Where to travel in the summer holidays (April to June)

By the Nexara Holidays travel desk · 2 min read

April to June is the main holiday season for families with school-age children. The plains are hot, so most families head for the hills or abroad.

Hill stations in South India

Ooty, Kodaikanal, Coonoor, Munnar, Coorg and Wayanad are pleasant and close to home. Book early; they are busy.

The Himalaya

• Kashmir: green meadows in Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam.
• Himachal and Uttarakhand: Shimla, Manali, Mussoorie and Nainital.
• Sikkim and Darjeeling: spring flowers and pleasant days.
• Leh and Ladakh: the season opens in May and June.

Abroad

• Singapore and Malaysia: theme parks and attractions.
• Bali: the dry season begins.
• Switzerland and Europe: late spring and early summer.
• Japan: early June before the rainy season.
• Dubai: hot, but indoor attractions and good hotel deals.
• Mauritius: cooler and drier from May.

Tips

• Book three to five months ahead.
• Apply for visas early, especially for Europe.
• Hill roads are busy on weekends; plan drives on weekdays.
• Pack sun protection even in the hills.

See Planning around school holidays: summer, Puja, Diwali and Christmas and our Family holidays page.

Choosing between the hills and abroad

Families with younger children often prefer a South Indian hill station: short travel, familiar food and easy pacing. With older children, Kashmir, Ladakh or an international trip adds adventure. If the budget allows only one big trip a year, summer is the time to go further.

Avoid the crowds

Travel in the first two weeks of April or the last two weeks of June, when demand is slightly lower than in May.

Health

Carry sunscreen, hats and water everywhere; even the hills can be sunny and dehydrating.