India has a vivid landscape spotted with snow-covered mountains, rich woodlands, abundant green slopes, and grand lakes. Settled among these are a large group of delightful hill stations that are very much ideal to reprieve from the heat intensity. Here is our pick of the best hill stations in India worth visiting.
1. Shimla
Settled among snow-covered mountains and oak, pine, and rhododendron woods is the beautiful hill station Shimla, where frontier time structures and the popular toy train fascinate architecture lovers and history buffs alike. Established in the 18th century, Shimla filled in as the ‘Summer Capital of the British’ when they governed India. Its heritage is clear with sights like the Viceregal Lodge, a wonderfully saved Jacobethan-style construction that houses old photos and relics tracing all the way back to the British times in India. Other must-visit places incorporate the Neo-Gothic style Christ Church, the Ridge (the center of social and cultural affairs), the Jakhoo Temple devoted to Hindu divinity, Lord Hanuman, and the clamoring Mall Road, which is dabbed with energetic bistros, eateries, retail outlets, handlooms and that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Furthermore, the wonderful scenery likewise makes it an ideal spot for adventure lovers, who can enjoy sporting exercises, such as setting up camp, mountain trekking, skiing, ice-skating, paragliding, and hiking.
Ideal Time To Visit: November and February
Ideal Duration: Minimum of 3 days for a satisfying trip.
How To Reach: Direct flight to Jubbarhatti in Shimla or else through train to Kalka followed by a taxi ride of 2 hours.
Things To Do: Toy Train Ride, Rafting, etc.
2. Nainital
Within the outer Himalayas, in the midst of the Kumaon slopes sits the grand town of Nainital, which is a heaven for nature and regular travelers. From rich timberlands and the snow-shrouded pinnacles of Naina, Ayarpatta, and Deopatha, to the pleasant and attractive Naini Lake and nearby natural life, the town isn’t just great for adventure activities, such as traveling, waterway boating, kayaking, camping, horseback riding, and paragliding, but on the other hand, it’s an incredible spot for photographers needing to catch its ethereal magnificence. Features for sightseers incorporate the Tiffin Top, the Mall Road, Snow View Point, Nainital Zoo, Raj Bhavan (Governor’s House), the Naina Devi sanctuary, the Eco Cave Gardens, Bhimtal Lake, Naini Lake, and Naina Peak, and a wildlife safari trip in Jim Corbett National Park. One should visit this place in April month because of the pleasant and suitable weather to enjoy these activities.
Ideal Time To Visit: March to June
Ideal Duration: Minimum of 3 days for a decent trip.
How To Reach: Direct flight to Pantnagar and then a taxi ride of 1.5 hours. or else by train to Kathgodam and then by a taxi ride of 1 hour. You can also take buses from ISBT Anand Vihar run to Nainital which takes up to 9 hours.
Things To Do: Waterway Boating, Kayaking, Camping, etc.
3. Darjeeling
A retreat for the people who love to be in the midst of nature, Darjeeling is settled at an elevation of 2,042 meters in the lesser Himalayas. Its vast slants of rich tea gardens and snow-shrouded Himalayan tops in the setting add to its truly astonishing beauty. Guests and visitors can visit one of the numerous tea gardens, journey to Tiger Hill, take in the astounding vistas of Mount Kanchenjunga (the world’s third-highest peak), and Khangchendzonga, visit Buddhist cloisters and wander through the beautiful botanical gardens. Try to take the UNESCO World Heritage Toy Train ride, navigating through the memorial of war and Batasia Loop.
Ideal Time To Visit: March to May
Ideal Duration: Minimum of 4 days for a decent trip.
How To Reach: Direct flight to Bagdogra Airport and then by taxi for 4 hours or else through train to New Jalpaiguri then by taxi for 4 hours.
Things To Do: Go River Rafting, Trekking, etc.
4. Srinagar
Known as the Summer Capital of the Indian province of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar is located in the Kashmir Valley on the banks of the Jhelum River. This ‘Venice of the East ‘isn’t just enjoyment for the camera, but on the other hand, it’s overflowing with entrancing social, historical, and sporting sights that make it an ideal spot for voyagers, travelers, and photographers. It is also considered as one of the best hill stations for a honeymoon. There are noteworthy Mughal gardens, royal residences, sanctuaries, mosques, and a lot more natural magnificence. Furthermore, the throb of this delightful hill station is Dal Lake, which is known for its houseboats, floating gardens, and drifting vegetable market. Guests can take a shikara ride on the lake and immerse in the magnificence of the area while watching the day-to-day life of local people that are settled along its bank. While visiting during April, ensure to go to the well-known Tulip Festival which features more than 1,000,000 flowers and social programs, such as regional folk songs, dance, cuisines, and local handicrafts exhibitions.
Ideal Time To Visit: April to October
Ideal Duration: Minimum of 4 days for a good trip.
How To Reach: Direct flights to the Srinagar International Airport are readily available or through train to Jammu and then by a taxi or public transport to Srinagar.
Things To Do: Trekking, Birdwatching, Boating, Shikara Ride, etc.
5. Manali
Encircled by the Himalayas and rich plant life is a must visit place in October, and settled on the banks of the Beas River, its landscape makes it a superb objective for explorers and backpackers as there are sporting activities ready to be had – from hiking to boating and paragliding to skiing. It is one of the most popular hill stations in North India which receives a good amount of snowfall. It is one of the most popular hill stations in North India. With respect to history buffs and culture lovers, the pagoda-formed Hadimba sanctuary, the Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art, Manu Temple, and Tibetan religious communities are an unquestionable necessity. For guests who just need to loosen up their psyche and body, the Vashisht Hot Water Springs is the ideal spot to restore. Albeit the actual town has parts to keep guests occupied, meander a couple of miles out to be immersed in nature and experience. The must-visit close-by towns incorporate Naggar, Kothi, Gulaba, and Solang.
Ideal Time To Visit: October to February
Ideal Duration: Plan a 4-day trip in the month of May
How To Reach: Flights to Bhuntar airport and then by taxi (2 hours approximately) or bus ride. You can also take public or private bus transport from Delhi to Manali which takes 10 hours.
Things To Do: Bike Ride, Rafting, Skiing, Hiking, Paragliding, etc.
6. Munnar
Kerala’s crown gem, Munnar is an enchanting hill station, exemplified by its rambling tea ranches, cloudy slopes, winding paths, and dazzling perspectives on the mountain tops. It is a quite popular hill station in South India and is best place to visit in September. Visit the tea ranches and the Tata Tea Museum for an understanding of tea handling and test new tea chosen directly from the tea gardens, or meander through the Eravikulam National Park to observe the magnificence of rich valleys and rolling slopes. For those who need adventure, go on a trip to Anamudi, South India’s most noteworthy pinnacle, or go paragliding and rock climbing. A short drive from the town is a treat for nature and landscape admirers. Visitors can visit the rose nursery close to Mattupetty Lake, experience the magnificence of Pallivasal Falls in Pallivasal, trip to the Chinnakanal Waterfalls, explore the otherworldly town of Devikulam, and go for a walk along the rich green hills of zest and tea manors in Chithirapuram.
Ideal Time To Visit: September to March
Ideal Duration: Minimum of 3 days.
How To Reach: Direct flight to Cochin International Airport and then by public or private transports to Munnar or else through train to the railway station at Aluva, and then by private or public transports
Things To Do: Tree House Stay, Tea Estate Tours, Visit to Mattupetty Lake, Paragliding, etc.
7. Ooty
Located in the Nilgiri Hills, Ooty is one of the most famous South Indian hill stations. The town is encircled by a stunningly lovely scene, including lakes, mountains, and tea ranches, which is a treat to nature and landscape fans. You can trek along the tea gardens, or enjoy activities, such as boating, gliding, or angling at Ooty Lake. Nature admirers can visit the Botanical Garden which houses extraordinary and native plants and a rose nursery that elements more than 3, 600 assortments of roses. Architecture fans will adore meandering through the area, which is populated with various provincial-style cabins and cottages. And for admirers of the cultural aspects, the Wax World Museum, the Tea Museum, and St. Stephen’s Church are a must-visit.
Ideal Time To Visit: October to June
Ideal Duration: Minimum of 3 days for a decent trip.
How To Reach: Direct flight to the Coimbatore international airport. Or through trains like Nilgiri express from Chennai to Mettupalayam. Public and private transports are available to reach Ooty.
Things To Do: Visit Botanical Gardens, ST. Stephen’s Church, Team Museum, etc.
8. Mussoorie
Simply a thirty-minute drive away from Dehradun lies the ravishing hill station of Mussoorie. Located in the lower regions of the Himalayas, this hill station has been a famous location for vacationers since colonial times because of its pleasant setting and natural magnificence. It is also considered the “Queen of Hill Stations”. Including snow-covered mountains to lakes, cascades, and lavish backwoods, adventure activities are ample including boating, zip-lining, hiking, and rappelling. Attractions sure to intrigue vacationers incorporate the Jharipani and Kempty Waterfalls, Mussoorie Lake (where you can boat), the Camel’s Back Road (known for its stone development as a camel’s slouched back), and the Lal Tibba (the most noteworthy pinnacle of Mussoorie). Visitors should not miss taking the Gun Hill cable car ride. From the 400-feet high, you can immerse yourself in enjoying the wilderness of the Doon Valley and the encompassing region.
Ideal Time To Visit: April-June
Ideal Duration: Plan a trip of 2 nights and 3 days for your vacation.
How To Reach: Direct flights to Dehradun Airport or by driving from the nearest metros via Dehradun city. Buses are also available from the nearby cities to Mussoorie.
Things To Do: Trekking, Hiking, Paragliding, etc.
9. Mahabaleshwar
The old summer capital of Bombay during British rule is one of the best historical place in India, Mahabaleshwar is one of the most famous hill stations in west India, set in the midst of the Sahyadri mountain ranges. Many people consider it as the “King of Hill Stations”. Its rich nurseries, primeval forts, grand cascades, lakes, and salubrious climate all year, combined make for an unspoiled and outwardly engaging environment. Likewise, adventure activities such as kayaking, water scooting, paragliding, horseback riding, and trekking are available to be undertaken.
Ideal Time To Visit: March to June
Ideal Duration: Minimum of 3 days.
How To Reach: Mahabaleshwar from Mumbai journey takes around 5 hours via public or private transport. Also, you can take trains to Wathar station from Mumbai.
Things To Do: Ride A Shikara, Jungle Trekking, Paragliding, Horseback riding, etc.
10. Shillong
Known as the ‘Scotland of the East’, Shillong is situated in upper east India and flaunts natural magnificence in each alcove. The environmental factors are untainted, with beautiful lakes, flowing cascades, captivating caverns, and rolling green slopes. For adventure lovers, activities are plentiful, including hiking, angling, boating, kayaking, water rappelling, rock climbing, and spelunking. For cultural admirers, explore the nearby towns, gain a piece of knowledge of the way of life and history of neighborhood clans dwelling in the region, and experience colonial welcome. Visitors should not miss visiting Umiam Lake, Shillong Peak, Lady Hydari Park, Sweet Falls, and Elephant Falls. Make a point to visit the 18-hole golf course, which is considered the best in India.
Ideal Time To Visit: September to May
Ideal Duration: Minimum of 3 days for a decent trip.
How To Reach: Direct flight to the Shillong Airport in Umroi or else by train to Guwahati and then by taxi for 3 hours.
Things To Do: Hiking, Angling, Boating, Kayaking, Visit The Umiam Lake, Enjoy The Elephant Falls, etc.
