Introduction: [Top hill stations in India]
There are a number of top hill stations in India, each offering a unique blend of scenic beauty, pleasant climate, and cultural richness. In this article, I am going to explore those top 10 best hill stations in India and will focus on major points like how to reach, top attractions, nearest hotels, best local food and some tips also.
The list of top 10 hill stations in India are:
| Sl. No. | Hill Stations | Top Attractions | Best Time | How To Reach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Shimla, Himachal Pradesh | The Ridge, Mall Road, Jakhoo Temple, Kufri. | March to June | By Air: Jubarhatti Airport (17.7 km). By Train: Kalka Railway station (96 km). Tips: Take the scenic toy train from Kalka to Shimla. [Google Location] |
| 2. | Manali, Himachal Pradesh | Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, Hidimba Devi Temple. | October to June | Air: Bhuntar Airport (51 km) Train: Joginder Nagar Railway Station (144 km) Road: Mall Road (2 km) [Google Location] |
| 3. | Ooty, Tamil Nadu | Ooty Lake, Botanical Gardens, Nilgiri Mountain Railway. | March to June | Air: Coimbatore International Airport (87 km) Train: Mettupalayam Railway Station (51 km) Bus: Ooty Bus Stand. [Google Location] |
| 4. | Darjeeling, West Bengal | Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Peace Pagoda. | April to June | Air: Bagdogra International Airport (70 km) Train: New Jalpaiguri Junction (73 km) Bus: Darjeeling Bus Stand [Google Location] |
| 5. | Nainital, Uttarakhand | Naini Lake, Naina Devi Temple, Snow View Point, The Mall Road, Tiffin Top | March to June | Air: Pantnagar Airport (59 km) Train: Kathgodam Railway Station (26 km) Bus: Nainital Bus Stand [Google Location] |
| 6. | Munnar, Kerala | Tea Gardens, Attukal Waterfalls, Eravikulam, National Park. | November to February | Air: Cochin International Airport (109 km) Train: 1. Udumalaippettai Railway Station (85 km) 2. Angamaly Railway Station (109 km) Bus: Munnar Bus Stand [Google Location] |
| 7. | Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu | Kodaikanal Lake, Bryant Park, Coaker’s Walk, Pillar Rocks, Dolphin’s Nose. | October to March | Air: 1. Madurai Airport (134 km) 2. Coimbatore International Airport (178 km) Train: Kodaikanal Road Train Station (79 km) Bus: Kodaikanal Bus Stand [Google Location] |
| 8. | Mount Abu, Rajasthan | Nakki Lake, Dilwara Temples, Sunset Point, Guru Shikhar, Toad Rock. | November to March | Air: Dabok Airport (44 km) Train Abu Road Railway Station (28 km) Bus: Mount Abu Bus Stand [Google Location] |
| 9. | Mussoorie, Uttarakhand | Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, Camel’s Back Road, Lal Tibba, The Mall Road | April to June | Air Dehradun’s Jolly Grant International Airport (61 km) Train: Dehradun Railway Station (34 km) Bus: Mussoorie Bus Stand [Google Location] |
| 10. | Coorg (Kodagu), Karnataka | Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, Namdroling Monastery, Dubare Elephant Camp, Talakaveri. | October to March | Air: 1. Mangalore Airport (143 km) 2. Bangalore Airport (242 km) Train: Mysuru Junction (117 km) Bus: Madikeri Bus Stand [Google Location] |
1. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh:
Shimla is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, Shimla is a popular hill station and a renowned tourist destination. It was the summer capital of British India during the colonial era. The queen of hill stations, Shimla is known for its colonial architecture, Mall Road, and the scenic ridge.
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jubbarhatti Airport,
- By Train: and the nearest railway station is Kalka.
- By Road: Drive or take the scenic toy train from Kalka to Shimla.
Top Attractions:
- The Ridge
- Mall Road
- Jakhoo Temple
- Kufri.
Hotels:
- The Oberoi Cecil
- Radisson Hotel Shimla
- Clarkes Hotel
Food Options: Try Himachali cuisine at places like Ashiana & Goofa, and savor desserts at Krishna Bakers.
2. Manali, Himachal Pradesh:
Manali is a popular hill station situated in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, adventure activities, and vibrant culture, Manali attracts a large number of tourists throughout the year. Manali is located at an altitude of about 2,050 meters (6,726 feet) above sea level in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas.
Manali is a hub for adventure enthusiasts. Visitors can engage in activities such as paragliding, skiing, snowboarding, trekking, and river rafting. Solang Valley, in particular, is a hotspot for adventure sports.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Bhuntar Airport is the nearest.
- By Train: and the nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar
- By Road: Regular buses and taxis connect Manali with major cities.
Top Attractions:
- Solang Valley
- Rohtang Pass
- Hidimba Devi Temple.
Hotels:
- Span Resort and Spa
- The Manali Inn
- Johnson Lodge.
Food Options: Indulge in local delights like Sidu, Thenthuk, and freshly brewed fruit wines.
3. Ooty, Tamil Nadu:
Ooty, officially known as Udhagamandalam, is a popular hill station located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, India. Renowned for its pleasant climate, picturesque landscapes, and colonial charm, Ooty is a favored destination for tourists. Often called the “Queen of the Nilgiris,” it is also known for its tea gardens, botanical gardens, and the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Ooty is situated at an altitude of approximately 2,240 meters (7,350 feet) above sea level in the Western Ghats.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Coimbatore Airport is the closest
- By Train: the toy train from Mettupalayam offers a scenic ride.
Top Attractions:
- Ooty Lake
- Botanical Gardens
- Nilgiri Mountain Railway.
Hotels:
- Taj Savoy Hotel
- Sterling Ooty Elk Hill
- Club Mahindra Derby Green
Food Options: Relish homemade chocolates, try local Tamil cuisine at Nahar Sidewalk Café.
4. Darjeeling, West Bengal:
Surrounded by tea estates and offering stunning views of Kanchenjunga, Darjeeling is famous for its toy train and Tiger Hill. Darjeeling is situated at an elevation of about 2,042 meters (6,699 feet) above sea level, providing stunning views of the Eastern Himalayas, including the iconic Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest
- By Train: Darjeeling Himalayan Railway connects from New Jalpaiguri.
Top Attractions:
- Tiger Hill
- Batasia Loop
- Peace Pagoda.
Hotels:
- Windamere Hotel
- Mayfair Darjeeling
- Cedar Inn.
Food Options:
- Sip on Darjeeling tea
- try momos
- enjoy local Tibetan cuisine.
5. Nainital, Uttarakhand:
Nainital is situated at an altitude of approximately 2,084 meters (6,837 feet) above sea level in the Kumaon foothills of the outer Himalayas. Set around a shimmering lake, Nainital is known for its boat rides, Naina Devi Temple, and the snow-view point.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Pantnagar Airport is the nearest (65 km).
- By Road: Well-connected by road. Buses and taxis are available.
- By Train: Kathgodam Railway Station (34 km) is the nearest.
Top Attractions:
- Naini Lake
- Naina Devi Temple
- Snow View Point
- The Mall Road
- Tiffin Top
Hotels:
- The Naini Retreat
- Shervani Hilltop
- The Manu Maharani
- Hotel Himalaya
Food Options:
- Chandni Chowk
- Machan Restaurant
- Sakley’s Restaurant & Pastry Shop
- Sonam’s Momos
6. Munnar, Kerala:
Adorned with tea plantations, Munnar offers breathtaking landscapes, Eravikulam National Park, and the Mattupetty Dam. Munnar is situated at an elevation ranging from 1,450 meters to 2,695 meters (4,757 to 8,842 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest tea-growing regions in the world.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Cochin International Airport is the closest.
- By Road: Munnar is well-connected by road.
Top Attractions:
- Tea Gardens
- Attukal Waterfalls
- Eravikulam National Park.
Hotels:
- Spice Tree Munnar
- Tea Valley Resort
- Blanket Hotel & Spa.
Food Options: Savor Kerala cuisine with dishes like Appam and Kerala Sadya.
7. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu:
Nestled in the Western Ghats, Kodaikanal is known for its tranquil lakes, Coaker’s Walk, and Bryant Park. Kodaikanal is situated at an altitude of approximately 2,133 meters (6,998 feet) above sea level in the Palani Hills of the Western Ghats. The town is surrounded by dense forests, rolling hills, and meadows.
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Madurai Airport (120 km).
- By Road: Well-connected by road from major cities. Buses and taxis are available.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Kodai Road (80 km).
Top Attractions:
- Kodaikanal Lake
- Bryant Park
- Coaker’s Walk
- Pillar Rocks
- Dolphin’s Nose
Hotels:
- The Carlton
- Sterling Kodai Valley
- Le Poshe by Sparsa
- The Fern Creek
Food Options:
- Cloud Street
- Tava Vegetarian Restaurant
- Muncheez
- Pastry Corner
8. Mount Abu, Rajasthan:
The only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu is home to the Dilwara Jain Temples, Nakki Lake, and the Guru Shikhar peak. Mount Abu is a picturesque hill station and the only hill station in the northwestern Indian state of Rajasthan. Nestled in the Aravalli Range, Mount Abu offers a cool and refreshing retreat from the otherwise arid landscape of Rajasthan. It is located at an elevation of approximately 1,220 meters (4,003 feet) above sea level.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Udaipur Airport is the nearest (185 km).
- By Road: Well-connected by road. Buses and taxis are available.
- By Train: Abu Road Railway Station (28 km) is the nearest.
Top Attractions:
- Nakki Lake
- Dilwara Temples
- Sunset Point
- Guru Shikhar
- Toad Rock
Hotels:
- The Colonial Manek Manor
- Cama Rajputana Club Resort
- Hotel Hillock
- Palanpur Palace
Food Options:
- Arbuda Restaurant
- Mulberry Tree Restaurant
- Sankalp
- Jodhpur Bhojanalaya
9. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand:
Known as the “Queen of the Hills,” Mussoorie offers stunning views of the Himalayas, Camel’s Back Road, and Kempty Falls. Mussoorie is located in the Garhwal region of the state of Uttarakhand, approximately 35 kilometers from the state capital, Dehradun. It is situated at an average altitude of around 1,880 meters (6,168 feet) above sea level.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest (60 km).
- By Road: Well-connected by road. Buses and taxis are available.
- By Train: Dehradun Railway Station (36 km) is the nearest.
Top Attractions:
- Kempty Falls
- Gun Hill
- Camel’s Back Road
- Lal Tibba
- The Mall Road
Hotels:
- Jaypee Residency Manor
- JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort
- Fortune Resort Grace
- Honeymoon Inn Mussoorie
Food Options:
- Kalsang Friends Corner
- Chic Chocolate
- Little Llama Cafe
- The Tavern Restaurant
10. Coorg (Kodagu), Karnataka:
Famous for its coffee plantations, Coorg is known for Abbey Falls, Dubare Elephant Camp, and Talakaveri. Coorg, officially known as Kodagu, is a picturesque district located in the state of Karnataka, India.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Mangalore International Airport is the nearest (160 km).
- By Road: Well-connected by road. Buses and taxis are available.
- By Train: Mysuru Junction is the nearest railway station (120 km).
Top Attractions:
- Abbey Falls
- Raja’s Seat
- Namdroling Monastery
- Dubare Elephant Camp
- Talakaveri
Hotels:
- The Tamara Coorg
- Evolve Back, Coorg
- Club Mahindra Virajpet
- Orange County, Coorg
Food Options:
- Coorg Cuisine
- East End Hotel
- The Falls at the Tamara
- Bean Scene Cafe
FAQ
What are the top hill stations in India?
Some of the top hill stations in India include Shimla, Manali, Darjeeling, Ooty, Munnar, Nainital, Mussoorie, and Gulmarg.
Which is the best time to visit hill stations in India?
The best time to visit hill stations in India is generally during the summer months (April to June) when the weather is pleasant. However, some hill stations like Gulmarg are popular during winter for snow activities.
What activities can one enjoy in hill stations?
Hill stations offer a variety of activities, including trekking, nature walks, paragliding, skiing (in winter), boat rides, and exploring local markets and cuisine.
Are there family-friendly hill stations in India?
Yes, many hill stations in India are family-friendly, providing a serene environment and activities suitable for all ages. Examples include Munnar, Nainital, and Kodaikanal.
How can one reach hill stations in India?
Hill stations are well-connected by road, rail, and air. Most have nearby airports or railway stations, and well-maintained roads make them accessible by car or bus.
What are the popular attractions in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh?
Shimla boasts attractions like The Ridge, Mall Road, Jakhoo Temple, Christ Church, and the scenic Kufri for adventure activities and stunning views.
Which hill station is known for tea plantations in India?
Munnar in Kerala is renowned for its lush tea plantations. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy panoramic views.
Are there adventure sports in Manali, Himachal Pradesh?
Yes, Manali offers a range of adventure sports such as paragliding, river rafting, trekking, and skiing during the winter months.
What makes Darjeeling, West Bengal, unique among hill stations?
Darjeeling is famous for its tea estates, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, and breathtaking views of Mount Kanchenjunga.
Can one experience snowfall in Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir?
Yes, Gulmarg is a popular destination for snow activities, and visitors can experience snowfall during the winter months, making it a winter sports paradise.
