Rich with its heritage, cultural artifacts, and beautifying places adding to its name, India is equipped with jewels like the Himalayan, Aravalis, and Vindhyas housing some remarkably beautiful and rejuvenating hill stations that boast India’s beauty globally. Some of these places are also recognized by the English, Mughal, Rajput, and other local rulers who used to visit these places to beat the heat back in the old days.
However, over the years these hill stations have become some of the most popular destinations for both locals and tourists seeing the current climatic conditions. So, if you are also planning for a perfect vacation with your friends and family but are confused about where to go, we are here to help.
We have curated some of the best hill stations that you might not want to miss in India.
Gulmarg
Residing at an altitude of nearly 9000 feet, Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir is circled by the mountains, rivers, beautiful landscapes of lakes, gorgeous meadows, a variety of multicolored flowers, and pine-scented slopes.
Gulmarg is one of the most popular places amongst couples and honeymooners. While visiting here you should look at getting places and activities like skiing, cable car, etc. in your Kashmir tour packages. Barring its breathtaking beauty, Gulmarg is also popular for its skiing culture. One can also opt for various packages to ski or can even learn with a beginner’s package. Additionally, you will be astonished knowing that the cable car is the second-largest and longest cable car globally.
Apart from this, the Biosphere reserves are also quite famous on this side of the Jammu and Kashmir honeymoon package. You should reserve this in your Kashmir tour packages since here you will get to witness avifauna populations, musk deer, and snow leopard.
Leh
Situated at 8,370 ft above sea level, Leh beautifies the Himalayan range with the greenery, white sand, rivers it has to offer. Leh truly redefines beauty in many ways. Besides its beauty alone, Leh is also popular for the heritage it adds to the Indian culture.
At its local market, you get your hands on various high-quality jewelry and artifacts that are popular across the globe. While here in Leh you can get lost in the mesmerizing beauty of this place and go out hiking, have a spiritual connection, and visit places like Leh Palace, Hall of Fame, and Leh Main Bazaar.
The Leh Palace was built by king Dragpa Bumdey, in the early fifteenth century. While here you can watch over the city from this palace. At the Hall of Fame, you will find contributions made by the India Soldiers and Martyrs who laid down their lives in the battle against Pakistan.
Also, read: 8 Simple Life Lessons I Learned From The Mountains
Mussoorie
Also known as the ‘queen of hills’ Mussoorie resides at an altitude of 6000 feet.
It is one of the most popular hill stations amongst both honeymooners and leisure travelers. Offering a great view and amazing weather, this hill station is divided into two halves i.e. Gandhi Chowk and Landour. Home for famous personalities like Ruskin Bond, Bill Aitken, and Victor Banerjee Mussoorie is also popular for being equipped with famous and old schools like Woodstock and Oak Grove Schools. While here you can visit various places like the mall road, Bhattal Falls, Kempty Falls, Camel’s back road, Landour, etc.
You may also indulge in some local shopping at the Tibet market, enjoy the cable car at the mall road. While places like Lal Tibba, George Everest, Mussoorie Lake, Char Dukan, Lambi Dehar Mines are in proximity from here.
Also, read: 6 Romantic Places For Couples In India
Nainital
Nestled at 6600 feet above sea level Nainital is one hill station that is popular for its Himalayan lakes.
This is a beautiful town surrounded by seven hills, also known as ‘Sapta-Sharing’ – i.e. Ayarpatta, Deopata, Handi-Bandi, Naina, Alma, Lariya-Kanta, and Sher-Ka-Danda. In addition to this, the town is centered around the Naini lake making it one of the most colorful places because it is covered with boats during the summers.
Previously the summer capital during the British era Nainital also has a strong heritage & vibrant villas and bungalows. While in Nainital you can visit various places like the Mall road, Naini Lake, Tiffin top, snow view point, High altitude zoo, Eco cave gardens. While Almora, Ranikhet, Bhimtal, Mukteshwar, Sattal, Auli, Jim Corbett National Park, Naukuchiatal are in proximity from here.
Manali
Once known as the “end of the habitable world”, Manali sits at an altitude of 6725 feet.
This hill station is one of the most popular places in the Northern part of India. Manali is popular for its cool weather giving travelers the perfect atmosphere to relish during the summers. Manali is also famous for adventure sports like mountaineering, paragliding, mountain biking, skiing, rafting, trekking, kayaking, and hiking.
Manali also offers a variety of cultures like you will find Tibetan women wearing ankle-length rainbow-striped clothes. while Nepalis, Buddhists, and Zanskaris here are found in woolen gonchas. While in Manali you can visit places like Bhrigu Lake, Hampta Pass, Arjun Cave, Van Vihar, etc. While in Manali places like Hadimba Temple, Solang valley, Jogani waterfalls, Manali Gompa are in close proximity from here.
When are you planning to go?