India, with its extreme climates from North to South and geographical diversity, has so many places that are somewhat immune to the blistering summer sun on account of them being at altitudes much above sea level. Access by air, rail and road to most of these destinations are all relatively easy making visiting for nearby city dwellers a great option during the warm weather.
If you’ve had enough of the heat and humidity in your city then take a look at our list of the coolest places to visit this summer.
Coolest Places in India During Summer
1. Manali
One of the most beautiful places you must visit in India has got to be Manali in Himachal Pradesh. At an elevation of over 2000 meters, this hill station is a well-known tourist destination not only because of its immense beauty but also because of its superb weather. Cool and pleasant in the summer months, with temperatures ranging between 10 and 25 degrees, the town is extremely pleasant.
- Things to do: Parasailing, biking, skiing, zorbing, boating, trekking, camping
- Where to Stay : Treebo Hotels in Manali
2. Shimla
Another well-known and frequented hill station in the North is Shimla; with its colonial history and natural beauty, the area is also blessed with great weather. Best visited during the summer months, if you feel like getting out and exploring the rich culture and monuments here, Shimla is also a wonderland for anyone that wants to experience a white winter and enjoys bundling themselves up to have some fun in the snow.
- Things to do: Trekking, horse riding, skiing, paragliding, heritage walk, Barara and Bhoj fair, shopping
- Where to Stay : Treebo Hotels in Shimla
3. Ladakh
Summer sees the entire Ladakh area come alive with flora and fauna blossoming everywhere you turn. An ideal time for bikers to take the ride of a lifetime, the weather during this season is not only cool and pleasant but also ensures less road closures and weather related delays. Even if your intention is not to get on the road, Ladakh is still best visited in the summer as it makes for a great escape from the blistering hot weather in places like Delhi, Mumbai and other low lying states.
- Things to do: Motorcycling, trekking, parasailing, boating, exploring, mountaineering, white water rafting
Suggested to Read : 16 Amazing Places for Snow In India
4. Auli
The coolest place in Indian during the summer months, Auli is a well-known and much loved ski resort in Uttarakhand. At over two and a half thousand feet above sea level, the place is home to the Nanda Devi, Mana Parvat and Kamat Kamet mountain ranges which are snow capped throughout the year, and as such, the region is always pleasant and cool. Host to many winter sport events, Auli has visitors coming from across the globe to enjoy the slopes.
- Things to do: Skiing, exploring, hiking, boating, snowmobiles
5. Nainital
Merely four hours from Delhi by road, Nainital is a beautiful summer holiday destination, surrounded by rolling hills and blessed with great weather year round. A favourite place for people from Delhi and Chandigarh to visit when the heat gets too much in the capital, Nainital is always bustling with tourists. Even the winter months here are great as the countryside is equally spectacular during this time of year.
- Things to do: Boating, horse riding, trekking, camping, bird watching
6. Ranikhet
A little hill station cantonment area, Ranikhet is also called the Queens Meadow on account of the fact that this is believed to be one of Queen Padmini of Kumaoni residences. Steeped in ancient history and adorned with beautiful monuments, not to mention the natural magnificence and wonderful climate, makes this town a top contender for summer relief in Uttarakhand.
- Things to do: Golfing, paragliding, trekking
7. Mount Abu
Rajasthan’s only hill station, Mount Abu is a town steeped in ancient history. With temples and other heritage monuments dating back over a thousand years, it is little wonder that the entire hill station is like a museum and a paradise for history buffs or architecture enthusiasts. Along with a lot of places to see, there is also a lot to do here such as boating, trekking and exploring. Winter months are amazing in Mount Abu but the summer is especially an inviting relief from the desert heat.
- Things to do: Camping, helicopter ride, trekking, boating, rock climbing
8. Kashmir
The beauty and splendor of Kashmir is legendary, as is the weather there. If you happen to be feeling the heat and need a break from the city then this is the best place to chill out, literally. With summers in the state seeing temperatures usually between 15 and 25 degrees, the place feels like heaven as soon as you arrive; so much to see and do in the region is another reason Kashmir has got to be high up on the list of cool places to visit in the summer.
- Things to do: Skiing, parasailing, mountaineering, trekking, camping, nature tour
Suggested to Read : 23 Beautiful Places In India
9. Mukteshwar
Mukteshwar, a quaint hill station in Uttarakhand, is one of the country’s best summer vacation destinations. Cool weather even during the peak of summer makes for an awesome and relaxing break from the heat and hustle of the city. Boasting lush green forests and some of the region’s best trails for trekking, the cool Himalayan breeze is an added bonus that is awesomely refreshing.
- Things to do: Trekking, exploring, parasailing, mountaineering
10. Gangtok
Meaning hill-top, Gangtok is perched at an elevation of over 1500 meters and is fortunate to have cool weather even in the summer months. This hill station in the North East region of India is not only known for its awesome weather but also for a host of activities and places to see. Nature’s abundance is evident here especially in the summer with the forests coming alive making for some amazing trekking, rafting and camping.
- Things to do: White water rafting, trekking, camping, boating, paragliding
- Where to Stay : Treebo Hotels in Gangtok
11. Tawang
At an altitude of over 2600 meters, Tawang, located near Arunachal Pradesh and the Tibetan border, is cool throughout the year with snow capped mountains in the backdrop. Dotted with hamlets and an awesome Buddhist monastery that houses a huge gilded statue of Lord Buddha, the place is the picture of tranquility. Popular with tourist from all over the country, visiting Tawang in the summer is ideal as weather conditions then make access and getting around the area easier.
- Things to do: Sightseeing, trekking, boating, try the amazing local cuisine
12. Darjeeling
The tea garden estates of Darjeeling are some of the most beautiful hills you will ever set your eyes on. A hot spot for tourism in the summer months thanks to the awesome weather here, the place is also a winter holiday destination though it can get quite chilly. Fun things to do here like riding the toy train and watching the sunrise at Tiger Hill are perfect activities in this magnificent part of West Bengal.
- Things to do: Estate tours with tea tasting, parasailing, kayaking, trekking, camping
13. Shillong
Often referred to as the Scotland of the East, Shillong is a gem of a hill station in the North East that has always been a go to destination during the Indian summer months since colonial times. Stepping in to Shillong is like stepping in to Switzerland, from its snow capped mountains in the distance to the rolling green hills and beautiful meadows, this is one place you can really relax and chill out in when things get too hot in the city.
- Things to do: Boating, skiing, water sports, hiking, exploring
- Where to Stay : Treebo Hotels in Shillong
14. Chandoli National Park
This world heritage site, located in Satara, a district in the state of Maharashtra, is over 300 square kilometers and home to a lot of the region’s indigenous flora and fauna. A getaway for many Mumbaikars during the hot and humid summer months, the climate in Chandoli National Park is definitely not cold but extremely pleasant. There is great local food here, too.
- Things to do: Safari, nature trek, bird watching, boating, camping, eating
15. Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is especially inviting during the summer months, providing respite from the scorching heat and humidity of the city. A number of attractions like temples, lakes, waterfalls, forts and such are enough to keep anyone entertained while spending a few days here. Head here during the month of May if you want to escape the city and treat yourself to some of the country’s best strawberries too!
- Things to do: Nature walk, strawberry picking, cycling, try the local jams, fudge etc.
- Where to Stay : Treebo Hotels in Mahabaleshwar
With so much to do and see in any of these cool and beautiful towns, all you need for a summer break from the city is to carry our list of the coolest places and head out.
