Paras Sharma India is the land of varied nature. From sand desert to dense forest and from coastal areas to himalayas. We have a diversified landscape that attracts tourists throughout the year. Here we are telling you about the top 10 hill station in India, which are selected according to the tourist inflow, facilities and historical importance.
1. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Situated in the himalayas, Shimla, the summer capital of northern indian state of himachal Pradesh, offers you a mixture of colonial history and scenic beauty. Additionally, Nearby shimla there are some small towns such as Kufri and Narkanda, which are known for skiing and horseback riding and also hold importance in tourists minds. Also, the Himachal state museum provides insight about the region’s rich cultural heritage.This all Makes shimla one of the top hill stations in india.
Things to do in Shimla
- Explore the mall road area, where food and eateries shops are very famous.
- Visit jakhoo temple for a panoramic view of shimla
- Visit kufri and narkanda , nearby towns of Shimla, for exploring skiing and other adventure sports
How to reach
By road:
Shimla has great connectivity through roads. You can reach shimla with Your personal vehicle through kalka-shimla himalayan expressway. Also, you can take a bus to reach Shimla, as it has great state roadway bus service as well as private bus service.
By train:
Shimla has its own railway station but it has limited service because of the narrow gauge railway line ( Kalka – Shimla Heritage line ). So for wider railway connectivity, you have to reach Kalka, which is 95 km. From Shimla, you can reach Chandigarh, which is 120 km away.
By air:
Shimla has its own airport, which is in Jubbarhatti (22 km away from Shimla). Due to Shimla’s high altitude, it has limited flight service to places such as Delhi, Amritsar, and Dharamshala. So for wider flight services You can take a flight from Chandigarh (Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport), which is 120 km away from Shimla.
2. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Situated in the Beas river valley, or kullu valley, and at the junction of the Dhauladhar range and the Panjal mountain range, Manali is a famous tourist town located in the kullu district of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. This scenic north Indian town is approximately 270 km away from the state capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla, and 550 km away from the national capital of India, New Delhi. Manali is a popular tourist destination in India, and it also serves as the gateway to the Rohtang Pass, which offers great views of the snow-covered peaks and glaciers, and it also serves as the base town for Lahaul and Spiti districts of Himachal Pradesh. The town is also famous for its markets, where you can shop for woollen clothes, local products, and Tibetan products, as this town has been greatly inspired by Tibetan culture. This all makes Manali one of the top hill stations in India.
Things to do in Manali:
- Explore different kinds of adventure sports at Solang Valley.
- Explore the local market of Manali.
- You can also explore nearby areas of manali such as kasol, manikaran sahib, sissu, etc.
How to reach:
By road:
Manali is well connected with all the cities by road. The distance between Manali and chandigarh is 310 km and the total distance between new Delhi and Manali by road is 550 km. Bus service are available from HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) and other state transport bus services And from private operators.
By train:
Manali is not connected via railways. The nearest railway stations for Manali are Una (250 km), Kalka (275 km), Chandigarh (310 km), and Pathankot (325 km).
By air:
Manali has its own airport (Kullu-Manali Airport), which is located in Bhuntar town in Kullu district, which is approx. 50 km from Manali. It has regular flights of Air India for New Delhi. It is also well connected To other cities such as Dehradun, Chandigarh, Leh, etc.
3. Munnar, Kerala
Munnar is a town and hill station located in the Idukki district of the southwestern Indian state of Kerala. Munnar is located in the Western Ghats mountain range at an elevation of approximately 1,600 meters (5,200 feet) above mean sea level. Munnar is a nature lover’s dream come true because of its vast tea farms and wildlife. The critically endangered Nilgiri Tahr can be found in Eravikulam National Park, which also boasts stunning scenery. The stunning Attukal waterfalls, which are accessible via a lovely hike, are another feature of Munnar. Another amazing natural feature that provides a tranquil haven is the Chinnakanal waterfalls. The Blossom Park, which is close to the town center and offers a vast range of exotic flora and wildlife, is a must-visit for anybody interested in botany. This all makes Munnar one of the top hill stations in India.
Things to do in Munnar:
- Investigate Eravikulam National Park to see the fauna and gorgeous scenery.
- To understand about the processing of tea, visit the Tata Tea Museum.
- Experience a picturesque boat trip at Mattupetty Dam.
How to reach:
By road:
Munnar is well-connected via national highways, state highways, and country roads. The town is located on the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway (NH 49), approximately 130 kilometres (81 miles) from Cochin, 31 kilometres (19 miles) from Adimali, 85 kilometres (53 miles) from Udumalpet in Tamil Nadu, and 60 kilometres (37 miles) from Neriyamangalam.
Distance between major cities and tourist sites.
- Aluva: 109 kilometres.
- Varkala, 245 kilometres.
- Trivandrum, 280 kilometres.
By rail:
The nearest railway station is Bodinayakanur (68 km) in Tamil Nadu, and the nearest major railway stations in Kerala are Ernakulam (126 km) and Aluva (110 km).
By air:
Munnar doesn’t have its own airport. The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, which is 110 kilometres away. The Coimbatore and Madurai airports are 165 kilometres from Munnar.
4. Darjeeling, West Bengal
Darjeeling is a city in the northernmost region of the Indian state of West Bengal.
Darjeeling, known for its tea gardens and breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga range, encourages visitors to experience an environment of peace. The Toy Train, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, travels through the town’s small alleyways. Darjeeling is also home to the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, which focuses on breeding projects for endangered animals such as red pandas. Don’t miss a visit to Darjeeling Observatory Hill, where you may see breathtaking sunrise views over the snow-capped hills. The Japanese Peace Pagoda provides a peaceful place for meditation.
Things to do in Darjeeling:
- Take a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (toy train).
- Enjoy a tea tour at Happy Valley Tea Estate.
- Watch the sunrise at Tiger Hill.
How to reach:
By road
Darjeeling can be reached by motorised vehicles on National Highway 110 from Siliguri, 77 km (48 mi) away. Darjeeling has road connections with Bagdogra, Gangtok, and Kathmandu and the neighbouring towns of Kurseong and Kalimpong.
By rail
Darjeeling is connected through the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as DHR or the toy train, which runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. It is about 88 km long but it is a narrow gauge line which Only gives limited rail service. So for wider rail access, one should reach the New Jalpaiguri railway station, which is connected to all the important towns and cities of India.
By air
Darjeeling doesn’t have its own airport. The nearest airport is situated in Siliguri (also known as Bagdogra Airport), which is 90 km from Darjeeling.
5. Leh, Ladakh (U.T.)
Leh is a city in Indian Union territory of Ladakh. It is the largest city and the joint capital of Ladakh. Leh, located in the Leh district, was also the historical capital of the Kingdom of Ladakh. It has harsh yet fascinating landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. The Shanti Stupa delivers panoramic views of the region, while Pangong Lake’s pure blue waters captivate visitors. The region is also renowned for its old monasteries, such as Hemis and Thiksey, which offer information about Tibetan Buddhism. A journey to the Nubra Valley with its sand dunes and Bactrian camels provides an unforgettable experience. The difficult but rewarding walk to the Zanskar Valley is an additional attraction for adventurers.
Things to Do in Leh:
- Visit the Shanti Stupa for breathtaking views.
- Discover the unique beauty of Pangong Lake.
- Experience the attracting sensation at Magnetic Hill.
How to Reach:
By road
Leh is only accessible from the rest of India via two high-altitude highways, both of which are prone to landslides and inaccessible in the winter due to snowfall. The National Highway 1 from Srinagar to Kargil is usually open longer. The Leh-Manali Highway can be difficult due to its high passes and plateaus. A third road is being constructed.
By rail
There is no rail service available in Leh.
By air
Leh has its own airport (Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport). It has direct flights to and from Delhi, Jammu, Srinagar, and Chandigarh. Air India, SpiceJet, IndiGo, & Vistara operate Delhi to Leh daily with multiple flights at peak times.
6. Nainital, Uttarakhand
Nainital is a town and headquarters of the Nainital district of north Indian state Uttarakhand, India. It is also the judicial capital of Uttarakhand. It is located around Naini Lake, providing a tranquil refuge within the Himalayan hills. Naina Devi Temple is a revered religious location, and the Snow View Point offers panoramic views. In addition to these attractions, Nainital is home to the Tiffin Top, a prominent viewpoint that provides breathtaking views of the surrounding environment. The Eco Cave Gardens offer a one-of-a-kind experience with their interconnecting caves and hanging gardens. The Governor’s House, popularly known as Raj Bhavan, is an architectural marvel with expansive grounds that contribute to the town’s colonial charm.
Things to do in Nainital:
- Seek blessings at Naina Devi temple.
- Boating and cave exploration at Naini Lake.
- Enjoy panoramic views from the Snow View Point.
How to Reach:
By road
Nainital is well connected by the roads. Uttarakhand transport corporation Provides bus connectivity with other cities such as Haldwani, Haridwar, Dehradun, Delhi, Chandigarh, etc.
By rail
Nainital doesn’t have its own railway station.The nearest major railway station is Kathgodam, which is 35 km from Nainital and offers connections to practically every important city in the country.
By air
Nainital doesn’t have its own airport. The nearest airport for Nainital is Pantnagar airport, which is situated near Rudrapur city, which is approximately 75 km from Nainital. It has direct flight service for some important cities like Delhi, Dehradun, Pithoragarh, etc.
7. Gangtok, Sikkim
The capital of Sikkim, Gangtok, is one of the top hill stations of india. Its historic cultural richness and beautiful landscapes attract tourists throughout the year. While the Tsomgo Lake provides calmness, it’s the Tashi viewpoint in Gangtok that provides you with an absolute panoramic view of the towering Kanchenjunga. The city is also known for its vibrant markets, such as MG Road, where you can shop for traditional Sikkimese goods and explore a variety of local Sikkimese food.
Things to Do in Gangtok:
- Visit the different ancient monasteries situated in Gangtok.
- Experience the beautiful Tsomgo Lake.
- Enjoy mesmerizing views of Kanchenjunga from Tashi Viewpoint.
How to Reach:
By road
Gangtok is connected to the rest of India through an all-weather highway that links Gangtok to Siliguri, located 120 km away in the state of West Bengal. It also provides access to the neighbouring hill stations, such as Darjeeling and Kalimpong.
By rail
Gangtok doesn’t have its own railway station.The nearest major railway station is the New Jalpaiguri Junction located in Siliguri, which is 125 km away from Gangtok. It is well connected to the rest of india.
By air
Gangtok has its own airport (Pakyong airport), which is 35 km away from the city center. It has only direct flight service to Kolkata.
8. Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Ooty is one of the top hill stations in india. Famously known as the “queen of hill stations,” Ooty mesmerises tourists with their tea gardens and beautiful landscapes of the Nilgiri mountains. Ooty also offers trekking opportunities such as Doddabetta Peak, which is the highest peak point in the Nigiri mountain range. Additionally, you can also explore different British architectures that were built during the 19th century.
Things to Do in Ooty:
- Explore trekking opportunities in ooty and nearby places.
- Explore beautiful tea gardens in ooty
- Enjoy boating ride in ooty lake
How to Reach
By road
Ooty is well connected by roads. It is situated on NH-181. Government bus services are operated by different state governments, such as TNSTC (Tamil Nadu), KSRTC (Karnataka), and KSRTC (Kerala) for Ooty. Private bus operators also offer great bus service for ooty.
By rail
Ooty has its own railway station (Udagamandalam), which is located on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. But it has limited train service because of the meter gauge railway line. So the nearest railway station that offers great connectivity to the rest of India is Coimbatore Junction, which is approximately 86 km away from Ooty.
By air
Ooty doesn’t have its own airport. The nearest airport for Ooty is Coimbatore International Airport, which is approximately 96 km away from Ooty. It offers direct connectivity for domestic as well as international Destinations such as sharjah, colombo, dubai, etc.
9. Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir
Gulmarg is a town, hill station, and skiing destination in the Baramulla district of the Indian Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. This town is situated in the Pir Panjal Range in the western Himalayas. It is one of the top hill stations in india. It is a paradise for adventure seekers and offers stunning landscapes. In addition to winter sports, Gulmarg also offers one of the highest golf courses, which can provide a unique experience for the golf players.
Things to Do in Gulmarg:
- Experience skiing adventures in winter.
- Experience stunning landscapes of the Pir Panjal mountain range.
- Trek across breathtaking views of the Gulmarg biosphere reserve.
How to Reach
By road
Gulmarg is well connected by roads. It is located at a distance of 31 km from Baramulla and 49 km from Srinagar. From there, one can take a taxi, shared taxi, and local buses to reach gulmarg.
By rail
Gulmarg doesn’t have its own railway station. The nearest railway station for Gulmarg is Baramulla railway station, which is 35 km away.
By air
Gulmarg doesn’t have its own airport. The nearest airport for Gulmarg is Srinagar International Airport, which is 56 km away.
10. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
Mussoorie is a hill station in the Dehradun district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is about 35 km away from Dehradun and 290 km away from New Delhi. It is one of the top hill stations in India. It is always known for its captivating landscapes and scenic beauty. It is also known for adventure sports such as paragliding, trekking, ziplining, etc.
Things to Do in Mussoorie:
- Explore different places nearby, such as landour, kempty fall, Kanatal, dhanaulti, etc.
- Explore the local market and local cuisine of mussoorie.
- Explore different types of adventure sports such as paragliding, trekking, ziplining, etc.
How to Reach
By road
Mussoorie is well connected by the roads with Dehradun, which is 35 km Away. From there, one can take a taxi, shared taxi, and local buses to reach Muskoorie.
By rail
Mussoorie doesn’t have its own railway station. The nearest railway station for Mussoorie is Dehradun railway station, which is 40 km away.
By air
Mussoorie doesn’t have its own airport. The nearest airport for Muskoorie Is jolly grant airport (dehradun), which is 70 km away.