While countless destinations promise cool climates and scenic views, hill stations in North India offer something far more elusive, immersive experiences and authentic beauty. From truly local cuisine to quaint homestays and even a host of adventure and wellness activities, the hills are the perfect place to be for those long weekends and short vacations.
Whether it’s spending mist-laden mornings sipping chai, trekking, or climbing in the lush jungles, exploring the many monasteries and temples, or simply escaping into the mountains for fresh air. Here are a few popular hill stations in India to get you started.
Hill Stations in North India Worth Traveling To
The best hill stations in North India offer lush greens, snow-capped peaks, and colorful blooms during the spring and summer months. With a host of long weekends coming up, if you haven’t made any travel plans yet, fret not.
Here’s a curated list of scenic hill stations in North India that are not only chock-a-block with heritage and culture but also offer cool weather and experiences for your pleasure.
Jammu Kashmir Hill Stations for a Himalayan Getaway: 5–6-day trip
1. Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Perfect for a 6-day trip, Srinagar offers misty lakes, abundant orchards, cracking fireplaces, and rich Kashmiri fare to dig into. This idyllic location offers a lot of history, culture, and scenic sights like the old town, the Hazratbal Dargah, Negin Lake, and a Shikara ride on the Dal Lake.
Must visit: A heritage city tour of Naranag and try a traditional home-cooked meal with a local family.
2. Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir
One of the top 10 hill stations in India, Gulmarg offers so much more than just skiing. This snow capital of India has heavy blankets of snow every year and offers stunning sights like Drang Falls, the frozen Alpather Lake, the Gulmarg gondola, the Gulmarg Town, get off the trail at Tanmarg or go trekking, skating, or climbing.
Must visit: Drive up the famous Mughal Road to Pir Ki Gali. You will see the Mughal Sarais where Emperor Jahangir rested during his travels.
3. Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir
Set against the majestic Pir Panjal range, Pahalgam is stunning all year round. This hill station offers hidden treasures like the glacial Lidder River, the Aharbal waterfall, the Jhelum River tributary, Aru, and the Amarnath Cave Temple.
Must visit: Go on a trek to Baisaran Meadow from Aru Valley which leads to hidden trails and serene lakes. A must for adventure enthusiasts.
Hill Stations in Himachal Pradesh with Old World Charm: 10 days
1. Thanedar, Himachal Pradesh
The quaint town of Thanedar is well-known for its apple, cherry, and strawberry orchards. This town also offers enchanting meadows, and popular attractions like the Sutlej River valley, the Mahamaya Temple, Hatu Temple, Tanni Jubbar Lake, and St Mary’s Church.
Must visit: If you’re lucky, you might catch a group of local women doing the Nati, the traditional Pahadi dance, beside the Tanni Jubbar Lake.
2. Mashobra, Himachal Pradesh
Mashobra has everything you’ll desire, from fruit orchards, babbling brooks, colonial architecture, ample forest trails, and even opportunities for birdwatching. Nature enthusiasts can explore the Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary, go rafting, and paragliding, or even visit the presidential retreat Rashtrapati Nivas.
Must visit: Visit the famous Lakkar Bazaar for multiple goodies, like spices, fruit, natural herbs, dry fruits, decor & furniture items
3. Palampur, Himachal Pradesh
Palampur is 35km from Dharamshala and is the hub for tea estate owners. Here travelers can explore the Neugal Khad, the Neugal Park, local cafes, views of the Dhauladhar range, and the Saurabh Van Vihar nature park ideal for picnics, birdwatching, boating, and bouldering.
Must visit: The tea gardens are a top attraction, and you can view the tea-making process, visit the tea fields, and enjoy a delicious cup or two.
Hill Station in Rajasthan to Escape the Heat of the Desert
1. Mount Abu, Rajasthan
The only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu is ideal for hikes and long strolls around the hills. This hill station offers a variety of sightseeing opportunities like a boat ride at Nakki Lake, Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, and Bailey’s Walk Forest Trail.
Must visit: Visit Trevor’s Tank Sanctuary which offers surreal beauty, placid sapphire waters, and crystal-clear reservoirs. You can also spot a tiny islet locally nicknamed ‘Ghost Island’.
Hill Stations in Uttarakhand for a Weekend Trip
2. Nainital, Uttarakhand
The favorite hill station of Uttarakhand, Nainital offers a host of scenic points. Here you can explore Lake Naini, visit the local bazaars, paddle on the lake, go for horse rides, and even dig into the local cuisine.
Must visit: St. John in the Wilderness dates to 1844 and is surrounded by Deodar forests, a Gothic structure, and a graveyard outside the church.
3. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
Mussoorie is also called the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’ and offers views of the snow-capped Himalayas, the Doon Valley, Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, Landor, Mall Road, George Everest’s House, and lots of wildlife.
Must visit: Jabarkhet Nature Reserve offers colorful birds, forests of oak, rhododendron, and pine, barking deer, langur monkeys, and the elusive Himalayan black bear.
4. Dehradun, Uttarakhand
The capital of Uttarakhand, Dehradun is often passed by, by travelers. However, this beautiful location offers a host of sightseeing from the Clock Tower, Tapkeshwar temple, Robber’s Cave, and Forest Research Institute Museum.
Must visit: The Daat Kali Temple dedicated to Goddess Kali offers enchanting views, and rich history, and is a hideaway place that only a few people know about.
Seeking Southern Escapes? Explore Hill Stations in South India
While North India has no shortage of hill stations, if you’re looking for something a bit closer to the South, then hill stations in South India are ideal for you.
These hill stations in India Like Munnar, Coorg, Coonoor, Wayanad, and more offer colonial-era architecture, coffee estates, ancient petroglyphs, rolling hills, and cool and pleasant weather, perfect for adventure and nature lovers alike.
Stay tuned for our editor’s list of the best hill stations in the South that is sure to make your bucket list.
Perfect Hill Station Itinerary Just for You
With this sneak peek of the hill stations in North India and South India, you can begin planning your winter getaway or summer escape. At Anubhav Vacations, our professionals listen closely to your ideas, interests, and lifestyle and suggest the perfect itinerary for you. Whether you are looking for some relaxation, adventure, wellness or to delve deep into history and culture, these hill stations in North India offer the perfect panacea.
