Hill Stations

Best Hill Stations to visit in India

1. Leh Ladakh

Ladakh is a union territory in the Kashmir region of India. Also known as the world’s coldest desert. Ladakh is truly a heaven on Earth. It is a great place for various adventure activities like climbing, jeeps tours, rafting, and high-altitude trekking. Apart from this, it is also a land that is popular for its rich heritage and culture. Further, Ladakh is a great tourist attraction because of its misty hills, valleys, beautiful monasteries, picturesque locations, and interesting markets. Thus, it is one of the most beautiful places to visit in India.

Best time to visit: April, June, or September
Places of attraction: Pangong Tso, Hemis National Park, Khardung La, Tso Moriri, Zanskar Valley, Changla Pass, Thiksey Monastery, Dras War Memorial, and Nubra Valley.

2. Ooty - Tamil Nadu

Ooty is a popular hill station located in the Nilgiri Hills in the state of Tamil Nadu. And also local residents call it “Queen of Hills“. However, it was considered as the summer capital of Madras Presidency under the British, can be safely regarded as “India’s Switzerland”. Undoubtedly, Ooty is famous for its waterfalls, botanical gardens, bustling markets, and striking lakes. Further, the Nilgiri mountain railway is the steepest track in all of Asia. Thus, it is one of the Best Tourist Places to visit in South India.

Best time to visit: March to June
Places of attraction: Avalanche Lake, Pykara Falls, Doddabetta Peak, Ooty Lake, Botanical Gardens, Toy Train, Deer Park, Tea Museum, and Needle Rock viewpoint.

3. Manali - Himachal Pradesh

Manali is a tourist town in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. It is a popular tourist destination in India. And serves as the gateway to the Lahaul and Spiti district as well as the city of Leh in Ladakh. It has many trekking options around it, making it a great base for exploring this side of the Himalayas. Tourists can engage in various adventure activities including skiing, paragliding, trekking, and horse-riding. Thus, Manali attracts tourists from all over the world.

Best time to visit: October to February
Places of attraction: Solang Valley, Jogini Waterfall, Hidimba Devi Temple, Beas River, Manikaran Gurudwara, Mall road, and Old Manali.

4. Darjeeling - West Bengal

Darjeeling is a town in the state of West Bengal. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas and set at a height of 2,050 meters above sea level. Spreads over a steep mountain ridge and is nestled amidst acres of lush green tea plantations. Further, Mt. Kanchenjunga is its backdrop. You can also enjoy trekking, beautiful sunrises, exploring lush forests, admiring the wildlife, and so on. The famous toy train established back in 1881 is conferred the title of World Heritage Status by UNESCO. The train begins its journey from the plains and rises to over 2000 meters above sea level, offering mesmerizing views of the mountains. Thus, it is one of the most beautiful hill stations in the state of India.

Best time to visit: April to June
Places of attraction: Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Batasia Loop, Darjeeling Ropeway, Himalayan Mountaineering, and Tiger Hill.

5. Mussoorie - Uttarakhand

Mussoorie is a hill station in the Dehradun district of the state of Uttarakhand. Also known as Queen of the Hills. Set at an altitude of 2,000 m above sea level. The little hill station of Landour, along with Mussoorie, Barlowganj and Jharipani together form the greater Mussoorie. It offers scenic views of Himalayas peaks in Western Garhwal. The Mall road gives off a distinct colonial vibe and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mussoorie. Further, Mussoorie offers various adventure activities for tourists like trekking, angling, zip-lining, and paragliding. Thus, it is one of the best hill stations to visit in India.

Best time to visit: May to June
Places of attraction: Lal Tibba, Kempty Falls, Camel Back Road, Gun Hill, Soham Heritage Art Centre, and Lake Mist.

6. Gulmarg - Jammu & Kashmir

Gulmarg is a hill station, located in Kashmir, India. Also known as the “Meadow of Flowers”. Situated at the height of 2,650 meters above sea level. Surrounded by snow-covered lofty Himalayas, meadows of flowers, deep ravines, and evergreen forested valleys. This place is a popular skiing destination and thus, an absolute delight for adventure seekers. Further, it is reckoned to have the world’s second-highest golf course, which is situated at an altitude of 2650m. This 18-hole golf course spreads over an area of 7505 yards. Thus, it is one of the beautiful places to visit in Kashmir.

Best time to visit: March to June
Places of attraction: St. Mary’s Church, Outer Circle Walk, Ningle Nallah, Baba Reshi Shrine, Gulmarg Gondola, Apharwat Peak, Alpather Lake, and Maharani Temple.

7. Lonavala - Maharashtra

Lonavala is a hill station in the state of Maharashtra. And also called as “city of caves” and the “Jewel of Sahyadri”. Surrounded by green valleys, forests, waterfalls and, also famous for its natural wonders, religious attractions, and historical sites. Undoubtedly, Lonavala is a must-visit place in Maharashtra. Further, it is also popular for trekking like the Andharban trek that starts from a village called Pimpri and ends in Bhira. This place is best for various adventurous activities like trekking, hiking, camping, and more.

Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Places of attraction: Della Adventure Park, Tikona Fort, Narayani Dham Temple, Lohagad Fort, Pavana Lake, Rajmachi Fort, Visapur Fort, and Bedsa caves.