6 Best Affordable Hill Stations to visit in India this Summer

Summer in India is one of the best seasons to explore the hill stations of India. Colonial-era buildings, vast coffee and tea estates, Mirage entices green landscapes, cool winds, and foggy dawns. But while popular hill stations in India may be teeming with tourists looking for such hideouts, smart travelers know there is something magical about other destinations which are rarely seen by many.

There are many popular hill stations in India to choose for, maybe like the hills of Ooty or the valleys of Mussoorie, the options are endless. So while you’re here, let us explore some of the best affordable hill stations to visit in India this Summer.

Lansdowne, Uttarakhand: Where Time Stands Still

The road starts twisting up through Garhwal Hill range with sense of expectation growing ever stronger as you ascend it gradually. One corner reveals a mist cloaked town whose view is obstructed by colonial era structures not yet abandoned. This is Lansdowne – a place blending echoes of Raj and tunes from Mother Nature. Have fun by walking on Mall Road which has cute shops lined up along it or proceed deeper into woods around as their canopies filter sunrays forming mottled patterns on paths.

Secluded Bhulla Tal pond delivers tranquillity amid lush treescape while still water creates perfect background for tiny paddle boats that can be rented out at any given point; otherwise just lay lazily on lawns here listening attentively to peaceful silence prevailing throughout this destination. For an insight into pasts associated with these towns pass by War Memorial—an epitome of soldiers’ gallantry. 

Lansdowne is not merely a destination; it is something more than that. There you will still remember foggy mornings, lazy strolls in woods as well as hospitable warmth of locals which will ever tempt you to return to this idealistic hill station.

Kasol, Himachal Pradesh: A Tapestry of Cultures Woven in the Parvati Valley

In the heart of Parvati Valley, where a gentle murmur of river combining with rustling leaves creates an atmosphere, one can find Kasol – a bohemian paradise symbolizing freedom. This hamlet secluded by tall pine trees is for those who want to get away from their ordinary lives.

When walking among narrow streets, a fusion of colours and smells overwhelms your senses. Freshly baked breads and hummus under the tempting display on Israeli cafes as Tibetan prayer flags fly vibrantly over them signify that this place has become a meeting point for various cultures whose laughter and aroma from spices fill up air making it inevitable for travellers from all over the world to come together and share stories.

Beyond the village, there is an adventure in waiting for you. Take a scenic trekking tour to Kheerganga, a sacred place with natural hot springs and awesome views. It is through green forests and beside babbling brooks. Every corner of the trail offers you a remarkable view.

Tosh and Chalal are worth visiting places with their own unique spirits. Coming here after crossing Kasol village, you find it as a peaceful spot where small hotels and cafes are located among trees. Being at higher altitude of the valley, Tosh provides panoramic visions and traditional lifestyle.

After exploring the whole day, retire to one of these lovely chalets or traditional cabins where one can sit by the fireplace retelling tales of how they spent their day. You will feel at home instantly due to friendly reception and accommodation in this bohemian paradise.

Yercaud, Tamil Nadu: A Tranquil Oasis in the Shevaroys

You start feeling calm when you drive up winding roads leading to Yercaud – air gets colder, scenery becomes more green and noise from city fades away into distant horizon. A hidden treasure secluded amidst Shevaroy Hills in Tamil Nadu State that provides tranquility for those who seek solace from daily life hustles together with bustles.

Emerald coffee plantations veil its hillsides where morning light sparkles on leaves wetted by dew drops. Picturesque valleys submerging within clouds along a lake that reflects the sky make up this ideal postcard setting. One can either enjoy an unhurried rowing on Yercaud Lake listening to birds chirping amidst dense foliage around or lie down lazily on the grassy banks experiencing calmness.

Lady’s Seat Crest gives a 360 degrees picturesque view over surrounding mountains that looks spectacular especially during sunset hours when sky turns into flames of different colors. Alternatively go hiking up to Kiliyur fall which is massive waterfall dropping into a natural pool.

In the evening, enjoy the evening breeze in an adorable villa with green background. After buying freshly brewed coffee from nearby plantation wait for tranquility and silence of Yercaud to enter you. There is no other place like this one where visitors can turn for either adventure or get some time away from problems and return home rejuvenated.

Best Villas in Yercaud

When travelling to Yercaud, it is important to select a good stay in Yercaud with all the amenities. Check out these luxurious in villas in Yercaud with amenities and views that are just out of this world. 

Chail, Himachal Pradesh: Himalayan Encounter with the Royalty

As one goes up the road among thick forests of Himachal Pradesh, expectation gradually takes over. The air gets cooler and fresher, the view more dramatic and then Chail appears on top of a hill. This captivating hill station was once summer capital for Maharaja of Patiala till today it has still preserved its royal grandeur that attracts whoever comes to visit.

Chail Palace is an imposing structure that seems to touch the heavens as though in an age gone by. Wander through its magnificent halls with their intricate chandeliers and aged furniture and fancy yourself at all those opulent parties and royal congregations that used to be held there. Being converted into a heritage hotel, this palace welcomes you to try a bit of aristocracy with luxurious rooms and flawless services.

Once outside the walls of this palace you will be in absolute awe of Chail’s natural surroundings. Walk casually through pine woods where the fragrance of resin spreads out in the air while sunlight seeps through branches casting patches on trail.

Don’t miss visiting world’s highest cricket pitch; it’s a tribute to Chail’s royal past which is one of its kind. Standing amidst towering deodars on a pitch will transport you back to when cricket was only for leisure among high class people.

Best Cottages in Chail

For an immersive experience stay in any number of delightful cottages or villas scattered across these hillsides. These often tucked-away accommodations are ensconced within forested areas offering privacy, quietness, and wonderful views over Himalayas.

Check out Vue By The Valley, The Woods, and Residences by Tarika in Chail which are some of the best cottages in Chail. 

Ooty, Tamil Nadu: The Hill Station Queen Call

As you drive up the winding roads, a breathtaking vista of rolling tea-covered hills opens before you in Ooty’s lap amidst Nilgiri Hills. The air is clean and cold carrying scents of eucalyptus and pine. This place lets time flow slowly by so that you can really escape from everyday madness.

Ooty is a town rich in history and charm. Take an excursion with Nilgiri Mountain Railway which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it winds its way through the picturesque landscape past waterfalls, ravines, and quaint villages. In Botanical Gardens located here at every turn awaits different species of plants; try to take a walk and feel your heart full of admiration for this incredible diversity on Earth. Ooty Lake with its silent waters encircled by eucalyptus trees provides a perfect spot for an unhurried boat ride or quiet picnic.

To discover more about this community’s colonial legacy, pay homage to St. Stephen’s Church being designed in gothic style reminding about British era. Explore local markets where you can buy various handicrafts, spices, or homemade chocolates. In the evening go back to heritage bungalow or cosy cottage where you will feel how warm Ooty inhabitants are while enjoying silence of mountains.

Best Villas in Ooty

If you’re looking for a comfortable and luxurious stay in Ooty, look no further than Greenwood Bungalow and Floating Fogg. 

Coonoor, Tamil Nadu: Tea Lover’s Dream in Nilgiri

Coonoor is an off the beaten path place at the heart of Nilgiri hills that is detached from other crowded places, and it is a peaceful town where you are supposed to slow down and enjoy simple things. When you get down at Nilgiri Mountain Railway, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, the scent of Eucalyptus will mingle up with that of tea leaves. The journey on this train is an experience for all senses as one is passing through thick tea plantations and can have a chance to see the valleys below.

Coonoor has vast green lands everywhere with tea plantations covering all over. Here, visitors can stroll through huge fields of tea growing plants watching how they are plucked, withered, and dried before being packed in large sacks ready for shipping. At Sim’s Park there are various kinds of vegetation including those that hardly exist somewhere else. Droog Fort’s remains stand as silent sentinels offering panoramic views.

During evenings, find comfort in small cottages built within tea gardens. As fog encloses itself around the hills like a delicate shawl savour freshly brewed Nilgiri Tea while experiencing Coonoor’s tranquillity.

When the sun goes down below the horizon, elongating the shadows over these hills, this is when a feeling of tranquillity fills these secret harbours. While drinking tea on a veranda with panorama of the evergreen Nilgiri Hills or sitting at a cozy cottage’s porch in Lansdowne and just breathing deeply fresh air from Chail’s mountains one will be captivated by charm of unknown hill stations.