Beat the Heat: Top 10 Summer Hill Stations in India

Top 10 Summer Hill Stations in India (Reachable by Zingbus!)

As summer is at its peak, the temperatures are rising across India. Are you looking for a way to beat the scorching heat? If so, then planning a trip to the summer hill stations in India is an excellent idea. The very thought of spending a few days at the hill stations amidst the scenic views and cool temperatures is sure to sound heavenly. So, why wait? Grab the essentials, pack your bags, and escape to the beautiful hill stations in India.

If you are still confused about which hill station to visit, fret not! We have come up with a complete list of the summer hill stations India. Read on to explore everything in detail!

Escape the Scorch: Our Pick of the Top 10 Cooling Destinations

Manali

Manali – #1 of the Top 10 Hill stations in India

When it comes to the beat the heat getaways India, Manali tops the list. Nestled in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, Manali is truly a heaven for nature lovers. From lush green valleys to snow-clad mountains, the scenic views are simply breathtaking. Moreover, the cool temperatures will provide you with optimal relief from the scorching heat. Enjoy the pleasant weather during the daytime and plan for the bonfire at night.

Whether you are an adventure enthusiast or enjoy spending time in the tranquil and calm ambiance, Manali is the perfect hill station to visit in summer. Experience the unique culture of the place and soak the scenic beauty around you.

Places to Visit: Manali Sanctuary, Jogni Falls, Hidimba Devi Temple, Pin Valley National Park, Bhrigu Lake

Things to do: Try river rafting at Pandoh Dam, experience the joy of paragliding at the Rohtang Pass, and Camp at Solang Valley.

Shimla

Shimla is home to several architectural gems of the Colonial era. It is well-known for its exclusive toy train from Kalka station and oak, pine, and deodar forests. However, it is the pleasant and cool weather of this quintessential hill station that makes it one of the perfect beat the heat getaways India. The picturesque landscapes, lush greenery, and cool mountain air make the place a perfect destination to escape the heat of summer.

Once you are in Shimla, you can explore the historic architecture and take a stroll along the famous Mall Road. Moreover, you can also indulge in adventurous and thrilling activities like paragliding and trekking. Experience the stunning beauty of Shimla and enjoy a cozy stay.

Places to Visit: The Ridge, Jakhoo Temple, Christ Church, Himachal State Museum, Kalka-Shimla Railway

Things to do: Camp and paraglide at Kufri, indulge in river rafting at Tattapani, and shop till your heart’s content at Mall Road.

Nainital

Nainital, the Lake District of India, is definitely one of the best destinations to escape the scorching heat of summer. If you are looking for a place to chill with your friends and family, Nainital is one of the best summer hill stations in India. The charming hill station is full of breathtaking views of the mountains, serene lakes, and a fun ambiance.

During the summer, the temperature of this hill station varies between 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. So, you need not worry about any discomfort during the daytime. Moreover, the aura of the place at night is magical. Soak in the beauty of the place and admire the serene views of the mountain peaks.

Places to Visit: Snow View, Nainital Lake, Gurney House, Naini Peak, Naina Devi Temple, Kainchi Dham

Things to do: Explore the Cave Garden, Camp and enjoy bird watching at Sattal, and indulge in horse trekking at Tiffin Top.

Gangtok

If you are looking for affordable hill stations India, Gangtok is a must-visit place. Surrounded by lush greenery everywhere and tucked away in the clouds, Gangtok is one of the untouched hill stations in India. If you are a nature lover and looking for a tranquil place to spend some peaceful time, this hill station can be your perfect summer getaway.

Gangtok is well-known for its unique blend of breathtaking scenery and old spiritual traditions. This place is home to several temples, shrines, and monasteries set against a stunning background. Enjoy the warm and pleasant weather of Gangtok while soaking in the mesmerizing views around.

Places to Visit: Rumtek Monastery, Nathu La Pass, Tsomgo Lake, Seven Sister Water Falls, MG Road, Tashi Viewpoint

Things to do: Soak in the breathtaking views of the surroundings from the Tashi Viewpoint, trek to Changu Lake, and spot diverse wildlife at the zoological park.

Mussoorie

Hill stations in India — Mussoorie – #5 of the Top 10 Hill Stations in India

When discussing the summer hill stations India, Mussoorie is sure to find a spot in the list. It is one of the dream destinations of every traveler. The spectacular view of the Doon Valley and the majestic Himalayas is indeed mesmerizing. Known as the Queen of Hills, Mussoorie is full of unparalleled beauty that will definitely make your heart skip a beat. The snow-covered mountains, enchanting roads, and warm hospitality make it a popular hill station in India.

If you are planning for a summer vacation at the Mussoorie Hills, be sure to add Kempty Falls to your itinerary. Escape the scorching heat as you go swimming and splashing at the Kempty Falls.

Places to Visit: Mussoorie Lake, Fish Aquarium, Kempty Falls, Christ Church, K Dev Bhoomi Wax Museum

Things to do: Experience the thrill of paragliding at the Mussoorie Lake, climb to the Cloud End View Point, shop at Mall Road, and try adventure sports at Adventure Park Mussoorie.

Darjeeling

Nestled in the lap of the Eastern Himalayas, Darjeeling is a popular hill station offering mesmerizing views of the snow-capped Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak. It is undoubtedly one of the affordable hill stations India. Darjeeling is popular for its breathtaking views and scenic tea gardens.

A visit to this hill station will offer you an opportunity to reconnect with nature while exploring the diverse cultures as you head to the different monasteries. During the summer, the temperature of this place varies between 11 and 19 degrees Celsius. So, you can enjoy the pleasant weather and spend a good time with your family and friends.

Places to Visit: Tiger Hills, The Peace Pagoda, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Rock Garden, Nightingale Park, Ghum Monastery

Things to do: Witness the glorious sunrise at the Tiger Hills, meet red pandas at the Darjeeling Zoo, enjoy the toy train ride at Batasia Loop, and spot Rhinos at Dooars.

Mount Abu

Ever imagined visiting Rajasthan during the summer? Well, it might sound surprising to you that there’s a hill station to beat the scorching heat. Nestled in the Aravalli Range, Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan. It is a perfect place to cool off and spend quality time with your friends and family members.

The best thing about visiting Mount Abu during the summer is that you will not only get relief from the heat but also get the opportunity to witness major celebrations like Gangaur. Enjoy the pleasant climate of the place while participating in the unique celebrations.

Places to Visit: Nakki Lake, Guru Shikhar, Dilwara Jain Temple, Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, Arbuda Devi Temple

Things to do: Witness the sunset at the Sunset Point, explore the diverse flora and fauna of Rajasthan at the wildlife sanctuary, and enjoy a boat ride at the Nakki Lake.

Dharamshala

Set against the backdrop of the Dhauladhar Range, Dharamshala is one of the top-rated beat-the-heat getaways India. It is a serene and scenic hill station located at a height of nearly 1457 m above sea level. This place is home to several waterfalls, lakes, temples, monasteries, museums, and vintage forts. Owing to its excellent road connectivity with Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Shimla, it keeps attracting tourists throughout the year.

The pleasant climate and comfortable ambiance of Dharamshala make it one of the popular summer hill stations India. Relax, unwind, and chill out in the serene environment of Dharamshala. This hill station is sure to offer you unique experiences that are worth remembering for a lifetime.

Places to Visit: War Memorial, Dharamshala Cricket Stadium, Triund Hill, Bhagsunag Temple, Kareri Dal Lake, Kangra Fort

Things to do: Seek blessings at the temples, visit the waterfall, and indulge in the unique Tibetan dishes.

Ooty

If you are looking for affordable hill stations India, you cannot leave behind Ooty. Summers are just the right time to visit this place. The pleasant weather can make your days and nights enjoyable. Moreover, occasional rains can add more excitement and fun. If you are in search of tranquillity and solitude, there isn’t any better hill station than Ooty.

A visit to this place can enable you to witness the beautiful views of the dense woods, emerald tea plantations, and sapphire mountains. The best thing is that you can get to enjoy the Ooty Summer Festival organized by Tamil Nadu’s Department of Tourism. The festival can offer you a closer look at the culture of the place. Moreover, you can also get to enjoy several adventurous activities.

Places to Visit: Pykara Lake, Pykara Falls, St. Stephen’s Church, Bison Valley, Tea Museum, Botanical Garden, Fernhills Palace

Things to do: Enjoy the breathtaking views from Doddabetta Peak, indulge in a boat ride at the Ooty Lake, and explore the beautiful botanical gardens.

Munnar

hill stations in may and june — Munnar – #10 of the Top 10 Hill Stations in India

Munnar is often referred to as the ‘Kashmir of South India’. Munnar is well-known for its lush greenery, majestic waterfalls, tea gardens, and an abundance of wildlife. When different places across India turn scorching hot, Munnar remains pleasant, cool, and windy. That is why it is considered to be one of the best beat the heat getaways India. It is indeed a perfect hill station with awe-inspiring scenic beauty.

What makes Munnar so special are the rolling hills, virgin forests, huge splashy waterfalls, winding walkways, and numerous streams. Plan a trip to Munnar this summer and gain a unique experience that you will never forget.

Places to Visit: Kalari Kshetra, Pothamedu View Point, Tea Gardens, Eravikulam National Park, Photo Point, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point

Things to do: Stay in a tree house, cam at Top Station, cycle at Blossom Park, and shout out your name at Echo Point.

Travel Time Hacks: How to Reach Each Hill Station via Zingbus

No doubt, there are various ways to reach the hill stations, from air to rail and road. However, if you are looking for an affordable and comfortable transportation means, traveling by bus is an excellent idea. Moreover, you can get to enjoy the scenic views of lush greenery and snow-capped mountains during your journey.

Zingbus is a reputed bus booking platform that lets you book your tickets online and reserve your seats in a hassle-free manner. Say goodbye to the hassles of standing in a long queue for hours to book your tickets and make your bookings in a jiffy from the comfort of your home.

Zingbus is known for its on-time services, the lowest time guarantee, and women’s safety. As the best bus service provider, the firm allows individuals to travel stress-free and comfortably and reach their destination refreshed.

Moreover, you can gain access to essential amenities like charging points and Wi-Fi that lets you stay connected throughout the journey.

To book your tickets, all you have to do is head to the website or get the mobile app, search for buses to your destination, and make your bookings right away. You can select the nearest boarding and dropping points based on your location and travel with ease.

Planning Your Perfect Summer Escape: Essential Tips for Hill Station Travel

Are you planning a trip to one of the summer hill stations India? Delve into the best tips to make your hill station travel super enjoyable and memorable!

Book Early

Do not leave your bookings for the very last minute. It can completely ruin your trip and affect your planning.

As soon as you decide to visit a hill station during the summer, book your tickets and make reservations in the hotels as soon as possible. It can help avoid last-minute hassles and enable you to plan your trip better for the best experience.

Research About the Place

If you are going to a hill station for the very first time, you are most likely to be unaware of the place. So, to make the most of your trip, it is worth spending some time in knowing the places.

Get an idea about what makes the place so special, the top activities you can indulge in, the main attractions of the place, and the local transportation system. All such information can help save a great deal of time and allow you to engage in endless fun at the hill station.

Check the Weather Forecast

Just before you leave for your trip, taking a quick glance at the weather forecast is a good decision. Some hill stations in India can be excessively windy during the summer while others can be too cold. Knowing the weather forecast can enable you to plan and prepare for your trip better.

Pack Smart

Make sure you pack all the essentials for your hill station travel. From a pair of woolen wear to comfortable shoes and a power bank, be sure to pack everything. At the hill station, you can expect rain anytime. So, carrying an umbrella is a wise decision. Moreover, also carry a first-aid kit with all the basic medications.

Carry Your Identity Cards

Your identification documents will be required throughout the trip, from the time you board the bus till you check in to your room at the resort or hotel. So, be sure to keep these documents safely in an easily accessible place. Carrying digital copies of these documents is also a smart move to avoid any issues in case of theft or loss.

Take Recommendations from the Locals

Whether you are clueless about where to visit or what to eat, taking recommendations from the locals of the hill station is a good idea. They can provide you with the best suggestions and enable you to enjoy your trip to the core. If you want to explore the different places thoroughly and know about their significance, hiring a local guide can help.

Conclusion

By now, you must be well aware of the top summer hill stations India. It is time to plan a perfect trip to these destinations and escape the scorching heat. Choose Zingbus as your travel partner, book your bus tickets with ease, and head to your favorite hill stations for an unforgettable summer vacation.