21 Best Hill Stations in India for Summer Holidays

It is often said that mountains work as therapy for tired souls and bodies. From witnessing the spectacular view of the mountains and greenery around to breathing in fresh and pure air; everything about mountains is simply blissful. Isn’t this one of the major reasons why we often choose/ prefer visiting hill stations than any other destination? India has some of the best hill stations in the world and that’s due to a lot of different reasons.

When it comes to the summer holidays, thinking beyond the hill stations of India becomes really difficult. We get more reasons to choose hill stations as the climate and environment of these places are cooler and better. Nevertheless, whatsoever the reason is our inclination towards hill stations is biased especially when the scorching sun gives us nightmares. Here is a list of some of the best hill stations in India visited during the summer holidays.

Top Hill Station to Visit in Summer

Take a look at the list of the 21 best hill stations in India that are most popular among families & adventure lovers!

Best Hill Stations in North India for Summer Holidays

Manali: The valley of Gods

Manali is probably one of the best hill stations in North India to visit with family and friends. With an abundance of natural beauty, Manali is also dotted with several sacred sites and temples. This hill station of North India is a host of several daunting and spine-chilling adventure activities. Not only this, Manali is profound as a popular honeymoon destination as well. You can enjoy sightseeing activities and several adventurous sports here.

[ Check out our customized Manali tour packages here. ]

Major attractions in Manali: Hadimba Temple, Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Vashist Temples & Hot Water Springs, Tibetan Monasteries, Mall Road, Club House, Manu Temple, Nehru Kund, Bhrigu Lake, Kothi, Naggar Castle, Manali Wildlife Sanctuary, Old Manali, and Sethan

Things to do in Manali: White water rafting, shopping, trekking, paragliding, bird watching

Also Read:

Places to Visit in Manali in April for a Dreamy Hill Vacay Top 19 Things to do in Manali for an Unforgettable Trip Back to Top

Dalhousie: A pristine land for people

Some of the best hill stations of India are located in Himachal itself owning to the Himalayas crossing its boundary. One of the best places to visit for families planning their summer vacations is Dalhousie. Comparatively, smaller and less crowded- Dalhousie is a beautiful and serene hill station in North India. [ Opt for customized Dalhousie tour packages here. ] The panoramic view of the Dhauladhar Mountain Range, diversity in flora, and heart-warming people make it a wonderful place to visit during summers. If you plan to visit Dalhousie for summer vacations, it might turn out to be a great choice. This place has a strong positive vibe that lures travelers, several adventure activities to enjoy, dozens of exotic and offbeat destinations to explore, and many more things. Major attractions of Dalhousie: Alla, Karelanu, Dainkund Peak, Khajjiar, Bakrota Hills, Village Lohali, Gandhi Chowk, Dalhousie Cantonment, Sadar Bazar, Tibetan Market, Panchpula, Kalatop, Panjpulla, Subhash Baoli Top Things to do in Dalhousie: Boating, bird watching, trekking, shopping, hiking, cycling, Safari at Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, horse riding, and many more. Also Read: A Complete Dalhousie Travel Guide: Attractions & Places to Visit Back to Top

Khajjiar: Mini Switzerland of India

21 Best Hill Stations in India for Summer Holidays — Grasslands of Khajjiar

What is the first name that comes to your mind whenever you hear about a small, pristine, beautiful hill station in North India? Not many people would think about Khajjiar, right? But lately, Khajjiar has started getting traction, and that too due to its pristine beauty. As compared to all the other hill stations in Himachal Pradesh, Khajjiar is a bit untouched by people. It is popular for its lush green meadows and utterly beautiful grasslands. [ Get best offers on Khajjiar tour packages at Indian Holiday. ] Considering the fact that it is a wonderful place in the mountains of North, people usually refer to Khajjiar as the Mini Switzerland of India. People looking for a bit more peaceful destination, then Khajjiar is one of the best hill stations in India for Summer Holidays with family. Major attractions of Khajjiar: Khajjiar Lake, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, Khajji Nag Temple, Dainkund Peak, Dalhousie Khajjiar Road, Top things to do in Khajjiar: Visit the Beeji’s Park, Visit Garam Sadak, Trekking, hiking, photography, Sightseeing, cycling Back to Top

Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir)

Srinagar gets the top spot in the list of best hill stations for summer vacations in India. This beautiful hill station of North India is the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir state. For the tourists, there are lakes, gardens, bazaars, a cool climate, accommodations to suit all budgets and delicious foods that make it one of the most popular summer destinations in India. If you are looking for a hill station that can beat the heat; try Srinagar and if you want some more fun and adventure activities, try the nearby places from Srinagar that include Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg etc. These hill stations of Kashmir are very popular among families and is often included in Kashmir tour itineraries. So pack your bags and fly to Kashmir to seek escape from the summer amidst the lush valleys and towering Himalayas. Also Read: Places to visit in Srinagar that you must know About Back to Top

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh)

Shimla in Himachal Pradesh — View of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

One of the most familiar hill stations of North India, Shimla is as favorite with children as it is with senior citizens. Shimla with its vast repertoire of tourist attractions and activities that range from religious sites to historical site, and colonial charm to snow laden mountains attracts all kinds of visitors throughout the year. For example there is Christ church which is second oldest church of north India, World highest statue of Lord Hanuman in Jakhu temple, Mall road is the star attraction of Shimla hill station where every traveler want to go because there is countless option to enjoy shopping and delicious food. [ Check out best Shimla Packages for Summer Vacation ] But if this is not enough if you are visiting Shimla this summer, there are some cool tourist destinations near Shimla where you could head to make your trip juicier and adventurous. There is Kufri where you can explore natural surroundings, Naldhera is the first love for golfing lovers and Chail renowned for its wildlife and palace which are the most popular excursions near Shimla. Fast Facts about Shimla

Elevation: 2,205 m (7,234 ft)
Avg. summer temperature: 18 °C (64 °F)
Avg. winter temperature: 5 °C (41 °F)
Telecommunications – Worldwide links by the net, telephones and fax. Code 0177.
Food available – South Indian, Mughlai, Tibetan, Chinese, Continental.

Also Read: Best Things to do in Shimla Back to Top

Ladakh: The Little Tibet

Fast Facts

Elevation: 3,500 m (11,500 ft)
Best Season : March to October
Avg. Summer Temperature: 8°C – 25°C
Avg. Winter Temperature: -5°C to -20°C
Best time to visit: June – September
Food Available: Tibetan, Chinese, North Indian

Popular Attractions: Any “Best of India” montage would be incomplete without featuring Leh-Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir. Not just the land of passes and gompas, Ladakh is especially a must-visit destination for road trips. Attracting everyone from bikers to seasoned mountaineers, a trip to Ladakh, one of the most offbeat destinations in North India, calls for a great deal of planning. Ladakh’s landscape is highly contrasting and is depicted in colors that only nature can. Culture is a far cry from the rest of India and Buddhism is the most practised faith. There are multiple access routes to Ladakh, road trips being the most popular. [ Browse through our exclusive Ladakh holiday packages. ] Ladakh is not your average hill station and High Altitude Acclimatization may be a problem for some. For a rather elaborate account of Ladakh, its attractions, accommodation options etc., read our Ladakh Tour Guide. For even further research, we recommend this Leh Ladakh dossier and these tips on preparation for a Ladakh tour. Also Read: Most Interesting Things To Do in Leh Ladakh Discover the new routes leading to Ladakh Back to Top

Best Hill Stations in West India for Summer Holidays

Khandala & Lonavala: Adventurer’s hub

If you live in Maharashtra and want to spend some time in the peaceful environment of nearby hill stations, then you can rest assured that Khandala and Lonavala are your spots. Hosting families on vacation, solo and group travelers and even couples on honeymoon- Lonavala, and Khandala are two major hill stations in Maharashtra. [ Plan your trip to Lonavala and Khandala with Indian Holiday. ] Blessed with a plethora of natural beauty, diverse flora, and fauna, these hill stations are dotted with several beautiful caves. Apparently, the scenic beauty and quaint environment of Lonavala & Khandala act as an anchor for travelers and vacationers. This is also an ideal hill station for couples on honeymoon. Keeping in mind all these available beauty and resources, undoubtedly, Khandala and Lonavala also act as the best honeymoon destination in West India. Major attractions of Khandala & Lonavala: Celebrity Wax Museum, Rajmachi Fort, Lonavla Lake, Bhushi Lake, Bhaja Caves, Kune Waterfalls, Duke’s Nose Top things to do in Khandala and Lonavala: Nature walk, exploring the caves, spending some time near waterfalls, shopping, trekking, hiking Back to Top

Panchgani: The lush green mountains

One of the most profound hill stations in West India for weekend getaways is Panchgani. It is an ideal tourist spot for Mumbaikars and people living in Pune. It is a wonderfully serene place in the Western Ghats that hosts thousands of travelers from pan India. This popular tourist attraction in Maharashtra lures avid adventure and nature lovers. What makes this hill station even better is its location. Panchgani gets its name due to the 5-hills that surround it. The unparalleled scenic beauty, serene environment, and pleasant weather make Panchgani an ideal destination for summer vacations in Maharashtra. Major attraction of Panchgani: Kate’s Point, Dhom Dam, Tableland, Rajpuri Caves, Pratapgad Fort, Sydney Point, Parsi Point, Lingmala Falls, Kamalgad Fort, Top things to do in Panchgani: Sightseeing tour, nature walk, enjoying the serenity, hiking, photography, videography, adventure activities Back to Top

Wilson Hills: The gem of Gujarat

Almost every state of India features a pristine hill station that lures travelers throughout the year. If you live in Gujarat or are planning to visit here for your vacations then heading towards Wilson Hills can be an ideal choice for you. One of the best hill stations in West India for summer vacations is Wilson hills. Unmatched beauty, breathtaking view, multiple forested regions to explore, and a plethora of things to enjoy make this place a wonderful tourist attraction for solo travelers and families. The hill station features a lot of sunset points where travelers like to spend some time with their loved ones and enjoy the view. The panoramic view of the entire range of hills and the Arabian Sea is completely breathtaking. There are several engaging spots throughout the hill station where one can enjoy the sunset view overlooking the Arabian Sea. All these things make Wilson hills one of the best tourist destinations for summer vacations. Major Attractions of Wilson Hills: Lady Wilson Museum, District Science Centre, Bilpudi Mavli Mata Waterfall, Jodia Waterfall, Bhivtas Waterfalls Top things to do in Wilson Hills: Enjoy at the waterfalls, visit the museum, enjoy the serene environment of the hills, visit the sunset point, nature walk, adventure activities, trekking, and hiking Back to Top

Mahabaleshwar: The Jewel of Sahyadri

Fast Facts

State: Maharashtra
Altitude: 1372 mt above sea level
Languages: Hindi, Marathi, English
STD Code: 02168
Best time to visit: All year
Nearest Metropolitan: Mumbai (285 km)
Nearest Airport: Pune (120 km)
Popular Attractions: Arthur’s Seat, Kate’s Point, Venna Lake, Elephant Point, Pratapgarh Fort, Mount Malcolm

[ Explore special tour packages for Mahabaleshwar at Indianholiday.com ] Mahabaleshwar is a rustic little city in the Western Ghats in the state of Maharashtra. One of the top hill stations in India, Mahabaleshwar is also a popular honeymoon spot and an important religious destination. The Venna Lake is central to the city and hotels of all budget types are available to rent. Mahabaleshwar is especially known for its spicy cuisine and hot curries. Mahabaleshwar is easily accessible through a well-connected network of roads from Mumbai, Pune and other major cities in Maharashtra. Back to Top

Saputara: Crown of Gujarat

Fast Facts

Elevation: 1000 m
State: Gujarat
District: Dang
Avg. Summer Temperature: 25°C – 38°C
Avg. Winter Temperature: 8°C – 25°C
Best Season: Mar – Oct
STD Code: 02631
Nearest Airport: Surat (176 km)
Popular Attractions: Vansada National Park, Purna Sanctuary, Artist Village, Gira Falls

Translated as “Abode of Serpents”, Saputara is a charming hill station tucked neatly in the Sahayadri hill ranges in Southern Gujarat, somewhere in the middle of Dang Forest Area. The town has only recently caught the public eye as a weekend getaway from Surat, Nashik etc. Saputara is particularly renowned for its adventure activities such as paragliding, boating, horse riding and rock climbing. The biggest attraction here is Saputara Lake which is a tourist magnet due to the umpteen picnic spots it provides. [ Also Read: The Monsoon Magic With These Places To Visit in Saputara. ] Back to Top

Hill Stations in South India for Summer Vacations

Wayanad: The jewel of Kerala

Wayanad hill station in summer — Chembra-Peak

Believe it or not, South India is blessed with some of the best hill stations of India and Wayanad is one of them. Located in Kerala, Wayanad is a profound hill station that serves a lot of travelers every year. It might not be a preferred destination for people living in the North but by no means it is lesser than the other hill stations in the country. With an aromatic tea plantation and a salubrious temperature throughout the year, Wayanad has been actively visited by people on vacation. [ Get upto 20% discount on Wayanad tour packages at Indian Holiday. ] Year after year, the popularity and inclination of people towards this gem of Kerala has been increasing abundantly. Not to mistake, it is not only the beautiful landscapes and climate of this place that has lured people. This hill station of South India has a magnificent waterfall, scrumptious cuisines, and magical caves to offer an array of places to visit and adventurous sports. Major attractions of Wayanad: Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, Kuruva Island, Anasura Sagar Dam, Chain Tree, Phantom Rock, Chembra Peak, Pookode Lake, Soochipara Falls, Neelimala View Point, Edakkal Caves, The Bamboo Factory, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Top Things to do in Wayanad: Visiting the Wayanad Wildlife sanctuary, exploring the Edakkal caves, camping, trekking, hiking, cycling, zip-lining, camping, a tour of the tea estate, farm tour, tea tasting session, enjoying at the Soochipara falls, treehouse, visiting temples Also Read: Top 15 Things to do in Wayanad. Back to Top

Coonoor: The Fancy Hill Station of Tamil Nadu

Coonoor is one of those hill stations of India where simplicity meets beauty. It is a small but fascinating destination of the south that has been getting a lot of travelers lately. For people who wish to get away from their daily grind to a peaceful place that offers serenity, natural beauty, and a decent number of pristine spots- Coonoor has it all. Usually, people living in a metropolitan city have to follow the same routine over and over. Coonoor is an ideal destination for taking away this boredom. [ Explore the mesmerizing Coonoor with our customized packages. ] Coonoor also has an ideal temperature throughout the year that makes it even better for travelers. The enchanting hills, salubrious climate, serene environment, and dozens of spots to calmly enjoy time with your loved ones makes Coonoor the best honeymoon destination of South India. This place has lately started attracting youngsters for a road trip from nearby places and is acting as a weekend getaway as well. Major attractions of Coonoor: Lady Canning’s Seat, Heritage Train, Law’s Falls, Sim’s Park, Highfield Tea Factory, Rallia Dam, Droog Fort, Dolphin’s Nose, Ketti Valley, St. George’s Church Top things to do in Coonoor: Joyride at the Nilgiri Mountains, family picnic at Sim’s Park, Road trip to the Lamb’s Rock, explore the Droog Fort, Trek to the Katary Waterfall, Visit pony needles Back to Top

Yercaud: Trek at the paradise

One of the best hill stations in South India- Yercaud is also a dream destination for trekkers. Beautifully tucked away in the Shevaroy Hills of the Eastern Ghats this destination is simply pristine and joyful to be at. The calming and peaceful aura of this place fills the nerves of the adventure seekers as well as people on a honeymoon trip. Calm and picturesque- Yercaud is probably one of the finest summer vacation destinations with family and friends. One can also enjoy various sports apart from trekking in Yercaud like boating, sightseeing, bird watching, and more. You can also visit the orange fields, spice, and coffee plantations across the hill station. Although it is still not much preferred, it still never fails to amuse the visitors. Major Attractions in Yercaud: Kiliyur Hills, Yercaud Lake, Anna Park, Shervaroyan Temple, Pagoda point, Japanese Park, The Grange Top things to do in Yercaud: Hiking at Kiliyur Falls, nature walk, cycling, trekking, offering prayers at temples, long drive, visiting coffee and spice plantation, enjoying the serenity [ Also Read about the Best Places to Visit in Yercaud. ] Back to Top

Ooty or Udagamandalam: A Pastoral Retreat

Fast Facts

Elevation: 2,240 m (7,350 ft)
Avg. Summer Temperature: 25.0ºC-10.0ºC
Avg. Winter Temperature: 21.0ºC-0ºC
Annual Rainfall: 1210 mm
Languages spoken: Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Badaga and English
Nearest Airport: Coimbatore (96 km)
Popular Attractions: Ooty Lake, Lalith Kala Academy, Deer Park, Botanical Garden

Udagamandalam, formerly and lovingly known as Ooty, needs no introduction and is right up on the list of the best hill stations in South India for a honeymoon. Nestled deep in the Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu, Ooty’s subtropical highland climate is a favorite with tourists from India and outside and the town is one of the most visited hilly retreats in south India. [ Opt for exclusively crafted Ooty tour packages here. ] One of the popular destinations for family vacations in India, Ooty is renowned for its emerald lake, pastoral setting, and plenty of things to do apart from sightseeing activities. Also Read: Top 14 Things to Do in Ooty Spring at the Queen of Hills- Ooty Back to Top

Coorg: Spices and tea

Fast Facts

Climate Tropical Wet (Köppen)
Precipitation: 2,725.5 millimetres (107.30 in)
Avg. summer temperature: 28.6 °C (83.5 °F)
Avg. winter temperature: 14.2 °C (57.6 °F)
Nearest Airport: Mangalore (180 Kms)
Popular Attractions: Nagarhole National Park, Abbey Falls, Omkareshwar Temple, Madikeri Fort

[ Check out here for best Coorg tour packages here. ] Coorg is a little hill town in Karnataka that is often referred to as the “Scotland of the South”. The place is a wanderer’s haven and buzzes with couples and newlyweds on their romantic holidays in India. A rich, thick forest cover adorns its mountains and cool, temperate climate provides the right refuge from the blistering heat in the plains. Coorg abounds in sunrise and sunset points, strategically located all over the town. Also Read: Must Visit Places in Coorg for a Memorable Holiday Amazing Attractions to Visit in Coorg in 2 days Back to Top

Hill Stations in North East India

Gangtok: Unique in its own ways

Whenever people talk about summer destinations, Gangtok is one of the most visited hill stations in the North-East. From diversity in cultures to mouthwatering cuisines; Gangtok is popular for a lot of things. While you are planning for a summer vacation trip with family you can consider visiting here for all the good reasons. This is a quaint hill station in the North-East and a wonderful honeymoon destination owing to the salubrious environment and couple of friendly spots. Also, Gangtok has always been a go-to destination for travelers because of the challenging roads and high-altitude passes. Road trips to Gangtok have always been popular amongst people. Therefore if you too are planning on a trip, it can be Gangtok for sure. Famous attractions in Gangtok: Rumtek Monastery, Tsomgo Lake, Namchi, Kabi Town, Banjhakri Falls, M.G. Marg, Tinkitam, Yumthang Valley, Saramsa Garden, Lal Bazaar, Ganesh Tok Top Things to do in Gangtok: Riding, trekking, visiting temples, visiting monasteries, picnic, sightseeing, bird watching, nature walk Also Read: Things to do in Gangtok for the Traveler in You Reasons to Plan a Romantic Honeymoon in Darjeeling and Gangtok Back to Top

Shillong: Scotland of the east

Shillong is called the Scotland of the East, for a reason. This is another North-East hill station that is also an ideal destination for summer vacations. This capital city of Meghalaya has a lot of prime attractions and some of the best places to visit in India. Owing to its pleasing temperature and a plethora of naturally beautiful places, it isn’t wrong to say that Shillong is an ideal destination for summers. Discover more: Best time to visit Stunning landscapes and striking beauty all around the hill station, it is a great way to spend some quality time with friends and family, and even alone. Although the hill station is now a completely new place, the charm of Shillong still exhibits the colonial ear. The striking similarities between Shillong and Scotland has given its nickname what we call it now. Nevertheless, if you are planning a short trip to Shillong, or a complete vacation; you are up for a treat. Famous attractions in Shillong: Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, Nohkalikai Falls, Living root bridges Top Things to do in Shillong: Boating, trekking, cycling, rappelling, hiking, photography, water scooter, skiing, ice skating. Know more about things to do in Shillong visit here. Back to Top

Pelling: Mesmerizing waterfall

Whether are looking for a quaint environment, salubrious temperature, calmness, or abundance of natural beauty; Pelling is probably the best place to visit during summers. Whatever a person out for summer vacations would want, Pelling has it all. This is a bit offbeat when compared to the other hill stations in North-Eastern states of India but Pelling is an amazing place to be at. With striking beauty, stunning landscapes, glittery waterfalls, hamlets, and many more things; you can’t have enough of this hill station. Pelling has everything a good hill station for family vacation needs. So if you are looking for a destination then considering Pelling won’t be the wrong choice for you. So, while you decide on your trip itinerary make sure you put Pelling in the list and consider visiting here for a memorable trip and enjoyable time. Famous attractions in Pelling: Rabdentse Ruins, Kanchenjunga National Park, Singshore Bridge, The Elgin Mount Pandim Top things to do in Pelling: Trekking, Hiking, nature walk, visiting the national park, adventure activities, riding, photography Back to Top

Darjeeling: A Himalayan Retreat

Fast Facts

State: West Bengal
Elevation: 2,050 m (6,730 ft)
Best months to visit : March to mid-June and September to mid-December
Languages: Bengali, Nepali, Hindi, and English
Cuisine: Tibetan, Chinese, Bengali
Nearest Airport: Bagdodra (95 km)
Popular Attractions: Chowrasta Mall, Tiger Hill, Observatory Hill, Batasia Loop, War Memorial, Peace Pagoda

The colonial city of Darjeeling was a summer favorite of the officers from the East India Company and not without a reason. The city is a smorgasbord of cultures and a geographic potpourri with diversity being its forte. If one would say Darjeeling has still preserved its Tibetan roots intact, other may argue about its obvious colonial hangover. The wonderful little Himalayan Express, lovingly known as the Toy Train and inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a wonderful addition to the already huge list of attractions in Darjeeling. The expansive tea plantations and the mystical bazaars only further add to its charms making Darjeeling one of the popular places to go for a honeymoon in India. Also Read: Top 20 Things to Do in Darjeeling Spring in the Queen of Hills Darjeeling Back to Top

Kalimpong: Pristine Haven

Fast Facts

Elevation: 1,247 m (4,091 ft)
Languages: Bengali, Nepali, Hindi, English
Best Season: Mar – Jun, Sep – Dec
Weather: Summer 17 to 30°C, winter 3 to 15°C
Popular Attractions: Losar Festival, Flower Nurseries, Dr Graham’s Home, Gompas

Kalimpong in West Bengal provides for an all-round holiday experience. Once the headquarters of the Bhutanese governor; Kalimpong, today, is a laid back town and a popular destination in North East India that has preserved its Buddhist cultural overtones amidst a sea of natural beauty. Once you are here, there are plenty of activities to partake in such as hikes, nature walks, river rafting and angling. Better still, Kalimpong’s proximity to other popular tourist destinations like Sikkim and Darjeeling further strengthen its viability as a summer retreat. Back to Top Also Read: