The best hill stations in India

The best hill stations in India

With the highest mountain ranges in the world, the Himalayas, running north to east, Aravalli and Vindhya ranges across western and central India, and Western ghats in western and southern parts, India is full of hill stations and offers some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world.

Indian hill stations are a traveler's paradise, gifted with snowy peaks, deep gorges, green valleys, misty woods, frothing rivers, azure lakes and flower-filled meadows. These misty, mystical and serene hill stations of India are a perfect holiday option.

Here's a list of top 10 hill stations of India.

Shimla

Make the best of the ice-skating rink at Shimla.Shimla the capital of the glorious state of Himachal Pradesh is a fabulous hill-station surrounded by dense forests that comprises of oak, deodar, pine and rhododendron forests. Shimla has abundance of natural beauty and the locals are privileged to live in such panoramic locations. This place can enamor anyone with its beauty.

Shimla has a lot of variety to offer. Shimla is an ideal place for fishing, golfing, skiing, trekking etc. Adventuring here which definitely make you enthusiastic and spirited. For more energetic entertainment, hit the indoor roller-skating rink in Lakkar Bazaar or go open-air ice-skating above the Rivoli Bus stand. There are always amazing things to be explored in its surrounding countryside. Fagu, Kulfri and Naldhera are some of the well- known places for adventuring and camping too.

Long walks in the deep green woods will give you a scintillating feeling. The Shimla Ridge gives you a magnificent view of the sunset which is indescribable. Tour to Shimla will captivate you with its natural charm and enable you to get closer to nature. One of the attractions of this hill-station are its apple trees. The sight of a cluster of apple trees with leave you dumbstruck.

Situated at an altitude of 2159 m Shimla is engulfed by snow-covered mountains, green pastures dense forests and wholesome climate. These overall conditions draw tourist to this hill station. The toy train ride from Kalka station to Shimla takes you through a picturesque route, which will keep you spellbound and memories of which you will relish forever.

Ooty

Enthralls tourists with its vibrant flowers.This green and pictorial Queen of Hill Stations located in South India in the state of Tamil Station is at an altitude of 2240 m. Conifers, pine and eucalyptus trees grow abundantly in this region and make the environment fresh, clean and pleasant. The funnel-shaped lavender- blue flowers bring in radiance to the sloping mountains.

To truly experience the charm of this hill station in the Nilgiri Mountains, take the little Blue Mountain train to Ooty from Mettupalayam. Once there, settle into a relaxed routine of picnics, pony rides and angling; spend a morning at the lovely Botanical Gardens, drop in at Ooty club with its Raj-era ambience. A delightful day trip is to Pykara where you can see rolling grassland and the unique concial huts of the Toda tribe.

Ooty is huddled in an arena that is generated by four royal hills - Elk Hill, Snowdon, Doddabetta and Club Hill. These majestic hills are fractions of the regal Nilgiri range which forms a congregation for the Western and Eastern Ghats.

Dense forests, lofty mountains, extensive tea and coffee plantation and sprawling grasslands characterize Ooty. Ooty provides ecstasy for trekkers. Trekking here is filled with excitement and pleasure. One can watch nature in its best form and splendor while trekking in Ooty. Ooty has many trek routes to offer. However, they differ in distance, stature and topography. Hand gliding and Angling are other activities that one could participate in.

This eco-friendly land with lush greenery, radiant flowers, deep forest, lakes and waterfall offer a fantastic sight and make your stay in Ooty laudable.

Darjeeling and Gangtok

Infinite slopes of captivating tea gardens,Darjeeling and Gangtok are a wonderful combination of tranquility, verdant hills, panoramic views and above all the mesmerizing beauty of the mighty Kanchanjunga. These hill stations are famous for ambience of desolation and they offer magnificent view of the vast plains lying below. Both Darjeeling and Gangtok are famous for beautiful serene monasteries, tea plantations and orchard.

One of the attractions of Darjeeling is its toy train. Built in the late 19th century, the world heritage Darjeeling Himalayan railway is a technological marvel. Its tracks rise from sea level to an altitude of over 7,500 ft in just about 70 km. Zigzag, reverses and loops were devised to overcome these gradients, the most famous being the Batasia Loop, where the train does a complete figure of eight. It covers about 83 km in six or seven hours, so sit back and enjoy the mountains and the fresh air.

Darjeeling derives its name from the Tibetan word ‘Dorje’which means a precious stone or the thunderbolt and ‘ling’ meaning place; hence Darjeeling is the land of thunderbolt. The Ghoom Monastery and tiger hills in Darjeeling must be visited at least once.

Gangtok is the capital of the state of Sikkim. The beautiful Enchey Monastery and Rumtek monastery in Gangtok are very popular among tourists. A journey by the ropeway or cable car in Gangtok should be made mandatory in your itinerary. This 20 minute journey will enable you to view the spectacular valley of Gangtok.

Abundant growth of flowers with more than 500 variety of orchid makes this place exotic. Gangtok is an ideal place to buy shawls, blankets, carpets, hand-made paper, painted masks etc. Gangtok is haven for adventure sports. This hill-station has numerous interesting treks to offer tourists.

The beauty of both these hill stations is marked by azure skies, brilliant sunshine, scarlet rhododendrons and the white fragrant magnolias which bloom in profusion, the sloping tea gardens, forests of silver fir and more. Darjeeling and Gangtok boasts a number of charming spots.

Mussoorie

Gorgeous view of the snow-covered Himalayas.Mussoorie was originally a popular hill station frequented by the British. This picturesque town with its verdant hills and with a variety of floral life and animals inhabiting the region the place is really fascinating. Hemmed in by snowy mountain peaks to the northeast and glittering view of the beautiful Doon valley and Shivalik ranges in the south, the town presents a fairyland ambience to the tourists.

Mussoorie is hailed as the queen. It is one of the most beautiful hill stations. The climate of this resort is just wonderful and this is the reason that people enjoy visiting this hill station a lot. It presents a pretty picture during summer.

Mussorrie has really attractive views of the mighty, snow-clad Himalayan peaks. The breathtaking Kempty falls, 11 km away from the town, attracts horde of tourists daily. Depot Hill, which is another interesting place, is point with highest elevation in Mussoorie and all majestic Himalayan peaks are clearly visible from here on clear days.
Camel’s back road, offers a gorgeous view of the sunset and the place resembles a sitting camel. One can also enjoy long walks and horse riding here. Camel’s back hill is accessible and you can go there with the help of electric trolley. The view from the top is exceptionally beautiful. Gun hill, which is the second most elevated peak here, is also a wonderful place to visit.

Surrounded by the thick oak and blue pine forests, the town is utterly devoid of the hustle and bustle of modern day life. It is ideal for those people who want to enjoy nature in its unlimited glory.

Kodaikanal

Instills vigor and recharges ones senses with its beauty.Kodaikanal is a beautiful hill station of South India quietly ensconced amidst the green Palani Hills. Kodaikanal has a breathtaking scenic beauty. Its wooded slopes, enhancing waterfalls, mighty rocks and beautiful lakes can captivate any visitor.

Kodaikanal has an excellent climate and it charm attracts tourists all through the year. Bird watchers love this place, as do the people who enjoy solitude. No doubt, Kodaikanal still has its virgin, pristine charm.

Situated at an altitude of 2,133 m, the fruits and plums of Kodaikanal are famous for its taste and freshness. This town possesses many orchards where fruits like banana, plums and lychees are grown in plenty. The Kurinji-flower, which is better known as the pride of Kodiakanal blooms once in a decade. With the blooming of this flower the mountainous slopes gets magically transformed to a bluish-purplish shade.

Kodaikanal provides ample opportunities for trekkers. Trekkers can choose between the 17 routes that are of different lengths.
Magnificent waterfalls, amazing valleys and picture postcard surroundings Kodaikanal offers you the delight of heaven on earth. The undulating hills slopes of Kodaikanal are infested with conifers and eucalyptus trees. The vibrant wild flowers and the exotic orchid give Kodaikanal a natural paradisiacal atmosphere.

The scenic beauty of Kodiakanal has a subtle ambience – a mental and sensory quietude rarely experienced elsewhere. So come and visit Kodaikanal and tantalize your senses with its scenic beauty. Its vast expanse of greenery is bound to stir all visitors.

Dehradun

Recreational place for adventure lovers.This picture perfect hill station is the capital of the state of Uttaranchal. It is located at an altitude of 2,200 ft. and is surrounded by two sacred rivers - the Ganga and the Yamuna. Dehradun is embedded in the lap of the beautiful Doon valley and is surrounded by the Shivalik ranges. Its pleasant weather conditions throughout the year make it an ideal place for vacationing.

Dehradun’s spectacular natural assets like floristic varieties, astounding valleys, breathing panorama, tea plantation and leech gardens have transformed this town into a paradise. Its natural environment has a soothing effect on the minds of visitors. It is a perfect retreat for people of different desires and needs.

Dehradun houses several famous schools, esteemed forest research institutes and well-known academic institutes as well, thus making Dehradun a distinct hill-station. It also offers various forms of recreations for adventure lovers, of which trekking and jeep safari is popular.

Dehradun being a combination of a hill-station, a pilgrimage centre, educational institution and its commercial importance due to its abundant cultivation of various producers it attracts people from every walk of life.

This hill station has some good hotels, recreation clubs and restaurants to cater to the needs of the tourists.

Dehradun is heavenly during the monsoons as well. For some wet and wacky experience, yield to the magic of the monsoon in the mist-laden hills. Monsoons here leaves behind a view that is so overwhelming and sparkling that anyone would come here again and again to experience exhilaration.

Kullu and Manali

Beautiful valleys with mesmerizing effect.Kullu Manali is an extremely popular tourist’s destination. Both these hill stations are a delight to those who desire to spend some time in the lap of nature. The intricate web of beautiful valleys brings gleam to ones eyes. Whether it is under the radiant rays of the sun or under the spell of hazy mist, the valley looks brilliant.

The awesome Kullu valley spreads its charm on both the sides of River Beas. The flower-filled meadows, exciting glens surrounded by the gushing streams and meandering rivulets is enough to make the tourists ecstatic. Kullu provides ample scope for trekkers, mountaineers, artists and others who wish to enjoy the variegated spectacle of the scenic mountains. Just inhaling the pristine air of the majestic Himalayas will help to invigorate.

The hand woven colorful caps and shawls of Kullu are very famous among the locals as well as among tourists.

Manali which is about 40 km from Kullu is a sleepy little valley in the foothills of the Himalayas surrounded by pine and deodar forests. The landscape of Manali is incredible. The snow covered peaks, sparkling and curving brooks, green fields and verdant fruit orchards will make your holiday a joyous one.

There are fun things to do and see here – horse riding, trekking, hot air ballooning and more. The mountaineering institute at Manali is famous among trekkers and mountaineers.

Kullu Manali has plenty to offer trekking enthusiast as well as for those looking for easy hikes and scenic drives. The beauty of the mountains capes, rivers, temples and pastures can be captured while trekking.

The abundant growth of flowers and vegetables, the apple trees bowing down low with the weight of their fruit, the great sweep of the mountains and the glow that gildes over them by the blazing sun, the clouds gathering over the tallest of the peaks and the calmness that surrounds this valley is what Kullu Manali is all about.

Srinagar

Land of lakes and houseboatsLuxurious houseboats, sprawling Mughal Gardens and magnificent golf courses is what sets apart Srinagar from the rest of the hill stations. Srinagar is the capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. This town is full of fascinating alleyways and buildings. Just wandering in this intriguing city for a few hours leaves you rejuvenated. Its natural splendor makes Srinagar the most magnificent hill station of India.

Houseboats and Srinagar are synonyms of each other, as is the famed Dal Lake. The lakes of Nagin, Anchar and Dal and the river Jhelum flowing through different parts of the city add distinctiveness and charm to it.

The lakes of Srinagar are not just a stretch of water but are as good a stretch of land, since shops, houses, tapered water cannels, vegetables gardens are found on the lakes. One can book a shikara for a whole day for sightseeing and picnicking simultaneously. A ride in the shikara is perhaps the best part of vacationing. House boats were first built by the British as a way of getting round the maharaja’s ruling that they couldn’t own land here. Today, they are an integral part of the traveler’s experience.
The Royal Springs Golf Course at Srinagar with the Zabarwan hills as the backdrop and the Dal Lake in front is every golfer’s dream come true. This magnificent Golf course has been voted India’s best golf course.

Srinagar gives you a spectacular view of the tall, snow-covered peaks, wild flowers carpeting the meadows, rose gardens and imposing valley, the beauty of which is bound to leave you awestruck.

Mount Abu

Thronged by pilgrims and tourists alike.Mount Abu is an oasis in the barren desert land of Rajasthan. The cool climate of Mount Abu is due to its extravagant flora which consists of flowering shrubs and coniferous trees.

The massive rocks makes the approach road to Mount Abu curvaceous. Most Abu is the only hill station of in the state of Rajasthan. The golden tinge that smears over the hills of Mount Abu during sunset makes it a spectacular sight. The grassy plains and deep valleys makes Mount Abu look fabulous especially during dusk.

Mount Abu is situated 1,720 m above sea level. The highest and the most beautiful peak of Mount Abu is the Guru Shikhar. A certain level of tranquility surrounds the temple which is built on a summit. This peak offers a spectacular view of the entire town.

Mount Abu is not only a hill-station but also a pilgrimage centre for the Jains and houses some of the best architectural splendor of India. The Dilwara temple of Jains is one such example.
Although Mount Abu can be visited throughout the year, February to June and September to December are considered ideal for visiting.

Charming forest hills set up wonderfully by the coniferous trees act as the backdrop for your holiday. Cool, inherent innocence and beauty of Mount Abu is sure to refresh and rejuvenate you. Its lake, temples and landscape will definitely lift your spirits.

Shillong

Offers an uncontaminated atmosphere and serenity.Shillong the capital of Meghalaya is a very attractive hill station. Its sparkling lakes and dazzling waterfalls spring from lush green mountains and pine tree forest. This hill station provides a clean and unpolluted environment to its tourists.

Sitting pretty in the East Khasi hills of Meghalaya, Shillong has a host of attractions- English style cottages, pine forests, waterfalls and even an 18-hole golf course. For a glimpse of the Khasi tribe’s matriarchal culture, visit Bara Bazaar, run entirely by efficient, enterprising women, selling everything from piglets to betel nut.

Cherrapunjee, a very scenic 120 km drive from Shillong was once famous as the wettest place on earth – it once recorded 2,629 cm of rainfall on a single day! That title now belongs to the neighboring hamlet of Mawsynram.

Ward’s lake, butterfly museum, botanical garden, lady Hydari Park, Tadlskein Lake, Sweet falls, Elephant falls, Sohpetbneng peak and beadon falls are some of the tourists attractions of Shillong. The boat races held in Umgot River are popular among locals and tourist alike.

This land of forests, hills, waterfalls, lakes, caves and cottages is full of Mother Nature’s benevolence. The woods of Shillong are lovely dark and deep streams rush down the hillsides, the climate is pleasant and countryside here echo’s with tribal songs that sound pleasant to the ears. When you explore its enchanting places, you will realize that your search for eternity and serenity has reached its terminus. Truly, if you are looking to relax and enjoy Mother Nature’s bounty, Shillong is the place to visit.