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Best Places to Visit in India in July

Located in the mountainous region of territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh is a major tourist destination for nature and adventure lovers. The area has a nomadic population and the wilderness is enchanting.

Things/activities to do: The popular tourist activities in Ladakh include Bactrian Camel safaris, tasting yak cheese, watching mask dance at the Buddhist monasteries. 

Distance from Nearby Metro City: The main town is Leh and nearest major city is Srinagar, 434 km away. Kargil is another major town with pretty apricot orchards that bloom in summer days.

How to Reach: Leh is connected to Srinagar and Manali by direct bus routes. You can avail HPTDC buses. The near most railway station is in Tawi, 700 km away. Daily flights to Leh airport are operated by Jet Airways and Air India from Delhi, Srinagar.

Located in the picturesque Chamoli District of Uttarakhand, the Valley of Flowers is nothing short of a lesser known paradise on earth. Discovered in 1931 by Mountaineer Frank S Smith, it is a world heritage site set against the backdrop of beautiful and majestic Zanskar Ranges.

Things/activities to Do: Tourists can spend a quiet day in the Valley of flowers and capture wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. Tourist guides are available to take you through and explain about each flora and their origin. It is undoubtedly one of the worthy Places to Visit in India in July.

Distance from Nearby Metro City: It is approx 442 km from Chandigarh.

How to Reach: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport but road limit ends at Govind Ghat from where you have to undertake 16 km trek. The nearest railway station is Rishikesh from where cabs are available.

Dharamsala is among the top hill stations in Himachal Pradesh famous for its Tibetan heritage. While in British rule it was developed as a summer vacationing region, the hill station became well known after arrival of Dalai Lama in 1959. Its Tibetan temple, museum and natural sightseeing zones have made Dharamsala quiet popular.

Things/activities to do: There are quite a few picnic spots and sightseeing areas nearby but finding serenity is quite hard. McLeod Ganj is eyed more by the backpackers now.

Distance from Nearby Metro City: It is 238 km from capital city Shimla.

How to Reach : The nearest airport is at Gaggal-15 km away. The nearest rail station is at Punjab’s Pathankot from which buses ply regularly. Dharamsala is well connected to most cities in Northern India by bus routes.

Udaipur is a historic city in Rajasthan famous for its artificial lakes, majestic palaces, festivals and heritage temples. The capital of Mewar district, Udaipur served as the backdrop of the famous 007 flick Octopussy, starring Roger Moore and Kabir Bedi.

Things/activities to do- The major tourist attraction in the city is the grand city palace located on the banks of enchanting Lake Pichola. Made up of granite and marble the edifice is awe inspiring. The Fateh Sagar Lake is another major crowd puller as is the Gulab Bagh garden and Jag Mandir.

Distance from Nearby Metro City-It is approx 250 km from Jodhpur.

How to Reach: The nearest airport is Dabok Airport, about 25 km away from the city while the nearest rail station is Rana Pratap Nagar. 

Known as one of the finest hill stations in Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is among the ideal Places to Visit in India in July. Located in the beautiful Western Ghats region, the city has amazing natural beauty and sightseeing options are aplenty. This makes it a favorite for honeymooning couples and nature lovers too.

Things/activities to do: The major crowd pullers include Berijam Lake, Chettiar Park, and Bryant Park. The Kodai Lake is also a popular destination for the visitors. Religious visitor often head to the Kurinji Andavar Murugan temple, famous for Kurinji flower.

Distance from Nearby Metro City: Madurai is 120 km away.

How to Reach: The nearest airport is located at Madurai which is 120 km away while the closest rail station is Kodai Road-100 km away. Bus to Chennai and major cities are available.

he bustling hill station of Sikkim which is also its capital city, Gangtok is a popular tourist destination in NE India. Somewhat reminiscent of the Bhutanese capital, Thimphu, this city has myriads of attractions for the visitors.

Things/activities to do: There are plenty of places in the city from where you can enjoy spectacular view of the Kanchenjunga range. However, most tourists in Gangtok head to the beautiful Lake Tsomgo and there are several historic Monasteries like The Rumtek Monastery and Enchey Monastery.

Distance from Nearby Metro City: It is approx. 115 km from Siliguri.

How to Reach: Pakyong Airport is just 35 km away and the nearest rail station is New Jalpaiguri. From NJP rented cab and state bus can be used to reach the city-which takes 6 hours approx.

Coorg which is also called Kodagu is a district in Karnataka which is one of the ideal Places to Visit in India in July. The region is known for its mesmerizing natural beauty and vast coffee plantations.

Things/activities to do: There are two beautiful waterfalls namely Irupu and Abbey falls that draw huge number of visitors yearlong. The Coorg region has a number of hill peaks which lure the trekking lovers. Another major attraction is the Dubare Elephant Camp where you can witness the majestic elephants up close.

Distance from Nearby Metro City: It is 240 km away from Bengaluru.

How to Reach: The nearest station is Mysore Railway Station-approx 107 kms from Coorg.  The closest airport is Mangalore Airport, which is about 160 km away.

Lonavala is among the most popular and pretty hill stations in Maharashtra’s Pune district. Along with neighboring Khandala, it is a weekend getaway for people in Mumbai and major cities of the state. The subtropical climate and natural beauty has made it a popular destination.

Things/activities to do:The tourists love gorging on the spicy local food and enjoy attractions like Tiger’s Leap, Lion’s Point, and Karla caves. Some of them head to Lonavala Lake and Lohagad Fort as well.

Distance from Nearby Metro City: It is almost 65 km from Pune and 90 km from Mumbai.

How to Reach: Pune’s Lohegaon Airport located 64 km away is the nearest airport. The closest railway station is Pune.

Located in Kumaon region in the state of Uttarakhand, Nainital is a beautiful hill station. It is among the top Places to Visit in India in July owing to its climate. The region witnesses influx of both Indian and foreign tourists yearlong.

Things/activities to do- Surrounded by pretty lakes and vast mountains, the place is perfect for refreshing your mind. The Naini Lake is a major attraction but visitors also head to the city zoo to witness rare species like Himalayan black bear and snow leopard. The Eco Cave Garden is the newest attraction along with the aerial ropeway.

Distance from Nearby Metro City-Delhi is 333 km away approx.

How to Reach: The nearest railhead is Kathgodam railway station, approx 23 km away and its nearest airport is Pantnagar-approx 65 kilometers from the city.

Possibly the most preferred hill station in West Bengal, Darjeeling is among the ideal Places to Visit in India in July. The hill town itself is not big but the district also named Darjeeling has several tourist spots. Originally set up as health resort by the erstwhile British rulers, it has become a vacation destination.

Things/activities to do: The sprawling tea estates in the district produce finest quality tea in the country and the Darjeeling narrow gauge toy train is a major crowd puller too.

Distance from Nearby Metro City: Siliguri is approx 62 km away.

How to Reach: -The nearest airport is Bagdogra and it is approx 96 km away. The closest railhead is NJP station, 62 km away. From NJP, the DHR Toy Train service connects Darjeeling through Batasia Loop.

Located at the southern end of India, Kerala is a beautiful state known for its impressive heritage, splendid natural beauty and amazing cuisine. The territory is positioned between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, bordering Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Things/activities to do: Apart from the amazing backwaters and beaches, Kerala lures the visitors for its ancient temples and ruins of dynasties. There are a few wildlife zones that are worth exploring too like the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Distance from Nearby Metro City: Chennai is 775 km from capital Trivandrum.

How to Reach: Kerala is well linked with rest of India through road, flight and rail routes. Most of the trains to Kerala have stoppages at Ernakulam Junction and Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway station. The state has 3 airports- Kozhikode, Kochi and Trivandrum/ Thiruvananthapuram.

Located in the picturesque Satara district of Maharashtra, Panchgani is a beautiful hill station known for its pristine environment and amazing sightseeing. The hilly hamlet is comprised of 5 villages. It has become a romantic getaway for urban dwellers and this is one of the top Places to Visit in India in July.

Things/activities to do- The strawberry farms draw a lot of visitors- especially the Mapro Garden. The Strawberry Festival is very popular. Another major tourist attraction in this region is the Table Land- six table lands interconnection on peak of the hill.

Distance from Nearby Metro City- Pune is the nearest big city-approx 99 km away.

How to Reach: - Pune Junction is the closest railway station and Pune Airport is the closest airport.

Mount Abu is the only hill station in territory of Rajasthan, located in the vast Aravalli Range. Adjacent to Gujarat border, it is often referred as the oasis of the desert. The mountain features a rocky plateau that is 9 km wide and 22 km long.

Things/activities to do- It is home to waterfalls, evergreen forests, rivers, lakes. There are numerous attractions for visitors including the beautiful Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary  spanning over 290 sq km. There are plenty of ancient temples in the region including the Arbuda Devi Temple, Shri Raghunathji Temple and the Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple. The Achalgarh Fort is a heritage edifice.

Distance from Nearby Metro City-Udaipur is 164 km away.

How to Reach: Abu Road railway station is 28 km away and the closest airport is in Udaipur, 177 km away.

Himachal Pradesh has some pretty and serene hill stations and among these Dalhousie gets a special mention. Named after famous British governor-General Lord Dalhousie who set up the town as a summer retreat in 1854, it has become a sought after tourist destination over the decades.

Things/activities to do: The colonial era buildings can make visitors amazed and the churches set up by the British are examples of grand Victorian era architecture. The lush green pine-clad valleys and snow capped hills are ideal for nature trails. There are 2 pretty lakes Khajjiar and Chamera. The Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary is worth exploring too.

Distance from Nearby Metro City: Shimla is 325 km away.

How to Reach: The nearest airports are Pathankot (75 km) and Gaggal airport-13 km away. The Pathankot rail station is 80 km away.

Ooty, also called Udagamandalam is a pretty and serene hill station in TamilNadu. Situated in the beautiful Nilgiri hills, Ooty is known for mild climate and amazing natural splendor. The beautiful settings have made it a favorite with Bollywood filmmakers and there is a dedicated spot for shooting in Ooty.

Things/activities to do: The winding country lanes and colonial architecture create a relaxing effect on the eyes and mind. The major tourist attractions include a Botanical Garden spread over 22 hectares, the Kamaraj Sagar Dam and the Emerald Lake. The last two have become popular picnic spots.

Distance from Nearby Metro City: Chennai is 558 km away.

How to Reach: - The nearest rail station is Mettupalayam-40 km away. Coimbatore, which is 88 km away is the closest domestic airport.

Located in western side of India, Goa is a small seaside state attracting millions of visitors yearlong, including a lot of foreigners. The former Portuguese colony with a mixed heritage, Goa caters to various types of tourists.

Things/activities to do: The kaleidoscopic blend of Portuguese and Indian culture and the sprawling beaches lure the tourists. Even the cuisine is impressive and spicy local food is a big attraction. The beaches bordering the Arabian Sea, like the Anjuna beach is ideal for water sports and relaxation. The state’s whitewashed churches, ancient forts and baroque architecture evoke a sense of nostalgia.

Distance from Nearby Metro City: Mangalore is 360 km away.

How to Reach: The only airport in Goa is Dabolim airport and its major rail stations are Thivim and Madgaon.

Located in the northeastern corner of India, Meghalaya is among the 7 sister states and offers plenty of attractions for the tourists. The landlocked state called abode of clouds is known for its amazing mountain caves and most of these are underground

Things/activities to do:.The state also has some amazing wildlife sanctuaries. The tourists also get enthralled by the numerous tribal festivals held at various times of the year- which are organized by Khashi, Jaintia and garo tribes. One example is the Wangala drum festival.

Distance from Nearby Metro City: Capital Shillong is 100 km from Guwahati approx.

How to Reach: Meghalaya has only one airport at Umroi used mostly for commercial operations. The Guwahati airport in Assam is the nearest international airport-110 km away. There is no rail station in Meghalaya yet and Guwahati station is the nearest rail station, 105 km away. 

Located faraway from mainland of India, in Bay of Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands is one of the union territories of India. There are several small and large islands in the regions and they attract thousands of tourists.

Things/activities to do:  Andaman and Nicobar Islands are known for rich flora, exotic beaches, pretty coral reef, historic monuments, and adventure sports. The capital port Blair also has some historic edifices like Samudrika Marine Museum, and the infamous Cellular Jail.

Distance from Nearby Metro City: Capital Port Blair is 1302 km from Kolkata.

How to Reach: There is no rail route yet. However, a broad gauge intra island route will be set up. The Port Blair airport is the major transport hub and sea connectivity with several coastal states of India also exist. 

Located in Maharashtra’s Satara district, Mahabaleshwar is a town with amazing natural beauty and several sightseeing options. Its location in Western Ghats range has made it a viable destination for people looking for weekend getaways.

Things/activities to do:  Mahabaleshwar is famous for beautiful landscapes, mild climate and historic edifices. There are plenty of temples and forts in and round the city. The major sightseeing options include Krishnabai Temple, Pratapgarh Fort, Lingamala Falls, and strategically located viewpoints Arthur's Seat, Elephant head Point, and Bombay Point.

Distance from Nearby Metro City: The picturesque hill station is 115 km from Pune.

How to Reach: The closest airport is Pune International Airport, approx 132 km away and Satara is the nearest rail station, located 60 km away.

Mussoorie is among the top and beautiful hill stations of northern state of Uttarakhand. Called Queen of the Hills, Mussoorie is perfect for enjoying weekend getaways with friends and family. It is also a favorite with couples in honeymoon.

Things/activities to do: There are several tourist spots like the mall which, with its old era colonial architecture and ambiance draws a huge number of visitors. You may head to the Gun Hill – Mussoorie’s second highest peak and enjoy a ropeway ride. The Jharipani Falls is another prime attraction.

Distance from Nearby Metro City: It is 35 km from Dehradun.

How to Reach: The nearest rail station is Dehradun, 36 km away and Nearest Airport is the Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun, which is 60 km away.

Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and the beautiful city used to be summer capital in the British ruled India. It is a popular choice for the tourists in the scorching summer months and monsoon. Apart from the splendor of nature, Shimla has a lot to offer for any visitor.

Things/activities to do: There are some nice museums and the state museum is a crowd puller. The mains hopping zone in the city is called the Mall and it also has several good eateries. If you want to buy souvenirs, the Lakkar bazaar with its exotic wooden toys, handicrafts.

Distance from Nearby Metro City: Delhi is approx 343 km away.

How to Reach: -Kalka is the nearest broad gauge rail station. Shimla’s Jubbarhatti airport is small and strategically not convenient and so most visitors prefer the Chandigarh Airport located 120 km away. 

Chikmagalur is a pretty hill station of Karnataka, which is a nice weekend getaway. The place is surrounded by mountains and forests. However, the USP of Chikmagalur is its famous Coffee plantation.

Things/activities to Do: It is known for producing the finest quality coffee in southern India. The visitors often indulge in nature trails and hiking in nearby regions. Wildlife lovers can head to the nearby Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. A major attraction is the pretty Kalhatti falls. There are some religious spots like Horanadu, and Balehonnur.

Distance from Nearby Metro City: Mangalore is 151 km away.

How to Reach: The nearest airport is in Mangalore which is approx 152 km from the city. The closest rail station is Birur.

Located in Uttarakhand, Rishikesh is a city with impressive heritage and it is a center for pursuing spiritual study. Now, the riverside city is known as the Yoga Capital of India.

Things/activities to do: A lot of foreigners throng the ashrams and yoga centers in the city all over the year. The majority of these ashrams are located on the Ganges river banks, at northern fringe of the city. However, there are other attractions than spirituality. Adventure lovers can indulge in river rafting and trekking packages are offered by regional tour agencies. The city does not allow Non-vegetarian food but the visitors can indulge in gorging on Ayurvedic and health food delicacies.

Distance from Nearby Metro City: Delhi is 241 km away.

How to Reach: Rishikesh is 15 km from the Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun and the nearby rail station is at Haridwar-25 km away. 

Known as India’s Paragliding capital, Bir billing is a great weekend getaway destination. The beautiful village is located in Joginder Nagar valley in Himachal Pradesh.

Things/activities to do: Apart from paragliding, you can also enjoy thrill of hand gliding here. Traveling around this serene place is possible in toy train and the morning train tour is refreshing- to say the least. Of course, the place is replete with other attractions like monasteries and Buddhist stupas. These add to serenity of the place. Among the religious shrines, the Chokling Monastery is important.

Distance from Nearby Metro City: Bir billing is approx 50 km from Dharamshala.

How to Reach: The nearest airport is at Bhuntar near Kullu, 127 km away. The nearest railway station is located at Joginder Nagar 15 km away.

Manali is one of the popular and pretty hill resorts located in Himachal Pradesh. It is a much sought after honeymoon destination and backpackers throng the town yearlong too. The adjacent regions are ideal for adventure sports activities like paragliding, rafting and hiking.

Things/activities to do: The seasoned para gliders choose at Solang Valley. You cannot miss the beautiful Rohtang Pass and Naggar Castle. The latter is a major historical edifice with mix of Himalayan and European architecture. There are a few religious shrines like the ancient Manu temple.

Distance from Nearby Metro City: Delhi is 532 km away.

How to Reach:  The closest Broad Gauge Rail station is at Chandigarh, which is 310 km away. The Bhuntar (Kullu) Airport is located 50 km away.