Top 20 Best Hill Stations in India: There is a reason why the whole world calls our nation as “Incredible India”. Besides its amazing cultures, ethics and that sense of brotherhood, there are so many surreal hill stations in India that add to its exquisite beauty. A single visit to those hill stations with your loved ones justifying their “out of the world” beauty with your eyes and those lush green mountains with snow shining up top, you won’t ever be disappointed with nature ever. The multiple geographic locations in India has given birth to various and the varying diversity has given birth to so many amazing religions and not seeing them flourish would be such a waste. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, there isn’t any place not worth seeing in India, one of the most tourist friendly nation in the World.
Here are Top 20 Best Hill Stations in India that need to be in your bucket list of travel for sure:
1. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Clichéd, but an undeniable beauty, Shimla is still one of the most preferred holiday destinations among a large chunk of the Indian population. The Summer Capital of the British Empire, Shimla has still managed to hold on to its colonial charm. From family vacations to romantic getaways, Shimla has been the destination chosen by many if not all.
Some of the major tourist attractions in Shimla are:
- Jakhoo Hill
- The Mall Road
- The Ridge
- Ice Skating Rink
- Indian Institute of Advance Study
- Shoolini Temple
- Christ Church
- Viceregal Lodge
Best Hotels to Stay at:
- Hotel Willow Banks
- Hotel Silverine
- Hotel Oberoi Cecil
- Snow Valley Resort
- hotel Radisson Jazz
2. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Bring out the backpacker in you, because Manali is truly the dream destination and best hill stations in India where you would want to spend those scorching summer days in. Blessed with lush greenery, lofty Himalayas, trout fishes, numerous rivers and rivulets, Manali is no less than a dream come true.
Some of the major tourist attractions in Manali are:
- Hadimba Devi Temple
- Vashisht Hot Water Springs
- Bhrigu Lake
- Rohtang Pass
- Solang valley
- Manu Temple
- Mall Road
- Club House
Best Hotels to Stay at:
- Rock Manali
- The Orchard Greens
- The Himalayan
- Manali Heights
- Holiday Heights
3. Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir
“If there is ever a heaven on earth, it’s here”, you will probably realize the truth of this quote by Emperor Jahangir, the day you visit Kashmir. Gulmarg is the most beautiful and popular ski resort destination in India during the winter months. Rest of the year it’s a beautiful painting of various hues of natural beauty in the form of lush greenery and flowers that adorn the hills. Gulmarg is one of top 20 best hill stations in India that are known for its surreal beauty all over the world.
Some of the best tourist attractions in Gulmarg are:
- Apharwat Peak
- Golf Course
- Gulmarg Gandola
- Rani Temple
- Baba Reshi Shrine
- Kangdori
Best Hotel to Stay at:
- The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa
- The Vintage Gulmarg
- The Rosewood
- Hotel Highlands Park
- Pine View Resort
4. Leh-Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir
A magnificent cold desert flanked by the rugged Himalayas, vast stretches of arid land, fluttering prayer flags, pristine lakes, treacherous trails to high altitude passes and absolute bliss is what defines Leh and Ladakh. If you’re a biker then you there will be no better place for you but Leh and Ladakh.
5. Auli, Uttarakhand
Another haven for skiing during the winter months, Auli is nothing less than a heavenly paradise and best hill stations in India. It is a very popular among travellers seeking solace in the wilderness of the mountains here.
6. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
Bustling with the verve of an ideal Himalayan hamlet, Mussoorie is picturesque, fun and a wonderful place to beat the heat during the terrible summer months. Apart from sightseeing, you can engage in a lot of other activities such as ropeway rides, shopping, trekking and hiking in Mussoorie.
7. Gangtok, Sikkim
Sikkim the organic state of India is home to abundant scenic beauty and breathtaking culture. Among the numerous places worth visiting in this state, Gangtok stands out as an idyllic capital city. Surrounded by the mighty Himalayas and adorned by the utmost beauty, the best time to visit Gangtok is during the winter and spring months of the year. It is one of the most incredible top 20 best hill stations in India that you need to add onto your bucket list of travel right now.
8. Darjeeling, West Bengal
Established as a sanatorium for the British, Darjeeling slowly gained so much popularity amongst the British that they almost made it their second home. Vast stretches of Tea plantations and remnants of the colonial era can still be seen in this little yet picturesque town. Darjeeling shrieks of that Bollywood kind of romance that is still a muse to so many power couples wanting to spend their honeymoon with that Bollywood reenactment swag.
9. Shillong, Meghalaya
The capital of Meghalaya, Shillong is an absolutely stunning location. Also referred to as ‘The Scotland of the East’, Shillong is abundant in natural beauty and utmost tranquillity. Visit this little heaven for lush green mountains, waterfalls, its characteristic cool climes, and a lively city life unlike any other metro city in the country.
10. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh.
ff the beaten track, Tawang is no less than a wonder. Tawang is originally a valley and is characterised by lofty mountain ridges, Buddhist monasteries, and unparalleled scenic beauty. Most famous for the Tawang Monastery, Tawang is bordered by two countries namely Tibet and Bhutan.
11. Kohima, Nagaland
Visit the capital of Nagaland, Kohima if you are looking for an offbeat yet amazing travel experience. Kohima is the perfect amalgamation of cultural richness and modern day city life. The Nagas and Kulkis Tribe in Kohima still preserve its rich cultural background. Adorned in tales of war, bravery and a tumultuous yet exciting history, this little city in Nagaland will not fail to amaze you. Kohima is one of the top 20 best hill stations in India that are famous for their out of the world beauty.
12.Mount Abu, Rajasthan
Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan and is like a dollop of surprise amidst its barren and arid terrains. Located on the Aravalli range, the mountains surrounding this little hill station aren’t as lofty as the Himalayas but are equally pristine and scenic. Famous for the Dilwara Temples, Mount Abu is a must visit if you are travelling to Rajasthan.
13. Panchgani, Maharashtra.
Panchgani is a quaint little town that is surrounded by five hills which give it its characteristic name.
14. Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
Known mainly for its strawberry plantations, Mahabaleshwar is a beautiful hill station located in the Western Ghats in Maharashtra. Characterised by the lush greenery of the mountains, waterfalls, valleys and some ancient temples, Mahabaleshwar is a welcome respite from the crowd and pace of the metro cities of Mumbai and Pune located near it.
15. Munnar, Kerala
An idyllic hill station located in God’s Own Country, Munnar is known for its splendid tea plantations and breathtaking locales. Fed by a trio of rivers namely, Madupetti, Nallathanni and Periavaru, Munnar is a treasure trove of scenic beauty. The weather of Munnar is to die for.
16. Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Ooty is nothing less than a paradise. Also known as Udhagamandalam, Ooty is one of the most popular hill stations in the southern part of the country. Carpeted by beautiful green tea plantations, home to the Ooty Lake and numerous species of flora and fauna Ooty is the perfect getaway this summer. There is no doubt that Ooty with its exquisite and extraordinary thrill have made the list of top 20 best hill stations in India.
17. Coorg, Karnataka
Coorg is also rightly known as the Scotland of India. Home to plenty of spice and coffee plantations, visiting this quaint little hill station in Karnataka is like hitting a jackpot. You can also indulge in some adventure sports activities here in Coorg apart from marvelling at its breathtaking natural beauty.
18. Kudremukh, Karnataka
Kudremukh is one of the super famous hill stations in Chikmagalur district, Karnataka. In Kannada, Kudremukh signifies as a “horse face”. The peak Kudremukh which resembles the face of a horse is one of the main attractions here. Kudremukh offers amazing vantage points to marvel at the beauty of the mountain ranges visible from here.
19. Wayanad, Kerala
If you are fascinated by wildlife and love hills, then Wayanad in Kerala will offer you plenty of opportunities to explore and experience both. Wayanad is the home to major plantations all over the area and is a famous destination in Kerala. The hill station has made it to the list of top 20 best hill stations in India with its simple and enchanting beauty.
20. Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
Coonoor in Tamil Nadu is located in the Nilgiri Hills of the Western Ghats and is one of the most serene hill stations of the region. Home to waterfalls, lush dense forests, and breathtaking hiking trails, Coonoor is worth a visit if you are looking for a refreshing break from the mundane chain of activities of your regular life. These are some of the favourites among the most popular hill stations in India, though India is home to many other scenics and offbeat hill locations across the country.
Do check out our blog post on Top 10 Budget Hotels in Shimla with Good Service.
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