40 Hill Stations in India – Experience Sublime Tranquillity and Mysticism
India has fascinated millions of people from the various geographical locations of the world, to visit the country, where many religions were born and flourished. It is a land of varied diversity, where over a billion people speak more than 700 languages, sync together to prosper as a nation. There are numerous tourist destinations in the country. With “Athiti Devo Bhava” (Guests are Gods) as the prime lesson being taught in each household. It is one of the most tourist-friendly nations in the world.
The hills have been successful in holding up the century-old traditions and cultures that have prospered the lives of the people in Incredible India. India is dotted with the awe-inspiring hills all over the country starting right up from Jammu and Kashmir to Tamil Nadu, encapsulating over 20 mountain ranges.
Most Visited Hill stations in North India
Nainital
Based in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand surrounding the volcanic lake Nani, Nainital is adored by millions and is often referred as the ‘Lake District’ of India. It is a destination for all, whether you are looking for a perfect family outing, or a romantic getaway. It is well connected by the major cities and offers a lot to rejuvenate your body and soul. Nainital Mountaineering Club; the name is enough to cheer the adrenaline seekers. With the variety of treks and the picturesque locations, Nainital is surely a must visit location.
Major Tourist Attractions:
- Boating on Naini Lake
- Naina Devi Temple
- Mall Road
- Raj Bhawan
- Gurney House
- Govind Ballabh Pant Zoo
- Tiffin Top
- Astronomical Observatory
- Snow View Point
Shimla
The once summer capital of the British, now the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is surely a delight for the eyes. With its spectacular vista, Shimla is a region that is highly appreciated for its ethnic culture and eternal beauty. “Nati”, a local form of dance could be seen performed by the ever-friendly jubilant locals. Shimla is also an architectural paradise, flaunting many splendid colonial architecture buildings.
Major Tourist Attractions:
- Jakhoo Hill
- Shimla State Museum
- Summer Hill
- Mall Road
- Christ Church
- Tara Devi Temple
- Annandale
- Viceregal Lodge
- Shoolini Temple
- The Ridge
Manali
It is a retreat in Himachal Pradesh, well known for its bewitching beauty and numerous adrenaline pumping activities. From Heli Skiing to the Temples, it has a varied diversity of everything. Manali is also renowned as the “Prime Honeymoon destination”, of India. Last but not the least, it the starting point of the most fascinating and enthralling highways in India – The Leh-Manali Highway.
Major Tourist Attractions:
- Hadimba Temple
- Rohtang Pass
- Solang Valley
- Vashist Hot Water Springs
- Tibetan Monasteries
- Mall Road
- Club House
- Manu Temple
- Nehru Kund
- Bhrigu Lake
- Kothi
Kullu
Kullu is known as the ‘Valley of Gods’. It has many mystical stories attached to its existence. Kullu and Manali are two twin hill stations that are flooded by the tourists throughout the year. Kullu is adorned by many beautiful scrapped temples and festivals. The grandeur and the vicinity of the Himalayas over-awe every single person who has ever visited this magnificent place.
Major Tourist Attractions:
- Manikaran
- Vaishno Devi Temple
- Bijli Mahadev Temple
- Sultanpur Palace
- Raghunathji Temple
- Basheshwar Mahadev Temple
- Akhara Bazaar
- Jagannathi Devi Temple
- Great Himalayan National Park
Mussoorie
Mussoorie perched in Uttarakhand, is famed as the “Queen of Hills”. It is an extremely beautiful hill station to explore. While glaring over Dehradun, Mussoorie provides the “déjà-vu” missing out in one’s life. An evening walk on the Mall Road is enough to entangle you to get “relocated to Mussoorie” and cherish long-lasting memories. Flooded with many top boarding schools of India, Mussoorie is a tourist and education hub of Uttarakhand . The beauty of the hills has even captivated the celebrated writer like Ruskin Bond. The travel destinations near Mussoorie are Dhanaulty, Dehradun, Rishikesh and so on.
Major Tourist Attractions:
- Mussoorie Lake
- Christ Church
- Kempty Falls
- Lal Tibba
- Company Garden
- Jwala Devi Temple
- Happy Valley
- Gun Hill
- Nag Devta Temple
- Mussoorie Heritage Centre
- Mall Road
- Camel’s Back Road
Almora
The beauty of the hills has captivated millions including Swami Vivekananda, who meditated here and wrote some of his popular speeches. It has provided a sanctuary for the people who visit the hills to find solace from the monotony of life. It was the serenity of the picturesque landscape that helped Rabindranath Tagore and many others in their conquest to rejuvenate the lost sparks of their lives.
Major Tourist Attractions:
- Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kasar Devi Temple
- Katarmal Sun Temple
- Gobind Vallabh Pant Museum
- Bright End Corner
- Martola
- Kalimut
- Deer Park
- Simotala
- Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum
Chamba
Chamba valley is a picture-perfect hill station in Himachal. There are many mystical and historical past connected to the valley. It is dotted by many temples most of them dedicated to Lord Narayan “the most versed deity” in Hinduism. Chamba is a paradise for the ardent nature lovers and enthusiasts. The captivating view of the wonderful mountain ranges that surround the valley is simply irreplaceable.
Major Tourist Attractions:
- Akhand Chandi Palace
- Bhuri Singh Museum
- Chamunda Devi Temple
- Champavati Temple
- Rang Mahal
- Vajreshwari Temple
- Laxmi Narayan Temple
Badrinath
Embellished with many spiritual treasures, it is the one of the most pious pilgrimage points in India. Badrinath apart from being a pilgrimage place also facilitates many mountaineering and trekking expeditions. It is the vista apart from the temples that provides unmatchable silence for meditating and finding comfort.
Major Tourist Attractions:
- Badrinath Temple
- Bheem Pul
- Tapt Kund
- Vasudhara Falls
- Brahma Kapal
- Yogadhyan Badri
- Neeti Mana Village
- Surya Kund
Ranikhet
Built entirely by the Britishers, Ranikhet accounts for the beauty of fauna and topography of the Himalayas. It provides a very calm atmosphere for the visitors to relax. Britishers were captivated by its beauty to an extent that they thought of naming it as the summer capital instead of Shimla.
Major Tourist Attractions:
- Jhula Devi Temple
- Chaubatia Orchard
- Mankameshwar Temple
- Haidakhan Babaji Temple
- Binsar Mahadev Temple
- Sunset Points
- Golf Course
- Ashsiyana Park
- Tarikhet
Gulmarg
Gulmarg or “Meadow of Flowers” is nothing less than a fantasy place coming straight out of your dreams. The valley is 3km long and a kilometre wide. It is filled with beautiful blueberries, daisies and many other flowers that lighten up your mood. It also has a popular golf resort and renowned as a prime skiing destination.
Major Tourist Attractions:
- Gulmarg Gondola
- Golf Course
- Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve
- Baba Reshi Shrine
- Shark Fin
- Kongdori
Dharamshala
Along with being one of the most favourite places for tourists, Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh is home to the holy Dalai Lama. Fringed by the lofty mountains and dotted by Deodar and Cedar forests, this beautiful hill station in India is amongst the most popular hill stations in the country. Dharamshala is situated at an altitude of about 1487m in the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh. The city is divided into two parts namely, Dharamshala and Mcleodganj and is separated by a village called Ganchen Kyishong. The hill station has managed to attract the attention of many tourists due to its tranquil environ and scenic beauty. A large number of travellers throng here especially in the summer. However, many tourists like to visit in winter here to see the snowfall.
Major Tourist Attractions:
- Dharamshala Cricket Stadium
- Naam Art Gallery
- Monolithic Rock Temples
- Bhagsu Waterfall
- Bhagsunag Temple
- Kangra Museum
- Kunal Pathri Temple
- Chamunda Temple
- Dal Lake
Dalhousie
Once a summer retreat of the British, Dalhousie today is another attraction for tourists all over the country. Named after British General Lord Dalhousie, this hill station in Himachal Pradesh is situated across 5 hills namely, Kathalagh, Potreyn, Terah, Bakrota and Bhangora. Situated at an altitude of 2700m, Dalhousie is a beautiful hill station that offers a panoramic view of Dhauladhar mountain range. The town is the reflection of rich Hindu culture as it is dotted with several temples and preserves the unique art and handicraft dating back to the mid 6th century AD.
Major Attractions:
- Alla
- Karelanu
- Dainkund Peak
- Khajjiar
- Bakrota Hills
- Village Lohali
- Gandhi Chowk
- Dalhousie Cantonment
- Sadar Bazar
- Tibetan Market
- Panchpula
- Kalatop
- Panjpulla
- Subhash Baoli
Where to Stay?
Lansdowne
This beautiful and quiet town of Garhwal region of Uttarakhand is a perfect place to spend a vacation. Lansdowne is a destination where one can relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Dotted with pine tree forest, Lansdowne is also the training centre for Garhwal regiment. Situated at and altitude of 1700m, this beautiful town is an ideal weekend getaway from Delhi and is also a perfect place for honeymooners.
Major Tourist Attractions:
- The War Memorial
- Tip n Top, Bhullatal,
- St. Mary’s Church
- Santoshi Mata Temple
- Regimantal Museum
- Bhairav Garhi Temple
- Bhim Pakora
- Durga Devi Temple
- Jwalpa Devi.
- Tarekeshwar Mahadev Temple
Auli
If there was one word to describe Auli, it would be gorgeous. This hill station in the lap of Uttarakhand is one of the most beautiful places to spend a holiday at. Auli is a perfect getaway in summer and winter in India as the place is known for its magnificent transformations in both seasons. Situated at an elevation of about 2500m, Auli becomes a meadow in the summer, whereas when the snow covers it in the winter season, Auli becomes the place for winter-sport enthusiasts. It is a budding skiing destination in India and is believed to be the best when it comes to its gradient slopes. Along with adventure, the air of Auli is replete with spirituality. According to legends from Hindu mythology, Auli is believed to be the land where Lord Hanuman rested while he was finding Sanjivini Booti. Also the view of magnificent peaks like Nanda Devi and Neelkanth adds to the spiritual feel of the town.
Major Tourist Attractions:
- Major Attractions:
- Cable ride
- Vishnu Prayag
- Joshimath
- Badrinath
- Artificial Lake
- Gurso Bugyal
Darjeeling
Darjeeling is also known as the dreamland of the east. Its natural beauty is enough to lure a tourist and keep him captivated all his or her life. The hill station has many exotic waterfalls, hills blossoming with flowers of every shade, and the tea gardens. The Darjeeling Tea is one of the most popular teas in the world.
Major Tourist Attractions:
- Darjeeling Toy Train
- Senchal Lake
- Ghoom Monastery
- Mahakal Temple
- Observatory Hill
- Tiger Hill
- Bhutia Busty Monastery
- Dhirdham Temple
- Mountaineering Institute and Darjeeling Zoo
Gangtok
It is the capital of Sikkim. Gangtok is one of most serene and captivating cities in the world. Gangtok offers a lot of adventure thrilled activities. The scenic view of the five peaks of Kanchenjunga makes its topography really breath-taking.
Major Tourist Attractions:
- Tsomgo Lake
- Saramsa Garden
- Cholamu Lake
- Hanuman Tok
- Seven Sisters Waterfalls
- Ganesh Tok View Point
- Kanchendzonga National Park
- Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
- Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
Kalimpong
Kalimpong is a live example of Colonial Architecture in India. The place is replete with many monasteries and churches. It has a very peaceful and calm atmosphere, where the hustle and bustle is only limited to the local “bazars” (market). Kalimpong is renowned for its beautiful orchids and nurseries that produce flowering plants.
Major Tourist Attractions:
- Neora National Park
- Mangal Dham
- Pedong Monastery
- Lolegaon
- Flower Nurseries
- Deolo Hill
- Thongsha Gumpha
- Lord Buddha Statue & Park
- Zong Dog Palri Fo Brang Gompa
Shillong
The topography of Shillong has compelled the folks to call it the “Scotland of the East”. It is the capital of the India state of Meghalaya. It has one of the largest golf courses of Asia. The awe-inspiring beauty of the lakes in Shillong couldn’t be expressed in words.
Major Tourist Attractions:
- Shillong Peak
- Umiam Lake
- Lady Hydari Park
- Elephant Falls
- Wards Lake
- Mawjymbuin Caves
- Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Culture
- Laitlum Canyons
- Mawphlang
Tawang
Tawang lies in the state of Arunanchal Pradesh. It has India’s biggest Tibetan Monastery, and is a holy place for the Buddhism Pilgrimage. It is filled with numerous monasteries, nunneries, waterfalls, hot water springs and pristine lakes.
Major Tourist Attractions:
- Sela Pass
- Tawang Monastery
- Gorichen Peak
- Shonga-tser Lake
- Nuranang Waterfalls
- Bumla Pass
- Bap Teng Kang Waterfalls
- Jaswant Garh
- Madhuri Lake, Tawang
Mirik
Jeweled with tea estates and orange orchards, Mirik is one of the mesmerizing hill stations in West Bengal. It is a place of remarkable natural beauty and the grandeur. The reflection of Kanchanjunga Peak in the crystal-clear lakes will certainly captivate your attention.
Major Tourist Attractions:
- Mirik Lake
- Deosi Dara
- Rameetay Dara
- Devi-Sthan
- Bokar Ngedon Chokhor Ling Monastery
Khandala
It is one of the hill stations in Maharashtra that has attracted many tourists. It is very well connected to the cities of Pune and Mumbai. There are many beautiful caves, mountains and waterfalls that when mixed with the greenery of the hill station is one vista that anyone cannot afford to miss.
Lonavala
It is the twin hill station to Khandala. It is famous worldwide for the sweet “chikkis” that are made here. It has many caves, lakes and waterfalls. Karla caves are the must visit caves as they have connections to the Buddhism dating back to the 9th Century.
Mahabaleshwar
Mahabelashwar is the perfect tourist destination in the state of Maharashtra. It is a most visited hill station of the state. There are umpteen numbers of lakes offering an opportunity to the visitors to try their hand in boating and fishing.
Major Tourist Attractions:
- Pratapgarh Fort
- Venna Lake
- Mahabaleshwar Temple
- Tapola
- Panchgani
- Lingmala Waterfalls
- Elephant’s Head Point
Matheran
It is Asia’s only automobile free hill station, providing the cleanest and freshest air and atmosphere to dwell in. The most mesmerizing part of the trip is the toy train ride from Neral to Matheran that covers the entire topography of the hill station.
Major Tourist Attractions:
- Alexander Point
- Echo Point
- Charlotte Lake
- King George Point
- Louisa Point
- Monkey Point
- Porcupine Point
- One Tree Hill
- Chowk Point
Panchgani
Panchgani is the most popular hill station of Maharashtra. It is surrounded by the 5 hills from which Panchgani has derived its name. It is a marvellous spectacle of old British and Parsi homes. The prime landscape of Panchgani is the sight of the river Krishna from the Table Land a famous flat mountain range.
Major Tourist Attractions:
- Kamalgad Fort
- Sydney Point
- Pratapgad Fort
- Venna Lake
- Table Land
- Lord Karthikeya Temple
- Connaught Peak
- Lodwick Point
- Dhom Dam
Mount Abu
Apart from being the only hill station in Rajasthan, it is also the summer capital of the state. Mount Abu is renowned worldwide for the Dilwara Jain Temples. It offers many breathtaking sunsets points, from where you could cement the bond of love with your loved ones. Being close to Gujarat, it offers a good variety of Rajasthani and Gujarati handlooms, textiles, artifacts and the list goes on.
Major Tourist Attractions:
- Dilwara Jain Temples
- Wildlife Sanctuary
- Nakki Lake
- Abu Road
- Achalgarh
- Trevor’s Tank
- Guru Shikhar
- Peace Park
- Adhar Devi Temple
Panhala
Panhala though being the smallest city in Maharashtra holds a very prominent place in the history of the state. It is the place to visit if you want to study the history or the culture of the great Marathas in detail. The pollution-free atmosphere of Panhala offers a very pleasant and cool climate that makes your stay very calm and peaceful.
Major Tourist Attractions:
- Panhala Fort
- Parashar Caves
- Sunset Point
- Mahalaxmi Temple
- Sajja Kothi
- Jyotiba Temple
- Maruti Temple, Panhala
Saputara
Apart from being the only hill station in Gujarat, it definitely is its “Aankhon Ka Taara”. It is the one place you should visit, if you want to enjoy the monsoons. The place is full of lush-green forests, enchanting waterfalls etc. The picturesque landscape of Saptura leaves everyone spellbound.
Major Tourist Attractions:
- Saputara Lake
- Gira Falls
- The Ropeway
- Sunset Point
- Saputara Museum
- Lake Garden
- Nageshwar Mahadev Temple
- Hatgadh Fort
- Vansda National Park
Munnar
Munnar, located in Kerala, is one place known for its well-preserved natural beauty of the virgin forests. The environment and climate of Munnar are very salubrious that compels you to just chill and relax. There are waterfalls, coffee gardens and scenic valleys where you can stroll and have the ultimate time of your life.
Major Tourist Attractions:
- Mattupetty Dam
- Eravikulam National Park
- Kundala Lake
- Top Station
- Echo Point
- Tea Museum
- Marayoor Sandalwood Forests
- Attukad Waterfalls
- Blossom Park
Aruku Valley
Aruku lies in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The magic of the valley could be felt right from the moment when you take the road to Aruku through the dense forests. The hill station is surrounded with the dense forests. The calm environment of this hill station will certainly help you to knock your stress. A trail to the Sangda Waterfall is said to be the one of the most beautiful trails you will ever come across in your life.
Major Tourist Attractions:
- Borra Caves
- Araku Tribal Museum
- Katiki Waterfalls
- Anantagiri Hills
- Tyda Park
- Bheemunipatnam Beach
- Dumbriguda Waterfalls
- Chaparai Waterfalls
- Sangda Waterfalls
- Padmapuram Botanical Garden
Coonoor
Coonoor is a most charming hill station of the Nilgiri Mountain Range in Tamil Nadu. It has got it’s the name from the Kurinji Flowers that are found on the mountain slopes. The hill station is also renowned for its aromatic teas. Trekking and hiking are the two popular adventure activities that the visitors can indulge in apart from bird watching.
Major Tourist Attractions:
- Heritage Train
- Sim’s Park
- Highfield Tea Factory
- Dolphin’s Nose
- Rallia Dam
- Lamb’s Rock
- Tiger Hill Cemetery
- Pasteur Institute
- Laws Falls
- Tranquil Tea
- Wellington Gymkhana Club Golf Course
- Droog Fort
Coorg
Known as the “Kashmir of South”, what more reason one requires for visiting Coorg. The hill station is located in Karnataka. It is famous around the world for the variety of coffee and tea plantations. The landscape of the hill station is very mesmerizing with pleasant climate throughout the year.
Major Tourist Attractions:
- Coffee Plantations
- Abbay Falls
- Irupu Falls
- Trekking
- Dubare Elephant Camp
- Golden Temple
- Namdroling Nyingmapa Tibetan Monastery
Devikulam
Devikulam is located in Kerala, just 16km (approx) form Munnar. It is mostly visited by the tourists to enjoy the picturesque landscapes and the mineral water springs. It has many legends associated with Devikulam Lake, which gives the hill station its name.
Major Tourist Attractions:
- Eravikulam national park
- Sita Devi Lake
- Mattupetty Lake
- Blossom International Park
- Hill View Park
- Kundala Lake
- Thoovanam Falls
- Pallivasal Falls
- Keezharkuthu Falls
- Anayirankal Lake
- Attala Rock Shelter
Idukki
Idukki is one hill station of Kerala known for its exotic flora and fauna. It has several well protected sanctuaries. It is renowned worldwide for the Periyar Tiger Reserve that is an abode of many animals. Apart from the sanctuaries, the place is very peaceful and quite, offering tourists a unique relaxing experience.
Major Tourist Attractions:
- Idukki Arch
- Damthommankuthu Falls
- Ramakkalmedu
- Kulamavu Dam
- Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
- Cheruthoni Dam
- Painavu,
- Nadukani Hill View Park
- Kurinjimala Sanctuary
- Palkulamedu
- Cheeyappara Waterfalls
- Keezharkuthu Falls
- Arch Dam
- Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is located in the state of Tamil Nadu and is often called “Kodai”. It is well-known for its spices, homemade chocolates, herbal teas and coffees, oils and the orchids. The landscape of Kodai has compelled people to call it the “Princess of Hills”.
Major Tourist Attractions:
- Berijam Lake
- Coakers Walk
- Kodai Lake
- Kurinjiandavar Temple
- Ddolphin’s Nose
- Bryant Park
- Green Valley View
- Kopdaikanal Solar Observatory
Ooty
Ooty or Ootacamund is the capital of the Nilgiris. It is famous for the picturesque picnic spots, but; still the chief attraction remains the mile long tea gardens. Whether you are a kid or an adult, nobody skips the Nilgiri Toy Train ride. It takes you along the picturesque topography of the Nilgiris.
Major Tourist Attractions:
- Droog Fort in Coonor
- Avalanche Valley
- Dolphin’s Nose
- Lamb’s Rock in Coonor
- Rose Gardens
- Kalhatti Falls
- Mudumalai National Park
- Mukurthi National Park
- Deer Park
- Wax World
- Tribal Museum
Peermade
Peermade gets its name from the famous Sufi saint Peer Mohammad who is said to have visited the hills. It is known throughout the world for its marvelous medical treatments. The scenic vista is over-awed by the fragrance of Cardamom that trails throughout the hills.
Major Tourist Attractions:
- Kuttikanam
- Thrissanku Hills
- Panchalimedu
- Peeru Hills
- Pattu Mala
- Sahyadri Ayurvedic Centre
- Vagamon
Nandi Hills
Nandi Hills known as the sunrise hills of Karnataka, offers the chance to see the memorable sunrise one can ever witness. The hill station is blessed with pleasant climate throughout the year. The monsoons are the most spectacular time of year in Nandi, as the hills are all covered up by the mists, giving it a mystical sense.
Major Tourist Attractions:
- Tipu’s Drop
- Tipu Sultan’s Fort
- The Nandi Temple
- Bhoga Nandishwara Temple
- Amruth Sarovar
- Yoga Nandeeshwrar Temple
- Muddenahalli Museum
- Brahmashram
- Nehru Nilaya
Horsley Hills
Horsley Hills is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Andhra Pradesh. They have a very picturesque and eye soothing landscape. It is one hill station that vouches for the relaxation it provides to the tourists.
Major Tourist Attractions:
- Horsley Hills
- Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary
- Mallamma Temple
- Gali Bandalu/Wind Rocks
- Kalyani- Eucalyptus Tree
- Chennakesava Temple
- Talkona Waterfalls
