Phewww – summer has arrived in India, and it has stuck with a bang. With scorching sun – and rising temperatures – this year’s summer is the hottest compared to the past hundred years.
Sailing through this summer is definitely going to be a stressful experience for all of us. After almost two years – we are finally trying to revel our summer holidays – but it is a challenge to enjoy a vacation in these soaring temperatures.
Well – there is a catch. We could find respite from this blazing hot summer – and still can enjoy our summer holidays – at some of the best hill stations in India.
There are plenty of picturesque hill stations in India that offer respite from this heat. The majority of them were built by the British around a central mall to provide relief from the oppressive summer heat. There are myriad things and places to explore and enjoy in any of India’s hill stations. To add to the excitement, you can ride a toy train up to some of them.
Here is our pick of the best hill stations in India to visit for their panoramic views, serenity, and laid-back lifestyle.
Image Source : https://www.oyorooms.com/
One of the first hill stations that pop into our minds when we start thinking about hill stations in India is for sure; Jammu and Kashmir region. Gulmarg, for us – is synonymous with the Swiss village. Agree that this state has faced some challenging times nevertheless; Gulmarg is nothing but the most serene paradise on earth.
Gulmarg seems like a fairytale town hidden in the panoramic Kashmir valley. It is a popular skiing destination and has one of Asia’s longest cable car projects, making it undisputedly; one of the best hill stations to visit in India.
A European wonderland in winter and lush green in summer – this place is a delight in all seasons. During summers – Gulmarg is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts. A few popular adventure activities include snowboarding, trekking, skiing, etc.
Enjoy shopping for unique souvenirs from the local market such as Pashmina, jewelry, etc. Explore the local cuisine and much more with our Kashmir tour packages.
Image Source : https://lp-cms-production.imgix.net/
Flanked by rhododendron, oak, pine forests, and snow-capped mountains, Shimla is next in line. It is renowned as the queen of hill stations that never fails to mesmerize us with its natural beauty.
Shimla has rich colonial history reflected through many landmarks in the city.
Looking up at the half-timbered former library and the medieval Viceroy’s Church tower in the main square transports you to a European city nestled among the Indian hills.
Shimla, formerly the summer capital of British India, preserves a strikingly unspoiled air of Raj-era romance even after seventy years of independence and commercial tourism.
If you wish to avail an authentic experience – book our Shimla tour packages with a UNESCO privileged toy train journey from Kalka to Shimla. The train travel is around six hours on the narrow gauge line.
Prominent places to visit in this city are the Jakhoo Temple, Christ Church, Mall Road, etc. Adventure seekers can enjoy recreational activities such as mountain biking, camping, paragliding, skiing, and short treks, thanks to the gorgeous surroundings.
Image Source : https://images.unsplash.com/
Manali, one of the most prominent hill stations in India, has a touristy feel to it from the time you step into this paradise. Its location, on the Beas River banks, surrounded by the lush greenery and the Himalayas, makes it a popular backpacking and adventure destination. Check all our Manali tour package options to customize them as per your preferences.
The adventure activities you can partake in are rafting, trekking, Heli-Skiing, rock-climbing, paragliding, etc.
If you are not an adventure enthusiast – still, there is so much to explore in Manali. Visit the Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art, Solang Valley, Hadimba Temple, Rohtang Pass, and Tibetan monasteries.
If you are exhausted from all of the sightseeing and adventure activities, relax and rejuvenate your body and mind at the Vashisht Hot Water Springs. Although the town itself has plenty to keep visitors entertained, venture a few miles out to be surrounded by nature and adventure.
Image Source : https://uttarakhandtourism.gov.in/
Mussoorie is a meandering hill station in the Himalayan Foothills with breathtaking views and a plethora of scenic beauty. Since colonial times, it has been a well-known hill station in India. This hamlet has a distinct colonial vibe, from the little cottages spread around the region to the design of even the lamp posts.
Adventure activities are aplenty, with everything from snow-covered mountains to waterfalls, lush forests, and lakes, including boating, zip-lining, trekking, and rappelling.
This hill station is around 290 kilometers from Delhi in the Dehradun district and offers breathtaking views of the Doon valley to the south and the Himalayas to the north.
Mussoorie was built specifically for tourism, and there are plenty of places to explore and things to experience in our well-planned Mussoorie tour packages. You may take a stroll down Mall Road, ride the ropeway to Gun Hill, or hike to Lal Tibba, the highest point in the city, for stunning views of the area.
Image Source : https://cdn1.goibibo.com/
A visit to Leh Ladakh, India’s highest and most well-known hill station, is an absolute must. Before you read ahead – most of us have a confusion regarding Leh-Ladakh. Well, let us clear it first – Ladakh has two districts – Kargil and Leh. Leh district has a popular town – Leh – a famous tourist destination.
The reason; why Leh-Ladakh is one of the most prevalent hill stations in India is that there is the best of both worlds – from soaking in the scenic beauty to driving on the highest motor passes in the world.
You can opt for a simple Leh Ladakh tour package that takes care of your transfers, tours, and accommodation, or you can plan an adventurous package. The region is known as the world’s coldest desert and is characterized by spectacular vistas.
While considering hill stations in India – we usually tend to think of the iconic mountain ranges of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. However, apart from Northern India, there are plenty of hill stations in southern, western, and eastern India as well. All are equally beautiful and lush green, making for picturesque holiday destinations.
Read on further – so that the next time you plan your summer holiday to a hill station in India – you know all your options.
Image Source : https://images.thrillophilia.com/
Gangtok, the capital city, is one of the most beautiful hill stations of our country, charmingly feisty, incredibly captivating, and adorned with clouds. It is a town that combines the amenities of a city with the charisma of a hill station.
The town is 1650 meters above sea level and offers spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga on clear days. It serves as a base for trekkers and campers who want to explore the Himalayan mountain ranges.
The Gangtok ropeway provides a panoramic perspective of the city and its environs. Alternatively, walking through the town is also the best way to explore Gangtok.
Gangtok is a living and dynamic section of northeast paradise, with just the right amount of everything from urbanization to cultural identities. Gangtok and its surrounding areas are rich in natural beauty, and most of our Gangtok tour packages include a wide range of attractions.
Darjeeling is the ideal destination for a romantic honeymoon for individuals who enjoy being in nature.
Darjeeling is enclosed by acres of tea plantations and sits at 2,050 meters above sea level, providing a pleasant environment throughout the year. India’s former summer capital during the British Raj has matured into one of the country’s most sought-after hill stations.
Its snow-capped Himalayan peaks and endless slopes of lush tea plantations in the background add to the postcard-like feel.
UNESCO designated the toy train, founded in 1881, as a World Heritage Site. The railway climbs from the plains to approximately 2000 meters above sea level, providing stunning views of the mountains as it chugs on.
Darjeeling is home to over eighty-six tea farms that produce the globally renowned Darjeeling Tea. Take a stroll around the plantations to pluck a few tea leaves for yourself, or relax at the tea estate with a cup of freshly brewed chai; the choice is yours!
Most of our Darjeeling tour packages include tours of tea plantations as well.
Image Source : https://couplehoneymoonpackages.com/
Shillong dubbed the Scotland of the East, is a city in northeast India famed for its natural beauty. The surroundings are breathtaking, with cascading waterfalls, beautiful lakes, rolling green hills, and fascinating caverns.
The city got its name from an idol – Lei Shyllong – worshipped at the Shillong Peak. The crystal clear lakes, exciting mountain peaks, breathtakingly beautiful golf courses, museums, local culture, and cafes are the main reasons people visit Shillong.
Shillong has a somewhat westernized culture and a youthful feel about it. It is recognized as the music capital of our country, being home to several well-known musicians. Many music events are organized throughout the year, making it a bustling location.
Will you like to plan your Shillong tour package during these music events?
Image Source : https://www.holidify.com/
Mahabaleshwar is set among the Sahyadri mountain ranges. It was the former summer capital of Bombay during British rule in India and is still, one of the most popular hill stations in West India.
Mahabaleshwar is not just renowned for its strawberries but also its medieval forts, beautiful gardens, lakes, scenic waterfalls, and pleasant weather all year. All of which contribute to an idyllic and visually pleasing ambiance.
If you are looking for some adventure – you can try your hand at trekking, horseback riding, paragliding, kayaking, and water rides.
It is a popular weekend escape spot for Mumbai and Pune residents. It’s frequently used as a starting point for exploring the majestic Pratapgad Fort, which is about an hour away.
Book your customized Mahabaleshwar tour package with us to get relief this summer season.
Image Source : https://assets.traveltriangle.com/
Munnar, Kerala’s crowning glory, is an enchanting hill station. At 1600 meters, it is one of the most popular and visited hill stations in the Western Ghats, especially among honeymooners.
Munnar is known for its tea estates, lush foliage, and misty natural viewpoints. While in Munnar, you can either visit the museum and tea plantations to get an insight into tea processing and sample fresh tea or stroll through the Eravikulam National Park to witness the beauty of rolling hills and lush valleys.
Trek to the highest peak of India – Anamudi, or go rock climbing and paragliding for a bit of adventure.
Munnar was once the summer retreat of the British administration, and the main reason to visit – is to see the tea estates, which look like a blanket of green stretched all over.
Munnar is a spice and tea shopping paradise. Make sure to include shopping time in your Munnar tour package.
With this ready-reckoner list of hill stations in India – if not all, at least a handful should be on your bucket list. These hill stations are not just summer destinations, but they offer an altogether different experience during winters. However, a visit to a hill station during winter is the most popular choice amongst honeymooners.
These hill stations in India are a paradise for all travelers of all ages, with scenic views, friendly locals, and the chance to enjoy perfect weather.
Talk to one of the destination consultants at Flamingo Transworld – choose which hill station would like to explore, decide the inclusions and other preferences, and leave the rest to us. Let the team do all the planning for you while you pack to bags to escape this scorching heat.
Nikita Karia has eleven years of experience working in the B2B travel trade, focusing on international destinations. Thus, writing tourism content comes naturally to her. She has traveled across countries- like Singapore, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and South Africa.
Additionally, she has a flair for writing about healthcare, technology, mental health, education, and e-commerce. Her purpose of the write-up is to simplify the contents in a way that resonates with the reader. When she is not writing, she enjoys tweaking her gardening skills
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Comment *
Name *
Email *
Δ
