Cool Places to Visit in May and June in India: Escape Summer Weather
Summer in India can be brutal. While the plains turn into an open-air oven, some places remain pleasantly cool, almost as if they belong to another world. Whether you want to sip on a steaming cup of chai overlooking the hills or enjoy a barbecue under a starry sky, these summer hill stations in India offer the perfect escape. Here’s a fun and unique take on why you should pack your bags and head to these incredible places!
In this Blog
1. Kashmir
It’s almost like stating the obvious! Everyone says Kashmir is ‘heaven on earth,’ but let’s get to know why—what makes it genuinely one of the best summer destinations in India is the fact that while the rest of the country is sweating buckets, you might still need a jacket in Kashmir in June! And no, it’s not just about Dal Lake shikaras or Mughal gardens. Here’s what’s different:
- Strawberry Fields in Gulmarg: Forget tulips for a moment! Visit the lesser-known strawberry fields in Gulmarg and taste fresh, juicy strawberries straight from the farm. Or plan a trip for the Tulip festival in Kashmir in April.
- Night Kayaking on Dal Lake: While everyone goes for the daytime shikara ride, try kayaking at night when the lake is quieter, and the houseboats light up beautifully.
- A Stay in a Homestay in Srinagar: Instead of a regular hotel, book a villa in Srinagar on the Dal Lake with a private balcony for the perfect morning kahwa experience.
2. Himachal Pradesh
Get to know Himachal Pradesh beyond Manali and Shimla. This state has some seriously cool summer holiday places that deserve your attention.
- Tirthan Valley’s Hidden Cafés: Skip the overcrowded touristy spots and chill in Tirthan Valley. The riverside cafés here serve the best trout fish with a view that’s Instagram-worthy minus the tourist chaos.
- Paragliding in Bir-Billing: If you’ve ever dreamt of flying, Bir-Billing in May and June is THE place. Fun fact: Bir is one of the top paragliding spots in the world!
- Homestay in Manali with a View: Instead of staying in the usual hotels, why not book a wooden homestay in Manali with a glass ceiling for stargazing?
3. Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand has its classics, but if you think it’s just about boating in Nainital or walking down Mall Road in Mussoorie, think again. Uttarakhand is among the most understated hill stations in In
- Munsiyari – The Mini-Kashmir: While everyone is busy in Dehradun and Rishikesh, Munsiyari is sitting quietly in all its glory with panoramic views of the Himalayas. It’s like getting Kashmir vibes without the crowd!
- Auli’s Summer Skiing Surprise: Everyone knows Auli is for winter skiing, but did you know you can ski on artificial slopes even in summer? Add it to your list!
- Villa in Ranikhet for Old-School Charm: Ranikhet is perfect if you want a peaceful vacation. Book a cosy stone homestay in Ranikhet and wake up to the chirping of birds instead of car horns.
4. Coorg
Coorg isn’t just ‘beautiful’; it’s a mood. It’s for those who love waking up to the aroma of coffee, walking through plantations, and enjoying the kind of peace that city life never offers.
- Private Coffee Plantation Stays: Why book a regular hotel when you can stay inside a coffee plantation? Imagine stepping out of your room straight into a coffee estate—pure magic!
- Mandalpatti Jeep Rides: Instead of visiting the usual tourist spots, take a rugged jeep ride to Mandalpatti for an insane panoramic view of Coorg.
- Homestay in Coorg with an Infinity Pool: Because nothing feels better than dipping into an infinity pool while surrounded by coffee hills!
5. Ooty
Ooty in summers has long been a favourite, but it’s time to ditch the same old tourist spots in Ooty and experience the town differently.
- The Nilgiri Toy Train’s Secret Stop: While everyone goes for the full ride, get off at Lovedale, a quaint, forgotten station where you can have a peaceful picnic.
- Tea-Tasting in a 100-Year-Old Tea Factory: Instead of just visiting a tea estate, try a tea-tasting session at one of the oldest tea factories in Ooty.
- Homestay in Ooty with a Fire Pit: Cold nights, a warm fire, and roasted marshmallows—what’s not to love?
6. Darjeeling
Darjeeling weather in May and June is all about enjoy a hot cup of tea as you enjoy the morning sun with cool breezes. But let’s take it up a notch with the following attractions in Darjeeling.
- Riding a Bike on the Sandakphu Trail: Instead of just enjoying Kanchenjunga’s view, take an offbeat biking trail through Sandakphu.
- A Traditional Homestay with Local Food: Instead of a regular hotel, stay with a local family, eat authentic Nepali and Tibetan food, and hear stories you won’t find on the internet.
- Homestay in Darjeeling with a Sunrise View: Wake up early, grab a cup of tea, and watch the sky turn golden over the hills right from your villa’s balcony.
India has some of the coolest places to visit in India in summer, but the trick is to skip the usual and go for experiences that make your trip unique. Whether it’s a cosy holiday at a homestay in Manali, a coffee estate stay in Coorg, or a sunrise spot in Darjeeling, make this summer about cooler holiday destinations and even cooler experiences. Pack smart, plan wisely, and get ready for a summer that feels nothing like summer!
Banner image courtesy Arif Khan via Unsplash
Article by: Ruben Saha
