Hill stations in India have some of the world’s most fabulous eye-catching views as India experiences all four seasons. Indian hill stations are surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery, including rushing rivers, lush forests, rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, and other natural wonders. India is home to eight mountain ranges, each a natural wonder.
It’s incredible the number of hill stations in India. You hear about some only after visiting them for a few days, like Darjeeling or Shishapangi in the Himalayas. For those who want to explore the country independently, there are also many hidden gems outside the major tourist destinations. These places have something for everyone, from secluded hot spots to bustling backpacker centres. With so many choices, knowing where to begin your Indian vacation planning can be challenging.
Kullu Manali
Manali is one of India’s most popular and most visited hill stations, considered a honeymooners paradise. It is known for its beautiful scenery, flower gardens, snow-capped mountains, and red and green apple orchards. One of India’s highest hill stations is here. Visit Rohtang Pass, the highest point on the road between Manali and Keylong. Kalath Hot Water Springs, Vashist Hot Water Springs, Jogini Falls, and Solang Valley are other great places to visit here.
- What can you do here: Ride A Yak, Bike Ride, Rafting
- Best Time To Visit: October to February
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Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal – is known as the “princess of hill stations” because of its beautiful scenery. It is one of the most well-known hill stations in South India, where people go to see the stunning views. It’s easy to see why it’s often called India’s most beautiful hill station. Take a boat ride on the Kodaikanal lake and walk up to the Pillar rocks to see beautiful sights. Go to the parks and walk through the Pine Forests to see nature. You could also go to one of the wax museums.
- Best Time To Visit: October and March
- What can you do here: Night Safari, Boat Ride
Ooty
Ooty is one of the best south Indian hill stations. People like to go there to see the beauty of nature, relax, and try out new things they could add to their travel journals. Explore the cosy cottages and go hiking along the plantation sites for views that will take your breath away. You could also try out exciting things like fishing and hand gliding.
- Best Time To Visit: October to June
- What can you do here: Visit Botanical Gardens.
Coorg
Coorg is a district in the state of Karnataka. It is known for its many places of interest and cute villages. There are beautiful mountain ranges and one of India’s best mountain places. Exploring The Coorg District is the best thing in the world for a person who loves nature. The hill station can draw you in with its beautiful scenery and friendly people. Other things to see are Abbey Falls, Nagarahole (Wildlife Sanctuary), Mountain Ranges, Churches, and Forts. Because of its natural beauty, Coorg is also listed as one of India’s top and best honeymoon destinations.
- Best Time To Visit: December to February
- What can you do here: Enjoy Views Of The Magnificient Waterfall, Sightseeing
Darjeeling
Darjeeling is a trendy tourist destination, but it is also a beautiful place with mountains covered in snow and many tea gardens. Spend your days here looking at the architecture from the colonial era, going to Buddhist monasteries, and, of course, trying the excellent tea. Visit a tea estate like the Happy Valley Tea Estate, ride a toy train through the Batasia Loop and War Memorial, see the beautiful Khangchendzonga from Tiger Hill, and spend an afternoon at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Museum. The Observatory hill, the Buddhist monasteries in Ghum, and the Japanese Peace Pagoda are all other great places to visit here.
- Best Time To Visit: March to May
- What can you do here: Go River Rafting, Trekking
Srinagar
Srinagar is, without a doubt, one of the best hill stations in North India. It has beautiful natural scenery, old gardens, and unique mosques. Get enchanted by the beautiful Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, the botanical gardens during the famous Tulip Festival, and the Badamwari Garden when the almond trees bloom. Stop by the peaceful Shankaracharya Mandir, the lovely Khanqah Shah-i-Hamadan mosque, and the Pari Mahal. Lastly, spend a day learning about life on Dal lake and Nigeen lake. It is one of India’s most astounding hill stations during the winter.
- Best Time To Visit: April to October
- What can you do here: Trekking, Birdwatching
Pahalgam
Pahalgam is a great place to visit a hill station in India in the summer because it has gurgling rivers and snowy peaks. Visit Chandanwari, Betaab Valley, and Aru Valley while you are here. Take a pony ride to the beautiful Dabian and Baisaran, surrounded by thick forests and snow-covered mountains and one of the top 40 hill stations in the world.
- Best Time To Visit: March to June
- What can you do here: Sightseeing, Camping, River Rafting
Gulmarg
Gulmarg, meaning “flower meadow,” is known for its stunning natural beauty. People go there to ski in the winter, but its pine forests and wildflowers make it a beautiful place to visit in the summer. This is another of India’s best hill stations. Visit the Ningle Nallah, which starts where the Apharwat peak’s snow melts, and be amazed by the view of the Himalayan peaks from the Gondola Lift. Other great spots include Lien Marg, the clean and healing waters of Verinag, the Biosphere Reserve of Gulmarg, and Alpather Lake. These make it one of India’s most beautiful topmost hill stations.
- Best Time To Visit: March to June
- What can you do here: Skiing, Gondola Ride, Trekking
Shimla
Shimla is Known as “The Summer Refuge” and is known for the British and colonial buildings that are still there. This, along with its natural beauty, makes it a great place to visit in North India during the summer. Shimla should be on your list because it is one of the best hill stations in India and has an airport. People think this is the best hill station in all of north India. At the Himalayan Aviary, you can see different kinds of birds. You can have a picnic at Glenn next to a beautiful stream, and the Dorje Drak Monastery is a lovely place to visit. Solan Brewery, Darlaghat, Scandal Point, Kamna Devi Temple, Jakhu Hill, and Gurkha Gate are some other well-known places.
- Best Time To Visit: November and February
- What can you do here: Toy Train Ride, Rafting
Almora
Almora is a popular hill station in India that sits on a ridge in the shape of a horse saddle. From there, you can see a comprehensive view of the snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas. Visit Bright End Corner to see a beautiful sunrise or sunset and picnic at the beautiful pine- and fir-covered Simtola or Martola. You can also see deer, leopards, and Himalayan black bears in Deer Park. The Gobind Ballabh Pant Public Museum and the Binsar Wildlife sanctuary are other popular places to visit.
- Best Time To Visit: April to June
- What can you do here: Trekking, Sightseeing
Nainital
Nainital is one of the best hill stations in India in May and June. It is in the Himalayan Belt, in the middle of the Kumaon Hills, and has some beautiful lakes. It is a great place to relax in nature because the oak, pine, and rhododendron forests are so green and lush. Go to the beautiful Kilbury or The Tiffin Top for a picnic. Visit Land’s End to see the stunning views of Khurpatal Lake and hike to the top of Naina Peak, Nainital’s highest point.
- Best Time To Visit: March to June
Auli
Auli is a beautiful place to visit, and people all over the country go there to ski. This beautiful place is one of the best hill stations in India. It is known for its oak-lined slopes and lush coniferous forests. Visit Nandaprayag, a popular Auli spot where the rivers Alaknanda and Mandakini meet. See also the natural spring in Saildhar Tapovan, the Auli Artificial Lake, and the Chattarkund Lake. Ride the Gondola to get a beautiful view of the area from above.
- Best Time To Visit: November to March
- What can you do here: Skiing, Shopping, Hiking
Pelling
Pelling is popular in Sikkim because it has snow-capped mountains, a long and exciting history, and a great view from the top of the hills. Mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and monasteries can be seen here. The Kanchenjunga Falls and the Pemyangshi Pemayangtse Monastery are the most important of these. The Changey Waterfall, the Sewaro Rock Garden, the Sangachoeling Monastery, and the Rabdentse Ruins are also must-see places.
- Best Time To Visit: September to May
- What can you do here: Visit Pemayangtse Monastery, Experience Sikkimese Hospitality.
Mahabaleshwar
In west India, Mahabaleshwar is a well-known hill station. It has unique sights and stories from the past that can make your trip exciting and fun. Mahabaleshwar is also the oldest hill station, and its new climate, mountains, and valleys make it a great place to visit. It is one of India’s most beautiful and charming hill stations.
- Best Time To Visit: March to June
- What can you do here: Ride A Shikara, Jungle Trekking
Ladakh
Ladakh is beautiful in every way, from its nature and landscapes to its culture and geography. With its bright blue lakes, cold deserts, and colourful monasteries and gompas, Ladakh is a genuine Heaven on Earth and one of the best hill stations in India. It’s likely the only place on Earth where sunstroke and frostbite can happen simultaneously. Even though Leh is the capital of Leh, travellers can also visit Kargil, Nubra, Pangong Tso, and other places in the area.
- Best Time To Visit: April to June
- What can you do here: Camel Safari, Trekking
Must carry things while traveling to Hill Stations:
Whenever you plan to visit a hill station, there are certain things which you must take with you to make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable. Here is a list of a few such things:
1) A good pair of walking shoes: A good pair of walking shoes is essential if you want to explore the hill station on foot. Make sure to carry a comfortable pair of shoes that provides good grip and support to your feet.
2) A light woollen sweater or jacket: Even though the weather in a hill station is primarily pleasant, it can get chilly in the evenings or early mornings. Therefore, carrying a light woollen sweater or jacket with you is always a good idea to keep yourself warm.
3) A scarf or muffler: A scarf or muffler is also an excellent option to keep yourself warm in a hill station. You can use it around your neck or head to protect yourself from the cold wind.
4) A sunscreen lotion: A sunscreen lotion is a must-have if you visit a hill station during the summer months. The sun can be pretty harsh in the hills and cause sunburns, so apply sunscreen lotion before going out in the sun.
5) A hat or cap: A hat or cap is also a good idea to protect your head from the sun. You can also use it to keep your head warm in cold weather.
6) A pair of sunglasses is a must if you plan to visit a hill station during the summer months. The sun can be pretty bright in the hills and can cause eye strain, so make sure to carry a pair of
That’s all about our discussion on India’s Top 15 hill stations. India has one of the best tourist places in the world. You will find here one of the best hill stations. You can ask in the comments section if you have any questions. We’ve sifted through data and features from leading sources to help you make the right choice. So, look at our list of top hill stations in India for travellers based on the originality of location and variety of offerings.
