By Sneha Kundu
As summer rolls in with its scorching heat and relentless perspiration, it’s time to dive into those childhood memories of visiting grandparents during summer vacations. But hey, let’s not forget, today’s kids have their own agenda—they’re all about exploring new and exciting destinations for their summer escapades!
Nainital & Bhimtal, Uttarakhand
Nainital and Bhimtal, situated in the Uttarakhand state of India, are ideal destinations for a family summer vacation. These charming towns are known for their picturesque lakes and breathtaking views of the Kumaon Himalayas, attracting visitors from far and wide.
Enjoy a cable car ride to take in the panoramic vistas of the snow-covered mountains, or indulge in lakeside activities such as boating, yachting, and paddling. While Nainital is more popular, Bhimtal offers its own unique charm and is a beautiful destination for a family holiday.
Moreover, Nainital is famous for being the shooting location of the Bollywood movie “Vivah” and its iconic dialogue “Jal Lijiye”.
Kasol
Nestled in Himachal Pradesh’s Parvati Valley, Kasol is an ideal weekend retreat known for its lush landscapes and tranquil ambiance. Popular among backpackers, it offers budget-friendly accommodations and serves as a gateway to adventurous treks like Kheerganga and Tosh Valley.
Beyond trekking, visitors can enjoy riverside camping, local cuisine, and the annual Trance Music Festival. With its natural charm and diverse offerings, Kasol is a haven for budget travelers seeking memorable experiences.
Adding to its allure, Kasol gained additional fame as the shooting location for the Bollywood movie “Jab We Met”, featuring the famous dialogue “I love mountains”.
Shimla & Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Once the summer capital of British India, Shimla is renowned for its delightful climate. Today, it stands as a perfect destination for a family summer holiday, offering a plethora of tourist attractions and activities to explore.
Similarly, Manali, another gem of Himachal Pradesh, is known for its stunning landscapes and easy trekking trails. It’s an excellent choice for a family vacation, especially since children will adore its scenic beauty and charming vistas. During May and June, don’t miss the opportunity to embark on an excursion to Rohtang Pass for an unforgettable experience.
Adding to its charm, Manali also gained fame as a shooting location for the Bollywood movie “Black”, featuring the famous dialogue “Lagta hai barf girni wali”.
Leh & Ladakh, Jammu-Kashmir
Leh, known for its breathtaking scenery, and Ladakh, a picturesque cold desert, are nestled amidst the majestic Great Himalayas. Both destinations have become increasingly popular for family vacations, witnessing a significant boost in the tourism sector.
During your visit, don’t miss the opportunity to explore trekking trails at Khardung La Pass. The heavenly beauty of Pangong Tso Lake is also a must-see. These destinations offer an array of experiences for you and your family to enjoy.
Adding to their allure, Leh and Ladakh gained fame as the shooting locations for the Bollywood movie “3 Idiots”, featuring the famous dialogue “Jahapana tussi great ho, tohfa kabool karo”. The last scene of “3 Idiots” was shot at Pangong Tso Lake, making it an even more iconic destination to visit with your family.
Ooty & Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Fondly referred to as the ‘Princess of the Hill Stations’, Kodaikanal is an ideal destination for a family vacation. Its star-shaped lake, sprawling over 60 acres, offers various activities for kids to enjoy. With several parks and waterfalls, Kodaikanal is a must-visit destination for a summer family vacation.
Ooty, another charming city in Tamil Nadu, is equally captivating in terms of natural beauty. During your trip to Ooty, explore its picturesque gardens and visit Doddabetta Peak. Don’t miss out on other attractions like Pykara Lake and Pykara Falls.
Adding to their charm, Kodaikanal and Ooty gained fame as shooting locations for the Bollywood movie “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai”, featuring the famous dialogue “Kuch kuch hota hai Rahul, tum nahi samjhoge”. This only adds to the enchantment of these serene destinations, making them even more appealing for a family getaway.
Darjeeling & Kalimpong
Darjeeling is one of the most spectacular summer holiday destinations for a family vacation. Kids will love the fun-filled journey on the ‘Toy Train’ of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Watching the sunrise at Tiger Hill is an unforgettable experience to share with your family. Moreover, Darjeeling is home to several Buddhist monasteries that you can explore during your trip to this beautiful destination.
Adding to its charm, Darjeeling gained fame as a shooting location for the Bollywood movie “Main Hoon Na”, featuring the famous dialogue “Sabke nahi hote”. This only adds to the allure of this picturesque hill station, making it an even more exciting destination for a family getaway.
Srinagar & Gulmarg, Kashmir
Kashmir is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for a family vacation. Srinagar and Gulmarg are perfect summer getaways to explore with your loved ones.
In Srinagar, enjoy a relaxing shikara ride on Dal Lake and experience a pleasant stay in a houseboat. Explore major attractions such as Shankaracharya Hill Temple and the beautiful Mughal Gardens.
Another must-visit destination in Kashmir is Gulmarg, home to the world’s highest golf course. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the frozen lake and experience the breathtaking Gondola ride, making it an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Adding to its charm, Kashmir gained fame as a shooting location for the Bollywood movie “Raazi”, featuring the famous dialogue “Mujhe ghar jana hai”. This only adds to the appeal of this picturesque destination, making it an even more exciting place to visit with your family.
Gangtok & Shillong, North East
Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, is a scenic gem in the Northeast known for its breathtaking views. Enjoy panoramic vistas of Kanchenjunga from Tashi Viewpoint and Ganesh Tok. Explore other major attractions such as Enchey and Pemayangtse monasteries, as well as Chogyal’s Palace, making it a perfect family holiday destination.
For families looking for a tranquil summer getaway, Shillong is an excellent choice. This picturesque destination boasts lush hills adorned with pine trees, sparkling lakes, enchanting waterfalls, and a plethora of adventurous activities, making it a popular destination for families.
