Hill Stations in India - as they are commonly referred to - are the high altitude towns. Most of the top Hill Stations in India were established by the European Colonists who looked for milder salubrious weather conditions they were used to back home to find respite from the scorching summer in India.
Today, these hill stations - spread across India - are some of the top tourist places to travel to in India in summer. While some of the hill stations in North India are favored as best places for honeymoon in India, the low altitude hill stations in the South India are more popular for family holidays in summer and as weekend getaways from Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore & Chennai.
Shimla: Queen of the Hills
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| Shimla after the winter snowfall |
Considered to the best hill station in India, Shimla in Himachal Pradesh where you’d find visitors from all part of India and even from abroad during the summer vacations. Established by the British, Shimla is equally popular as a tourist destination among family holiday seekers as well as couples looking for romance and honeymoon in hills.
Shimla with its colonial vibe, malls and colonial era buildings and pine and coniferous forest is visited throughout the year. Steeped in history, Shimla is a place to for exploring colonial buildings, nature walks and promenade in the city.
In summer, it’s a favored destination for family holidays in India but come winters and when it gets blanketed in snow, it becomes one of the hottest destinations for honeymoon in India.
Splurge with a stay in Oberoi Cecil, one of the finest heritage hotels in India or have a luxurious honeymoon at the Wildflower Hall which we have covered previously in the post luxury in the lap of Himalayas.
Shimla is one of the most popular destinations in Himachal Pradesh for summer vacations, family holiday and romantic honeymoon in India. Also check out the top 10 places to visit in Himachal Pradesh.
Shimla is one of the most popular destinations in Himachal Pradesh for summer vacations, family holiday and romantic honeymoon in India. Also check out the top 10 places to visit in Himachal Pradesh.
Ooty: The Jewel of Nilgiri
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| The Emerald Lake in Ooty: Photo courtesy WIKIMEDIA |
Established as the summer capital of Madras by the British, Ooty is a bustling hill station in the Nilgiri Mountain Range in Tamil Nadu. Although the heart of this hill town is crowded and in bad shape due to spurt in tourism, the treasures of Oory are located deep inside and on remote corners. Well manicured parks & gardens, temples, sunsut points, Raj era Bunglows and verdant surroundings dotted with pines and moss are Ooty’s charm.
For a charismatic experience, hitch a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railways, yet another World Heritage “toy train” that meanders through awe inspiring scenery of the Nilgiri Mountain. The best time to visit this hill station is from October till March.
Darjeeling: The Land of Emerald Tea Plantations
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| An awe inspiring view, Darjeeling, West Bengal: Photo courtesy WELLSEASONEDWILLY |
The World Heritage Darjeeling Mountain Railway stands out when we think of this charming hill station in North India. Darjeeling’s yet another name to fame are the world class tea plantations. Perched on a mountain ridge at the elevation of 6, 710 feet with awe inspiring views of the Himalayan Peaks and verdant tea estates, Darjeeling is soothing to eyes, refreshing for mind and uplifting for the soul.
Things to do in Darjeeling could range from visits to monasteries, parks, historical places and tea estates to a ride on the “toy train.” Best time to visit this hill town is from November till January. For a luxury experience and tea walks, stay at Glenburn Tea Estate surrounded by emerald tea plantation and awesome views of Kangchenjunga peak of Himalaya.
[We have included the Glenburn experience as one of the awesome ideas for luxury holidays in India ]
Mount Abu: Oasis in the Desert
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| Nakki Lake in Mount Abu, Rajasthan |
A haven in the desert kingdom of Rajasthan, Mount Abu with its verdant setting, salubrious weather and various lakes & waterfalls is unlike anywhere else in the state. Perched on the Aravali Hill Range at an altitude of 1164 meters, Mount Abu is home to more than 80 Jain and Hindu temples and shrines with the Jain Temples at Delwara attracting the lion share of tourists. Best time to visit this hill station is September and April as the peak tourist season starts from October to November and again from May to Mid June.
Lonavala: A Walk above the Clouds
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| A view to thrill: Lonavala in Maharshtra is a verdant paradise near Mumbai and Pune Photo courtesy http://travelkattaa.com/travelkattaa/ |
This charming hill station near Mumbai and Pune is a verdant delight. Here you literally walk on the clouds as they soar beneath you, embark on nature walks and hikes and there are places of historical interest too. This hill stations in India is best visited in July and August after the arrival of monsoon making it one of the top places to visit in India during monsoon.
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| Hot air balloon ride are now available in Lonavala |
If you are interested in hot air balloon rides or para gliding, you should head to Lonavala where these activities could be availed of.
Almora: The Verdant Kumaon
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| Almora in Uttarakhand is a verdant paradise and favorite escape among artists and writers: Photo courtesy: http://sarkisisozleri.org/ |
This is a gem of place nestled in the Kumaon Himalayas in Uttarakhand. Relatively unexplored and less popular among tourists - and that is where its allure lies - Almora has offered rejuvenating and inspiring refue to the likes of Rabindra Nath Tagore and Swami Vivekanand who sought the sanctuary of this picturesque place.
Perched on a horse shoe shaped hill at an elevation of 1682 meters, Almora is a place where you go to do nothing and seek bliss and inspiration through communion with nature. It is one of the finest weekend getaways from Delhi. Best time to visit this hill station is from April till November. Almora could also be visited in monsoon to enjoy the gentle thrum of rain and the lush surroundings.
Matheran: The Pristine Beauty
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| Matheran in Western Ghats is a popular weekend getaway from Mumbai |
Matheran is one of the rare hill stations in India where vehicles are entirely banned from entering. This move has worked wonders to keep this hill station in Maharashtra - one of the sought after weekend getaways from Mumbai and Pune - to maintain its pristine settings.
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| The Narrow Gauge "Toy Train" is the best means to reach Matheran Hill Station |
One could reach this hill station through narrow gauge Matheran Railways and pony ride is also available. Best time to visit Matheran is September but this hill station could be visited throughout the year.
McLeodganj: The Mini Tibet
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| McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh is a popular weekend getaway from Delhi Photo courtesy http://www.nikhilchandra.in/ |
The seat of the Tibetan Government in Exile, McLeodganj in Himachal is a pastoral delight. Perched on a horseshoe shaped ridge in the Dauladhar Range of Himalayas, McLeodganj is where many world and culture co exists. Right from the Tibetan, to the British who stayed back and the modern hippies and global nomads, in this bustling town you are in a truly global village.
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| A view to thrill: Sunset HDR photo of McLeodganj courtesy http://www.emahomagazine.com/ |
With a range of activities like meditation, volunteering and nature walks to an array of easy and moderate trekking trails in Himalayas, McLeodganj in Himachal Pradesh is one of the top hill stations to visit in India. Being closer to Delhi, McLeodganj is a popular weekend getaway from Delhi and also preferred by hikers. Best time to visit McLeodganj is May and June. It is better avoided during monsoon and could be visited from October till the next monsoon.
For snow fall and snow hikes, go to Mcleodganj in January or February.
Binsar: Romance of the Nature
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| Binsar, a view to thrill: Kumaon Himalayas, Uttarakhand |
A charming hill stations shrouded in pine forests and hemmed in by mighty Himalayan peaks, Binsar is your ticket to bliss. Almost cut off from civilization (as soon as you enter Binsar Wildlife Reserve), Binsar is an ideal place for nature walks, birdwatching and doing nothing. It is also favored by artists and writer as they come seeking inspiration of the hills.
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| Nanda Devi , Panchauli peaks or the holy temples of Badrinath, Kedarnath and Yamunotri, every thing is visible from Zero Point in Binsar |
But the activity that tops the chart of things to do in Binsar is to behold the 360 kilometers panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks from the “Zero Point”. The best time to visit this hill station is in summer although it could be visited throughout the year except during monsoon.
Gangtok: The North East Delight
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| The turquoise waters of Lake Tsongmo in Gangtok, Sikkim |
Located in the Indian state of Sikkim, Gangtok is a serene and captivating hill station famous for its charming valleys and majestic monasteries. It is a bustling and friendly hill station which is flocked by tourists from all around the world. The hill town is quite popular with trekking enthusiasts. Some popular tourist places in Gangtok include Flower Show, Banjhakri Hills, Tashi View Point, Tsongmo Lake and Rumtek Monastery.
Kodaikanal: Back to the Nature
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| The verdant hills at Kodaikanal, a popular hill ststion in South India |
One of the finest hill stations of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is located in the Palani hill range in the southern part of India. It is located at a height of 7,200 square feet above sea level and offers picturesque views of the Western Ghats. It is encompassed by enchanting waterfalls, beautiful lakes and several other attractions. Some popular tourist sites in Kodaikanal include Kodai Lake, Green Valley View, Silent Valley View, Guna Caves and Pine Forest.
Shillong: The Road Less Travelled
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| Shillong photo courtesy http://www.flickr.com/people/nigelharris/ |
The capital city of Meghalaya, Shillong is a hill town perched at a height of 1496 meters above sea level. It was the capital of Assam before the separate state of Assam was formed in 1974. It has a very cool climate throughout the year. Some popular places of interest in Shillong include Umiam Lake, Botanical Garden, Ward’s Lake and Elephant Waterfalls.
Munnar: Of Teas and Twists
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| Munnar in Kerala is renowned for its tea plantations and unspoiled setting. Photo courtesy http://anjali026.wordpress.com/ |
Located at the confluence of three mountain valleys- Mudrapuzha, Nallathani, Kundala-Munnar is one of the enchanting hill stations in Kerala. Cascading mountain streams, cardamom hills, total expansive tea plants, enchanting valleys, wooded & grass hills are counted amongst the major attractions in Munnar. Some popular places to visit here include Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam and Anamudi Peak.
[Also check out the top tourist places to visit in Kerala]
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| The spectacular views like these are reason why Munnar - located in Kerala - is a popular hill station in India. Photo courtesy http://theedgemunnar.com/ |
[Plan your holiday in God's own Country with a stay at these 5 best luxury hotels in Kerala]
Nainital: The Lakes and Hills
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| The clouds envelop the Naina Peak: Nainital is a popular weekend getaway from Delhi |
One of the best tourist places in India, Nainital is well-known for its picturesque beauty, enchanting lakes and green hills. There are several mountain peaks and prehistoric temples which offer amazing views of the mountains in the backdrop. Some popular places here include China Peak, Tiffin Top and Naini Lake.
Close 2 Nainital are two fine and less touristy hill town of Bhimtal and Naukuchiatal which are also worth the visit for their charming lake and verdant flora. For bird watching enthusiasts, Naukuchiatal is one of the good weekend getaways from Delhi.
Activities such as para-gliding and mountain climbing are also available at Naukuchiatal making it a favorite amidst the tourists seeking adventure and thrill.
[Check out some more weekend getaways from Delhi.]
Looking for packages? Plan your summer vacation in India
Afterwords:
Although British founded several hill stations, most of these places were developed by Indian rulers themselves as pleasure resort and summer capital. Today these hill stations serve as veritable retreat from the summer heat as well as the humdrums of city life.
But the growing pressure of commercialization is also taking its toll as the numbers of tourists are increasing. Instead of offering serene refuge from the din of the city some of the most popular hill stations in India have become more like cities with same hustle bustle, crowd and din.
If you are traveling to one of the above mentioned hill stations in India, please do your bit and don't use poly bags or throw chips packets and other stuff that cause pollution and harm the local environment.
Most of the tourist destinations are best visited in their off (lean) season
[Also see our ideas for tourist places to visit in India in summer]
Photos courtesy WIKIMEDIA unless specified otherwise
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