India is a country that never fails to amaze its visitors, and July is one of the best months to explore this beautiful nation. Despite the monsoon season being in full swing, there are still plenty of destinations that offer incredible experiences and opportunities, especially for backpackers, trekkers, adventurists, and young travelers. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping trek, a cultural immersion, or just a relaxing getaway, we have got you covered with a list of the best places to visit in India in July.
Also Read: 37 Most Beautiful Places In India You Should Visit Atleast Once In Your Lifetime
1. Ladakh
Exploring Ladakh in July offers its unique charm with the monsoon season in full swing. Ladakh, being a cold desert doesn’t receive much rainfall. However, the landscape comes alive with lush greenery and gushing streams, creating a stunning contrast against the rugged terrain. Ladakh, offers a range of adventure activities in July, including trekking, river rafting, and mountain riding. One could go for a number of treks that offer stunning views of the landscape, including the Markha Valley Trek and the Stok Kangri Trek.
Road-tripping in Ladakh is an experience of a lifetime. The Leh-Manali and Leh-Srinagar highways offer some of the most scenic drives in the world, with numerous high-altitude passes, including the Khardung La, making it a challenging yet rewarding experience. In July, the roads are less crowded, giving you the chance to soak in the beauty of the landscape at your own pace. Exploring the ancient monasteries, traditional villages, and local cuisine of Ladakh is a must-do on any trip to the region. The Hemis Monastery, Thiksey Monastery, and Alchi Monastery are some of the must-visit sites. Lakes like Tso Moriri and Pangong Tso are also too good to be missed.
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2. Munnar
While Munnar is a year-round destination, July is a particularly great time to explore this stunning region. With the onset of the monsoon season, the lush greenery comes alive, and the waterfalls and streams are in full flow, creating a breathtaking landscape.
One of the must-do activities in Munnar in July is hiking. The region offers a range of hiking trails that take you through tea gardens, spice plantations, and rolling hills, offering stunning views of the Western Ghats. The Anamudi Peak, the highest peak in South India, is a popular hiking spot in Munnar, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience in the Monsoon. Waterfalls are another highlight of Munnar in July. The Attukal Waterfalls, Lakkam Waterfalls, and Cheeyappara Waterfalls are some of the must-visit waterfalls in the region.
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3. Darjeeling
With lush green landscapes all around, July is one of the best time to visit Darjeeling is sightseeing. The mountain town in this season turns foggy, making it ideal for photography and romantic strolling. July is the best month to enjoy activities such as visiting seasonal springs, bathing in waterfalls, riding a toy train, exploring a monastery, and so on. Latpachar is a beautiful hamlet near Darjeeeling which is great to enjoy lush plantations and dense forests in Monsoon.
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4. Hemkund Sahib and Valley of flowers
Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand in India, the Valley of Flowers is a large lush valley in Uttarakhand that is carpeted with many exotic and rare species of flowers. It is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to over 500 species of flowers, including Himalayan Blue Poppy, Himalayan Bellflower, Himalayan Cobra Lily, and many more. July is the best time to visit the Valley of Flowers as it literally explodes with blooms in Monsoons. With the advent of the Monsoon, the flowers are in full bloom, creating a colorful carpet that stretches as far as the eyes can see.
Hemkund Sahib, located nearby, is a holy place for Sikhs and is situated at an altitude of 4,329 meters.
The trek to both these places start from the town of Govindghat on the road of Badrinath. The route is the same till Ghangaria – a small hamlet on the trek route with ample accommodation facilities. Valley of Flowers is a 5 km east trek from Ghangaria while the 6-7 km route of Hemkund Sahib is comparatively challenging. You could find accommodation options at the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Source: Amit Rawat (Flickr)
5. Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
Exploring the Kashmir Great Lakes treks in July can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience of passing through landscapes like heaven. The Great Lakes of Kashmir consists of a series of high-altitude alpine lakes that offer stunning views of the Himalayas and the surrounding landscapes.
July is a great time to embark on this trek as the weather is pleasant, with little rainfall andmild temperatures during the day and cool temperatures at night. The trails are also in good condition, and the snow has melted, making it easier to navigate the rugged terrain. Additionally, wild flowers in full bloom all along the trek route makes it even more enthralling and scenic.
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6. Kargil
Exploring Kargil in July can be an enriching experience, especially if you’re there to observe Kargil Vijay Diwas, a day that commemorates India’s victory over Pakistan in the Kargil war of 1999. During this time, the Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations take place, which are marked by various events, including parades, flag-hoisting ceremonies, and cultural programs. These events offer a unique opportunity to witness the patriotism and resilience of the people of Kargil.
Kargil is a picturesque town located in the Ladakh region, known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. July is a great time to visit Kargil, as the weather is generally pleasant and the region is accessible to tourists.
Image Source – Amritash (Flickr)
7. Ooty
If you are visiting Ooty in July, you should fly to Coimbatore and then take the toy train to Ooty. The travel experience would be hypnotic. The weather in July is mild with showers, warm afternoons, misty mornings, and foggy nights. Ooty is a hill station in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This location is known as the “Queen of Hill Stations.” The month of July heralds the start of romantic tourism in Ooty. Emerald Lake, Ooty Lake, Doddabetta, Avalanche lake, rose garden, Mukurthi national park, stone house, and Kamaraj Sagar dam are the top attractions in Ooty in July.
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8. Dudhsagar waterfalls
Dudhsagar waterfalls, located at the Goa-Karnataka border is a breathtakingly beautiful waterfall that attracts thousands of visitors every year. In July, the monsoon season is in full swing, and the waterfall is at its most spectacular with water cascading down from a height of 310 meters, creating a misty spray that looks like milk. The lush green surroundings are also at their most vibrant, making it a perfect time to take a trek or a hike in the area. However, it’s important to note that visiting Dudhsagar waterfalls during the monsoon season can be challenging and visitors should exercise caution while trekking or hiking in the area.
Image Source: Jayasankar Madhavadas (Flickr)
9. Srinagar
In contrast to the rest of the country, July is a summer month in Srinagar. The month of July is an ideal time to visit as the weather is mild, and the stunning landscapes are in full bloom. This is the best time to visit the Jammu Kashmir region’s natural wonders such as Dal Lake and Shalimar Garden. The vibrant wildflowers of the summer season cover the gardens and valleys making it an excellent time for camping, hiking, picnicking and other outdoor activities.
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10. Pahalgam
Pahalgam is stunning during the monsoon seasons with lush green meadows and pristine waters. During July, the skies are generally clear with little rain. This is an excellent time to engage in outdoor activities such as trekking, boating, sightseeing, exploring, camping, and so on. July is an ideal month for outdoor activities such as nature trekking, strolling, photography, pony safaris, and so on. The Aru Valley, where people enjoy scenic beauty and nature activities, is the best of all Pahalgam destinations. Pahalgam is also the starting point of the Amarnath yatra that takes place every year in July–August.
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11. Forts of Maharashtra
Maharashtra is home to several historic forts that are worth exploring in July. The monsoon season adds to the beauty of the forts, with lush greenery and pleasant weather. Some of the most popular forts to visit in Maharashtra include Raigad Fort, Sindhudurg Fort, Pratapgad Fort, and Shivneri Fort. You can enjoy trekking to the forts and exploring their rich history and architecture. Additionally, the nearby waterfalls and lakes offer a perfect way to cool off during your visit.
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12. Waterfalls of Karnataka
Karnataka is home to some of the most stunning waterfalls in India, and July is a great time to explore them. During the monsoon season, the waterfalls come alive, offering breathtaking views of the cascading water. Some of the most popular waterfalls to visit in Karnataka include Jog Falls, Abbey Falls, Shivanasamudra Falls, and Iruppu Falls. You can also enjoy activities like trekking and camping in the lush green forests surrounding the waterfalls.
Image Source: Hemant G (Flickr)
Image Source: Sankara Subramanian (Flickr)
13. Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is a beautiful hill station located in Tamil Nadu, India, and is a great destination to explore in July. The monsoon season adds to the beauty of the place, with lush greenery and pleasant weather. You can enjoy activities like trekking, boating in the Kodaikanal Lake, and visiting the stunning waterfalls. The town is also known for its handmade chocolates, unique cuisine, and traditional handicrafts.
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14. Coorg
Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is a stunning hill station located in Karnataka, India, and is a great destination to explore in July. The monsoon season adds to the beauty of the place, with lush green forests and waterfalls. You can enjoy activities like trekking, visiting the coffee plantations, and exploring the beautiful Abbey Falls. Coorg is also known for its rich culture, unique cuisine, and traditional handicrafts.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
15. Udaipur
Udaipur is surrounded by lakes. Consider a land with beautiful lakes during the rainy season. That is July in Udaipur. The setting becomes very romantic, and the view from Sajjan Garh during the rain is a must-see. Other popular rainy-day attractions in Udaipur include Lake Pichola, Lake Palace, Jag Mandir, City Palace, Lake Fateh Sagar, Saheloyon ki Bari, Bangor ki Haveli, Ambrai Ghat, Monsoon Palace, and many more.
Image Source: Pixabay
16. Kumbhalgarh
Kumbhalgarh is a historic fort located in Rajasthan, and is a great destination to explore in July. The monsoon season adds to the beauty of the place, with lush greenery and pleasant weather. You can explore the magnificent fort, which is famous for its intricate architecture and stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. You can also visit the nearby Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to various species of animals, including leopards and sloth bears. Additionally, a visit to the nearby Ranakpur Jain Temple is highly recommended, with its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.
Image Source: Kumbhalgarh Fort (Twitter)
17. Wayanad
Wayanad is a beautiful hill station located in Kerala and is an ideal destination to explore in July. The monsoon season adds to the beauty of the place, with lush green forests, waterfalls, and streams. During this time, you can enjoy trekking through the Western Ghats. The Chembra Peak and Banasura Hill Trek are popular trekking routes that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. You can also visit the Edakkal Caves, an archaeological wonder with prehistoric rock art. A visit to the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is highly recommended, offering an opportunity to spot various animals like tigers, elephants, and deer. Additionally, exploring the tea and coffee plantations, and experiencing the local cuisine and culture is an excellent way to soak in the beauty of Wayanad.
Image Source: Flickr
18. Mount Abu
Mount Abu is one of the best places in Western India to visit in the month of July. Rajasthan receives very little rain. However, Mount Abu gets the majority of the rainfall in Rajasthan. This hill station has diverse vegetation, green mountains, and other natural elements. Dilwara Jain temple, Mount Abu wildlife sanctuary, Abu road, Achalgarh, Guru Shikar, Trevor’s tank, and other popular attractions in Mount Abu in July include Dilwara Jain temple, the wildlife sanctuary of Mount Abu, Abu Road, Achalgarh, Guru Shikar, Trevor’s tank, and others.
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19. Matheran
Matheran is a popular hill station located in Maharashtra, India, and is a perfect destination to explore in July. The monsoon season in Matheran adds to the beauty of the place, with lush greenery, stunning waterfalls, and pleasant weather. During this time, one can enjoy trekking to various points such as Charlotte Lake, Louisa Point, Echo Point, and Panorama Poin and One Tree Hill, which offer breathtaking views of the valley. Moreover, Matheran is a vehicle-free zone, and exploring the town on horseback or by foot is an excellent way to explore the area.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
20. Araku Valley
Araku Valley is a picturesque hill station in the Eastern Ghats located in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is known for its scenic beauty, coffee plantations, waterfalls, and tribal culture. July is a good time to explore Araku Valley as the weather is pleasant and the monsoon season makes the entire landscape lush green. You should visit the coffee plantations in the valley and learn about the process of coffee cultivation and processing. The scenic train ride from Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley is a also a must-try experience with stunning views of the hills and valleys.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
21. Spiti Valley
If you’re looking for an unforgettable road trip in India, the Spiti circuit should be on top of your list. July is the best time to visit Spiti Valley as the weather is pleasant and the valley is accessible due to the melting of snow.
Start your journey from Shimla and cruise through the beautiful roads of Kinnaur to experience the raw beauty of the Spiti Valley. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit beautiful villages like Komic and Langza, iconic monasteries like Key, and pristine lakes like Chandratal.
A journey through the Spiti Valley would take you across some of the most picturesque landscapes of India. Get ready to witness nature’s raw and rugged beauty at its best.
Image Source – Bhushan Navare (Flickr)
We hope you found our list of the Best Places to visit in India in July informative and helpful. Let us know which one of these beautiful tourist destinations attracted you the most.