Known For : Dal Lake Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden Shankaracharya Temple
Famously known as 'Heaven on Earth, Srinagar is located in the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir, on the banks of river Jhelum. Srinagar is known for the stationary houseboats and gondola-type rowboats- Shikaras on Dal Lake. Adorned with tranquil Dal Lake & Nigeen Lake, Srinagar is the dream destination for honeymoon and family holidays.
Best Time: April to October
Known For : Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Tiger Hill Batasia Loop
Jaw-dropping locales, mesmerising sunrises, the untouched beauty of the hills, the old-world charm of the past, and the welcoming smiles of the local people all add up to make Darjeeling one of the most beautiful hill stations in Eastern part of India. Spread over a steep mountain ridge, nestled amidst acres of lush green tea plantations, Darjeeling stands at the height of 2,050 meters above sea level, thus boasting of cool climes all year round.
Best Time: February to March, September to December
Known For : Old Manali Solang Valley Jogini Waterfall
Nestled in between the snow-capped slopes of the Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges, Manali is one of the most popular hill stations in the country. With jaw-dropping views, lush green forests, sprawling meadows carpeted with flowers, gushing blue streams, a perpetual fairy-tale like mist lingering in the air, and a persistent fragrance of pines and freshness - Manali has been blessed with extraordinary scenic beauty.
Best Time: October to June
Known For : Nathula Pass MG Road, Gangtok Tsomgo Lake
Incredibly alluring, pleasantly boisterous and wreathed in clouds - Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is one of the most popular hill stations in India. Lying at the height of 1650 m above sea level, the town during its bright sunny days offers spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Gangtok is a base for adventure enthusiasts comprising of trekkers and campers to the Himalayan mountain ranges. Dzongri Trek, Varsey/Barsey Trek, and Tholung Trek are among the most popular treks departing from Gangtok.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Echo Point, Munnar Atukkad Waterfalls Munnar Tea Plantations
Famous for the tea estates, greenery, winding roads, blanket of mist, and viewpoints, Munnar is a hill station in Kerala, located in the Idukki district. Lying in the Western Ghats at 1600 metres, it is one of the most sought after and visited travel destinations globally, especially popular amongst honeymooners.
Best Time: September to May
Known For : Nakki Lake Guru Shikhar Toad Rock
The only hill station of Rajasthan, its cool atmosphere and lush green surroundings make it a major tourist spot within the state. The most important attraction, however, are undoubtedly the Dilwara temples, which is one of the most stunning piece of architecture in the country. If you are a history or architecture buff, this is one of the places you should absolutely not miss out in India.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Banasura Sagar Dam Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Chembra Peak
Replete with waterfalls, historical caves, comfortable resorts and homestays, Wayanad in Kerala is famous for its spice plantations and wildlife. Walking through the sprawling spice plantations, trekking to the pre-historic caves and experiencing a resort holiday are one of the many things you can do to get a taste of Wayanad.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Elephant Falls Shillong Peak Umiam Lake
A beautiful city encircled by pine trees, Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. It derives its name from Lei Shyllong, an idol worshipped at the Shillong Peak. Standing as tall as 1496 meters, Shillong provides a relief from the heat across the country. This hill station is known for its picturesque sights and traditions. The soothing climate makes Shillong suitable to visit in all seasons. The light drizzles and the cooling gentle wind adds to the joy of visiting this hill station.
Best Time: September to May
Known For : Sela Pass Tawang Monastery Madhuri Lake
Tawang, perched in the Himalayas of Arunachal Pradesh, is a mesmerizing destination known for its breathtaking mountain vistas and vibrant Buddhist culture. The town is home to the Tawang Monastery, one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in India, exuding spiritual tranquility and rich history. Its scenic beauty, coupled with ancient Buddhist sites and serene lakes, makes Tawang a coveted destination for travelers seeking both spirituality and adventure.
Best Time: September to March
Known For : The Ridge Jakhu Temple Mall Road, Shimla
Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and a popular hill-station among Indian families and honeymooners. Situated at the height of 2200m, it was the summer capital of British India. The hill station still retains its old-world charm with beautiful colonial architecture, pedestrian-friendly Mall Road and the ridge lined up with multiple shops, cafes and restaurants.
Best Time: October to June
Known For : Pangong Lake Khardung La Magnetic Hill
Popularly known as a biker's paradise, Leh is one of the two capitals of Ladakh that has numerous passes linking various locations in the challenging terrain. The city is nestled in a valley at an elevation of around 3,520 m in the upper Indus River, enveloped by the colossal peaks of the Ladakh Range. Regardless of its harsh weather and difficult accessibility, Leh was once an essential stopover for vital trade routes that connected Tibet to the East, Kashmir to the West and India to China.
Best Time: Jun to Sep
Known For : Bhagsu Falls Namgyal Monastery Bhagsunag Temple
Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh is one of the most popular tourist destinations for it's tibetan culture, nature treks, greenery, ancient temples & monasteries, and british influence. Located in the Kangra district, it's on the outskirts of Dharamshala. Famous for being home to the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, Mcleod Ganj is culturally blessed by a prominent Tibetan influence owing to the major settlement of Tibetans here who fled their homeland.
Best Time: October to June
Known For : Mussoorie Mall Road Kempty Falls Camel's Back Road
Mussoorie is one of the most popular hill stations located at a distance of 290 km from Delhi in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. With a backdrop of the Shivalik range of Himalayas and doon valley, Mussoorie, also known as Queen of The Hills, stands at an altitude of 7000 feet above sea level. With a cool and pleasant climate throughout the year, Mussoorie was once the British summer capital.
Best Time: September to June
Known For : Skiing in Auli Trishul Peak Auli Ropeway
Dotted with the apple orchards, old oaks and pine trees there is no dearth of natural beauty in Auli. Apart from skiing you can also go for numerous treks in the hills of Garhwal Himalayas and enjoy the spellbinding views of the snow-draped mountains. Auli is a popular hill resort in the Himalayan range dating back to 8th Century AD.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Murikkady Hill View Park Kulamavu Dam Idukki Arch Dam
Idukki, a landlocked district of Kerala, is one of the most nature-rich areas in Kerala with more than half of the area covered with forest. This rugged hill resort is known for its wildlife sanctuaries, beautiful bungalows, tea factories, rubber plantations and forests. Idukki's speciality lies in 650 feet long and 550 feet high arch dam across the Kuravan Kurathi mountain, which is the largest in the country.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Nilgiri Mountain Railway Ooty Lake Emerald Lake, Ooty
The Blue Mountains have always been shrouded in mysticism, and Ooty is no exception to that. For every mountain lover, the very idea of travelling to the city known as the Queen of the Hills holds an allure like no other. Once regarded as the summer headquarters of the East India Company (and for a very good reason), Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam, is a hill station in Tamil Nadu which serves as a very popular tourist destination for anyone looking for a picturesque place to relax and unwind.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Green Valley View (Suicide Point) Kodaikanal Lake Bear Shola Falls
Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is one of the most famous honeymoon destinations in India. A Lakeside resort town of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal has a beautiful climate, mist-covered manicured cliffs and waterfall that come together to create the ideal setting for a perfect getaway. Kodaikanal means 'the gift of the forests'.
Best Time: September to May
Known For : Naini Lake Snow View Point Mall Road Nainital
One of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Uttarakhand, Nainital, which is nestled amidst the Kumaon Hills, is a quaint hill station built around a uniquely shaped lake known as the 'Naini Lake' (thus contributing to its name Nainital). Also famously known as 'City of Lakes,' Nainital abounds in natural beauty, with its snow-capped hills and tranquil lakes lending it a nostalgic charm of its own.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Abbey Falls Raja's Seat Coffee Plantations in Coorg
Located amidst imposing mountains in Karnataka with a perpetually misty landscape, Coorg is the place to be for all nature lovers. This popular coffee producing hill station is not only popular for its beautiful green hills and the streams cutting right through them. It also stands as a popular destination because of its culture and people. The Kodavas, a local clan specialising in martial arts, are especially notable for their keen hospitality.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Gulmarg Gondola Kongdori Phase 1 Apharwat Peak
Situated at an altitude of 2730 m above sea level, Gulmarg is a popular skiing destination located in Pir Panjal Range of Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Surrounded by snow-covered lofty Himalayas, meadows of flowers, deep ravines, evergreen forested valleys, Gulmarg also has the world's second-highest Gondola ride.
Best Time: October to June
Known For : Manikaran Sahib Malana
Kasol is a quaint little village in Himachal situated along the banks of the river Parvati. Commonly known as the 'Amsterdam of India', Kasol is a tourist attraction that is rapidly gaining fame as a popular hub for trekkers, backpackers, and nature lovers. The valley is situated 23 kms from Bhuntar and next to the religious town of Manikaran and is one of the best places in the country just to sit back and chill in the panorama of snow-clad mountains, pine trees and serene river.
Best Time: October to June
Known For : Elephant's Head Point Chinaman's Falls Dhobi Waterfall
Mahabaleshwar is a hill station located in the Western Ghats, in Satara district of Maharashtra. Apart from its strawberries, Mahabaleshwar is also well known for its numerous rivers, magnificent cascades and majestic peaks. It is among the most sought after weekend getaways from Pune & Mumbai, located about 120km south-west of Pune and 285km from Mumbai.
Best Time: October to June
Known For : Tiger's Leap Rajmachi Fort Imagicaa
Popular hill station close to Pune and Mumbai, Lonavla is the place to be during monsoons. With lots of waterfalls, lakes and hills around, Lonavala is frequented by all sorts of people, especially hikers and trekkers.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Bee falls Jata Shankar caves Pandava Caves
Pachmarhi, often dubbed the "Queen of Satpura," is a serene hill station in Madhya Pradesh, set amidst the Satpura Range. Renowned for its ancient caves, cascading waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna, it offers a refreshing escape from the hustle of city life. As the only hill station in Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi holds a unique allure with its rich history, picturesque views, and the Satpura National Park.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Panchpula Khajjiar Satdhara Falls
The tiny tinsel town Dalhousie tucked away in the lap of Himachal Pradesh is a piece of paradise for all the travellers. It boasts of old world charm, mesmerising natural landscape, pine-clad valleys, flower bedecked meadows, fast flowing rivers, magnificent misty mountains and some of the most spectacular views in the world. The air smells of the Scottish and Victorian architecture and the ambience reminds you of the pristine British flavours.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Rafting in Rishikesh Lakshman Jhula Triveni Ghat
Situated along the convergence of Ganga and Chandrabhaga, Rishikesh on the foothills of Himalayas is the hub of many ancient temples, popular cafes, yoga ashrams and adventure sports.
Rishikesh is the most beautiful blend of spiritual and adrenaline pumping experiences. With Whitewater Rafting industry growing and a number of camping and cafe spots springing up, Rishikesh has grown immensely as a favourite, catering to people with different needs.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Kaas Plateau Table Land Mahabaleshwar
Panchgani, nestled amidst the Sahyadri mountain range in Maharashtra, is a picturesque hill station known for its panoramic vistas and pleasant climate. Renowned for its verdant tableland and strawberry farms, the town has been a favored retreat since colonial times. Apart from its natural beauty, Panchgani is also celebrated for its esteemed educational institutions, which have been a part of its heritage for over a century.
Best Time: September to May
Known For : Louisa point Charlotte lake Monkey Point Matheran
Nestled amidst the Sahyadri range on the Western Ghats, Matheran is a cosy little hill station that stands at an elevation of 2600 feet above sea level, and is just 100 kilometres away from Mumbai, making it the perfect weekend getaway. With its name literally translating to ?overhead forest?, Matheran is the smallest hill station in all of India, but it is extremely popular in terms of tourists looking for a short trip amid spectacular vistas and serenity.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Artist Village Hatgadh Fort Vansda National park
Snuggled in the Sahyadris or the Western Ghats, Saputara is a quaint little hill station in the Dang district of Gujarat. Popular for lush green forests, undulating mountains, dazzling waterfalls, dreamy winding roads, livid landscapes and plenty of charming cubbyholes to spend time with your loved ones, the town is the first favourite among tourists. It is located at a height of 875 metres above sea level and is a perfect getaway for eco-lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and people who love adventure sports.
Best Time: Mid March to mid November
Known For : Nathatop Skiing in Patnitop Paragliding in Patnitop
Patnitop is a captivating hill station perched in the Shivalik Belt of the Himalayas in Jammu and Kashmir, India. Characterized by its dense pine forests and lush green meadows, it provides a tranquil retreat with panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks. Renowned for its adventure activities like skiing and paragliding, Patnitop is a haven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Key Monastery Chandratal Lake Kunzum Pass
Long winding roads and valleys that present unforgettable glimpses of cold desert and snow-crowned mountains welcome you when you set foot into Spiti Valley. Bordered on all sides by the Himalayas, Spiti Valley, located in Himachal Pradesh, has an altitude of 12,500 feet above sea level, and gets just around 250 days of sunshine in the year, making it one of the coldest places in the country.
Best Time: Mid May to Mid Oct
Known For : Khajjiar lake Homestay Experience in Khajjiar Camping in Khajjiar
Often referred to as 'mini-Switzerland of India', Khajjiar is a small town located close (20km) to Dalhousie and is great for a day or overnight trip. Khajjiar is known for its picture perfect grassy meadows.There is the Khajjiar Lake in the middle of the meadow and you could enjoy the scenery by camping or take part in some of the adventure sports including paragliding, zorbing, and horse-riding.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Triund Dharamshala Cricket Stadium Namgyal Monastery, Mcleodganj
Dharamsala is famed as the holy residence of the Dalai Lama and houses the Tibetan monk in exile. Dharamsala is located in Kangra district at a distance of 18km fro Kangra City. The city is distinctively separated as upper and lower divisions with different altitudes. The lower division is the Dharamsala town itself whereas the upper division is popularly known as Mcleodganj.
Best Time: October to June
Known For : Baba Budangiri Mullayanagiri Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Popularly known as the ‘Coffee Land of Karnataka’, Chikmagalur is situated in the foothills of the Mullayangiri Range and is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Karnataka. Chikmagalur has a perpetual fragrance of coffee lingering in the air with it plenty of coffee plantations. Famous for its tall mountains, lush green forests and its tranquil environment (apart from its coffee production), Chikmagalur is a very popular tourist destination and is a quick retreat for the people of Karnataka.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Monkey Point Toy Train Ride Timber Trail
Located on the road from Chandigarh to Shimla in the Solan district, Kasauli is a hilly cantonment town that makes for an ideal peaceful holiday location, especially for a weekend getaway. Kasauli is a cantonment town dotted with lavish Victorian buildings built by the Britishers who resided here years back. The quaint village has nature trails and beautiful viewpoints.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Emerald Lake, Yercaud Pagoda Point Botanical Garden, Yercaud
Nestled in the Shivaroy Hills of Tamil Nadu, Yercaud is a hill station in the Eastern Ghats steeped in abundant greenery. Commonly called ‘Ooty of the Poor’, this region has a history dating back to the time of the British. Located at an altitude of 4970 feet, Yercaud is known for its vast expanses of coffee plantations and great weather.
Best Time: October to June
Known For : Bhulla Lake Tip N Top Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple
Perched amidst the Garhwal Hills of Uttarakhand, Lansdowne is a quaint little hill town that not many tourists know of. Off the beaten tourist trail, Lansdowne is an untouched, pristine town, miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Situated at 5670 feet above sea level, Lansdowne is more famously known for being home to the Garhwal Rifle regiment of the Indian Army.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Toy Train Tashi Jong Monastery Saurabh Van Vihar
Palampur, set in the heart of Himachal Pradesh, is a serene hill station known for its lush tea gardens and mesmerizing Kangra Valley views. A confluence of water streams flowing from the Dhauladhar range gives the town its unique character and a backdrop of majestic mountains. Aside from its natural beauty, Palampur is also a hub for adventure sports and houses several ancient temples, making it an alluring mix of nature, culture, and adventure.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Skiing in Kufri Horse Ride to the Mahasu Peak Mahasu Peak
Kufri is a quaint little hill town 20km away from Shimla,Himachal Pradesh. Earlier known to be the summer retreat for the British in 1819, Kufri still harbors its past through the colonial buildings and architecture around. With its pleasant summer weather and winter snowfall, Kufri is flocked by tourists almost at all times. However, snowfall is at its peak from November to March, which is also the best time to visit Kufri.
Best Time: November to March
Known For : Malshej Falls Pimpalgaon Joga Dam Harishchandragad
Malshej Ghat, nestled in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, is a picturesque mountain pass renowned for its cascading waterfalls, dense forests, and diverse flora and fauna. A monsoon haven, the region comes alive with verdant landscapes and is frequented by exotic migratory birds, especially flamingos. Its misty hills, serene lakes, and historic forts make it a favorite getaway for nature lovers, trekkers, and history enthusiasts.
Best Time: July to March
Known For : Abbey Falls Talacauvery Namdroling Monastery
Generally covered as a part of trips to Coorg, Madikeri is a hill town in Karnataka with vast coffee plantations, lush forests and misty hills, all culminating into a breathtaking view. Located in Kodagu District around 6 hours from Bengaluru, Madikeri is a perfect weekend getaway. There is no pollution, no noise to hurt your ears and the cool breeze that accompanies you throughout makes your trip memorable.
Best Time: February to September
Known For : Paragliding in Bir Billing Chokling Monastery Gunehar Waterfall
Bir is a small town located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Bir Billing is a popular destination located in Joginder Nagar valley known for paragliding and also as the town for meditation. There is an influence of Tibetan culture due to Tibetan community settlement in this town.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Umbrella Falls Wilson Dam Kalsubai Peak
Bhandardara, a hill station nestled in the Sahyadri ranges of Maharashtra, has all the nature's blessings a place can get. The lush greenery, the humble waterfalls and surrounded by high mountains makes for the perfect holiday spot for city dwellers.
Best Time: June to March
Known For : Punganur Lake Nature Park Jalagamparai Falls
A quaint little hill station located in Vellore, Yelagiri is just three hours away from Bangalore, making it the perfect spot for a quick weekend getaway. Spread a little over 30 square kilometres, and at a height of over 1100 metres above sea level, Yelagiri offers its tourists some beautiful places like the Jalagamparai falls, sweeping orchards and rose garden, among others.
Best Time: November to February
Known For : Kudremukh Trek Kudremukh National Park Hanuman Gundi Falls
Popular and named after a mountainside that resembles a horse's face, Kudremukh is famous for its biodiversity and scenic beauty. A popular hill-station among the Bangalore crowd, Kudremukh is actually a hill range in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. Kudremukh Peak is a paradise for trekkers and naturists alike, with its mountainous paths and floral and faunal diversity.
Best Time: October to May
Known For : Sitla Chauli ki Jaali Mukteshwar Temple
Mukteshwar is a small hill town located around 50 km from Nainital in Uttarakhand. Known for adventure sports and a dazzling view of Himalayan ranges, Mukteshwar is named after the 350-year-old Shiva Temple housed here called Mukteshwar Dham.
Best Time: October to June
Known For : Chamera Lake Manimahesh Lake Church of Scotland
Chamba is a Himalayan town located in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. Known for the ancient temples, the caves, and the edifices that speak highly of Indian history, Chamba is famous for mesmerising views of the Pir Panjal, Zanskar and Dhauladhar ranges in the backdrop of this picture-postcard town. This Himalayan town is located at an elevation of 996 meters on the banks of river Ravi, flanked by Jammu and Kashmir, Lahaul and Kangra.
Best Time: October to June
Known For : Zero Point Jageshwar Kasar Devi
Set in the background of snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Uttarakhand, the sprawling town of Almora is a beautiful hill station. With easy accessibility from Delhi and other major cities of North India, Almora is known for its rich cultural heritage, unique handicrafts, sumptuous cuisine and magnificent wildlife. This town has two major rivers- Koshi (Kaushaki) and Suyal (Salmali).
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Sim's Park Dolphin's Nose Ketti Valley
One of the three beautiful Nilgiri hill stations, Coonoor is the second largest hill station of the Western Ghats. It is situated at an altitude of 1930 meters and just 19 km from Ooty. With slopes of tea plantations, dotted with many attractions and blessed with chilly weather throughout the year, this place is a perfect summer retreat.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Valley of Flowers National Park Nanda Devi National Park Fauna & Flora
Valley of Flowers is located in Chamoli district (near Badrinath) of Uttarakhand, approximately 300 km to the north of Rishikesh. This is a picturesque national park, gracing the beauty of Western Himalayas. Valley of flowers was discovered in 1931 and is a World Heritage Site for its wild untamed blooms surrounded by white peaks.
Best Time: May to October
Known For : Chaubatia Orchards Majhkhali Golf Course
Ranikhet, nestled in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand, offers a panoramic view of the majestic Himalayas and is often referred to as the "Queen's Meadow". This picturesque hill station boasts colonial-era architecture, ancient temples, and lush pine forests, providing a serene escape from the hustle of city life. With its cool climate and natural beauty, Ranikhet is a perfect retreat for those seeking tranquility amidst nature's grandeur.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Morgan House Durpin Dara hill Cactus Nursery
Kalimpong, perched in the northern part of West Bengal, offers breathtaking views of the Eastern Himalayan mountain range. This tranquil hill station, with its colonial-era architecture and vibrant local markets, showcases a blend of Tibetan and Nepalese culture. The region is also renowned for its orchid nurseries and traditional handicrafts, drawing visitors who appreciate both natural beauty and cultural richness.
Best Time: March to June, September to December
Known For : Rajmachi Fort Visapur Fort Bedsa caves
Khandala, nestled in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, is a popular hill station known for its scenic beauty and lush green landscapes. With its cascading waterfalls, serene valleys, and hiking trails, it offers a refreshing escape from the bustling city life, especially for those from nearby Mumbai and Pune. The vantage points like Tiger's Leap and Duke's Nose provide panoramic views, making it a favored destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Araku Valley is a comparatively unexplored hill station mostly visited by locals as a weekend getaway and is situated some 120 kilometres away from Vishakhapatnam. If you're a tourist looking for exclusivity and tranquillity, Vistadome train leaves Vishakhapatnam at 6.50 AM, making way through 58 tunnels and passing over 84 bridges making way through the breathtaking landscape to reach Araku in approximately in 5 hours, go, catch that!
Nicknamed 'Andhra Ooty', this hill station located near Madanapalle town, is one of the three hill stations in Andhra Pradesh. With its peaks kissing the clear blue sky, a panoramic view of the virgin green cover, sweet chirpings of the birds, colourful flora on the pathways, this place is surely going to take your breath away.