Top 10 Hill Stations in India

Bored of life and yearning to get away for a few days? Why not take a short trip to a hill station and return refreshed?

India, our beautiful country, boasts no shortage of stunning hill stations, beautiful beaches, backwaters, and much more. Let’s embark on a journey through the most picturesque and pristine hill stations in India — your vacation could be the most memorable one of your life!

So, here I am, ready to go… Are you?

List of 10 Most Popular Hill Stations in India

1. Shimla

• Elevation: 2,205 meters (7,234 feet)
• Top Attractions: The Ridge, Mall Road, Kufri, Jakhoo Temple, Scandal Point, Viceregal Lodge
• Best Time To Visit: March to June, December to January for snowfall
• Things To Do: Ice skating, skiing, trekking, mountaineering, river rafting, paragliding

Shimla tops my list of beautiful hill stations and might well be the best on this tour. Mother Nature has blessed Shimla with all the natural beauty one could dream of. The green hills, with their snow-capped peaks, beckon you from afar, and you’ll be awestruck by the sheer splendor of the place.

This stunning destination, with its chilly forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron, was once the summer capital of the British Raj. For me, Shimla is even more fascinating thanks to its remnants of colonial heritage, including its colonial buildings and historic railways.

Whether it’s sunrise or sunset, the panoramic views of Shimla from Scandal Point and the Viceregal Lodge will leave you spellbound.

With chilly weather, snow-covered mountains, and natural valleys, Shimla has it all! It’s a perfect place to indulge in sports and activities atop the white Himalayas. Shimla offers thrilling adventure sports such as ice skating, trekking, mountaineering, skiing, river rafting, paragliding, fishing, and more.

So, what do you say, folks? Shimla is always the best!

• Suggested Tour: Shimla Tour Packages

02. Manali

• Elevation: 2,050 meters (6,726 feet)
• Top Attractions: Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, Hidimba Temple, Manu Temple, Old Manali
• Best Time To Visit: December to February (for snowfall), March to June
• Things To Do: Skiing, paragliding, rafting, trekking, motorbiking tours, camping

Romance fills the air when you think of beautiful Manali — the “Switzerland of India.”

A hill station with soothing and charming beauty, Manali is not just a honeymooner’s paradise, but also a haven for adventure lovers. Set against the magnificent backdrop of the mighty Himalayas, Manali is truly a gem!

From the stunning snowy peaks to the alluring valleys, breezy pine forests, and jade green meadows, Manali has always been a haven for tourists worldwide.

For the adventurous at heart, I highly recommend Manali, where you can partake in exciting activities like camping, rock climbing, white-water rafting, motorcycle tours, heli-skiing, paragliding, jeep safaris, and horse riding.

If you haven’t visited Manali yet, what are you waiting for? Just pack your bags and go!

3. Munnar

• Elevation: 1,600 meters (5,249 feet)
• Top Attractions: Tea Gardens, Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Anamudi Peak
• Best Time To Visit: September to March
• Things To Do: Trekking, tea plantation tours, boating, paragliding, visit Echo Point

Now, let’s talk about the paradise of God’s own country, Kerala!

Breathtakingly beautiful Munnar is pure romance and a haven of peace and tranquility.

The sprawling tea plantations create the illusion of one vast green patch, with tantalizing glimpses of valleys and lakes. The ever-changing sky showcases beautiful hues of blue, shades of orange, gray, and, of course, fluffy white clouds.

The spice-laden breeze of the plantations sets the mood for adventure and romance in Munnar. Major attractions include the Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam & Reservoir, waterfalls, trekking, and paragliding. Don’t forget to visit Echo Point, where the mountains return your calls with their echo.

While in Munnar, take a plantation tour to experience tea harvesting, witness the tea processing, and purchase some fresh tea.

• Must Read: Manali Tour Packages

4. Darjeeling

• Elevation: 2,042 meters (6,700 feet)
• Top Attractions: Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train), Peace Pagoda, Padmaja Naidu Zoo
• Best Time To Visit: March to May, September to November
• Things To Do: Toy train ride, trekking, mountain biking, paragliding, visit monasteries

Lying in the lap of the rolling Himalayan Mountains, with Mt. Kanchenjunga towering over it, Darjeeling certainly takes your breath away! Be prepared to be charmed by the beauty of this quaint hill station!

The misty hills and clouds playing hide and seek with the sun, scenic waterfalls, deep valleys, and green landscapes certainly make Darjeeling one of the best! Places to visit include the botanical gardens, monasteries, Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway cable car, and the zoo.

Being one of the best stops for mountain sports and adventure, you can choose from white-water rafting, kayaking, trekking, rock climbing, jeep safaris, flying in an air balloon, paragliding, and motorbike riding here.

And don’t forget to enjoy the spectacular, unforgettable journey on the famous toy train in Darjeeling.

5. Ooty

• Elevation: 2,240 meters (7,350 feet)
• Top Attractions: Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Botanical Gardens, Ooty Lake, Doddabetta Peak
• Best Time To Visit: April to June, September to November
• Things To Do: Boating, trekking, visit tea gardens, nature walks, visit Botanical Gardens

The Queen of Hill Stations—Ooty—has always been a dream come true for the traveler in me!

Nestled in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, Ooty—the honeymooner’s paradise—is one of the most amazing hill stations in South India, mesmerizing people with her natural beauty! The clear blue sky, the white clouds touching the mountain peaks, the evergreen forests and valleys, lakes, rocks, waterfalls, view-points, tea gardens—what more can you ask for?

The unspoiled beauty of Ooty makes it a destination not to be missed! Riding to the top on the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway, visiting the Botanical Garden, Doddabetta Peak, and boating in Pykara Lake are definitely on my Ooty to-do list!

6. Nainital

• Elevation: 2,084 meters (6,837 feet)
• Top Attractions: Naini Lake, Naina Devi Temple, Tiffin Top, Snow View Point, Naina Peak
• Best Time To Visit: March to June, September to November
• Things To Do: Boating, yachting, hiking, paragliding, visit wildlife sanctuaries

Mesmerizing Nainital in Uttarakhand is one hill station you really can’t miss!

Nainital, the city of lakes, has an unmatched charm of natural beauty! The flower valley, magnificent lakes, and the dreamy weather conditions… Do you need anything more in life?

For me, Nainital has all it takes for a hill station visit—amazing water sports and rides, the most romantic tourist places, the best hill resorts, and lots of adventure and fun activities like yachting, kayaking, parasailing, horse riding, and a wild safari tour in Jim Corbett National Park. The Naina Devi Temple, China Peak, Sattal, Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, Corbett National Park, and Snow View Point are the other places of interest to look out for.

• Check out: Nainital Tour Packages

7. Kodaikanal

• Elevation: 2,133 meters (7,000 feet)
• Top Attractions: Kodaikanal Lake, Coaker’s Walk, Pillar Rocks, Bryant Park
• Best Time To Visit: April to June, September to November
• Things To Do: Boating, trekking, cycling, visit waterfalls, nature walks

Kodaikanal, touted as the ‘Princess of Hill Stations’, never ceases to amaze me! Nestled on a plateau in the upper Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu, Kodai is magical; you have to see it to believe it!

Beautiful Kodai has always remained a popular romantic destination for newlyweds! For me, the star-shaped Kodaikanal Lake is just the place to go for dreamy rides, and the Coaker’s Walk, winding through Kodai, offers a really stunning panoramic view of the plains.

Bryant Park, the Pillar Rocks, Guna Caves, the Silver Cascade, and the Dolphin’s Nose make Kodai all the more beautiful!

8. Matheran

• Elevation: 800 meters (2,625 feet)
• Top Attractions: Panorama Point, Sunset Point, Echo Point, Louisa Point, Matheran Toy Train
• Best Time To Visit: October to May
• Things To Do: Trekking, nature walks, visit viewpoints, horse riding, photography

Tucked away in the Western Ghats is Matheran—Maharashtra’s most loved hill station!

If your idea of paradise is a place without the hustle and bustle of motor vehicles, then Matheran is where it is! Covered by white clouds and green valleys, Matheran is truly a gift of nature! As the only place where motor vehicles are not allowed in India, Matheran remains unspoiled and pollution-free.

Matheran can be reached by riding on the narrow-gauge toy train that chugs along a 21 km scenic route or trekking up the scenic path on the hillsides. The best time to visit Matheran is during the monsoon when nature is at its best.

You can spend long hours just trekking through shady forests, criss-crossing foot trails, and visiting breathtaking lookouts like Sunset Point, also known as Porcupine Point, Alexander Point, etc.

So if you are on the lookout for unspoiled natural beauty, Matheran is your best bet!

09. Mussoorie

• Elevation: 2,112 meters (6,932 feet)
• Top Attractions: Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, Camel’s Back Road, Mussoorie Lake
• Best Time To Visit: March to June, September to November
• Things To Do: Trekking, boating, visit waterfalls, shopping, visit temples

Mussoorie, a popular hill station in Uttarakhand and a favorite honeymoon spot for many, lies in the foothills of the grand Garhwal Himalayan ranges.

Mussoorie is known to be the ‘Gateway’ to the Yamunotri and Gangotri Yatra—two major shrines of North India—and has an unworldly peace surrounding it.

For me, the winding roads, the mystic air, and the serene coolness of Mussoorie are definitely worth a visit! The sheer beauty of the place takes us away from the cacophony of our everyday schedules and gives life a new meaning!

The Kempty Falls and Gun Hill are places to look out for panoramic views of Mussoorie.

Just soak in the charm and appeal of this hilly retreat in any season, and you’ll feel as fresh as a dew drop.

10. Srinagar

• Elevation: 1,585 meters (5,200 feet)
• Top Attractions: Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, Nishat Bagh, Shankaracharya Temple
• Best Time To Visit: April to October, December to February for snowfall
• Things To Do: Houseboat ride, skiing, snowboarding, boating, visit gardens, trekking

“If there is a paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here.” – Amir Khusrau

Truly said, I should say…

Srinagar is one of my favorite hill stations, as here I feel the true colors of nature are at their best! Sitting gracefully on the banks of the Jhelum River in Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is a tourist’s delight! With its cool mountain air, the mesmerizing lake, and greenery all around, I still count on Srinagar as the best bet for a honeymoon destination.

In this scenic hill station, you can feel and experience the joy of being one with nature. The serene lake beckons you with its quiet solitude, and you’ll find a ride on the quaint houseboats quite relaxing. Go snow skiing in the mountains and bring back memories that last a lifetime.

The Mughal Gardens of Srinagar charm you with their spellbinding beauty. Every year, the Tulip Festival is celebrated in Srinagar during the month of April. The presence of all these lakes and gardens has defined Srinagar—a land of gardens and lakes!

• Suggested Tour: Kashmir Tour Packages

I hope you enjoyed this little trip we took through the top 10 hill stations in India. Be sure to visit one of these destinations on your next vacation.