Exploring Best Hill Stations To Visit In India For A Perfect Holiday

Hate the summertime sun? Do you want to awaken instead to a bright blue sky with cooling hills around you? Leave the city and travel to one of the best tourist hill stations in India to spend your days exploring the lush foliage, relaxing by a tranquil lake, or gazing at the majestic mountains.

If the allure of hill stations fills you with excitement, then India is the ideal place for your next getaway. Here is a list of the best hill stations to visit in India for an exceptional and memorable vacation with your loved ones!

Explore the best hill stations to visit in India 

Top Hill Stations To Visit In India That Will Definitely Surprise You!

India's summer heat and humidity are unpleasant, but the country's hill stations welcome you with amazing scenery set against breathtaking backdrops and a chilly climate throughout. India's hill towns, especially those in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, are undoubtedly a treat for the senses.

Here are a few top hill stations to visit in India that will definitely surprise you!

Shimla

Shimla is the first place that comes to mind when speaking of natural beauty. Renowned as the 'Queen of the Hills,' this hilltop locale is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh and ranks among the most visited hill stations in India.

Some of the top attractions in Shimla include Kali Bari Temple, Annandale, Vice Regal Lodge, Jakhu Temple/Jakhu Hill, The Mall, Tara Devi Temple, Christ Church, and Kalka - Shimla Railway. 

Visitors can also choose from a number of treks that lead to the Kullu Valley or go trout fishing at the Pabbar River. Between January and mid-March, those who are more daring can ski at the Narkanda and Kufri. As part of Shimla vacation packages, the nine-hole golf course at Naldehra also serves as a significant tourist attraction.

Shimla is the first place that comes to mind when speaking of natural beauty

Manali

Manali, a breathtakingly picturesque hill station set in the highlands of Himachal Pradesh close to the northern end of the Kullu Valley, is located at a distance of 40 km from Kullu, 255 km from Shimla, 295 km from Chandigarh, and 545 km from Delhi. Thanks to its stunning natural beauty, numerous temples and religious locations, and role as a starting point for many adventurous activities, Manali is undoubtedly one of the best hilly places to visit in India.

At a height of 2050 meters, Manali is spread out along the Beas River's banks. Manali, often known as the "Valley of the Gods," is home to numerous Buddhist monasteries that are well worth seeing. Other well-known attractions in Manali include Enfield Point, Manali Gompa, Manu Temple, Naggar Palace, Nehru Kund, and Zana Waterfalls.

Adventure sports including skiing, hiking, mountaineering, paragliding, rafting, kayaking, and mountain biking are also popular in Manali. In Manali, paragliding is an incredible experience.

Darjeeling

Darjeeling is a well-known hill station for visitors looking for a hideaway, set against the gorgeous Himalayan backdrop. You can relax from the stress and feel elated by taking in the peaceful surroundings and gentle breezes. Also, because this hill town is perched at a height of 2,042 meters, it offers a wonderful postcard view of the majestic Himalayan Mountains, limitless stretches of lush green plantation, and calm rivers.  This place is slowly emerging as best hill station in India to visit in November.

Tea tourism in Darjeeling, which exports the most tea, draws a lot of tourists during the harvesting season. In addition, Darjeeling is fortunate to have a rich and unique culture. There are several ethnic groupings and organizations, and they each celebrate holidays differently. The well-known festivals observed in Darjeeling are Losar, Maghe Sankranti, Tendong Lho Rumfaat, Chotrul Duchen, Teesta Tea and Darjeeling Tourist Festival, as well as Darjeeling Carnival.

Read about Best Interesting Facts About India You May Not Have Known

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has received UNESCO World Heritage status

Munnar

Munnar is one of the best hilly places to visit in India for tea lovers and adventure seekers

Munnar, a well-known hill resort in Kerala, is sometimes referred to as the "Switzerland of South India." For many, it is a paradise because of the abundance of natural beauty and alluring fauna. Also, the area is surrounded by huge expanses of tea plantations, which are the cherry on top. In addition, Munnar is the ideal trekking location because it has both mountain and easy trekking pathways.

The Kurinji season at Munnar is a stunning sight as the hills and valleys are covered in Neelakurinji blooms, which bloom just once every 12 years. Learn about the origins and steps involved in brewing tea by visiting the Tea Museum. It is also renowned for being Kerala's spice capital. In Munnar and the nearby villages, more than twelve different kinds of spices are grown, including ginger, garlic, cardamom, vanilla, pepper, cinnamon, coffee, tea, clove, and nutmeg. Munnar is one of the best hilly places to visit in India, with so much to offer tea lovers and adventure seekers.

Munnar is one of the best hilly places to visit in India for tea lovers and adventure seekers

Ooty

Next on our list of best hill stations to travel in India is Ooty. At an elevation of 7,440 feet, Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam, is frequently referred to as the "Queen of the Nilgiris". Nilgiris means "Blue Mountains". It was a popular summer and weekend vacation for the Brits during colonial times because it was a land with beautiful picnic sites and lakes. The Ooty Lake, Botanical Garden, and Rose Garden are essential stops on any trip of Ooty.

"The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, affectionately known as the “toy train,” which operates between Mettupalayam and Ooty, is an Indian UNESCO World Heritage Site and an absolute must-try experience. The railway travels through numerous terrifying twists and tunnels while chugging beside deep ravines teeming with lush greenery, bubbling waterfalls, and tea gardens. The railroad track, which spans 42 kilometers and features 108 curves, 16 tunnels, and 250 bridges, was created by British engineers in 1908.

The Ooty Lake, Botanical Garden, and Rose Garden are essential stops on any trip of Ooty

Gulmarg

Gulmarg, popularly known as the Valley of Flowers, is tucked away in the gorgeous valley of Kashmir and is nothing short of a magical world. It is without a doubt one of India's best hill stations to visit, it is well-known for its skiing and has one of the longest cable car installations in Asia.

Every adventure enthusiast looking for an adrenaline rush through winter sports like skiing, heli-skiing, and snowboarding will find paradise in Gulmarg. In addition to winter adventure activities, hiking and golfing are also enjoyable.

Read more: Best Places to Visit for Nature Lovers in India

Coorg

Last on our list of top hill stations to visit in India is Coorg. Coorg is a unique vacation destination thanks to its misty hills, thick forest, tea and coffee plantations, orange groves, undulating streets, and stunning views. The main attractions in Coorg include Raja's Seat, Abbey Falls, Iruppu Waterfall, Omkareshwara Temple, Bylakuppe, Talacauvery, and Dubare. The famed Cauvery River has its source in Talacauvery in the Coorg hills.

As a component of the Western Ghats, Coorg boasts abundant biodiversity. The region is home to three wildlife sanctuaries: Talacauvery, Pushpagiri, and Brahmagiri Sanctuaries, along with one national park, Nagarhole National Park. These protected areas house a diverse range of wildlife, including the Asiatic elephant, tigers, leopards, and wild boars.

Coorg is a unique vacation destination

Best Time To Visit These Beautiful Hill Stations In India

The best time to visit these beautiful hill stations in India depends on several variables like climate, tourist influx, and your intended activities. Generally, the prime time for hill station visits falls during the summer months when the weather is pleasant, and temperatures are moderate. However, some hill stations also gain popularity in the winter season, particularly for snow-related activities.

In general, the most favorable time to explore hill stations in India spans from March to June and then from September to November. During this time, the climate is mild, and the natural allure of the hills is at its zenith. Nevertheless, it is prudent to verify the specific hill station's weather conditions before confirming your travel arrangements.

If you're contemplating a visit to a hill station during the winter months, the best window is typically from December to February. This is when you can relish the wonderful snowfall and partake in winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and sledding. 

Whether you're an adventure enthusiast, a nature aficionado, or someone in search of tranquility, India's hill stations cater to all preferences. For travelers planning to explore these picturesque destinations, don't forget to apply for an India eVisa through our convenient website: India Immigration Services. This streamlined process ensures a hassle-free entry into this enchanting land of hill stations and more.