India can be crazy hot during summers, no joke. Like, one minute you’re stepping outside and the next your brain’s melting. That’s why hill stations are literally a blessing. Cool weather, fresh air, scenic mountains, and no honking traffic every 2 seconds? Yes please.
There’s so many beautiful hill stations in India, it’s actually hard to pick where to go. So here’s a bunch of them I personally think are totally worth visiting if you’re planning a chill (pun intended) summer trip.
1. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Manali is like, everyone’s favorite. I don’t know anyone who’s been there and didn’t love it. Snowy peaks (well not always snowy in summer), pine trees, adventure stuff like river rafting and paragliding… and cute little cafes in Old Manali that feel super chill.
Only thing is it can get reaaally crowded in May-June, so if you want peace, maybe go early or like after July.
Things to do: Rohtang Pass (if open), Solang Valley, chill by the river, eat momos
Best time: April to June
2. Darjeeling, West Bengal
Darjeeling’s got this old school charm that makes you feel like you’re in some old movie or something. The toy train is iconic, and the tea estates go on forever. If you’re lucky and the sky’s clear, you can even see the Kanchenjunga peak from Tiger Hill at sunrise (gotta wake up at like 3am tho ).
Also the street food there? Ugh. So good.
Things to do: Toy train ride, try Darjeeling tea, visit Ghoom Monastery
Best time: March to June
3. Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Ooty is like that peaceful friend who doesn’t party too much but always smells nice. It’s green, breezy and super chill. Also the chocolates there?? Homemade and delicious.
You can ride the toy train through hills and tunnels, go boating, or just sit and stare at the trees if that’s your vibe.
Things to do: Ooty Lake, Botanical Garden, Doddabetta Peak
Best time: April to June (but monsoon is pretty too, tbh)
4. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Okay this one’s a classic. Shimla used to be the summer capital back in British times and honestly, it still gives that vintage vibe. Mall Road can get super packed but it’s fun if you’re into shopping and street food.
Do watch out for monkeys tho, they snatch stuff like pro thieves
Things to do: Mall Road, Kufri, Jakhu Temple (hello monkeys)
Best time: May to July
5. Munnar, Kerala
Munnar’s not your typical North India hill station. It’s more green, more tea, less crowd. The views are insane – rolling green hills and mist everywhere. And it’s not that cold, which is nice if you’re not a fan of freezing temps.
Perfect if you just wanna relax, not do too much touristy stuff.
Things to do: Tea Museum, Echo Point, Eravikulam National Park
Best time: March to May
6. Nainital, Uttarakhand
Nainital’s got this lake in the middle that just makes everything prettier. You can rent a boat or paddle around while feeding ducks or whatever. Also the cable car ride gives awesome views of the whole town.
It’s a bit small but cute and worth a weekend trip for sure.
Things to do: Naini Lake, Tiffin Top, Ropeway
Best time: April to June
7. Coorg, Karnataka
Coorg is like if a coffee ad came to life. Seriously. It’s quiet, green, full of coffee plants and little waterfalls. If you’re the kind who doesn’t like too much crowd, this is your spot.
Also, go during weekdays if you can – weekends get full of city people escaping Bangalore.
Things to do: Coffee plantation tour, Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat
Best time: March to May
8. Gangtok, Sikkim
Gangtok is underrated imo. It’s clean, beautiful, and super cool even in May-June. MG Road is lit in the evenings, and people are super friendly. Also, momo heaven.
You can also go higher up to Tsomgo Lake or Nathula Pass if you’re into adventure and don’t mind getting a bit breathless (high altitude and all).
Things to do: Rumtek Monastery, MG Road, Tsomgo Lake
Best time: March to June
9. Mount Abu, Rajasthan
Yes, Rajasthan has a hill station. Weird but true. It’s not like super cold but definitely cooler than the boiling cities around it. Plus you can check out temples, lakes, and this super pretty sunset point.
Food is kinda basic, ngl, but vibes are chill.
Things to do: Nakki Lake, Dilwara Temples, Sunset Point
Best time: April to June
10. Lonavala & Khandala, Maharashtra
If you’re from Mumbai or Pune, you’ve probably already been here like 10 times. But even then, it’s a nice break. While it’s more popular during monsoons (because waterfalls), even summer’s cooler than the city.
Great for quick weekend getaways and lots of chikki (local sweet).
Things to do: Tiger Point, Karla Caves, Bhushi Dam
Best time: May to June
Bonus Mentions
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Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh) – not easy to reach but sooo worth it
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Kasol (Himachal) – if you’re into chill vibes and backpacker scenes
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Auli (Uttarakhand) – even in summer it looks like Switzerland sometimes
Final Thoughts
So yeah, India’s got hill stations for every kinda traveler. Whether you wanna sip chai in a cottage, trek in the wild, or just post Instagram pics in a hoodie – there’s a place waiting.
Just try and book stuff in advance ‘cause summer season can get cray. Also, carry some warm clothes even if it’s summer. Mountains don’t care about your weather apps.
Happy hill hopping