With temperatures continuing to rise across the country, the top 10 hill stations in India give you a much-needed respite from the stress of city life. If you’re keen to spend your days in cooler climates and explore the verdant green valleys and rich culture, then there’s nothing quite like a mountain retreat.
Whether you’re looking to escape to North or South India, this country offers diverse landscapes, captivating beauty, and numerous picturesque hill stations to escape to.
From the lush green hills of the Western Ghats to the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, every hill station in India has its own distinct feel and charm. Fortunately, our travel experts did the legwork for you with this edit of bespoke hill stations in India that are worth bookmarking this summer.
Top 10 Hill Stations in India to Beat the Heat
Dreaming of a hill station getaway? These top 10 hill stations in India offer serene views, crisp mountain air, a cool climate, and rich biodiversity to explore.
Here’s a list of the top 10 hill stations in India off the beaten track that aren’t necessarily far from the airport.
1. Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Whether you’re looking for an adventurous vacation or a relaxing holiday, Dehradun is one of the most iconic hill stations to go to. With majestic waterfalls, expansive views of clouds, stunning mountain ranges, and surreal landscapes, this place is known for its culture, camping, amusement parks, and treks.
You can shop at a Tibetan market, and explore the Mindrolling Monastery, Robber’s Cave, or the Clock Tower.
Distance: You can get here from New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore by flight or drive for 30 km.
Temperature: The temperature here is from 19 degrees C to 32 degrees C.
2. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Bask in the morning sun while looking out at the snow-capped mountains and charming apple orchards. Manali offers pleasant weather, local Himachali cuisine, and scenic treks. March is the perfect time to visit this hill station to experience it in all its glory.
Some of the attractions at Manali include visiting Hadimba Devi Temple, Old Manali, and the hot springs of Vashisht.
Distance: You can take a flight from New Delhi or drive 50 km.
Temperature: The temperature here is between 4 degrees C and 16 degrees C.
3. Coorg, Karnataka
One of the most popular hill stations in South India, Coorg offers a quiet appeal and beautiful coffee farms. This peaceful hideaway is ideal for weekend getaways with family or friends and a must-see for anyone looking for wildlife and natural beauty.
Coorg offers the beautiful Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, the historic Madikeri Fort, the lush coffee plantations, and wildlife sanctuaries.
Distance: The nearest railway station is Mysore Junction. You can take a flight from Mangalore or drive 4-5 hours from Mysore or Bangalore.
Temperature: The temperature ranges between 20 degrees C and 35 degrees C.
4. Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir
With rolling meadows, colorful tulips, and crimson chinar leaves, Gulmarg is a great place to visit during the hot summer months. March to April is the best time to visit this location with cool weather, and jaw-dropping snow-white views of the Himalayas.
Gulmarg is a popular destination for winter sports like snowboarding or ice skating. You can also explore the Shrine of Baba Reshi, Apharwat Peak, the Maharani Temple, or try authentic Kashmiri cuisine.
Distance: Take a flight from Srinagar, New Delhi, Chandigarh, Bangalore, or Mumbai.
Temperature: The temperature here is between 0.3 degrees C and 10 degrees C.
5. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
Labeled the best hill station in India, Mussoorie can be described as comfortably cool, set with towering oaks, rhododendrons in bloom, and rolling hills. This hill station offers plenty to do for nature lovers and even offers a handful of establishments to shop from.
Mussoorie offers sights like Mall Road, Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, Landour, Kempty Falls, and Lal Tibba.
Distance: Take a flight from New Delhi, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Srinagar, or Mumbai. You can also drive 58 km.
Temperature: The temperature here is between 4 degrees C and 20 degrees C.
6. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
The best time to visit hill stations in North India is between March to April or September to October. Rishikesh is most popular for being a temple city and offers several activities for adrenaline junkies.
Most travelers prefer to go river rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, visit the ashrams, temples, ghats, or even experience the rich culture of this place.
Distance: Take a flight from New Delhi, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Mumbai, or Srinagar. You can also drive 25 km.
Temperature: The temperature here is between 15 degrees C and 30 degrees C.
7. Shillong, Meghalaya
Shillong is everything you can expect from an Indian hill station: life’s slow and easygoing. This charming location offers beautiful cherry blossoms, serene lakes, and even boating. November is the best month to visit this place for its annual Cherry Blossom Festival.
Shillong also offers sights like Elephant Falls, Ward’s Lake, Rhino Heritage Museum, Sweet Falls, and Police Bazaar.
Distance: Take a flight from Kolkata, or you can also drive 30 km.
Temperature: The temperature here ranges from 14 degrees C to 22 degrees C.
8. McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh
A couple of miles north of Dharamsala is McLeod Ganj, the residence of the 14th Dalai Lama and home to a large Tibetan population. This place is popular for its yoga, Buddhism, and meditation courses. Travelers can shop for Tibetan crafts, or just hang out enjoying the spiritual vibe.
McLeod Ganj offers attractions like the Tsuglagkhang Complex, Tibet Museum, Kalachakra Temple, and the Tushita Buddhist Meditation Centre.
Distance: Take a flight from New Delhi, or you can also drive 18 km.
Temperature: The temperature here is from 5 degrees C to 17 degrees C.
9. Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
Amidst the snow-capped mountains and soothing chants of crimson-robed Tibetan monks, Dharamshala in the Dhauladhar range is perfect for scenic treks and outdoor explorations. It offers a range of cafes, viewpoints, lakes, and major monasteries.
The best time to visit this place is between February to July. With clear skies, travelers love visiting the Norbulingka Institute, trekking through cedar forests, or enjoying Kangra Valley.
Distance: Take a flight from Delhi or catch a travel at Pathankot to get to Dharamshala.
Temperature: The temperature here is between 4 degrees C and 35 degrees C.
10. Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Ooty offers natural beauty and diverse attractions. The best time to visit this location is from October to March. You can enjoy cool evenings, clear skies, outdoor adventures, and sightseeing.
Travelers love scenic viewpoints such as Dolphin’s Nose, Ketti Valley Viewpoint, the Arboretum Tree Garden, Doddabetta Peak, and Mudumalai National Park.
Distance: Take a flight from Coimbatore International Airport or travel by train from major cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Mysore, or Coimbatore.
Temperature: The temperature here is between 10 degrees C and 30 degrees C.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Next Hill Station Vacation
Before heading to your favorite hill station to kickstart your holiday, there are certain things to remember. While the rolling hills, clean air, and snow-capped mountains have their own allure, these experiences will help make your holiday even better.
a. Enjoy a sky full of stars
Kullu, Manali, and Ladakh manage to keep light pollution at bay, so the night sky is visible in its purest form. With the cold atmosphere, these places are perfect for unobstructed stargazing. Invest in a telescope or get one from the local villages and enjoy a stunning astronomical view. Make sure to visit between March and October, when the skies remain clear.
b. Trek the flower valleys
As spring sets in, carpets of fresh rhododendron blooms cover up the Himalayas. From Sikkim to Himachal Pradesh and even Uttarakhand’s Valley of Flowers with its poppies, daisies, calendulas, and other flora, these areas are perfect for treks.
c. Chase the glow of the Western Ghats
When the monsoons hit the Western Ghats, the forests come alive. Ooty, Coorg, Coonoor, and other hill stations showcase bioluminescent fungi and mushrooms that grow deep in the forests on rotting barks. You can take an overnight hike to see the beauty and enjoy the sunrise over the Sahyadri.
Hill Station Vacations Designed for You
Now that you know the top 10 hill stations in India, why not plan a holiday? Our professionals at Anubhav Vacations can help you select the best itinerary so that you get the most out of your trip.
Our itineraries for the top 10 hill stations in India are slow-paced and offer the advantages of group travel with the flexibility of solo travel. Our travel experts listen closely to your interests and help you select an itinerary that is just right for you. So, get ready to begin a hill station journey like no other.
