SOTC Blog

The prickly and scorching heat of the summer of ‘24 has been rough on all of us. The heat waves have compelled us to sit at home and step out occasionally. The good thing is that summer is slowly ending as July is approaching. So, we can expect the first monsoon showers soon!

The much-needed first rain will not only bring respite from hot summers but also allow us to step out of our homes. As for the travellers, you can start planning your next destination to make the most out of the July rains. If you are confused about the best destinations to visit in July in India, don’t worry; we’ve got you!

Continue reading to learn about the best places to visit in July in India, top things to do, the best places to eat and visit, highlights of the destination, and more.

1. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh- Dramatic landscapes, ancient culture, and vibrant culture

If you are a trekker or someone who loves monasteries, remote valleys, and outdoor exploration, Spiti is one of the best places to visit in July in India. The land of stunning landscapes, Spiti nestles amid the beauty of the Himalayas and offers relief from the scorching summers as well as the harsh winters during July.

The rainy season allows you to witness the breathtaking routes passing through the Kunzum Pass and Rohtang Pass, which are inaccessible in the summer and winter. These high-altitude roads provide stunning views of snow-capped peaks and lush valleys.

The clear skies of July also make it an excellent time for stargazing, with the Milky Way often visible in its full glory. So make sure to pitch a tent, light a fire, and be merry under the starry nights of Spiti Valley.

July is also the time when the locals organise Spiti’s annual fair, known as Ladacha Fair. The fair invites traders from Ladakh, Rampur, and nearby areas to visit Spiti and indulge in barter exchange and business. So, make sure to experience this unusual fair as well.

Best places to visit: Pin Parvati trek, Hampta Pass trek, Chandratal or the Moon Lake, Komic Village, Key Monastery, Tabo Monastery etc.

Best places to eat: Sol Cafe, Cafe Zomsa, Horizon Cafe, etc. 
Things to do: Trek to Hampta Pass and Pin Parvati, try locally made whiskey called Arkah and beer called Chang, Momos, Thukpa, and Butter Tea, photography, camping, exploring ancient monasteries, etc.

Ideal duration: 7-8 days.

Note: Most monasteries in Spiti do not allow clicking photographs inside the premises. So, make sure to avoid doing the same. Also, acclimatize before moving to higher altitudes.

2. Udaipur, Rajasthan – Majestic palaces, colourful markets, and beautiful lakes

The City of Lakes, Udaipur, is one of the best places to see in July in India, thanks to its rainy weather, which is a rare sight in Rajasthan, a state known for its extremely hot weather, thus avoided by tourists during summer. So, the weather alone makes Udaipur one of the most attractive tourist places in India in July! 

Besides, its historically rich grandeur, combined with nature’s emerald beauty in July, quadruples the experience of exploring the City Palace, a grand complex of palaces known for its exquisite Rajput architecture with the inclusion of courtyards and gardens. A boat ride on Lake Pichola, with a view of the iconic Lake Palace, is a quintessential experience. The monsoon rains enhance the beauty of these lakes, reflecting the city’s historic architecture and surrounding hills.

The monsoon season also brings life to the Saheliyon Ki Bari, a beautiful garden adorned with fountains, lotus pools, and marble pavilions, making it a serene spot to visit. You must also visit the city’s vibrant market, which offers locally made items like jewellery, handicrafts, perfumes, etc.

July also marks the celebration of Teej in Rajasthan, a festival dedicated to the goddess Parvati, where women dress in colourful attire and participate in traditional dances and songs, offering a glimpse into the local culture.

Best places to visit: Pichora Lake, City Palace, Saheliyo ki Bari, Fatehsagar Lake.

Best places to eat: Khamma Gadi Restaurant, Jhumar Restaurant.

Things to do: Experience the culture, boat rides on lakes, explore the market, learn about its rich past from locals, etc.

Ideal duration: 2-3 days

Tip:  Always carry sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses even in July to avoid skin damage.

3. Gangtok, Sikkim – the freshness in the air, the surrounding greenery, and low hotel costs

The enchanting capital of Sikkim Gangtok s a visual dream during the rainy months, and thus, it is one of the best places to go in India in July. The hotel rates are significantly lower during this season because many tourists avoid travelling in rainy weather. This makes it the perfect time for you to explore this beautiful place.

Monsoon in Gangtok is special since it enhances the scenic landscapes, filling the air with freshness and allowing you ample time to refresh and rejuvenate your senses. The rains also add a mystical charm to monastery visits, especially the Rumtek Monastery, which provides a tranquil retreat and a glimpse into the spiritual heritage of Tibetan Buddhism.

Gangtok’s misty weather in July also attracts nature lovers and trekkers who want to plan a trip to Nathula Pass and picturesque Tsomgo Lake, though accessibility may vary with weather conditions. If you want to get some adrenaline pumping in your veins, opt for rafting on the Teesta River before hopping on the famous cable ride in Gangtok and enjoying the panoramic views of the rain-washed city and surrounding valleys.

Best places to visit:  The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Nathula Pass, Rumtek Monastery, Hanuman Tok, Ban Jhakri Falls Park.
Best places to eat: The Taste of Tibet, The Dragon Wok, Shuffle Momos.

Things to do: Photography, trekking, rafting, soaking in the views, etc.

Ideal duration: 4-5 days

4. Agumbe, Karnataka – Cascading waterfalls, verdant forests, and vistas of the Arabian Sea

The best place to visit in July in South India is the incredible Agumbe, also known as the ‘Cherapunji of South India’ because of the manifolds of rain it receives throughout the year. You can imagine the beauty it holds during July, with numerous waterfalls, lush green forests, and incredible viewpoints offering long vistas of the Arabian Sea. With average temperatures ranging between 15 to 23 degrees in July, you don’t have to worry about sweating to the top.

One of Agumbe’s main attractions is the spectacular Jogigundi, Barkana, and Onake Abbi waterfalls in full flow during July. The rain-drenched forests are home to diverse flora and fauna, including the rare and endemic king cobra, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

Besides, trekking in Agumbe can be an adrenaline-pumping adventure since you cross several streams and waterfalls to reach the sunset point, which offers stunning panoramic views. So, make sure to book your tickets to what can easily be the best tourist destination in July in South India. ‘

Best places to visit: Jogigundi Falls, Onake Abbi Falls, Sunset Point, and Gopala Krishna Temple.
Best places to eat: July gets rainy in Agumbe, so prefer food made in your hotel or guest house. 
Things to do: Trekking, photography, exploring rich flora and fauna, etc.

Ideal duration: 3 days

Fun Fact – Do you know that Agumbe was the background setting of the popular TV show ‘Malgudi Days’ based on R.K Narayan’s popular book?

5. Panchgani, Maharashtra – Quaint village, and feel-good vibes

Nestled in the beautiful Western Ghats, Panchgani carries a tinge of nostalgia from the past with its little cottages, small shops that still offer toffees and snacks from the 90s. The temperature here usually ranges between 16 to 22 degrees Celsius, so you can easily trek through the village. The people are deeply spiritual and worship many deities, so you will come across many temples during your hikes.

There are several attractions in Panchgani apart from scenic landscapes and emerald hillside, such as Table Land, the second largest plateau in Asia, Parsi Point, Sydney Point, and Devrai Art Village, a cultural hub which has recently earned a lot of popularity on social media, and thus, is the highlight of Panchgani these days,

You can also opt for paragliding in the village or visit the local market to shop for locally produced items like handicrafts, earrings, handbags, tribal art,  herbs, etc. Panchgani is still untouched by commercialisation and thus remains one of the quietest places to explore in the country. The silence and quietude alone make it one of the best July vacation destinations in India.

Best places to visit: Karthikeya Temple, Parsi Point, Dhom Dai at Wot,  Vishweshwar Temple.
Best places to eat: Local dhabas and restaurants like Kiswah and Jaffer Bhai’s Restaurant.

Things to do: Hiking, visiting temples, sharing stories with locals, photography, etc.

Ideal duration: 2-3 days 

6. Cherrapunji – Root bridges, dramatic monsoon scenery, and local culture

The most obvious choice in the list of the best travel destinations in July has to be one of the wettest places on earth, and that is Cherrapunji. One of the most intriguing places in India, Cherrapunji is nestled in the state of Meghalaya in the northeast part of India. It is a unique destination characterised by heavy rainfall that feeds the forests, waterfalls, and lush green hillside, making the place heaven for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

The main attractions in Cherrapunji are the intriguing root bridge crafted by the Khasi tribes over centuries as an indigenous symbol. The Umshiang Double-Decker Root Bridge, in particular, is a marvel of bioengineering and a testament to sustainable living practices.

Trekking to these bridges through the rain-soaked forests is more of an immersive experience than adventure, making it one of the best destinations to visit in July in India. Visitors can explore local markets, savour traditional Khasi cuisine, and engage with friendly locals to gain insights into their way of life. People are friendly and warm, so you wouldn’t feel like an outsider in Cherrapunji.

Best places to visit: Nohkalikai, Seven Sisters, Dain-Thlen Waterfalls, Root Bridges, Thangkharang Park, etc. 
Best places to eat: Golden Spoon, D Cloud Restaurant, Halari Restaurant, etc. 
Things to do:  Trekking, visiting the root bridges and waterfalls, etc.

Ideal duration: 3-4 days

7. Lonavala, Maharashtra – Scenic treks, pleasant temperature, and tranquillity

Your day in Lonavala starts with misty mornings and ends with foggy nights, especially during the rainy season, making it one of the best places to visit in July in India. 

The hill station is nestled in the Sahyadri range of Maharashtra and invites crowds from Mumbai and Pune to bask in its lush green hillside during the monsoon season. The landscape envelopes cascading waterfalls, Tiger’s Leap, and Bhushi Dam and offers scenic treks like Lohagad Fort, Rajmachi Fort, and Visapur Fort.

If you seek offbeat attractions, you can head to Karla and Bhaja Caves to relax in solitude with the perfect hillside backdrop. Lonavala is thus the best tourist destination in July for nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts.

Best places to visit: Tiger’s Leap Waterfall, Bhaja Caves, Lohagad Fort, Bhushi Dam Falls, Rajmachi Fort, and Duke’s Nose.

Best places to eat: The Kinara Village, Cafe 24, etc.

Things to do: Trekking, photography, relaxing and rejuvenating, river crossing, rappelling, etc.

Ideal duration: 2-3 days

Now that you know about the best travel destinations in July, we would love to plan and curate the best SOTC travel packages for you so that all you do is enjoy your vacation while we do the work. So, connect with our agents today and embrace July as your favourite travel month of the year.