Boasting stunning scenery and pleasant weather, hill stations in India welcome travelers for a refreshing respite from the routine. Hence, the hill stations are among the most popular holiday destinations in the country that draw everyone from solo backpackers to couples and families. Love the idea of vacationing amid hills? From the Himalayan hill stations in the north with snowy landscapes to the charming ones in the South enveloped in lush greenery, here are some of the best hill stations to visit in India.Hill Stations in India Â
Srinagar, Kashmir:
Situated in the paradisiacal Kashmir Valley on the banks of the Jhelum River, Srinagar is a beautiful hill station known for its sparkling lakes, traditional houseboats (Shikaras), picturesque Mughal gardens, and pastoral scenery. This hill station, popularly known as the Land of Lakes and Gardens, is home to the largest tulip garden in Asia. Don’t miss out on the annual Tulip festival when you are traveling to this place in April. Going on a ride in Shikara on the Dal Lake is a must-do in Srinagar.
Best time to visit: April to October
Top Tourist Places in Srinagar: Dal Lake, Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Pari Mahal, Shankaracharya Temple, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Jamia Masjid, Aru Valley, etc.
Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport
Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
Mussoorie, the Queen of the Hill Stations, is one of the most-visited hill stations in India. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayan ranges, Mussoorie offers the best views of the snow-capped Himalayas as well as the verdant valleys. You can also experience snowfall during the months of December, January, and February. Exploring the colonial architecture, ambling along the Mall Road, taking a cable car ride to Gun Hill, and relaxing by the waterfalls are the top-most things to do in Mussoorie.Hill Stations in India
Best time to visit: April to June
Top Tourist Places in Mussoorie: Kempty Falls, Company Garden, Lal Tibba, The Mall, Cloud’s End, Sir George Everest’s House, Jharipani Falls, Company Garden, Happy Valley, Christ Church, etc.
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport
Ooty, Tamil Nadu:
Set in the Nilgiri hills, Ooty or Ootacamund is filled with rolling hills, lush valleys, sprawling tea gardens, sparkling lakes, waterfalls, pretty gardens, and more attractive places. This beautiful hill station, often referred to as the Queen of the Nilgiris, once served as a British Raj summer resort and thus, boasts charming colonial architecture. The picturesque natural beauty and romantic ambiance of this hill station in India draw nature lovers and honeymooners in large numbers. Experience it all by going on a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway.Hill Stations in IndiaÂ
Best time to visit: October to June
Top Tourist Places in Ooty: Doddabetta Peak, Ooty Lake, Ooty Botanical Garden, Rose Garden, Pykara Falls, Emerald Lake, Avalanche Lake, Tea Museum, Dolphin’s Nose, Mudumalai National Park, etc.
Nearest Airport: Coimbatore international airport
Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh:
Another of the most beautiful hill stations in India, Kasauli quenches your thirst for mountain scenery and adventurous hikes. Located at an altitude of 1800 m above sea level, Kasauli is surrounded by beautiful pine, oak, and chestnut forests. The Victorian buildings that dot this hilly cantonment town are among its prime tourist attractions. Kasauli also has mythological significance as Lord Hanuman is believed to have briefly rested here before advancing to Sanjeevani hill.Hill Stations in IndiaÂ
Best time to visit: April – June & September – November
Top Tourist Places in Kasauli: Manki Point, Sunset Point, Gilbert trail, Christ Church, The Mall, Gurudwara Sri Guru Nanakji, Kasauli Brewery, Gurkha Fort, Timber Trail, etc.
Nearest Airport: Chandigarh International Airport
Darjeeling, West Bengal:
Darjeeling in West Bengal is quite famous for its vast tea gardens and bewitching views of Mount Kanchenjunga and other hills. Beautiful waterfalls, Buddhist monasteries, botanical gardens, and colonial buildings abound in this hill station. What makes your Darjeeling holiday all the more memorable is a ride in the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, fondly called the Toy Train (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The train chugs its way through the scenic landscapes of Darjeeling, leaving you in awe. Hill Stations in India
Best time to visit: March – June & October – December
Top Tourist Places in Darjeeling: Tiger Hill, Sandakphu Trek, Peace Pagoda, Ghoom Monastery, Rock Garden, Happy Valley Tea Estate, Observatory Hill, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, etc.
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
Munnar, Kerala:
Famous for expansive tea plantations, rolling hills, misty valleys, and rich wildlife, Munnar is one of the top hill stations in India. It is situated at an altitude of 1,600 m above sea level in the Western Ghats of India and is an ideal getaway from the busy city life. Stay in the quaint cottages, wake up to the aroma of tea wafting through the air, and drink on the views of Munnar’s lush green landscapes. Adventure enthusiasts can also enjoy a variety of thrilling activities like trekking, paragliding, rock climbing, etc.
Best time to visit: September to May
Top Tourist Places in Munnar: Echo Point, Anamudi Peak, Mattupetty Dam, Eravikulam National Park, Tea Museum, Attukad Waterfalls, Pothamedu View Point, Photo Point, etc.
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport. You can book cheap flights to Kochi from Dallas at Indian Eagle.
Meta Description: From the Himalayan hill stations in the north with snowy landscapes to the charming ones in the South enveloped in lush greenery, here are the 6 best hill stations to visit in India.
