Hill Stations in India
The best hill stations in India come to help you by welcoming you to beautiful landscapes set with amazing scenery and refreshing temperatures throughout the entire region.
The summer heat and humidity in India are unpleasant, but hill stations in India come to help you.
There is no doubt that the hill stations in India, particularly those located in the states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, are a pleasant experience for your senses.
Because of the breathtaking scenery and pleasant temperatures, hill stations in India have come to be the most desirable destinations for tourists to visit in the northern region of the country.
The people who are most likely to choose these hill stations in North India are those who are looking for a place to get away from the scorching sunshine that is prevalent throughout the country during the summer.
The following are some of the locations that are sure to dazzle and amaze you:
Both the natural scenic beauty and the culture, as well as the snow-capped mountains, are going to attract you and hypnotise you to an unlimited level.
Good Hill Stations in India
01.
Darjeeling, West Bengal.
The emerald-green tea plantations that encircle Darjeeling, which is in West Bengal's northern districts, are endless, and the Himalayas serve as its backdrop.
A ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the 'Toy train,' is an excellent opportunity to explore and take in the breathtaking scenery of this hill station.
The best places to visit in Darjeeling
- Tiger Hill,
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway,
- Batasia Loop,
- Japanese Peace Pagoda,
- Himalayan Mountaineering Institute,
- Observatory Hill,
- Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, and
- Rock Garden.
How long will it take to explore Darjeeling?
3 to 4 days.
How to reach in Darjeeling:
The nearest railway station of Darjeeling : Guwahati, 104 miles from Shillong.
The nearest Airport of Darjeeling : Bagdogra Airport closed to Siliguri
Bagdogra is the nearest airport to Darjeeling. It is around 95 km from the city.
Direct flights from places such as Kolkata, New Delhi, and Guwahati operate to and from Darjeeling.
Taxis are widely accessible outside the airport to take you to Darjeeling, which takes about three hours.
Photo credit: Kinshuk Kashyap, Creative Commons Attribution Licence.
02.
Shillong, Meghalaya.
Shillong, Meghalaya's capital city, is located in the Khasi Hills.
One of India's most beautiful hill stations, it's known for having the world's greatest rainfall and for its lively music scene.
It includes the country's favourite blues band, Soulmate, and India's most popular blues artist, Lou Majaw.
The best places to visit in Shillong
- Elephant Falls,
- Nohkalikai Falls,
- Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures,
- Lady Hydari Park. and
- Spread Eagle Falls
How long does it take to explore Shillong?
2 to 3 days.
How to reach Shillong?
The nearest railway station of Shillong : Guwahati, 104 miles from Shillong.
The nearest Airport of Shillong : Umroi Airport or Shillong Airport
The Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) offers buses to Guwahati from the railway station.
The bus service departs from Guwahati at 6 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m.
Credit: ThinkStock Photos 04
03.
Coorg, Karnataka.
The foggy valley of Coorg, located in the Western Ghats region of India, is surrounded by verdant scenery & acres of coffee, tea, and spice farms.
Coorg nicknamed the 'Scotland of India' due to its lush beauty and agreeable weather, is a key location for spice and coffee production. So sit back and watch the fog roll by.
The best places to visit in Coorg:
- Abbey Falls,
- Nagarhole National Park,
- Namdrolling Monastery,
- Burude Falls,
- Talacauvery,
- Iruppu Falls,
- Tadiandamol Lake,
- Nalakunda Palace, and
- Mallialli Falls
How long does it take to explore Coorg?
4 days
How to reach Mysore?
The nearest railway station in Mysore : Mysore Railway Station
The nearest Airport : Mangalore, Karnataka International Airport
The nearest domestic airport to Coorg is Mangalore International Airport, which is roughly 160 miles away.
K.S.R.T.C deluxe buses operate daily between Bengaluru, Mysore, and Mangalore.
Photo credit: Sandeep Somasekha, Creative Commons Attribution Licence.
04.
Ooty, Tamil Nadu.
Established as a British summer getaway and called 'Snooty Ooty', Ooty is a visual delight filled with charming cottages, gated flower gardens, thatched-roof churches, and tiered botanical gardens.
A few kilometres out, you'll find yourself surrounded by greener, quieter landscapes filled with various pine trees.
The best places to visit in Ooty:
- Pykara Falls and Lake,
- Mudumalai,
- Doddabetta,
- Tea Estate Viewpoint,
- Wax Museum,
- Hidden Valley,
- Echo Rock, and
- Emerald Dam.
Visit Ooty for three to four days.
How to reach Ooty?
The nearest railway station of Ooty : Mysore Railway Station
The nearest Airport of Ooty : Mettupalyam
Coimbatore is the nearest domestic airport to Ooty, approximately 88 km away.
It is well-connected to the majority of Indian cities. The nearest railhead is Mettupalyam, which is 40 kilometres from Ooty.
05.
Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
Coonoor is in the Nilgiri Mountains and is tucked away in a quieter area than its neighbour, Ooty.
The area is made up of rolling hills and tea and coffee farms.
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway's cute toy train runs from Coonoor to Ooty and stops at some of the most beautiful places in the area, such as the Wellington cantonment area.
The best places to visit in Manali :
- Lamb's Rock,
- Dolphin's Nose,
- Law's Falls,
- The Taj Garden Retreat,
- Sim's Park, and
- the shopping areas.
How long to stay in Coonoor:
You should spend at least three days exploring Coonoor.
How to reach Coonoor:
The nearest railway station of Coonoor : Mysore Railway Station
The nearest Airport of Coonoor : Mettupalayam railway station
You can take a daily bus from Ooty, Bangalore, Mysore, Coimbatore, Erode, Calicut, Kanyakumari, Tirupati, Trichy, Salem, or Cochin.
The airport that is closest to the city is Coimbatore International Airport, which is only 54 km away.
Picture by little byte of luck, used under a Creative Commons Attribution Licence
06.
Manali, Himachal Pradesh.
From every direction, mountain activities are calling at Manali, making it one of the best places in North India to relax.
Backpackers like to stay in the areas close to the main town, and adventure tourists come to ski, hike, paraglide and go rafting.
The famous Rohtang Pass is about 53 km from Manali. It has stunning views of glaciers, hills, and valleys.
People think that Manali is one of the best hill towns in India. It is a snow lover's dream.
The weather in Manali is mild in the summer and cold in the winter, making it one of the most peaceful places to visit in North India.
Menali, also called the Valley of the Gods, is a fun place to visit with lots of things to do.
Manali has something for everyone, whether you like excitement and sports or just want to relax in a peaceful place.
At an elevation of 2,050m, it is the most beautiful hill station. It is at the northern end of the Kullu Valley, in the middle of Himachal Pradesh's mountains.
The culture, nature, scenery, and snow-capped mountains are sure to enchant and hypnotise you. You'll understand why this place is included in Himachal tour packages after visiting it.
The best places to visit in Manali :
- Bhrigu Lake,
- Pin Valley National Park,
- the Hidimba Devi Temple,
- Manali Sanctuary,
- Jogni Falls,
- Vashishth Temple,
Optional Places you must see include
- Things you can do include paragliding at Rohtang Pass,
- camping and winter sports at Solang Valley, and river rafting at Pandoh Dam.
- Families and couples will like it the most
- Well-known for: Being one of the best hill stations in North India, Manali is known for being a backpacker's dream and a truly lovely honeymoon spot.
Picture by Pranav Bhasin, used under a Creative Commons Attribution Licence 08
How to reach Manali?
The nearest railway station of Manali : Joginder Nagar Railway Station (a narrow-gauge line)
The nearest Airport of Manali : Bhuntar Railway Station
The closest airport is in Bhuntar, which is 50 km away.
Joginder Nagar Railway Station, which has a narrow-gauge line connection to Pathankot, is the nearest train station to Manali.
Therefore, you have to arrive at Pathankot first, then board an alternative train to Joginder Nagar.
07.
McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh
Many tourists who come to Dharamshala end up in McLeodganj, which is where the Dalai Lama lives.
There are lots of cute things to do in just a few blocks along Temple road.
You can go into one of the many brightly coloured shops, spin the Tibetan prayer wheels, or just eat some hot momos.
Places to visit in McLeodganj :
- The Tibetan Museum,
- Bhagsu Falls,
- Bhagsunath Temple,
- Triund,
- Dal Lake, and
- the Church of St. Johns
How long to stay in McLeodganj?
A trip to McLeodganj should last 2 days.
How to reach McLeodganj
The nearest railway station of Manali : Joginder Nagar Railway Station (a narrow-gauge line)
The nearest Airport of Manali : Bhuntar Airport
The closest airport is Gaggal Airport in Dharamsala, which is about 20 miles away.
There is a narrow-gauge train station called Kangra Mandir, which is 25 kilometres away.
There are direct trains from Ludhiana, Panipat, Ahmedabad, Kanpur, Jalandhar, and other towns to Pathankot (1,0 km away).
There are both public and private buses that go every day between McLeodganj and other Indian towns.
Picture by tornado_twister, used under a Creative Commons Attribution Licence.
08.
Munnar, Kerala
Munnar is one of the most popular hill towns in India.
It has wide tea plantations, beautiful views, and winding lanes.
There is always something going on in town, but if you go a few miles outside, you'll be surrounded by a thousand different shades of green.
The best places to visit in Munnar :
- Eravikulam National Park,
- Matupetty Dam,
- Anuamudi,
- Devikulam,
- the Munnar Tea Museum, and
- Fun Forest.
How long does it take to explore Coorg?
You need at least 3 days to fully experience Munnar.
How to reach Munnar?
The nearest railway station of Munnar : Madurai Railway Station
The nearest Airport of Munnar : Cochin International Airport
Take the train. After 110 kilometres, the next train stop is in Aluva, which is 110 kilometres away from Munnar.
It takes 130 kilometres to get to the Ernakulam Railway Station and 135 kilometres to get to the Madurai Railway Station.
Picture by sporadic, used under a Creative Commons Attribution Licence 10
09.
Nainital, Uttarakhand, India
Nainital is a small town in the Kumaon range in Uttrakhand.
It was once a summer destination for the British.
Nainital has a busy town bazaar and a web of walking paths around the forested hillsides that have drawn tourists there since before India got its freedom.
The best places to visit in Nainital
- Naini Lake,
- Naina Devi Temple,
- Snow View Point,
- and Dorothy's Seat—Tiffin Top
How long to stay in Nainital : You can visit Nainital in 2 days.
How to reach Nainital:
The nearest railway station of Nainital : Kathgodam Railway Station
The nearest Airport of Nainital : Pantnagar Airport, Uttarakhand
The closest train stop is Kathgodam, which is 34 kilometres away from Nainital.
New Delhi, Lucknow, Howrah, and other Indian towns are easy to get to from there.
The airport closest to Nainital is Pantnagar in Uttarakhand's Kumaon region.
It is located about 70 kilometres and eight hours away from the city centre. Direct flights to Pantnagar are only available from New Delhi.
10.
Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Srinagar, often referred to as Paradise on Earth, Venice of the East, and the City of Lakes, is unquestionably the most exquisite hill station in India.
Located in the central part of the Kashmir valley, at an altitude of approximately 1,585 m above sea level.
Srinagar is a city that offers unparalleled natural beauty and tranquilly, providing a delightful experience for both the eyes and the soul.
People have been driven to the hill station of Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir due to its stunning beauty, which dates back to ancient times.
Among the best hill stations in North India, Srinagar is situated in the Kashmir Valley along and around the banks of the Jhelum River.
It is renowned for its lovely houseboats, historic gardens, and moderate summer climate.
From enjoying the mesmerising views of snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, and meadows to taking a shikhara ride on Dal Lake and exploring Tulip Garden, you can do so much in Srinagar, one of the best hill stations in the world.
The best places to visit in Srinagar
- Dal Lake,
- Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden,
- Pari Mahal,
- Shankaracharya Temple,
- Chashma Shahi Garden,
- Jama Masjid,
- Zero Bridge,
- Aru Valley.
Things to do in Srinagar:
- Exploring different gardens,
- shopping for Kashmiri shawls,
- woollens and dry fruits at LaI Chowk Market,
- trying Kashmiri delicacies and apples,
- visiting Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonmarg
About how long should I stay in Nainital?
You can visit Nainital in 4 to 5 days.
Best Time to Visit: April to September
How to Reach in Srinagar
The nearest railway station of Srinagar : Srinagar Railway Station
The nearest Airport of Srinagar : Srinagar Airport
The nearest Bus Stand of Srinagar: Srinagar Bus Stand (5km)
Mukul Kumar, Creative Commons Attribution Licence, Photograph
11.
Matheran, Maharashtra
Matheran, one of the most cherished hill stations in Maharashtra and one of the most beautiful places in Western India.
It stands out by its gloomy forests, twisting footpaths, and impressive vantage points.
Motor vehicles are prohibited in Matheran, and the journey to the town is only half the adventure.
Take the narrow-gauge train that traverses a 21-kilometre scenic route to reach your destination, or climb the scenic path that passes through train tracks and hillsides.
The best places to visit in Srinagar
- Karnala Fort Trek,
- Chanderi Caves Trek,
- Neral-Matheran Toy Train,
- Louisa Point, Echo Point,
- Charlotte Lake, and
- One Tree Hill are a must-see attraction.
How long should I stay in Nainital?
You can visit Nainital in 2 days.
How to reach Nainital?
Matheran is reachable via rail from both Pune and Mumbai, with connections ending at Neral Junction Station.
A narrow gauge train runs through a zigzag path extending for approximately 21 kilometres from Neral to Matheran.
Mani Babbar Photography, Creative Commons Attribution Licence 13, provides the image.
12.
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Green meadows and snow-capped Himalayan peaks surround Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh.
Majestic hills and colonial-era structures coexist harmoniously, while the lower bazaars of the town stir with local activity and vendors specialising in spices, fabrics, and mementoes.
The best places to visit in Shimla
- Christ Church, Gordon Castle,
- the Himachal State Museum,
- The Ridge, Rashtrapati Niwas,
- The Mall Road, and
- Sankat Mochan Temple.
How long to stay in Shimla?
A 2-3-day visit to Shimla will provide the most memorable experience.
How to Reach Shimla:
The nearest railway station of Shimla : Kalka Railway Station
The nearest Airport of Shimla : Jubbarhatti Airport
Jubbarhatti, the airport selected for Shimla, is located at a distance of 23 kilometres from the city centre.
Daily flights operate between New Delhi, Chandigarh, and Kullu, via airlines such as Jagson Airlines. The nearest railhead is in Kalka.
It is possible to travel by bus or auto from Delhi to Shimla in eight hours via the road. National highways are in excellent condition.
Vikram Singh, Creative Commons Attribution Licence 14 (photo attribution).
13.
Mussoorie, Uttarakhand.
34 kilometres from Dehradun, Mussoorie is colloquially referred to as the "Queen of the Hills" due to its magnificent views of the distant white-capped Himalayan peaks and the greenery of Doon Valley.
You may go walking along the renowned Mall road or perch atop Lal Tibba, the highest point in Mussoorie, to take in the mist-covered hills.
The best places to visit in Mussoorie
- Camel Back Road,
- Jharipani Fall and
- Kempty Falls,
- Soham Heritage Art Centre,
- Mussoorie Lake,
- Lal Tibba and
- Clouds End
About how long to stay in Shimla?
3 days is a suitable time for a visit to Mussoorie.
How to Reach in Mussoorie:
The nearest railway station to Mussoorie : Dehradun Railway Station
The nearest Airport to Mussoorie : Delhi International Airport
The closest international airport is in Delhi, and the closest national airport is Jollygrant Airport, both of which are situated 60 kilometres from Mussoorie.
No recurring flights operate to Jollygrant Airport. New Delhi is connected to Jolly Grant Airport via Indian Airlines.
Mussoorie's nearest railway station is Dehradun, which is around 36 kilometres away.
Dehradun is connected by several trains from both far and near places, such as Delhi, Kolkata, Jammu, and Amritsar.
Daily service is provided by taxis and state vehicles between Mussoorie, Dehradun, and Delhi.
14.
Wayanad, Kerala
Wayanad's topography includes rice paddies, bamboo forests, ginger fields adorned with spikes, and plantations of rubber, cardamom, and coffee.
This calm district in north-eastern Kerala promotes a variety of fauna, such as elephants, leopards, and sloth bears, and comprises a portion of a forest reserve.
The best places to visit in Wayanad
- Edakkal Caves,
- Soochipara Falls,
- Pookot Lake,
- Banasura Dam,
- Kuruva Dweep, and
- Chembra Peak
About how long to visit Mussoorie?
4 days is a suitable time for a visit to Mussoorie.
How to Reach in Wayanad:
The nearest railway station of Mussoorie : Kozhikode Railway Station
The nearest Airport of Mussoorie : Kozhikode International Airport
The closest railhead to Wayanad is situated in Kozhikode, an approximate 110-kilometer distance.
There are taxis available for transportation to the station.
By rail, Kozhikode is directly linked to metropolitan areas including Trivandrum, Kochi, Chennai, and Bangalore.
The nearest airport to Wayanad is Kozhikode International Airport (CCJ), located in Calicut.
The distance from Calicut Airport to Kalpetta, the Wayanad headquarters, is ninety km.
Kalpetta is connected to major Indian cities and several foreign ones as well.
15.
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Left unnoticed in Arunachal Pradesh, Tawang is a potent amalgamation of religion, history, and the natural world.
As soon as one climbs the hills, which are adorned with Buddhist monasteries and mystical gompas at one end and a war memorial at the other, it begins to fascinate travellers.
The best places to visit in Tawang
- Bum La Pass,
- Sela Pass,
- Gyangong Ani Gompa,
- Madhuri Lake,
- Nuranang Falls, and
- Tawang Monastery
Three to four days should be sufficient to fully explore Tawang.
How to reach Tawang?
The nearest railway station of Tawang : Bhalukpong Railway Station
The nearest Airport of Tawang : Guwahati Airport
By Train: The closest train stations are Bhalukpong, which is 298 kilometres away, and Rangapara North, which is 350 kilometres away.
From Bilpara to Bhalukpong, a 12-kilometre railway line has been built.
There are also plans for other projects that will extend rail connections.
To reach Tawang, depart from the Guwahati airport and travel four hours to Tezpur; from Tezpur, board a Tata Sumo or Mahindra Bolero.
Salonibari Airport is the aviation facility in closest proximity to Tezpur, Assam.
Bordoloi International Airport, Lokapriya Gopinath, serves as the designated airport for the city of Guwahati.