Hill Stations in India For a Perfect Holiday
Here is a list of Best Hill Stations in India:
Here is the list of 55 Hill Stations in India For a Perfect Holiday
1. Manali, Himachal Pradesh - Lover's Paradise
Known For : Old Manali Solang Valley Jogini Waterfall
Nestled in between the snow-capped slopes of the Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges, Manali is one of the most popular hill stations in the country. With jaw-dropping views, lush green forests, sprawling meadows carpeted with flowers, gushing blue streams, a perpetual fairy-tale like mist lingering in the air, and a persistent fragrance of pines and freshness - Manali has been blessed with extraordinary scenic beauty. From museums to temples, from quaint little hippie villages to bustling upscale streets, river adventures to trekking trails, Manali has ever a reason to be the tourist magnet it is, all year round.
Best Time: October to June
2. Ooty, Tamil Nadu - Queen of the Nilgiris
Known For : Nilgiri Mountain Railway Ooty Lake Emerald Lake, Ooty
The Blue Mountains have always been shrouded in mysticism, and Ooty is no exception to that. For every mountain lover, the very idea of travelling to the city known as the Queen of the Hills holds an allure like no other. Once regarded as the summer headquarters of the East India Company (and for a very good reason), Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam, is a hill station in Tamil Nadu which serves as a very popular tourist destination for anyone looking for a picturesque place to relax and unwind. Ooty is nestled amidst the Nilgiri hills at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level and enjoys a favourable climate all year round.
Best Time: Throughout the year
3. Darjeeling, West Bengal - Queen of The Himalayas
Known For : Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Tiger Hill Batasia Loop
Jaw-dropping locales, mesmerising sunrises, the untouched beauty of the hills, the old-world charm of the past, and the welcoming smiles of the local people all add up to make Darjeeling one of the most beautiful hill stations in Eastern part of India. Spread over a steep mountain ridge, nestled amidst acres of lush green tea plantations, Darjeeling stands at the height of 2,050 meters above sea level, thus boasting of cool climes all year round. This scenic hill station is the perfect getaway for a romantic honeymoon and is just around 700 kilometres away from Kolkata.
Best Time: February to March, September to December
4. Leh Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir
Known For : Pangong Lake Khardung La Nubra Valley
A land like no other with superabundance of attractions to visit and phantasmagoric and fabulous landscapes, amazing people and culture, Ladakh is truly a heaven on Earth.
Best Time: Jun to Sep
5. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand - The queen of hill-stations
Known For : Mussoorie Mall Road Kempty Falls Camel's Back Road
If your idea of the perfect holiday involves tranquil hills, untouched nature and a holiday experience that is unadulterated in the truest sense of the term, Mussoorie is the place you should be heading to. Nestled amidst the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges, Mussoorie, also known as Queen of The Hills, stands at an altitude of 7000 feet above sea level, and has a cool, pleasant climate throughout the year. The pristine, natural beauty of Mussoorie makes it a very popular choice of holiday for honeymooners. If you want to enjoy the beautiful sight of the rolling green slopes juxtaposed with the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, Mussoorie is the place for you to be.
Best Time: September to June
6. Auli, Uttarakhand - The skiing destination of India
Known For : Skiing in Auli Trishul Peak Auli Ropeway
Dotted with the apple orchards, old oaks and pine trees there is no dearth of natural beauty in Auli. Apart from skiing you can also go for numerous treks in the hills of Garhwal Himalayas and enjoy the spellbinding views of the snow-draped mountains. Auli is a popular hill resort in the Himalayan range dating back to 8th Century AD.
Best Time: Throughout the year
7. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh - The Hill-Station with Rich Colonial History
8. Gangtok, Sikkim - The Gateway to Sikkim
Known For : Nathula Pass MG Road, Gangtok Rumtek Monastery
Extremely alluring, pleasantly boisterous and wreathed in clouds - Gangtok, the capital city of the Sikkim can also give you a spectacular view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, at a distant skyline. The pristine hill station nestled in mountains and clouds is also a base for a whole lot of trekkers to the Himalayan mountain ranges. The mesmerising prismatic beauty and the beautiful winding hill roads are even more breathtaking if seen from a bird's eye view in a cable car.
Best Time: Throughout the year
9. Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir - The Paradise on Earth
Known For : Dal Lake Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden Shikara Ride
Famously known as ?Heaven on Earth?, Srinagar is every bit the epitome of paradise on earth. As picturesque as the most stunning painting to ever be painted, Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, lies on the banks of the Jhelum river, and has a cool, pleasant climate all year round, contributing to the perpetual influx of tourists visiting this city which offers a plethora of gorgeous scenic vistas.
Best Time: April to October
10. Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh - Land of His Holiness the Dalai Lama - Little Lhasa
Known For : Bhagsu Falls Namgyal Monastery Bhagsunag Temple
Mcleodganj is a hill station near Dharamshala, popular among trekkers. Its culture is a beautiful blend of Tibetan with some British influence.
Best Time: October to June
11. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu - The Princess of Hill Stations
Known For : Green Valley View (Suicide Point) Kodaikanal Lake Bear Shola Falls
Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is one of the most famous honeymoon destinations in India. When you think of Kodaikanal, you think of a wonderful climate, cliffs covered in mist, cloud-capped mountains and beautiful lakes and valleys, and once you visit this hill station, you will find that every bit of what you have imagined it to be is true. Nestled amidst the rolling slopes of the Palani Hills in Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal stands at an altitude of 7200 feet above sea level and has a cool, pleasant climate all year round. Kodaikanal means the gift of the forests.
Best Time: September to May
12. Munnar, Kerala - Tea Gardens, Lakes and Pretty little hill-station
Known For : Munnar Tea Plantations Atukkad Waterfalls Rose Garden Munnar
The idyllic hill station Munnar - famous for its tea estates, exotic lush greenery and craggy peaks, is located in the Western Ghats, in the state of Kerala. It serves as the commercial centre for some of the world's largest tea estates. In addition, Munnar has many protected areas which are home to endemic and highly endangered species like the Nilgiri Thar and the Neelakurinji.
Best Time: September to May
13. Nainital, Uttarakhand - Misty lakes and mountains
Known For : Naini Lake Snow View Point Mall Road Nainital
One of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Uttarakhand, Nainital, which is nestled amidst the Kumaon Hills, is a quaint hill station built around a uniquely shaped lake known as the 'Naini Lake' (thus contributing to its name Nainital). Also famously known as 'City of Lakes,' Nainital abounds in natural beauty, with its snow-capped hills and tranquil lakes lending it a nostalgic charm of its own. Situated at an altitude of 1938 km above sea level, Nainital has a pleasant climate all year round, and can rightfully be called a picturesque paradise for all travel lovers.
Best Time: Throughout the year
14. Coorg, Karnataka - The Scotland of India
Known For : Abbey Falls Raja's Seat Coffee Plantations in Coorg
Located amidst imposing mountains in Karnataka with a perpetually misty landscape, Coorg is the place to be for all nature lovers. This popular coffee producing hill station is not only popular for its beautiful green hills and the streams cutting right through them. It also stands as a popular destination because of its culture and people. The Kodavas, a local clan specialising in martial arts, are especially notable for their keen hospitality.
Best Time: October to March
15. Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir - The Skiing School and Honeymoon
Known For : Gulmarg Gondola Alpather Lake Apharwat Peak
Situated at an altitude of 2730 m above sea level, Gulmarg is surrounded by snow covered mountains, lush green meadows, deep ravines, evergreen forested hills and valleys.
Best Time: October to June
16. Kasol, Himachal Pradesh
Known For : Manikaran Sahib Malana Parvati River
A small village in Himachal situated along the banks of the river Parvati, Kasol is a tourist attraction that is rapidly gaining fame as a very popular hub for trekkers, backpackers, and nature lovers. Commonly known as the Amsterdam of India, this quaint little village is resplendent in natural scenic beauty, and is one of the few places in the country that is yet to be ruined by urbanization and commercialization. Situated between the towns of Bhuntar and Manikaran, Kasol might seem like a plain, nondescript village from the outside, but it is one of the best places in the country to just sit back and chill in the lap of nature.
Best Time: October to June
17. Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra - The land of Strawberries
Known For : Elephant's Head Point Chinaman's Falls Dhobi Waterfall
A hill town in Western Ghats, apart from its strawberries, Mahabaleshwar is also well known for its numerous rivers, magnificent cascades and majestic peaks.
Best Time: October to June
18. Lonavala, Maharashtra - Misty Weekend Getaway
Known For : Tiger's Leap Rajmachi Fort Imagicaa
Popular hill station close to Pune and Mumbai, Lonavla is the place to be during monsoons. With lots of waterfalls, lakes and hills around, Lonavala is frequented by all sorts of people, especially hikers and trekkers.
Best Time: Throughout the year
19. Mount Abu, Rajasthan - A beautiful hill station in Rajasthan
Known For : Nakki Lake Guru Shikhar Toad Rock
The only hill station of Rajasthan, its cool atmosphere and lush green surroundings make it a major tourist spot within the state. The most important attraction, however, are undoubtedly the Dilwara temples, which is one of the most stunning piece of architecture in the country. If you are a history or architecture buff, this is one of the places you should absolutely not miss out in India.
Best Time: October to March
20. Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh - Queen of the Satpuras
Known For : Bee falls Jata Shankar caves Pandava Caves
The only hill station in Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi is often known as the queen of the Satpura ranges.
Best Time: Throughout the year
21. Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh - Little Switzerland of India
Known For : Panchpula Khajjiar Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
The tiny tinsel town Dalhousie tucked away in the lap of Himachal Pradesh is a piece of paradise for all the travellers. It boasts of old world charm, mesmerising natural landscape, pine-clad valleys, flower bedecked meadows, fast flowing rivers, magnificent misty mountains and some of the most spectacular views in the world. The air smells of the Scottish and Victorian architecture and the ambience reminds you of the pristine British flavours.
Best Time: Throughout the year
22. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand - Yoga Capital of the World
Known For : Rafting in Rishikesh Lakshman Jhula Triveni Ghat
Situated along the convergence of Ganga and Chandrabhaga, Rishikesh on the foothills of Himalayas is the hub of many ancient temples, popular cafes, yoga ashrams and adventure sports.
Rishikesh is the most beautiful blend of spiritual and adrenaline pumping experiences. With Whitewater Rafting industry growing and a number of camping and cafe spots springing up, Rishikesh has grown immensely as a favourite, catering to people with different needs.
Best Time: Throughout the year
23. Panchgani, Maharashtra - The Table Land
Known For : Kaas Plateau Table Land Mahabaleshwar
Deriving its name from the five hills surrounding it, Panchgani is a popular hill station near Mahabaleshwar, famous for its various sunset/sunrise points and scenic valley view.
Best Time: September to May
24. Matheran, Maharashtra - Cutest little hill-station of India
Known For : Louisa point Charlotte lake Monkey Point Matheran
Nestled amidst the Sahyadri range on the Western Ghats, Matheran is a cosy little hill station that stands at an elevation of 2600 feet above sea level, and is just 100 kilometres away from Mumbai, making it the perfect weekend getaway. With its name literally translating to ?overhead forest?, Matheran is the smallest hill station in all of India, but it is extremely popular in terms of tourists looking for a short trip amid spectacular vistas and serenity.
Best Time: Throughout the year
25. Saputara, Gujarat - The abode of serpents
Known For : Artist Village Hatgadh Fort Vansda National park
Snuggled in the Sahyadris or the Western Ghats, Saputara is a quaint little hill station in the Dang district of Gujarat. Popular for lush green forests, undulating mountains, dazzling waterfalls, dreamy winding roads, livid landscapes and plenty of charming cubbyholes to spend time with your loved ones, the town is the first favourite among tourists. It is located at a height of 875 metres above sea level and is a perfect getaway for eco-lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and people who love adventure sports.
Best Time: Mid March to mid November
26. Patnitop, Jammu & Kashmir - Photographer's paradise
Known For : Things to Do in Patnitop Things to Do in Patnitop Nathatop Skiing in Patnitop Paragliding in Patnitop
With endless meadows and panoramic views of the snow capped peaks of the Himalayas, Patnitop is a perfect place to experience nature at its picturesque best and widest.
Best Time: Throughout the year
27. Spiti, Himachal Pradesh
Known For : Chandratal Lake Key Monastery Kunzum Pass
Long winding roads and picturesque valleys presenting glimpses of cold deserts and snow-crowned mountains, with intermittent greenery and picture-perfect villages welcome you when you set foot into Spiti Valley. Bordered on all sides by the Himalayas, Spiti Valley, located in Himachal Pradesh, has an altitude of 12,500 feet above sea level, and gets around 250 days of sunshine in the year, making it one of the coldest places in the country. With the thick Himalayan snow cutting Spiti off from the rest of the country for around 6 months a year, the summer months are the only time Spiti is directly accessible via motorway.
Best Time: Mid May to Mid Oct
28. Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh - Mini Switzerland of India
Known For : Adventure Activities in Khajjiar Khajjiar lake Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
Often referred to as 'mini-Switzerland of India', Khajjiar is a small town near Dalhousie which provides tourists a unique combination of forests, lakes and pastures.
Best Time: Throughout the year
29. Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh
Known For : Dharamshala Cricket Stadium Namgyal Monastery, Mcleodganj Triund
Dharamsala is famed as the holy residence of the Dalai Lama and houses the Tibetan monk in exile. Dharamsala is located in Kangra district at a distance of 18km fro Kangra City. The city is distinctively separated as upper and lower divisions with different altitudes. The lower division is the Dharamsala town itself whereas the upper division is popularly known as Mcleodganj.
Best Time: October to June
30. Chikmagalur, Karnataka - The coffee land of Karnataka
Known For : Baba Budangiri Mullayanagiri Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
If you love the aroma of freshly brewed coffee in the mornings, you are going to love Chikmagalur, which has a perpetual fragrance of coffee lingering in the air. Very famously known as the ?Coffee Land of Karnataka?, Chikmagalur is situated in the foothills of the Mullayangiri Range in Karnataka and stands at an altitude of 3400 feet. Famous for its tall mountains, lush green forests and its tranquil environment (apart from its coffee production), Chikmagalur is a very popular tourist destination and is a quaint getaway from the busy life of the city.
Best Time: Throughout the year
31. Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh - Cozy little hill-station
Known For : Monkey Point Mall Road Gilbert Trail
Located on the way from Chandigarh to Shimla, Kasauli is a hilly cantonment town which makes for an ideal peaceful holiday location, away from the rush.
Best Time: Throughout the year
32. Yercaud, Tamil Nadu - The Land of Seven Forests.
Known For : Emerald Lake, Yercaud Pagoda Point Botanical Garden, Yercaud
Nestled in the Eastern Ghats, Yercaud is a hill station called poor man's Ooty with abundant forests, vast coffee plantations and some unique species of flora and fauna resulting in gorgeous views.
Best Time: October to June
33. Lansdowne, Uttarakhand - Quaint little hilly town
Known For : Bhulla Lake Tip N Top Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple
Perched amidst the Garhwal Hills of Uttarakhand, Lansdowne is a quaint little hill town that not many tourists know of. Off the beaten tourist trail, Lansdowne is an untouched, pristine town, miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Situated at 5670 feet above sea level, Lansdowne is more famously known for being home to the Garhwal Rifle regiment of the Indian Army. This hill station is neither commercialised nor heavily urbanised, making it the perfect getaway for anyone looking to take a break amidst peace and solitude.
Best Time: Throughout the year
34. Shillong, Meghalaya - Scotland of the East
Known For : Elephant Falls Shillong Peak Umiam Lake
A beautiful city encircled by pine trees, Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. It derives its name from Lei Shyllong, an idol worshipped at the Shillong Peak. Standing as tall as 1496 meters, Shillong provides a relief from the heat across the country. This hill station is known for its picturesque sights and traditions. The soothing climate makes Shillong suitable to visit in all seasons. The light drizzles and the cooling gentle wind adds to the joy of visiting this hill station. This place is also known as the ?Scotland of the East?. One can find descendants of the Khyrim, Mylliem, Maharam, Mallaisohmat, Bhowal and Langrim tribes.
Best Time: September to May
35. Wayanad, Kerala - Nature's Abode
Known For : Banasura Sagar Dam Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Chembra Peak
Replete with enchanting waterfalls, historical caves, comfortable resorts and home stays, this popular town is famous for its spice plantations and wildlife.
Best Time: Throughout the year
36. Palampur, Himachal Pradesh
Known For : Tashi Jong Monastery Tea gardens in Palampur Saurabh Van Vihar
With pine and deodar forests and tea gardens encircling the town and numerous streams pouring in, Palampur is known for the enchanting combination of water and greenery.
Best Time: Throughout the year
37. Kufri, Himachal Pradesh
Known For : Skiing in Kufri Horse Ride to the Mahasu Peak Yak Rides
Kufri in Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh is one of the most sought after holiday destinations, and more so for couples, because of its proximity to Shimla and relatively higher altitude which makes it a place with snow all through the winters.
Best Time: November to March
38. Malshej Ghat, Maharashtra
Known For : Malshej Falls Pimpalgaon Joga Dam Harishchandragad
A beautiful hill station with its numerous lakes, waterfalls and mountains, Malshej Ghat is popular among hikers, trekkers and nature lovers.
Best Time: July to March
39. Madikeri, Karnataka - A picturesque getaway down south
Known For : Abbey Falls Talacauvery Namdroling Monastery
Generally covered as a part of trips to Coorg, Madikeri is a quaint hill town in Karnataka with vast coffee plantations, lush forests and misty hills, all culminating into a breathtaking view.
Best Time: February to September
40. Bir, Himachal Pradesh
Known For : Paragliding in Bir Billing Chokling Monastery Gunehar Waterfall
Bir is a small town located in the state of Himachal Pradesh in northern India. Bir Billing is a popular destination for adventures sports such as paragliding, treks and also as the town for meditation.
Best Time: Throughout the year
41. Bhandardara, Maharashtra
Known For : Umbrella Falls Wilson Dam Kalsubai Peak
Bhandardara, a hill station nestled in the Sahyadri ranges of Maharashtra, has all the nature's blessings a place can get. The lush greenery, the humble waterfalls and surrounded by high mountains makes for the perfect holiday spot for city dwellers.
Best Time: June to March
42. Yelagiri, Tamil Nadu - The Call of the Hills
Known For : Punganur Lake Nature Park Jalagamparai Falls
A quaint little hill station located in Vellore, Yelagiri is just three hours away from Bangalore, making it the perfect spot for a quick weekend getaway. Spread a little over 30 square kilometres, and at a height of over 1100 metres above sea level, Yelagiri offers its tourists some beautiful places like the Jalagamparai falls, sweeping orchards and rose garden, among others. The ideal destination for nature lovers, Yelagiri is a town that is completely off the beaten tourist trail, lending it a quieter and much more peaceful vibe compared to other more famous hill stations nearby. Originally belonging to the Zamindar family of Yelagiri, the hill station began to gain popularity since the colonial rule, when it was used by the British as a summer getaway. Ever since then, it has been one of the hidden gems of South India, replete with rocky hills and natural scenic beauty, making it the perfect place to take a break from the fast-paced city life.
Best Time: November to February
43. Kudremukh, Karnataka - Close to the Nature's Face
Known For : Kudremukh Trek Kudremukh National Park Hanuman Gundi Falls
With the promise of a picturesque view of a mountain in the shape of a horse face, Kudremukh is famous for its biodiversity and scenic beauty.
Best Time: October to May
44. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh - The birthplace of Dalai Lama
Known For : Sela Pass Tawang Monastery Madhuri Lake
Located at a height of about 3048m, is known for many important and beautiful monasteries and is famous as the birth place of Dalai Lama.
Best Time: September to March
45. Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand
Known For : Sitla Chauli ki Jaali Mukteshwar Temple
Mukteshwar is a small hill town mostly known for adventure sports such as rock climbing, rappelling etc. and the amazing view of Himalayan ranges you get from there.
Best Time: October to June
46. Chamba, Himachal Pradesh - The land of Hill Kingdoms, Temples and Monasteries
Known For : Chamera Lake Manimahesh Lake Lakshmi Narayan Temple
Chamba is that one getaway you've always dreamed off. Minimal human alteration in the topography and environment and the balanced temperatures of the area make it the perfect destination all year round. The river Ravi cuts across town and adds to the scenery. Chambal is present at the confluence if Ravi river with Chal river.
Best Time: October to June
47. Almora, Uttarakhand - A cozy heritage town nestled in the Himalayas.
Known For : Zero Point Jageshwar Kasar Devi
Cradled in the wilderness of Himalayan ranges, the sprawling town of Almora shaped like a horse-shoe is a hill station that boasts of a pre-British heritage and an adyllic vibe.
Best Time: Throughout the year
48. Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
Known For : Sim's Park Dolphin's Nose Ketti Valley
One of the most beautiful and serene hill stations you will come across in the country, Coonoor is the second largest hill station in the wonderful Nilgiri Hills of the Western Ghats. It is situated at an altitude of 1930 meters and just 19 km from Ooty.
Best Time: October to March
49. Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand - Serene valley of Flowers
Known For : Valley of Flowers National Park Nanda Devi National Park Fauna & Flora
Valley of Flowers is located in Chamoli district (near Badrinath) of Uttarakhand, approximately 300 km to the north of Rishikesh. This is a picturesque national park, gracing the beauty of Western Himalayas. Valley of flowers was discovered in 1931 and is a World Heritage Site for its wild untamed blooms surrounded by white peaks.
Best Time: May to October
50. Ranikhet, Uttarakhand - The Queen's Farm
Known For : Chaubatia Orchards Majhkhali Golf Course
Ranikhet meaning Queen's farm, is a hill station developed by the Britishers around ancient temples, undulating Himalayan hills and forests.
Best Time: Throughout the year
51. Kalimpong, West Bengal
Known For : Morgan House Durpin Dara hill Cactus Nursery
Kalimpong is a virgin hill station in West Bengal renowned for its panoramic valley views, Buddhists monasteries and churches and Tibetan handicrafts etc.
Best Time: March to June, September to December
52. Khandala, Maharashtra
Known For : Rajmachi Fort Visapur Fort Bedsa caves
Perched on the foothills of Sahyadris, Khandala provides for a perfect weekend respite for the Mumbai population, with its scenic valleys, grassy hills, serene lakes and misty waterfalls.
Best Time: Throughout the year
53. Idukki, Kerala
Known For : Hill View Park Kulamavu Dam Idukki Arch Dam
With remains of Chera dynasty, Vembolinad Kingdom, and European plantations in the later years, this rugged hill resort is best known for its wildlife sanctuaries, beautiful bungalows, tea factories, rubber plantations and forests.
Best Time: Throughout the year
54. Araku valley, Visakhapatnam
A hill station located close to Vizag is the Araku Valley. Naturally been bestowed upon with beautiful streams, enchanting waterfalls and a lovely weather, Araku valley is placed at a height of 3100 feet in the effluent hills of Anatagiri.
55. Horsley Hills, Chittoor
Nicknamed 'Andhra Ooty', this hill station located near Madanapalle town, is one of the three hill stations in Andhra Pradesh. With its peaks kissing the clear blue sky, a panoramic view of the virgin green cover, sweet chirpings of the birds, colourful flora on the pathways, this place is surely going to take your breath away.