Vibrant towns surrounded by lush green forests with spectacular mountain views are where people in India rush to when it becomes too hot in the plains. From the mighty Himalayas to the lush Western Ghats to the rolling hills of north-east India, these hill stations are beyond recreation now. Over the years, these towns have become the hubs of adventure and cultural activities. Spanning over two decades of travel, I have been fortunate to have visited most of these hill stations. In this article, I’m glad to share my experiences of the best hill stations in India with tips on travel.
Across the length and breadth of the country, India is blessed to have these beautiful hill towns. In terms of altitude, Himalayan hill stations are the highest ones closely followed by south and north-east. But each region has a special charm, a different vibe. While some are culturally rich, some others are popular for recreation. Some offer great adventure options while others are good for relaxing.
In this article, however, I’m sharing the best hill stations in India from a composite sense, i.e. having something for everyone. Not necessarily my favorite ones, but the most popular ones. But this list is not a ranking in ascending or descending order.
A Historical Context
Interestingly, ‘Hill Stations’ are a typical Indian concept. Of course, there are hill towns, or hill resorts across the world, but somehow, these towns came to be known as ‘Hill Stations’ in India. Thanks to the European colonial powers, and especially British rule in India, the concept of hill stations took birth in the early 19th century. They found high temperatures and humidity of the plains in India too much to handle. So, in search of cooler environment, they went up the hills and mountains across the country, and established new resort towns, or developed the old ones as places of relaxing and recreation.
At some point of time, these hill towns were referred to as ‘hill stations’. Yes, to some extent, the concept is also found in colonial Asia and Africa, but not so prominently as in India. Among the best hill stations developed in the colonial era are Shimla, Mussoorie, Nainital, Ooty, Kodaikanal and Darjeeling. First of these hill stations came up around the first two decades of the Nineteenth Century. Shimla (1819) and Mussoorie (1821) in north India and Ooty (1819) in south India came up almost simultaneously.
If you want to know more, here are a few interesting articles:
- Evolution of Indian Hill Stations (Ashwani Kumar, Swasti Sharma, et al.)
- Summer Holidays: The origin of India’s hill stations (Ekta Mohta).
Non-colonial Hill Stations:
Though most of the best hill stations came up during the British period, not all the hill stations owe their origin to the colonial period. Some of them were small towns or thriving villages already when the British arrived in India. They became popular among leisure seekers in course of time. For example, Rishikesh, Gangtok, Srinagar, Manali and Leh- Ladakh. Perhaps the first hill station developed for recreational purposes was Nandi Hills in 1819 near Bengaluru by the Ganga Dynasty in the 11th century, and later developed by Tipu Sultan.
In the post-independence era however, we haven’t seen emergence of many new hill stations. But yes, with growing population and purchasing power, travel has become quite common. So, smaller hill stations are now getting bigger and better.
What makes a Hill Station Great
In their early days, hill stations across India were destinations mainly for leisure and recreation. Since most of them were newly developed towns, culture was not a high point. European/ British culture took roots in these towns gradually. Subsequently, the local culture started proliferating. Over 200 years of their existence, these hill stations have become quite cosmopolitan in nature. Today, one would notice cultural heritage of various lineage. Besides, more and more tourists visit these hill stations for adventure purposes. In a sense, these hill stations offer something to everyone.
How do I make the assessment:
I wouldn’t like to compare one hill station with another. Because every place has its own uniqueness and charm. However, for purely academic/ information purpose, let me make a light assessment of all the hill stations, and put together a list of best hill stations for the convenience of a travel enthusiast.
Before we start, here’s one disclaimer. When I say ‘hill stations’, they are not just any mountain destination. For example, I’m not talking of spiritual/ pilgrimage destinations like Badrinath, Kedarnath or Vaishno Devi. Similarly, I’m not speaking of only adventure destinations like Kaza. Moreover, I’m also not including offbeat mountain destinations like Yuksom or Tirthan Valley.
Moreover, this article deals with the best hill stations which people head to primarily for relaxation and recreation. So, it should have a happening, vibrant marketplace. Of course, there would be other things to do as well. To make things clear, here’s a list of criteria that I, and generally most people keep in mind while assessing the best hill stations.
Criteria for Assessment:
In my view, there are five broad reasons why travellers head to hill stations.
- Recreational options: When one looks for a change from the monotonous life, they look for some entertainment. So, things like shopping, culinary pleasure, wellness (spa, yoga, etc) and pleasure games/ sports, eco-tourism are high in the mind.
- Visual Pleasure: Spectacular views of the mountains and verdant slopes are panacea to the battered soul.
- History and Heritage: Subtle things like history and heritage add charm and character to a place.
- Adventure possibilities: Young people often look for adventure options like trekking/ hiking, paragliding, rafting, snow sports, etc. to experience that adrenalin rush.
- Cultural/ Spiritual Activities: As people age, they look for cultural/ spiritual experiences like theater, folk arts, music, craftsmanship, community life, etc.
Best Hill Stations in North India
In north India, the best hill stations are located across the lower Himalayas from Kashmir to Arunachal. Except for a few high altitude destinations like Leh- Ladakh and Kaza, most of these hill stations fall within an average elevation range of 5000- 7000 feet.
1. Srinagar, Kashmir:
It’s not for nothing Kashmir is called heaven on earth! And Srinagar is a major reason for that. With Dal Lake at the heart of Srinagar and the Himalayas in backdrop, Srinagar is definitely among the best hill stations of India. Its history spanning thousands of years with major habitations of Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims in different eras, Srinagar now boasts of a cosmo-culture. Apart from the Dal Lake, Srinagar boasts of the most beautiful gardens of India. Though it has seen political volatility in recent times, it will again become a tourist attraction when safety concerns subside.
- Must visit/ do: Shikara ride in Dal Lake || Hazratbal Shrine || Shalimar Bagh || Nishat Bagh
- My most cherished memories: A shikara ride in the evening at Dal lake with family, and exploring its floating market is the most memorable experience. Another evening, spending some peaceful moments at Hazratbal Shrine was beautiful too.
2. Pahalgam, Kashmir:
For its dream-like sceneries, and landscapes straight out of a painting, I call Pahalgam the soul of Kashmir. With the Lidder river flowing like a poetry in nature, lush green valleys of Pahalgam make it look like a paradise. It boasts of four of the most beautiful valleys/ meadows in India, popular as A-B-C: Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, Baisaran Meadows and Chandanwari Valley. Chandanwari is where the Annual Hindu pilgrimage- Amarnath Yatra starts. Though the recent terrorist attack has made a dent in its reputation, it can’t keep the tourists away for long.
- Must visit/ do: Lidder River || Aru Valley || Betaab Valley || Baisaran Meadows || Chandanwari || Amarnath Yatra || Mamleshwar Temple.
- My most cherished memories: On a day trip from Srinagar, we spent a day at Baisaran meadows with family; it’s still fresh in my memory. So, to see the tragedy (terrorist attack) unfold on the meadows recently, was so sad!
3. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh:
Established in 1819 by the British, Shimla is the original, and first hill station of India. Once the summer capital of British India, it kept appealing to the Indians for recreation, both in the summer and winter seasons. A vibrant market place, great winter sports options and numerous offbeat destinations around it brings thousands of vacationers here every month.
- Must visit/ do: The Ridge || Christ Church || Mall Road || Jakhu Temple || Viceregal Lodge || Toy Train
- My most cherished memories: Every time I visited Shimla, I made sure witnessing gorgeous sunsets from the Ridge. Besides, visiting the Viceregal Lodge with friends and family on separate occasions is equally memorable.
{To have a better perspective of the hill station, read: Shimla, places to visit}
4. Nainital, Uttarakhand:
Perhaps the most charming of the best hill stations of India, Nainital is the pride of Kumaon, Uttarakhand. Established in 1841 by the British, it’s especially popular for Naini Lake, and numerous other lakes around. All roads in Nainital leads to Naini Lake. Walking around the lake with a happening market place on the other side is a special experience. Besides, it serves as a gateway to other hill stations in Kumaon region, like Almora, Ranikhet, Kausani, etc.
- Must visit/ do: Naini Lake || Naina Devi Temple || Tiffin Top || Sattal || Bhimtal
- My most cherished memories: Along with taking strolls around Naini Lake, boating in its tranquil waters with family, enjoying a lovely sunset is among the fondest memories.
{To know further details, here’s the link: Nainital: the Lake, and other things to do}
5. McLeod Ganj/ Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh:
This is another hill station with a colonial legacy, but actually developed much later after Tibetan settlement. With the Dalai Lama making McLeod Ganj as his headquarters, the hill station became a vibrant cultural center. So, now one can explore Buddhist, Christian and Hindu heritage sites in and around McLeod Ganj. So many Israelis love this place that Naddi, one of its neighbourhoods is called mini-Israel. Besides, it’s a great place for adventure lovers as well.
- Must visit/ do: Dalai Lama Temple || Bhagsunag Waterfall || Norbulingka Tibetan Institute || Dharamkot || Tea Gardens || Gyuto Monastery || Triund Trek
- My most cherished memories: One spring day, we trekked to Triund Peak with friends and camped overnight. Every time I visited McLeod Ganj, I also visited Norbulingka Institute.
6. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand:
Another reason to remember the British fondly, Mussoorie easily makes the list of best hill stations in India. Being close to Delhi, it’s among the most popular weekend gateways for Delhiites. In my view, it boasts of the best Mall Road among the Himalayan hill stations. Besides, a few kilometers from its city center, Landour is another wonderful place to enjoy the tranquillity. For lots of personal reasons, Mussoorie is the closest to my heart.
- Must visit/ do: Mall Road || Landour || Kempty Falls || Happy Valley || George Everest || Gun Hill
- My most cherished memories: One winter evening, watching that ‘winter-line’ sunset at Lal Tibba is unforgettable. And yes, the rickshaw rides on the Mall Road.
7. Leh, Ladakh:
This high altitude (11,562 ft~ 3524 mts) destination is not easy for everyone. But I couldn’t keep Leh- Ladakh out of this list of best hill stations because of its uniqueness. In spite of being a cold desert, it’s a thriving town with a rich cultural heritage. Ancient villages, a sleepy lifestyle, a crossroad between India and Tibet, and snow-capped mountain views are what define Leh- Ladakh. Historically, Leh- Ladakh has been a major center for Tibetan Buddhism with great monasteries all around.
- Must visit/ do: Leh Main Market and Old Town || Leh Palace || Shanti Stupa || Tsemo Monastery || Shey Palace || Spituk Monastery
- My most cherished memories: Undoubtedly, that amazing evening at Shanti Stupa was the high point of my trip. Not far behind was the experience of hiking up to the Tsemo Monastery.
{For detailed travel guide, check out: Leh- Ladakh Trip}
8. Manali, Himachal Pradesh:
I would say, Manali is the gateway to Leh (Ladakh) and Spiti Valley, two of the best hill stations in higher elevations of the Himalayas. Being close to these high mountains, Manali offers spectacular views of snow-clad mountains. I love its old town, and the typical old villages in the proximity. It has great options for light adventure like hiking, ziplining and paragliding. For people who would like to experience snow, but can’t venture out in the winter, Manali is a good place.
- Must visit/ do: Old Manali || Beas river view || Manu Temple || Jogini Falls || Solang Valley || Rohtang Pass || Naggar Castle
- My most cherished memories: One monsoon day, that hike up to Jogini Falls with Sagar is truly memorable. On a separate trip, exploring Naggar Castle and the nearby areas with family was a great experience too.
9. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand:
Of all the best hill stations, this is the only one popular for its spiritual vibes. Known as the Yoga capital of the world, Rishikesh is an ancient destination. Hindu monks and saints have been meditating here for centuries. The Ganga, a holy river for Hindus, enters the plains here and makes a picturesque landscape thereby. While hotels and ashrams line up its banks, iconic bridges hang over the flowing waters. Along with the spiritual vibes, Rishikesh has also become a destination for adventure seekers as well.
- Must visit/ do: Beatle’s Ashram || Ganga aarti at Triveni Ghat/ Parmarth Niketan || Yoga course || River rafting || River beaches
- My most cherished memories: Celebrating Holi at Triveni Ghat was an extraordinary experience. Plus, how can I forget that stroll at the Goa-beach!
{For more details, here’s a further reading suggestion: Rishikesh, best things to do}
10. Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh:
Named after Lord Dalhousie, the then Governor General of India, the hill station was established by the British in 1854. Dalhousie is a fine balance between say a Shimla and a Kasauli. While it’s not as crowded as Shimla, it’s not as sleepy as Kasauli. Dalhousie has a charm of its own through out the year. Besides, with colonial era heritage and a thriving local culture, Dalhousie is wonderful as a slow-travel destination.
- Must visit/ do: Mall Road || Kala Top || Khajjiar || Chamera Lake || Dainkund Trek
- My most cherished memories: On a day trip from Dalhousie, a relaxing day in Khajjiar with family is a fond memory. Boating at Chamera Lake was a lovely experience too.
{To know more about the hill station, check out: Dalhousie}
Best Hill Stations in South India
Nestled in the Western Ghats mountain range, the best hill stations in south India have a wide range of average elevation- from 2500 feet (Thekkady) to 7000+ feet (Ooty). With rich bio-diversity, and landscapes with gentle slopes, they are more endearing than overwhelming.
11. Ooty- Coonoor, Tamil Nadu:
Around the same time when Shimla was getting established, Ooty was also getting ready. A few years down the line, first modern building came up in Ooty, and the rest is history. With Coonoor just a few kilometers away, Ooty makes for a lovely twin destination. Gorgeous tea gardens, curated parks, lakes, waterfalls and forests make Ooty one of the best hill stations in India.
- Must visit/ do: Ooty Mountain Rail || Tea Gardens || Parks (Katery and Sim’s) || Ooty Lake || Dodabetta Peak || Botanical Garden || Pykara Lake || Pykara Falls
- My most cherished memories: Boating at Ooty Lake || Hiking to the Pykara Falls.
{If you are looking for travel tips, here’s a suggestion: Ooty- Coonoor- Nilgiris}
12. Munnar, Kearala
A hill station in South Kerala, Munnar looks gorgeous with its sprawling tea gardens across the hill slopes. Though the highest point of Munnar (and Kerala), Anamudi peak is 2695 mts (8842 ft), the average elevation of the hill station is between 5000-6000 feet. I visited this hill station with a friend (Sajith) a long time back in monsoon season, 2008. The rain soaked tea gardens, lakes and forests all around made the landscape look absolutely charming. After exploring Munnar, we did a little hiking to the Eravikulam National Park, just a few kilometers away. At the National Park, watching the mountain goats (Nilgiri Tahrs) in their natural setting was a wonderful experience.
- Must visit/ do: Tea Gardens || Mattupetty Dam/ Lake || Eravikulam National Park || Mount Carmel Church
- My most cherished memories: Exploring the tea gardens was the highlight. Next, watching and photographing the Nilgiri Tahrs was once in a life time experience.
13. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu:
Along with Nainital and Srinagar, Kodaikanal has the most beautiful lake among all the best hill stations in India. Apart from the lake, it has a number of other interesting places in and around the town. With mystical caves and typical rock formations, lakes and waterfalls, Kodaikanla has mystical appeal to the leisure seeker. Colonial era churches and Hindu temples around the town tell their own stories. Moreover, this is a great place to walk around, from the lakes to gardens and forest trails, it’s walker’s delight.
- Must visit/ do: Kodaikanal Lake || La Salette Church || Bryant Park || Coaker’s Walk || Moir Point
- My most cherished memories: Boating, and a stroll around the lake || Visiting the La Salette Church.
{For further details, please look up: Kodaikanal}
14. Coorg, Karnataka:
Among the best hill stations in south India, none is better than Coorg, if you are a coffee lover. With vast areas covered under coffee and spice plantations, Coorg is the largest producer of coffee in India. Established in 1834 by the British, the hill station today attracts thousands round the year. But I think, monsoon is the best time to enjoy its lush greenery, and see the waterfalls in their full glory. Anyway, whenever you visit, don’t forget to sip a cup of south coffee (kaapi) at a nice cafe.
- Must visit/ do: Abbey Waterfall/ Mandalpatti Peak || Madikeri Fort || Raja’s Seat || Coffee at Ainmane Cafe
- My most cherished memories: Waking up early one morning, we drove and hiked up to the Mandalpatti Peak with Sajith and family. Also, exploring a coffee and spice plantation site was wonderful.
{To know more, here’s a further reading suggestion: Coorg, Karnataka}
15. Thekkady- Periyar, Kerala:
While Thekkady is a cute little town, Periyar is a lovely National Park with backwaters spanning its landscape. Besides, we were pleasantly surprised to experience some of the best cultural programs in Thekkady. Boating in the Periyar river inside the national park is a surreal experience. And if you are lucky, you can witness herds of elephants on its shores. No doubt, along with Munnar, this has to be one of the best hill stations in Kerala.
- Must do/ visit: Watch Kathakali dance and Kalaripayattu performances || Boating in Periyar National Park || Spice Farm || Pandikuzhi view point
- My most cherished memories: A boat ride in the backwaters of Periyar River || Besides, the cultural experiences in Thekkady was among my best in life.
{If you looking for details, here’s an article: Thekkady- Periyar}
Best Hill Stations in North-East India
Situated in the eastern side of lower Himalayas, the best hill stations of north-east India are the most unexplored. Its average elevation is much like the south Indian hill stations- between 3500 to 6500 feet, except for Tawang (~10,000 feet). Culturally very different from the rest of India, these hill stations offer a different perspective of India.
16. Darjeeling, West Bengal:
The first thing that comes to mind thinking of Darjeeling is its world famous tea. Not far behind are the clouds though. I just love the clouds over Darjeeling town, and the mountains. Not surprisingly, its name literally means ‘land of the thunderbolts’. Every time I visited Darjeeling in different seasons, I found it under the clouds! From its picturesque tea gardens to the historic railways and a vibrant marketplace, Darjeeling offers plenty to a discerning traveller.
- Must visit/ do: Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) || The Ridge/ Chowrasta || St. Andrews Church || Tea gardens || Ghoom Monastery || Dali Monastery || Japanese Temple
- My most cherished memories: Spending a day walking around the Ridge in the monsoon || Watching the DHR in action || Visiting Happy Valley Tea Estate.
{For further details, read: Darjeeling- Best Places}
17. Gangtok, Sikkim:
Capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok is definitely among the best hill stations in north-east India. From spectacular views to rich cultural heritage and historic monuments, and modern markets, Gangtok has something for everyone. To a large extent it resembles McLeod Ganj from the point of view of Tibetan Buddhism. But otherwise, it has a unique character. MG Marg, equivalent of the Mall Roads of north Indian hill stations, has amazing modern vibes in the evening. Changu Lake, Nathu La, and Baba Mandir offer great day-trip options as well.
- Must visit/ do: Enchey Monastery || Rumtek Monastery || Do Drul Chorten || Lingdum Monastery || Banjhakri Waterfall || MG Marg
- My most cherished memories: Though it rained every time I visited Gangtok, the first rainy evening at the MG Marg was special. Plus, exploring Rumtek Monastery with family was wonderful.
{For further details, do check out: Gangtok- Best Places}
18. Shillong, Meghalaya:
The capital city of Meghalaya, Shillong is a potpourri of nature, culture and heritage. Borrowing its name from the Khasi deity- Lei Shyllong, the city has great emotional connect with the local populace. Shillong came into prominence when the British made it the capital of Assam province in 1874. Almost a century later, when Meghalaya was created, it became its capital. Apart from its administrative importance, Shillong is a great destination for nature lovers and comfort seekers. Its waterfalls, verdant rolling hills and lakes make it the perfect place for a leisure paradise.
- Must visit/ do: Shillong Cathedral || Umian Lake || Elephant Falls || Shillong Peak || Laitlum Canyons
- My most cherished memories: Hiking up to the Elephant Falls || Spending some peaceful time at the Shillong Peak.
19. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh:
Situated over 10,000 feet in the eastern Himalayas, and embedded in Tibetan Buddhism, Tawang is one of the few best high-altitude hill stations. Among its special features are the crystal clear glacial lake, high mountain passes and ancient monasteries. Moreover, the journey to and from Tawang itself is a wonderful experience. However, since it’s a high altitude hill station, Tawang is not an easy destination to visit. But it’s absolutely worth the effort.
- Must visit/ do: Tawang Monastery || Urgelling Gompa || Tawang War Memorial || Giant Buddha Statue || Bumla Pass || Shungetsar (Madhuri) Lake
- My most cherished memories: Though difficult, visiting Bumla Pass at 15,200 feet was an unforgettable experience. Exploring the ancient Tawang Monastery was not far behind.
{If you are planning to visit, here’s a complete travel guide: Tawang Valley, Arunachal}
20. Ravangla, Sikkim:
Among all the best hill stations I list here, Ravangla is the most peaceful. With a rich cultural heritage embedded in Tibetan Buddhism, the place is serene and touches the heart. I loved exploring some of the oldest monasteries lying in the remote corners of villages where you will find hardly any tourists. However, there is a vibrant marketplace as well, though not as busy as the other hill stations. Near the main market, the Buddha Park has become the most important attraction of Ravangla. Sitting at the center of the park, a giant Buddha statue is indeed a spectacular sight with the scenic mountain as a backdrop.
- Must visit/ do: Buddha Statue || Ralong Monastery || Doling Monastery || Mangbrue (Mamring) Monastery
- My most cherished memories: Visiting the Mangbrue Monastery || Evening at Buddha Park- Ravangla Buddha Statue.
21. Kohima, Nagaland:
A city that saw one of the bloodiest battles (between British India and Japan) during World War-II, today boasts of a vibrant capital city of Nagaland. Kohima War Cemetery, perhaps the largest one in India, is witness to that dark date. The city gives a glimpse into Nagaland’s rich cultural heritage and demographic diversity. To experience the rustic charm of north-eastern villages, one may explore nearby villages like Khonoma, and Kisama. In fact, the popular Hornbill Festival is organized every year at Kisama Heritage Village. One of the most popular things to do in Kohima is to undertake the Dzukou Valley Trek.
- Must visit/ do: Kisama Heritage Village || Dzukou Valley Trek || Kohima War Cemetery || Kohima Cathedral
- My most cherished memories: Perhaps the most beautiful trek in my life, Dzukou Valley Trek and overnight camping was a surreal experience. Spending time at the War Cemetery was a somber feeling.
22. Aizawl, Mizoram:
A quaint little town in a far corner of India, Aizawl can actually surprise travellers from rest of India. Unlike the cities in the mainland India, Aizawl is a silent city, and a place where people actually obey traffic rules! Vehicles don’t honk on the road, and they wait at traffic lights. So, apart from its natural beauty, I loved the civility of people in general. Moreover, it has a peaceful vibe, and a refreshingly different culture with 94% of population following Christianity.
- Must visit/ do: Lalsavunga Park || Falkawn Heritage Village || Solomon’s Temple
- My most cherished memories: Exploring the local heritage at Falkawn village || Walking over a hanging bridge at Lalsavunga Park.
{For further details, here’s an article from me: Aizawl, the silence city}
Best Hill Stations in Rest of India: West, East and Central
To be honest, the western, eastern and central India are not blessed with the best of hill stations. However, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh have a few good ones. An average elevation range of 2000 to 4500 feet mean that the weather remains pleasant through out the year. They are spread over the mountain ranges of Sahyadri, Aravalli, Vindhya and Satpura.
23. Mahabaleshwar- Panchgani, Maharashtra:
Among the best hill stations in rest of India, top of the chart is perhaps Mahabaleshwar. Located in the Sahyadri range of Western Ghats, it’s one of the best hill stations to visit in the monsoon season. It doesn’t have much landslide issues, and receives good amount of rainfall. Though its peak reaches 4721 feet (~1439 mts), average elevation of Mahabaleshwar range is around 4000 feet. Among the rivers that originate here, Krishna is the most important and revered.
- Must visit/ do: Pratapgad Fort || Arthur’s Seat || Wilson Point (Sunrise Point) || Elephant’s Head Point || Venna Lake || Mahabaleshwar Temple. Not far (19 kms) from Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani is another lovely hill station to explore.
- My most cherished memories: A walk in the forest with friends (Nitin and Gauri) || Visiting the ancient Mahabaleshwar Temple.
24. Lonavala, Maharashtra:
Midway between two major cities, Mumbai and Pune, Lonavala is perhaps the most sought after weekend destination in the country. From altitude point of view, at 2041 feet (~622 mts), it’s among the lowest hill stations. But there are much to explore around Lonavala for a discerning traveller. From ancient caves (like Bhaja and Kalra) to lovely Sahyadri view points, numerous lakes, waterfalls and a thriving food culture, Lonavala is indeed a great place to spend a weekend.
- Must visit/ do: Lohagarh Fort || Kalra Caves || Bhaja Caves || Pawna Lake || Khandala Ghat || Tiger Point || Lions Point || Duke’s Nose
- My most cherished memories: Spending many a monsoons in its lush green valley || Visiting Kalra Caves.
25. Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh:
The most popular hill station in central India, Pachmarhi is located in the Satpura Range. However, at about 3500 feet, its lower elevations make it feel largely like the hill stations of Sahyadri Range. Reflecting the essence of its name, Pachmarhi is famous for its five ancient caves, believed to be built by the Pandavas of Mahabharat period.
- Must visit/ do: Pandav Caves || Jata Shankar Cave || Dhoopgarh || Satpura Tiger Reserve || Bee Falls
- My most cherished memories: Taking a stroll in the forest was soulful. Besides, exploring the Pandav Caves was like time-travel.
26. Mount Abu, Rajasthan:
Situated in south Rajasthan, and close to Gujarat border, it’s the most popular hill station in these two states. Nestled in the Aravalli Range over 4000 feet, Mount Abu is an oasis in the otherwise arid Rajasthan. Besides, it’s an important spiritual destination for Hindus and Jains too. Dilwara Jain Temple has one of the most intricate designs and sculptures in India. In one corner of the town, Nakki Lake is the center of all attraction in Mount Abu.
- Must visit/ do: Dilwara Jain Temple || Nakki Lake || Guru Shikhar || Toad Rock || Sunset Point || Brahma Kumari’s Ashram
- My most cherished memories: On the first trip, boating in Nakki Lake with friends was enjoyable. But exploring the walls of Dilwara Temple was quite amazing!
Honourable Mentions
If I look back at the list of best hill stations mentioned above, I feel like doing a bit injustice to a few wonderful mountain destinations. But they didn’t make it to this list for one or the other reason. Though they are not really off-beat destinations, they are not happening places like typical hill stations. So, I must also list the top honourable mentions separately here.
- Sonmarg: One of Kashmir’s top winter and summer destinations, Sonmarg is where one can walk safely over a glacier.
- Gulmarg: Famous for being India’s best winter sports destination, one would also love its meadows in the summer. Interestingly, just a gondola ride can take one to a snowy land, even in the summer season.
- Kullu: Not far from Manali, apart from being a hill station, Kullu is a cultural hub as well, especially famous for its Dussehra celebrations.
- Dehradun: On the way to Mussoorie, the capital city of Uttarakhand is a great weekend destination.
- Almora: One of Uttarakhand’s ancient towns, Almora is a wonderful balance of old and new.
- Pelling: A thriving Tibetan Buddhist culture with gorgeous mountains welcome travellers to Pelling.
- Matheran: Famous for its toy train, Matheran is close to Mumbai and among the favourite weekend destination for the Mumbaikars and Punekars.
- Wayanad: With tea gardens, spice plantations, lakes and waterfalls Wayanad is a preferred destination for leisure seekers.
Off-beat mountain destinations:
Apart from the best hill stations mentioned above, there are plenty of smaller mountain destinations across India. But let’s not call them hill stations, just to have some differentiation. These are basically tranquil places for a leisurely sojourn. Some of the best ones are Doodhpathri (Kashmir), Kasar Devi (Uttarakhand), Kasol (Himachal), Mirik (West Bengal), Yuksom (Sikkim), Anini (Arunachal), Saputara (Gujarat), Araku Valley (Andhra Pradesh). In another article later, I’ll write about these destinations!
My Favorite Hill Stations in India
Even after I have thoroughly assessed all the best hill stations in India, I find it difficult to add a ‘favourite’ tag to any of them. Because each of them has so much to offer, and so many distinct features! Besides, they look and feel different in different seasons. Though they might seem all similar to a general tourist, after visiting them several times, I know for sure that they are pretty different from each other.
So, it all boils down to personal choices. From a purely personal affinity point of view, Mussoorie is my (and Parina’s too) favourite. From our honeymoon, to our tenth anniversary to the fifteenth anniversary, we have gone back to the lovely mountain destination time and again. Otherwise speaking, I would pick one or two hill stations for each category (below).
- For leisure and recreation, Shimla, Mussoorie.
- For visual pleasure, Srinagar, Pahalgam, Nainital and Darjeeling.
- For history and heritage, Gangtok and Srinagar.
- For adventure, Manali and Rishikesh.
- For cultural/ spiritual experiences, McLeod Ganj/ Dharamshala, Rishikesh and Leh- Ladakh.
Concluding Thoughts
I’m sure, I have covered most of the best hill stations in India in this list. Just to reiterate, this is based on the criteria that I have set upfront. If you change the criteria, the list might change slightly. However, the motive is not to rank them, but it’s just for the travellers’ reading pleasure. So, of course, you may have a different list of the best hill stations. Or, have I forgotten any particular important destination? Do let me know in the comments.
I have been fortunate to have explored thoroughly the best hill stations in India over the years. Some of them, I have visited multiple times, and have enjoyed each time. Indeed, mountains have a special charm, a special vibe, an aura about themselves. They appeal to the inner being as much as to the external sensory pleasure.
Hope you have enjoyed reading the article, and maybe it’s a little helpful for your bucket-list as well. Do write to us, and share your thoughts.
Rustom Chinwalla
Hi suvendu, very well written blog.
Loved reading it.
Any clue reg cities like amritsar/jodhpur which have a fine mix of good food and tourism, plz suggest.or any link or article for best cities for a small 3 day staty like amrisar in india,.
Would love to know on that.
Thanks, Rustom Chinwalla.
stampedmoments
Hi Rustom!
Thanks a lot for the feedback.
Please see our blog on Amritsar; I would love to write a blog on Jodhpur soon.
Keep in touch 🙂