20 Majestic Hill Stations In North India For A Cool Holiday

The north of India is blessed with many beautiful hill stations sitting cool and pretty, high above sea level, avoiding the summer’s scorching heat. Most of these fabulous destinations are concentrated in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and of course, Jammu and Kashmir. Read our picks of the 20 top hill stations in North India to choose from on your next holiday.

Hill Stations in North India: Jammu & Kashmir  

1. Ladakh

From the breathtaking landscapes, the culture, the spiritual to the very cuisine, everything here feeds the soul and soothes the heart. Framed by the mighty Himalayas and the Karakoram, this might be as close to heaven as you can reach while still alive.

• Points of Interest: Leh Palace, Tso Moriri Lake, Magnetic Hill, Shanti Stupa, Pangong Lake
• Best Time to Visit: June to September

Suggested to Read : 10 Exotic Hill Stations Near Kolkata For That Timeless Experience

2. Gulmarg

Up in the clouds at an altitude of 2730 meters above sea level, Gulmarg sits among snowy mountains and is resplendent with lush meadows, hills, valleys and ravines. A top honeymoon destination, it also is among the best places to visit for the adrenaline junkie. Adventures abound with trekking, mountaineering, skiing and snowboarding all up for the undertaking. Gulmarg also boasts the world’s second highest cable car ride.

• Points of Interest: Kongdori, Khilanmarg, Alpather Lake, Ningli Nalla, Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering
• Best Time to Visit: October to June

3. Srinagar

Heaven on Earth, Srinagar is pure paradise. With gardens and greenery and houseboats on the Dal Lake to the pastoral scenes and the very banks of the Jhelum, Srinagar delights you at every turn. The weather is a kindness and the food delicious, which is a good thing because breathing in the pure, sweet,  fresh air in Srinagar will leave you with a wonderful appetite.

• Points of Interest: Dal Lake, Shalimar Bagh, Char Chinar, Mughal Gardens
• Best Time to Visit: April to October

4. Pahalgam

The wild beauty of Pahalgam is a sight for sore eyes. Cradled in emerald greenery with the Himalayas rising to the sky around it, Pahalgam is more than a hill station. The pristine green, dotted with little homes, the fields of saffron, the clean air and bright faces of the locals will do your heart good. There is also fishing, golf, trekking, and rafting.

• Points of Interest: Amarnath Yatra, during the month of Sawan (July to August), Aru valley, Lolab Valley, Kolahoi Glacier, Betaab Valley
• Best Time to Visit: All year round

Hill Stations in North India: Himachal Pradesh

1. Manali

One of the best loved hill stations in the North and indeed, in the entire country, Manali is a magical destination with picturesque views, lush green forests, flower carpeted meadows and blue streams. Even the air in Manali smells sweeter.

• Points of Interest: Rohtang Pass, Beas Kund Trek, Hadimba Temple, Solang Valley, Naggar Castle, Jana Waterfall
• Best Time to Visit: October to June
• Where to Stay : Hotels in Manali 

2. Spiti Valley

Spiti, which translates to ‘The Middle Land’, is the valley that separates India and Tibet. Surrounded by the majestic Himalayas and sitting at an altitude of 12,500 feet above sea level, Spiti is one of the coldest places in India. Sparsely populated, it is an adventurer’s dream with different levels of treks to various peaks offering some of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains.

• Points of Interest: Key and Dhankar Monasteries, Kibber to Chicum’s Mountain Ropeway, Kunzum Pass
• Best Time to Visit: Mid May to Mid October

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3. Shimla

A favourite with honeymooners and families, Shimla is one of the most popular hill stations in North India. With its rich colonial history as summer capital during the British Raj, Shimla’s draw continues to endure. With its gorgeous natural beauty and well-planned destination attractions, it is an easy, fail-proof place for a lovely holiday in the hills.

• Points of Interest: Mall Road, Jakhoo Temple, Toy Train to Kalka
• Best Time to Visit: October to June
• Where to Stay : Hotels in Shimla

4. Dharamshala/ McLeodganj

Known as ‘The Little Lhasa in India’, Dharamshala is the holy residence of the Dalai Lama in exile. Besides the spiritual, the scenic beauty of this gorgeous destination is truly uplifting. A Tibetan hub, you can explore this wonderful people’s culture and cuisine right here in North India.

• Points of Interest: Namgyal Monastery, Bhagsu Falls, Tsuglagkhang, Tea Gardens, St. John in the Wilderness Church, Gyuto Monastery, Dal Lake
• Best Time to Visit: October to June

5. Dalhousie

Hidden away in the heart of Himachal Pradesh, Dalhousie is a tiny bit of heaven. A combination of pine-clad valleys, flower carpeted meadows, misty mountains and gushing rivers will transport you to another world. The hill station’s old world charm will warm your heart and the weather and fresh air will leave you breathing in deeply even as the scenery takes your breath away.

• Points of Interest: The  Victorian Architecture, Panch Pulla, Satdhara Falls, Dainkund Peak, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
• Best Time to Visit: Every day, all year round

6. Chamba

The people of Chamba understand fully the treasure they have in the land and as such, the topography remains as mother-nature gifted her. This beautiful hill station though popular has not given into the commercial whims of tourists and with lakes, temples, wildlife sanctuaries and the beautiful river Ravi that cuts through, who could ask for anything more.

• Points of Interest: Chamera Lake, Manimahesh Lake, Hari Raya Temple, Chaugan
• Best Time to Visit: October to June

7. Chail

Chail is Shimla’s quiet sister hill station. Famous for the world’s highest cricket ground, this beauty is also considered a hiking paradise. The former summer getaway of the Patiala Kings, their palace, now transformed into a luxury heritage hotel is a delightful portal back in time.

• Points of Interest: Chail Palace Hotel and cricket ground, Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, Kali Temple
• Best Time to Visit: All year round

8. Kufri

Just ten kilometers from Shimla, Kufri is the place to visit if you’re dreaming of a winter wonderland. Sitting at a higher altitude, this hill station is one of the most sought out romantic getaways. Not as crowded as Shimla, the panoramic views, the snow all through winter and nothing much to do makes it an ideal destination for cuddling, sipping hot chocolate and just relaxing in a picture postcard setting.

• Points of Interest: Kufri Fun World, Skiing, Mahasu Peak
• Best Time to Visit: November to March

Suggested to Read : The Most Amazing Hill Stations Near Ahmedabad

9. Narkanda

Sitting at 9000 feet above sea level within the Shimla District, this gorgeous hill town should be on everyone’s must-see list. Nestled within woodlands, this is a lovely place to go trekking, with the Hatu Nag being one of the most beloved routes from where one can see the town set down below in all its beauty.

• Points of Interest: Tannu Jubbar Lake, Hatu Peak, Mahamaya Temple, Stokes Farm
• Best Time to Visit: All year round

10. Kasauli

Midway Chandigarh and Shimla lies Kasauli, a peaceful cantonment town, perfect for a holiday far from the crowds. Sitting within forests of pine and cedar, the place has an old-world charm with its Victorian architecture from the days of the British Raj. A sweet spot for a quick, quiet holiday.

• Points of Interest: Timber Trail, Monkey Point, Sunset Point at Lover’s Lane, Baptist Church, Baijnath Temple
• Best Time to Visit: All year round

Hill Stations in North India: Uttarakhand

1. Mussoorie

The queen in the North, Mussoorie is every dream of a perfect escape come true. Sitting in lushness at the feet of the Garhwal Himalayan Range, at 7000 feet above sea level, it is always a perfect day in Mussoorie. From the rolling hills to the snow-capped mountains, the crisp sweet air, everything about Mussoorie sings summer holiday.

• Points of Interest: Gun Hill, Cloud’s End, Lal Tibba, Kempty Falls, The Mall
• Best Time to Visit: September to June
• Where to Stay : Hotels in Mussoorie

2. Almora

Shaped like a horseshoe, you will feel lucky to be alive while visiting this fantastic hill station. Almora is a tourist treat with its cultural heritage, gorgeous local handicrafts and the delicious food. A beloved retreat destination of Mahatma Gandhi himself, Almora does not disappoint.

• Points of Interest: Zero Point, Jageshwar, Katarmal Sun Temple, Binsar, Dwarahat Village, Jalna, Deer Park
• Best Time to Visit: All year round

3. Lansdowne

This quaint, beautiful little hill station is quite the hidden gem of Uttarakhand. With a tiny local population and tourists still heading to the more famous places nearby, it feels like you are discovering Lansdowne. And such a discovery! Surrounded by snowy mountains and forests, Lansdowne is easy breezy and perfect for a spot of solitude.

• Points of Interest: Bhulla Lake, Tip n Top, Bhim Pakora, Darwan Singh Regiment Museum
• Best Time to Visit: All year round

4. Kausani

One of Uttarakhand’s most magical hill stations, Kausani ticks all the right boxes for a picture-perfect destination. The scenic beauty is enchanting with green valleys and deep forests, winding creeks and of course the outstanding Himalayan peaks of Nanda Devi, Trishul and Panchachuli gazing down beatifically on Kausani like a blessing.

• Points of Interest: Rudradhari Falls and Caves, Kausani Tea Estate, Pinnath, Stargate Observatory
• Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to December

5. Auli

One of India’s oldest hill stations, dating back to the 8th Century AD, Auli is very popular with skiers and trek enthusiasts alike. At a height of 2800 meters above sea level, the Himalayan mountain ranges of Nanda Devi, Mana Parvat and Kamat Kamet will all be waiting to say hello to you when you visit and regale you with their majesty.

• Points of Interest: Trishul Peak, Gurso Bugyal, Kwani Bugyal, Chenab Lake, Joshimath, Rudraprayag, Badrinath and Kedarnath
• Best Time to Visit: All year round

6. Ranikhet

Ranikhet, which translates into meaning ‘Queen’s Farm’, was a popular hill station during the British-raj. The weather is pleasant and the scenery, picturesque. Currently, the headquarters of the Indian Army Kumaon Regiment, the hill station boasts gorgeous trekking ranges, golf courses, orchards and temples.

• Points of Interest: Jhula Devi Temple, Chaubatia Orchards, Bhalu Dam, Majkhali
• Best Time to Visit: All year round

With so many beautiful hill stations to pick from, we’d love to hear which is your favourite sweet spot to spend hot summer days. Write to us in the comments section below.