It’s that time of the year again, when kids and parents, alike, are exhausted after the hectic study schedule and exams. With schools and colleges closed for good two months, families look ahead to spending some quality time with each other.

Family vacations need careful planning. Unlike trips with friends, where travel, food and stay expenses are split between travelers, family vacations can be a costly affair if not planned properly.

To help you in your hunt for a reasonable vacation, we bring you seven affordable vacation destinations in India this summer. We are sure these will leave an everlasting impression in your memories.

Ooty, Tamil Nadu – Queen of Hill Stations

Ooty is known for its numerous beautiful picnic spots. One can witness the mother nature changing its shades while travelling from Kallar to Coonoor. Miles of sprawling grasslands adorned by coffee and tea estates and trees like Conifers, Eucalyptus, Pine and Wattle dot the lofty mountains of this dream destination.

Major Attractions:

• Botanical Garden

• Pykara Waterfall

• Government Rose Garden

• Doddabetta Peak

• Avalanche Lake

Fun Fact: The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is steepest at a gradient of 1 in 12.28 in Asia. It also holds the record of being the slowest train service in India.

Munnar, Kerala – Kashmir of South India

Munnar is one of the most picturesque hill stations with its sprawling tea gardens, lakes, waterfalls, and picture-book town. Trekking on the hills are one of the best strolling paths one can enjoy on a vacation. It’s a paradise for nature lovers with its scenic charm and idyllic natural surroundings away from the mad rush of a big city.

Major Attractions:

• Eravikulam National Park

• Anamudi Peakl

• Top Station

• Tea Museum

• Pallivasal

Fun Fact: ‘Munnar’ in Tamil means Three Rivers. As the name suggests, this place witnesses the confluence of three rivers: Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala.

Chail, Himachal Pradesh – Hiker’s Paradise

Though one of the lesser-known hill station than the famous Shimla and Manali, Chail marks its own presence felt among nature lovers. It has its own share of stunning views of the mountains and several sight-seeing tourist attraction spots. With its serene Himalayan surroundings, Chail has quite a few reasons to give Shimla and Manali the tough fight.

Major Attractions:

• Chail Wildlife Sanctuary

• The Himalayan Nature Park, Kufri

• Gurudwara Sahib

• Chail Military School

• Kali ka Tibba

Fun Fact: Chail Cricket Ground is the world’s highest cricket ground, which is at an altitude of 2,250 meters. Built in 1893, it is used for training and sports by cadets of Chail Military School.

Ranikhet, Uttarakhand – Queen’s Meadow

One of the most enjoyable and still affordable vacation destination is Ranikhet. It provides a laidback holiday experience with its lush greenery and splendid exploration. Being a calm and quiet place, trekking and long leisure walks in the close-by forest area is a hit among tourists.

Major Attractions:

• Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum

• Golf Course

• Ashiyana Park

• Rani Jheel

• Chaubatia Gardens

Fun Fact: It is believed that Raja Sudhardev won the heart of his queen, Rani Padmini, here. The Rani was so mesmerized by the beauty of the place that she decided to build her home here, thus giving this place its name. Strangely, there is no palace in this area.

Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra – Land of Strawberries

Nestled in the Western Ghats, Mahabaleshwar offers pleasant climate throughout the year. To its credit, it has one of the last few evergreen forests of India. The winding roads and lovely weather provides ample reason to head towards this hill station with your family. Besides watching sunrise and boating experience, there is lots on offer here.

Major Attractions:

• Venna Lake

• Needle Hole Point

• Arthur Seat Point

• Wilson Point

• 3 Monkey Point

Fun Fact: During the British rule, strawberries were bought to Mahabaleshwar from Australia. Local farmers have since developed their own varieties of the fruit and it is now a big export market.

Make this summer holidays a memorable family vacation. If finance is holding you back, download Freo today and enjoy a refreshing break.