Are you tired of the scorching summer heat? I know I am! Every year when the sun gets too hot to handle, I start dreaming about cool mountain breezes and gorgeous views. Lucky for us, India has so many amazing hill stations where we can escape and enjoy some refreshing weather.
In this guide, I'll share my favorite hill stations in India that are perfect for summer trips. Whether you're planning a family vacation, a trip with friends, or a peaceful solo journey, these mountain retreats will give you the break you need from the heat.
Best Hill Stations To Visit In India In Summer
When temperatures rise across India's plains, thousands of people head to the mountains. And for good reason! These hill stations offer not just cooler weather but also stunning scenery, fun activities, and a chance to reconnect with nature.
Let me walk you through some incredible mountain destinations that will make your summer truly special.
1. Shimla - The Queen of Hills
Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, remains one of the most popular hill stations in North India. Once the summer capital during British rule, this charming place still keeps its colonial charm.
Why Visit Shimla in Summer?
The weather in Shimla during summer stays between 15-30°C, which feels like heaven compared to the plains! The town sits at 2,200 meters above sea level and offers amazing views of the Himalayan ranges. I remember walking along the famous Mall Road, watching the sunset paint the mountains in golden hues. The experience was truly magical! You can shop for local crafts, enjoy tasty food at the cafes, or just sit and watch people go by.
Must-Visit Places in Shimla:
- The Ridge - A large open space that offers stunning views
- Mall Road - Perfect for shopping and eating
- Christ Church - One of India's oldest churches with beautiful stained glass windows
- Jakhu Temple - Home to the famous giant Hanuman statue
- Kufri - Just 13 km away, great for adventure activities
Shimla is perfect for families looking for an easy-to-navigate hill station with plenty of accommodation options and activities for all ages.
2. Manali - Adventure Paradise
If you're looking for the best places to visit in summer in India with family that combines adventure with natural beauty, Manali should be at the top of your list. Located in the Kullu Valley at an altitude of 2,050 meters, Manali offers pleasant summer temperatures between 10-25°C. The Beas River flowing through the town adds to its charm and creates a peaceful atmosphere.
What Makes Manali Special?
Manali is not just about scenic beauty; it's an adventure lover's paradise! You can go river rafting, paragliding, trekking, or mountain biking. If adventure isn't your thing, the apple orchards, pine forests, and meadows provide perfect spots for relaxation. I'll never forget my paragliding experience in Solang Valley. Soaring above the mountains with the wind in my face was both thrilling and peaceful at the same time!
Top Attractions in Manali:
- Rohtang Pass - Snow-covered even in summer (needs permit)
- Solang Valley - Adventure sports hub
- Hadimba Temple - Ancient wooden temple surrounded by cedar forest
- Old Manali - Hippie vibes with cool cafes and shops
- Vashisht Hot Springs - Natural hot springs with healing properties
Manali works great for both family trips and adventures with friends.
3. Darjeeling - Tea Gardens and Mountain Views
Darjeeling, nestled in the Lesser Himalayas of West Bengal, offers the perfect combination of natural beauty, colonial history, and amazing tea! At 2,050 meters above sea level, it provides a cool escape from summer heat.
The Darjeeling Experience
Nothing beats watching the sunrise over Kanchenjunga (the world's third-highest mountain) from Tiger Hill. The golden rays hitting the snow-capped peaks create a view that stays with you forever. During my visit, I took the famous toy train ride, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The train chugs along slowly through forests, villages, and tea gardens, giving you plenty of time to soak in the scenery.
What to Do in Darjeeling:
- Tiger Hill - For breathtaking sunrise views
- Batasia Loop - Offers 360-degree views of the landscape
- Tea Gardens - Visit and learn how the famous Darjeeling tea is made
- Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park - See rare animals like red pandas
- Peace Pagoda - Japanese temple with stunning mountain views
Summer temperatures in Darjeeling stay between 11-19°C, making it ideal for those who prefer cooler weather even in summer months.
4. Nainital - The Lake District of India
Nestled in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, Nainital is built around a pear-shaped lake and surrounded by hills. This makes it one of the best hill stations to visit in India in summer with friends for a fun-filled vacation.
Lake City Charm
The heart of Nainital is its beautiful lake where you can go boating or just sit by the shore enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. During summer, the temperature stays pleasant at 15-30°C. I spent an evening at Mall Road, trying local snacks and watching the twinkling lights reflect on the lake water. The blend of natural beauty and small-town charm makes Nainital special.
Highlights of Nainital:
- Naini Lake - Perfect for boating and relaxation
- Mall Road - Shopping and dining hub
- Tiffin Top - Panoramic views of the Himalayas
- Snow View Point - See snow-capped peaks clearly
- Naina Devi Temple - Important pilgrimage site
Nainital is easily accessible and has plenty of accommodation options, making it great for weekend trips from Delhi and nearby cities.
5. Munnar - Tea Plantations and Rolling Hills
When talking about the top 10 hill stations in India, I can't miss mentioning Munnar in Kerala. This beautiful hill station in the Western Ghats sits at an altitude of 1,600 meters and offers a refreshing contrast to Kerala's coastal areas.
Green Carpet Experience
What makes Munnar truly special is its endless carpet of tea plantations. The perfectly manicured tea bushes create waves of green as far as the eye can see. During summer, temperatures range from 15-25°C, making it pleasantly cool. I remember standing at the viewpoint, watching mist roll over the tea estates in the early morning. The fresh aroma of tea leaves filled the air, creating a truly magical experience.
Must-Visit Places in Munnar:
- Tea Plantations - Take a guided tour and learn about tea production
- Eravikulam National Park - Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr
- Mattupetty Dam - Great for boating and peaceful views
- Top Station - Highest point with panoramic views
- Anamudi - Highest peak in South India
Munnar is perfect for nature lovers and those looking for a quieter hill station experience away from the crowds.
6. Mussoorie - The Gateway to Garhwal Himalayas
Known as the "Queen of Hills," Mussoorie offers panoramic views of the Doon Valley and the Shivalik Range. Located at an altitude of 2,000 meters in Uttarakhand, it enjoys pleasant summer temperatures of 15-30°C.
Colonial Charm and Natural Beauty
Mussoorie was a popular retreat during British times, and you can still see this influence in its architecture and layout. The town stretches along a ridge, offering amazing views from almost every point. Walking along the famous Camel's Back Road at sunset, watching the distant lights of Dehradun slowly come to life, is an experience I'll always cherish.
Top Attractions in Mussoorie:
- Mall Road - The main shopping and eating area
- Kempty Falls - Popular waterfall and picnic spot
- Lal Tibba - Highest point with telescope views
- Cloud's End - Where Mussoorie literally ends in the clouds
- Gun Hill - Reached by cable car with panoramic views
Mussoorie is easily accessible from Delhi, making it one of the best places to visit in summer in India with family for a quick weekend getaway.
7. Ooty - The Blue Mountains
Ooty (Udhagamandalam) in Tamil Nadu sits in the Nilgiri Hills at an altitude of 2,240 meters. Known for its beautiful gardens, lakes, and pleasant climate, Ooty is a favorite destination for summer vacations.
Colonial Hill Station with Modern Charm
Founded by the British as a summer retreat, Ooty still maintains its colonial charm while offering modern amenities. Summer temperatures range from 17-25°C, providing relief from the intense heat of Tamil Nadu's plains. I took the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (another UNESCO World Heritage Site) from Mettupalayam to Ooty. The train journey through tunnels, bridges, and tea plantations was like traveling back in time!
What to See in Ooty:
- Botanical Gardens - 55 acres of beautiful flowers and plants
- Ooty Lake - Artificial lake perfect for boating
- Doddabetta Peak - Highest point in the Nilgiris
- Rose Garden - One of the largest in India
- Tea Factory & Museum - Learn about tea processing
Ooty is among the top 10 hill stations in India for family vacations, especially for those traveling from southern states.
8. Kodaikanal - The Princess of Hill Stations
Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu offers a different experience from Ooty. At an altitude of 2,133 meters, this hill station is built around a star-shaped artificial lake and surrounded by meadows and forests.
Misty Mountain Retreat
Kodaikanal means "Gift of the Forest" in Tamil, and it truly lives up to its name. The town is often wrapped in mist, creating a magical atmosphere. Summer temperatures stay pleasant between 17-25°C. I spent hours just sitting by Kodai Lake, watching rowboats glide across the water and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. The eucalyptus trees and wildflowers added to the natural beauty.
Must-Visit Places in Kodaikanal:
- Kodai Lake - Heart of the town, perfect for boating
- Coaker's Walk - Paved pedestrian path with valley views
- Bryant Park - Beautiful botanical garden
- Pillar Rocks - Three giant rock pillars standing side by side
- Dolphin's Nose - Flat rock projecting over a deep valley
Kodaikanal is one of the best hill stations to visit in India in summer with friends who enjoy nature walks and photography.
9. Auli - Himalayan Ski Resort Turned Summer Retreat
While Auli in Uttarakhand is famous as a winter ski destination, it transforms into a beautiful meadow during summer. Located at an altitude of 2,800 meters, it offers breathtaking views of Nanda Devi, India's second-highest peak.
Alpine Meadows and Himalayan Views
What makes Auli special is its wide open meadows filled with wildflowers during summer. The cable car ride from Joshimath to Auli is one of the longest in Asia and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. During my visit, I was amazed by the clarity with which I could see the mighty Himalayan peaks. The pristine environment and clean mountain air made me feel refreshed instantly.
Top Attractions in Auli:
- Gurso Bugyal - Beautiful meadow great for picnics
- Auli Artificial Lake - Highest man-made lake in the world
- Chenab Lake - Natural lake with crystal clear water
- Joshimath - Ancient temple town nearby
- Trekking Routes - Several options for all experience levels
Summer temperatures in Auli range from 5-15°C, making it one of the coolest retreats during the hot season.
10. Kasauli - Hidden Gem of Himachal
Kasauli might not be as famous as some other entries in our top 10 hill stations in India list, but this small cantonment town in Himachal Pradesh offers a peaceful retreat away from crowded tourist spots.
Colonial Cantonment Charm
What Kasauli lacks in famous attractions, it makes up for with its peaceful atmosphere, colonial architecture, and beautiful walking trails. At 1,900 meters altitude, it enjoys pleasant summer weather of 15-28°C. I spent three days in Kasauli doing nothing but walking the quiet roads lined with old colonial buildings, listening to birds, and enjoying the views. Sometimes, that's all the vacation you need!
What to See in Kasauli:
- Sunset Point - Beautiful evening views
- Gilbert Trail - Easy nature walk through forests
- Christ Church - Beautiful old church from 1853
- Monkey Point - Highest point with Hanuman temple
- Mall Road - Small but charming market area
Kasauli is perfect for those looking for a quiet, laid-back hill station experience without large crowds.
Planning Your Hill Station Trip
Now that we've covered some of the best hill stations to visit in India in summer, let's talk about how to plan your trip.
Best Time to Visit
While these destinations are perfect for summer, the ideal months to visit most North Indian hill stations are April to June, when the plains are extremely hot but the mountains are pleasant. For South Indian hill stations like Ooty, Kodaikanal, and Munnar, April to June is also good, though they can get some pre-monsoon showers in June.
How to Reach
Most hill stations are well-connected by road, and some like Shimla and Darjeeling also have train connections. The nearest airports are usually 50-100 km away from these hill towns.
Here's a quick guide:
- North Indian Hill Stations: Delhi serves as the gateway with flights, trains, and buses to most Himalayan destinations
- South Indian Hill Stations: Coimbatore (for Ooty), Madurai (for Kodaikanal), and Cochin (for Munnar) are the nearest major airports
What to Pack
Even though it's summer, hill stations can get cool, especially in the evenings. Here's what I always pack:
- Light woolens or jackets
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Rain protection (umbrella/raincoat)
- Sunscreen (UV rays are stronger at higher altitudes)
- Reusable water bottle
- Basic medicines
- Camera (for those amazing views!)
Final Thoughts
India's hill stations offer the perfect escape from summer heat while providing unique experiences for every type of traveler. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, there's a mountain retreat waiting for you. My personal favorite remains Darjeeling for its perfect blend of natural beauty, amazing tea, and the stunning Kanchenjunga views. But each of these best hill stations to visit in India in summer has its own special charm.
So this summer, instead of cranking up the AC at home, why not head to the mountains? The cool breeze, gorgeous views, and beautiful experiences are waiting for you. Trust me, there's nothing like sipping a hot cup of tea while looking at misty mountains to make your summer truly memorable! Which hill station are you planning to visit this summer? Wherever you choose, I'm sure it will be an experience to remember!
