Summer in India often proves quite extreme. While many opt for milder climates, Indian summers inspire millions of holiday makers to escape the country’s heat. Planning your summer vacation to an Indian hill station, where the temperatures stay cooler and the air stays fresher is the most sensible thing you can do for yourself.

You can relax on the mountain tops overlooking the misty Blue Mountains, sit beside a crystal clear lake or take a walk through the pine forests, exploring the hill villages, or just simply relax in some breath taking natural landscapes.

Situated across several ranges of the Indian Himalayas, Western Ghats etc., these Indian destinations are perfect for any kind of tourist. They will surely appeal to adventurers, families as well as those looking for a honeymoon trip. Take yourself on an amazing vacation that will remain with you forever by selecting any of these peaceful havens in the Indian mountains. Here is a list of some top hill stations in India for a cool summer vacation.

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Shimla, one of India’s well known hill stations, attracts tourists by the dozen, primarily for its old colonial aura and pleasantly moderate climate, along with a breath taking view of the mountains. Strolling on the Mall Road, visiting nearby forest sanctuaries, or soaking in the sweeping panoramas of the Himalayas are all popular activities in Shimla.

Manali, Himachal Pradesh

The mountains are covered with snow and there is river and the forests full of pine trees in Manali. One may simply relax beside the river Beas or he can indulge himself in different adventure sports or he can roam across the valleys nearby or he may plan a visit to one of the nearby temples of Manali in case he want to have some peace away from all this fuss.

Nainital, Uttarakhand

Nainital is known for the most beautiful lake and its most pleasant climate. Enclosed by the hilly areas, this town is the best place to enjoy boating as well as to relax peacefully. You will fall in love with Naini Lake which is the most famous landmark of the place.

Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

The “Queen of Hills”, Mussoorie with its crisp climate, stunning waterfalls and hills beckon tourists. Popular tourist places of Mussoorie include Kempty falls, viewpoint and a stroll along the misty hills.

Darjeeling, West Bengal

Tea gardens, cold weather, stunning views of the Himalayas Darjeeling’s allure comes in these forms. Its undeniable magnetism can be attributed to the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and the spectacular sunrise vistas of Kangchenjunga.

Munnar, Kerala

A sleepy hill station located in the Western Ghats, Munnar is characterized by undulating tea estates and misty hills. This beautiful city in Kerala will take your breath away with its cool climate and beautiful flora and fauna, which make it a nature lover’s delight.

Ooty, Tamil Nadu

One of South India’s hottest destinations is the hill station of Ooty which is also called Udhagamandalam. This popular vacation spot which is located in the Nilgiri Hills is known for its temperate climate, rich green slopes, a rainbow array of botanic gardens and stunning lakes. A trip to Ooty is guaranteed to be a delight if you go boating at the picturesque Ooty Lake, enjoy the pleasure of riding the 100, year old toy train, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway or view the beautiful panoramic views from the hill’s scenic points. Ooty’s invigorating mountain air will relax you, making it the perfect place for your summer vacation.

Coorg, Karnataka

Coorg, otherwise named Kodagu is among the most gorgeous places in the Indian subcontinent that comes up with mesmerizing coffee estates, dense green forests, misty mountain range, waterfalls. A traveller opting for this hilly spot for vacation, for it being rich in natural beauty, besides a salubrious climate. Because of the fresh environs, fresh atmosphere and greens, it’s one among those vacation spots to give the travellers a complete relaxation from the monotonous daily schedule.

Mount Abu, Rajasthan

MountabuMountAbu,Rajasthan’s only hill station. Located at the southern most tip of the desert. Offers refuge from the scorching desert climate. Nakki Lake, the popular vantage points attracts tourist to mount abu.

Shillong, Meghalaya

Green fields, waterfalls, and the refreshing weather characterize Shillong. It’s easy to fall in love with the peace and beauty of this town; therefore, it’s regarded as one of the greatest summer destinations in North Eastern India.

Why Hill Stations Are Perfect for Summer

With summers being the worst in India for many to just endure due to the heat and the humidity, one turns towards the best of places to relax at the hill stations. These destinations have become the preferred spots where people take a break to unwind themselves amidst nature, move at a relaxed pace, get an escape from the monotony and the maddening crowd of city life. Apart from providing good weather, fresh air, clean and green environs the hill stations are known for trekking, boating, wildlife and culture too.

Conclusion

From the grandeur of Himalayas with the likes of Shimla, Manali to the picturesque hills dotted with tea plantations, such as Munnar and Darjeeling, India’s hill stations offer the ultimate cocktail of tranquility, visual splendor, and soothing climatic conditions for the summer months. If you’re someone looking for respite and natural beauty, the hill stations in India serve up the best summer vacation for you.