The only option is to run to the hills when the sun is scorching the plains and the towns feel like furnaces. At Explore Bharat know precisely where you should be this summer: hill stations that are cool, beautiful, and soul-refreshing—the ideal way to escape the heat.
This guide is for you, whether you’re seeking adventure, peace, or simply a reason to curl up with a hot cup of chai and a light sweater while taking in the views of misty mountains.
1. Shimla – Classic Charm, Timeless Escape
Picture historic buildings, pine-scented air, and cobbled streets. The capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla, is everything and more. It provides the ideal balance of contemporary comfort and vintage charm from its 2,200-meter elevation.
Don’t Miss:
• Strolling along Mall Road with cotton candy in hand
• Watching clouds float by from The Ridge
• Riding the toy train through tunnels and forests
• Day trips to Kufri for snow and yak rides
Shimla feels like stepping into a vintage postcard—only cooler and real.
2. Manali – Thrills, Chills, and Serene Hills
If your dream holiday includes heart-pounding activities, towering peaks, and thunderous rivers, Manali should be at the top of your list. Trekking, zip-lining, and lounging by the Beas River are all excellent activities in this mountain village.
Best Experiences:
• Rohtang Pass for that snow-in-summer moment
• Paragliding at Solang Valley
• Sipping apple cider in Old Manali
• Healing hot springs in Vashisht village
It’s more than a vacation—Manali is a feeling you want to keep reliving.
3. Darjeeling – Where Tea Meets the Sky
When you think about Darjeeling, tea most likely comes to mind. There’s more, too, like the fresh air, rolling green hills, and the sporadic view of India’s tallest peak, the formidable Kanchenjunga.
Highlights You’ll Love:
• Sunrise at Tiger Hill (yes, it’s worth the early wake-up)
• Steaming momos and local thukpa in a street stall
• The heritage toy train whistles through dreamy landscapes.
• Evenings with Darjeeling tea and views to match
Darjeeling is romantic, peaceful, and refreshingly slow—exactly how summer should feel.
4. Ooty – South India’s Sweetest Retreat
Ooty, located in the center of the Nilgiris, provides a unique form of mountain magic. It’s the kind of spot where time seems to stop, with cascading gardens, eucalyptus woods, and pleasant tiny cafés.
Experience the Best:
• Boating in the serene Ooty Lake
• Climbing up to Doddabetta Peak
• Wandering through the Botanical Gardens
• Catching misty views on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway
The breeze smells of pine and chocolate. Every corner of Ooty feels like a gentle hug.
5. Munnar – Tea Trails and Tranquility
Greetings from Munnar, where clouds caress the earth and hills are covered with green. In addition to being a beautiful location, this Keralan gem is a tranquil haven for those who enjoy the outdoors.
Top Picks:
• Walk through endless tea estates.
• Spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr in Eravikulam National Park
• Enjoy a boat ride at Mattupetty Dam.
• Visit the Tea Museum and sip the freshest brews.
Munnar’s cool weather and gentle vibe will slow down your heart rate and your stress levels.
6. Nainital – Lakes, Legends, and Laid-back Vibes
Nainital is picture-perfect, with a lake shaped like an eye and hills that encircle it. Its rustic appeal and refreshing mountain air make it a haven for families, couples, and lone tourists.
Must-Do Moments:
• Paddle a boat across Naini Lake.
• Take the ropeway to Snow View Point.
• Eat warm buns from street-side bakeries.
• Explore the Tibetan Market for woolens and souvenirs.
If you love peaceful walks and pretty views, Nainital is the place where memories are made.
7. Mussoorie – The Storybook Hill Station
It seems as though Mussoorie is straight out of a classic tale, with its pine-scented roads, buildings from the British era, and expansive views of the Doon Valley. You can roam about, ponder, and take a breather there.
Unmissable Experiences:
• Kempty Falls for a splash and giggles
• Camel’s Back Road for an evening walk
• Landour for coffee and calm
• Gun Hill cable car for a bird’s-eye view
Mussoorie whispers, “Slow down. Breathe. This is summer, the way it’s meant to be.”
8. Coorg – Coffee, Clouds, and Calm
For people who enjoy foggy afternoons, coffee plantations, and peaceful mornings, Coorg is the place. Green, clean, and serene, it is a world unto itself, nestled amid the hills of Karnataka.
Things You’ll Love:
• Visit Abbey Falls or Iruppu Falls for nature therapy.
• Sip fresh-brewed coffee with a mountain view.
• Trek to Tadiandamol Peak
• Explore Tibetan culture at Namdroling Monastery
Coorg is a perfect digital detox, wrapped in nature and flavored with spice.
9. Auli – Alpine Beauty in Every Direction
For skiing, you’ve undoubtedly heard of Auli. It transforms into a stunning landscape of verdant meadows, Himalayan peaks, and refreshing air that feels like nature’s air conditioner in the heat.
What Makes Auli Special:
• The ropeway ride is unforgettable.
• Trekking through lush trails to Gorson Bugyal
• Camping under a star-studded sky
• Clear views of Nanda Devi, India’s second-highest peak
This is where you’ll feel small in the best possible way—humbled by beauty.
10. Tawang – Remote, Raw, and Remarkable
Tawang is a gem in Arunachal Pradesh that offers both spiritual depth and untamed landscapes, far from the tourist crowd. Even while the rest of India is sweating, it remains frigid at elevations of over 3,000 meters.
Don’t Miss:
• Tawang Monastery, serene and majestic
• Sela Pass with its postcard-perfect snow
• Crystal-clear lakes like Madhuri and Pankang Teng Tso
• A peek into local Tibetan culture and history
Tawang isn’t for everyone—it’s for the wanderer who seeks magic off the map.
Final Thoughts – Make This Summer About You
Not only is the temperature lower in each of the hill stations on our list, but the experience is also lower. They ask you to stop, get back in touch with nature, and create memories that will stay beyond the season.
Also, Know the travel tips before anything else.
At Explore Bharat, we don’t just plan trips—we help you feel the soul of a place. This summer, choose elevation over exhaustion. Choose mist over sweat. Choose serenity over screen time.
Let India’s hills carry you away from the heat and into something unforgettable.