India's Best Hill Stations

Winter is upon us but that shouldn't stop you to dream about the beautiful snow-capped mountains that India has to offer. Click to check out some of India's best hill stations. 

MUNNAR, KERALA

One usually doesn’t think of south India when talking about hill stations, but the verdant tea plantations of the hills of Munnar are definitely worth visiting. The sprawling greens and long winding roads have mesmerized tourists and film-makers over the years, and add to that a quaint little resort on the town’s outskirts, a trip to the Tata Tea Museum and the yummy Malayali food — and you’ve got yourself a perfect vacation.

TAWANG, ARUNACHAL PRADESH

The North East is probably one of the most unexplored parts of India, and that’s a shame given the locales in this untouched region that would take your breath away. One of the most serene and magnificent of India’s hill stations is Tawang, which houses the largest monastery in India and one of the biggest in the world. Azure sky, snow-clad peaks and stunning views of the hills, mountains and valleys give you the impression that you’re probably living in a different dimension.

CHERRAPUNJEE, MEGHALAYA

One of the wettest places in the world (it just lost out on the title of the wettest place to Mawsynram a couple of years back), the balmy hill station of Cherrapunjee is breathtakingly beautiful. No wonder, it’s in the state of Meghalaya, the abode of the clouds, which is also known as the land of mist and magic. Check out the rest of the Khasi Hills and the ling roots bridges in the area — they are definitely a site to behold.

WAYANAD, KERALA

For many, Kerala is just along the coastal side, but only a few have been privy to the resplendent eastern district of Wayanad. From gorgeous hills, coffee and tea plantations to your pick of wildlife from the state, Wayanad has much to offer for those willing to venture out. Go on an elephant safari at the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, so much so that some tour operators claim to refund your money if you don't spot an elephant, or an entire herd, in fact! Another must-visit are the Edakkal caves, in Ambukuthi hills in Sulthan Bathery.

AMBOLI, MAHARASHTRA

Nestled in the southern ranges of the Sahyadri hills, this little-known tourist spot is a nice quiet and scenic place if you just want to get away from your daily routine and come back recharged and raring to go.

SRINAGAR, JAMMU AND KASHMIR

Often called Kashmiri Venice, Srinagar is one of India’s most romantic and popular hill stations. Think ‘Kashmir ki Kali’! On the banks of the Jhelum river and boasting of the picturesque Dal Lake, visit this paradise on earth, and don’t forget to enjoy a shikara ride. Preferably stay in a houseboat — and there are many on rent for a reasonable price should you book well in advance.

NANDI HILLS, KARNATAKA

Around 60km from Bengaluru, the Nandi Hills or Nandidurg is a hill fortress that’s surrounded by the historical towns of Nandi, Muddenahalli, and Kanivenarayanapura. The Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple (in pic) is located in the Nandi village at the bottom of the hill and is a great place to start a trek up. In this region, homestays are more popular than hotels and resorts. For sightseeing, there are many centuries-old temples, the fort and the Muddena Halli Museum.

PACHMARHI, MADHYA PADESH

Pachmarhi is a quaint hill station in Madhya Pradesh. It is located in the Satpura range and is at an elevation of 1,100 m. Mainly known for its historical and mythological relevance — given its connection with the Mahabharata — Panchmarhi has a plenitude of touristy offerings such as Dhurgarh, Silver Falls, Sangam and, of course, caves! 

MCLEODGANJ, HIMACHAL PRADESH

Known as "Little Lhasa" because of its large population of Tibetans, the monastery at Mcleodganj, Dharamsala, is home to the Dalai Lama in India. Thousands of Buddhist pilgrims and tourists flock to the monastery hoping to run into the Dalai Lama. When not meeting him, the little town is a great place to unwind away from the stressful of city life.

PHAWNGPUI, MIZORAM

The Blue Mountain is a highly revered peak in Mizoram and is considered as the abode of the gods. The Phawnpui National Park here offers some great sightings of flora — especially orchids and rhododendrons — and fauna. Around 300km from here is the capital city of Aizawl — which has an interesting culture and is home to some of the primitive and ethnic groups and tribes of North East India.

THEKKADY, KERALA

Thekkady, or Periyar, is a popular hilly destination in God’s Own Country. Home to the Periyar Tiger Reserve, which is a stomping ground for wild elephants and around 40-odd (very elusive) tigers. Most popular at the national reserve is the boat trip on the snaking Periyar river that takes tourists along the length of the park. Nearby are also the vast tea estates of Munnar, just 4 hours away — should you decide to do the non-touristy thing and make Thekkady instead of Munnar your base.

CHOPTA, UTTARAKHAND

The village forms the base for trekking to Tungnath, and is popular with old and young alike. Boasting of unspoiled beauty in the lap of the Himalayas, the village offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan range, including Trishul, Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba.

DARJEELING, WEST BENGAL

Darjeeling, "Land of the Celestial Thunderbolt," was given to the British as a "gift" from the once-independent kingdom of Sikkim. Lying in the Himalayan foothills and entirely surrounded by snowcapped vistas, Darjeeling soon became the favorite summer resort of the British Raj during the heyday of Calcutta. Today, the incredible view of Mount Kanchenjunga is undoubtedly its best-loved attraction, though the town has also acquired a global reputation for producing the "champagne of teas," and retains some of its haunting Gothic Victorian ambience.

SHIMLA, HIMACHAL PRADESH

Sprawling over seven hills fringed by dense forest and magnificent mountains, Shimla is a useful starting point from which to explore more untouched parts of Himachal, and the town's timbered cottages and wood-gabled buildings retain a degree of charm, but if you're expecting a quiet hill station, you may be disappointed. The Mall, a promenade on the southern slopes of the ridge, remains a pedestrian preserve, thronged by tourists and local Anglophiles who tend to echo the social mannerisms of the Raj at its most British.

MANALI, HIMACHAL PRADESH

The spa town of Manali, through which the tumultuous River Beas runs, is a hub of sporting activity. The surrounding area of the Himalayas, wooded with cedars, has much to offer to hiking, rafting and climbing enthusiasts. Relax at the open-air baths at Vashisht hot springs.

COONOOR, TAMIL NADU

Said to be the second best hills station in the Nilgiri Range, Coonoor always has a mild and pleasant climate — making it a great option for all through the year. Visual delights include sprawling tea plantations across the Nilgiris, flower gardens and romantic walkways. In case you’re coming by train or road — almost 9 hours from Chennai — then try and spend a couple of days doing both Coonoor and Ooty.

MATHERAN, MAHARASHTRA

This might be the smallest hill station in India, but its proximity to India's financial capital — Mumbai — is what makes it ideal if you're trying to sneak out time from a heavy work schedule. Plus, it's got a little bit of everything — romantic setting, a nice hike, great resorts or even budget homestays, and you can always pack a nice little picnic basket. Special mentions here for the dramatic sunrises and sunsets it offers.