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Craving a respite from scorching summers? Look no further than the country’s crown jewels – the magnificent hill stations in India. Scattered across the Himalayas, Nilgiris, and other mountain ranges, these havens offer a cool escape from the scorching heat during the summer season. From Gulmarg in Kashmir to Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu, each hill station stands out for its charm and scenic beauty. However, choosing one for your next vacation can be a confusing affair. So, here is this guide to help you plan your next vacation for a blissful experience.
Top 10 Hill Stations In India
Here is a list of the top 10 hill stations in India that best align with your interests to help you plan your next vacation.
1. Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir
Photo: Imad Clicks / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The beauty of Gulmarg needs no introduction. Known for housing the world’s highest gondola ride and golf course, this place offers you some amazing experiences. The beauty of this hill station transforms depending on the season you are visiting. While summer beckons you with its lush green meadows, winters turn into a haven for skiing and other adventure activities. Besides skiing, here you can also explore the scenic Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, or take a serene paddle on the mirror-like surface of the Alpather Lake.
Best Time To Visit: April to June
Avg Temperature: 6.9°C to 16.3°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Apharwat Peak, Gulmarg Gondola, Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, Alpather Lake, Gulmarg Golf Course
Top Experiences: Skiing, snowboarding, gondola ride, trekking
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Monsoon In India
2. Doodhpathri, Jammu & Kashmir
Photo: Abdul Muiz Khan / Unsplash
Doodhpathri, nicknamed the ‘Valley of Milk’ due to its cascading white streams, boasts mesmerising meadows carpeted with vibrantly coloured wildflowers during the spring and summer season. Legends believe that the popular saint Sheikh ul Aalam Sheikh Noor din Noorani prayedhere, and when he was searching for water, milk came out and turned into water, hence the place was named as Doodhpathri. The vast grassy slopes, colourful flowers, and silver streams add to the beauty of this place, which makes it one of the best hill stations in India.
Best Time To Visit: April to June
Avg Temperature: 22°C to 29°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Kaliganga River, Palmaidan, Doodhpathri Valley
Top Experiences: Nature walks, camping, birdwatching, photography
3. Ladakh, Leh Ladakh
Photo: Darshan Chudasama / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Located along the lofty peaks of the Himalayas, Ladakh is one of the must-visit places in India. Known for its balance of stark beauty and adventure, it is home to some of the oldest monasteries in India. Besides exploring the local culture and traditions of the indigenous tribes in the province, here you can have a variety of adventure experiences. From travelling to the high-altitude Changthang plateau to embarking on a challenging trek to Pangong Tso, there’s something to appease you irrespective of your interests.
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Avg Temperature: 5°C to 21°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Pangong Tso Lake, Leh Palace, Nubra Valley, Khardung La Pass
Top Experiences: Trekking, biking, white water rafting, jeep safaris
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In North East India
4. Munnar, Kerala
The beauty of Munnar is beyond explanation. Located in Kerala, the rolling hills with tea plantations along the backdrop of the misty hills are enough to soothe your soul. Besides exploring the sprawling tea estates, here you can cherish the natural splendour by witnessing the cascading waters of Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls. You can also take a scenic boat ride on Mattupetty Dam and soak in the majestic views of the hills in the surroundings.
Best Time To Visit: September to March
Avg Temperature: 15°C to 22°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Echo Point, Mattupetty Dam, Eravikulam National Park
Top Experiences: Trekking, wildlife spotting, boat ride
5. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Photo: Salendra Kumar / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
With the influence of British colonial charm, Shimla in Himachal Pradesh is a laidback hill station that offers a perfect escape from the daily hustle of life. While the summer months are perfect for exploring the sightseeing spots and colonial architecture, winter transforms it into a wonderland. Stroll along the bustling Mall Road, admire the neo-Gothic Viceregal Lodge, or take a ride on the scenic Kalka-Shimla Railway— a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Besides that, there are adventure activities like trekking trails and paragliding, which turn the whole experience into an extraordinary vacation.
Best Time To Visit: April to June
Avg Temperature: 0°C to 25°C
Top Tourist Attractions: The Mall Road, Viceregal Lodge, Christ Church, Tara Devi Temple
Top Experiences: Toy train ride on the Kalka-Shimla Railway, trekking, paragliding, etc.
Suggested Read: Haunted Places In India
6. Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh
Photo: Chirag Jain / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
One of the popular hill stations in India, Dalhousie offers a haven of serenity with its pine-fringed valleys and colonial charm. With its laid-back vibe, this hill station is a perfect place if you want to escape the daily chaos of life. Summers experience pleasant weather, making it perfect for you to take a stroll along the scenic Sakrota Hill or visit the historic Panchpula waterfalls. For adventurous souls, you can plan a trek to the picturesque Dainkund Peak.
Best Time To Visit: April to June
Avg Temperature: 15°C to 30°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Sakrota Hill, Panchpula Waterfalls, Dainkund Peak, Bara Pathar
Top Experiences: Trekking, camping, paragliding
7. Kalimpong, West Bengal
Photo: Rabhimbh Bardhan / Unsplash
If you are seeking serenity, then Kalimpong offers you respite from the unnecessary crowds. It offers a tranquil escape to the mountains where you can lose yourself in the lap of nature and the prim colonial architecture. Some of the experiences worth adding to your itinerary include the Tharpa Choeling Monastery or witnessing the breathtaking view of the Teesta River Valley from the Durpin Dara viewpoint. You can also visit the Zang Dhok Palri Monastery, which is a replica of the Potala Palace in Lhasa.
Best Time To Visit: March to June
Avg Temperature: 10°C to 24°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Tharpa Choeling Monastery, Durpin Dara Viewpoint, Delo Hill
Top Experiences: Trekking, birdwatching
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Summer In India – Finding Solace In Scorching Heat
8. Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh
Photo: Journojp / Wikimedia Commons
Among the list of best hill stations, Bir Billing is another one worth highlighting. Besides the laid-back charm of this quaint hill station, the main attraction is the availability of an array of adventure activities. Popular for paragliding, as you soar through the clear blue skies, the aerial views are bound to leave you speechless. If you aren’t into paragliding, several monasteries are there to offer you a spiritual escape and utmost serenity.
Best Time To Visit: September to November
Avg Temperature: 9°C to 25°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Billing Paragliding Site, Sherabling Monastery, Bir Waterfall
Top Experiences: Paragliding, mountain biking, attending local festivals
9. Auli, Uttarakhand
Located in the Garhwal range in the Himalayas, Auli offers respite from the scorching heat of the summers in the plains. And during the winter months, it transforms into a winter wonderland, beckoning skiing enthusiasts. With the slopes covered in thick blankets of snow, rushing down the slopes is an exhilarating experience. Boasting Asia’s longest cable car ride, this hill station offers stunning panoramic views. For a laid-back vacation in a quaint town, nothing can beat Auli.
Best Time To Visit: December to February
Avg Temperature: -4.1°C to 4.1°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Auli Cable Car, Nanda Devi National Park, Gurson Bugyal meadows
Top Experiences: Skiing, snowboarding, cable car rides, trekking, nature walks
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Winter In India
10. Cherrapunji, Meghalaya
Photo: Shipon Karmakar / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Often nicknamed as the ‘Wettest Place on Earth’, Cherrapunji is located in the Khasi Hills in Meghalaya. From witnessing the Nohkalikai Falls— the tallest plunge waterfall in India, or marvelling at the natural wonders of the Mawsynram Cave, there’s something to appease your soul’s craving. You can head to the Seven Sisters Falls for its picturesque settings, or if you are a culture vulture, a visit to the Mawsynram Village and interacting with the locals will leave you with an experience to cherish forever.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Avg Temperature: 5°C to 15°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Cave, Seven Sisters Falls
Top Experiences: Trekking, birdwatching
The hill stations in India are a box full of adventures, offering you an escape from the bustling city life. Whether your interests lie in getting lost in the rolling hills or indulging in adventure activities, there’s something for you to cherish. As you plan your next big vacation to a hill station in India, choose TripXL as your travel partner to sort out all the bookings with the best deals.
Cover Photo: Muntazir Hassan / Pexels
