20 Hill Stations in India You Must Visit This Summer
The summer heat and humidity in India is intolerable, but the hill stations in India come to your rescue welcoming you with incredible landscapes set against stunning backdrops and a cold climate all the way through. The hill stations in India, particularly the ones in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are certainly a treat to the senses. The hill stations in India are regarded to be the best places to visit in North India because of their scenic beauty and wonderful temperatures. These hill stations in North India are preferred mostly by the people who wish to escape the scorching temperatures all over the country during the summers. Here are some of the places that are sure to astound you!
| Top Hill Stations in India | Nearest Airport | Famous For |
|---|---|---|
| Manali | Bhuntar | adventure, leisure |
| Shimla | Chandigarh | Adventure, scenic beauty |
| Mussoorie | Dehradun | Weekend getaway, adventure |
| Haldwani | Pantnagar | Leisure, scenic beauty |
| Shillong | Shillong | national park, lakes |
| Mahabaleshwar | Pune | leisure, monsoon |
| Munnar | Kochi | leisure, scenic beauty |
| Amarkantak | Jabalpur | spiritual, leisure |
1. Manali
Regarded to be one of the best hill stations in India, Manali is a heaven for all the snow lovers. With delicate temperatures during the summers, and chilling weather during the winters, Manali is one of the peaceful places to visit in North India. There are many things to do in Manali, which is fondly known as the Valley of the Gods. Whether you are an adventure and sports enthusiast or love calm and tranquil surroundings, Manali has something for everyone. Located at the northern end of the Kullu Valley, in between the mountains of Himachal Pradesh, it is the most stunning hill station that is at an altitude of 2,050m. The natural scenic beauty, culture and snow-capped mountains are sure to enthral you and hypnotise you no end. Visiting this place will make you realise why it is termed as such a major attraction in the Himachal tour .
2. Gulmarg, One of the popular hill stations in India
Boasting the scenic beauty of the ever-wonderful Jammu and Kashmir, Gulmarg stands on a different level among all the hill stations in North India. This beautiful hill station in India is the most sought-after place among all the travellers in India and abroad as well. Set at an altitude of 2,730m, Gulmarg is a hill town that is engulfed by deep ravines, meadows, snow-capped peaks, lush hills and serene valleys. If you are not afraid to try something adventurous, you can even indulge in some skiing that is a popular winter sport here. Gulmarg carries the glory of the ever charming Jammu and Kashmir, making it one of the best hill stations in India.
3. Shimla
With the hill stations in Himachal Pradesh being such beauties, why should the capital of the state be left far behind? Set against oak, deodar and pine forests, Shimla makes for one fascinating sight! While you are there, you can check out the Chadwick Falls, The Ridge, Mall Road, Christ Church and Jaku Hill. Shimla tourism is always at an all time high so you get to know about the best attractions and places to stay no matter when you plan to visit.
4. Nainital
Nainital is a heaven on earth. Well recognised as the Lake District of India, it is one of the best places to beat the heat in the scorching summer. With ancient temples and jaw dropping sceneries to its credit, you can also check out the Jim Corbett National Park which is the oldest national park in India and indulge in exploring caves and boating activities.
5. Kasol – One of the most beautiful hill stations in India
The ideal backpacker’s destination, Kasol is a suburb set on the banks of the river Parvati. There are many places to visit in Kasol such as the Malana Village, Parvati River and Tirthan Valley while you can also choose to sip a cuppa and laze around in this secluded heaven.
6. Srinagar
Lying on the banks of the river Jhelum, Srinagar is certainly a beauty owing to its lovely houseboats, historic gardens, wandering rivers and impeccable climate. The place boasts of the largest tulip garden in Asia and while here, you can visit the Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary, Dal Lake, Amarnath Cave, Wular Lake, Jama Masjid and the Mughal Gardens.
7. Mussoorie, Amongst must visit hill stations in India
Mussoorie is a sight to behold! Almost everyone has heard of it and it is on every traveller’s wish list when exploring the top hill stations in North India. It is way up, above the mountains of Garhwal and on top of a horseshoe crest. You will certainly be in for a treat as you check out the spectacular view of the majestic Himalayas and the Doon Valley.
8. Almora
If you are on a budget and looking to cut down on the costs but at the same time experience adventure and tranquillity that is synonymous with hill stations, you need to head to Almora. It is the least expensive hill station in India. Set at an elevation of 1,651m, it is famous for its rich cultural heritage and spectacular views of the Himalayas. While there, you can also discover the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, the Nanda Devi Temple, the Chitai Temple and the Almora Fort.
9. Haldwani – A lesser know yet among the best hill stations in India
If you are looking for a laid back vibe that is accompanied by panoramic views, Haldwani is the hill station for you. It comes replete with a rich culture and history. Those interested in hiking, photography and trekking will surely have a great time here.
10. Palampur
Palampur is one of the most visited hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. It is home to a variety of water bodies, streams and brooks which is a reason tea plantations flourish here. You will also find many treks organised while paragliding activities are also held here. It is the ideal getaway for the summers and the deodar trees found here, which are the tallest in the country will certainly provide ample amount of shade and a cool atmosphere throughout.
11. McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh
This charming Tibetan town in the hills of Himachal is one of the Best Hill Stations in India. A small settlement in Dharamshala, another hill resort in the state, it is perfect to visit any time of the year owing to its splendid and balanced but perennially cool climate. The laidback charm, numerous beautiful Buddhist Monasteries and gorgeous landscape of snow-draped mountains make McLeodganj the ideal choice for a great holiday surrounded by hills.
12. Chopta, Uttarakhand
With lush greenery that turns to a breath-taking view of thick snow, Chopta is a beautiful place in India which draws hundreds and thousands of tourists to its doorsteps. While the winters in Chopta make possible the fantastic activity of snow trekking on it pristine slopes, the rest of the year promises a striking vista with its wide-stretching grasslands called Bugyals, making Chopta a year-round travel destination worth visiting.
13. Kalimpong, West Bengal
The quieter version of the famous hill destination in West Bengal, Darjeeling, Kalimpong is as much beautiful and nature-enriched place than its neighbour. The lush green hills sprinkled with soft white snow creates a magical view that you can only find here. Although there are not many Things to do in Kalimpong, the beauty of the place lies in this very fact which allows you to forget all the hassles of life and relaxes you to your very core. Ironically enough that’s what makes this lovely destination a coveted addition in this list of Best Hill Stations in India.
14. Pelling, Sikkim
Pelling is a lesser known but one of the absolute Best Hill Stations in India which stands out for being a quaint hideout in the western part of scenic Sikkim. With not just spellbinding natural beauty but a fantastic cultural fiesta to boast about, the place is undoubtedly a beautiful place to escape the humdrum of everyday life. Surrounded by the snowy summits of Kanchenjunga range this small town lets you rejuvenate thoroughly, sipping a hot cup of tea and gazing at the gorgeous beauty of Pelling.
15. Shillong, Meghalaya
An inimitable hill station in India, Shillong is the capital city of Meghalaya and identified for its scintillating views of hill and sweet smelling flowers found everywhere. The picturesque vista of lush hills, waterfalls and misty vantage points render this place nothing less than a paradise on earth. Along with the scenic natural beauty, Shillong also features charming colonial buildings which further accentuate the delights of this quaint hill resort of North-East India.
16. Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
One of the Best Hill Stations in India and a highly popular one too, Mahabaleshwar is a treasured destination of Maharashtra. It is known for the enchanting views of Sahyadri Ranges, cool climate and the dazzling sunrises and sunsets as seen from various winsome points in the region. Packing, both scenic splendour and myriad opportunities for thrilling adventure sports, the resort makes for a beautiful getaway destination in the west.
17. Coorg, Karnataka
With a sobriquet like ‘Scotland of East’, Coorg’s beauty and charisma do not need an introduction. The thick blankets of greenery spread all around, and sparkling blue skies make this place a genuinely scintillating hill station which attracts people from all over the country and beyond. It is also well-known for its aromatic coffee, delicious food and plentiful wildlife which impart it a unique magnetism pulling nature lovers, photographers and food connoisseurs with equal force.
18. Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh
A popular religious destination cum hill resort in Madhya Pradesh, Amarkantak is among the Best Hill Stations in India which offer much more than just spectacular views hills. The sacred hill town is perched upon the union point of Vindhya and Satpura ranges and is the home of the holy river of Narmada. Apart from ancient temples and splendid vistas of the mountain ranges, the place is also famous for its humongous array of flora and fauna, especially medicinal plants that grow here in abundance.
19. Munnar, Kerala
The rolling hills of Munnar in Kerala have always provided people with the ultimate haven for achieving utter bliss and respite. Blessed with vast stretches of tea and spice plantations, magnificent wildlife and exhaustive natural beauty at every corner, Munnar undoubtedly lies among the top Best Hill Stations in India. Sought by romantics and honeymooners in large number every year the place doesn’t just appease you with its natural magnificence but also with productive activities that you can enjoy here including trekking, yoga, Ayurvedic spa treatments, food trails and shopping.
20. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Another magnificent hill station in South India, Kodaikanal is often heralded as the ‘princess of hill stations’ and for every good reason. With panoramic views of the velvety green hills spread all around and numerous beautiful locations to enjoy the coruscating vistas of its bewitching natural beauty, Kodaikanal deserves the title. The tranquil atmosphere permeating in its air is just a bonus which makes this place one of the top choices for travel destinations in the country, for a restful vacation in the hills.