The summer heat and humidity in India is intolerable, but the hill stations in India come to your rescue welcoming you with incredible landscapes set against stunning backdrops and a cold climate all the way through. The hill stations in India, particularly the ones in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are certainly a treat to the senses. The hill stations in India are regarded to be the best places to visit in North India because of their scenic beauty and wonderful temperatures. These hill stations in North India are preferred mostly by the people who wish to escape the scorching temperatures all over the country during the summers. Here are some of the places that are sure to astound you!
10 Must Visit Hill Stations in India – 2020
1. Manali
Regarded to be one of the best hill stations in India, Manali is a heaven for all the snow lovers. With delicate temperatures during the summers, and chilling weather during the winters, Manali is one of the peaceful places to visit in North India. There are many things to do in Manali, which is fondly known as the Valley of the Gods. Whether you are an adventure and sports enthusiast or love calm and tranquil surroundings, Manali has something for everyone. Located at the northern end of the Kullu Valley, in between the mountains of Himachal Pradesh, it is the most stunning hill station that is at an altitude of 2,050m. The natural scenic beauty, culture and snow-capped mountains are sure to enthral you and hypnotise you no end. Visiting this place will make you realise why it is termed as such a major attraction in the Himachal tour packages.
- Nearest airport: At Bhuntar (50 km)
- Must visit places: Hidimba Devi Temple, Bhrigu Lake, Pin Valley National Park, Manali Sanctuary, Vashishth Temple, Jogni Falls etc.
- Activities to do: Paragliding at Rohtang Pass, camping and winter sports at Solang Valley, river rafting at Pandoh Dam
- Best for: Families and Couples
- Known for: One of the best Hill Stations in North India, Manali has an unassailable reputation for being a backpacker’s paradise at a truly romantic honeymoon destination.
2. Gulmarg, One of the popular hill stations in India
Boasting the scenic beauty of the ever-wonderful Jammu and Kashmir, Gulmarg stands on a different level among all the hill stations in North India. This beautiful hill station in India is the most sought-after place among all the travellers in India and abroad as well. Set at an altitude of 2,730m, Gulmarg is a hill town that is engulfed by deep ravines, meadows, snow-capped peaks, lush hills and serene valleys. If you are not afraid to try something adventurous, you can even indulge in some skiing that is a popular winter sport here. Gulmarg carries the glory of the ever charming Jammu and Kashmir, making it one of the best hill stations in India.
- Nearest airport: At Srinagar (56 km)
- Must visit places: Khilanmarg, Alpather Lake, Gulmarg Gondola, Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, Seven Springs, Maharani Temple etc.
- Activities to do: Skiing at Gulmarg Backcountry Ski Lounge, snowboarding at Apharwat Peak, camping at Ningle Nallah etc.
- Best for: Couples
- Known for: Fairly untouched and with supreme beauty, Gulmarg is a heavely region in Baramula district of the country which is most known for being a skiing hub of the state.
3. Shimla
With the hill stations in Himachal Pradesh being such beauties, why should the capital of the state be left far behind? Set against oak, deodar and pine forests, Shimla makes for one fascinating sight! While you are there, you can check out the Chadwick Falls, The Ridge, Mall Road, Christ Church and Jaku Hill. Shimla tourism is always at an all time high so you get to know about the best attractions and places to stay no matter when you plan to visit.
- Nearest airport: At Chandigarh (113 km)
- Must visit places: Jakhoo temple, Kalka-Shimla railway, Rashtrpati Niwas, The Ridge, Himachal State Museum, Christ Church etc.
- Activities to do: Shopping at Mall road, hot pool bath and river rafting at Tattapani, paragliding, camping, heli-skiing at Narkanda and Kufri etc.
- Best for: Friends and Family
- Known for: This popular Hill Station in North India is best known for its amazing toy train, running between Kalka and Shimla and its many handicrafts markets.
4. Nainital
Nainital is a heaven on earth. Well recognised as the Lake District of India, it is one of the best places to beat the heat in the scorching summer. With ancient temples and jaw dropping sceneries to its credit, you can also check out the Jim Corbett National Park which is the oldest national park in India and indulge in exploring caves and boating activities.
- Nearest airport: Nearest domestic airport is at Pantnagar (1 hours drive) and international at New Delhi (301 kms)
- Must visit places: Nainital Lake, Snow View, Naini Peak, Gurney House, Naina Devi Temple, Hanuman Garhi, Kainchi Dham etc.
- Activities to do: Horse trekking at Tiffin Top, camping and birdwatching at Sattal, cave exploring at Cave Garden etc.
- Best for: Couples
- Known for: A serene hilltop destination, Nainital is known especially for its beautiful lake by the same name where couple can commonly be seen enjoying a romantic boat ride.
5. Kasol – One of the most beautiful hill stations in India
The ideal backpacker’s destination, Kasol is a suburb set on the banks of the river Parvati. There are many places to visit in Kasol such as the Malana Village, Parvati River and Tirthan Valley while you can also choose to sip a cuppa and laze around in this secluded heaven.
- Nearest airport: At Bhuntar (31 km)
- Must visit places: Gurudwara Shri Manikaran Sahib, Thakar Kuan, Kheer Ganga Peak, Raghunath Mandir, Malana Village Tirthan Valley, Parvati River etc.
- Activities to do: Trekking at Chalal Trekking Trail, bath in Manikaran Hot Water Pool etc.
- Best for: Friends and Family
- Known for: A lovely hamlet in Kullu region of India, Kasol is easily one of the Most Beautiful Hill Stations in India, which is known for its laidback charm and tranquillity.
6. Srinagar
Lying on the banks of the river Jhelum, Srinagar is certainly a beauty owing to its lovely houseboats, historic gardens, wandering rivers and impeccable climate. The place boasts of the largest tulip garden in Asia and while here, you can visit the Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary, Dal Lake, Amarnath Cave, Wular Lake, Jama Masjid and the Mughal Gardens.
- Nearest airport: At Bhuntar (31 km)
- Must visit places: Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Shankracharya Temple, Hazratbal, Hari Parvat, Kheer Bhawani etc.
- Activities to do: Boating in Dal Lake, visit Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden etc.
- Best for: Couples
- Known for: The alluring capital of the state of J&K is most popular for the lovely Dal Lake and the mesmerizing house boats afloat on it.
7. Mussoorie, Amongst must visit hill stations in India
Mussoorie is a sight to behold! Almost everyone has heard of it and it is on every traveller’s wish list when exploring the top hill stations in North India. It is way up, above the mountains of Garhwal and on top of a horseshoe crest. You will certainly be in for a treat as you check out the spectacular view of the majestic Himalayas and the Doon Valley.
- Nearest airport: At Dehradun (54 km)
- Must visit places: Kempty Falls, Mussoorie Lake, K Dev Bhoomi Wax Museum, Christ Church, Bhadraj Temple, Fish Aquarium etc.
- Activities to do: Ziplining and other adventure sports at Adventure Park Mussoorie, boating and amusement rides at Company Bagh etc.
- Best for: Couples and Family
- Known for: Mussoorie is a famous weekend getaway destinations from New Delhi, known for interesting attractions like The Cloud’s End and The Mall.
8. Almora
If you are on a budget and looking to cut down on the costs but at the same time experience adventure and tranquillity that is synonymous with hill stations, you need to head to Almora. It is the least expensive hill station in India. Set at an elevation of 1,651m, it is famous for its rich cultural heritage and spectacular views of the Himalayas. While there, you can also discover the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, the Nanda Devi Temple, the Chitai Temple and the Almora Fort.
- Nearest airport: At Pantnagar (125 km)
- Must visit places: Binsar wildlife Sancturary, Jageshwar, Kasar Devi Temple, Chitai Temple, Zero Point, Katarmal Sun Temple etc.
- Activities to do: Trekking at Ranikhet road or at Almora-Jageshwar, explore painted rock shelters, visit Deer Park etc.
- Best for: Family
- Known for: A small town in Uttaranchal, Almora is a placid Hill Station in North India better known for its relaxed atmosphere and enchanting natural beauty.
9. Haldwani – A lesser know yet among the best hill stations in India
If you are looking for a laid back vibe that is accompanied by panoramic views, Haldwani is the hill station for you. It comes replete with a rich culture and history. Those interested in hiking, photography and trekking will surely have a great time here.
- Nearest airport: At Pantnagar (35 km)
- Must visit places: Haldwani Zoo Safari, Kali Chaur temple, Dewalchour Roundabout, Gaula Barrgae, Sanjya Van, Hedakham Ashram etc.
- Best for: Family
- Known for: Blessed with inviting environment, this Kumaon town is famous for its pleasant weather and rosy surroundings.
10. Palampur
Palampur is one of the most visited hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. It is home to a variety of water bodies, streams and brooks which is a reason tea plantations flourish here. You will also find many treks organised while paragliding activities are also held here. It is the ideal getaway for the summers and the deodar trees found here, which are the tallest in the country will certainly provide ample amount of shade and a cool atmosphere throughout.
- Nearest airport: Nearest domestic airport is at Gaggal (1 hours drive) and international at Amritsar (231 km)
- Must visit places: Bundla Tea Estate, Gopalpur Zoo, Shobha Singh Art Gallery, Tea Garden, Tashi Jong Khampagar Monastery, Birni Devi Temple etc.
- Activities to do: Paragliding in Kangra Valley, picnicking at Saurabh Van Vihar etc.
- Best for: Family
- Known for: Palampur is a fantastic hill station of India which is popular for its sprawling tea estates and refreshing climate.
Nice one.. very informative and useful.
ReplyDeleteBeen in India in 2010, saw Srinagar from listed places https://drjamtravels.blog/india-nepal-18-8-8-9-2010-3/
ReplyDeleteNice article.. Informative and useful
ReplyDeleteworldtechad talking about top 10 places in india at least once in your life ? But My last holiday I Booked Himachal Tour packages. And I Was Gone Himachal Pradesh Really I am Explaining my Experience that I really Enjoy in Himachal. You Know Himachal is a superb for tourist who want to expend her holiday with family, wife and group also.
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