Top Hill Stations in India That You Must Visit
India is a country of diverse landscapes and a rich cultural heritage, attracting visitors from all over the world. For those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of urban life and the scorching heat of the plains, hill stations offer a retreat with their stunning scenery, pleasant climate, and soothing atmosphere.
To visit these picturesque destinations, tourists must obtain an India tourist visa which is a necessary document to enter the country and experience the country’s attractions. From the towering Himalayas of the north to the emerald-green Western Ghats of the south, hill stations in India offer a tranquil retreat amidst lush valleys, picturesque waterfalls, and breathtaking views. Here, we will explore some of India’s top hill stations, each with its unique charm and a bit of serenity to treasure when you are familiar with the documents needed for an Indian visa online without visiting the nearest Indian Embassy for these types of trips.
The top hill stations to visit include for Indian Tourist visa:
Manali, Himachal Pradesh
- Places you must visit: Hidimba Devi Temple, Bhrigu Lake, Pin Valley National Park, Manali Sanctuary, Vashishth Temple, Jogni Falls etc.
- A list of things to do: Paragliding at Rohtang Pass, camping and winter sports at Solang Valley, river rafting at Pandoh Dam
- For how long: explored in 2-3 days.
- How to reach: The nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar Railway Station, located 144 kilometres from Manali. Buses for Manali from the railway station.
Manali is called the “Valley of the Gods” and is one of India’s best hill stations. It’s a snow lover’s paradise, with warm summer and cold winter weather. It’s one of the most tranquil destinations in North India, with something for everyone. Manali has something for everyone, whether you enjoy adventure and sports or want a tranquil environment. It is situated at the northern end of the Kullu valley, between the Himachal Pradesh mountains, and is India’s most beautiful hill station at 2,050m. The natural beauty,
culture, and snow-covered mountains will fascinate you and transport you to another world. A visit to Manali will show you why it is a popular destination in Himachal travel packages.
Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir
- Places you must visit: Khilanmarg, Alpather Lake, Gulmarg Gondola, Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, Seven Springs, Maharani Temple etc.
- A list of things to do: Skiing at Gulmarg Backcountry Ski Lounge, snowboarding at Apharwat Peak, camping at Ningle Nallah etc.
- For how long: explored in 2-3 days.
- How to reach: The nearest airport is Srinagar, located 90 minutes from the airport. Buses for Srinagar from you can visit the places to Gulmarg.
Gulmarg is an Indian hill station in North India known for its breathtaking landscape. It is one of the most popular hill stations in the country, with visitors from both India and overseas. The hill town is surrounded by deep valleys, meadows, and snow-covered summits, as well as green hills and calm valleys, and is located at an elevation of 2,730m. Skiing is a popular winter activity in the area if you’re seeking some adventure. Gulmarg, one of India’s greatest hill stations, is a testimony to the beauty of the state of Jammu.
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
- Places you must visit: Jakhoo temple, Kalka-Shimla railway, Rashtrpati Niwas, The Ridge, Himachal State Museum, Christ Church etc.
- A list of things to do: Shopping at Mall Road, hot pool bath and river rafting at Tattapani, paragliding, camping, heli-skiing at Narkanda and Kufri etc.
- For how long: explored in 2-3 days.
- How to reach: The nearest airport is Jubbarhatti, located 22 minutes from the airport. Buses for Delhi, Chandigarh and Dehradun from you can visit the places to Shimla. The nearest railway station is Kalka, which connects major cities like Delhi and Calcutta.
Shimla is one of India’s most beautiful hill stations, so why should it be ignored? It’s a sight to behold, surrounded by oak forests, deodars, and pines! While you’re there, make a point of seeing some of the nicest places to stay, such as Chadwick Falls and The Ridge, as well as Mall Road and Christ Church. Also, don’t forget to visit Jaku Hill! Shimla tourism is constantly at its peak, so you can always remain up to date on the greatest spots to visit no matter what time of year it is for you.
Chopta, Uttarakhand
- Places you must visit: Tungnath Temple, Kedarnath Wild Life Sanctuary, Koteshwar Temple, Koteshwar Mahadev, Deoria Tal Lake
- A list of things to do: Camping, trekking, rock climbing, hiking to Chandrashila, snow trekking, rappelling etc.
- For how long: explored in 2-3 days.
- How to reach: The nearest airport is Dehradun, located 7-8 hours from the airport. Buses for Delhi, Ukhimath and Guptkashi from you can visit the places to Dehradun. The nearest railway station is Haridwar.
Chopta is one of India’s beautiful destinations, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Chopta has something for everyone with its beautiful green scenery that transforms into a stunning panorama of snow-capped peaks. The snow-capped slopes of Chopta are suitable for snow trekking in the winter, making it an ideal winter trekking location. However, in the summer, the Bugyals grasslands cover the whole length of the mountain, making it a spectacular spectacle all year. Tourists planning to visit India will need a tourist visa to enter the country. Here you can apply for Indian Tourist Visa if you’re travelling to India for tourism!
Kalimpong, West Bengal
- Places you must visit: Lepcha Museum, Durpin Dara Hill, Rishi Bankim Chandra Park, Zong Dong Palri Fo Brang Gompa, Morgan House built during colonial times and the unique Cactus nursery.
- A list of things to do: Explore the mysterious Buddhist culture, take nature photography in Neora Valley National Park, hike Deolo Hill, paragliding, horseback riding, beautiful Tibetan handicrafts, etc.
- For how long: explored in 2-3 days.
- How to reach: The nearest airport is Kalimpong, located 79 km from the airport. Buses for Kalimpong, Sikkim, Gangtok, and Kolkata from you can visit the places to Kalimpong. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri.
Kalimpong is the lesser-known version of Darjeeling, one of the most famous hill destinations in West Bengal. It is equally as beautiful and rich as its neighbour. Lush green hills blanketed with soft white snow create a magical view that can only be found here. While there are not many things to do here, the beauty of Kalimpong lies in the fact that it is a place where you can forget all the troubles of life and relax to your core. The irony is that this beautiful destination is one of the most sought-after in this list of best hill stations in India.
Pelling, Sikkim
- Places you must visit: Sangachoeling Monastery, Singshore Bridge, Pemayangtse Monastery, Rimbi Waterfall, Kanchenjunga Waterfall, Kanchenjunga National Park etc.
- A list of things to do: Take a hike to Darpa village, picnic at Sewaro rock garden, attend Maghe prune festival at beautiful Khecheopalri lake, explore the green pastures of Kaluk village, etc.
- For how long: explored in 2-3 days.
- How to reach: The nearest airport is Bagdogra, located 160 km from the airport. Buses for Darjeeling, Siliguri and Gangtok buses run from you can visit the places Pelling. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station in Siliguri, West Bengal.
Pelling is one of India’s lesser-known but undeniably beautiful hill stations. It is famous for its charming setting in the western portion of the scenic state of Sikkim, which offers not only compelling natural beauty but also a mesmerising cultural festival. It is a great place for anyone looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and unwind in the calm surroundings of this small town, which is encircled by the snow-capped peaks of the Kanchenjunga Range. While having a cup of tea, one can take in the breathtaking scenery of Pelling.
Shillong, Mizoram
- Places you must visit: Umaim Lake, Shillong Peak, All Saint’s Cathedral, Lady Hydari Park, Elephant Falls, Don Bosco Museum and Sweet Falls
- A list of things to do: Visit Ward’s Lake for a relaxing boat ride, Umiam Lake for a variety of water sports, David Scott Trail for a climb, Bara Bazaar for local fruits, veggies, and fascinating handicraft products, and Café Shillong for live jazz performances.
- For how long: explored in 2-3 days.
- How to reach: Shillong’s nearest railway station is in Guwahati. It’s 104 kilometres away. MTC bus provides service from the train station to Guwahati. The first bus departs at 6 a.m and the last at 5 p.m.
Shillong is India’s most iconic hill station. It is the capital of the state of Mizoram and is famous for its stunning views of the hills and the sweet-smelling flowers all over the place. The lush hills, cascading waterfalls and foggy views make this place nothing but a heaven on earth. In addition to the natural beauty, the charming colonial buildings in Shillong add to the charm of this hill resort in the North-East of India.
Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
- Places you must visit: Pratapgarh Fort, Mahabaleshwar Temple, Wilson Point, Babington Point, Rajpuri Caves, Elephant’s Head Point etc.
- A list of things to do: Enjoy romantic boat rides at Venna Lake, jungle trekking and walking in Tapola, Lingmala Falls hike, fresh strawberry ice cream at Mapro garden, picnic at Connaught Point, horse riding paragliding, etc.
- For how long: explored in 2-3 days.
- How to reach: The nearest airport is Pune, located 120 km from the airport. Buses for Mahabaleshwar Darshan run bus from you can visit the places Mahabaleshwar. The nearest railway station is Satara.
Mahabaleshwar is one of the best and most popular hill stations in India, is a valued Maharashtra destination. It is famous for the breathtaking vistas of the Sahyadri Ranges, the cool environment, and the spectacular sunrises and sunsets observed from numerous scenic spots throughout the region. The resort is a magnificent getaway spot in the west, offering both scenic magnificence and an array of exhilarating adventure activities.
Coorg, Karnataka
- Places you must visit: Namdroling Monastery or Golden Temple, Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, Iruppu Falls, Nagarahole Wild Life Sanctuary, Madikeri, Talakaveri etc.
- A list of things to do: Take a dip in the pool and bathe the elephants at the Dubare Elephant Camp. Then, make your way through the trekking trails of Tadiandamol and Mullayanagiri, as well as Kodachadri and Brahmagiri. Finally, savour a delicious meal of Coorg’s Pandi Curry and Akki Roti. After that, take a stroll through a coffee plantation. There are plenty of other activities to do, like camping, fishing, and river rafting.
- For how long: explored in 2-3 days.
- How to reach: The nearest airport is Mangalore, located 120 km from the airport. Buses for state-run government buses from you can visit the places Coorg. The nearest railway station is Mysore or Bangalore.
It could just as easily be called “Scotland of the East,” such is its beauty and allure. The rich vegetation and brilliant blue skies make it a genuinely exciting hill station that draws visitors from all around Scotland and beyond. It is also known for its aromatic coffee, wonderful gastronomy, and abundant wildlife, all of which attract nature enthusiasts, photographers, and foodies alike.
Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh
- Places you must visit: Narmadakund, Kapil Dhara Falls, Trimukhi Temple etc.
- A list of things to do: Explore the ancient Kalachuri temple, go for a calm nature walk in Mai ki bagiya (Mother’s Garden), learn about the medicinal herbs growing in its forests, and marvel at Amarkantak’s breathtaking natural beauty.
- For how long: explored in 2-3 days.
- How to reach: The nearest airport is Jabalpur, located 200 km from the airport. Buses for private buses run from you can visit the places Amarkantak. The nearest railway station is Jabalpur station.
Amarkantak is a sacred hill town in the state of Madhya Pradesh and a prominent religious retreat and hill resort, is widely recognised as one of the best hill stations in India, giving more than simply stunning views of the surrounding hills. The town is located at the confluence of the Vindhya and Satpura Ranges and is home to the sacred Narmada River. Aside from the historic temples and breathtaking mountain views, the area is known for its medicinal plants and diverse animals.
Munnar, Kerala
- Places you must visit: Tea gardens along Kolukkumalai Hills, Echo Point, Attukal Waterfalls, Top Station, Kundala Lake, Tata Tea Museum, Matupetty Dam etc.
- A list of things to do: Bird watching in Thekkady bird sanctuary, wildlife viewing in Eraviculam National Park, mountain biking in Anamudi Shola or in the areas of Vandanmedu, picnic at the waterfalls of Lakkam, rock climbing and rope climbing etc.
- For how long: explored in 2-3 days.
- How to reach: The nearest airport is Cochin, located 125 km from the airport. Buses for Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses run from you can visit the places Munnar. The nearest railway station is Kochi or Ernakulam.
Munnar is one of India’s best hill stations. Kerala’s rolling hills have long been a haven for those seeking complete joy and relaxation. Munnar is surrounded by large tea and spice farms, wildlife, and boundless natural beauty. It is one of the most popular Romantic and Honeymoon locations in India, attracting thousands of couples each year. You can not only appreciate the natural beauty of the hills, but you can also engage in useful activities such as trekking and yoga. Ayurvedic spa treatments, culinary trails, and shopping are available.
Which is the queen of hills in India?
Mussoorie is popularly known as the Queen of the Hills and one of the most prominent hill stations in India.
Which is India’s biggest hill station?
Kangra is a large hill station in India with several towns and sites to visit, such as Dharamshala and McLeodganj. It is well-known for its beautiful scenery, ancient temples, and lush flora. You can also enjoy views of the Dhauladhara mountain range. It is one of India’s largest and most diverse hill stations, having a wide range of natural beauty.
Which hill station in India is famous for its tea?
Darjeeling is a beautiful hill station in West Bengal famed for its amazing tea plantations. Because of its lush slopes and vast tea gardens, it produces some of the world’s best tea. The climate is unusual, with high altitude, foggy weather, and plenty of fertile soil, which contributes to the tea’s outstanding taste and aroma. It is a popular option among tea drinkers all across the world.
Which city is known as the hill station of India?
Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, is one of India’s most famous hill stations. It is well-known for its colonial charm, natural beauty, and pleasant climate. Shimla lies in the Himalayan area, surrounded by stunning mountains, lush greenery, and old buildings. The beauty, peace, and magnificent vistas of snowcapped mountains make this city a favourite hill station vacation in India. The city also has some of India’s most famous hill station attractions, such as the Ridge and Mall Road, as well as Christ Church.
Is Shimla better than Darjeeling?
It’s hard to say which one is better, as each hill station has its unique charm and atmosphere. For example, if you’re looking for a colonial-style experience, you can’t go wrong with Shimla. It’s full of historical sites and stunning scenery, but it’s also full of hustle and bustle. On the other hand, if you want a peaceful getaway, you can head to Darjeeling, which is full of tea gardens and picturesque hills. Whether you like one or the other, it all depends on your taste in terms of atmosphere, activities, weather, and what kind of experience you’re looking for.
To sum up, India’s diverse landscape is home to an abundance of charming hill stations, each offering a unique combination of natural beauty, culture, and recreation. From snowcapped peaks in Shimla, Manali and many more, these hill stations offer a refreshing respite from the hectic pace of daily life. The tranquil atmosphere, stunning views, and a plethora of activities from trekking and sightseeing to adventure sports make these hill stations a paradise for nature lovers, adventurers, and those looking for a peaceful retreat. Discovering India’s top hill stations is a great way to immerse yourself in the enchanting charm and scenic beauty of this diverse country. So what’s stopping you from coming and Visiting this beautiful Incredible country!