When the heat starts getting on your nerves and even mundane activities become a burden, then that is the time for you to listen to your body clock, pack and head towards Indian hill stations that are personification of leisure, pleasure, natural beauty, value for money and adventure-all rolled into one.
Interestingly most of the states of India have hill stations, of which some are extremely exotic and are extremely popular tourist destinations, while others are smaller and quieter places with less hubbub and limited tourist infrastructure. But all in all most offer an exceptional experience.
Most of the hill stations in India are in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir in the Himalayas. Some of the hill stations in India are listed below by state:
Andhra Pradesh
Ananthagiri Hills
Located 60kms away from Vizag. It is an ideal retreat for nature lovers and honeymooning couples. Ananthagiri Hills is known for its beauty and natural splendor. Driving through picturesque coffee plantations the road to Anantagiri is enveloped with mango groves, waterfalls. Train travel is also an exhilarating experience as lush landscapes of forest afford a memorable spectacle.
Araku Valley
Araku Valley near Hyderabad is an amazing valley, coated with lush green forests and always reverberating with the musical notes of waterfalls. The pleasant climate of Araku Valley makes it a dreamland. The Araku Valley, is located at a height of 1,300 meters above sea level and around 112 kilometer away from Visakhapatnam. On your way you can see the Borra caves (90 kilometers), known for their stalactites and stalagmites.
Horsley Hills
Located 144km away from Tirupathi. It is situated at an altitude of 1,265 m, which makes this place delightfully cool, with a max summer temperature of 32°C, and minimum of 20°C. the shady slopes found in this are wooded with luxurious vegetation. It is located at an altitude of 1,265 meters from the sea level.
Arunachal Pradesh
Bomdila
Bomdila is a beautiful small town situated at a height of about 8000 ft. above the sea level from where one can see the brilliant landscape and snow-clad mountains of the Himalayan Range. The Buddhist monastery of Bomdila is the repository of culture and is among primary attractions of the area. Bomdila is the headquarters of West Kameng district in the state of Arunachal Pradesh in India. Tourist attractions of Bomdila include Buddhist temples, craft centres, the district museum, a sports complex, trekking, hiking and the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary.
Itanagar
Itanagar has been the capital of Arunachal Pradesh from April 20, 1974. Itanagar is situated at the foot. The town is located 350 meters above sea level. Is administratively Papumpare district. The Nishi tribe is or ends in the large area of Itanagar. However, Itanagar can be called as mini India, people all over the country, live here in harmony. As capital city of Itanagar is well connected with the rest of the country by road and air communications. Pawan Hansprovides helicopter service between Guwahati and Naharlagun (Itanagar). The attractions of Itanagar, Itafort ,Buddhist Temple, Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Museum and Ganga Lake . Itanagar derives its name from this historic fort.
Tawang
180-km From Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh. Tawang is located in a remote part of India amongst the lofty Himalayan ranges. The land of Monpas, Tawang is a district of Arunachal Pradesh situated at a height of 10,000 ft from the sea level. Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh is a major kernel of Buddhist learning and is particularly well-known for its 400 year old monastery (Tawang Monastery), one of the best known and largest in India. The name Tawang was derived from this monastery. It is also believed that, the name Tawang was given by Mera Lama in the 17th century.
Ziro Hill Station
Ziro hills are located about 150 kilometers away from Itanagar, capital city of Arunachal Pradesh. This place is also well-known as Apatani Plateau. Local people of this place are called as Apatani tribal. It is a small town which is surrounded with valleys from all sides. It is a beautiful hill station covered with Pine and bamboo groves. This place is famous for rice cultivation in India.
There is the heights point on the Ziro hills where a fish farm is popular for its whispering pine and handicraft centre. This place is covered with huge trees all over the area. People who are in search of fresh air and pleasing environment come here for relaxing and enjoy their holiday with their friends and family.
There are some stunning views of the sunrise and sunset from the hilltop of Ziro. As the shades of the color change, changing the color of the environment and making the place feel like ‘heaven on the earth’. People after viewing all this fall in love with this place.
Along
Located 125km away from Pasighat. Set in a wide open valley where the Sipu river merges with Siyom against the backdrop of hills covered with snow during winters, it presents a panoramic view tot he delight of visitors. Along by night with hundreds of electric lights flickering and glowing over the broad valley looks like a wonderland from the top of the hills. Hanging bridge on the Siang river is another thing to see at Along.
Pasighat
It is at a height of about 155meters above sea level. This place is situated in the center of the great Himalayas, huge dense forest and other valleys.Pasighat hills is not actually situated in mountains, it is a small town on the foothills of the Arunachal Pradesh. Therefore the weather over here is always pleasant and cool during winter as well as in summers.
This place has some of the stunning views of the snow-clapped Himalayas, the great valleys, waterfalls and other hill surrounding the Pasighat hills. It is said that the sun first rises here in the country so people visiting here will get to see the incredible view of the sunrise raising between the hills.
Assam
Haflong
Located 84km away from North of Silchar, Assam. It is the name of variety of orchids, one of them being the rare Blue Vanda. Haflong Lake, situated in the heart of the hill station is a picturesque area. The Jatinga village unravel the mystery of the flocks of little migratory birds crashing to death on still dark nights.
Umrongso/ Umrongshu
It is located at the borders of Assam and Meghalaya, 112-km away from Haflong. This hill station is blessed with the natural backdrop of North Cacher Hills region. For the sake of enjoying this alluring journey, one should travel from Haflong Hill to Umrangshu and from their via Jowai to Shillong hill. Near Umrangsu, there is a hot water spring (Garampani) which is believed to possess medicinal properties.
Himachal Pradesh
Chamba
Situated at the height of 996m. above sea level on the south bank of the Ravi River. The valley is noted for the magnificence of it’s scenery-touching the fringe of the Shivaliks and having three well-defined snowy ranges, the Dauladhar, constituting the outer Himalayas, the Pir Panjal or the mid Himalayas, and the Zanskar range or the inner Himalayas.
Kullu
Located at an altitude of 1220m. and by the banks of the shining river Beas. The ‘Silver Valley’ has nature’s treasures that lie carelessly scattered as flowers on the high meadows. The town of Kullu has long been a centre of faith.
Manali
Situated at an altitude of 2,050m. The Kullu valley has an ancient town in its lap called Manali. Surrounded by towering peaks at an arm length, Manali’s major asset is its proximity to the snowline. It is a flourishing orchard industry, a popular honeymoon destination and trailhead for numerous treks as well as a great countryside ideal for adventure sport lovers.
Shimla
Situated at an altitude of 2,159m. Dwelling on a panoramic location, the hilly town is surrounded by green pastures and snow-capped peaks. The spectacular cool hills accompanied by the structures made during the colonial era create an aura, which is very different from other hill stations.
Dharamsala
Dharamsala over looks the plains and is surrounded by dense pine trees and Deodar forests. A nearby snowline with numerous streams and cool healthy atmosphere makes the surroundings very attractive. The colourful temple and Gompas, which reflect the culture of Tibet, adds attraction for the visitor. The Kangra museum gives an overview of the rich past of the region and on the other hand there are institutes that have been established to preserve the Tibetan art, cultures and traditions.
Chamunda Devi Temple and Nurpur Fort near to it.
Dalhousie
This hill station spreads over five low-level hills at the western edge of the Dhauladhar range, just east of the Ravi River. The pine-covered slopes around it are intersected with paths and treks, which are ideal for short undemanding walks.
Jammu & Kashmir
Gulmarg
Gulmarg, a beautiful hill station that lies at a distance of 56 kilometers from Srinagar, Kashmir, is among the most favorite holiday destinations. The word “Gul” means flowers, and hence the name Gulmarg stands for “a meadow of flowers”. In winter, the stunning Gulmarg turns into a skiing resort. Khilanmarg is an important skiing center. The valley itself is about 3-km long and up to a km wide. All around are snow-capped mountains, and on a clear day one can see all the way to Nanga Parbat is one direction and Srinagar is another.
Pahalgam
Pahalgam is located in the high Himalayas in the Lidder valley. Pahalgam is an ideal destination for hiking, trekking and fishing. Pahalgam is the starting point of the holy Amarnath Yatra that takes place every year. about 2,130 metres above sea level. Pahalgam is 95 kilometres from Srinagar Jammu and Kashmir. The river Lidder flows near Pahalgam and there are many scenic spots around the river that can be visited. Saffron plants in the area present beautiful views. One can see the saffron plant in full bloom in November.
Patnitop
With all its beauty at a hill station, it is a charming plateau at 2,024m. Picturesquely situated at a high altitude, there are good bridle paths passing through wooded lanes and fascinating scenery. There are three ice-cold freshwater springs in the area, which are said to have medicinal properties.
Srinagar
The capital of Jammu and Kashmir and the largest city in the state, Srinagar (1,730m) is famous for its canals, houseboats and Mughal gardens. houseboats and Mughal gardens. The city itself is quite unlike most other large Indian cities for here you are much more in Central Asia than on the sub continent.
Leh
district, is a fascinating hill station. It is one of the favorite tourist destinations located in the northernmost parts of the country. Lying amidst the snow-capped hills of Himalayas with many monasteries and colorful markets, it is also the Buddhist capital of North India. At a height of 11,000 feet, there are many strikingly beautiful and majestic mountains here, which slowly merge into an oasis of green fields.
Karnataka
Biligiriranga Betta
120 kms from Mysore and 247 kms from Bangalore, the Biligirirangana range of hills is picturesquely situated between the Cauvery and the Tungabhadra rivers. At a height of 5,091 ft above sea level, this hill stretches from north to south for about 16 kms. Surrounded by deciduous trees, the forests are teeming with wildlife. And let the cool breeze blow your cares away. As the day slips quietly into night, watch the stars come out, one by one. The moon casts a silver light. And somewhere in the distance you hear a tiger roar. One can feel the proximity with the nature.
Kudremukh
5kms south-west of Chikmaglur town is the Kudremukh (Horse Face) range. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, the broad hills are chained to one another with deep valleys and steep precipices. As yet ‘undiscovered’ by tourists, Kudremukh is a secluded hill station, which retains much of its pristine, natural beauty.
Nandi Hills
60 kms north of Bangalore is the summer resort called Nandi Hills. Also known as Nandidurga, it was one of the summer retreats of Tipu Sultan. The 1478-m high Nandi Hills is the originating point of many rivers. And the forests surrounding the hills, abound with wild animals. Around the Nandi Hills are several smaller hills, which can be visited on foot.
Coorg
It is about 100 km from Mysore. Makikeri is famous for its coffee and oranges. It is famous as birthplace of the most famous river of Karnataka Cauvery.This place is famous for its scenic beauty.The fabulous paddy fields,coffee bushes and the morning mist form a sketch of some unforgettable memories for the tourists.The word Coorg essentially means ‘dense forest on steep hill’.
Agumbe
Agumbe, a small village at a height of 826 meters in the Shimoga district, offers the visitor a wonderful sunset view and trekking paths. An ideal setting for R.K Narayan’s Malgudi Days, The hill station of Agumbe in Karnataka attracts tourists for its serenity and enchanting scenic beauty. It has verdant valleys; picturesque mountain terrains, sparkling streams and a rustic charm that draws tourists to it, almost throughout the year.
Horanadu
Horanadu the holy city of Chickmagalur district of Karnataka, is famous for the Annapoorneshwari Temple. It is believed that one who visits the temple and takes the blessing of the Deity one shall never go hungry in their life. Horanadu lies amidst the scenic beauty of the Western Ghats, in the Malnad area. The nature’s bounty and green spread reflects on the Goddess’s resplendent glory.
Kemmangundi
55 kms north from Chickmagalur town on the Baba Budan range is the scenic hill station of Kemmannugundi called K.R hills, after the Wodeyar king Krishnaraja Wodeyar – IV who made it his favorite summer camp. Situated at a height of 1434 meters and surrounded by thick green forests. K.R Hills makes and ideal health resort.
Mullayanagiri
Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in Karnataka, India. It is located in the Baba Budan Giri Range. With a height of 1930 m (6317 ft.), it is the hightest peak between the Himalayas and the Nilgiris. Mullayanagiri is located in the Chikkamagalur district of Karanataka.
Kerala
Devikulam
Located 16 kms from Munnar, this gorgeous hill station symbolizes nature in her pristine glory. The crisp and cool mountain air heavily laden with the fragrance of wild flowers and rare herbs is any nature lover’s paradise.
Topstation
The idyllic hill station is located 32 kms from Munnar, on the Munnar-Kodaikanal Road. Perched at an altitude of 1700 m above sea level, it is the highest point on Munnar-Kodaikanal Road. The rare Neelakurinji (Strobilanthus), the flower that blooms once in 12 years, belongs to this region.
Munnar
Munnar hills is siatuated at an altitude of 5000 to 8000 Ft above sea level. and is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams – Mudrapuzha, Nallathani & Kundala. This beautiful hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling Tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India.
Nelliyampathy
A forest range 75 kms ( travel time: 2 ½ hours) from Palghat, the Nelliyampathy hillls comprise a chain of ridges cut off from one another by valleys of dense evergreen forests and orange plantations. The height of the hills ranges from 467 metres to the tallest peak Padagiri loomig at 1572 metres. Accessing Nelliyampathy from Palght is a sensation on its own, as you negotiate over a dozen haipin curves of the ghat road passilng through the fascinating jungles of the Sahya Ranges.
Pakshipatalam
Pakshipathalam, located 7 kms north east of Thirunelli Temple in Brahma Giri Hills is a challenging tourist spot. A trekkers’ paradise, this place is accessibe only by trekking. Located at an altitude of 1740 m above sea level, this hill station offers great opportunities for bird watching. One has to trek 17 kms through the wild forests, to reach ‘Pakshipathalam’.
Ponmudi
The salubrious hill station of Ponmudi is at a distance of 61kms from Trivandrum. Perched at an altitude of over 100 m above sea level on the Western Ghats, the picturesque view of Ponmudi is afford a memorable spectacle and trekking is a passion to the visitors.
Vagamon
Lying at an altitude of 1100 m above the sea level, the Vagamon Hill station provides unlimited holidaying facilities all year except for a little while during monsoons. At a distance of 100 km from Cochin and 60 km from Kottayam, this serene and stunningly beautiful place is a true haven on earth. Grass covered hills, velvety lawns and cool mountain place make Vagamon a must see destination in Tours to Kerala Hill Stations.
Peermade
Situated 915 m above sea level, Peermade is on the way to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. this pleasant hill station was once the summer retreat of the Maharajas of Travancore. Peermade is indeed a cool hill resort in Kerala. Here you will find sprawling tea, coffee, cardamom, rubber and eucalyptus plantations side by side with natural grasslands and pine forests. Here you will find sprawling tea, coffee, cardamom, rubber and eucalyptus plantations side by side with natural grasslands and pine forests.
Rajasthan
Mount Abu
Amid the sands of romantic Rajasthan lies a small hill station at a distance of 185 km from Udaipur, which goes by the name of Mount Abu. Spread over an area of 25 sq. km and located at an altitude of 1219 meters above sea level, the hill station is famous for its many temples the most noteworthy being the Delwara Temples of Jain origin.
Sikkim
Gangtok
Gangtok, the “Lofty Hill” or the “Hill made flat to build the Gangtok monastery in 1716″. Gangtok is a city, which, till one sees it, one would believe exists only in picture-story books.
An air of enchantment hangs over the city, indeed the whole valley; the mysticism, the stupas, the monasteries reach out as soon as one has crossed the border. While across the hills and valleys comes the sounding of the long trumpets by robed lamas.
Tamilnadu
Coonoor
Situated on the eastern side of the southern extremity of the Doddabetta range, at an altitude of 1,858m above the sea level. It is the second largest hill station in the Nilgiris and is located just 19kms away from Ooty. Coonoor is essentially a small tea garden town where the weather remains pleasantly cool throughout the year. The town is physically divided into upper and lower Coonoor.
Ketti
Ketti is famous for having the highest railway station in the country, situated at a height of 7,000 ft, in the Nilgiri Mountains of South India. The weather of Ketti valley is salubrious. Ketti is a wealth of natural beauty reposing in the Wenlock Downs, the Municipal Gardens and Doddabetta Peak, at 2,623 m the highest in the Nilgiris.
Kodaikanal
It is located amidst the folds of the verdant Pali hills. With her wooded slopes, mighty rocks, enhancing waterfalls and a beautiful lake, Kodaikanal is a charming hill station which mesmerises any visitor. Kodai is situated at an altitude of about 2,133-m high and covers an area of 21.45sq.km. The pride of Kodaikanal is the ‘Kurinji-flower’, which blossoms once in 12 years. The hill-plantain fruits and plums are known for their freshness and taste.
Kotagiri
Kotagiri is located 16-km away from Ooty and it is the oldest hill station of the Nilgiris. Kotagiri is situated at an altitude of 1950m, which was once a British hill resort, that dates back to 1819 and is quieter than Ooty. Elk Falls, Kodanad Viewpoint and Catherine Falls are a few places to visit.
Udhagamandalam (Ooty)
Udhagamandalam (Ooty), the capital of Nilgiri district, is popularly known as the “Queen of hill stations’ among the tourist circuits. It is situated at a distance of 105 km away from Coimbatore. The height of the hills in the Nilgiri range varies between 2280 and 2290 metres, the highest peak being Doddabetta at a height of 2623 metres.
Yercaud
Yercaud is a lesser-known hill station when compared to Ooty and Kodaikanal. Yercaud is situated at an altitude of 1,500 meters (4,920 feet), on the Shevaroy hills of the Eastern Ghats. The lofty hills are of extraordinary scenic beauty endowed with a salubrious climate. Yercaud is also called “Ooty of the Poor ” and is known for Coffee Plantations and Orange Groves.
Javadi Hills
The Javadi Hills are a range of hills, one of the largest in the Eastern Ghats, in Vellore District, in the northern part of the state of Tamil Nadu in southeastern India. About 50 miles (80 km) wide and 20 miles (32 km) long, they are bisected into eastern and western sections by the Cheyyar and Agaram rivers, tributaries of the Palar. They consist of bluish gray granites, with peaks averaging 3,600–3,800 feet (1,100–1,150 m).
Sirumalai hill
Sirumalai is a small hill station 20 Km away from Dindigul on the Natham Road. The place has a lot of birds and animals and the youngsters can go for trekking and mountaineering here. The place is mentioned in the ancient Ayurvedic books as a place abundant with many medicinal plants. The Siddha form of healing has been developed on these hills by the sages a thousand years back. The hill has a cool climate. he place is cheap and convenient compared to other hill stations. It is 1,200 metres high and spreads over 60,000 acres.
Uttar Pradesh
Mussoorie
It is located at a height of 2,500m in the green Himalayan range. Due to its location and beauty it is considered as the best hill station in the northern region. The name is derived from plants of ‘Mussoorie’ which were found in abundance here. The modern bungalows, malls and well laid gardens around the area are enough to attract any tourist.
Nainital
A small town in the hills of Kumaon, Nainital is a lovely hill station surrounded by mountains on three sides. Once this area had many lakes and it was called the City of 60 lakes or ‘Chakta’. Most of the lakes in the region have disappeared and whatever remains is just a glimpse of what they might have been in the past. Today the life of Nainital revolves around the lake of Naini.
Pithoragarh
The Mini Kashmir The easternmost hill district of Uttar Pradesh, Pithoragarh is often referred to as Miniature Kashmir.Nestling in a small valley, barely 5 km long and 2 km wide, the town also known as Sore Valley was an important landmark of the Chand Rajas of Kumaon. It is situated at an altitude of 1, 650 m above sea level. It is the districtheadquarter and it’s government buildings are housed in the Hill fort of Pithoragarh at a distance of 7 km from the main town. It’s population size is 22, 000. It is on pilgrim road to Mt Kailash and Mansarovar Lake.
UttaraKhand
Binsar
Binsar is situated at a height of about 2412 meters above sea level. Binsar is the most attractive hill station in the Uttaranchal state. It is the favorite place for people who are fond of adventures and natural lovers. It is best for winter holidays.
Almora
Almora is one of the most popular hill stations of Uttaranchal and is in a shape of a horseshoe. It is one of the five districts in the newly carved state of theUttaranchal and is situated at the height of 1,638 meters. It is also known, as the cultural capital of Kumaon. It is surrounded by four hill ranges, each having temples on top of its peak. These temples are of goddesses Banari Devi, Kasar Devi, Sayahi Devi and the temple of Sun god.
Bageshwar
Bhowali in Uttaranchal nestled amidst the green and beautiful Himalayas is one of the beautiful mountain resorts. A few kilometers from Nainital, Bhowali is famous for its beautiful fruit market which offers to the tourists, rich variety of fruits. This hill fruit mart is not just famous for its scenic beauty but it also has a Sanotorium here which was built during the British period for people suffering from tuberculosis and lung problems. Bhowali located at a distance from Nainital is the perfect destination to spend your idyllic retreat amidst serenity and peace. It is situated at the height of 4329meters.
West Bengal
Darjeeling
Darjeeling , the queen of all hill stations,famous for its natural beauty, clean fresh air,year round plesent weather and above all, the ever smiling and welcoming local people.The 3rd highest pick in the world,mount Kanchenjunga is very close to this lpece and also gives the clearest view.Darjeeling is widely known as visitors paradise because every day it offers something new to everyone ,may be the first time visitoe and may be the regular one.The morning bell comes to the vewers when the firts ray of sun touchesthe mountaina pick. It is situated at an altitude of 2134 m above sea level.
Mirik
It is 52kms from Siliguri and 55kms from the nearest Airfield of Bagdogra. Mirik is being developed as a new hill station in the mountains. Mirik is surrounded by tea estates, orange orchards and cardamom plantations with all the facilities to fulfill the needs of a tourist. This place is 5,800 feet above the sea level and has very thin population of 10,000 people. Mirik has not yet acquired the hustle and bustle of the a regular hill station and is from pollution. Thus the little time spend here is enough to refresh you.
Kurseong
Half way between Siliguri and Darjeeling is the quiet hill-station of Kurseong. You can get there by the heritage Himalayan Railway. Kurseong is as picturesque as a storybook - it is surrounded by the misty mountains, green valleys with wild orchids in bloom, and rolling slopes of tea plantations. There is also a pretty lake. You can do some easy treks from here to Mirik (8 hours) and Ghoom (5 hours), both in Darjeeling.
Kalimpong
This is a favourite summer destination for Bengali tourists and has the ambience of a quaint British hill-station, mixed with a Tibetan and Bhotiya touch. It was on the ancient trade route to Tibet, and still has a lively market selling all kinds of curious products. Kalimpong is dotted with old British cottages and hotels, as well as Tibetan monasteries and temples. If you want to avoid the tourist crowds of Darjeeling, visit Kalimpong. It is just 51 km away. You can have a laid back holiday here with pleasant walks and picnics on the hill-side. You can also go to Bhutan from here at the Phuentsholing border.
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