Lesser-Known Hill Stations in India to Explore This Summer
As temperatures start to climb and city life begins to feel like a pressure cooker, there’s no better time to plan a retreat to the hills. While the usual spots, Shimla, Manali, Ooty, and Mussoorie, tend to be overrun with tourists during the summer, India also shelters a collection of quieter, lesser-known hill stations in India that offer the same cool respite, sans the crowds.
These hidden gems strike the perfect balance between natural beauty, culture, and calm. Whether you’re after misty mountain mornings, local cuisine, trekking trails, or simply a change of scene, the following destinations deserve a spot on your April–May travel radar. These are among the top 5 hill stations in India if you’re looking to escape the crowds and explore underrated regions.
In this Blog
1. Yercaud, Tamil Nadu- A Hill Station in India’s Seven Forests
Set in the Shevaroy Hills of Tamil Nadu, Yercaud in Tamil Nadu is often dubbed the “poor man’s Ooty,” but don’t let that label fool you, this hill station in India has a character all its own. Sitting at 4,970 feet above sea level, Yercaud India greets you with its expansive coffee plantations, spice groves, and emerald-green lake that anchors the town.
April to May is one of the best windows to visit Yercaud Tamilnadu,pleasant weather, blooming orange trees, and the annual summer festival (usually in May) add a cultural twist to the natural charm. Bangalore to Yercaud is a popular summer route for travelers seeking a quick escape into the hills. The proximity of Yercaud Salem District makes it well connected by road and rail.
Unlike its more commercial counterparts, Yercaud doesn’t ask you to plan or rush. A walk through Lady’s Seat, a viewpoint overlooking the Mettur Dam, or a lazy evening by Yercaud Lake is often enough.
Yercaud’s laid-back rhythm is ideal for slow travelers and weekenders looking to unplug. Plus, with less footfall than mainstream hill stations in India, accommodations here offer more value for money—think heritage bungalows, hillside homestays, and cozy plantation resorts.
Places to Visit in Yercaud
- Pagoda Point at sunrise – Catch the early morning breeze and panoramic views of the Eastern Ghats before the sun gets too high. On clear summer mornings, the view stretches for miles.
- Boating in Yercaud Lake – Surrounded by gardens and woodlands, the lake is at its best during summer when the weather is just warm enough for a relaxing paddle or row without the monsoon dampness.
- Botanical Garden – Home to rare orchids and exotic plant species, the garden is in full bloom during April–May and makes for a leisurely walk, especially in the morning or late afternoon.
Where to Stay
Stay options in and around Yercaud Tamilnadu range from colonial-style bungalows overlooking plantations to quiet retreats set on forested slopes. Whether you’re looking for a family villa or a romantic hillside hideaway, you’ll find options with plenty of character and privacy. The Yercaud Bungalow and Sunnyside Homestay – Denkanikottai are one of the best places to stay in Yercaud offering a serene summer experience close to Yercaud’s main sights.
2. Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh- A Peaceful Hill station in India
For those craving a raw, unfiltered Himalayan experience, Tirthan Valley, Himachal is an oasis of calm in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district. Far removed from the bustle of Manali and Kasol, Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh is where rivers dictate the rhythm of life and forests invite you in.
Named after the pristine Tirthan River that flows through it, the valley borders the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Summer is when Tirthan Valley truly comes alive: wildflowers blanket the meadows, trout fishing becomes an afternoon ritual, and hiking trails become accessible as the snow begins to melt.
What sets Tirthan apart is its raw, untouched appeal. There’s no high-street café culture or curated experiences. Instead, you’re welcomed into wooden homestays, treated to simple Himachali meals, and lulled to sleep by the sound of the river outside your window.
Whether you’re an adventure junkie or just in need of a digital detox, Tirthan fits the bill without trying too hard. It’s among the best hill stations in Himachal Pradesh for a peaceful summer.
Things to do in Tirthan Valley
- The Great Himalayan National Park trek – Open and lush during summer, the lower-altitude treks offer sightings of wildflowers, native birds, and forest landscapes just coming alive after the snow.
- Serolsar Lake hike – This moderately easy trek from Jalori Pass to the lake is ideal in April–May before the monsoon kicks in. The route is lined with rhododendrons in bloom and pine forests.
- Riverside bonfires and trout fishing – Early summer is prime time for fishing in the Tirthan River, and the evenings are still cool enough to enjoy a bonfire by the banks.
Where to Stay
Tirthan Valley’s accommodations are as authentic as its landscape, think riverside wooden cottages, stone homes, and eco-conscious retreats surrounded by apple orchards. Look for places to stay with mountain views and easy access to hiking trails. Breezy Banks and Wisteria Whispers, by StayVista, offer just that—peaceful, nature-wrapped homes within earshot of the river.
3. Coonoor, Tamil Nadu- A Hill Station in India’s Tea Country
If Ooty is the boisterous older sibling, Coonoor in Tamil Nadu is the thoughtful, quieter one. Just about 20 kilometers away from Ooty, Coonoor Nilgiris offers a refreshingly unhurried alternative to the region’s touristy mainstays.
Summer paints Coonoor India in vibrant hues, its terraced tea estates shimmer under the sun, the weather hovers around a perfect 20°C, and the Jacarandas and Gulmohars are in full bloom. The pace of life here encourages long, aimless walks through tea gardens, impromptu conversations with plantation workers, and slow sips of locally-grown brews.
Architecture lovers will enjoy the colonial-era bungalows that dot the town, many of which have been converted into boutique stays. The architecture in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu is a quiet reminder of its British-era past, manicured lawns, ivy-clad cottages, and wraparound verandahs that offer uninterrupted views of rolling hills.
Sim’s Park is a local favorite, not your usual manicured botanical garden but a more organic sprawl of rare plant species, age-old trees, and shaded pathways that seem made for summer afternoons. The Ooty to Coonoor toy train chugs right through town, offering a scenic ride that feels straight out of another time.
What Coonoor Tamilnadu offers is a kind of stillness you don’t have to search for, it’s in the sound of the wind brushing past tea leaves, the distant whistle of the toy train, and the warmth of a homemade cup of chai served with no rush to leave.
Things to do in Coonoor
- Heritage walk around Upper Coonoor – With the sun mild and the air crisp, summer mornings are perfect for a slow exploration of colonial-era bungalows, churches, and tree-lined paths.
- The Nilgiri Mountain Railway – Take a short train ride to Ooty or Mettupalayam for sweeping valley views, especially gorgeous under the summer sun when the skies are clear.
- Highfield Tea Factory tour – Witness tea-making from leaf to cup, and sample a variety of teas grown on the slopes around you. The surrounding plantations look particularly vivid during April and May.
Where to Stay
Places to stay in Coonoor range from charming heritage homes to scenic plantation estates that make ideal summer getaways. Many Coonoor places are perched above tea gardens and offer wraparound views of the hills. Long Walk Villa, Yellow Tulip Villa, and The Woodscapes, all StayVista properties, blend old-world charm with modern comfort, offering peaceful escapes within easy reach of town and trails.
Also Read:
Coorg, Munnar, or Ooty in April and May: Which South Indian Hill Station Should You Visit?
Top Hill Stations to Visit in India in April and May for a Perfect Summer Escape
4. Pelling, Sikkim- Best Hill station in India for the Eastern Escape
High in the hills of West Sikkim, Pelling, India is the kind of place that still feels like a discovery, especially for travelers looking beyond Gangtok and Darjeeling. Overlooking the majestic Kanchenjunga range, this sleepy town isn’t so much about activities as it is about awe—the kind of quiet wonder that only snow-capped peaks and cloud-wrapped mornings can offer.
Pelling in Sikkim enjoys clear skies and crisp air in April and May, making it an ideal window for mountain views, short treks, and monastery visits. The Sky Walk Pelling Sikkim is a major attraction that shines brightest in summer with panoramic Himalayan views.
Places to Visit in Pelling
- Sunrise over Kanchenjunga from the Helipad viewpoint – The skies are clearest in early summer, offering uninterrupted views of the glowing Himalayan peaks in the early hours.
- Pemayangtse Monastery – This 17th-century monastery is surrounded by rhododendrons and has a quiet, contemplative air during summer. The walk to it is pleasant and floral-filled this time of year.
- Walk through Darap Village – The terraced fields are green, the locals are welcoming, and April–May is a great time for cultural exchanges and experiencing Sikkimese hospitality before the rain arrives.
- Kanchenjunga and Rimbi waterfalls – Swollen by melting snow, these waterfalls are full and energetic, making summer the best time to see them in their full force.
Where to Stay
Stays around Pelling West Sikkim often come with uninterrupted views of the Kanchenjunga range and proximity to monasteries and village walks. From cozy hilltop cottages to boutique villas with wooden interiors, there’s something for every traveler. The Stargazer and Thansing Farmhouse, are ideal places to stay for summer visits, offering serene surroundings and breathtaking mountain views.
5. Chamba, Himachal Pradesh- The Most Underrated Hill station in India
Tucked away from the popular circuits of Himachal Pradesh, Chamba India is a quiet valley town that retains an old-world charm even as the rest of the state gets increasingly commercial. Located at the junction of Ravi and Sal rivers, Chamba, Himachal is known for its ancient temples, green meadows, and views of the Dhauladhar range that feel close enough to touch.
What makes Chamba a great summer escape is its relatively flat terrain compared to other hill stations in India, perfect for those who want a mountain vacation without too much uphill walking. April and May bring in pleasant temperatures, blooming orchards, and a splash of local life in the form of folk music, temple fairs and markets.
Places to visit in Chamba
- Lakshmi Narayan Temple complex – The stone temples are especially beautiful in the soft morning light of summer. Visit early when the breeze is cool and the surroundings are still quiet.
- Bhuri Singh Museum – Offers an air-conditioned escape during warmer afternoons, and gives insight into Pahari culture and miniature painting traditions.
- Excursions to Khajjiar and Bharmour – Known as the “mini Switzerland of India,” Khajjiar’s meadow is at its greenest in early summer, making it ideal for picnics and horse riding. Bharmour, slightly more remote, has cool temperatures and ancient temples surrounded by snow patches well into May.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh leans toward heritage-style homes and quiet countryside villas set against the backdrop of the Dhauladhar range. There are places to stay here that offer the perfect mix of cultural exploration and cool weather comfort. The Oakridge and The Orchard Song, both are great stays, close to town yet far enough to offer peace and privacy.
Why are these the Best Places to Visit in Summer?
What connects these five places isn’t just their altitude or escape-from-the-heat appeal. It’s how they let you be. They offer shade, silence, and a slower kind of travel, one where walking through a village at 4 PM is more satisfying than ticking off a ‘top ten attractions’ list.
They also remain accessible without being overrun. Roads lead there, yes, but not everyone takes them. Which means there’s still time to experience these places before they become part of the mainstream tourist destinations. And, for travelers looking to skip the crowds and experience hill stations in India in their most authentic way, StayVista offers handpicked private villas and holiday homes across the country’s most scenic regions.
So, if you’re thinking of getting away this April or May, consider slow travel, choosing quiet over crowded. These lesser-known hill stations aren’t hiding. They’re just waiting for the right kind of traveller. If you’re looking for a summer break that doesn’t feel like everyone else’s Instagram feed, this might be your shortlist.
Banner Image Credit: mugi jo via Unsplash
Also Read:
Top 6 Hill Stations in Maharashtra for a Perfect Summer & Monsoon Getaway
The Most Famous Hill Stations in India for Summer: Where to Go, Things to Do and Where to Stay
10 Right Answers to ‘Hill Stations Near Me’: Guide to the Most Loved Hill Stations in India
Discover the Chilling Charms: Cold Tourist Places in Maharashtra
