Coolest Hill Stations in India to Beat the Heat This Summer

1. Shimla – The Queen of Hills

Why Visit Shimla in Summer?

Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, has long been the summer retreat of North India. Nestled in the lower Himalayas, it offers pine-covered hills, colonial charm, and pleasant weather all through May and June.

Temperature Range in Summer: 15°C to 28°C

What to Do in Shimla:

• Stroll down the Mall Road

• Visit Christ Church & Viceregal Lodge

• Explore Kufri for snow-themed fun

• Ride the scenic Kalka–Shimla Toy Train

How to Reach:

• Nearest Airport: Jubbarhatti (22 km from city)

• Nearest Railway Station: Kalka

• Ideal from: Delhi (approx. 8–9 hours drive)

2. Manali – The Adventure Lover’s Paradise

Why Manali is a Summer Favorite?

Manali is one of the best hill stations in India to visit in May if you love cool weather, adventure, and snow-capped peaks. The Rohtang Pass often remains snow-covered even in early summer!

Temperature Range in Summer: 10°C to 25°C

Top Things to Do:

• Paragliding in Solang Valley

• Explore Old Manali’s cafes

• Visit Hidimba Devi Temple

• Take a road trip to Atal Tunnel & Sissu

How to Reach:

• Nearest Airport: Bhuntar (50 km)

• By Bus/Car: Well connected from Delhi & Chandigarh

3. Darjeeling – The Land of Tea & Tranquility

Why Darjeeling Feels Magical in Summer?

Set against the backdrop of Mount Kanchenjunga, Darjeeling is a misty, cool paradise. Its British colonial influence, scenic tea gardens, and unique culture make it a dream summer getaway.

Temperature Range: 11°C to 22°C

Top Things to Explore:

• Ride the UNESCO-listed Darjeeling Toy Train

• Visit Tiger Hill for sunrise views

• Walk through lush tea estates

• Explore Ghoom Monastery

How to Reach:

• Nearest Airport: Bagdogra (70 km)

• Nearest Railway: New Jalpaiguri (NJP)

4. Munnar – Kerala’s Emerald Summer Jewel

Why Munnar is South India’s Cool Escape?

If you're in South India and looking to beat the heat, Munnar is your answer. It’s filled with rolling tea gardens, waterfalls, and cool breezes — a dreamy contrast to Kerala’s coastal heat.

Temperature in Summer: 15°C to 25°C

Best Experiences in Munnar:

• Explore Eravikulam National Park

• Visit Mattupetty Dam & Echo Point

• Sip local teas at Kolukkumalai Tea Estate

• Go for a nature walk in tea plantations

How to Reach:

• Nearest Airport: Cochin (110 km)

• Buses & taxis available from Kochi, Alleppey, and Thekkady

5. Mussoorie – The Charm of the Garhwal Hills

Why Mussoorie is a Must-Visit?

Known as the "Queen of the Hills," Mussoorie is ideal for family vacations, honeymooners, and solo travelers alike. It's scenic, budget-friendly, and only a few hours from Delhi.

Summer Temperature: 10°C to 27°C

What to Do in Mussoorie:

• Walk on Camel’s Back Road

• Take the ropeway to Gun Hill

• Visit Kempty Falls

• Explore Landour’s colonial vibes

How to Reach:

• Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun (35 km)

• Ideal road trip from Delhi (~6–7 hours)

Tawang – A Himalayan Gem in Arunachal Pradesh

Why Tawang is the Ultimate Offbeat Getaway?

Tawang remains one of India’s most peaceful and uncrowded hill stations. Bordering Bhutan and China, it’s a place of monasteries, high-altitude lakes, and untouched beauty.

Temperature in Summer: 5°C to 20°C

Highlights of Tawang:

• Visit the Tawang Monastery (2nd largest in the world)

• Explore the serene Pankang Teng Tso Lake

• See Indo-China border at Bum La Pass (permit required)

How to Reach:

• Nearest Airport: Tezpur or Guwahati, then by road

• Requires Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Indian citizens

7. Ooty – The Queen of Nilgiris

Why Ooty is South India’s Timeless Summer Haven?

Ooty is that nostalgic hill station every South Indian family has a memory of. Its colonial houses, botanical gardens, and breezy weather make it perfect for summer relief.

Summer Temperature: 12°C to 23°C

Things to Enjoy:

• Ride the Nilgiri Mountain Railway

• Visit Ooty Lake & Rose Garden

• Trek in Doddabetta Peak

• Try fresh chocolates and eucalyptus oil

How to Reach:

• Nearest Airport: Coimbatore (88 km)

• Popular drive from Mysore or Bangalore

8. Gulmarg – Kashmir’s Snowy Paradise

Why Gulmarg is Ideal for a Chilly Summer?

Want to experience snow even in May? Head straight to Gulmarg. This picturesque hill town in Kashmir offers cable cars, green meadows, and views straight out of a postcard.

Summer Temp: 8°C to 20°C

Best Things to Do:

• Ride Asia’s highest cable car – Gulmarg Gondola

• Try skiing or snowboarding (in early May)

• Golf at one of the world’s highest golf courses

• Stay in cozy wooden cottages

How to Reach:

• Nearest Airport: Srinagar (55 km)

• Taxi or shared jeep to Gulmarg from Srinagar

9. Coorg – The Scotland of India

Why Coorg is a Misty Monsoon Dream (Even in May)?

Coorg (Kodagu) is famous for its coffee plantations, waterfalls, and forest trails. It offers a refreshing, misty escape, especially for Bangaloreans and South Indian travelers.

Temperature Range: 15°C to 25°C

Don’t Miss:

• Coffee plantation tours

• Abbey Falls & Iruppu Falls

• Dubare Elephant Camp

• Madikeri Fort & Raja’s Seat

How to Reach:

• Nearest Railway Station: Mysore (120 km)

• By road from Bangalore (approx. 6 hours)

10. Ladakh – The Cold Desert for Adventurers

Why Ladakh is for the Bold Traveler?

While Ladakh is not your typical green hill station, its altitude and dry, chilly climate make it a great escape from summer heat. Ideal for adventure junkies and road trippers.

Temperature: 5°C to 20°C in May-June

Experiences You’ll Love:

• Road trip on Leh-Manali or Leh-Srinagar Highway

• Visit Pangong Lake & Nubra Valley

• Explore monasteries like Hemis & Thiksey

• Camp under the stars

How to Reach:

• Nearest Airport: Leh

• Open for tourists from mid-May onward

Bonus Tips: How to Choose the Right Hill Station for You