When you think vacation, think hill stations! Hill Stations make are the perfect combination of adventure and calm. Take a few steps to get a peak of what heaven must look like!
Hii! My name is Muskan and I am from Jodhpur, Rajasthan. A travel enthusiast who is starting to discover new places. And here, I share with you a list of 25 hill stations in India with mindblowing views of nature’s work.
25 Off Beat Hill Stations In India
Manali
Manali is a town near Kullu District in Himachal Pradesh. None other can top the list of Hill stations in India other than Manali.
Often called the Valley of the Gods, the astounding beauty of this place will bring chills down your spine, and they won’t be just because of the cold.
The best time to visit Manali is from December to February, it is the perfect snowfall during these months. It is moderately cold, making it the perfect time to experience snowfall and also get cosy with some hot authentic food.
The name is derived from “Manu-Alaya” meaning the abode of the first man to live. Manali is famous for woollen clothes, sweaters and the best pashmina shawls in all of India.
Manali is also known for its exotic produce of dry fruits.
Shimla
The capital city of Himachal Pradesh creates a perfect ratio of pastures and snow for one to fall in love with, especially couples. Shimla is also called the “Queen of the Hills” as it stretches across 7 hills.
The best time to visit Shimla is from March to April, the ideal time for adventure sports and sightseeing. During this time the weather is fit for tourism, avoiding the rush that June has.
This pre-independence summer capital of India is home to a UNESCO World Heritage site too! Kalka Shimla Railway, also called Kalka Shimla Toy Train takes adventurous routes through the mountains, treating your eyes with breathtaking views.
Nainital
The resort town of Uttrakhand, Nainital is a perfect escape to beat the heat. One of the most visited hill stations in India owing to the vibrant lake views and the ancient Naina Devi Temple which has a mythological history behind it.
The best time to visit Nainital is from March to May. However, Nainital has cheerful weather throughout the year. Naina Lake always welcomes tourists with a freshening breeze.
Also called the Lake District, Nainital has dozens of lakes scattered all around giving tourists perfect locations for photography.
Srinagar
Srinagar of Jammu Kashmir gives a glimpse of paradise to mankind. The sights of the lakes and mountains will make you feel like you are living a daydream!
The best time to visit Srinagar is from May to August, during these months it is pleasant during the day and you get to experience the chilly evenings.
Paradise of Earth boasts the biggest tulip garden in the continent. Tourists come here to admire the gardens and the houseboats in Dal Lake, and to buy pashmina shawls, carpets, authentic jewellery and wooden handicrafts.
Gangtok
Among all the Hills stations in India, Gangtok is one of the most modern-looking places. This city in Sikkim gives you a peaceful city life can never give, away from the hustle and bustle of uptown.
Gangtok has the third-highest peak in the world, Kanchenjunga.
The best time to visit Gangtok is from October to December, during this time autumn season fades into winter creating perfect dynamic sights of the sky blending into hundreds of hues.
Gangtok means Top of the Hill, the hills rise slow and steady to show you pure bliss. The land of monasteries has also been awarded the cleanest tourism destination.
Here, you can shop for Tibetan carpets and various exotic types of tea.
Gulmarg
Gulmarg is a town in Kashmir famous among tourists, especially for skiing. The snow-capped mountains make a perfect skiing spot. Gulmarg also has the world’s second-highest golf course at an elevation of 2,650 meters.
The best time to visit Gulmarg is from April to June, during this period you can spot the famous flowers blooming into absolute beauty!
The name Gulmarg translates to a meadow of flowers, this hill station in India is also called Gauri Marg, after Lord Shiva’s wife. Apart from the sports, you can also enjoy the glistening snow and green, tree-covered slopes.
Shillong
The capital city of Meghalaya, Shillong has an unmatched charm with the most picturesque views in the state. Meghalaya has all of nature’s wonders in one place, hills, forests, waterfalls and rivers.
The best time to visit Shillong is from October to May, a few months after rainfall makes it the ideal time to visit the city.
Shillong is named after the god of the indigenous people of the place. Shillong is known for the flawlessly manicured gardens at Lady Hydari Park, the elephant falls, the peak viewpoint, and of course the handmade decor.
Leh
Leh is the capital city of Ladakh. A city famous for spirited landscapes. Leh serves you rustic mountainous terrains. A cold dessert that is famous among trekking enthusiasts.
The best time to visit Leh is from April to July, a good amount of sunshine keeps the weather moderate and suitable for touristy activities.
Leh is also known as Little Tibet as most of the population follows Tibetan culture. Leh has numerous Buddhist Monastries, these evoke faith in all who visit them.
Mussoorie
Mussoorie is a hill station in Uttrakhand. Mussoorie is a site famously adored by foreign tourists, it can never be absent from a list of places to travel in India. It has sights of lush green mountains with mighty waterfalls by their side.
The best time to visit Mussoorie is from April to June, these months flaunt the prime Mussoorie weather, with snowfalls and pleasing breezes.
Previously called Mansuri. This place is famous for its energetic marketplaces, with special Tibetan markets and artefacts.
McLeodganj
McLeodganj is a town in Himachal Pradesh and a place most common among solo travellers and backpackers. What it serves the best is peace. The serenity of one kind, made up of wind and silence.
The best time to visit McLeodganj is from November to February, although it is as breathtaking as it gets throughout the year.
McLeodganj is named after David McLeod a former British governor, although it is more popularly known as the seat of the Dalai Lama, the spiritual head of Tibetian people.
Auli
Titled as the most pocket-friendly location for tours, Almroa gives everything you expect from a hill station in India. Holding to its culture, this place in Uttrakhand attracts young travellers looking for peace.
The best time to visit Almora is from August to November slightly cool climate, ideal for a light jacket or a shawl to add to your outfit.
Almora, earlier known as Rajpur is famous for its decorative items and utensils made of brass, copper and metal, and woollen wear, especially Angora cloth.
Darjeeling
Darjeeling is a town in the state of West Bengal in the Himalayas feet. Once served as a resort location for the British royals, it still has the essence of royalty in its air.
The best time to visit Darjeeling is from March to April. These months offer the cold breeze with a warm ray of sunshine.
Previously called Dorje-ling, meaning bright spot owing to the vast and bright landscapes. While you are here, do not forget to visit the valleys of Kanchenjunga where the famous Darjeeling tea is grown, especially First Flush Darjeeling tea.
Pachmarhi
Pachmarhi is a hill station in Madhya Pradesh. Pchmarhi has a number of amazing waterfalls including the Duchess Falls, Apsara Vihar and Rajat Prapat.
The best time to visit Pachmarhi is from March to June, avoiding the rush time of July. It is mildly cold, the time right after the freezing winter ends and the sun comes out again.
Pachmarhi is one of India’s hidden gemstones and is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It is famous for the caves and the cave paintings which also have mythological history here too.
Mahabaleshwar
A hill station in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. It is surrounded by many rivers and many hills, which gives you a perfect peep at heaven if you climb a higher peak.
The best time to visit Mahabaleshwar is from October to November as the rains stop and winters start approaching.
Mahabaleshwar is called “The land of Strawberries”, it produces the sweetest strawberries and raspberries in all of India. To get your head literally in the clouds, you must visit Elephant’s Head Point the most famous point for the best-ever views.
Lonavala
Lonavala is a town in Maharashtra, bordered by tranquil green landscapes, and go zip lining amidst them too Lonavala also has numerous caves such as Karla Caves and the Ekvira Devi Temple.
The best time to visit Lonavala is from July to September, these months create the perfect weather for tourists to backpack in and explore.
A weekend getaway for Maharashtrians, especially during the monsoon season. Isn’t it the dream trek location?
Pelling
Pelling is a town in Sikkim near Mount Khangchendzonga. Pelling creates an atmosphere of pure peace and relaxation with the view of hills and monasteries all around.
The best time to visit Pelling is from October to February, snow showers and a little sunlight give you the freshness you expect from travelling in any hill station in India.
Pelling has points where you can see Mount Kanchenjunga from which the majestic sunrise and of course with some tea to keep you warm. Find our more about tourist spots in Sikkim here.
Haldwani
Haldwani is a city in Uttrakhand. It is a hidden gem and has not been explored much or commercialised yet because of which you can see the balanced ratio of the city life and the tourist location vibe.
The best time to visit is from September to March, during this time it is the weather is at its prime. Here, a light jacket or sweater will be suitable all year long.
Haldwani is known for having comfortable and pleasant weather all year round, which it is also famous for besides being the gateway to the town of Kumaon.
Palampur
Palampur is a hill station in Himachal Pradesh, often considered the best picnic spot. The state itself is known for its scenic beauty which Palampur adds a lot to.
The best time to visit Palampur is from October to May, in this period the wildlife flourishes and you can see the magical birdlife along with the snow-capped mountains.
Palampur boasts of having the tallest tree in the country. Its forests are filled with a variety of woods, the most profound is the deodar trees.
Chopta
Chopta is a village in Uttrakhand. Here you have the heavy snowfall that is just like in the movies, and it quite literally is! It is also a birding paradise with over 200 types of birds roaming in the area and some of which are only found here.
The best time to visit is from February to April, the snow during this time is just the perfect amount for you to play in and go out to explore this heavenly village.
It is one of the places called as mini Switzerland, because of its meadows and green landscapes to which the weather contributes by showering with even more snow.
Kalimpong
Kalimpong is a town in West Bengal at the foothills of the Himalayas. Formerly a vacation spot for British officers, this place still has some of what they created such as the fancy gardens.
The best time to visit is from September to November, it is warm during the afternoon and cools down by the evening with the rains.
Kalimpong was earlier a part of Darjeeling but is now a separate district. Although it still has gardens and Buddhist monasteries and Tibetian handicrafts just as majestic as Darjeeling.
Coorg
Coorg is a district in Karnataka. Its charm is unmatched. The place has greenery as far as eyes could go making you feel like it is all that exists. It is undoubtedly one of the most authentic hill stations in India.
The best time to visit Coorg is from October to March, here you can see the waterfalls and gardens with a climate that couldn’t be better.
“Scotland of the East” Coorg is famous for a lot more than its views, it is known for a large production of India’s finest coffee. Coorg has it all, hills, waterfalls, lakes, vibrant gardens and everything you can name.
Amarkantak
A town in Madhya Pradesh famous among pilgrims. A place where the Vindhya and the Satpura Ranges come together with the Maikal Hills, atop the Narmada River.
The best time to visit is from October to February, the winters are mild here and create an aura of pilgrimage and weather for tourism.
Amarkantak is adorned with the grandeur of Kalachuri temples, Shri Yantra Mandir, Maa Narmada Mandir and the Amarkantak temple to name a few.
Munnar
Munnar is a town in Kerala in the Western Ghats. It has evergreen tea plantations which contribute largely to the Indian export market of tea.
The best time to visit Munnar is from September to November to avoid the humidity and take in the rejuvenating bliss that Munnar air carries.
Munnar too has served as a resort during British Raj, as it is also famous for its tea and spice plantations. If you are looking for hill stations to visit in southern India, Munnar can not be missed.
Ooty
Ooty is a town in Tamil Nadu. Has hills covered in a wide variety of tea planted using step cultivation. Ooty is also famously known for its bakery items made in the traditional ways.
The best time to visit is from April to June when summer just begins and shows the best works of nature. The blossoms and the sweetest fruits ever will make you want to stay forever.
Its real name is Udhagamandalam. You can rent a boathouse and tour the lakes with picturesque views of the river and hills coming together, the vibrance of this place will never let you down!
Conclusion
I hope you found this article interesting and inspired you to take a trip to these Hill stations In India. Nature always surprises you with its wonderous works, every one of these locations is breathtaking in its own way!
All of the time you spend in a hill station is filled with calm and joy, can you share your experience of hill stations in the comments below?
