India has a very varied topography offering people lots of holiday destinations according to their choice of view and vibe. However, among these several destinations, people often look for hill stations to escape the scorching sun during the peak summer months and the tiring humidity.
Apart from this, the stunning backdrop of the Aravallis, Vindhyas, and the Himalayas complemented by the cold weather offers travellers a soulful and memorable experience overall. So, if this is what you are looking for, here is a list of the top hill stations in India known for their scenic beauty and tranquil vibe. Keep reading to know more!
Whether visiting the hills in summer or winter, the places mentioned below offer you an all-new experience every time. So, form your bucket list and explore the best hill stations in India one by one to unwind your soul and weigh off work pressure:
When speaking of natural beauty, Shimla is the first name that pops into our minds. Popular as the 'Queen of the Hills,' this hilltop is a magical little town tucked away in the Himalayan ranges. The structures of this place give an authentic vibe of the colonial era, and the historic toy train is one of the top attractions of Shimla. Moreover, if you are a thrill seeker, you can also get plenty of activities to try like ice-skating, mountain biking, paragliding, etc.
A small town snuggled among the Uttarakhand Kumaon ranges, Nainital is one of the best hill stations to visit in India, especially for couples. The romantic surroundings of the snow-capped mountains, long-standing cedar trees, and the sight of pristine Naini Lake let you rediscover your love. In fact, in some areas, Nainital is also known as 'Heaven on Earth.'
Amidst the majestic Himalayan backdrop, Darjeeling is a popular hill station for those seeking a retreat. The serene view and calming winds let you unwind from the stress and make you feel elated. Moreover, since this hill station is nestled at an altitude of 2,042 m, it gives a perfect postcard picture of the magnificent Himalayans, endless slopes of lush green plantation and placid waters.
Gulmarg tops the list when it comes to finding the best hill stations in India. This beautiful hilltop is engulfed by meadows, deep ravines, snow-capped mountains, serene valleys and lush hills, situated at an altitude of 2,730 m. Moreover, there are a lot of activities for adventure seekers too, like snowboarding, skiing, camping, etc.
Popular for its panoramic view, snow-covered mountains, culture and history, Manali is one of the first hill stations people want to visit at least once. Nestled at an altitude of 2050 m, this hill station sprawls over the banks of the river Beas. It is a perfect place for relaxation with the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas, lush greenery, and majestic waterfalls.
Curled up in the foothills of Himalayan ranges, Mussoorie is a beautiful hill station to consider if you are looking for peace and serenity. This little town is greatly influenced by colonial times, giving a vibe through its structure and setting. Moreover, the picturesque background with mountains covered in snow, waterfalls, lakes and lush forest makes the heart skip a beat.
Stated as a summer retreat by the British during colonial time, Ooty is nothing but a delight to the sore eyes. The rolling hills, misty landscapes, lush greenery, and serene lakes all make this little town the best hill station to visit. Moreover, it stands high at an altitude of 7,440 feet, snuggled in the Nilgiri Hills. Thus, it offers a stunning postcard view of the valleys.
Leh Ladakh is counted among the famous hill stations in India for many reasons, ranging from owning the world's highest passes to offering the most scenic views. It has a lot of things to offer to its tourists, like trekking and camping in the foothills of the Himalayas. In addition, you also get the opportunity to soak yourself up in the dramatic natural view and mesmerising landscapes.
Perched at an altitude of 1496 m, Shillong is the capital city of Meghalaya and a perfect tourist spot for couples and families. What makes it attractive is the scintillating view of the hills, mesmerising vista of lush forest, misty vantage points and lofty waterfalls. Also, this quaint little town will give you a vibe of the European settlers of Scotland.
Gangtok is another fascinating hill town in the north-eastern state of Sikkim. It offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty, comfortable temperature, and vibrant activities. Like you can get a panoramic view of the entire city through the ropeway, or you can attend the festivals held every year. Also, you will get enough options to witness the untamed beauty of the Himalayas, falls and lakes.
Tawang is home to 500 lamas residing in the largest Tibetan Monastery in India. So, it is one of the top hill stations of India for you if you are looking to get spiritually recharged. The refreshing mountain winds, peaceful monastery and natural treks give you the peace and tranquillity you desire. Moreover, the chance to pray in a 400-year-old Tawang Gompa helps the soul-searching process.
If you like to discover history and mystic stories about places, then Chamba must be your next touring destination. Not only this, but this quaint little hilltop is also the favourite destination for Hindu devotees as they can find many temples dedicated to Lord Narayan. Apart from this, these hills also have many things to offer to nature lovers, like mystical viewpoints, passes, and other attractions.
Referred to as the 'Swiss of South India', Munnar is a famous hill station in Kerala. It is a paradise for many, blessed with exhaustive natural beauty and magnetic wildlife. Moreover, the vast stretches of spice and tea plantations sprawling all over the town are just a cherry on top. In addition to this, Munnar is a trekker's ultimate destination, too, as it offers both mountain and soft trekking trails.
Perched at 622 m in the Sahyadri Range, Lonavala is a popular hill station in India situated in the districts of Pune, Maharashtra. People come here from all parts of the world to witness the lush green valleys and rediscover the glorious past of the Peshwa and Maratha Empires. Moreover, there are also several other tourist spots to explore, including caves, forts, lakes and waterfalls.
Coorg is a misty hill station covered with a thick blanket of greenery and topped with an emerald landscape. This hilltop comes under the list of the best hill stations as it never fails to give a memorable experience to tourists with its natural charisma and beauty. In addition, it is also well known for its plentiful wildlife, delicious food and several viewpoints.
|
Hill Stations |
Elevation |
|
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh |
2,276 m |
|
Nainital, Uttarakhand |
2,084 m |
|
Darjeeling, West Bengal |
2,045 m |
|
Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir |
2,650 m |
|
Manali, Himachal Pradesh |
2,050 m |
|
Mussoorie, Uttarakhand |
2,005 m |
|
Ooty, Tamil Nadu |
2,240 m |
|
Leh, Ladakh |
3,500 m |
|
Shillong, Meghalaya |
1,525 m |
|
Gangtok, Sikkim |
1,650 m |
|
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh |
3,048 m |
|
Chamba, Himachal Pradesh |
996 m |
|
Munnar, Kerala |
1,532 m |
|
Lonavala, Maharashtra |
624 m |
|
Coorg, Karnataka |
1,150 m |
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