Beat the heat: Best hill stations to visit

• Escape the rising summer heat at these five cool Indian destinations
• Visit Tawang, Coonoor, Spiti Valley, Gangtok, or Munnar for relief
• Experience diverse climates from Himalayan peaks to Nilgiri hills

The mercury is climbing, ACs are working overtime, and the afternoon sun feels less like a warm embrace and more like a personal attack. If you're dreaming of crisp mountain air and cool breezes, you're not alone. Here’s where to go.

Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

Forget the crowded mainstays. For a truly soul-stirring escape, head to Tawang. Nestled in the Himalayas at over 10,000 feet, this is where summer temperatures hover between a pleasant 5°C and 20°C. Home to the stunning Tawang Monastery, the second-largest in the world, the region offers a unique blend of spiritual calm and breathtaking natural beauty. Think glacial lakes, dramatic mountain passes like Sela Pass, and a vibrant Monpa culture. The journey itself, with its winding roads and panoramic views, is part of the adventure. It’s an ideal spot for those seeking solitude, photography, and a deep cultural immersion far from the scorching plains.

Coonoor, Tamil Nadu

While its neighbour Ooty often steals the spotlight, Coonoor offers a quieter, more relaxed Nilgiri hill station experience. The air here is scented with eucalyptus and tea, and the weather remains delightfully cool. Summer days are perfect for exploring its sprawling tea estates, like Highfield Tea Factory, where you can see the tea-making process from leaf to cup. A ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-do, chugging through misty valleys and verdant landscapes. For panoramic views, head to Dolphin’s Nose. Coonoor is the perfect antidote to city stress—a place to slow down, sip chai, and simply breathe in the fresh mountain air.

Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

For the adventurous at heart, there's no better escape than Spiti. This high-altitude cold desert is often called 'Little Tibet' for its stark, moon-like landscapes and ancient Buddhist monasteries clinging to cliffsides. Summer is the best, and often only, time to visit, as winter snows cut it off from the rest of the world. Temperatures are cool and the skies are a brilliant blue. You can visit some of the oldest monasteries in the world, like Key Monastery and Tabo Monastery, or send a postcard from the world’s highest post office in Hikkim. The journey is challenging, requiring acclimatisation to the altitude, but the rewards are immense: unparalleled views, profound silence, and a sense of being on top of the world.

Gangtok, Sikkim

If you crave the mountains but also appreciate clean streets and organised charm, Gangtok is your answer. The capital of Sikkim is a refreshingly modern hill station that serves as a perfect base for exploring the region. Summer temperatures are comfortable, making it ideal for strolling down the pedestrian-only MG Marg, lined with cafes and shops. From here, you can take day trips to the serene Tsomgo Lake, visit the famous Rumtek Monastery, or get a bird's-eye view of the city from a cable car. Gangtok blends Himalayan culture with a contemporary vibe, offering great food, friendly locals, and stunning views of Kanchenjunga on clear days. It's an accessible yet exotic escape from the heat.

Munnar, Kerala

While South India swelters, the rolling hills of Munnar in Kerala remain a cool, green paradise. Known as the 'Kashmir of South India', this region is famous for its emerald-green tea plantations that carpet the landscape as far as the eye can see. Summer here means pleasant days and cool nights, perfect for hiking, visiting the Eravikulam National Park to spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, or simply relaxing with a view. The aroma of tea and spices hangs in the air, and the mist that descends upon the hills in the evenings adds a touch of magic. Munnar is not just a place; it's a sensory experience that rejuvenates you from the inside out.