Hill Stations In India

Darjeeling, West Bengal

Surrounded by infinite slopes of emerald-green tea plantations and set against a backdrop of jagged white Himalayan peaks, Darjeeling is nestled away in the northern regions of West Bengal. A journey on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway fondly known as the ‘Toy train’ is a great way to explore and soak in the magnificent surroundings of this hill station.

Shillong, Meghalaya

The capital city of Meghalaya, Shillong sits amidst the Khasi Hills. One of the most charming hill stations of India, it’s famous for receiving the highest rainfall in the world and for its dynamic music scene—being home to the country’s favourite Blues band, Soulmate and India's most popular blues man, Lou Majaw.

Coorg, Karnataka

Spread out on the Western Ghats, the misty valley of Coorg is enveloped in emerald landscapes and acres of coffee, tea and spice plantations. Fondly referred to as the ‘Scotland of India’ due to its verdant beauty and pleasant weather conditions, Coorg is a major centre for spice and coffee production. So, just back and watch the fog roll by.

Ooty, Tamil Nadu

Established as a summer retreat by the British and nicknamed ‘Snooty Ooty',Ooty is a visual delight filled with pretty cottages, fenced flower gardens, thatched-roof churches and terraced botanical gardens. Venture a few kilometres out and you'll find yourself surrounded by greener, quieter area sdotted with an abundance of pine trees.

Coonoor, Tamil Nadu

Smaller and quieter than its neighbour Ooty, Coonoor is nestled in the Nilgiri Mountains and is surrounded by rolling hills and tea and coffee plantations. The ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway’s quaint toy train—from Coonoor to Ooty—covers the region’s most scenic spots including the cantonment area of Wellington.

Manali, Himachal Pradesh

With mountain adventures beckoning from all directions, Manali is the perfect destination for those looking to unwind. Backpackers come to hang around in the villages near the main town and adventure tourists come for trekking, paragliding, rafting and skiing. About 53 km away from Manali is the famous Rohtang Pass which offers breathtaking sights of glaciers, peaks and valleys.

Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh

Mcleodganj, the home of Dalai Lama is the destination for many travellers visiting Dharamshala. Walk along the Temple road, hop into one of the many colourful shops, spin the Tibetan prayer wheels or simply devour steaming hot momos—there are a lot of charming things packed in just a couple of blocks.

Munnar, Kerala

Sprawling tea plantations, picture-perfect vistas and winding lanes make Munnar a favourite amongst Indian hill stations. Although the town itself is forever alive with activity, wander a few kilometres out and you’ll be engulfed in a thousand shades of green.

Nainital, Uttarakhand

An erstwhile summer retreat of the British, Nainital is a small town settled amidst Uttrakhand’s Kumaon range. There’s a busy town bazaar and a web of walking tracks around the forested hillsides, which have enticed travellers since pre-independence days to retreat to Nainital.

Matheran, Maharashtra

Shady forests, criss-crossing foot trails and breathtaking lookouts define Maharashtra’s most loved hill-station, Matheran. Motor vehicles are banned within Matheran and getting up to the town is half the fun of going there. Arrive on a narrow-gauge toy train that chugs along a 21 km scenic route, or trek up the scenic path that makes its way through train tracks and hillsides.

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Snow-capped Himalayan peaks and green pastures surround Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Spectacular hills blend with structures from the colonial era and the town’s lower bazaars flow with local life and shops selling souvenirs, fabrics and spices.

Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

Offering stunning views of the green Doon Valley and the distant white-capped Himalayan peaks, Mussoorie—located 34 km from Dehradun—is popularly known as the ‘Queen of the Hills’. You can walk up and down the famous Mall road, or sit and admire the mist-covered hills from Mussoorie’s highest point called Lal Tibba.

Wayanad, Kerala

Wayanad’s landscape combines epic mountain scenery, rice paddies, bamboo trees spiky ginger fields and rubber, cardamom and coffee plantations. Encompassing a part of a forest reserve, this quiet district in north-eastern Kerala is home to a variety of animals, including tigers. 

Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

A heady mix of religion, history and nature, Tawang is one of the least discovered towns in Arunachal Pradesh. Dotted with Buddhist monasteries and mystical gompas on one end and a war memorial on another, it begins to work its magic on travellers the moment they ascend the hills.

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