Famous Hill-stations in India you must visit

Updated on Jan 25, 2024 | Online Indian Visa

India is one of the homes to the Himalayas which is the abode of some of the largest peaks in the world. This naturally makes India a haven of hill stations in the North, but South India has plentiful to offer as well when it comes to stunning landscapes and activities in hill stations, sans the snow.

Nainital

Nainital is popularly known as the lake district of India. Nainital is a beautiful location in the Kumaon region of the state of Uttarakhand. The peaks Naina, Ayarpatta, and Deopatha surround this hill station. Many tourist spots are thronged by visitors. The Naini lake, Snow viewpoint, and Eco cave garden are some of the famous tourist destinations. Boating in the Naini lake is a recommended activity that you must take up while you are there. You can zoom on a cable car to the famous Snow viewpoint to get some stunning views of the mountains.

To see the mountains covered in a blanket of snow and experience snowfall, December to February is the best time to visit.

Location – Uttarakhand

Darjeeling

Darjeeling is nicknamed the Queen of Hills. The most famous ride you will take in Darjeeling is a UNESCO Heritage site Toy Train ride. The Senchal lake is a beautiful is a serene place to visit while you are in Darjeeling. The Ghoom Monastery and the Bhutia Busty Monastery is a great place to find your spirituality. Tourists can enjoy trekking various trails and peaks from Darjeeling and also enjoy river rafting while you are there.

Location – West Bengal

Munnar

The greenery of this hill station will ensure your mind is put in a tranquil and calm state. You can see many plantations of tea and spices while moving across the mountains. On your visit to Munnar be sure to make your way to the Echo point to get some stunning views and also shout as loud as you can. The Atukkal and Chinnakanal Waterfalls in Munnar is also a go-to spot to marvel at the beauty of the gushing waters. You should also head to Kundala lake while you are at Munnar. If you are a wildlife and animal lover then you should head to Periyar National Park which is around a 2-hour journey from Munnar to watch animals in their natural habitat.

Location – Kerala

Manali

Manali is one of the most popular hill stations in all of India and experiences an inflow of millions of tourists every year. The hill station is situated on the banks of the river Beas, so as you traverse Manali you will find the river accompanying you in many places. Manali offers a lot of activities for every kind of traveller. For water lovers, river rafting at Manali is an extreme adventure with many rough rapids and rough waters. If you love summiting peaks to feel euphoric as if you are on top of the world, there are plenty of trekking opportunities and peaks Manali offers for you to trek on foot or mountain bike up the peak.

Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, and Vashishta Temple are a few of the many temples in Manali that tourists visit. Solang Valley is a popular destination known for many winter adventure sports. The Rahala waterfalls are also a must-visit site near Manali.

Location – Himachal Pradesh

Mussoorie

Mussoorie is a popular and famous tourist destination with a heavy tourist inflow. The hill station is on the Garhwal mountains. Mussoorie sets you up for a visual delight of the Himalayan ranges and the Doon valley. Mussoorie lake is a place you should visit while you are there. The famous Kempty Falls are a delight to watch as well. Mussoorie has an adventure park where you can take on ziplining, rock climbing, and rappelling. In Company Bagh you can enjoy boating and your children will love the amusement park rides.

Location – Dehradun

Shillong

The capital city of the state of Meghalaya offers gorgeous views of peaks and in spring the flowers make the city all the more spectacular. There are many places in and around Shillong to go to from the Umaim lake and Ward’s lake to the Shillong peak. The two famous falls in Shillong are Elephant and Sweet falls. For history buffs, the Don Bosco Museum is a great place to see old artifacts. You can take a boat ride at Ward’s lake while at Shillong and adventure water sports at Umaim lake. If you are a lover of climbing peaks you can trek the David Scott trail.

Location – Meghalaya

Kasol

Kasol is a beautiful and less visited hill station. The Parvati river flows through the hill station and tourists frequent visiting the river site. The Tirthan valley near Kasol is a beautiful and picturesque location loved for tourists to enjoy a secluded and relaxing time exploring the space. People who are there for adventure can trek at the Chalal Trekking trail. If you want to lounge and relax in a pool then the Manikaran Hot Water Pool is just a few kilometers away. Places you must explore while you are at Kasol are the Kheer Ganga Peak for some stunning views of the mountain ranges and the famous Thakur Kuan.

Location – Himachal Pradesh

Gulmarg

Gulmarg is a beautiful hill station in the land of Jammu and Kashmir. It is only 50 kilometers away from Srinagar. The hill station is popularly known as the meadow of flowers. Winter is the best time to be in Gulmarg as the peaks are covered in blankets of snow and you can take a cable car ride to one of the highest points in Gulmarg and play, ski, and enjoy in the snow. There are many adventures you can take on while you are in Gulmarg. You can trek peaks but they are not recommended during winters as the weather is unpredictable.

Mountain biking is also an activity you can take up in Gulmarg. Around thirteen kilometers away from Gulmarg, Alpathar lake is a triangle-shaped lake set in a picturesque setting. The lake is frozen until June so the best time to visit is between July to October.

Location – Kashmir

Coorg

The destination is known as the Scotland of the East. The aroma of coffee fills the air in coffee, especially during harvest season. The lush greenery of the hills and the blue skies feel like you are in paradise. The Namdroling Monastery is a famous religious site close to Coorg. Two falls are close to Coorg which are also a must-visit, Abbey and Iruppu.

The holy site Talakaveri, the origin of the river Cauvery is located close to Coorg as well. The Dubbare Elephant Camp at Dubbare is less than an hour from Coorg and you can enjoy bathing Elephants there. There are also small peaks like Brahmagiri and Kodachadri you can trek. You can also enjoy river rafting nearby.

Location – Karnataka

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