June is a very hot month in India but India is blessed with the great Himalayan range from Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh which provides a various and unique place to avoid heat and plan your vacation in the pleasant environment. Apart from the Himalayas, South India also has a western Ghats and Eastern Ghats mountain range where you can also plan your summer vacation. I have shortlisted some most famous hill station which you can plan this summer:
1. Munsyari
Located in the Pithoragarh district, at an elevation of 2200 metres (7,200 ft) of Uttarakhand, Munsiyari is nestled between the Himalayas, on the banks of the Goriganga river. Also referred to as Little Kashmir, all the five peaks of the Panchachuli range can be viewed from Munsiyari. 40kms away from Munsiyari, one can trek uphill to the Namik glacier, lying at an altitude of 3600 metres (11, 800 ft) and surrounded by the peaks of the Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot and Trishul.
Ideal for: Travellers looking for an offbeat destination which provides a quite mountain holiday destination.
Things to do in Munsiyari: Shop for pashmina shawls in Munsiyari; go white water rafting in Gori Ganga River and take the famed Nanda Devi Temple trek. Khaliya Top, Tribal Heritage Museum, Thamri Kund and Birthi waterfall are the major attraction in Munsyari.
Getting There: The nearest airport lies in Pantnagar (249kms) while the nearest railway station is in Kathgodam (278km).
2. Kashmir Valley
No doubt Kashmir is always the best place to visit in summer and one of the most popular tourist place in India. Jammu and Kashmir's summer capital Srinagar is the base point for all nearby tourist place/city; Srinagar itself has a lot of tourist place to visit like Mughal Gardens, Beautiful Dal and Nagin Lake, Shankaracharya Temple. Sonmarg and Gulmarg are must visit place in Kashmir Valley; Gulmarg Gondola is world famous and one of the longest Cable Car ride in India. Another must visit place is Pahalgam in Kashmir Valley.
Ideal for: Family vacation, Couples and anyone who want to live in heaven for a few days.
Things to do in Kashmir: Shikara ride in Dal Lake, Houseboat stay, Shopping in Lal Chowk Market, Horse riding in Betab Valley, Gondola ride in Gulmarg. Mugan Gardens in Srinagar are the main attraction in Kashmir trip.
Getting There: The nearest airport lies in Srinagar while the nearest railway station is in Udhampur (200km). Kashmir Valley also has a rail link, so you can also enjoy the train ride in the valley.
3. Tawang
This frosted valley nestled in the arms of Arunachal Pradesh is one of the best-kept secrets of seasoned travellers. The valley is a haven for adventure seekers and for those who are looking for something out of the ordinary. Tawang, though laden with snow, manages to warm your heart. Its quaint villages and amicable locals will always make you feel like you belong there. Whether it is climbing the Gorichen Peak or merely standing and marvelling at the sight of the Nuranang Falls, Tawang is that wild mix of adventure and nature that all June vacations should be made of.
Ideal for: Solo travellers and couples looking to escape the monotony of daily life
Things to do in Tawang: Learn about the arts and crafts of Monpa people at Craft centre of Tawang; pay your respects to the martyrs of the 1962 Indo-China war at Tawang War Memorial and visit the largest monastery in India, Galden Namgey Lhatse.
Getting There: The nearest airport, to reach Tawang is Salonibari Airport in Tezpur, Assam, located at a distance of 317 km from Tawang. The nearest railway station is in Guwahati, which is located around 485 km from Tawang.
4. Sikkim
This wild, vivid and raw beauty of the North East is every traveller's dream destination. Sikkim is the most popular of the seven sister states with its sublime mountains and its invigorating lakes. Nathu La will give you a glimpse of the magnificent Indo-China border, while the Rumtek Monastery gives you an introduction to the local Buddhist culture. And the vistas offered by the Tsomgo Lake belong to a different world altogether, which is exactly why Sikkim is the best place to visit in June in India.
Ideal for: Travellers who have explored popular destinations well enough and are now looking for an offbeat travel experience
Things to do in Sikkim: Seek solace at Sikkim's famed monasteries; explore the Lachung and the Yumthang Valleys; go rafting in River Teesta and witness Sikkim's rich flora and fauna at Kewzing and Khangchendzonga National Parks. Chardham Temple in Namchi is one of the unique and most beautiful places in Sikkim.
Getting There: The nearest railway station to reach the state is at New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal which is around 125kms from Gangtok. The nearest airport around is in Bagdogra, around 124kms from Gangtok.
5. Coorg
If you are a tea and coffee lover, this place will definitely impress you! Coorg is known for its beverage and spices plantation. Go, visit a coffee plantation, know about the process, buy some original coffee and get a heartwarming experience! June is the first month of monsoon in Coorg, so weather is pleasant and enjoyable. Abbey falls and Nisargadhama is a must-visit attraction in Coorg.
Ideal for: Tea/coffee lover and as a romantic getaway.
Things to do in Coorg: Bathe elephants at camp, Click the picture at Abbey Falls, fishing etc
Getting There: You can reach Coorg easily from Mysore, Bangalore, and Mangalore. The nearest airport is Mangalore airport which is 160 kilometres away and the nearest railway station is Mysore which is 120 km away.
6. Kodaikanal
A popular hill station located in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal never fails to impress the travellers with its charm. Located high on the granite cliffs at 7,200 ft above sea level, Kodaikanal is surrounded with lush forests, scenic lakes, mighty waterfalls and majestic hills all around which also makes it a most sought honeymoon destination in Tamil Nadu. Kodaikanal enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the summers and the temperature fluctuates between 11°C to 21°C.
Kodaikanal Lake, Berijam Lake, Coakers Walk, Pine Forest, Pillar Rocks, Kurinji Andavar Temple, Mannavanur Lake, Bryant Park and Shembaganur Museum of Natural History are a major attraction in Kodaikanal.
Things To Do in Kodaikanal: Nature walking around the Pine forests, witness a sunrise from the Kodaikanal peak, boating, horse riding, fishing, trekking and mountain biking and much more.
Getting There: Madurai airport is the nearest to Kodaikanal at a distance of 120 kilometres and Kodaikanal Road is the nearest railway station from where one can hire a cab to get to the city. One can take the regular local buses from most of the nearby cities. By road, you can also drive from Chennai, Bengaluru and Madurai to Kodaikanal and enjoy the scenic views.
7. Tirthan Valley
Being one of the most beautiful and coolest places in India, Tirthan Valley got its name originally from the Tirthan river which flows through Himachal Pradesh from the Himalayan glaciers. Home to the famous trout fishes, Tirthan Valley serves as an offbeat destination without which your list of summer vacation destinations is totally incomplete. From the snow-capped mountains to the gorgeous rustic huts, make the most of summers at Tirthan Valley with your friends and family.
Tirthan Valley enjoys pleasant weather and the average temperature lies under 29°C. Great Himalayan National Park, Jalori Pass and Seloskar Lake are major attraction in Tirthan Valley.
Things To Do in Tirthan Valley: River crossing, trout fishing, trek to Great Himalayan National Park, trek to Jalori Pass, trek to Seloskar Lake and bird watching etc.
Getting There: Kullu is the nearest airport to Tirthan Valley located about 50 kilometres away and Kalka is the nearest railway head at a distance of 240 kilometres.
8. Ladakh
If at all there is a destination in India packed with action, it indeed is Ladakh. Ladakh is synonymous with its peaceful monasteries, mountain ranges, pristine lakes, numerous trails, highest motorable roads and panoramic views, all at their best. Visit it with family or friends, the charm of Ladakh can be relished by everyone.
Ladakh enjoys sunny weather in June and the temperature range is in between 20°C to 30°C. Major Attractions in Ladakh are Nubra Valley, Shanti Stupa, Khardung La, Thikse Monastery, Leh Palace, Magnetic Hill, Gompa, Chang La and many more.
Things To Do in Ladakh: Motorbike ride to Magnetic Hill and Khardung La, enjoy river rafting in the Indus river, mountain climbing at Stok Kangri, jeep safari in Ladakh and much more.
Getting There: Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is the nearest airport to Leh and Jammu Tawi is the nearest railway station at a distance of 700 kilometres from Ladakh. By road, you can take the Manali-Leh road which is a total of 473 kilometres and this route opens by mid of June. You can also go by Srinagar-Leh by road.
9. Spiti Valley
The backdrop to the ultimate road trip, Spiti and the neighbouring Kinnaur, make the perfect summer vacation combination and a gutsy choice for a place to visit in India during the month of June. The untamed valley of Spiti is a far cry from the extremely commercialised destinations of Shimla and Manali. As the Spiti River navigates you through the topsy-turvy terrains of the valley revel in the ruggedness of the mountains and awakens your spiritual side at some of the oldest and most beautiful monasteries.
Ideal for: Solo riders and thrill seekers who don't mind going the extra mile
Things to do in Spiti Valley: Take a walk through the calm Nako village; spend a night in a monastery in Tabo; trek to Dhankar Lake and shop for souvenirs in Kaza.
Getting There: Chandigarh Airport (211kms) is the nearest option. The nearest railway station is in Pathankot, at a distance of 500kms from Spiti. Best way to go Spiti Valley is by road to enjoy the real beauty.
10. Shillong
Known for its mesmerizing waterfalls and vibrant culture, Shillong will make its way into your list of places to visit in India in June. Get ready to fall in love with nature all over again right in Shillong. Do indulge in things that let you experience the culture of the place. Weather of Shillong is pleasant in June and the temperature ranges from 12-degree Celsius and 30-degree Celsius. The major attractions in Shillong are Umiam lake and Shillong viewpoint
Things to do in Shillong: Boating in Umiam lake, angling at Dawki, trekking, horse riding, kayaking, river rafting etc.
Getting There: The nearest airport is Shillong airport. The nearest railway station is Guwahati which is 104 km away. From there you can take MTC buses.