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From the snow-clad Himalayas to the lush Western Ghats, Indian hill stations offer a range of experiences, from tranquil retreats to adrenaline-pumping adventures. These tailor-made tours are perfect for escaping the scorching summer heat in comfort.
List of Top 26 Tourist Places To Visit in Hill Stations in India
1. Srinagar Jammu & Kashmir – A Paradise on Earth
A famous Persian poet wrote, “If there is a paradise on earth, it’s in Kashmir.” This is one of the best popular tourist spot lives up to its title.
Explore Dal Lake – the most iconic landmark of Srinagar that reflects snow-capped mountains and is dotted with houseboats and shikaras. It’s also a favorite spot for lotus flower viewing.
2. Gulmarg – The Meadow of Flowers
Gulmarg, the meadow of flowers is a colossal jewel in the crown of Jammu & Kashmir. The dazzling landscape changes its hue with the season. In spring and summer, exotic blossoms like daisies, forget-me-nots & buttercups adorn the lustrous green valley. Come winter and the enchanting scenery is white as snow.
3. Pahalgam – The Shepherds Valley
Known as the Shepherds Valley, Pahalgam is a beautiful resort in Jammu & Kashmir. The place offers stunning views of mountains, forests & meadows. It is also the base for Amarnath Yatra, one of the most important Hindu pilgrimages.
The best time to visit Pahalgam is between April to September. Travelers can reach here easily from Srinagar by bus or taxi.
4. Manali Himachal Pradesh Travel Guide
Manali is a romantic and serene hill station that will enchant you with its tranquil beauty. The river Beas, green orchards, and snow-capped mountains create a dreamy ambiance here.
It is believed that Sage Manu stayed at this place and composed his treatise, the Manusmriti which laid down strict rules on caste-based roles for men and women.
5. Paragliding in Bir Billing Himachal Pradesh
The tiny hamlet of Bir Billing, a village in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, is at an elevation so high that it nearly touches the clouds. It is known as a paragliding destination and also has a Tibetan community and meditation studies center.
6. Culture of Shimla Himachal Pradesh
Shimla is a wonderful place to live in. The people in this city are very simple and content with their lives. They are very hospitable and treat their guests with great affection.
The culture of Shimla Himachal Pradesh is reflected in its lifestyle, arts and crafts, fairs and festivals, and food. The main languages spoken here are Pahari and Hindi.
7. McLeod Ganj Himachal Pradesh
The pristine mountain town of McLeod Ganj Himachal Pradesh is home to the 14th Dalai Lama and offers stunning views of the Dhauladhar range. The Namgyal Monastery and the temple of the Dalai Lama are a must-see.
Visiting temples and monasteries can be tiring at an altitude of 3500m, so it is best to stay hydrated and rest on arrival. Also, remember to respect religious practices and dress modestly.
8. Almora Uttarakhand – A Small Paradise in the Himalayas
Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or a relaxing vacation in the Himalayas, Uttarakhand is the place to go. The quaint hill station is famous for its cultural heritage sites, luscious cuisines, and exotic wildlife.
Chitai Golu Devta Temple is the most famous temple in the region. The villagers and pilgrims revere this god for his powers to fulfill their wishes.
9. Nainital Uttarakhand Tourist Attractions
Nainital Uttarakhand is a municipal town and the headquarters of an eponymous district in Kumaon. It is also a famous tourist destination with attractions like Mall Road, Naini Lake, Tiffin Top, Snow View Point, Bhimtal, Kilbury Bird Sanctuary, Land’s End, and Khurpatal Lake.
10. Auli Uttarakhand – A Paradise on Earth
Auli is surrounded by forests of Oak and Deodar, offering a breathtaking panorama view of peaks in the Himalayan mountain range. It also has a ski resort which attracts professional as well as novice skiers. It has Asia’s longest 4 km cable car along with a chair lift and ski lift.
11. Chopta Uttarakhand
Chopta Uttarakhand is a wonderful place to visit if you want to enjoy nature at its best. This small hamlet is located in Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary and offers you mesmerizing views of the Garhwal Himalayas.
Tungnath Temple: This is the highest Shiva temple in the world and one of the five Panch Kedar shrines.
12. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh – Home to the Monpa Tribe
A stunning destination in northeast India, Tawang is home to the Monpa tribe and has a rich Buddhist heritage. A visit to this hamlet will soothe your soul and relax your mind.
With placid lakes, mighty peaks, and pollution-free mountain air, Tawang is truly divine. It is dominated by Buddhist monasteries and has a serene and calming vibe.
13. Darjeeling West Bengal – Home to a Large Number of Ethnic Communities
Pristine nature and its serenity, captivating sunsets, delicious cuisines, Herculean Himalayan peaks, and exotic tea gardens attract numerous tourists throughout the year. Darjeeling is home to a large number of ethnic communities.
The “Queen of hill stations” is a site where ideas of soaring beauty collide with those of ecological belonging.
14. Pelling Sikkim – Explore the Serene Beauty of West Sikkim
Located at a distance of 10 km from the district headquarters of Geyzing and 131 km from the state capital Gangtok, Pelling is a quaint destination. The place attracts tourists who wish to explore the serene beauty of West Sikkim.
15. Mount Abu Rajasthan Tours
The only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu offers a respite from the desert heat. The soothing climate and rich cultural heritage of the place attract a large number of tourists and pilgrims.
Dilwara temples dedicated to Jain gods are a major highlight of any Mount Abu tour package. While here, try the local snacks such as pyaz ki kachori and ker sangri.
16. Saputara, Gujarat – A Paradise on Earth
A quaint hill station, Saputara is a great place to enjoy a relaxing holiday in the cool bracing climate. Literally translated to “Abode of Serpents,” Saputara has some interesting legends attached to it.
Located near the Saputara Lake is Nageshwar Mahadev Temple, one of the oldest temples in town. The nearby Gira waterfalls are worth a visit too.
17. Mahabaleshwar Maharashtra
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple receives a heavy influx of devotees. Besides, it houses 300-year-old articles like Trishul, Rudraksha, and Damru.
The market in Mahabaleshwar is flooded with strawberry creations which are a treat to the sweet tooth. You can also try out boiled and roasted corn, chikki, and small tomatoes here.
18. Daringbadi Orissa
1. Sonepur
This village is a picturesque spot where you can discover many natural marvels including thick forests, coffee, black pepper, and turmeric gardens. A temple, a waterfall, and an echo point are also located here.
2. Kirikuti Emu Farm
The place is home to emus and visitors can watch them in their natural habitat.
19. Thekkady Kerala – A Paradise For Elephant Enthusiasts
Slanting hills and pristine forests adorn this hill station that offers wildlife safaris, bamboo rafting, and other thrilling adventure activities. Embark on nature walks guided by professionals and witness a picturesque spectrum of flora and fauna.
Thekkady is also a paradise for elephant enthusiasts. Enjoy a day in the company of these majestic creatures at Elephant Junction while learning about their conservation efforts.
20. Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh Topographic Map
Topographic Map, Elevation, and Terrain
Dharamshala is a small hill town in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. It is home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile.
Also known as McLeod Ganj, it’s a peaceful and beautiful retreat in the mountains. The town is renowned for its delicious cuisine.
21. Lonavala Maharashtra – A Monsoon Paradise
Situated close to Mumbai and Pune, Lonavala is a beautiful hill station. Embraced by a variety of waterfalls, pristine lakes, and hills, it is a perfect monsoon destination for camping and trekking.
It has numerous restaurants serving up a range of dishes from local Maharashtrian cuisine to Punjabi flavors. The famous chikki, misal, and vada pav are a must-try!
22. Top Things to Do in Mussoorie Uttarakhand
A visit to the famous Camel’s Back Road is one of the top things to do in Mussoorie. The scenic trail is ideal for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Located at Landour, Soham Heritage & Art Centre is an independent institution dedicated to preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Himalayan region. The place showcases scrap art, frescoes, and paintings.
23. Ladakh Jammu & Kashmir Travel Guide
Despite its challenging terrain, the region has a wealth of wildlife and religious sanctuaries. Moreover, there are picturesque homestays and eco-friendly resorts to choose from.
Flavourful momos are a must-try in Ladakh. The paba (tortilla) is another culinary treat. It’s kneaded and baked in a very special way and is enjoyed with different meat dishes.
24. Ooty Tamil Nadu – The Queen of Hill Stations
Ooty Tamil Nadu: A chain of enchanting hills with plenty to see, enjoy and experience
Lakes, gardens, parks, and peaks all around. This ‘Queen of Hill Stations’ beckons travelers from far and wide.
25. Trekking in Munnar Kerala
One of the best hill stations in India, Munnar Kerala offers breathtaking views of soaring tea plantations. It is also a popular trekking destination.
Eravikulam National Park is a sanctuary for the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and has breathtaking views of lush green hills caressed by mists.
26. Auli Uttarakhand – A Snow Skiing Paradise
Auli, located in Uttarakhand, is a beautiful mountain resort famous for snow skiing. Surrounded by verdant rich coniferous and oak forests, the destination offers breathtaking panoramic views of mighty Himalayan peaks like Durnagiri, Mana Parvat, Dunagiri, Nanda Devi, etc.
The place also houses Asia’s longest cable car at Gurso Bugyal.
FAQs
Top 10 hill stations in India
- Shimla
- Manali
- Darjeeling
- Ooty
- Nainital
- Sikkim
- Munnar
- Leh-Ladakh
- Jammu & Kashmir
- Kodaikanal
Top Attractions of Hill Stations in India
- Anantagiri Hills
- Mirik
- Wilson Hills
- Ponmudi
- Kudremukh
- Morni
Most popular hill stations in India
Gulmarg is the most popular hill station in India.
List of tourist attractions in hill stations in India
- Anantagiri Hills
- Mirik
- Wilson Hills
- Ponmudi
- Kudremukh
- Morni
- Doodhpathri
Best time to visit hill stations in India
March-April best time to visit hill stations in India.
Romantic places in hill stations
Shimla is the most Romantic places in hill stations.