Taking a break from your dull routines is necessary to be in a happy state of mind. And what else is better than taking a trip to amazing hill stations? Visiting the hilly areas will make you feel alive once again. The breath-taking view from up above the hill is what you cherish for the rest of your life. It is important to make wonderful memories and visiting these amazing hill stations in India will give you the feeling of peace which you have been looking for.
Best Hill Stations in India
1. Nainital – Queen of hills
It is known to be one of the most serene places in India, which has a spectacular view of gorgeous Hills. The emerald colored Naini Lake makes Nainital a magnificent place to visit. It is situated in Kumaon region of Uttrakhand.
Best time to visit: March to June.
Major attractions: Nainital Lake, Tiffin Top
2. Shimla – The Beauty of Himachal
Shimla is famous for its beautiful colonial style building as it was the capital of British Raj during summers. It is a cool town that people love to travel to during weekends or when they have to take a break from the scorching heat during summers.
Best time to Visit: March to June.
Major attractions: Kalka-Shimla Railway, Mall road, The Ridge, Jakhoo Temple
3. Ooty – The Essence of Nilgiri
When people in Tamil Nadu are tired of the unpleasant weather, they visit Ooty. It was the headquarters of Chennai Government during summers when Britishers ruled over India.
Best time to Visit: April and May
Major attractions: Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Doddabetta Mountain, Ooty Lake
4. Srinagar – Summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir
We all have heard stories about the beauty of Jammu and Kashmir. One of the famous hill stations in North, Srinagar is a delight for tourists from all around the world.
Best Time to Visit: April to October
Major Attractions: Dal Lake, Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden
5. Manali – Blend of Peace and Adventure
One of the most popular hill destinations of India is Manali, situated in Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh. The cool pine forests add a magical touch to this place.
Best time to Visit: For snowfall, Mid December to January, Otherwise, January to Early June
Major Attractions: Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Bhrigu Lake, Hidimba Devi Temple
6. Munnar – For the Tea Lovers
Munnar, in Kerala, is famous for its tea plantations. It offers you the chance to view tea getting picked from the fields, processed and then, taste it when it’s freshly brewed. The picturesque beauty of the area with the gorgeous hills along with forests will take your breath away.
Best time to Visit: June to September
Major Attractions: Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Devikulam
7. Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir – Best Skiing Destination
Gulmarg in Jammu Kashmir is known for skiing as it attracts tourists from around the world who love to ski. One of the most beautiful hill stations of India, Gulmarg is located in the Pirpanjal range of the Himalayas.
Best time to Visit: April, may and June
Major Attractions: Gulmarg Gondola, Khilanmarg, Alpather lake
8. Darjeeling – Visit the Lush Tea Gardens
This hill station is located in West Bengal and is popular for its wonderful tea gardens. The site is magical as it is blessed with mountain Mount Kanchenjunga which is the third highest peak in the world.
Best time to Visit: October to March
Major Attractions: Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Mirik, Tiger Hill
9. Coorg – The Coffee Destination
If you love coffee, you should visit Coorg in Karnataka as it is renowned for producing world’s best coffee. It is a popular hill station in South India. The mountain which is tallest here is about 6000ft high and the natural beauty that the stations have is mind-blowing.
Best time to Visit: October to March
Major Attractions: Madikeri Fort, Talakaveri, Somwarpet waterfalls
10. Idukki, Kerala – Richness of Traditional
This landlocked district has high ranges and wooded valleys where you can capture the richness of South India. Three main rivers have girded the site naming, Periyar, Thalayar, and Thodupuzhayar, along with their tributaries. It is one of the favorite tourist destinations of South India.
Best time to Visit: June to September
Major Attractions: Munnar, Kumily, Devikulam, Marayur
11. Dharamshala – Famous for Tibetan community
This hill station is also situated in Himachal Pradesh and is very popular for its magnificent fills and spirituality. When people want to learn yoga and get in touch with their soul, they visit Dharamshala.
Best time to Visit: Any time of the year
Major Attractions: Chintpurni, Dal Lake, Kareri Lake
12. Mount Abu – Spring in the Desert
Rajasthan is famous for its deserts, but there is also this hill station Mount Abu, which is quite popular for its serene beauty and peaceful environment. The lakes and weather of the place make it a perfect place for people to visit when they have to take a break from their hectic lives.
Best time to Visit: September and April
Major Attractions: Dilwara Jain Temples, Guru Shikhar, Nakki Lake
13. Kodaikanal—The Gift of the Forest
It is situated in the middle of Palani Hills and is a very secluded town where you can find the solitude you have been looking for. This hill station of South India attracts tourists every year to Tamil Nadu, so they are able to enjoy amazing aromatherapy sessions.
Best time to Visit: June to September
Major Attractions: Kodaikanal Lake, Pillar Rocks Viewpoint, Guna caves
14. Kasauli—The Enchanting Beauty of Himachal
Kasauli is a famous town in Himachal Pradesh and has gabled colonial-era houses and beautiful orchards. There is a green-roofed Christ Church which goes back to the mid-19th century and is a popular tourist attraction.
Best time to Visit: July to September
Major Attractions: Hawa Ghar, Kasaul Brewery, Sunset Point
15. Mcleaodganj – The Mini Tibet
As the name suggests, this hill station is where the Tibetan Government in Exile puts up. A lot of youngsters love to visit Mcleodganj, situated in Himachal and have an adventurous time with their friends by indulging in moderate trekking, meditation, and other activities.
Best time to Visit: May and June
Major Attractions: Dal Lake, Bhagsunath Temple, Bhagsu falls
16. Kullu – A Small Town District
One of the best hill stations of India, Kullu is situated on the banks of Beas River. It is a gorgeous valley which has various temples, gorgeous hills and sprawling apple orchards, which is why people love to visit Kullu.
Best Time to Visit: March to June
Major Attractions: Raghunath Temple, Bijli Mahadev Temple, Mahadevi Tirth, Raghunath Shivir
17. Dalhousie – A Lively Location for Vacation
One of the most visited hill stations in north India is Dalhousie and is admired for its salubrious climatic conditions. The breathtaking view of this area is a treat for eyes. It is a lively place and attracts tourists throughout the year.
Best time to Visit: March to May
Major Attractions: Khajjiar Lake, Chamera Dam, Panchpula
18. Yercaud, Tamil Nadu – District of Varied Plantations
A famous hill station in Salem District, Yercaud is nestled in the Shevaroys range of Eastern Ghats. There is a temple Servarayan at the top of the mountains, which people trek towards. Yercaud is also renowned for its coffee, fruit and spice plantations.
Best time to Visit: May and June
Major Attractions: Shevaroy hills, Kiliyur Falls, Anna park
19. Mussoorie – Developed for tourism
All through the year, people in India love to visit Mussoorie, situated in Uttrakhand. It has an enchanting view of Himalayas and people love to take long walks on the well-built roads of the station, while they enjoy the pleasant weather.
Best time to Visit: April, May, June
Major Attractions: Kempty Falls, Soham Heritage& Art Center, Fish Aquarium.
This hill station near Mumbai is a perfect delight for people. When you walk in the area, you feel as if you can touch the clouds. Friends love to hike this place together and they gain a lot of historical knowledge about this site too.
Best time to Visit: July and August
Major Attractions: Lonavala Lake, Karla Cave, Lohagad Fort, Nagphani
21. Auli, Uttarakhand – Destination of Famous forests
This hill station is amid the dense coniferous and oak forests and is surrounded by Nanda Devi and Nar Parvat mountains which are appealing to people who visit. There are various temples to explore along with an abundance of flora and fauna.
Best time to Visit: November to March, for snow skiing
Major Attractions: Kalpeshwar temple, Vishnuprayag river, Kuari Pass Trek mountain.
22. Shillong – Scotland of the East
This hill station is the capital of Meghalaya and during monsoons, the whole city seems to breathe fresh with the rains. The landscape of the region is quite captivating for the eyes. You get enjoy tranquility when you visit this peaceful station.
Best time to Visit: Monsoon (July to September)
Major Attractions: Nohakalikai Waterfalls, Air Force Museum, Don Bosco Centre
23. Almora, Uttarakhand – The Verdant Kumaon
Nestled in the middle of Kumaon Himalayas, is a calm city which is not yet popular among tourists and thus, offers a respite from the crowd. It is settled on a hill which is shaped like a horseshoe. The legend Rabindra Nath Tagore has even admired the beauty of this site.
Best time to Visit: April to November
Major Attractions: Nanda Devi Temple, Chitai Golu Devta Temple, Kasar Devi Temple
24. Khajjiar, HP – Unexplored Beauty of Himachal
The beauty of this hill station is enthralling as it is situated on a small plateau and has a stream fed lake which is covered with weeds. Abundant meadows and forests have surrounded this area making it a soothing place to visit.
Best time to Visit: October to March
Major Attractions: Khajjiar Lake, Khajji Nag Temple, Dainkund Peak
25. Matheran, Maharashtra—The pristine beauty
The uniqueness of this hill station of India is that vehicles are banned here. Now, you could imagine the peace that you will enjoy hereafter bustling your way in the traffic on day to day basis in Mumbai!
Best time to Visit: October to May
Major Attractions: One tree hill point, Louisa point, Shivaji’s Ladder
26. Gangtok – The Vibrant Capital
This hill station is also the capital of Sikkim and is widely popular for its quaint aura. You can walk as much as you want to enjoy the magnificent view of the city and click amazing pictures. There are a number of markets here which sell cute handicrafts which you could gift your loved ones.
Best time to Visit: December to February
Major Attractions: Nathu La lake, Rumtek Monastery, Khecheopalri Lake
27. Tawang, AP – Country’s largest Monastery
This hill station not only has lovely hills, but also a Tibetan Monastery where around 500 lamas stay. You can even enjoy trekking on the hills and you might find yaks grazing the hills. Talk to the polite locals in the area and get to know the city a bit more.
Best time to Visit: March, April, May, June, September, and October.
Major Attractions: Taktsang Gompa, Sela Pass, Gorichen Peak
28. Keylong, HP – Snowfalls Memory that Lasts
It is the administrative center of the Lahaul and Spiti district and is situated at a very high altitude. The scenic beauty of this place is spell-bound and the snowfalls continue here for a long time that is from October to April.
Best time to Visit: May to October
Major Attractions: Shashur Monastery, Gondhla Fort, Rangcha Gali
29. Kalimpong, West Bengal – The Beauty of Bengal
Once a part of Darjeeling, Kalimpong is now one of the famous districts of West Bengal which has a lot of natural beauty sustained. It is quite a small town with gorgeous surroundings that make it one of the hill stations sites of India.
Best time to Visit: December to February
Major Attractions: Phodong Monastery, Delo Park, Tinchuley
30. Lansdowne, Uttarakhand – A Picturesque Jewel of Garhwal
Lansdowne was known as a military garrison when the Britishers ruled over India. It is one of the best locations to visit as the top views of the station is on a ridge, where you can overlook beautiful forested hills.
Best time to Visit: March to June
Major Attractions: Garhwali Mess Museum, St. Mary’s Church, Kaleshwar Temple
31. Binsar – Enjoy the snow-clad peaks
Binsar is a small town which is situated within the Binsar Wildlife Century. It is also located in Uttrakhand and attracts tourists because of its famous view of snow-covered mountains.
Best time to Visit: November to February.
Major Attractions: Zero Point, Bineshwar Mahadev Temple, Binsar Sanctuary Museum
32. Araku, AP – Wonderful Escape from hot humidity
When South faces the humidity, people run off to Araku in Arunachal Pradesh during weekends, to enjoy the pleasant weather and find an escape. It is an ideal location for family getaways or for people looking for a destination to have a romantic holiday.
Best time to Visit: December to February
Major Attractions: Tyda Park, Borra Caves, Ananthagiri
33. Aru Valley, Kashmir – Amidst the lush meadows
It is situated in Pahalgam in Kashmir. People love to visit this hill station because of its beautiful lakes, lush meadows and the magnificent view of tall Himalayas. Those who love adventures love to take trekking trips in this valley and satisfy their taste for photography.
Best time to Visit: January to April
Major Attractions: Sheshnag Lake, Kolahoi Glacier, Mamleshwar Temple
34. Amarkantak, MP – Unique Natural heritage
This hill station in Madhya Pradesh is where Vindhya and the Satpura Ranges meet. It has a lot of historical significance and is known as an ancient pilgrim town. Maikal Hills give a splendid view to this place.
Best time to Visit: August to April
Major Attractions: Narmada Kund, Sonmuda, Shri Yantra Mandir
35. Bhimtal – The beauty in Nainital
One must plan a trip to Bhimtal, which is one of the most beautiful destinations of Nainital. This place is around 1370 meters above the sea level and has lovely weather all year.
Best time to Visit: September, October, November
Major Attractions: Bhimtal Lake, Kainchi Dam, Naina Devi
36. Chamba, HP
It is situated on the banks of Ravi River and has a huge history that a person can learn about when they visit this hill station. It is even talked about in the epic books like the Vedas and the Puranas.
Best time to Visit: April to June
Major Attractions: Bhuri Singh Museum, Akhand Chandi Palace, Sui Mata Temple
37. Ranikhet – The Himalayan Beauty
This hill station is known for the beauty of the Himalayas and the spirituality that the site sustains. There are different temples that devotees pay a visit. Even Mahatma Gandhi has stayed here in a hut which is now known as Gandhi Kuti.
Best time to Visit: September to November
Major Attractions: Jhula Devi Temple, Ashiyana Park, Mankameshwar Temple
38. Mirik, WB
This is a beautiful spot which is situated near the serene hills of Darjeeling. It is known that this hill station was one of the favorite destinations for Britishers when they ruled over India.
Best time to Visit: Any time of the year
Major Attractions: Mirik Lake, Bokar Ngedon Chokhor Ling Monastery
39. Khandala
Situated in the Western Ghats Mountains of Maharashtra has marvelous locations which one can visit. There is a beautiful waterfall that appeals to tourists when they come here to spend their weekends.
Best time to Visit: October to March
Major Attractions: Karla Caves, Kune Falls, Lion’s Point
40. Mahabaleshwar – Mystical Bombay
It is situated beside the Sahyadri Mountain ranges and has various captivating places that one can visit when they travel to mystical Mahabaleshwar. During the Brtish Raj, it was the summer capital of Bombay because of pleasant weather and thus, the architecture belongs to the time.
Best time to Visit: March to June
Major Attractions: Pratapgad, Venna Lake, Mapro Garden
41. Panchgani – The Five Mountains
The name is derived as Panchgani because of the five hills that surround this place. Also known as the twin city of Mahabaleshwar, this hill station is known for magnificent sunset and sunrise points.
Best time to Visit: September to May
Major Attractions: Parsi Point, Kamalgad, Devrai Art Village
42. Panhala – Small but Scenic Resort
Panhala is a hill station in Maharashtra where tourists visit because of its ideal weather conditions throughout the year. It might be the smallest city of Maharashtra, but it has a number of sights you can explore.
Best time to Visit: October to December
Major Attractions: Panhala Fort, Jyotibha temple, Sajja Kothi
43. Coonoor – Beauty in south
South India is a beautiful place and another famous hill destination situated in Tamil Nadu is Coonoor. Nilgiri hills are surrounding this station and it is known for its tea estates and beautiful lush green gardens.
Best time to Visit: March to May
Major Attractions: Sim’s park, Doddabetta mountain, Catherine Falls
44. Horsley Hills – The Vegetation Zone
Named after, WD Horsley, it is a gorgeous and charming hill station situated in Andhra Pradesh. It has a rich fauna and is known for its plenty vegetation.
Best time to Visit: Anytime of the year
Major Attractions: Mallamma Temple, Horsley Hill zoo
45. Aizwal, Mizoram – Beauty of the East
India has splendid beauty on every corner. Mizoram in East India makes a great place for sightseeing and planning a relaxing trip. Aizwal in Mizoram is a wonderful getaway for people in the East.
Best time to Visit: Summers
Major Attractions: Mizoram state Museum, Solomon’s Temple
If you love the scenic beauty, visiting any of these hill stations will prove to be an enchanting experience with your friends and family. And you shouldn’t miss out on all the adventure! Let us know in the comment section if we missed out on any places.
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