12 hill stations in North India perfect for summer vacations

Summer Chill

It is okay to be hot, but it's better to be cool! Right now, many regions in India are heating up with summer temperatures. Let us discover 12 lovely hill stations in North India which are perfect for a summer vacay!

Leh

Leh is a perfect summer holiday destination for those who love adventure. Located at a high altitude in the Himalayas, it offers clear blue skies, nice weather, and stunning scenery of snow-covered mountains. Trekking, cycling, and camping make it even more exciting.

Lahaul and Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Lahaul and Spiti are two isolated valleys ideal for those seeking tranquility, adventure, and breathtaking scenery. They are filled with ancient monasteries such as Key Gompa and possess a distinct Tibetan culture. The weather remains cold even during summer, and the roads are open to take a scenic drive.

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Shimla is one of the highly loved hill stations of India and a perfect spot for a summer vacation. It has a good climate, colonial ambiance, and famous scenery of green mountains. You can stroll down Mall Road, do shopping, and see the Ridge. The Kalka-Shimla toy train is a pleasant journey in the hills.

Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh

Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh

Dalhousie is a scenic hill town that takes you back in time. It lies on five hills and offers a glimpse of the snow-covered Dhauladhar range. There are old British bungalows, pine forests, and peaceful walking paths in the town. You can visit places like Khajjiar, also known as "Mini Switzerland".

Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

Mussoorie is among the best hill stations in India and is also known as the "Queen of the Hills." You can ride a cable car to Gun Hill, trek on Camel's Back Road, or simply view the surroundings at Lal Tibba. There are cafes, shops, and heritage buildings that enhance the beauty of the town.

Chamba, Himachal Pradesh

Chamba is a serene and pretty town along the River Ravi. It's famous for ancient temples, paintings, and verdant valleys. The town is not overcrowded, and therefore, you can go for leisurely walks. You can see the Lakshmi Narayan temple and the Bhuri Singh Museum.

Chail, Himachal Pradesh

Chail is a serene hill station close to Shimla, renowned for having the world's highest cricket pitch. It has dense forests and clean, cool air. You can visit the Chail Palace, take a nature walk, or to the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary. The town is less populated than Shimla, so it is ideal for a relaxing retreat.

Kufri, Himachal Pradesh

Kufri is a picturesque hill resort located just a few kilometers from Shimla, which is accessible by car. It's known for its pleasant weather, green meadows, and adventure sports. Ride horses to Mahasu Peak, explore the Himalayan Nature Park, or go for family rides at Kufri Fun World.

Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh

It is a calm and breathtaking hill station with pine woods and old colonial structures. Life moves at a leisurely pace here, ideal to unwind. Explore Christ Church, Monkey Point, and walk on the tranquil Gilbert Trail.

Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Manali is an adventure sport lover's and nature enthusiast's delight summer destination. It is cool and scenic, situated along the Beas River. You can paraglide, river raft, or trek. Enjoy visits to Hadimba Temple, Solang Valley, and Rohtang Pass for thrilling experiences.

Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh

Narkanda is a serene hill resort on the old Hindustan-Tibet highway. It offers apple orchards, thick jungles, and snowy landscapes even during summers. The weather is so comfortable that it is a perfect retreat from summer heat. You can trek to the Hatu Peak, hike through jungles, or just lounge around surrounded by nature.