Hill Stations in India

India a land of varied diversity have loads to offer to its tourists. Covered by awe-inspiring hills from Kashmir in the North to Munnar in the South and Shillong in the East to Khandala in the west - hill stations in India have always fascinated people. 

Every part of this vast country has something unique and each hill station will infuse fresh life. The Himalayas running north to east, Vindhya and Aravalli ranges flanking central and western India, and small other mountain ranges such as Nilgiri Mountains (an extension of Western Ghats) offer some of the best landscapes in the world.

Top Hill Stations in India

Shimla

Hill Stations in India

Must Visit in Shimla

  • The Ridge
  • Jakhoo Hill
  • State Museum
  • St. Michael's Cathedral
  • Chail
  • Gorton Castle
  • Christ Church
One of the most popular and must visit hill stations of India is Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Though the British has left India but it has left its footprints in this beautiful hill station in north India. 

Also read: Hill Stations in Shimla | Seven Hills of Shimla

Gulmarg

Gulmarg

Things to do in  Gulmarg

  • Horse riding/Hiking
  • Cable car riding to Khilanmarg
  • Golf
  • Snow Skiing during winter months (End Dec -Middle March)
  • Gondola Ride
  • Visit St Mary's Church
Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir is one of the most popular hill stations of India. It is also an important skiing destinations. Located at a height of 2650m, it also has the country's highest golf courses. 

Ooty

Top hill stations in India

Must Visit in Ooty

    • Dodabetta Peak
    • Tribal Research Centre Museum
    • Thread Garden
    • St Stephen's Church
    • Ride in Toy Train
    Udhagamandalam better known, as Ooty is one of the most picturesque hill stations of India. If you wish to enjoy the chilling winters when temperatures fall to 0o C at times, it is then one of the best places to visit. You must try the UNESCO heritage train ride.

    Munnar

    Famous hill stations of India
    Places to Visit in Munnar

    • Eravikulam National Park
    • Anamudi Peak
    • Mattupetty Dam
    • Tea Museum
    • Echo Point

    An idyllic tourist destination, a quaint hill station in God's Own Country in Kerala is a must visit hill station in India. Tea plantations, exotic holiday resorts and winding lanes are enough to attract thousands of tourists every year.

    Darjeeling

    Darjeeling
    Place To Visit in Darjeeling

    • Tiger Hill
    • Japanese Peace Pagoda
    • Samten Choling Gompa
    • Yiga Choling Gompa

    West Bengal's most important attraction and an archetypal hill station, Darjeeling is a must visit hill station of India. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, an UNESCO World Heritage site is an added attraction of this place. Enjoy the murmuring of the Teesta river on one side and the Himalayas on the other while on your trip to Darjeeling!

    Gangtok

    Gangtok
    Must do in Gangtok

    • Ropeway Cable car ride
    • River Rafting
    • Ride on an Yak
    • Visit Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
    Located at a height of 5500ft, Gangtok the capital of Sikkim is a mesmerising hill station with a perfect view of the Kanchendzonga in clear skies. Enjoy the salubrious climate and scenic views that this hill station offers.

    Tawang

    Tawang

    Must Visit in Tawang

      • Must Visit in Tawang
      • Visit Tawang Monastery
      • Bap Teng Kang
      • Tawang War Memorial
      • Gorichen Peak
      • Sela Pass
      Situated at a height of 3048m above sea level, Tawang is situated in the northwester part of Arunachal Pradesh. The solitude and natural beauty of Gudpi and Chong-Chugmi ranges, Tawang chu River and Tawang valley are very mesmerizing.

      Coorg

      Hill stations in South India

      Things to do in Coorg
      • Trekking in Kotebetta, Thadiyandamol and Brahmagiri
      • Quad Biking inside Coffee plantations
      • Bird Watching in Coorg
      • Angling in backwaters of the River Kaveri at Valnoor
      Located in the Western Ghats in Karnataka, Coorg is a scenic hill station with great waterfalls, alluring streams and evergreen forests. One can have a great time in this picturesque hill station and enjoy the best cup of coffee and some delicious Coorg recipes!

      Kodaikanal

      Kodikanal

      Must Visit in Kodaikanal

      • Thalaiyar Falls
      • Coaker's Walk
      • Shenbaganur Museum
      • Silver Cascade Falls
      Touted as the Princess of Hill Stations, Kodaikanal was discovered in 1845. Water-bodies, ancient caves and enchanting waterfalls never ceases to stun the tourists in Kodaikanal. Enjoy the amazing beauty in Coorg!

      Kullu and Manali

      Kullu and Manali
      Must Do in Kullu and Manali

      • Paragliding
      • Trekking
      • Skiing
      • Camping
      • Jeep Safari
      Kullu and Manali are important hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. The Kullu Valley is often referred as the Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple as it is surrounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges. The hill stations are also home to Lord Ragunathji, the presiding deity of the region.

      Hill stations in North India

      Jammu and Kashmir

      Hill Stations in Jammu and Kashmir
      (Source: Flickr creative Commons Nilanjan Sasmal)

      Kashmir – Situated in the northern most part of India, the valleys of Kashmir are surrounded by Pakistan in the west and China in the east. Often called as the ‘Switzerland of India’ this hill station is located at an average height of 1,850 meters from the sea level.

      What not to miss?
      • Sonmarg – A good place for paragliding, trekking and other adventure sports, it is the last major point in Kashmir valley before the Zoji pass breaks into Ladak with barren lands

      • Shalimar Garden – Emperor Shah Jehan built this beautiful garden for his wife Nur Jehan

      • Harwan – A beautiful garden lined with Chinar trees, flower beds and a beautiful canal flowing right through the middle of the garden

      • Dal Lake – The most famous lake in this hill town, known to house the most number of house boats in India

      • Mughal Gardens – Yet another garden in this hill station. The difference being this garden houses Terrace Gardens and beautiful fountains

      • Hazratbal Mosque – This alluring white mosque is located on the banks of Dal Lake, far from the maddening crowd and pollution

      • Bahu Fort – Perhaps the oldest edifice present in Kashmir, is built completely on rocks and faces the Tawi River

      Also read: Tourism in Srinagar

      How to Reach?

      By Air
      – Srinagar Airport is approximately14km from the city centre.There are daily flights to Srinagar from all major cities in India
      By Road – The town is well connected to neighbouring cities such as Delhi – 850 km, Amritsar –457 km, Ambala – 622 km, Chandigarh – 592 km, Ludhiana –528 km
      By Rail – Jammu Tawi is the nearest railway head and is at a distance of approximately 305km

      View some of the activities in Jammu and Kashmir

      Ladak

      Ladakh
      (Source: Flickr Creative Commons Ranna M V)

      ‘Land of high passes’ is a literal translation of Ladak in Tibetan. It is located at an average altitude of more than 3,000 meters above the sea level. It is an hill station with brown barren and rocky mountains

      Also Read : Tourism in Leh and Ladakh | Adventure Sports in Leh

      Hill Stations in Himachal Pradesh

      Himachal is situated in the Western Himalayas. This state is famous for its abundant natural beauty thus making this cold hill station a hot destination for tourists. 

      It is bordered by Jammu and Kashmir on the north, Punjab on the west and south-west and by the Tibet Autonomous Region on the east.

      Some of the must visit hill stations of Himachal are:

      Hill Stations in Himachal Pradesh
      (Source: Flickr Neha Dhiman)

      Dharamsala – This beautiful city located in the upper reaches of Kangra Valley is surrounded by dense forests. Many monasteries have been established here by the Tibetan immigrants who have settled here. 

      Dharamsala is the starting point to a number of trekking trails. McLeod Ganj  a suburb of Dharamsala also known as little Lhasa is a very popular tourist destination.

      Also Read: Tourism in Dharamshala | Adventure Sports in Dharamshala
       
      Shimla – Shimla gives the tourists a wide range of options from trekking and skiing to visit to the Shimla State Museum, Summer Hill, Christ Church and few other places.

      Kullu – Located on the banks of the Beas river, Kullu is one such place that could easily satisfy the tourists that are looking for a spiritual break. 

      Thanks to the number of temples located in this area. Raghunath Temple, Maha Devi Tirth Temple, Bijli Mahadev Temple are some of the few temples located here. Apart from temples you have a beautiful camp site along the Beas river at Raison. Kasol has a good spot for trout.

      Manali – This is a small town which gets its name from the Sage Manu. This town is referred to as “Valley of the Gods”. An ancient temple dedicated to sage Manu is a must visit here.

      Also Read: Tourism in Manali | Adventure Tourism in Manali

      Other hill stations in Himachal Pradesh include: Kasauli | Solan | Dalhousie

      Hill Stations in East and North-East India

      Hill Stations in Arunachal Pradesh

      Hill Stations in the Northeast
      (Source: Flickr creative Commons rajkumar1220)

      Arunachal Pradesh is located in northeast India. It borders the state of Assam and Nagaland to the south and shares international borders with Bhutan, China and Myanmar. The state is rich in wildlife and has a number of wildlife sanctuaries.

      Some of the important hill stations not to miss in Arunachal Pradesh

      Tawang- Tawang was historically a part of Tibet. Visit to Tawang requires special Government permit. One of the must visit places in Tawang is Tawang Monastery.

      How to reach?

      By Air- There is no functional Airport in Arunachal. Tezpur in Assam has the nearest Airport.
      By Road-`Arunachal has two major highways that makes it easily accessible from Assam. There is a daily bus service from Assam.
      By Rail- There is Rail service from Assam. But is not ideal as they are not frequent.

      Hill Stations in Assam

      Hill stations in Assam

      Assam is located at the south of the eastern Himalayas and it comprises of the Brahmaputra valley and the Barak river Valleys. Known for its tea and silk this state is even known for its wildlife.

      Haflong

      This is the only hill station in Assam. Haflong hill is popular for its trekking and hiking. Haflong lake offers a beautiful view of the Himalayas and offers an opportunity to engage in boating.

      How to get there?

      By Air-Guwahati has the closest functioning airport.
      By Rail- Railway is a very good option as rail route is active to this destination from Lumding
      By Road-Easily accessible by road. Guwahati is just 310 Kms away.

      Hill Stations in Meghalaya

      Hill stations in Meghalaya
      (Flickr Creative Commons Masrur Ashraf)

      Meghalaya is a state situated in Northeast India. This state is bounded to the south and the west by the People's Republic of Bangladesh and the north and the east by India's Assam state. The capital is Shillong  known as the "Scotland of the East".

      Shillong

      This beautiful city offers you a wide variety of options. From Zoo to lakes to museums. Elephant falls, Shillong Peak, Lady Hydari park are the few tourist places one should not miss here.

      Cherrapunji

      Cherrapunji is the wettest land on planet Earth. It is famous for its living bridges and every tourist here should take some time out to learn Khasi culture.

      How to reach Shillong?

      By Air- Shillong has an airport which could get you to Assam from where you can catch your connecting flights.
      By Road-
      Meghalaya has a road network of around 7,633 km, out of which 3,691 km is black topped and remaining 3942 km is gravelled. Meghalaya is also connected to Silchar in Assam, Aizawl in Mizoram and Agartala in Tripura through National Highways
      By Rail- Meghalaya has a rail-head at Mendipathar and regular train service connecting Mendipathar in Meghalaya and Dudhnoi in Assam, was scheduled to start from April 1, 2014.

      Hill Stations in West Bengal

      Hill stations in west bengal
      (Source Flickr creative Commons Anil Singhal)

      This state is situated in the Eastern side on India.And has many beautiful hill stations as Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Mirik etc. Among the hill stations there Darjeeling is the biggest attraction.

      Darjeeling

      This beautiful town, Darjeeling is known for its tea estates. The major attractions apart from scenic beauty and estates are Darjeeling ropeway for the adventure lovers and toy train. Darjeeling carnival is also a good attraction.

      How to get there?

      By Air - Bagdogra Airport is located 90 Kms from Dargeeling.
      By Road
      - Darjeeling can be reached via road through the National Highway 55, from Siliguri which is 77 km away.
      By Rail - Darjeeling can be reached by the 88 km long Darjeeling Himalayan Railway from New Jalpaiguri.

      Other hill stations in West Bengal are:
      Mirik | Kalimpong

      Hill Stations in Western India

      Hill Stations in Maharashtra

      Khandala
      (Source: Flickr Creative Commons ddasedEn)

      Maharashtra is a state in the western region of India. Maharashtra is divided into five geographic regions. Konkan is the western coastal region, between the Western Ghats and the sea. This state has around 15 hill stations all though all may not be popular.

      Khandala

      Tiger’s Leap is certainly a very fascinating view as the name suggests if you closely observe Khandala from this point, it will appear as if a tiger is leaping into the valley. Karla and Bhaja cave along with Bhushi lake makes it an interesting place to visit.

      Mahabaleshwar

      Venna lake, Elephant point are few of the attractions in Mahabaleshwar making it an important hill station of Maharashtra.

      Also Read:
      Tourism in Mahabaleshwar

      Matheran- 
      Lake Charlotte, Louisa point are the places that one can visit in Matheran.

      How to reach

      By Air - Pune and Mumbai have the nearest airports and all these places are easily accessible by road from there.
      By Rail - The railway is active and there are frequent trains from Pune and Mumbai.
      By Road -The express way highway from Mumbai to Pune helps you to reach most of the hill station destinations. And the other hill stations are accessible through roads as well.

      Hill Stations in South India

      Hill Stations in South India

      South India – a region synonym with temple towns, places of historical importance, archaeological sites, backwaters and hot idlis served with chutneys.

      B ut this is not all, often known to be rather a place with hot temperate climate many seldom know that there are a number of  sun kissed green mountains waiting to be explored and engulf you with its gorgeous valleys and calm waters.

      Deccan plateau has a wide mix of hill stations each with its own charm to allure the wanderer in you. Here is a list of destinations which make a cool getaway during hot summers. 

      Hill Stations in Tamil Nadu

      Ooty

      Ooty
      (Source: Flickr Creative Commons  Binny V A)

      First on the list has to definitely be Ooty. One of the most popular and sought after hill stations in South India, Ooty is an ideal combination of lakes, waterfalls, valleys, viewpoints and numerous tea estates which greet you as soon as one begins his ascend to this destination. 

      Ooty is situated in the state of Tamil Nadu and is easily approachable by road from Bangalore and Coimbatore alike. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, now also a UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts thousands of tourists every year for its route that has been laid amidst picturesque blue mountains crisscrossing the mountain bends, bridges and valleys. 

      Also Read: Tourist Places in Ooty

      Kodaikanal

      Kodaikanal
      (Source: Flickr Ahmed Mahin Fayaz)

      Situated in the pinnacle of upper Palani Hills, this Kodaikanal is located close to Madurai in Tamil Nadu. Kodaikanal has been one of the most sought after destinations from years unknown and has attracted tourists from across the globe and has been a beautiful backdrop of various movies.

      Kodaikanal is easily approachable by road from Madurai, Coimbatore, Trichy and Chennai. This hill station located soaring at an altitude of 2,133 mtrs, is a lovely combination of woods, serene lakes, eucalyptus plantations and comforting air. 

      Also Read: How to Reach Kodaikanal from Bengaluru | Hill Stations near Madurai

      Coonor

      Coonoor
      (Source: Flickr Creative Commons  Subharnab Majumdar)

      A hill station located very close to Ooty and is often considered as an extension to Ooty. This town is located at an altitude of 1,850 meters above the sea level. 

      The tea produced here is exported and is savoured by international populace. So, when here do not miss to sip the hot tea which are available in favours to pamper your taste buds.

      Also Read: Hill Stations of Tamil Nadu

      Hill Stations in Karnataka

      Coorg

      Top Hill Stations in South India
      (Source Creative Commons kiran kumar)

      The birth place of River Cauvery, one of the most scared rivers in the South is Coorg. Coorg also locally known as Kodagu is located in the Western Ghats of south western Karnataka. 

      Strategically located, this hill station is easily motor able from Mysore, Hassan, Bangalore in Karnataka and Kasargod, Kannur and Wayanad from Kerala. 

      A perfect weekend getaway for residents of Karnataka and Kerala alike, this place will not disappoint you. Wildlife photographers clean your lenses and trekkers wear your gear for you are definitely going to be in for some good adventure and exploration.

      Kuduremukh

      Hill Stations in Karnataka
      (Source: Flickr Creative Commons  Nikhil Verma)

      Situated at around 95 kms from Chikkamangaluru District the place is named after the horse shaped peak. It is located along the Arabian Sea and the hills are continuously connected to one another. It boasts a wide variety of flora and fauna and is a trekker’s paradise. 

      It stands tall at 1,894 meters above the sea level. The hill station of Kuduremukh is known for trekking. Plan a quite camp on this peak. A bonfire would definitely add to the fun. A lot of travel agents arrange camps and treks to this hill station.

      Also Read: Tourism in Chikkamangaluru

      Hill Stations in Kerala

      Munnar
      Famous Hill stations in Kerala
      (Source: Flickr Creative Commons Vinoth Chandar)

      A discovery from the recent past is the sleepy town of Munnar tucked away in the Western Ghats. Located in the god’s own country of Kerala, Munnar is what is to be believed as the confluence of three rivers – Madhurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly.

      Good news for wildlife lovers is that, this hill station is surrounded by numerous fauna and sanctuaries. Munnar is surrounded by Anamudi National Park in the north, Pampadum Shola National Park in the south, Kurunjimala Sanctuary to the east and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary to the north east. Munnar is well connected to the towns of Cochin, Aluva, etc. 

      The town is home for many endangered species such as the Nilgiri Thar, Langur, Sambar, etc. If lady luck favours, one might be treated to a breath-taking view of valleys laden with Neelakurunji flowers that bloom only once in 12 years.

      Also Read:
      Munnar from Bengaluru | Thiruvananthapuram to Munnar | Weekened Getaways near Kozikode

      Wayanad

      Hill Stations in Kerala
      (Source: Flickr Creative Commons Hrishikesh Premkumar)

      Wayanad located in the north – eastern side of Kerala is a beautiful hill station which still remains unexplored and unknown to a lot of tourist. Hence, this place is a beauty that retains its pristine and peaceful charm. 

      The Kabini river is the lifeline of this place and this districts hosts a lot of peaks that kisses the mist at all times due to its high altitude.

      Hill Stations in Andhra Pradesh

      Anantagiri Hills

      Hill Stations iin Andhra Pradesh

      It is located atop Elysian Trimuala Hills approximately 112 kms from Vishakapatnam. It is a charming hill resort in Andhra Pradesh. This is a perfect getaway during bitter summers. 

      The Bhavanasi Lake is often revered to as the Badrinath of south. This being a trekkers paradise, another attraction to this place is that, it is surrounded by numerous pilgrimage centres.

      Araku Valley
      Araku Valley

      If you thought Visakhapatnam/Vizag was just another place with port and harbours in your Geography textbooks, its time you broaden your horizon. A magnificent place in Andhra Pradesh is Araku Valley.

       Araku is approachable through road and is located at a distance of 114 kms from Vizag and is close to the Orissa border. The valley is surrounded by the mind-blowing views of mountains like Galikonda, Raktakonda, Chintamogondi, etc. Araku valley is very famous its coffee plantations, innumerable valleys and is a treat for tired eyes.

      Hill Stations in India for Honeymoon

      Honeymoon is one of the sweetest things to happen in the life of a couple - the memories of which stay truly for a lifetime. 

      Those long walks, holding hands, sitting silently beside an alluring waterfall or laughing at seemingly meaningless things are cherished through life. 

      A good destination for your honeymoon is therefore very important and many Indians love to begin their new life in a hill station. India has some of the best hill stations across its length and breath to mesmerise one.

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