25 Best Summer and Monsoon Destinations in India for Vacations

When the Heat Rises and the Clouds Roll In…

India, a land where seasons don’t just change the weather, they transform the soul of its landscapes. Summers bring with them the need to escape—to rise above the plains and breathe in mountain air. Monsoons, on the other hand, are a call to slow down and let the rain wash over everything familiar.

But what if this year, you didn’t just travel—you journeyed consciously? What if your escape into nature also gave back to it? Welcome to a handpicked guide of India’s most magical summer and monsoon destinations, with a special spotlight on sustainable, soulful travel through the lens of Larisa Hotels & Resorts.

The Mountain Calls: Where Summers Feel Like Spring

Imagine waking up in Manali, the sun gently touching snow-kissed peaks, and pine-scented air filling your lungs. This is not just a holiday; this is a Himalayan embrace. Rohtang Pass might still be sprinkled with snow, while apple orchards sway in full bloom. Trekking, river rafting, or simply watching the Beas River flow—every moment feels crisp and alive.

Head east and find yourself in Tawang, where Buddhist chants echo through vast, silent valleys. It’s still chilly in June here, and the Sela Pass reflects the bluest skies you’ve ever seen. This is for those who travel to find peace—not just pictures.

Or maybe you prefer the wild call of Spiti and Leh-Ladakh—the high-altitude moonscapes of India. Drive through rugged terrains, camp under the stars, and sip butter tea in ancient monasteries where time seems irrelevant.

In Uttarakhand, the mystical Valley of Flowers blooms only for a few weeks between July and August—as if nature opens a secret diary for those who care to read it.

When the Rain Writes Poetry

And then come the rains. The kind of rain that makes leaves look greener, roads more romantic, and hearts a little softer.

Monsoon in Munnar, Kerala, is like walking through a living painting. Tea gardens drip in fresh mist, waterfalls dance down the slopes, and the scent of earth is intoxicating. Chikmagalur and Coorg in Karnataka share the same monsoon magic—where coffee plantations come alive and every bend on the road hides a new waterfall.

Wayanad, still untamed and richly green, feels like it belongs to another era altogether. Trek through rainforests, discover tribal stories, or float on bamboo rafts between islands. It's wild, raw, and real.

Then there’s the jewel of the Northeast — Shillong. Known as the “Scotland of the East,” it’s a symphony of clouds, music, and monsoon-fed waterfalls. Just a short drive away, in Cherrapunji, you’ll find living root bridges that have grown with generations — nature’s own architecture.

Udaipur in the rains? Surprisingly magical. Monsoon turns its lakes into mirror pools, reflecting centuries-old palaces in ripples of nostalgia. Evening boat rides, cloudy skies, and the smell of petrichor on marble courtyards — this is royalty in rhythm with the rain.

Whispers of the Western Ghats

Western India too turns into a green paradise during monsoon. Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, and Panchgani — the usual suspects—are drenched in charm and waterfalls.

But dig a little deeper and you’ll find gems like Agumbe in Karnataka—the "Cherrapunji of the South"—wrapped "in dense rainforest and known for the elusive king cobra. Or the sleepy hills of Kodaikanal, where fog clings to pine trees and time slows to the rhythm of dripping leaves.

 

Let’s Not Forget the Summer Secrets

Summer isn't only about the Himalayas. Auli in Uttarakhand offers panoramic views of snow even in May. Ranikhet is a quiet dream of pine trails and heritage bungalows. And Kalimpong? It’s floral, forgotten, and just what an artist or writer might crave.

Even Rajasthan, known for its heat, has a cool side. Mount Abu, perched high in the Aravallis, is a summer oasis with lakes, temples, and lovely hill station vibes.

Now, Imagine All This… Done Sustainably

As we travel deeper into nature, we must also tread more gently. Sustainable travel isn’t a trend — it’s a necessity. And this is where Larisa Hotels & Resorts becomes more than just a stay — it becomes a way of life.

At Larisa, luxury doesn’t come at nature’s cost. Every property is designed to blend with its surroundings, not bulldoze over them. You won’t find single-use plastics here. Instead, you’ll sip from glass bottles, use refillable toiletry containers, and dine on organic, locally-sourced ingredients that support regional farmers and reduce carbon footprints.

Their resorts in Manali, Mussoorie, Shimla, and Goa are not just escapes; they are sanctuaries. The gardens are wild and native, the architecture breathable, and the staff — often from nearby villages — are trained, empowered, and celebrated.

Wellness is at the heart of it all. Yoga at sunrise, Ayurvedic therapies, farm-to-table meals — Larisa invites you not just to relax but to reset.

A Few Favourite Larisa Escapes

• Larisa Manali — Nestled in apple orchards, it’s perfect for those who crave the mountains and love intimate luxury.

• Larisa Mussoorie — Think colonial charm meets forested solitude, all wrapped in cool breezes.

• Larisa Goa — Rain, rustic architecture, and lush greenery make this a monsoon lover’s dream.

• Larisa Shimla — A new-age alpine fairytale with panoramic views and quiet trails.

These are not hotels. These are homes in nature. Places where every footprint is considered, and every guest becomes a part of the eco-conscious community.

And So, The Journey Begins…

This year, don’t just plan a vacation. Create a story. Choose places that breathe, trails that heal, and stays that matter. Whether you’re escaping summer’s blaze or chasing monsoon’s music, India offers a thousand paths. But the best ones are those that leave the world better than you found it.

Let Larisa be your compass — your reminder that travel can be beautiful, luxurious, and kind all at once.

So… where will you go next?