Hill Stations are the place where one can relax amid nature soothing vibes which act as natural medicine for your mind, body and soul. The fresh air, beauty all around rejuvenate oneself with throwing stress in garbage bin. To take a break from routine life or experience something new, a holiday in Hill Stations of India is perfect. Diversified topography of India gives the chance to choose the place as per your geographical location and weather preferences. Most part of North India experiences harsh summer temperature that demands to have a cool vacation in cold regions of Hill Stations.
The alluring and spectacular views of best Hill Stations in India will compel you to have the nectar of joy and blissful holidays. While you are on a solo trip, romantic trip, family tour or group tour, you will get a chance to spend cosy & relaxed time in lap of nature oozing with positivity and energy vibes. When it comes to plan a Hill Station Tour, few name comes first in mind because of their overgrown popularity as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Kashmir, Sikkim.
Here, in this special article on best Hill Stations in India, I had tried to cover all regions of India to present a compiled journey of best picked Hill Stations for a perfect Holiday from all over India for your next vacation.
Let’s begin!
Moving in a clockwise direction, I will start with Hill Stations of South India to give a glimpse of beauty of Foothills of India diversified landscape.
1) Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
For every good reason, you want to go on Hill Station tour, Kodaikanal is best and named as Princess of hill Stations. Velvet greenery spread all around with the coruscating vistas offers panoramic views. Famous honeymoon destinations for romantic couples offers a perfect getaway amid beautiful climate, misty manicured cliffs nestled amidst the rolling slopes of the Palani Hills. Geographically, it stands at an elevation of 7200 feet above sea level is well-known for its spices, herbal teas and coffees.
Major Attractions to see: Coakers walk, Kodai Lake, Pillar Rocks, Bear Shola Falls, Dolphins’s Nose, Berijam Lake, Thalaiyar Falls
Top Activities to do: Boating at lake, Trekking trails, Biking, Sunrise view from Coaker’s Walk
2) Munnar, Kerala
A jewel in God’s own country beauty crown, Munnar is a sprawling Hill Station with windy lanes and misty mountain peaks. Best pick for adventure lover as well as romantic couple, the hill station is soaked up in well-preserved natural beauty. Vast stretches of tea and spice plantations, exotic flora, fauna and gushing Falls name it sometimes Kashmir of South India. Geographically situated in western ghats at 1600 metres is also home to the rare Neelakurinji flowers and the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
Major Attractions to see: Atukkad Waterfalls, Photo Point, Chinnakanal Waterfalls, Echo Point, Pothamedu View Point, Periyar National Park, Pallivasal Falls, Chithirapuram Tea Plantations
Top Activities to do: Trekking, camping, paragliding, boating, Tree House stay, Tea Estate tour, Wildlife tour, Ayurvedic massage & Spa treatment
3) Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Nestled amidst Nilgiri Hills, Ooty is top-rated hill Station dotted with tea gardens, shimmering waterfalls is perfect respite for couples and any kind of visitors. Surrounded by lakes, mountains and tea plantations is best for adventure enthusiasts. Explore the colonial style architecture of numerous colonial style cottages.
Major Attractions to see: Nilgiri Mountain Railways, Ooty lake, Emerald Lake, Rose Garden, Tea Museum
Top Activities to do: handgliding, angling, boating, strolling around tea plantations
4) Yerucad, Tamil Nadu
Situated at approx. 5000 feet in Eastern Ghats at Shivaroy Hills of Tamil Nadu, Yerucad is the land of seven forests. Surrounded by lush green forests, coffee plantations, fruit orchids are quaint village for budget summer vacation. Wonderful location for trekking experience is treasure trove of exotic flora and fauna. One can indulge in farming activities of various spices, fruits and village culture.
Major Attractions to see: Emerald Lake, Pagoda Point, Botanical Garden, Lady’s Seat, Killiyur Falls
Top Activities to do: Trekking, flower shows, boating races, village fair, sightseeing
5) Coorg, Karnataka
Lovely weather, lush green landscapes, imposing mountains, rich culture can define Coorg best. Most rich hill station of Karnataka has forest covered hills, breath-taking views, coffee plantations, homestays in lovely surroundings. Feel the love in coffee aroma infused air. Dotted with flowering plants, artificial fountains, Raja’s seat is famous viewpoint for sunrise & sunset.
Major Attractions to see: Abbey falls, Irupu Falls, Omkareshwar Temple, Dubare Elephant Camp, Talakaveri, Raja’s Seat, Madikeri Fort, Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
Top Activities to do: River Rafting, Quad biking, Trekking, Food tour, Fishing
6) Malshej Ghat, Maharashtra
Moving to Western Ghats, Hill stations get more beautiful with verdant flora, waterfalls & lakes. Malshej Ghat is ideal weekend spot from major cities of State. Witness Pink Flamingos in monsoon months. Mesmerising waterfalls with backdrop of lush green hills, lofty forts, Malshej Falls make the place a spellbinding hill retreat for nature lovers.
Major Attractions to see: Harishchandragad, Ajooba Hill Fort, Pimpalgaon Joga Dam,
Top Activities to do: Trekking, Hiking, Architecture tour
7) Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
Mahabaleshwar- land of Strawberries is one of the best hill stations in India flocked with ancient Temples near Krishna River, boarding schools, numerous rivers and magnificent peaks. Make your trip historic with one hour drive to Pratapgad Fort. Magnificent Cascades, gusting rivers and greenery all around make it perfect for summer vacations.
Must Visit Attractions: Mapro Garden, Wilson Point, Venna Lake, Elephant’s point, Connaught peaks, Dhobi Waterfall, Arthur’s Seat
Top Activities to do: Relishing Strawberries, Fruit orchards tour, Fun at resort, sightseeing
8) Saputara, Gujarat
A Hill Station in Gujarat, cuddled in Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats, Saputara is famous for enchanting hill views, pleasant weather, winding roads, street food of Gujarat and picnic spots. A morning breeze and road trip on cloud mist road will make your day. Indulge in adventure trails of ziplining, camel riding, ropeway and many more. A good place for kids as well as any group of people, enjoy from morning to evening with famous bhel, sweet corn, golgappe, Khaman and strawberries.
Famous Sights to visit: Saputara Lake, Hatgadh Fort, Artist Village, Sunrise Point, Gira Falls
Top Activities to do: Boating, Ropeway, Ziplining, Picnic
9) Matheran, Maharasthra
A lover’s point with completely eco-friendly zone, Matheran is best hill station for a refreshing getaway with friends, family or partner. Away from city rush and fast pace life, the area is announced as Eco-sensitive zone. The Hill Station is small and named as Elevated Forest because of its elevation. Breathe in pollution free air with cold breeze welcoming take away all your stress. Apart from its beauty, its specialty lies in 36 viewpoints to view alluring views of Sahyadri mountain range, sunset, sunrise and everything to praise nature.
Famous Sights to visit: Louisa Point, Monkey point, Panorama Point, One tree hill point, Charlotte Lake
Famous Activities to Do: Trekking to various Hill Points, Forest Walk, Camping, Water Rappelling, Toy Train ride
10) Khandala, Maharashtra
A favorite hanging zone for celebrities or couples, for celebrating small occasions or destination wedding, khandala is most renowned Hill Station perched on the foothills of Sahyadri in the Western Ghats. Sipping cola drinks and playing games while enjoying tea and fritters is common activity to do around. Awaken your childhood and drive to Khandala, a prominent weekend place form Mumbai is best for honeymoon tour.
From Drive to outing destination, everything is set among nature settings offering a respite to visitors with its scenic views, grassy hills and serene lakes. Give a twist with trying trekking with your partner at famous peak- Duke’s Nose or Karla Hills. For a romantic date or perfect picture frame, Khandala is superb boasting dazzling waterfalls, high mountains and lot more. Extend your hill station trip with visit to nearby Lonavala and Kajrat at few kms away.
Famous Sights to visit: Lohagad Fort, Rajmachi Fort, Tiger’s Leap, Duke’s nose, Karla Hills
Famous Activities to Do: Trekking, Camping, Rock Climbing, Sightseeing, Picnic
Check out rejuvenating Hill Stations Near Mumbai
11) Nainital, Uttarakhand
A Hill Station with charm hidden in its name, Nainital is located at the foothills of the Kumaon ranges of DevBhoomi- Uttarakhand. With pleasant climate throughout the year, is famous attraction for honeymooners, family trips or office trips. Beauty nestled around Naini Lake with ropeway touching clouds, boating in shimmering Lake, Lake view resorts, Mall Road, Tiffin Top and Snow View Point. To feel a life in heaven, stay 2 or 3 days in city that will definitely energize you with its virgin beauty. Nainital can be planned with near by beautiful places as Mukteshwar, Sattal, Bhimtal etc.
Nearby Attractions to visit in and around Nainital
Famous Attractions for Sightseeing: Eco Cave Gardens, Naini Lake, High Altitude Zoo, Snow View Point
Famous Things to Do: Boating, Camping, Wildlife tour, Snow games, Mountain view, Ropeway
12) Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Just start thinking of Shimla, A toy train ride, Mountain views of Himalayas, a lovely vacation take shape in mind. Spread across 12 km ridge in the foothills of Himalayas is surrounded with steep forest, hill slopes and fresh breeze kissing your cheek. If you want a summer holiday in most visited Hill Station, must check out Shimla and indulge in adventure activities. A colonial architecture, Buzzing Mall Road and captivating streams flowing are highlights of Shimla Tour.
Famous Attractions for Sightseeing: Scandal point, Jakhu Hill, Kamna Devi Temple, The Ridge, Mall Road, Kufri, Green valley
Famous Things to Do: Skiing, Horse Riding, Ice Skating (Winter), Riding in Amusement Park, Toy Train Ride
13) Manali, Himachal Pradesh
White blanket of snow shining with sunrays & reflecting yellow shades, love blowing in each particle of air. Yes! It is Manali. A lover’s paradise, well known for captivating views of Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges covered with snow. You can give it place in ten best Hill Station of India for its abundant natural beauty, adventure activities & Hot Water Springs. For enriched experiences visit Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Jogini Falls and get indulge in snow games and activities.
Famous Attractions for Sightseeing: Kalath Jot Water Springs, Hidimba Temple, Tibetan Monasteries, Manu Temple, Nehru Kund, Bhrigu Lake, Parvati Valley
Famous Things to Do: Ice-skating, River Rafting, Quad Biking, Paragliding, Igloo making, Skiing in Solang valley
14) Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh
A scenic drive through smattering of dense forests and thick shrubs will take you to mini-Switzerland of India- khajjiar. Located on Five hills, it is a small town known for its picture-perfect grassy meadows. Situated at 6500 feet of height, the hill station receives heavy snowfall in winter. Sports lover must visit nine-hole golf course nestled in the midst of breath-taking views and greenery. Nearest to Dalhousie, it has several weekends stops to visit.
Famous Sights to visit: Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, Khajji Nag Temple, Khajjiar Lake,
Indulging Activities to do: Paragliding, Zorbing, Horse-riding, trekking in Dense forests
15) Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
Pack your bags and leave home to enter epitome of snowfall, The fun will get multifold with a road trip passing across wonderful view of landscape. The picturesque ghats, endless trees and mountain plants and rustic eateries on the roadside are all that you can see while going towards Mussoorie. The chilling weather, natural surroundings make it perfect hilly escapade.
Famous Sights to visit: Lal Tibba, kempty Falls, Jawahar Aquarium, Company Garden, Dehradun (Nearby)
Indulging Activities to do: Cable Car ride, see animals at Zoo, Trekking, Hiking, Paragliding, A dip at kempty Falls
16) Almora, Uttarakhand
Located on a horse saddle shaped ridge, watch panoramic views of snow-capped Himalayas. Known for rich culture, scrumptious cuisine, pilgrimage sites and magnificent wildlife, Almora is heart of Uttarakhand with lush green forests.
Famous Sights to visit: Zero Point, Jageshwar, kasar Devi, Dunagiri, Jalna, Nanda Devi, Deer Park
Famous Activities to do: Trekking, Sightseeing, Wildlife Tour
17) Patnitop, J&K
Widespread sceneries of nature’s abundant beauty, Patnitop is known for cloud raining, endless meadows, water springs. Patnitop is a hill resort located in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir on a plateau in the Shivalik belt. At a height of 2024 meters and surrounded by dense forests, forms the backdrop of Chenab River flowing nearby. A thick snow fall in winters is a great tourist attraction where you can enjoy the time at Igloo Café, making Igloos. Visit Sanasar to take part in adventure of paragliding & golf games. Nathatop, the beautiful Hill point is best to observe snow-covered peaks.
Major Attractions to Visit: Nag Mandir, Sanasar
Top Things to Do: Skiing, Paragliding, Ice skating
18) Gulmarg, J&K
Centre of Winter sports, Gulmarg is heaven on earth with spellbinding and meandering beauty. To admire the beauty, one can have to experience its own as words get limited against the unimaginable beauty of Hill Station. Make your Honeymoon tour special with making house with snow, skating, mountaineering without much crowd in comparison to other famous Hill Stations.
Snow-covered lofty Himalayas, flowering meadows, deep ravines and lush green forested valleys can describe the place to some extent. World’s second highest Gondola ride make the place worth visiting for adventure. Visit the Ningle Nallah, originating from the melting snow of the Apharwat peak and get enchanted by the aerial view of the Himalayan peaks from the Gondola Lift.
Famous Sights to Must Visit: Gulmarg Gondola, Alpather lake, Drung Waterfall
Top Activities to Do: Skiing, Gondola ride, Igloo stay, Igloo making
19) Leh-Ladakh
Imagine any type od adventure in mountains, you will find in Leh-Ladakh. From challenging motorbiking expedition or camping near glimmering lakes, frozen lake treks or stargazing under clear blue skies, unique culture experience, trekking, village tour, amazing cuisine everything is here amid hidden beauty of rugged terrains. Colourful monasteries, gompas, cold deserts, blue lakes, mountain passes are to offer memorable experiences forever.
Famous Sights to Must Visit: Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri Lake, nubra Valley, Zanskar River, Chele La pass
Top Activities to Do: Camel ride in cold desert, stargazing, camping, motorbiking, trekking
20) Shillong, Meghalaya
The capital city of Meghalaya is the quintessential Hill station of India. Called as Scotland of India just not justify its incomparable beauty. From narrow market lanes to bustling streets, it is brimming with rich culture and tradition, which is reflected in almost all things in the city! The wettest place is known for cool vibes & café culture. It has plethora of waterfalls, caves and crystal-clear lakes with breathtakingly beautiful golf courses, cafes and museums. Live some days among jovial people and vibrant culture. For enthralling experience, visit Umiam Lake, rolling meadows of Shillong Golf Course.
Famous Sightseeing Places: Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, Laitlum Canyons, Mawlynnong, Lady Hydari Park, Police Bazaar
Top Activities to do: Sightseeing, nature walk, shopping
21) Gangtok, Sikkim
Perched at high elevation from Sea level, Gangtok is heaven for honeymooners. Deep Valleys, Zero point, shining mountains covered with snow, Yak rides, momos and tea will relish the tour with beautiful memories. For lovely experiences, visit Tsomgo Lake and Gurudongmar Lake, the two most scenic and highest mountain lakes in the world. Also, make a trip to the historical Nathula Pass. A scenic drive with steep curves of mountain roads, enroute waterfalls and spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga.
Famous Points to visit: Fambong Laspa Wildlife Sanctuary, Enchey Monastery, Rumtek Monastery, Yumthang Valley, Zero point, Nathula Pass, Lachung Valley
Top Things to Do: Snow games, Sightseeing, Mountain view
22) Kalimpong, West Bengal
Adjacent to famous hill station, Darjeeling is situated on 1250 metres at foothills of Shivalik ranges with views of Teesta Valley. The threes shades of green of Teesta River is amazing to watch form a bridge or hill point. For a peaceful family vacation away from the hustle bustle of city, have a tour in flower orchids blooming with variety of Himalayan flowers.
Famous Places to Visit: Durpin Dara Hill, Morgan House, Thongsa Gompa, Deolo Hill, Teesta Bazar, Cactus Nursery
Top Things to Do: Paragliding, Nature Walk, River Rafting, Wildlife sightseeing
23) Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
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Located at approaching height of 3000 metres, Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh is also known as birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama. Nestled in arresting views of hill views setting, it attracts visitors with Lakes, Falls, mountain passes, Budhhist Monasteries. Wrapped in aroma of spirituality, the jem of North-East flattens one with extreme beauty.
Must Visit Places: Sela Pass, Tawang Monastery, Madhuri Lake, Nuranang Falls, Gorichen Peak
Famous Things to Do: Hiking, trekking, Shopping, Meditation, Spiritual Tour
24) Panchmarhi, Madhya Pradesh
Serene & Quaint Hill Station Panchmarhi is listed in UNESCO biosphere reserve for its versatile flora & fauna. Also named as Queen of Satpura boasts rich history and nature trove. You can define the place by its rugged hills, deep ravines and high altitude in plains. Several shades of green, orange-purple hues of sunset offers a seclusive holiday amid obtrusive beauty of Hills. Monsson being the best time to visit Panchmarhi, you can enjoy the adventure of jeep safari in Satpura Tiger Reserve and para-motoring in city.
Must Visit Places: Jamuna Prapat, Handi Khoh, Apsara Vihar, Dhupgarh, Pandava Caves, Jatashankar
Famous Things to Do: Sightseeing, Spiritual sites tour, Wildlife tour
25) Mount Abu, Rajasthan
Have you ever heard to visit a hill station in monsoon season? Mount Abu, only Hill Station of Rajasthan is situated close to the Aravalli Hills. The prominent attraction is Dilwara Jain temples praised for its architecture brilliance. Enjoy the boating in Nakki Lake watching the sunset. Highest peak of Aravalli range, Guru Shikhar is highlighted with abundant flora and fauna. It is a beautiful place and a popular destination for various adventures and sightseeing. Enjoy shopping of souvenirs at Abu Road.
Famous Things to Do: Sightseeing, Boating, architecture tour
Must Visit Places in Mount Abu: Nakki Lake, Guru Shikhar, Peace Park, Trevour’s Tank Toad Rock, Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary
Concluding Thoughts
Are you still in dilemma to choose one of them form the best Hill Stations of India? Choose as per your inner extinct of adventure, motive of travel and relax in serene surroundings of exhilarating Hill Stations form all regions of India. If you have any suggestions or want to know about another Hill Station, write to us: info@indianholidaytrip.com