The Ridge
Open Hilltop Views
Shimla’s iconic open space with panoramic mountain views.
Why You Should Visit:
Stroll among colonial buildings and enjoy summer festivals.
All day
Walk from Mall Road
1 hour
How to Reach:
Walk from Mall Road to The Ridge.
Insider Tip:
Catch the Shimla Summer Festival if visiting in June.
Day 1 Dining: Shimla Flavors
Taste Himachali cuisine and summer treats.
Café Simla Times
Rooftop café with mountain views.
Wake & Bake
Famous for pancakes and cool drinks.
Day 2: Kufri & Green Valley
Explore cool pine forests and adventure parks in your India summer vacation itinerary.
Kufri
Adventure Playground
A hill station near Shimla, known for horse rides and adventure activities.
Why You Should Visit:
Try ziplining, horse riding, and visit the Himalayan Nature Park.
All day
Car from Shimla
3 hours
How to Reach:
Drive or take a cab from Shimla to Kufri (30 minutes).
Insider Tip:
Rent binoculars for birdwatching in the park.
Green Valley
Scenic Vista
A lush valley with pine and deodar forests, perfect for photos.
Why You Should Visit:
Enjoy the cool air and panoramic views.
All day
Car from Kufri
1 hour
How to Reach:
Short drive from Kufri towards Naldehra.
Insider Tip:
Best visited early morning for misty views.
Day 2 Dining: Mountain Meals
Enjoy Maggi noodles and fresh fruit juices at hilltop stalls.
Snow View Café
Hot snacks with valley views.
Day 3: Manali – Valley of the Gods
Head to Manali for riverside walks and cool mountain air.
Hadimba Temple
Ancient Cedar Shrine
A wooden temple set among tall deodar trees.
Why You Should Visit:
Experience Manali’s spiritual side and cool shade.
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Auto from Manali town
1 hour
How to Reach:
Auto or walk from Manali Mall Road.
Insider Tip:
Look for local women selling hand-knitted woolens.
Solang Valley
Adventure Hub
A green valley famous for paragliding, zorbing, and cable car rides.
Why You Should Visit:
Try summer adventure sports and enjoy mountain views.
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Car from Manali
2 hours
How to Reach:
Drive or take a cab from Manali to Solang Valley (30 minutes).
Insider Tip:
Book activities in advance during peak summer.
Day 3 Dining: Manali Eats
Sample trout fish and Tibetan momos.
Johnson’s Café
Famous for trout dishes and garden seating.
The Lazy Dog
Riverside café with live music.
Day 4: Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj
Experience Tibetan culture and cool pine forests in your India summer vacation itinerary.
Tsuglagkhang Complex
Dalai Lama’s Temple
The spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism in India.
Why You Should Visit:
Attend a prayer session and explore the peaceful surroundings.
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Auto from McLeod Ganj
1 hour
How to Reach:
Auto or walk from McLeod Ganj main square.
Insider Tip:
Check for public teachings by the Dalai Lama.
Bhagsu Waterfall
Cool Cascade
A refreshing waterfall surrounded by cafes and greenery.
Why You Should Visit:
Take a dip or relax at a nearby café.
All day
Walk from Bhagsu village
1 hour
How to Reach:
Walk from Bhagsu village to the falls (20 minutes).
Insider Tip:
Try lemon ginger tea at the waterfall café.
Day 4 Dining: Tibetan Treats
Enjoy thukpa, momos, and herbal teas.
Tibet Kitchen
Authentic Tibetan cuisine.
Moonpeak Espresso
Coffee and cakes with a view.
Day 5: Palampur & Tea Gardens
Visit lush tea estates and enjoy the cool climate.
Palampur Tea Gardens
Green Slopes
Rolling tea estates with Himalayan backdrops.
Why You Should Visit:
Tour a tea factory and sample fresh brews.
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Car from Dharamshala
2 hours
How to Reach:
Drive from Dharamshala to Palampur (1.5 hours).
Insider Tip:
Buy fresh tea leaves as souvenirs.
Day 5 Dining: Tea & Snacks
Sip tea and enjoy local snacks at estate cafés.
Neugal Café
Tea with mountain views.
Day 6: Darjeeling – Queen of the Hills
Fly to Darjeeling for tea gardens and Himalayan vistas.
Tiger Hill
Sunrise Point
Famous for sunrise views over Kanchenjunga.
Why You Should Visit:
Catch the early morning glow on the world’s third-highest peak.
4:00 AM - 7:00 AM
Car from Darjeeling
1 hour
How to Reach:
Drive from Darjeeling town to Tiger Hill (30 minutes).
Insider Tip:
Arrive before dawn for the best spot.
Darjeeling Tea Estates
Tea Country
Iconic tea gardens with guided tours and tastings.
Why You Should Visit:
Learn about tea making and enjoy cool breezes.
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Car or toy train
2 hours
How to Reach:
Visit Happy Valley or Glenburn Tea Estate.
Insider Tip:
Buy first-flush tea as a summer souvenir.
Day 6 Dining: Darjeeling Delights
Try Darjeeling tea and bakery treats.
Glenary’s
Historic bakery and restaurant.
Keventer’s
Famous for breakfast and terrace views.
Day 7: Return to Delhi & Departure
Wrap up your India summer vacation itinerary with a relaxing journey back.
Chowrasta, Darjeeling
Hilltop Square
Darjeeling’s main promenade, perfect for a summer stroll.
Why You Should Visit:
Shop for souvenirs and enjoy the cool air before heading home.
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Walk
2 hours
How to Reach:
Walk from your hotel to Chowrasta.
Insider Tip:
Pick up hand-crafted souvenirs and summer teas.
Day 7 Dining: Farewell Feast
Enjoy a final summer meal before departure.
The Park
Classic Indian and Chinese fare.