Best Hill Stations of India

1. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

 

Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

The North East is probably one of the most unexplored parts of India, and that’s a shame given the locales in this untouched region that would take your breath away. One of the most serene and magnificent of India’s hill stations is Tawang, which houses the largest monastery in India and one of the biggest in the world. Azure sky, snow-clad peaks and stunning views of the hills, mountains and valleys give you the impression that you’re probably living in a different dimension.

2. Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya

 

Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya

One of the wettest places in the world (it just lost out on the title of the wettest place to Mawsynram a couple of years back), the balmy hill station of Cherrapunjee is breathtakingly beautiful. No wonder, it’s in the state of Meghalaya, the abode of the clouds, which is also known as the land of mist and magic. Check out the rest of the Khasi Hills and the ling roots bridges in the area — they are definitely a site to behold.

3. Chopta, Uttarakhand

 

Chopta, Uttarakhand

The village forms the base for trekking to Tungnath, and is popular with old and young alike. Boasting of unspoiled beauty in the lap of the Himalayas, the village offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan range, including Trishul, Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba.

4. Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir

 

Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir

Often called Kashmiri Venice, Srinagar is one of India’s most romantic and popular hill stations. Think ‘Kashmir ki Kali’! On the banks of the Jhelum river and boasting of the picturesque Dal Lake, visit this paradise on earth, and don’t forget to enjoy a shikara ride. Preferably stay in a houseboat — and there are many on rent for a reasonable price should you book well in advance.

5. Darjeeling, West Bengal

 

Darjeeling, West Bengal

Darjeeling, "Land of the Celestial Thunderbolt," was given to the British as a "gift" from the once-independent kingdom of Sikkim. Lying in the Himalayan foothills and entirely surrounded by snow capped vistas, Darjeeling soon became the favorite summer resort of the British Raj during the heyday of Calcutta. Today, the incredible view of Mount Kanchenjunga is undoubtedly its best-loved attraction, though the town has also acquired a global reputation for producing the "champagne of teas," and retains some of its haunting Gothic Victorian ambiance.

6. Sari Village, Uttarakhand

 

Sari Village, Uttarakhand

A small village in Uttarakhand, Sari falls en route to Chopta. It is also the base camp for the beautiful lake, Deorial Tal, which is only 2km away. Though mainly famous as a base camp for the Tungnath trek, the quaint Sari by itself is a delightful little village where time stops, and life goes in slow motion. Many prefer to come to Sari to simply unwind and go for long and simple hikes.

7. Bhimtal, Uttarakhand

 

Bhimtal, Uttarakhand

Bhimtal is in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, which brings it in very close proximity to another — more popular — sister hill station of Nainital. But where this quaint town has an edge is in its exclusivity and offering of less crowds with equally beautiful visual delights. There is also Naukuchiatal if you want to go a bit higher up or just for a day trip.

8. Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir

 

Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir

India’s most popular skiing destination, Gulmarg is around 50km from Srinagar. It used to be the summer home for kings such as Jahangir, and when you go there, you’ll know why. White in winters and luscious green with snow-capped vistas over the Summer, Gulmarg is a great destination for all kinds of trips and travelers. It also gives you a chance to ride on the second highest cable car in the world.

9. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

 

Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

Ensconced by lush and evergreen forests, Kodaikanal is also known as the ‘Gift of the Forests’, and if Mussoorie is known as the Queen of hill stations, then Kodaikanal is called the Princess. This lovely town has everything — stunning waterfalls, mysterious caves, rock pillars and deep green forests.