Hate the summertime sun? Do you want to wake up instead to a bright blue sky with cold hills all around you?
Here are the top hill stations in India you can explore to refresh you from claustrophobia.
Leave the city and travel to one of the most incredible top hill stations in India to spend your days exploring the lush foliage, relaxing by a tranquil lake, or gazing at the majestic mountains.
India is the ideal place for you if visiting hill stations makes you shout with delight.
Get ready for an incredible holiday with your family and friends as you slide off to the hills!
Why These Top Hill Stations in India
India is unified in diversity. You can explore hills, seas, forests and desert in this country. Some top hill stations in India attracts tons of tourists every year.
Hills have a different attraction. The calm, pleasant and vibrant atmosphere attracts tons of hill lovers to these beautiful places. These popular Indian hill stations bring remarkable experience of traveling. Let’s have a look.
1. Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir is undoubtedly one of the top hill stations in India, mainly in North India, Srinagar is a site of magnificent natural beauty, old gardens, and unique mosques.
Things to see: Visit the stunning Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, the botanical gardens during the well-known Tulip Festival, and Badamwari Garden to witness the almond trees in full bloom.
You will also be mesmerized by the beauty of these places. Visit the serene Shankaracharya Mandir, the stunning Khanqah Shah-i Hamadan mosque, and the Pari Mahal.
Finally, spend a day discovering what living on Dal and Nigeen lakes is like. During the winter, it is one of India’s coldest hill locations. Here are some small but useful information.
- April through October is the ideal time to visit.
- Visit for at least four days for the best experience.
- Take an aircraft directly to the Srinagar International Airport to get there. Alternatively, take the train to Jammu, then a cab or a bus operated by the J&K State Road Transport Corporation to Srinagar.
- Accommodations include the Radisson Srinagar, Hotel Ashai, Hotel Fabulous Kashmir, and S Group of Houseboats.
2. Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir
Pahalgam is the ideal summertime hill resort in India because of its surrounding snow-capped mountains and gushing rivers.
Visit the three locations of Chandanwari, Betaab Valley, and Aru Valley while you’re here for the best experiences.
Take a pony ride to the stunning Dabian and Baisaran, among the top 40 hill stations in India and surrounded by dense woods and snow-capped mountains.
Explore the Lidder River and go whitewater rafting. Tarsar Lake, Sun Temple, and Mamleshwar Temple are a few other well-known tourist destinations. One of India’s famous hill resorts is this one. Some key points may help you!
- March through June is the ideal time to travel.
- Visit for at least two days for the best experience.
- How to get there: Fly directly to the Srinagar International Airport, then take a 2.5-hour cab trip to your destination.
- Activities: Sightseeing, Backcountry Camping, River Rafting
- Accommodations include the Premier Pahalgam, Hotel Island Pahalgam, Heevan Pahalgam, Eden Resorts & Spa, and Hotel Alpine K2.
3. Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir
Amid one of the top hill stations in India, Gulmarg comes higher in this list. Gulmarg, means “meadow of flowers” in its original form, is renowned for its extraordinary natural beauty.
It is a well-known ski resort in the winter, but its pine woods and wildflowers also make for a stunning summer excursion. It is one of India’s top hill towns.
The Ningle Nallah, formed when the snow on Apharwat Peak melted, and the aerial view of the Himalayan peaks from the Gondola Lift is the best experience.
One of India’s most stunning hill stations has Lien Marg, the pure and therapeutic waters of Verinag, the Biosphere Reserve of Gulmarg, and Alpather Lake. Do you know when to visit and what to do there in Gulmarg?
- March through June is the ideal time to travel.
- Visit for at least three days for the best experience. To get there, take a direct flight to Srinagar International Airport, then take a 3-hour cab trip.
- Activities: skiing, riding the gondola, and hiking
- Accommodations include the Hotel Affarwat, the Heevan Retreat Gulmarg, the Nedous Hotel Gulmarg, the Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, and the Rosewood.
4. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Apart from Kashmir, north India presents Manali, one of the top hill stations in India. Manali, is well-known for its natural beauty, flowering gardens, snow-capped mountains, and orchards of red and green apples.
It is one of India’s highest hill towns.
The highest point on the Manali-Keylong Road and one of the best experiences is the Rohtang Pass. Other noteworthy locations nearby are Jogini Falls, Solang Valley, Kalath Hot Water Springs, and Vashist Hot Water Springs. Know the ideal time and plan your trip.
- October through February is the ideal time to go.
- The ideal journey should last four days in one of India’s well-known hill stations around May.
- How to Get There: Take a flight to Bhuntar Airport and then a 2-hour cab or bus trip. Alternatively, travel 553 kilometers (5 hours) by bus in the Himachal Pradesh State from Delhi to Manali.
- Activities: Riding a Yak, Biking, Rafting
- Hotels in the area include The Orchard Greens, Apple Country Resorts, Royal Hadimba Palace Manali, and Solang Valley Resort.
5. Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh
Khajjiar, one of the top hill stations in India noted for its meadows, and ethereal beauty, is tucked away in a lush environment. It is one of the top hill stations in the country.
Visit Khajjiar Lake, surrounded by cedar trees and fed by streams. The Khajji Nag Temple, the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, and the towns of Rota and Ladi, well-known for their apple orchards, are other noteworthy destinations. This famous hill town in India invites you to discover its flawless beauty. Want to visit Khajjiar, know these first!
- October through March is the ideal time to visit.
- A three-day stay is ideal for the ideal vacation.
- How to Get There: Fly to Pathankot Airport (80 km) or Gaggal Airport (180 km) and then take a taxi to Khajjiar. Obtain a cab after taking a train 80 kilometers to Pathankot Airport.
- Activities: Trekking, Jungle Safari, and Zorbing
- Mystic Village, Cozy Swiss Meadows, Heart Beat Resort, Kailash island vista, and Pir Panjal are some places to stay.
6. Keylong, Himachal Pradesh
Popularly known as the “Land of Monasteries,” Keylong is a stunning tourist destination with ancient mountain ranges and verdant valleys, making it one of the greatest hill stations in India to visit.
The best activities are visiting the Shashur and Kardang Monasteries, the Ancient Fort at Gondola, the Chandra River’s Chandra Village, the Baralacha La, and the Pin Valley National Park. Do you know how to go there?
- February through June are the ideal months to travel.
- Visit for a minimum of 3 days for a successful trip.
- How to Get There: Fly straight to Kullu Manali’s Bhuntar Airport (175 km away), then take a 5-hour cab trip. Alternatively, go 250 kilometers by train to Joginder Nagar and then take a 7-hour cab ride.
- There are several places to stay, including Tandi Sarai, Blue Pine Camps, TIH Siramani River Camp, Gemoor Khar-Manor House, and Jispa Journey Camp.
7. Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh
Bir-Billing, surrounded by tea plantations and woodlands in the Indian Himalayan foothills, is a well-liked location for adventure sports like paragliding. This location is gradually becoming well-known as an Indian hill resort.
Fly high and take in the pristine and lush scenery; go camping and take in the Beas Valley and Kangra Valley views. Visit the Palpung Sherab Ling Monastery and the lovely Chokling Monastery in Bir, a Tibetan town.
- April through June is the ideal time to visit.
- Visit for at least four days for the best experience.
- How to Get There: Fly directly to the airport in Dharamshala, then take a 45-minute cab trip. Alternatively, take a train to Pathankot, then a tiny gauge railroad to Bir.
- Accommodations include CBB – Camp Bir Billing, Connect, The Hosteller Bir, Shivirama, and Katoch Homestay.
8. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Additionally called “The Summer Refuge,” Shimla is renowned for its collection of British and colonial-era structures. It is one of the top hill stations in India and an ideal location for a summer vacation. The surrounding natural splendor charm you.
Shimla must be on your bucket list. It is one of India’s most prestigious hill resorts and has an airport. The best hill station in northern India is this one.
Best Activities: View diverse bird species at the Himalayan Aviary, have a peaceful picnic at Glen by a mesmerizing stream, and visit the stunning Dorje Drak Monastery. Other notable locations are Gurkha Gate, Solan Brewery, Darlaghat, Scandal Point, Kamna Devi Temple, and Jakhu Hill.
- November and February are the best months to travel.
- Visit for at least three days for the best experience.
- Take a direct flight to Jubbarhatti in Shimla to get there. Alternately, take a train to Kalka and then a 2-hour cab ride.
- Activities: Riding a toy train and rafting
- Accommodations: Broadway Grand Shimla, Meena Bagh Shimla, Larisa Resort Shimla, Adiv Hotels, S&M flat bir Khana.
9. McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh
Any time of year is a terrific opportunity to visit McLeod Ganj, a town in Tibet. It is one of the top hill stations in India to experience snowfall, McLeod Ganj is surrounded by snow-capped hills and has several lovely monasteries. It is the ideal location for a peaceful vacation.
Visit the Tibet Museum within the Tsuglagkhang Complex and the lovely waterfall in Bhagsu for the best experiences. Take a trip to the remote Triund camp for a breathtaking glimpse of the Himalayan peaks.
- October through February is the ideal time to go.
- Visit for at least two days to have a successful trip.
- How to Get There: Fly to Gaggal Airport (20 km away), then take a 45-minute cab trip. The travel time by bus from ISBT Anand Vihar to Mcleodganj is 10 hours.
- Activities: Try boating and go camping.
- La Vaca India McLeodganj, Hotel Shiva Sanctuary, Hotel King Castle, Shalom Backpackers McLeodganj, Hotel Norbu House.
10. Almora, Uttarakhand
Almora, one of the top hill stations in India, is perched on a slope that resembles a horse saddle and offers panoramic views of the towering Himalayas.
The best experiences are watching the dawn and sunset at Bright End Corner and taking a peaceful picnic at one of the lovely pine- and fir-tree-lined Simtola or Martola. Visit Deer Park, where you may see bears from the Himalayas and deer and leopards. The Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary and the Govind Ballabh Pant Public Museum are some of the area’s other well-liked tourist attractions.
- April through June is the ideal time to visit.
- Visit for at least three days for the best experience.
- How to Get There: Fly 115 miles to Pantnagar, then take a 3-hour cab trip. Alternatively, go 81 kilometers by train to Kathgodam, then take a 2.5-hour cab trip. In 12 hours, buses from ISBT Anand Vihar travel to Almora.
- Activities: hiking and sightseeing
- Where to Stay: Shukun Homestay in Almora, Kasar Himalaya Holiday Home, Stars & Pines, Hotel Kausani Retreat, Home Stay in Uttarakhand
11. Nainital, Uttarakhand
Nainital is one of the top hill resorts in India in May and June. It is situated in the Himalayan Belt amid the Kumaon Hills and has lovely lakes.
It’s the ideal place to unwind in the middle of nature because of the luxuriant green oak, pine, and rhododendron woods.
Best things to do: Picnic at The Tiffin Top or the lovely Kilbury. Trek the Naina Peak, Nainital’s highest peak, and take in the stunning views of Khurpatal Lake at Land’s End.
- March through June is the ideal time to travel.
- Visit for at least three days for the best experience.
- How to Get There: Fly to Pantnagar (72 km away), then take a 1.5-hour cab trip. Alternatively, travel by train to Kathgodam (41 km), then take a cab for an hour. In 9 hours, buses depart from ISBT Anand Vihar towards Nainital.
- The Kumaoni Karavan, Conifers Villa, J Resort Dolmar Nainital, Fern Villas, and Pragati Resort are some places to stay.
12. Auli, Uttarakhand
Auli is a beautiful tourist spot famous for skiing all over the country. This scenic place, well known for its oak-edged slopes and verdant coniferous forests, is among India’s best hill stations. If you are planning to visit top hill stations in India, Auli must be in your list.
Best Experiences:
- Visit Nandprayag, a popular attraction of Auli, which is at the River Alaknanda and Mandakini meeting point.
- See the natural spring in Saildhar Tapovan, the Auli Artificial Lake, and the Chattar Kund Lake.
- Travel on the Gondola for a beautiful aerial view of the place.
- Best Time To Visit: November to March
- Ideal Duration: Visit for a minimum of 4 days for a good trip.
- How To Reach: Take a flight directly to the Jolly Grant Airport (279 kms), followed by a 5-hour taxi ride. Or take the 8-hour bus to Joshimath, situated at a distance of 16 kms from Auli.
- Things To Do: Skiing, Shopping, Hiking
- Places To Stay: Dwarika, Barahbeesh Villa, Kanasar Ecolodge, Apple Farm Stay, Zostel Homes, Livingstone Ojuven Treehouses
13. Kausani, Uttarakhand
The stunning location of Kausani, one of the top hill stations in India, is nestled among tall pine trees and overlooks the lovely valleys of Someshwar, Garur, and Baijnath Katyuri along the majestic Himalayas. It is a premier hill resort (even a charming hamlet) in India.
You may have the best trekking experiences by choosing routes like the SunderDhunga Trek, Pindari Glacier Trek, or Milam Glacier Trek. The Rudradhari Waterfalls, the Kausani Tea Gardens, and the pear orchards are some of the area’s other attractions.
- April through June is the ideal time to visit.
- Visit for at least three days for the best experience.
- How to Get There: Fly 165 kilometers to Pantnagar, then take a 4-hour cab trip. Alternatively, go 132 kilometers by train to Kathgodam, then take a 3-hour cab journey. In 11 hours, buses from ISBT Anand Vihar travel to Kausani.
- Activities include eating at the Garden restaurant and shopping.
- Hotels you can stay at at our Rudradhari Cottage, Hotel Deepraj, Xomotel Sunita Himalayan Paradise, Aliya Himalayan Village, and Hotel Vishwanath.
14. Chopta, Uttarakhand
Due to its amazing natural beauty and emerald-green meadows, known as Bugyals, Chopta is called “Mini Switzerland” and offers a wonderful getaway from the busy city life. Chopta is unquestionably a much-desired addition to India’s list of hill towns.
Best Adventures: Explore the gorgeous Deoria Tal lake and get lost in the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary’s deep jungle. Visit the Tungnath Mandir’s home mountain, Chandrashila, and the Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary.
- March through May is the ideal time to visit.
- Visit for at least three days for the best experience.
- How to Get There: Fly directly to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport (221 km away), then take a 3.5-hour cab trip. Alternatively, travel to Rishikesh by rail and take a 3.5-hour cab ride.
- Camping and trekking are available activities. Several lodging options are Villotale Chopta CHC, Hotel Govind, and Dwarahat House.
15. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
The mysterious Tawang offers the best experience with its breathtaking landscapes, hazy rivers, and magnificent waterfalls.
Spectacular views through the snow-covered Sela Pass, and make a pit break at the lovely Paradise Lake on the way there.
Travel to Tawang Monastery, India’s biggest monastery bring a thrilling experience. The pure and calm ambiance adds another level of happiness.
Additionally, there is Gorichen Peak, Shonga-tser Lake, Pankang Teng Tso Lake, Bap Teng Kang Waterfall, and Nuranang Waterfalls that make Tawang one of the wonderful top hill stations in India.
- March through June, September, and October are prime travel months.
- Visit for at least four days for the best experience.
- How to Get There: Take a direct flight to Salonibari Airport in Tezpur, then take a cab for six hours. Alternatively, take a train to Guwahati and then a 13-hour cab trip.
- Activities: Go hiking and see waterfalls
- Hotels: Hotel The Oak, Treebo Trip Yangsel, Hotel Ashoka, VAMOOSE TRAIL TAWANG.
16. Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh
Bomdila, one of the top hill stations in India, is a tranquil hamlet nestled in the picturesque Eastern Himalayan foothills, renowned for its natural beauty and apple orchards.
Visit the Dirang Valley, located between Bomdila and Tawang, and it is one of the best experiences you can have. Visit the Buddhist monasteries at Lower, Middle, and Upper Gompa. Other wonderful locations are the Kameng Elephant Reserve, the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Sessa Orchid Sanctuary on the River Bharali.
- April through October is the ideal time to visit.
- Visit for at least three days for the best experience. How to Find Us: Fly directly to the Tezpur Airport, then take a 6-hour bus or cab to travel to your destination. Or take the train to Rangapara and then a bus or taxi to your destination.
- Activities: Paragliding and Trekking
- Accommodations include Hotel Tashi Den, Hotel Dilli, Pangchen Lodge, Anu Homestay, and Hotel Chharit.
17. Mirik, West Bengal
An undulating carpet of tea farms, orange groves, cardamom plantations, and dark Japanese cedars surrounds the area. The picturesque hill town of Mirik in North-East India offers a stunning perspective of the impressive Kanchenjunga.
Mirik is a high demand offbeat destination near Darjeeling and one of the top hill stations in India in this era.
The best experiences include visiting the well-known Sumendu Lake and the tea fields that produce the renowned Darjeeling tea. Visit the Buddhist meditation center and the Bokar Monastery, and Orange Orchards.
- March, April, October, and November are the best months to travel.
- Visit for at least three days for the best experience.
- How to Get There: Take a direct flight to Bagdogra Airport, then a 1-hour cab trip. Alternatively, take a train to New Jalpaiguri and then a cab for one hour.
- The following lodging options are available: Lake View Villa, Golden Sunview Homestay, Titung Orange Grove Homestay, Vamoose Sunakhari, and Lingden’s Farm.
18. Darjeeling, West Bengal
The incredibly popular but equally beautiful Darjeeling boasts unending tea estates and snow-capped hills. Visit Buddhist temples, see the colonial architecture, and indulge in some delicious tea during your days here. The queen of hills, is undoubtedly one of the top hill stations in India for its beauty and uniqueness. Many people want to explore the queen of hills, Darjeeling. I’ve observed many tourist look for Darjeeling budget travel.
Best Activities:
- Take a miniature train trip around the Batasia Loop and War Memorial.
- Visit a tea farm like Happy Valley Tea Estate.
- Observe the magnificent Khangchendzonga from Tiger Hill.
- Spend the afternoon at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Museum.
The Observatory Hill, the Buddhist monastery in Ghum, and the Japanese Peace Pagoda are other fantastic locations nearby.
- March through May is the ideal time to visit.
- Visit for at least four days for the best experience.
- How to Get There: Take a direct flight to Bagdogra Airport, followed by a four-hour cab trip. Alternatively, take the train to New Jalpaiguri for a 4-hour cab ride.
- Activities: Go river rafting and hiking
- Accommodations include the Summit Swiss Heritage Hotel & Spa, the Summit Hermon Hotel & Spa, the Tinchuley Ratna Vajra Vatika Resort, and the Mangkhim Darjeeling homestay.
19. Kalimpong, West Bengal
Among top hill stations in India, Kalimpong is becoming popular. Snow-capped peaks and lush flora dominate the horizon at this beautifully situated hill station in North East India, which is a much calmer counterpart of the nearby Darjeeling.
For the best insights into Buddhist culture, visit the Zang Dhol Palri Phodang monastery or the Lepcha Museum. The Neora Valley National Park, situated in one of India’s greatest hill resorts, is great for outdoor spending. The colonial Morgan House, the Cactus nursery, and the Rishi Bankim Chandra Park are some of the area’s other well-known attractions.
- March through May is the ideal time to visit.
- Visit for at least three days for the best experience.
- How to Get There: Take a direct flight to Bagdogra Airport, then a 3-hour cab trip. Alternatively, take a train to New Jalpaiguri and then a 3-hour cab.
- Activities: View Wildlife and Go To The Lepcha Heritage Museum
- Accommodations include the Holumba Haven, Hotel Paradiso, and Hotel Aashiyana.
20. Champhai, Mizoram
Champhai is a hill station in northeast India that you should note. It has a breathtaking view of the gorgeous Myanmar highlands, is rich in history and heritage, and has the name “Rice Bowl of Mizoram.”
Visit the renowned Murlen National Park to see its subtropical woods and wildlife, including hoolock gibbons, Himalayan black bears, and leopards, some of which are present in India’s most prestigious hill stations.
Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring Kungawrhi Puk’s caverns and the heart-shaped lake Rih Dil. The Thasiama Seno Neihna hill, the Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Mura Puk caverns are a few of the area’s additional tourist attractions.
- June through September is the ideal time to visit.
- Visit for at least three days for the best experience.
- How to Get There: Take a direct flight to Lengpui Airport near Aizawl, then take a 7-hour cab trip.
- Accommodations include the HOTEL HRANGA PLAZA, the HOTEL HRANGA PLAZA SAVER, and the VAMOOSE TRAIL LAWNGTLAI.
My Final Thought
if you want to explore the top hill stations in India, this article helps you. Whatever hill stations in India you love to explore, you need some basic and essential information such as main attractions, preferable timing, ideal days to stay and more which I’ve tried to cover here. If you have any query, feel from to ask always.
