Often spoken of in superlative-rich sentences and excited tones, the hill stations of India have taken on a life of their own. With majestic views to make you feel as though you’re on top of the world, to bonding activities such as bonfire conversations and winter sports, it’s easy to understand just why India’s hill stations are quickly making headlines everywhere. They make for a great way to retreat from modernity and spend some time soul-searching or connecting with nature, family, or your better half. This brings us to today’s agenda- what are the best hill stations in India? Well, have your pick.
With weather that’s just as picture-perfect as the backdrops, this hill station is often where your soul lets loose and wonders. You can lose yourself in the lap of Mother Nature, besides the gentle tunes of breathtaking waterfalls, calming pine trees, and lakes so clear you can see the bottom.
So what exactly should you be paying attention to when you stop by Shillong? We recommend detouring at:
Butterfly Museum
Umiam Lake ward
Elephant Falls
Amassing a reputation as one of the country’s cleanest hill stations, this is the place to go to reset your psyche and experience life in its purest form.
Ranking as one of the top hill stations in North India, Kufri is a must-visit destination for hiking and trekking enthusiasts. It may not offer much in terms of size, but it sure provides plenty when it comes to adventure, ensuring lots of snow-covered slopes for some tobogganing or skiing. So much so that the locals regard it as the winter sports capital of the region.
The jaw-dropping winter trails are its primary allure. But Kufri has a lot else to offer as well and one such example is Mahasu Peak, where you can catch amazing sights of the Badrinath ranges. Atop your climb, you’re sure to also appreciate the Nag temple, where you can learn a little about the revered Lord Shiva.
While at Kufri, be sure to also spend some time on horseback. You can explore thick terrains just as they would in Medieval times, and get a taste of what true horsepower feels like!
The Himalayans are renowned for their eerie beauty. Within these majestic ranges lies Mali, a beautiful collection of viridiscent valleys, with storybook views of meadows that you could just gaze upon for days on end.
But it’s not just the views that dazzle here. It’s also one of the most famous hill stations in India for:
Skiing
Mountain biking
Camping
Paragliding
So besides getting a ton of material for Instagram, Manali also offers many activities to quench your thirst for adrenaline and living life on the fast lane.
Ancient schools reminiscent of the British reign linger across parts of this famous hill station in India, which has perhaps come to be best known for Naina Devi temple, which balances delicately right at the precipice of a lake.
A vantage point of postcard beauty, Nainital is where you need to be for a huge serving of heaven on earth. So what do you do for fun at this hill station? It comes down to:
Exploring ancient relics: Walk down the streets of history to explore the colonial architecture of yesteryears
Stare at Naini Lake: There’s just something bewitching about how the eye-shaped waterbody co-exists harmoniously with the deep greenery as if old companions catching up. It almost feels like a portal to even more adventure
Offer a prayer Naina Devi- Uncover the myths, legends, and tales around Goddess Sati and bask in the beauty of her glorious adornments
Just a short distance away is India’s oldest national park Jim Corbett, which also be worthy of some of your time.
Towering at an altitude of 2130 meters, you feel as though you only need to tip your feet to touch the cloud cover above. This is yet another of Northern India’s finest hill stations, guaranteed to sear the mind with enchanting memories that will be the stuff of your sweet dreams for years to come.
The greenery is so expansive and surreal that you have to pinch yourself to confirm it's all real. Beyond the heavenly aesthetics, Pahalgam also has a lot else up its sleeve, namely:
Pony rides sandwiched by the serenity of the Baisaran and Dabian ranges
Lidder River which offers the most exciting white water rafting ever
Sun and Mamaleshwar Temples where you can deep dive into enthralling religion and culture
Snowy peaks, gurgling rivers, and beautiful thick forest cover make Pahalgam an excellent destination to spend your summer or winter.
Staying within the same region, the next member of our compilation of the best hill stations in India is Gulmarg. It derives its name from being a meadow of flowers and truly doesn’t disappoint during summer and spring when the flora puts its best foot forward.
But the lure of Gulmarg is perhaps highest during the winter months when the snow has kicked in and turned the slopes into a white-washed paradise for skiing and other winter sports. A Gondola Lift is the best way to take in the scenery no matter what time you visit. It gives you a bird’s perspective of the Himalayan peaks, an aesthetic treasure that provides a priceless experience you’ll never forget.
Experience hill stations in the most rewarding way
We’ve covered a couple of the most famous hill stations in India. But there are dozens more that are equally worthy of your time and attention. It might be in your best interest to work with a travel agency such as Askhaya India, to discover even more gems and to stretch your budget. Travel in peace, comfort, and style, and spend your vacation in India not worrying about itineraries and bookings and instead focus on living in the moment and sampling the stunning hilltop views. Travel like a boss. Explore like a local. Live like royalty. Contact us today for assistance planning your next hill station vacation to India.
All Blogs