Best Places To Visit In July In India

Generally, most countries see a total of four seasons - summer, autumn, winter and spring. But India is a peculiar country, land of rivers, mountains, lakes and of course, rains. The rain is what gives India a properly demarcated season - that of monsoon. July falls in the middle of India’s monsoon months and is a very busy time for farmers, animal husbandry workers and shepherds. It is the time of bounty growing. But it is also the time of the summer heat going, what with all that rain and cold winds billowing. Hence July is also one great month to plan a holiday, to a few destinations we shortlisted as the best places to visit in India in July; including the Zanskar Valley, Pahalgam, Kozhikode, Valley Of Flowers, Majuli Island, Lakshadweep and some more.

Zanskar

A valley in the eastern part of Ladakh, Zanskar is named for the river that flows through its lap. It bears a cultural influence from Ladakh as well as Tibet, because once upon a time it was a piece of the kingdom of Guge (Tibet). Today it is a semi-desert region with white glaciers as well as deserts, rivers and their tributaries, trek paths as well as monasteries. The best time to visit Zanskar Valley is through the summer months, and July is one of the best among them. The roads are all fully open as ice melts away and the temperatures are in the pleasant range of 10s and 20s.

Things to Do:

Trekking is Zanskar’s main attraction. From the heavily vied Chadar Trek to Padum Trek to the famed Zanskar Valley Trek itself, adventure tourists find great joy in this region. Another great attraction of Zanskar is its collection of monasteries. The Buddhist Gompas coupled with zen-like monks in red robes make for some of the most tranquil sights. You can visit the Phuktal monastery, Karsha and Stongdey Monastery. Do also visit Nimu, where Zanskar and Indus river confluence happens. Other areas of interest include the Drang Drung Glacier, Suru Valley, Zangla, Zongkhul, Rangdum and Panikhar. You can also shop for Tibetan jewellery, handicrafts and souvenirs at the village of Padum, while eating kambhir (traditional Zanskari roti) is a must here with jam, butter and tea. 

How to Reach:

Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is the closest to Zanskar and taxis are available on hire to take you from outside the airport. It is a 450 km drive to Zanskar from Leh and a very scenic one at that. You can take a halt at Kargil for the night as it’s an 8-hour journey.

Valley of Flowers

Can a place be named in such a poetic way? Well, it can evidently; because we are talking about the ‘Valley Of Flowers.’ This is an area in the north Indian state of Uttarakhand and was discovered by some British mountaineers while on an expedition. It soon became a World Heritage Site for its beautiful blooms, rolls of hills and valleys and such a vivid collection of flora and fauna. In July, the snow has all but melted, leaving behind washed, clean roads leading up to the valley. Flowers are in full bloom and greenery is as far as the eye can see. This is definitely the best time to see more than 650 varieties of flowers here. 

Things to Do: 

Some of the brilliant things to do here start with sightseeing; after all, you are here to see the blooms as far as the eye can see. The Valley of Flowers is really a core zone of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and has many temples, kunds (lakes) and streams for its visitors. Start with the Hemkund Sahib, the place where Guru Govind Singhji meditated once. Then there is Ghangaria, a beautiful hamlet only 4 km away from the Valley of flowers, Gaurikund with its sacred myth, the alpine meadow of Bedini Bugyal and Govindghat. Also, do visit the Vasudhara Falls, it is only a 6 km hike away from Mana village, Bhim Pul, Lakshman Ganga river and Vishnuprayag. Auli and Joshimath are also nearby towns for a two-day sojourn for skiing and shopping respectively. If you are an animal lover, you will find many endangered species in Nanda Devi National Park, from brown bears to the Asiatic black bear and blue sheep.

How to Reach: 

The Jolly Grant of Dehradun is 295 km away from the Valley of Flowers and you have all sorts of road travel options, from hired cars to taxis to even state run buses. Rishikesh hosts the nearest railway station and is 276 km away. You can also choose to drive to Govindhghat, then trek up 13 km to Ghangaria base camp. From there the valley is only a 3 km hike.

Spiti Valley

The latest on every Instagram list and wanderlusting blogs, Spiti Valley has become a very coveted tourist destination in the recent year or so. A stretch of mountain desert, this valley houses a palpable Tibetan culture in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Spiti is also the least populated and makes for a great peaceful getaway for seekers of inner peace. Summer here is the best time to visit, with July temperatures reaching upto 30ºC. 

Things to Do:

Spiti and Lahaul are great during July. Some of the best monasteries in Spite Valley are Ki Monastery and Tabo Monastery. You should also visit the Bara-Shigri glacier for its breathtaking views. This is the place where you will get to do Yak-rides and treks up into the mountains with a full moon for company. Go river rafting in the Spiti River since this is the summer and it is nice and warm, explore the Pin Valley National Park through jeep safaris and see all the rich wildlife there, and visit Chandratal for night-time camps, star-gazing and bonfires. If you are looking to shop a few souvenirs here then head to Kaza Market for Buddha-inspired figurines and show pieces.

How to Reach: 

You can travel to Kullu Airport, which is the nearest airport to Spiti (247 km). Flights from Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Dehradun etc ply regularly to Kullu. You can also take a train to Joginder Nagar (360 km) or Shimla Railway Station (415 km) and then travel by car, hired cab or bus up to Spiti. If you wish for a proper road trip then you can drive up to Spiti from Manali or Shimla via Kinnaur.

Amarnath

One of the most coveted religious pilgrimage, undertaken by most devout Hindus, Amarnath Yatra is a trek up into the Himalayas of Kashmir to reach the cave of Amarnath, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Summer is the best time for this trip and the Hindu month of Saavan, that falls in July-August, is considered the most auspicious for this pilgrimage. The Yatra only happens in these months so it does get a bit crowded. But with temperatures comfortably hovering between 9-34ºC, you will find that mother nature is on your side. 

Things to Do:

Visit the Amarnath Cave and the Amarnath Temple housing the Shivling that is self-manifested of ice in Anantnag. It is a mighty trek up but you can also hire mules and horses, as well as palanquins. Since this is the cave where Lord Shiva revealed the secret of immortality to Parvati, the place has come to be known as ‘Amar’nath. Other places to visit in the area are the Martand Sun Temple, Botanical Garden Kokarnag, Mattan Temple and Aishmuqam Shrine in Anantnag. You must also plan a day out at Betaab Vallley or Baltal Valley for some sightseeing and picnic, while Sheshnag Lake in Pahalgam is a great relaxing spot as well as a holy shrine.

How to Reach: 

Srinagar airport is around 70 km away from Pahalgam. Cabs and buses run on this route. From Pahalgam, you can either trek your way to Anantnag on foot, by going on pony or horse back or opt for helicopter services by Pawan Hans from Baltal.

Majuli Island

An island destination in the North-eastern state of Assam, Majuli Island is nestled in the lap made by river Brahmaputra. With its rich Assamese culture, an unparalleled heritage and great natural bounty, Majuli is a dream holiday destination. Alas, it has not been on the radar of mainstream tourists and hence is a virgin spot. July is a great time to visit Majuli Island because the temperature is amicable, averaging at 20ºC; while rains are abundant, bringing lush greenery to the area. 

Things to Do:

When in Majuli Island, make sure to see and breathe in as much natural aura as you can. Head for a ferry ride down the Brahmaputra from Nimati ghat. Instead of planning all your days in a hotel, choose a bamboo hut stay-in and rent one in Kamlabari. You can reach here by a ferry, bringing a village fantasy to life. Head to the village market here to see the traditional art of mask-making by the natives. These masks are of various mythological characters, gods, gothic deities etc. You won't be able to buy them as none of them are on sale, in fact they are only made by order. While on this island, do make it a point to try the Assamese food cooked in traditional Majuli stye, as well as sample some rice beer that is their speciality. Finally, some more religious and cultural attractions here include Garmur, Kamalbari Satra, Dakhinpat Satra and Molai Forest.

How to Reach:

Jorhat is the closest airport to Majuli, situated only 20 km away. Daily flights from Shillong and Kolkata land at Jorhat and its also boasts of a railway station that is well connected to Guwahati. You can take a ferry from Jorhat to Majuli and make a nice scenic inauguration to your holiday. Two ferries leave the Nimati Ghat everyday, the 10 am one and the 3 pm one.

Pahalgam

One of the most beautiful valleys of Kashmir, Pahalgam is a sightseeing paradise and tourist haven. It is also known as the ‘Valley of Shepherds’ and has been the location of many a Bollywood movie shoots. With its lakes, hamlets and forests, Pahalgam is a great July holiday idea. Rainfall is scanty here at this time even though humidity is quite high. The temperature though is in a comfortable range of 13-21ºC.

Things to Do: 

The valley of shepherds is really home to many lakes, temples, hills and rivers. There is the Lidder River flowing through this valley, a scenic ribbon cruising its way through alpine meadows. You can also visit Baisaran Hills, also called the mini Switzerland, located only 5 km drive away from Pahalgam. Then there is the Mamaleshwar Temple on the bank of Lidder river, which has a shivling in its sanctum sanctorum. Do also visit the Avantipur Temple and Mattan. The Sheshnag Lake is also quite a famous spot here for religious purposes, as well as sightseeing fun. Adventure enthusiasts, you have the Pahalgam Golf Course, the 18,000 feet high Kolahoi Glacier trek, Aru valley and Chandanwari (starting point of Amarnath Yatra).

How to Reach:

Fly into Srinagar airport from any of India’s major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chandigarh or even Jammu and Leh. From the airport you will find taxis to take you to Pahalgam. Government run as well as private buses also ply between Srinagar and Pahalgam, and they are mostly inexpensive. The nearest railway station to Pahalgam is Udhampur (218 km).

Kozhikode (Calicut)

The ancient city of Calicut, one of the most important ports at the time of British colonial India is today known as Kozhikode. It is a coastal town in Kerala and stands symbol of a significant trade port of the era of yore. With its great spices, delightful beaches, ponds and palm trees, Kozhikode is a holiday destination almost all year round. Even so, in July the place is breath-taking. What with the rains and lush greenery, temperature in the range of 24-29°C and 22 rainy days. Sunrises and sunsets are never more beautiful.

Things to Do: 

When in Kerala, laze in houseboats in the backwaters, go for Ayurvedic massages and attend yoga sessions. Other great things here include a day at the Kozhikode beach eating mussels and strolling along the Dolphin’s Point. Visit Lion’s Park for amusement with children. There is the Thikkodi lighthouse which is an ancient symbol in a village nearby, as well as the ancient  Veliyangadi in Kozhikode itself where Arabic and European merchants once came to trade. The Kappad Beach is quite famous for relaxation and Mananchira pond for picnics. Go to the Regional Science Center and Planetarium, take a tour of the Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary and don’t forget to pay your respects at SreeKanteswara Temple. Other places of interest are the Pazhassi Raja Museum and Art Gallery, Mishkal Mosque, Mother of God Cathedral and the ship-building port/ fishing harbour of Beypore.

How to Reach:  

Karipur International Airport or Calicut International Airport is located only 23 km away from Kozhikode city centre. Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kochi, Hyderabad etc ply regular flights to Kozhikode. The city also boasts of its own railway station and is well connected all over South and North India. You can choose the state-run KSRTC buses, hired cars or taxis to travel by road.

Lakshadweep

A collection of tropical islands, Lakshadweep is a jewel in the Laccadive Sea, near the coast of Kerala. Most of these islands are uninhabited or off-limits, leaving only a few for tourism. Their untouched, virgin aura and green beauty is unrivalled and brings some great adventures to travellers coming here. The islands enjoy a tropical climate, with the sea cooling off its summers. In July, the heat is also beaten by the rains brought by southwest monsoons. With a temperature range of 20°C to 32°C, you will enjoy plenty of rainfall too.

Things to Do: 

Most islands here are off-limits and others are only visited under specially granted permissions that you can obtain through your travel agent or tour guide in advance. Visit the Kavaratti Island, one of the more developed islands here. It is home to a number of beautiful mosques like the Ujra Mosque which is studded with such fine craft that it exudes a rather oriental charm. Also try the Kavaratti Aquarium which displays the regional fishes, sharks and corals in their habitat. Visit Minicoy Lighthouse, and go canoeing on this island later on. Another great tour is that of Agatti Island, or the Fish Hatchery, where you can enjoy coral gazing. You must also head to Parelli Island and see Hermit crabs. The Island of Kadamat is another wilderness, filled with blue lagoons and colourful coral beaches. Kite surfing is one of the most coveted adventure sport on this island. 

How to Reach:

Waterways, i.e. ships and boats as well as flights from Kochi are two options to reach Lakshadweep. Air India plies regular flights from Kochi to Agatti and Bangaram islands, as they have an airstrip and helipads. From there you can board boats to different islands like Kavaratti and Kadmat (only during tourist season, ie. October to May). Helicopter transfers are also available during monsoons.

Coorg

A holiday hill-station destination known for its coffee plantations and orange orchards, Coorg has been also called the ‘Scotland of India.’ Holding hills and dense jungles in its confines, this town has been a great getaway to beat the summer heat. In July, especially, when other low-lying areas are hot, humid and exceedingly wet, Coorg sees an average low temperature of around 13°C and lots of greenery due to the rains. The cardamom and pepper vines bloom, coffee is fragrant and everything just perfect for a week of relaxation.

Things to Do:

Visit a coffee plantation in Coorg, and one of the best things to do on this expedition is wander around berry-picking with the workers. You can also picnic at the coffee plantation and enjoy the sun on your cold skin. Waterfalls are great here, including Abbey and Iruppu Falls, both amazing for a leisure luncheon picnic as well as some hiking up to the top. Other places to visit in Coorg are Nagarhole National Park, Dubare Elephant Camp, Raja’s Seat, Cauvery Nisargadama, Talacauvery, Bagamandala and Madikeri fort and coffee plantations. You can also choose to travel to south Coorg, near the Kutta district at this time of the year. You can also go for a homestay, like the Victorian Verandaz in a local plantation.

How to Reach: 

Mangalore Domestic Airport is 160 km from Coorg. Taxis, hired cars and state run buses are available from the airport to Coorg. If you are travelling by train then Mysore Railway Station is your stop. It is another 195 km from here up to Coorg. There are also bus services plying to Coorg from Bangalore and Mangalore.