India is a country packed with various types of hill stations and most of them offer spectacular landscapes and stunning natural beauty than any other destinations in the world. With the highest mountains in the world, the Himalayas, running from north to east, and outstanding Aravalli and Vindhya ranges situated in western and central parts, we have some of the best hill stations, tourists from various part of the world love to visit again and again. The best season to visit hill stations in India is during the summer where you can enjoy the scenic beauty and great climate. Many prefer visiting hill stations during summer to escape from the scorching heat. If bored of the usual schedule of life and looking to spend a couple of days enjoying with family and friends, you may choose any among one of these best hill stations in India. Avid adventure lovers can indulge in various adventurous activities like trekking, paragliding, camping, etc. Here are given the list of top 10 hill stations in India where you can enjoy the beauty of nature in the form of refreshing rivers, abiding canopy, amazing hills, a lovely waterfall, and gorgeous landscape.
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1. Coorg
Coorg is a destination packed with scenic beauty and the hill station is located in the western ghats in Karnataka. Coorg is known as the Scotland of India and the place is a coffee producing hill station where you can enjoy the misty landscape and mouthwatering cuisines. The destination is popular for trekking and an ideal place for those who are a foodie. Apart from trekking, tourists can enjoy white water rafting, rock climbing, and camping. The hill station is located at 1100m above the sea level and from Bangalore the distance is 195km and from Mysore is 120 km. During your trip to Coorg, main sites to visit include Abbi falls, Irpu falls, Cauvery river, view of cardamom field, red cherry trees, spice plantation, Omkareshwara temple, and sandalwood trees.
2. Shimla
Shimla located in Himachal Pradesh is one of the most famous honeymoon destinations in India. Once the city used to be the summer capital of India and now it serves a major destination for tourists. The destination is loaded with oak, deodar, and pine forests and tourists may also check out Chadwick falls, The Ridge, Mall Road, Christ Church, and Jaku hill. The nearest airport is Chandigarh and the hill station remains a perfect choice for a weekend getaway from Delhi and Chandigarh. The capital city is known for its various adventure activities and natural wonders. The picturesque view of the hill station makes it a popular choice for photographers looking for the perfect frame and the place exhibits a relaxing mood. Some must-visit places of Shimla include Jakhoo temple, Kalka-Shimla railway, Rashtrapati Niwas, and the Ritch Himachal State Museum. Some important activities you must try out for include shopping at mall road, paragliding, camping, hot pool bath, and skiing.
3. Ooty
Ooty is a summer retreat founded by the British and the destination remains topmost and demanding hill station in India. Tourists from all over the world love to visit Ooty at least once in their lifetime and the place won’t make you feel bored after several visits. Ooty is located in Tamil Nadu within the Nilgiri hills, the hilltop is the hub for honeymooners and nature lovers. There are many resorts, hotels, and homestays available for tourists to stay in Ooty. The main attraction of Ooty is Blue Mountain and the lake where you can view the enchanting beauty of lush greenery. Coonoor is the second largest hill station at Nilgiri hills and one shouldn’t miss out sightseeing at Coonoor. A few sightseeing places you shouldn’t miss out in Ooty include lake and boat club, botanical garden, dodabetta peak, rose garden, pykara dam, and mudumalai wildlife sanctuary.
4. Manali
Manali situated in Himachal Pradesh is one of the topmost hill stations in North India and newlywed prefer spending their honeymoon at this destination. Backpackers spend time exploring the village and adventures guys visit the place for trekking, paragliding, river rafting, and skiing. If you are not afraid of height, Manali is recommended hill station famous for paragliding. Visiting the famous Rohtang Pass is worth it as it offers breathtaking sights of glaciers, peaks, and valleys. Manali is truly a heaven for snow lovers. The chilling weather during winter makes the place packed with tourists from all over the world. Kullu valley is located at the northern end in between the mountains of Himachal Pradesh which offers a stunning view of snowcapped mountains. The nearest airport is at Bhuntar and you can reach Manali by car. Some must-visit places include Hidimba Devi temple, Pin Valley National Park, Vashishth Temple, Jogni Falls, and Manali Sanctuary.
5. Munnar
Munnar is located in Kerala and one of the most popular hill stations in Southern India. The hilltop is famous for green forests beautiful valleys, wildlife, lagoon lakes, and tea plantation. The breathtaking scenery makes Munnar quite a special destination. A large number of romantic and honeymooners visit Munnar and the place with its natural magnificence allows tourists to indulge in various activities like yoga, trekking, Ayurveda spa, and delicious food. The nearest airport is Cochin and some must-visit places include Echo Point, Tea Gardens, Attukal Waterfall, Top Station, and Mattupetty dam. Travelers visiting Munnar shouldn’t forget to shop for spices, tea, and chocolates.
6. Gulmarg
Gulmarg in Jammu Kashmir is packed with scenic beauty and the place stands at a different level among all other hill stations in India. Travelers from India and abroad visit Gulmarg due to its endless beauty. The beautiful hill station lies beneath the Himalayas at a distance of 56 km from Srinagar. Gulmarg is quite famous from the Gandola ropeway which is the highest cable car in the world. The valley is surrounded by chinar trees and apple orchards, lush hills, capped peak, serene valley, and the meadow of the flower is prominent for its legendary beauty. When visiting Gulmarg during winters don’t forget to go on shikara rides. Some must-visit places include Alpather Lake, Gulmarg Gondola, Seven Springs, Maharani Temple, and Khilanmarg. Gulmarg is well known for skiing and some other activities you shouldn’t miss out includes ski lounge, snowboarding, and camping.
7. Nainital
Nainital is well known as the heaven of the earth and it is considered to be a must-visit hill station during summer. The summer retreat of British, Nainital is a small town located in the Kumaon range. Popularly known as the Lake District of India, the valley is situated in Uttaranchal and it is the most demanding hill station in North India. The pear-shaped lake named Naini lake is situated in the middle of the city and surrounded by mountains. Bhimtal lake is also popular there and larger than Naini Lake. The first tiger reserve in the country is situated in Nainital. The hill station is well connected to New Delhi, Lucknow, and Howrah. The nearest airport is at Pantnagar which is only a 1-hour drive from the city. A few activities you may perform include cave exploring, camping, bird watching, and horse riding.
8. Darjeeling
Darjeeling is located in West Bengal surrounded by green tea plantation and set against the backdrop of white Himalayan Peaks. Tourists must enjoy the journey to Darjeeling through the popular ‘Toy Train’, a great way to explore the magnificent surroundings of the hill station. It is a narrow-gauge railway from Siliguri to Darjeeling. The Queen of Hill Station is located in the Mount Kanchanjangha and famous for tea gardens, dense evergreen forest, and natural beauty. The nearest airport is Bagdogra and located 95 km from the city. Some sightseeing spots include Tiger Hill, rock garden, Batasia Loop, Japanese Peace Pagoda, and Observatory Hill.
9. Mussoorie
If looking to explore the stunning views of the green doon valley and white-capped Himalayan peaks, Mussoorie would be the right pick to spend a vacation during summer. Mussoorie is located 34 km from Dehradun and the city is known as the Queen of Hills. Dehradun is the nearest airport located 60 km from Mussoorie. The hill station is above the mountains of Garhwal and remains the famous weekend getaway destination from New Delhi. Some activities tourists may indulge in remain kempty falls, Mussoorie lake, Christ Church, Bhadraj temple, and Fish Aquarium. Mall Road and The Clouds end is an interesting attraction where you can do shopping.
10. Shillong
Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya and popularly known as the ‘Scotland of East’. The city is packed with gorgeous rolling hills, lush forest, stunning lakes, and the breathtaking sunset. The nearest airport is Umroi and the destination is best for solo travelers and friends. Shillong is surrounded by the Khasi hills and the city is famous for receiving the highest rainfall in the world. The nearest railway station is Guwahati which is located at a distance of 104 km from Shillong. There are buses and taxis available from the Guwahati railway station to reach Shillong. The city is quite popular for its enchanting hills Gharo, Khasi, and the Jaintia hills and stunning waterfall. Top of the hills you will find sweet-smelling flowers and the picturesque view render the hilltop nothing less than paradise on earth. The state features colonial building which highlights the delights of the quaint hill resort.