Top Hill Stations to Visit in India in April and May for a Perfect Summer Escape
Summer in India is relentless. When your AC just doesn’t cut it, it’s time to escape to the top hill stations to visit in India in summer. But here’s the thing – everyone visits the same old destinations in summer. But, don’t worry, it’s not going to happen this time cause this is not your generic list of ‘cool places to visit during summer’. In fact, we’ll try to make it a little more fun by sharing some of the offbeat places to visit in India in April and May with family. So, ready to check out the list of best summer hill stations in India with a fresh perspective? Let’s go!
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Image credit: Mayur More via Unsplash
If you thought summers in India meant no snow, think again. Tawang, one of the coolest hill stations in India, occasionally surprises visitors with summer snowfall! Yes, April and May still see patches of snow in and around this mystical town. There are also plenty of things to do in Tawang. You could go on to visit the Tawang Monastery, the largest monastery in India, spot rare red pandas at Eagle’s Nest Wildlife Sanctuary or experience the surreal Sela Pass which is often blanketed in snow even in May. The weather in Tawang is also quite chilly during this period, like the temperatures in April and May range from 5°C to 15°C.
Munnar, Kerala
Munnar is not just a tea plantation paradise, it’s so much more than that. If you plan to visit Munnar in April and May, the Neelakurinji flowers (which bloom once in 12 years) might just surprise you with a lingering fragrance that oddly resembles chocolate. Apart from that, there are many other things to do in Munnar. As one of the best hill stations in South India, you could walk through Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, which is the world’s highest organic tea plantation or something more fun, like chasing waterfalls like Attukal and Lakkam. Oh, and the weather in Munnar is also quite pleasant as it ranges anywhere between 15°C to 25°C
While you’re here, make sure to stay at some of the top villas in Munnar which will surely elevate your stay. Villas such as Misty Village, Catherine Cottage, Titha Villa, Cardamom Casa, Paradise Valley and Vale Echoes are your best bet.
Auli, Uttarakhand
You’d expect skiing to be a winter thing, but Auli in summers is different. Thanks to artificial snowmaking, skiing in Auli is still a possibility in early April! Apart from skiing, there are also a few other things to do in Auli. You could take Asia’s longest cable car ride from Joshimath. Spot Nanda Devi, India’s second-highest peak, on a clear morning and more. Weather in Auli in April and May see temperatures between 7°C and 20°C.
While you’re here, don’t forget to make the most of distance from Dehradun to Auli, it will be one of the best road journeys in Uttarakhand.
Chikmagalur, Karnataka
If you’re a coffee addict, Chikmagalur will feel like heaven. The entire town smells like freshly brewed coffee, especially in the morning. While you’re here, there are few things to do in Chikmagalur, like visit a coffee plantation and taste fresh brew, hike up Mullayanagiri, Karnataka’s highest peak or raft on the Bhadra river. The weather in Chikmagalur is also mild, with temperatures between 18°C and 28°C.
You can also stay in cottages in Chikmagalur for a rustic coffee experience such as Cicida, Misty Barn, or Cedar @ Strelitzia.
Yercaud, Tamil Nadu
Everyone runs to Ooty, but if you’re looking for something offbeat, head to Yercaud. It’s reasonable, cleaner, and just as beautiful, minus the tourist chaos. There are also several things to do in Yercaud. You could try boating on the eerily quiet Yercaud Lake, visit the bizarre Bear’s Cave, said to be an old escape route for Tipu Sultan or visit the Pagoda Point at sunrise. The weather in Yercaud is super pleasant, ranging between 16°C and 28°C.
If you’re travelling to Yercaud in April and May with family then make sure to stay at The Yercaud Bungalow for a wonderful group experience.
Pelling, Sikkim
Pelling looks straight out of a dream, especially in the early mornings when clouds float between houses like misty waves. And it’s not just the views but you can also try out many things to do in Pelling. Two of which you must do is visit the stunning Khecheopalri Lake and walk on India’s first glass skywalk at Pelling. The weather in Pelling is cool, with temperatures between 7°C and 18°C.
Elevate your stay at Pelling at The Stargazer. This homestay in Pelling is not your ordinary stay but is absolutely wonderful.
Mount Abu, Rajasthan
Yes, Rajasthan has a hill station, and it’s genuinely cool. Mount Abu is the best escape from the unbearable desert heat. While you’re here, try out the few things to do in Mount Abu such as admire the intricate carvings of the Dilwara Temples or watch a surreal sunset from Guru Shikhar, the highest peak in Rajasthan. The weather in Mount Abu is also refreshing 17°C to 27°C, making it one of the best hill stations in India for April and May.
If the summer heat is getting to you, now you know where to go! Whether you want a hill station getaway in India for summer that smells like coffee, lets you ski in April, or gives you a chance to see floating clouds, there’s something for everyone. Ditch the usual tourist traps and try these lesser-talked-about yet equally stunning destinations this April and May!
Cover Image Credits: Avin CP via Unsplash
Written by: Ruben Saha
