Discover the top hill stations in India for serene escapes, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable adventures. Plan your perfect getaway to these must-visit destinations.
It is correct to suggest that travelling via mountainous regions can help beat the summer heat. In countries like India when the scorching heat during peak summer becomes a nightmare, people plan to travel to those places where the temperature is good and modestly low. Indian hill stations are renowned worldwide and are the perfect escape to seek respite from the heat during summer.
From cool breezes to majestic mountains and vibrant green lush and picturesque landscapes, Hills Station in India drives people across the nation and globe to soak in its beauty. We have picked the top-rated Indian Hill Stations to call for a summertime visit.
Top must-visited Hill Stations in India that are the Perfect Summer Gateway.
- Shimla
Shimla tops our list of the best places to visit in summer. The hill station town is a perfect summer gateway because of its cool weather, colonial architecture and scenic beauty. It is also called the Queen of Hill Stations, which is located in the northern Indian state, of Himachal Pradesh.
You can pleasantly spend your time in Shimla’s cool weather in summer beating the scorching heat and bringing your adventurous spirit home. Whether it’s a scenic view from the ridge, strolling along the Mall Road, or enjoying the colonial charm, Shimla boasts an array of leisure experiences for visitors in summer.
Adventure seekers can indulge in activities like trekking, skiing, paragliding or river rafting in Shimla.
Top Places to Visit in Shimla in Summer: Christ Church, the Ridge, Mall Road, Viceregal Lodge, Jakhoo Temple, Scandal Point, Annandale, Tara Devi Temple, Hip Hip Hurray Amusement Park, Summer Hill and State Museum.
- Manali
The next destination that hit the list is Manali, which is a paradise for Nature lovers and adventure seekers. Situated in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Manali is the best hill station in India to visit with your family or colleagues.
Visitors are stunned by the jaw-dropping views of snow-capped mountains, green lush forests and sprawling meadows in this famous hill station. Adventure sports activities like trekking, paragliding, river rafting, ziplining, tyre slide and are experienced by adventure junkies in Manali during summer visits.
Best Places to Visit in Manali in Summer: Hadimba Devi Temple, Manu Temple, Old Manali, Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Manali Wildlife Sanctuary, Jogini Waterfalls etc.
- Khajjiar
Also known as the mini Switzerland, Khajjair is a small pristine hill station in India. The attraction of this hill town lies in its epic green lush pristine view of its surroundings. Not too may people have visited the town from the outside but it has started gaining traction.
Spending time in the peaceful atmosphere of Khajjar and taking in the breathtaking views of the lush green meadows and grasslands can leave visitors with priceless memories. Camping, Zorbing, and Horse riding through the lush green landscape offer a mesmerizing experience in this small hill town.
Top Summer attractions of Khajjiar: Khajjiar Lake, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, Khajji Nag Temple, Dainkund Pea, Dalhousie Khajjiar Road etc.
- Kashmir
Next comes Kashmir on the list, known as the heaven on earth. The beauty of Kashmir lies in its natural splendor and it is a famous summer gateway across the world because of its temperate climate, and variety of activities.
Nestled around the Karakoram mountain ranges of the Himalayas Kashmir is a beloved destination for tourists across the globe for its snow-capped mountains, diverse wildlife, monuments, hospitality, dishes and handicrafts. The popular hill station city is also home to Asia’s longest Cable Car – Gulmarg Gondola. Visitors praise Kashmir’s Sikara in the Dal Lake and enjoy the Boathouse stay.
Places to visit in Kashmir in Summer: Dal Lake, Shalimar Gardens, Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Pahalgam Valley, Shankaracharya Temple, Srinagar House Boats etc.
- Nainital, Uttrakhand
Nainital is a popular Indian destination to be visited in Summer for a number of reasons, including, its pleasant climate, mesmerizing natural view and adventuring activities. The hill town is also known as the lake city in India and it is surrounded by various lakes. Lake activities like boating, boat paddling and yachting offer a memorable experience to visitors in Nanital.
Apart from the boat rides, the city is also famous for activities like Trekking to Tiffin, visiting Snow View Point, learning fishing, shopping and offering prayers at pilgrimages like Naina Devi Temple.
Best Places to Visit in Nainital in Summer: Naini Lake, Naina Devi Temple, Eco Cave Gardens, Snow View Point, Mall Road, High Altitude Zoo and Hava Caves.
- Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
Mussorie is famous for a couple of things like the waterfall, Garhwal mountain ranges, pleasant climate, breathtaking views and Shivalik ranges. Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, it is one of the best places to go for a summer getaway because of its year-round moderate and cool climate.
Tourists from each corner of the world pay a visit to Mussoorie and enjoy activities like Gun Hills cable car ride, swimming at the amazing Kempty falls and enjoying the sunset at Lal Tibba. For adventure seekers, trekking, paragliding and valley crossing are popular experiences in the hill town.
Best Places to Visit in Mussoorie: Kempty Falls, Laal Tibba, Gun Hills, Company Garden, Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, Camel’s Back Road etc.
- Coonoor
Located in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu Connor is a famous place in India. The quaint hill station is the most visited gateway in summer and is known for its mild weather with temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. It is also popular for its dense forests and rivers, waterfalls, tea gardens and scenic landscape. Among the prominent activities in Coonoor are, visiting the viewpoints of Dolphin Nose or Grey’s Hill to view the town, Trekking and climbing, visiting waterfalls, bird watching and toy train rides.
Best Places to Visit in Coonoor: Lamb’s Rock, Highfield Tea Factory, Droog Fort, Rallia Dam, Catherine Falls, Sim’s Park, Ketty Vallet and St. George’s Church Coonoor.
- Darjeeling, West Bengal
The next on our list of perfect summer gateways is India’s most sought-after hill station, Darjeeling. Known as the Land of Thunderbolt, the hill town is famous for its tea plantations, breathtaking view of the Kanchenjunga and the UNESCO World Heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
It is also the best destination to escape the scorching heat during the peak summer in India. Darjeeling boasts an array of summer activities including the railway ride, sunrise view at Tiger Tiger Hill, stroll around the tea gardens and visit the Batasia Loop.
Top Places to Visit in Darjeeling: Tiger Hill, Ghoom Monastery, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Rock Garden, Sandakphu, Lepchajagat, Dhirdham Temple etc.
- Kodaikanal
Known as the “Princes of Hill Stations” Kodaikanal is a charming hill station located in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu. It is famous for its panoramic landscape view and pristine lakes and is a perfect retreat for summer with its mild weather, soft blue skies, and blooming flora.
The hill town is a planned city established in 1845 as an escape from the summer heat and tropical diseases in the plains. The place is also famous for the star-shaped Kodaikanal Lake, which offers an enchanting boating experience and a tranquil atmosphere for leisurely walks. Other than boating, venturing into secret caves, camping under the stars, trekking and exploring the pillar rocks are the idle adventures in Kodaikanal.
Best Places to Visit in Kodaikanal: Kodaikanal Lake, Pillar Rocks, Coakers Walk, Bear Shola Falls, Mannavanur Lake etc.
- Ooty
The last on the list is the famous hill station and the gem of Nilgiris, Ooty. Known for its rolling hills, mist-covered valleys, pleasant weather, tea plantation and various attractions, Ooty offers an idle gateway in summer. Nestled in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, Ooty boasts a line of activities and adventures including, the Nilgiri mountain train ride, Botanical Garden visit, Sightseeing from Dolphin Nose, the summer festival, Pykara waterfall view and the country’s best pubs and bars.
Best Places to Visit in Ooty: Doddabetta Peak, The Fernhill Palace, Ooty Lake, Mudumalai National Park, Botanical Garden, Avalanche Lake and Tea Museum.