Ultimate July Travel Guide to India: Best Places to Visit and Explore

Day 1: Cool hill station

Shimla, India on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Simla Times

Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and local bakery treats in a cozy setting to start your day in Shimla.
INR500, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit The Ridge and Mall Road

Explore the iconic ridge area with panoramic views and shop for local handicrafts along Mall Road.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Indian Coffee House

Savor traditional Indian dishes with a vintage ambiance in this historic coffee house.
INR400, 1h0m

2:00pm

Jakhoo Temple Visit

Climb to this hilltop Hanuman temple for spiritual insight and stunning views of the valleys.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Café Sol

Dine on continental and Indian fusion cuisine perfect for winding down your first day.
INR800, 1h30m

Day 2: Mountain adventure

Manali, India on July 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café 1947

Enjoy Italian coffee and croissants with river views in a rustic setting.
INR600, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Solang Valley

Engage in thrilling activities like paragliding and zorbing amid spectacular mountain scenery; open 8am to 6pm.
INR1000, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Johnson’s Café

Taste local Himachali cuisine in a cozy mountain restaurant.
INR700, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Old Manali

Wander through charming streets filled with cafes, shops, and a laid-back vibe.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Drifters’ Inn & Cafe

Relax with international dishes and live music in a popular evening spot.
INR900, 1h30m

Day 3: Tea heritage and views

Darjeeling, India on July 3, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Glenary’s

Enjoy a bakery feast and coffee to fuel your day in famous Darjeeling.
INR600, 1h0m

8:00am

Visit Tiger Hill

Catch a breathtaking sunrise over the Himalayas including Mt. Kanchenjunga; accessible from 4:00am to 7:00am (note early start).
INR100, 2h0m

10:30am

Tour Darjeeling Tea Gardens

Explore lush tea estates where world-famous Darjeeling tea is grown, open 9am to 5pm.
INR200, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Kunga Restaurant

Taste authentic Tibetan and Himalayan dishes.
INR550, 1h0m

3:00pm

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Ride

Experience the historic 'Toy Train' ride offering scenic views through mountain landscapes; operate 8am to 5pm.
INR250, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sonam’s Kitchen

Enjoy warm and hearty local meals in a friendly atmosphere.
INR600, 1h30m

Day 4: Backwaters and hill station

Munnar, India on July 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Rapsy Restaurant

Sample fresh local and continental breakfast dishes.
INR400, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Tea Museum and Estates

Learn about tea processing and stroll through beautiful plantations; museum open 10am to 5pm.
INR250, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Relish South Indian vegetarian specialities.
INR350, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Eravikulam National Park

Spot Nilgiri Tahr and enjoy mountain trails; open 8am to 5pm.
INR250, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Anamika

Taste Kerala-style dishes with fresh spices in a comfortable setting.
INR700, 1h30m

Day 5: Beach relaxation

Goa, India on July 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Chocolatti

Enjoy fresh coffee and bakery delights near the beach.
INR450, 1h0m

10:00am

Relax at Palolem Beach

Spend your morning sunbathing, swimming, or renting a kayak in this beautiful and tranquil beach area.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Magic Italy

Savor Italian seafood dishes right on the beach.
INR800, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Cabo de Rama Fort

Explore historic fort ruins with stunning sea views; open daylight hours.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Fisherman’s Wharf

Enjoy fresh Goan seafood and local spirits in a lively atmosphere.
INR1000, 1h30m

Day 6: Desert culture and history

Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India on July 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Mehran

Start your day with local snacks and chai in the old city.
INR350, 1h0m

9:00am

Mehrangarh Fort Tour

Explore one of India’s largest forts featuring museums and amazing city views; open 9am to 5pm.
INR600, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Indique

Dine on rich Rajasthani and North Indian dishes with a rooftop view of the fort.
INR900, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Jaswant Thada

Marvel at this beautiful marble memorial located near Mehrangarh Fort; open 9am to 5pm.
INR50, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore local markets

Shop for handicrafts, textiles, and spices in vibrant old city bazaars.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Stepwell Café

Enjoy a relaxed meal with diverse Indian and international cuisine near a historic stepwell.
INR700, 1h30m