Holiday Destinations in India to Visit with Your Best Friend

Travelling with your best friend is an experience unlike any other—it’s filled with endless laughter, late-night talks, and memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime. With its vibrant mix of landscapes, cultures, and traditions, India is home to countless holiday destinations that make for the perfect friends’ getaway. From peaceful hill stations to buzzing cities, and golden beaches to heritage towns, there are holiday destinations in India to suit every mood—whether you’re craving adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration. Imagine sipping chai on a misty morning in Shimla, rafting together in Rishikesh, chasing sunsets in Goa, or wandering through Jaipur’s colourful bazaars. Every destination offers a new way to strengthen your bond and create stories you’ll retell for years. To help you plan, we’ve curated some of the best holiday destinations in India across North, West, East, and South—so all you need to do is pack your bags and set off with your best friend by your side.

In this Blog

North India

Shimla & Manali

Known as some of the most popular places to visit in India, Shimla and Manali are classic hill stations offering breathtaking views, pine-covered valleys, and a touch of colonial charm. You can go skiing in Solang Valley, trek up scenic trails, or simply sip hot cocoa in a cosy café. These destinations are ideal for adventure enthusiasts and those seeking to immerse themselves in the serene mountain atmosphere.

Best time to visit: March to June for pleasant weather, and December to February for snow lovers.
Where to stay: Experience comfort and luxury with villas in Manali, offering private pools, cosy fireplaces, and panoramic mountain views.

Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a favourite among thrill-seekers and spiritual travellers alike. Famous for river rafting, bungee jumping, and yoga retreats, this city is one of the most exciting tourist places in Rishikesh. Staying at homestays in Rishikesh adds a personal touch to your journey while keeping you close to the Ganga’s peaceful ghats.

Best time to visit: September to November and March to May for pleasant weather and adventure sports.
Where to stay: Unwind in elegant villas in Rishikesh, combining riverside charm with modern comforts, perfect for a friends’ getaway.

Nainital

Nainital’s serene lakes and lush hills make it an ideal destination for friends who love the outdoors. From boating at Naini Lake to exploring bustling markets, the town offers plenty of activities to keep you engaged. It’s one of the calm yet lively holiday destinations in India for duos who want a mix of relaxation and exploration.

Best time to visit: March to June and September to November.
Where to stay: Escape to tranquil villas in Nainital, with hill views and serene sit-outs designed for memorable stays.

Jaipur

The Pink City is a perfect blend of heritage and modern attractions. With magnificent forts, palaces, and vibrant bazaars, Jaipur is one of the top attractions in Jaipur and a hotspot for cultural exploration. From hot air balloon rides to royal dining, it’s a city that turns every trip into a royal affair.

Best time to visit: October to March when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing.
Where to stay: Soak in regal charm at villas in Jaipur, offering luxury, privacy, and a touch of tradition.

West India

Goa

Goa is the ultimate friends’ holiday destination, famous for its beaches, nightlife, shacks, and water sports. Whether it’s exploring Portuguese churches or enjoying the endless things to do in Goa, every corner here adds to the fun.

Best time to visit: November to February for pleasant weather and vibrant nightlife.
Where to stay: Celebrate with friends at luxurious villas in Goa, complete with private pools and chic interiors.

Lonavala & Khandala

A quick getaway from Mumbai and Pune, these twin hill stations are perfect for monsoon lovers. Enjoy misty mountains, lush greenery, and scenic trekking trails. Staying in private villas in Lonavala makes the experience even more exclusive.

Best time to visit: July to September during monsoon, and October to March for clear views.
Where to stay: Relax at private villas in Lonavala, ideal for cosy escapes with friends.

Alibaug

Known as the “mini-Goa” of Maharashtra, Alibaug offers clean beaches, forts, and seafood delights. Perfect for laid-back weekends, you can enjoy beach picnics, ferry rides, and historic forts.

Best time to visit: November to February for cool breezes and beach walks.
Where to stay: Choose from premium villas in Alibaug, featuring pools, gardens, and beach proximity.

Panchgani & Igatpuri

Nestled in the Sahyadris, Panchgani and Igatpuri are serene escapes known for strawberry farms, misty valleys, and adventure activities. Ideal for camping, paragliding, and unwinding with friends.

Best time to visit: September to May.
Where to stay: Discover the calm of the hills at villas in Panchgani and Igatpuri, crafted for group stays.

East India

Meghalaya

Famous for its living root bridges, waterfalls, and lush landscapes, Meghalaya is one of the most magical places to visit in India with friends. The best time to visit Meghalaya is during the dry months when you can trek, explore caves, and enjoy scenic drives.

Best time to visit: October to April.
Where to stay: Stay in cosy homestays near Meghalaya, where nature and comfort come together.

Assam & Sikkim

From Assam’s tea gardens to Sikkim’s monasteries and snow peaks, this region offers cultural and natural beauty. Yak rides, lake visits, and local cuisine add to the charm.

Best time to visit: March to June and September to December.
Where to stay: Embrace serenity at villas in Sikkim, perfect for peaceful getaways.

Darjeeling

Darjeeling, the “Queen of the Hills,” is best known for its tea plantations, toy train, and Kanchenjunga views. With charming cafés and colonial heritage, it’s a classic friends’ destination.

Best time to visit: March to May and October to December.
Where to stay: Wake up to mountain views at villas in Darjeeling, blending cosiness with charm.

Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

Ziro Valley is a paradise for offbeat travellers with rice fields, pine forests, and the famous Ziro Music Festival. It’s a unique destination to experience Arunachal’s raw beauty.

Best time to visit: September to November for the festival, or March to May for scenic beauty.
Where to stay: Relax in villas near Ziro, designed to connect you with nature.

South India

Ooty

Ooty’s cool climate, botanical gardens, and tea estates make it a timeless hill station. An Ooty tour package often includes boating on Ooty Lake and exploring colonial-era architecture.

Best time to visit: March to June and September to November.
Where to stay: Enjoy lush stays at homestays in Ooty, offering vintage charm with modern comfort.

Coorg & Chikmagalur

These coffee country gems are dotted with plantations, waterfalls, and trekking trails. Homestays in Coorg and Chikmagalur offer authentic experiences surrounded by greenery.

Best time to visit: October to March.
Where to stay: Stay at scenic homestays in Coorg, perfect for nature-loving friends.

Pondicherry

A mix of French colonial charm and coastal beauty, Pondicherry offers beach walks, yoga retreats, and vibrant streets. It’s one of the most picturesque places to visit in Pondicherry with friends.

Best time to visit: October to March.
Where to stay: Discover chic comfort at villas in Pondicherry, ideal for beachside getaways.

Munnar & Alleppey

Munnar’s tea gardens and Alleppey’s backwaters make for a stunning South Indian holiday. From houseboat rides to mountain treks, these are unforgettable destinations.

Best time to visit: September to March.
Where to stay: Drift into luxury with villas in Munnar and homestays in Alleppey, where calm and elegance meet.

Explore Holiday Destinations in India Like Never Before

From the snowy peaks of North India to the tropical backwaters of the South, the country offers endless possibilities for friendship getaways. Whether it’s exploring forts in Jaipur, sipping coffee in Coorg, or enjoying water sports in Goa, each of these holiday destinations in India has something unique to offer. Pack your bags, call your best friend, and get ready to explore the unforgettable wonders of India together. And when it comes to where you stay, choose StayVista villas for private pools, cosy sit-outs, and luxury that makes every trip truly memorable.

Banner image credits: HuffPost