15 Best Hill Stations in India for Momentous Holiday

“Breathing the fresh mountain air and losing yourself in the pleasing atmosphere to feel refreshed from within while watching the spectacular views”, well who doesn’t like such scenarios? India is a country that is surrounded by oceans and seas in the south, east and west directions and in the north, it has the world's highest and greatest ranges of mountains, The Himalayans. In the south, we can see the great plateaus of India, the Nilgiri Mountains, the eastern ghat Mountains in the east, and the western ghat in the west. And if we’ll go into detail about the landforms then there’s a lot more to explore. You’ll find a lot of places to enjoy in this country.

One of my favorites in India for spending holidays and also enjoying it by being closest to nature is going to the hill stations.

“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees”

You must have heard about this quote, right? So let me, your true guide and friend Janhvi Srivastava, introduce you to some of these astonishing places where you will feel alone with nature and return to reason and faith. In this blog, we bring you the 15 best hill stations in India for the best holiday experience. So if you’re planning on going somewhere out of your town and wishing to get some adventure, peace, and freshness on the trip then just sit relaxed and explore the places in this blog.

Nainital, Uttarakhand

The ‘Lake District’ of India, Nainital, the famous hill station of India, is situated in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, which is also home to the spectacular Lake Naini. It is a destination suitable for all types of tourists, but primarily, is an ideal family destination. It is well-connected to the major cities in North India and offers a number of activities promising a good time for each member of the family. Boating in Naini Lake, shopping in Tibetan Market, skating in Zoomland, cable Car Ride to Snow View Point, Vantage Point to Overlook at Valley from Tiffin Top, a short Hike to China Peak, golfing at Mini Golf Course and strolling on the Mall Road all these activities fills excitation and the scenic lush flatters one’s heart. Next comes bringing peace to your appetite, well this is the most important topic to talk about “cause we all get hungry but also want to go to some best restaurant or stalls to eat. Well, no need to worry, when I am here, in this blog I’ve already done research to solve this problem. So, here in Nainital, you can visit Zooby’s Kitchen, Giannis Pure Veg, Oakley's Restaurant & Pastry Shop, Machan Restaurant, Chinatown, and Sonam where you can have your best meal ever.

Munnar, Kerala

Munnar is a town in the Western Ghats mountain range in India’s Kerala state. Munnar invites honeymoon couples to spend time amidst tranquil and scenic settings. It is famous for its tea plantations, and a visit to Tata Tea Museum is a must when you are in Munnar. Waterfalls like Atukkad Waterfalls, Lakkam Waterfalls, and Naimakkadu Waterfalls are frequently visited by tourists. People also go to Echo Point, Pothamedu View Point, Photo Point, Chinnakanal Waterfalls, Mattupetty Dam, and Periyar National Park. In Munnar, the wet season is muggy and overcast, the dry season is partly cloudy, and it is comfortable year-round. Sub-zero temperatures and the occasional light snowfall are the characteristics of the winter season in Munnar. So, in short, I can say that the perfect time to visit Munnar based on the season is: March to June(in summer), July to September(in Monsoon), and November to February(in winter).

Ranikhet, Uttarakhand

Ranikhet is a hill station and cantonment town, nearby Almora Town in the Almora district in Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the most popular attractions in Uttarakhand that is blessed with some of the best scenic vistas and natural beauty.  It provides a calm atmosphere for any ideal family outing away from the hustle and bustle of the cities. Adorned with pristine and picturesque settings, this tourist destination in Uttarakhand has a relaxing vibe. Major Tourist Attractions in Ranikhet are Jhula Devi Temple, Chaubatia Orchard, Mankameshwar Temple, Haidakhan Babaji Temple, Binsar Mahadev Temple, Sunset Points, Golf Course, Ashiyana Park, and Tarikhet. Hundreds of bells adorn Jhula Devi Temple, dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Durga. Fruit trees grow on the terraced orchard of Chaubatia Gardens with views of peaks including Nanda Devi. If you like to watch the snowfall, well who doesn’t like it, then the best time to see Snowfall here is December to February.

Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh

Lying in the shadow of the mighty Dhauladhar range is the quaint town of Dharamshala. It is a city in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh which is surrounded by cedar forest on the edge of the Himalayas. This hillside city is home to the holy Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile. This place is also known for its tranquillity, and solitude and is the center of Tibetan Buddhist culture. This holiday destination in Himachal is counted amongst the most popular hill stations in India. Situated at an altitude of about 1,487m in the Kangra Valley, it is divided into two parts namely, Dharamshala and Mcleodganj, and is separated by a village called Gangchen Kyishong. A large number of travelers along with family vacationers throng here for summer vacations. However, many tourists like to visit it during winter to enjoy the snowfall and the best time for seeing this view is from December to February. Major Tourist Attractions in Dharamshala are Dharamshala Cricket Stadium, Naam Art Gallery, Monolithic Rock Temples, Bhagsu Waterfall, Bhagsunag Temple, Kangra Museum, Kunal Pathri Temple, Chamunda Temple, Dal Lake, Mcleodganj, Namgyal Monastery, Triund Hill and Naddi View Point. The Thekchen Chöling Temple Complex is a spiritual center for Tibetan Buddhism, while the library of Tibetan Works and Archives houses thousands of precious manuscripts. I guess there's a lot to enjoy and discover with ancient and cultural stuff.

Mirik, West Bengal

Okay so, we are discussing visiting a hill station in 2022, then you should go for Mirik! A beautiful hill station in West Bengal, Mirik, a calm and picturesque tourist spot nestled in the serene hills of Darjeeling, is famous for its spectacular beauty, and easy accessibility and makes for a great destination for a family holiday in East India. It is especially famous for its lake, called Mirik Lake or Sumendu Lake, tea gardens, and opportunities for boating & horse riding. The name Mirik comes from the Lepcha word Mir-Yok meaning place burnt by fire. Major Tourist Attractions in Mirik are Mirik Lake, Deosi Dara, Ramitay Dara, Devi-Sthan, and Bokar Ngedon Chokhor Ling Monastery. From boating experiences for your romantic getaway to temples for the faithful to orchids and gardens for nature's children, you’ll find all the reasons to tour Mirik. The well populated, yet not overcrowded town also offers viewpoints for those quiet moments of introspection and traditional Indian Bazaars to splurge. Going to Mirik for the perfect hill station getaway is an idea you'll never go wrong in.

Darjeeling, Himachal Pradesh

There cannot be a list comprising the top hill stations of India without mentioning Darjeeling. Fondly referred to as the Queen of the Hills, what makes it the best destination for winter vacations is its rich natural beauty, the Toy Train (UNESCO World Heritage Site), various sightseeing opportunities, and colonial-era architecture. It is famed for the distinctive black tea grown on plantations that dot its surrounding slopes. The best places to visit in Darjeeling are Darjeeling Toy Train, Senchal Lake, Ghoom Monastery, Mahakal Temple, Observatory Hill, Tiger Hill, Bhutia Busty Monastery, Dhirdham Temple, Mountaineering Institute, and Darjeeling Zoo. Here you will enjoy River Rafting, Trekking, Toy Train Ride, Wildlife Sighting at Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, and Cottage Camping.

Gulmarg, Kashmir

Gulmarg, also known as the Meadow of Flowers, is nothing less than a fairytale land tucked away in the picturesque valley of Kashmir. It is the crowning glory of Jammu and Kashmir, a popular skiing destination, and is also known for one of the longest cable car projects in Asia. Gulmarg is heaven for any adventure, aficionado seeking, an adrenaline rush through winter sports like skiing, heli-skiing, and snowboarding. Apart from winter adventure sports, one can enjoy trekking and golf as well. The most attractive places to visit in Gulmarg are Gulmarg Gondola, Golf Course, Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, Baba Reshi Shrine, Shark Fin, Kongdori, Maharani Temple, St Mary’s Church, and Single Nallah. To enjoy the snowfall it is best to visit Gulmarg in the months from November to February.

Shillong, Meghalaya

Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya, boasts lush green rolling hills, vibrant ambiance, and tranquil settings, which lead to it securing a spot among the list of top 15 hill stations in India. Shillong also houses some of the top romantic hotels that ensure the best holiday experience for newlyweds. From Shillong Peak to Elephant Falls, the options for sightseeing are many, while the things to do range from boating in Umiam Lake and angling in Dawki to horse riding, trekking, rock climbing, camping, golfing, and shopping. In Shillong, you must visit Shillong Peak, Umiam Lake, Lady Hydari Park, Elephant Falls, Ward’s Lake, Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Culture, Laitlum Canyons, Mawphlang, Sweet Falls, Spread Eagle Falls, Diengiei Peak, Meghalaya State Museum, All Saints Church, Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, Air Force Museum and Police Bazaar. Shillong is known for the manicured gardens at Lady Hydari Park. Nearby, Ward’s Lake is surrounded by walking trails. North, the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures features displays of the region’s native people. Waterfalls include the Elephant Falls to the southwest. East of here, forested Shillong Peak offers city views. This place is one of my favorite hill stations in India.

Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh

Dalhousie, a beautiful tourist spot in Himachal, is one of the best hill stations to visit in India. The tranquil and picturesque surroundings, cozy hotels, and several places to visit make it an ideal honeymoon destination in Himachal. Offering a panoramic view of the Dhauladhar Mountain Range, it is its ethereal beauty that finds it a spot among the list of top 15 hill stations in India. Major Attractive places to visit in Dalhousie are Alla, Karelanu, Dainkund Peak, Khajjiar, Bakrota Hills, Village Lohali, Gandhi Chowk, Dalhousie Cantonment, Sadar Bazar, Tibetan Market, Panchpula, Kalatop, Panjpulla, and Subhash Baoli. Here you may enjoy Boating on Chamera Lake, Trekking at DainKund Hill, Shopping at Gandhi Chowk, Watch Wildlife at Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, and Horse Riding.

Pahalgam, Kashmir

Pahalgam, with its utterly picturesque landscape, is an unmatched honeymoon destination in India. The romantic ambiance and scenic vistas of lofty Himalayan peaks adorned with tall deodar cedar trees and warm Kashmiri hospitality make it counted among the top 10 honeymoon places in the country. The newlyweds can choose to stay in some of the best romantic hotels that will also arrange the activities like horse riding and river rafting for them. Best visiting places in Pahalgam are Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, Lidder River, Kolahoi Glacier, Chandanwari, Mamleshwar Temple, Lidder Amusement Park, Sheshnag Lake, Baisaran Hills, Avantipur Temple, Tullian Lake, and Pahalgam Golf Course.

Ooty, Tamil Nadu

Ooty or Ootacamund, famous for its picturesque sites, pristine lake, and rolling hills, is a  beautiful hill station in Tamil Nadu, has for long been the favorite of honeymoon couples, and nothing has changed. Ooty remains an incredible Indian destination for honeymooners who would love to spend time relishing the picturesque beauty of the place. You’ll find beautiful places such as Ooty Lake, Ooty Botanical Gardens, Ooty Rose Garden, Doddabetta Peak, St Stephen’s Church, Thread Garden, Tiger Hill, Kamraj Sagar Lake, Thunder World, Ketti Valley View, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Cairn Hill and Adam’s Fountain which may give the vistas you’ve ever seen.

Khandala, Maharastra

Khandala, a famous hill station in West India, is home to many beautiful caves, mountains, and waterfalls, and offers an ideal escape from the hurriedness of city life. Apparently, it is the scenic beauty and the quietude that draw family vacationers as well as other tourists during the weekend from Mumbai and Pune to this hill station in Maharashtra. Major Attractions for Tourists in Khandala are Celebrity Wax Museum, Rajmachi Fort, Lonavala Lake, Bhushi Lake, Bhaja Caves, Kune Waterfalls, and Duke’s Nose (Nagphani).

Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

Mussoorie needs no introduction, as this tourist place in Uttarakhand is one of the top 10 hill stations in India for a summer holiday. What makes it popular is the fact that it is a kid-friendly destination. There are plenty of activities for kids in Mussoorie and most of the hotels here offer children’s play areas. There are rides available for them in the gardens and there’s even a zoo nearby. Places to travel especially for Kids in Mussoorie are Lal Tibba, Jawahar Aquarium, K Dev Bhoomi Wax Museum, Company Garden, and Picture Palace Gaming Zone. If you visit here with kids then to entertain them you can Watch Magic Show and Play Games at Lal Tibba, Rides in Company Garden, See Animals in Dehradun Zoo, Play Video Games, and Watch 5D Movies at Picture Palace and Cable Car Ride. This hill station has the power to make an adult either go into their childhood days or may even make them run around like a child. 

Saputara, Gujarat

Saputara is the only Hill Station in Gujarat, dotted in Sahyadri Range. Saputara’s literal meaning is ‘the abode of Serpents’,  as the snake god is worshipped by the tribals of the region. The crispy mountain air, the fresh tint of green trees, enchanting lush green forests cascading waterfalls, tribal culture, scenic hiking trails, gorgeous gardens, and museums – the list is endless. If you are planning a vacation with family then Saputara is one of the best hill stations to visit in India. Don’t forget to visit and do; boating in Saputara Lake, Ropeway, Artist Village, Lake, and Boat club, Nageshwar Mahadev Temple, sight-seeing Wildlife at Vansda National Park, Saputara Tribal Museum, take a dip at Gira Falls and explore Hatgadh Fort.

Wilson Hills, Gujarat

The refreshing vibes and panoramic views of the Wilson Hills in Gujarat are not only a visual enchantment but also a serene ambiance that will heal your toil-weary soul. For nature photography and honeymooners, Wilson Hills is one of the top places to visit in India for hill station holidays. The delightful climate, lush greenery all around, foggy clouds, alluring lake views, and mesmerizing valleys. The whole world here is like a garden of Eden, whose beauty will be a cheerful invitation to feel the trance that nature has kept hidden only to tell those who really want to listen. What makes it more amazing among other hills are Barumal Shiva Temple, Wilson Hills Museum, District Science Center, Bilpudi Twin Waterfalls, Steep Valley, Ozone Valley, Marble Chatri, and Sunset and Sunrise Point. The best Time to Visit Wilson Hills is from July to September.

Ananthagiri Hills, Telangana

Ananthagiri Hills is one of the most beautiful hill stations to enjoy weekend holidays in India. Amazing trekking trails for adventure lovers, blissful forts and monuments for history buffs, serene temples for solace seekers, beautiful streams, picturesque forest views, and pleasant weather for nature lovers. This is the place where everyone should go, either with their family or friends or lovers. What else do you need for a peaceful and relaxing hill station holiday? Ananthagiri Viewpoint, Ananthagiri Temple, Kotipalli Reservoir, Tyda Park, Musi River, The Bora Hills and Caves, Coffee Plantations, and Tribal Museums are the place where you may enjoy a lot from knowledge to nature-seeing to camping to kayaking, trekking and temple hopping. The best time to visit Ananthagiri Hills is from July to October. So, everyone don’t sit there reading and thinking, mark the place in your holiday trip list and go for it. 

Lambasingi, Andhra Pradesh

An incredible sunrise viewpoint in Andhra Pradesh that you must visit during your holidays is Lambasingi. This is a small but a very unique village located in the Visakhapatnam district. The thing which makes it unique is the enchanting snowfall which is rare in South India. Nowhere in South India, you will find snowfall destinations, Lambasingi is the only place where you will witness delightful snowflakes and that’s why it is known as Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh. The best time to visit Lambasingi is from November to January. It is also very popular for its emerald tea and coffee plantations, serene waterfalls, and rich varieties of flora and fauna. The tea and coffee plantations along with apple and strawberry farms are another reason for this palace to be famous. The pleasant vibes will definitely match the cheerful vibes coming from you. The must-visit places in Lambasingi are Kothapalli waterfalls, Susan Garden, Ghat Road, Annavaram Temple, Yerravaram Waterfalls, Bojjannakonda, Kondakarla Bird Sanctuary, and Thajangi Reservoir. Here you may go for Village Walks, Temple hopping, Birdwatching, and Waterfalls Sightseeing.

Meghamalai, Tamil Nadu

Lodged in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, Meghamalai in Theni district is that type of hidden paradise about which you have only read in books, the calm and tranquil ambiance, the breathtaking cloud-covered hills, forests on all sides, lakes, rivers, pleasant climate, serene tea estates, cardamom plantations, exotic wildlife, bliss alson the waterfalls – this is a place where words truly fail to express their beauty. In Tamil language, Meghamalai is known as Paccha Kumachi which means ‘Green Peaks’ and is also known as the hills covered in clouds. For a peaceful weekend hill station holiday, Meghamalai is a must-see tourist place to visit in India. If I talk about the attractions places here then you can witness the majestic flow of water at the time of the rainy season in Manalar Dam, a picturesque spot Meghamalai Viewpoint, a protected reserve Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, a must-visit place during peak season Chinna Suruli Falls, an undiscovered eco-paradise Iravangalar Dam, Murugan Temple, Mangala Devi Temple, popular vantage point Maharaja Mettu Viewpoint, and Kombai Thou. The best Time to Visit Meghamalai is from October to May. The view is really very mesmerizing during these months. 

I hope that this blog will be helpful to you and has given you enough information about the hill stations about which you were thinking like Where To Go? If you like this article then be updated with our blog and we’ll never disappoint you. If there’s any improvement required then please tell us in the comments, you can also tell us about what you want to read next and what extra information you want. I hope you enjoyed reading it. Stay tuned for more! Happy Holidays.