If you think of India as being “off season” during the summer months, think again. As the country’s thermometer begins to resemble that of cooking instructions, summer is in fact the perfect time to visit some of India’s best hill station getaways. Benefitting from cut-price rates stay in colonial retreats, five star spas, secluded hideaways and traditional homestays: there really is something for every traveller, throughout the year. Browse our list of the best summer hill stations in India and start to plan your getaway.
Popular amongst Delhi-ites owing to its close proximity and accesibilty you are spoilt for choice, with hotels, homestays and resorts in Uttarakhand. From the natural beauty of Almora, the heritage properties of Mussoorie, Nainital and its surrounding areas to Rishikesh’s famed wellness retreats. Epithetically known as 'The Land of The Gods' it has an authentically spiritual feel which many travellers are drawn to.
For spa breaks
- Between the two of them, Ananda in the Himalayas and Vana Malsi Estate, have won many a wellness award and provide five star luxury spa breaks. The former providing Ayurvedic treatments in the erstwhile maharaja's palace; the latter a unique amalgamation of traditional Tibetan panaceas and sleek contemporary living spaces.
- With an authentic approach to homeopathic healing AyurVAID Kalmatia provides a picturesque hideaway in the Kumaoni hills. Offering Ayurvedic diagnosis, menus and treatments as well as yoga and meditation.
- Both Raga on the Ganges and Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa boast modern interiors with fabulous views. You will not want (or need) to leave!
For a colonial stay
- Popular spots during the summer months both Rokeby Manor and The Retreat will transport you into another era with their classic décor and menus.
- Historic with modern twists, Neemrana’s Glasshouse on the Ganges is the perfect place to park yourself for a stay in Rishikesh.
For romance
- If you want a room with a view then Jilling Terraces and Leti 360° boast unspoilt vistas right from the comfort of your own bed.
- Whilst Mary Budden Estate provides cosy and secluded cottage accommodation,
- Te Aroha's charmingly decorated rooms, complete with four posters are simply made for romance.
For the perfect homestay
- With quaint rooms and idiosyncratic owners both The Cottage and Fredy’s Bungalow provide unique stays.
- Or experience Kumaoni village life in the ultimate comfort at Dalar Village Homestay.
- Traditional interiors and what is widely considered one of the best private gardens in all of Uttarakhand, Shaheen Bagh is homestay perfection.
For total relaxation
- The clue is in the name with Soulitude in the Himalayas and Soulitude by the Riverside. Providing chic accommodation with a holistic approach towards tourism and the environment, both properties are good for the soul and their surroundings.
- Uninterrupted views of the Ananda Devi mountain range on a good day, in room fireplaces and picturesque walks galore: Mohan’s Binsar Retreat is the place to get away from it all.
A melting pot of cultures and religions. From the mountainscapes of Ladakh in the east, to “The Valley of Flowers”, ski resorts, and floating lake villages of Kashmir to the west.
For heritage lovers
- Located in a traditional village house, Nimmu House’s accommodation is spread between the old house and chic tents dotted around its walled gardens. A great little find.
- In the loving hands of the Nedou family since the 1960s, Hotel Highlands Park provides a stay in Gulmarg with plenty of history, divine interiors and delicious cuisine.
- Famed for being the boat on which John Lennon learnt to play the sitar with the late great Ravi Shankar, Butts Clermont Houseboats has got plenty of stories to tell. And is a great stay on Dal Lake!
For a regal stay
- Still the residence of the current king, Stok Palace, whilst not to everyone’s taste, is the ultimate, authentic Ladakhi stay.
- The former home of the royal family of Kashmir, Lalit Grand Palace is a superb art deco stay, with first class views over the Dal Lake.
For ultimate luxury
- Glamping fans, look no further than the Chamba Camp, Thiksey. Stunning views, colonial interiors and five star food. Nothing here is too much to ask.
- Offering slopes for the adrenaline junkie and spa for the wellness enthusiast the Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa provides something for all interests. That, plus indulgent rooms, menus and mountain views.
- Right on the Dal Lake Vivanta by Taj - Dal View makes the most of its location with unspoilt vistas. Expect the usual world class Taj service and stylish interiors.
For back to nature
- Right on the Indus River The Apricot Tree enjoys an enviable position. Rooms are comfortable and feature private balconies. Great for walking, cycling and trekking.
For a boutique stay
- Kashmir’s first eco-friendly, boutique houseboat Sukoon is changing the way things are done around here. A great option with colourful rooms. A houseboat favourite!
For a homestay experience
- Srinagar, with its houseboats aplenty can be a bit of a tourist trip, but Mahatta Home Stay, run by the charming Anita Mehta, ensures that guests have an authentic and relaxing stay. All at a great price.
Enjoying a year round temperate climate Coorg, a picturesque drive from Bangalore is worth the trip at any time of year. Famed for its beautiful inhabitants, they reflect the surrounding scenery.
For an eco stay
- Spa break, romantic retreat and eco stay, Orange County has it all. Stay in private bamboo huts and dine on top class, locally sourced dishes.
For spa breaks
- One of our favourite Taj properties and certainly one of its most handsome, Vivanta by Taj – Madikeri is consistently winning hotel awards: best pool and best spa to name a few.
Beautiful in the monsoon and boasting an almost year round temperate climate Darjeeling has always been a favourite amongst those trying to flee the heat. Tea estates and charming colonial bungalows aplenty, it boasts some excellent accommodation options.
For a heritage stay
- Transporting you into another century Windamere Hotel and Mayfair Darjeeling are the last bastions of a bygone era. What remains are classic interiors and silver service.
- The former summer residency of the ruling Maharaja, The Elgin enjoys fabulous views and original grandeur.
For a homestay experience
- Very simple but totally charming, what Makaibari Homestays lacks in luxury it more than makes up for with authenticity. A great opportunity to stay on a working tea estate.
For a luxury stay
- The best accommodation option in the area, without competition Glenburn Tea Estate is the reason many come to Darjeeling. Utterly delightful rooms, filled with antiques.
Popular amongst Bombayites and Pune locals, owing to their close proximity, both Lonavala and Matheran make superb weekend getaways. The former famed for its production of delicious chikki sweets and the latter, India smallest hill station, for its eco-credentials and 'no car' policy.
For a heritage stay
- The 19th century Verandah in the Forest perfectly combines colonial and Indian décor. All for an absolute steal of a price.
For value chic
- Providing individual cottage accommodation on a full board basis Lords Central Hotel is excellent value and very popular amongst families.
For families
- Children will love the tree house accommodation at The Machan, which literally translates as 'tree house' in the local tongue; whilst all ages will love the enveloping nature.
For a spa break
- An indulgent stay in this low key hill station the Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa is the perfect getaway for total indulgence. Boasting 150 treatments you’d have to stay a while to go through them all!
Coonoor and Ooty are both unapologetically colonial. Home to some of the country’s best schools and the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway there are some truly charming places to stay in these antiquated hill stations.
flickr user Kumaravel
For a heritage stay
- A stay at Sherlock Hotel involves dining next to a crackling Victorian fireplace, high tea out on the lawn and other such period trappings,
- whilst Taj Savoy Hotel boasts cosy cottage accommodation amidst six acres of manicured lawns.
For an eco stay
- No AC here, owing the fact that Dindigul enjoys a year round temperate climate, Rajakkad is all about sensitivity to the local environment. A working tea estate, farm and boutique hotel it is a hill station escape in the truest sense.
"The Abode of the Clouds”, Shillong is the state's most popular destination, whilst still remaining relatively unspoilt by the tourist trail.
For a room with a view
- Overlooking the Umiam Lake, Ri Kynjai makes the most of its beautiful setting with serene verandahs and rooms made for lingering. A truly relaxing escape, all year round.
India’s second most popular state for hill station getaways, Himachal Pradesh is home to plenty of great stays: from an action packed few days in Manali or a country retreat in Kasauli; to a colonial stay in Shimla or spiritual experience in Dharamshala.
For a homestay experience
- With a warm welcome and plenty of chintz, Urvashi’s Retreat is a home away from home. Surrounded by apple orchards and mountain views it enjoys a picturesque setting too.
- It might be a homestay but the food at 7 Pines surpasses “homecooked”. Menus and décor to die for and a charming rose filled garden.
Value Chic
- Well priced and offering activities galore, Johnson Lodge is a great little find – especially popular with families.
For a heritage stay
- Popular amongst the British 130 years ago The Oberoi Cecil still attracts quite the crowd. Wood panelled dining room, billiards - even the swimming pool has exposed wood beams!
- Home to Shimla’s most popular restaurant and some grand interiors, Chapslee has been wowing guests for generations.
For a luxury stay
- The best hotel in Shimla without comparison Wildflower Hall boasts divine interiors, indoor and outdoor pools and an utterly indulgent Oberoi spa.
- Excellent value for such levels of luxury The Himalayan, behind its ostentations neo-gothic façade has cosy rooms with four posters and fireplaces. Delightful.
For a spiritual escape
- Located just outside of Dharamshala, home to the Tibetan government in exile, Hotel Eagle’s Nest is a luxurious yet authentic spiritual haven. Eight sumptuous suites are individually themed.