Cold Places in India which make the Perfect Coolcation Destinations

What is a Coolcation?

A coolcation refers to a vacation in a cooler place, especially during the hot summer months. Instead of going to the beach and having a typical summer vacation, people prefer going to cooler destinations to escape the heat and enjoy the pleasant weather. It is a concept that has been followed by people a lot, that is why places located in areas like northern Europe have become so popular, for their ability to be a little cooler even when the majority of the world experiences peak summer and their highest temperatures. 

In this post, we are going to talk about cold places in India that you can visit during summer. These coolcation destinations offer pleasant weather, scenic landscapes and opportunities for outdoor activities without having to deal with the heat. 

Cold Places in India to Visit During Summer:

Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Manali is one of the top 10 cold places in India during summer. The temperature in Manali during summer season spans from 10 degrees celsius to 25 degrees celsius. The weather is perfect for sports activities and exploration. It offers mild days and crisp nights. 

Things to do and must visit places in Manali include Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, river rafting in the Beas, treks like Hampta Pass and Bhrigu Lake, temples like Hidimba Devi Temple and Manu Temple, and nature walks.

This is one of the best places to visit in summer in India with family and also tops the list of best places to visit in India in summer in low budget so you might want to book early as summer is the peak season for Manali. I would recommend staying in a homestay in Manali for an unforgettable experience with privacy and luxury.

Darjeeling, West Bengal

From mountains to valleys, this place is packed with natural beauty. The temperature in Darjeeling in summer fluctuates between 11°C and 19°C. The early months of summer are blissful before the monsoon begins to creep in during June. 

Things to do in Darjeeling include going to Tiger Hills from where you can witness the beautiful sunrise. The highest point of the Tiger Hills is the summit of Ghoom, from where you get a mesmerising view of Mt. Everest and Mt. Kanchenjunga. Along with this, you can also ride the heritage toy train at Batasia Loop, go shopping at Bhutia Market, visit the Zang Dhok Palri Phodang monastery, etc. 

For tiger hills, you might want to start early as there will be a long queue of cars if you visit Darjeeling during the peak season when a lot of people visit cold places in India. Also if you are someone who loves tea, I would recommend checking out the tea gardens where you can visit lush tea estates and learn about tea processing. The months of June to September are not ideal for visiting Darjeeling as there is heavy rainfall which makes sightseeing and other outdoor activities difficult. Staying in a villa in Darjeeling is truly an extraordinary experience.

Lansdowne, Uttarakhand

Lansdowne is one of those cold places during summer in India that offers pleasant weather which helps tourists to escape the heat of the plains. Cold places in India like Lansdowne are mostly hill stations as people seek refuge from the scorching heat of the dry plains. 

Things to do in Lansdowne include visiting the historic St. Mary’s church that was built during the British era, exploring the Bhulla Lake, spotting the majestic tigers at Kalagarh Tiger Reserve, tasting the delicious Garhwali cuisine, etc.

To explore Landowne, one will need a minimum of 2 days. During the summer months, Lansdowne is pleasant with maximum temperatures reaching around 25 degrees celsius whereas, during the monsoon season, it is very picturesque but there is also a huge risk of landslides due to heavy rainfall. You can explore some of the homestays in Lansdowne.

Ooty, Tamil Nadu

Ooty is one of those cold places in India whose temperature in summer also does not go beyond 25°C. Ooty is also included in the list of Best places to visit in summer in India with family. 

Things to do in Ooty include exploring the Ooty botanical garden and rose garden, visiting the Emerald lake, Nilgiri toy train ride, wax museum, etc. You can experience the Ooty summer festival, and tour tea estates and tea factories, as well.

Tips for visiting Ooty in summer are: book early, May is a busy month so it is better to plan your trip before, also always check the weather for the type of clothes and items you might need to carry. A villa in Ooty is the perfect place to stay during your visit to this out-of-the-ordinary town.

Leh-Ladakh, Ladakh

Ladakh is one of the top 10 cold places in India, which during summer, offers some of the most travel-friendly conditions. Day temperatures range between 25°C to 30°C, while nighttime cools down to a comfortable 13°C to 18°C. 

Some of the things to do in Ladakh are visiting monasteries, experiencing adventure sports, visiting the Leh Palace, a historical marvel, and spending time in the Shanti Stupa, a Buddhist white-domed stupa on a hilltop. The main thing that attracts tourists to Leh is its stunning landscapes. 

Leh-Ladakh is a high altitude place, the oxygen level is less, so it is advisable to move slowly through the trip, make sure your fit for the conditions and also take clean water or water purification tablets. There are various homestays, villas, and camps available to stay in Ladakh. 

Munnar, Kerala

Munnar, while it is not considered as a part of the usual cold places in India, is still one of the few places where the temperature even during summers is not high. Even though it is not as cold as the other cold places during summer in India, it still gives a relief from the scorching heat experienced in majority parts of the country. 

Places to visit in Munnar are the tea gardens, tea museum, Attukal Waterfalls, echo point, etc. Things to do in Munnar include visiting Eravikulam National Park, trekking, visiting the local markets, and boating in Kundala Lake. 

The summer months are ideal for activities like sightseeing, trekking, and camping. It is best to avoid Munnar during the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall. The thought of staying in a villa in Munnar, feels like the perfect type of retreat/getaway for anyone wanting to escape their daily routine.

Yercaud, Tamil Nadu

Yercaud is an idyllic and peaceful destination for those who want to escape the heat of the plains. It is a serene hill station located in the state of Tamil Nadu. The temperature in this hill station does not go beyond 28 degrees celsius in the summer months. 

Some of the things to do in Yercaud are enjoying the scenic views, visiting the Kiliyur Falls, visiting the Yercaud Rose Garden, and pedal boat rides at Yercaud Lake. 

It works well as a weekend getaway from Bengaluru or Coimbatore. Summer offers freshness, floral blooms, and peaceful surroundings which is different from other cold places in India that are heavily commercialised. I cannot imagine anything better than staying in a villa in Yercaud.

Explore these Cold Places in India with StayVista

Explore these places in our StayVista villas. All of these destinations are extremely beautiful and some are also underrated. Add these places to your bucket list and start planning your next trip to our villas! To get the most out of your vacation, it is necessary to have a good place to say which allows you to relax and have fun at the same time. Whether you want to take a break from sightseeing or you want to just spend time with your family and friends in a private, peaceful place, our villas offer you all that you will need no matter what type of a vacation you are looking for.

Featured image credits: DJ Singh via Flickr

Written By: Swaaha Dixit