Summer sun got you down? Would you prefer to wake up in the clear blue sky with cool hills all around you? Head to the best hill station in India to enjoy a memorable vacation with your family and friends in the hills! Without a doubt, it will leave you speechless when you visit these gorgeous and serene hill stations in India.
Darjeeling, West Bengal
Darjeeling is one of the most popular hill stations in India, located at an altitude of 2050 meters. It offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks and emerald-green tea plantations.
This Queen of the Hills has several tourist attractions to explore all the time, including tea estates, serene monasteries, vibrant gardens, enchanting temples, bustling markets, adrenaline-fueled adventures, and shopping streets.
And, there is no doubt that this is an ideal destination for those looking to spend quality time with their children and for couples looking to spend time alone.
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Shimla is the best hill station in India known for its rich history. Its natural beauty, tranquil hills, untouched nature, and dense forests make it a perfect holiday destination for visitors of all ages.
Summer is a popular time for tourists to visit this place. Moreover, the picturesque landscape with meadows and blue streams will make you feel rejuvenated when you return home.
What else? Shimla is home to many popular tourist attractions. Some of the popular adventure activities you can try in this hill station include paragliding, skating, horseback riding, yak riding, skiing, mountain biking, and trekking.
Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
One of the most beautiful hill stations in India is Srinagar which is known as “paradise on earth” for its breathtaking views.
This scenic hill station is located on the banks of the river Jhelum in the Kashmir Valley. It offers visitors a laid-back atmosphere and a peaceful setting to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Srinagar has something for everyone. You can take a stroll through the blossoming gardens, observe the silk sunset, or go for water sports activities such as water surfing, canoeing, and kayaking.
Ooty, Tamil Nadu – The Queen of the Nilgiris
Do you want to enjoy serene waterfalls, lush valleys, spectacular mountain views, and extensive tea plantations? If so, Ooty is the place where you need to visit.
Ooty or Udhagamandalam, located in the Nilgiri hills, is blessed with pleasant weather all around the year.
This picturesque hill station in Tamil Nadu is the perfect choice for those looking to beat the summer heat.
It is home to botanical gardens, fenced flower gardens, pristine lakes, wildlife reserves, ethnic centers, and colonial-style cottages.
Some of the major tourist attractions in this region are Hidden Valley, Pykara Falls and Lake, Ketti Valley View, Tiger Hill, St. Stephen’s Church, Adam’s Fountains, and Thunder World.
Manali, Himachal Pradesh
The hill town of Manali is located in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the best hill stations in North India because of its wide range of sightseeing options and adventure activities.
Some of the trekking trails available in the region include the Beas Kund Trek, the Bhrigu Lake Trek, the Pin Parvati Trek, the Chanderkhani Trek, and the Hampta Pass Trek.
If you are looking for an adrenaline-rushing adventure, you should try rafting on the River Beas. You can also enjoy adventure activities such as skiing and paragliding.
Leh, Ladakh
Ladakh, a pristine hill station in North India features unmatched natural beauty. It covers dramatic landscapes from Siachen Glacier to the main Great Himalayas.
The journey to Ladakh is adventurous. It is important to check the route depending on the time of your travel, as some routes may not be accessible throughout the year. Besides its incredible natural beauty, the hill station offers a wide range of adventure activities.
A must-see attraction in the region is Pangong Lake. In addition, you can also visit the hidden gem of Ladakh, Tso Moriri Lake.
Munnar, Kerala
Munnar is a pristine hill station in the Western Ghats located in the Idukki district of Kerala and is the best hill station in India to visit with your friends and family.
It is popular for honeymoons and romantic vacations because of its romantic natural setting.
Munnar has many tea shops and spice markets where you can find the best cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Some of the popular tourist attractions to visit in Munnar are Eravikulam National Park, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, and tea plantations.
Coorg, Karnataka
Located in the lap of nature, Coorg is an inviting getaway for those seeking a break from their daily routines. Summer is a great time to visit this hill station in South India.
Coorg is known for its stunning green hills and friendly locals. If you want to gain a better understanding of their tribal lifestyle, you can explore their cultures and traditions.
Coorg has several popular picnic spots, including Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, Mallalli Falls, and Iruppu Falls. There are many pilgrimage sites that you can visit to seek the blessings of the almighty, including Talakaveri, Omkareshwara temple, and Bhagamandala.
Shillong, Meghalaya
Shillong is one of the most picturesque hill stations in Northeast India and is known as the Scotland of the East.
It is surrounded by verdant hills and serves as a gateway to Meghalaya. Shillong is known for its amazing culture, breathtaking waterfalls, and unexplored caves.
The Lady Hydari Park in Shillong is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city and displays a variety of local flora. There is a mini zoo where you can see several types of indigenous birds and reptiles.
Furthermore, Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, Shillong View Point, Lady Hydari Park, and Mawjymbuin Cave are some of the major tourist attractions in Shillong.
Mirik, West Bengal
Mirik is one of the most famous hill stations in West Bengal, India. It is known for its high-quality oranges and a pretty hill station surrounded by tea gardens.
The region is also famous for producing Darjeeling tea, a uniquely flavored variety of tea.
There are many things to do in Mirik, but a picnic at Sumendu Lake is one of the best. The 1.25-kilometer-long lake features an 80-foot-long arch footbridge called the Indreni Pull. Main tourist attractions include Mirik Lake, Pashupati Nagar, Bunkulung, Devi Stan, Mirik Church, and Rameetay Dhara.
