Summer in India is different. One week into May, and the heat is already unbearable. The good news? The hills are right there, waiting. Cool air, green valleys, no excuses.
Here’s where to go, and how to do it right.
Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Everyone speaks of Manali, and it’s not on a whim; it’s because it is worth it all the time. The temperature is currently between 11°C and 14°C, and the snow is still found on peaks. On the Beas River, they’re crowded with people who made it out of the city.
All out, paragliding, trekking to Rohtang Pass, and river rafting. Or you can do nothing and have the trip of the year. Both are valid. Fly into Bhuntar airport or drive along a scenic mountain road.
Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
Mussoorie, a hill station that never disappoints, is close to Delhi, easily accessible and also beautiful. It is approximately 300 km from the capital, so if you leave early enough, you will be able to walk down Mall Road by afternoon.
This month, the weather is 15°C to 25°C. Bring a light jacket for nighttime. Walk down the colonial promenade, indulge in street food, peer over the Doon Valley and relax. This is where the only thing you need to do is that.
Nainital, Uttarakhand
Nainital is located on a lake, and truthfully, a lot of the work is done by that lake. The emerald green Naini Lake is untroubled and surrounded by tree-clad hills, and everything feels softer and slower.
Hire a boat, go to Snow View Point or simply visit the Mallital market to buy whatever you don’t require. May is here with clear skies, and the muddy mess of the monsoon is still ahead. Go now.
Darjeeling, West Bengal
Why have people been coming to Darjeeling for more than a century? The toy train, the tea gardens, the jaw-dropping view of Khangchendzongha at sunrise, and it’s just as impactful as it should be.
One of the best times to visit is spring. The air is free of pollution, the tea is just off the first flush, and the crowds are not yet over. One morning early, now that the sun is rising, get up and watch the morning sky over the mountains. It will be worth your while.
Gulmarg, Kashmir
The month of May is truly special in Gulmarg. The meadows gain a tinge of green, which seems to be tweaked. The gondola trip to Apharwat Peak offers unexplainable views. For the adventurous, this one’s for you.
Everyone is invited to come out and stand in a beautiful place, hikers, mountain bikers and anyone who simply wants to be somewhere beautiful. You can book the Gondola tickets in advance on the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism website. They sell out fast.
Lansdowne, Uttarakhand
Lansdowne is for when you can’t handle all the people. About 250 km away from Delhi, it is a quiet little cantonment town surrounded by oak trees, rhododendrons and amidst the woods. Very little is said about it! It’s all about that.
No carnage, no jams of tourists on every corner, no overpriced cafes. Clean air, easy trails, and real quiet. If peace is a priority more than Instagram for your idea of a perfect trip, come here.
Munnar, Kerala
There’s a lack of awareness about the hill stations of South India, and Munnar is the best example to endorse that. Rolling tea gardens, and mornings misty, cool breezes like a different world from the heat of May in Chennai or Bangalore. Beat the monsoon and change the entire mood. It’s luxuriant, relaxed and presently beautiful.
A Few Tips Worth Reading Before You Book
- Book early. May is the peak season across all these destinations. Good hotels in Manali and Mussoorie get booked out weeks ahead. Don’t wait.
- Get on the road before sunrise. Mountain routes fill up fast once the day gets going. Leaving at 5 AM sounds rough, but you’ll arrive relaxed instead of stuck behind a line of tourist buses.
- Bring a jacket. Daytime might feel fine, but hill station evenings drop fast. A fleece isn’t optional.
- Check road conditions the night before. Landslides are a real issue in Himachal and Uttarakhand during this season. Takes two minutes to check and can save you hours.
- Keep cash on you. ATMs in smaller towns like Lansdowne or Kasauli run out during tourist season. Withdraw before you head up.
- Leave some of the itinerary blank. The best moments on a hill station trip usually aren’t planned, an unexpected trail, a roadside dhaba, a chai with a view. Don’t schedule those out of existence.
FAQs
Q1: What is the ideal time to visit a hill station?
The ideal time to visit a hill station depends entirely on what you want out of your trip. Consider these peak seasons for planning:
- Summer (March to June): The most popular time to visit. Escape the heat of the plains, enjoy pleasant, sunny days, and engage in outdoor activities like trekking and paragliding.
- Monsoon (July to September): Perfect for nature lovers and budget travelers. The hills transform into lush, misty paradises with blooming waterfalls and uncrowded trails.
- Winter (October to February): Best for a snowy, romantic getaway, honeymoon, or winter sports like skiing and ice skating.
Q2: What activities can you do at a hill station?
Hill stations offer a perfect mix of thrilling adventure and peaceful relaxation. Depending on the specific destination and season, popular activities include paragliding, trekking, boating, exploring local markets, and experiencing winter sports like skiing and zorbing.
Q3: Which hill station is best for couples?
The best hill station for couples depends on your travel style. However, Manali (Himachal Pradesh) and Munnar (Kerala) are widely considered the top romantic getaways in India.
