Beating the summer heat while sitting at home seems quite challenging this year. Reports claim that this year’s temperatures are way higher than usual. Air coolers or conditioners can possibly cool you only for a couple of hours but how about managing the whole day? The only way to escape from this kind of scorching climate is to plan summer holidays with your friends or family. And we’ve done all the groundwork for you—scouting for the best hill stations to visit in India for summer.
Five Best Hill Stations in North India During Summer
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
An amazing scenic beauty with an amusement park, Kali Bari Temple, horse riding, Toy train rides, Pabbar River, Kufri Avenue, Kullu Valley, fishing, skiing, etc.
Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir
A must-visit destination in the snowcapped Jammu with Asia’s longest cable car, adventurous skiing, the world’s largest Golf Course, and a biosphere reserve.
Auli, Uttarakhand
Visiting Auli Uttarakhand in summer could be your best decision this year, as you can enjoy trekking, the artificial lake, Nanda Devi National Park, and camping.
Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
Most people might know this place through the Dharamshala Cricket Stadium. However, regarding tourism, it is home to the Dalai Lama, cedar forests, rock temples, and many spiritual centers.
Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
Widely referred to as the ‘Queen of Hills’, it is a wonderful place for kids to cherishing the aquarium, zoo, gaming zones, and magic shows.
Five Best Hill Stations in South India During Summer
Ooty, Tamil Nadu
A pristine South Indian hill with beautiful lakes, botanical and rose gardens, and tea estates. Be sure to taste their homemade chocolates!
Munnar, Kerala
Though it is famous among newlywed couples as a honeymoon destination, it is a perfect summer vacation place for you to embrace waterfalls, dams, a national park, and viewpoints.
Coorg, Karnataka
Another magnificent hill station in South India that you cannot miss this summer! The unique spots include the elephant camp, trekking, Abbey and Irupu Falls, Madikeri Fort, and Gaddige Raja’s Tomb.
Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
One of the tranquil hills that encompasses cloud-touching viewpoints, Shola Falls, pine forests, caves, two lakes, a solar observatory, and the daring Devil’s Kitchen.
Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka
Popular among trekkers, this hilly place houses the highest peak of Karnataka—the Mullayanagiri Peak. It also has two to three waterfalls, viewpoints, a coffee museum, and a national park.
Need help booking your tickets, making reservations, and arranging a tourist guide? Contact us!
Top Eastern-side Hill Stations in India
Shillong, Meghalaya
Indeed, tourists flock to this destination to admire the stunning beauty of Shillong Peak, Umiam Lake, Air Force Museum, Elephant Falls, etc.
Darjeeling, West Bengal
According to us, this is the best hill station to visit in May in India. It amazes visitors both in winter and summer with its toy train, observatory, monastery, Tiger Hill, temple, and zoo.
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
One of the incredible summer destinations in northeast India, with India’s largest Buddhist monastery, the Tawang War memorial, waterfalls, a lake, and Sela Pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is best Darjeeling or Ooty?
While both of them are among the top five best hills in India, each of them is unique. On one hand, Ooty is known for tea plantations and emerald green forests. On the other hand, Darjeeling is known for its snowbound mountains and adventure activities.
2. Which hill station is best for summer vacation?
It depends on your preference for footfalls, food, culture, activities, things to do, type of places to visit (heritage, romantic, pilgrimage), etc.
3. What are the 5 famous hill stations in India?
India has a plethora of hills and highlands. Thus, it is extremely difficult for one to list out the top five. However, the most important of them that you cannot miss visiting at least once in your life are Shimla, Gulmarg, Ooty, Manali, and Darjeeling.
4. How to plan a summer trip to these hill stations?
Forget about the planning headache when the leading tour operator is ready with summer holiday packages offering customizations in your itinerary—check out the packages now!
5. Who is the king of Hill Station?
While Mussoorie is called the queen of hills in India, the king of hills could be Shimla in North India or Ooty in South India. When considering Central India, Panchmarhi should be the right choice. And in eastern India, Darjeeling should be the one.