Top Hill Stations In India

1. Ooty

Located in the Indian State of Tamil Nadu,Ooty is one of the best places to visit to beat the summer heat. Sometimes referred to as Udhagamandalam or Ootacamund, Ooty is situated amidst the Nilgiri hills at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level and enjoys a favorable climate all year round. The best time to visit is during the months between October and December.

2. Shimla

The capital city of the state of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is one of the most iconic hill station destinations in India. The city was the former capital of Punjab and was established by the British as their summer capital in the 17th century. The Kalka-Shimla Railways with its 806 bridges and 103 tunnels enchants people even before they reach the montane haven and is also one of the few railways to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. Manali

Sitting at an altitude of 2050 meters above sea level, Manali is located in the Beas River Valley in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Due to its location amidst the Kullu district and the Himalayas the city enjoys one of the most pleasant all year round climate. Trekking, hiking, skiing or simply relaxing, Manali has everything to offer its visitors in the most scenic and breathtaking of locations.

4. Munnar

The name ‘Munnar’ refers to the confluence of three rivers near which the town is located. The hill station is placed at an average elevation of 1700 meters above sea level in the Western Ghats in Kerala. Munnar is famous for its lush green mountainous surrounding and its vast tea plantations. The climate is pleasant and favorable throughout the year with the months between December and May the best time to visit.

5. Darjeeling

Darjeeling is located amidst the lesser Himalayan range and is known for its famous tea industry across India and the world. The hill station is placed at an average elevation of 2050 meters above sea level in the lesser Himalayas in the Indian state of West Bengal. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Darjeeling offers some of the best climatic conditions for the visitors in India with temperatures never rising beyond 20 degrees Celsius in summers.

6. Nainital

Nainital is located in the Indian state of Uttrakhand and is situated at an average elevation of 2,084 meters above sea level. The most striking feature of the town is the pear shaped lake which is surrounded by lush green hillocks from all sides. The town has been mentioned in the ancient Hindu texts and derives its name from the eyes of the goddess Sati which are said to have fallen in this region and is also worshiped as Naina Devi at the lake’s northern shore.

7. Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is located in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and is located at an average elevation of 2,133 meters above sea level. The town’s main source of economy is its tourism industry making it one of the most welcoming tourist destinations in India. The several waterfalls, lakes, rivers and the other natural attractions in the hill town have made it a popular summer retreat.

8. Mussoorie

Lying at an altitude of 2,050 meters in the Indian state of Uttrakhand, Mussoorie is often referred to as the ‘Queen of the Hills’. The town provides the most picturesque views of the Himalayas and the Doon Valley with a perennially pleasant climate. The best time to visit is between mid-February and November. However one needs to be careful of the heavy rainfall in the monsoons.

9. Srinagar

The summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar is located in the heart of the Kashmir Valley in the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir. The town is located by the river Jhelum which is a tributary of the river Jhelum and is placed at an average elevation of 1600 meters above sea level. The town contains a rich historical past and several breathtaking natural attractions that make it one of the most visited hill stations in India.

10. Khandala

Located in Maharashtra, Khandala lies in the Western Ghats at an average elevation of 550 meters above sea level. The hill station is one of the most popular retreats for the people of Maharashtra and especially Mumbai who seek retreat from the warm costal climate. The amazing lakes and peaks in Khandala and the several other natural attraction make it a must visit hill station in Maharashtra.