Top 10 Hill Stations in India

India has fascinated millions of people from the various geographical locations of the world, to visit the country, where many religions were born and flourished. It is a land of varied diversity, where over a billion people speak more than 700 languages, sync together to prosper as a nation. There are numerous tourist destinations in the country. With “Athiti Devo Bhava” (Guests are Gods) as the prime lesson being taught in each household. It is one of the most tourist-friendly nations in the world.

The hills have been successful in holding up the century-old traditions and cultures that have prospered the lives of the people in Incredible India. India is dotted with the awe-inspiring hills all over the country starting right up from Jammu and Kashmir to Tamil Nadu, encapsulating over 20 mountain ranges.

There are many hill station tours in India to choose from, but the problem remains which one to select. In a country with over 20 mountain ranges, choosing a hill station can be a very challenging task. Here is a list of the popular hill stations in India categorized by the part of the country you decide to visit.

The travel & tourism in the northern part of the nation is dominated by the Himalayas, offering everyone a chance to get spellbound by the grandeur of the peaks and picturesque landscape, which one cannot ignore.
1- Nainital


Based in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand surrounding the volcanic lake Nani, Nainital is adored by millions and is often referred as the ‘Lake District’ of India. It is a destination for all, whether you are looking for a perfect family outing, or a romantic getaway. It is well connected by the major cities and offers a lot to rejuvenate your body and soul. Nainital Mountaineering Club; the name is enough to cheer the adrenaline seekers. With the variety of treks and the picturesque locations, Nainital is surely a must visit location.

2- Manali

It is a retreat in Himachal Pradesh, well known for its bewitching beauty and   numerous adrenaline pumping activities.  From Heli Skiing to the Temples, it has a varied diversity of everything. Manali is also renowned as the “Prime Honeymoon destination”, of India. Last but not the least, it the starting point of the most fascinating and enthralling highways in India – The Leh-Manali Highway.

3- Shimla

The once summer capital of the British, now the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is surely a delight for the eyes. With its spectacular vista, Shimla is a region that is highly appreciated for its ethnic culture and eternal beauty. “Nati”, a local form of dance could be seen performed by the ever-friendly jubilant locals. Shimla is also an architectural paradise, flaunting many splendid colonial architecture buildings.

4-  Kullu

Kullu is known as the ‘Valley of Gods’. It has many mystical stories attached to its existence. Kullu and Manali are two twin hill stations that are flooded by the tourists throughout the year. Kullu is adorned by many beautiful scrapped temples and festivals. The grandeur and the vicinity of the Himalayas over-awe every single person who has ever visited this magnificent place.

5- Mussoorie

Mussoorie perched in Uttarakhand, is famed as the “Queen of Hills”. It is an extremely beautiful hill station to explore. While glaring over Dehradun, Mussoorie provides the “déjà-vu” missing out in one’s life. An evening walk on the Mall Road is enough to entangle you to get “relocated to Mussoorie” and cherish long-lasting memories.  Flooded with many top boarding schools of India, Mussoorie is a tourist and education hub of Uttarakhand . The beauty of the hills has even captivated the celebrated writer like Ruskin Bond. The travel destinations near Mussoorie are Dhanaulty, Dehradun, Rishikesh and so on.

6. Darjeeling

Darjeeling, in West Bengal, is also famous for its lush tea gardens. In addition, it's blessed with a stunning view of Mount Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest peak. Some of Darjeeling's most popular attractions include monasteries, botanical gardens, a zoo, and the Darjeeling-Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway cable car (the longest cable car in Asia). Darjeeling is a wonderful place to walk around, and explore the tea estates, villages, and markets. Don't visit during the monsoon season though -- the region is one of the wettest places in India!

7. Kodaikanal

Secluded Kodaikanal is nestled 120 kilometres from Madurai in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu. Its name means "Gift of the Forest", and you'll find many varieties of flora and fauna there. Orchards of pear trees, and charming buildings with gabled roofs, will greet you as you enter the town. There's an annual horticultural show at the landscaped botanical Bryant Park in May, waterfalls where you can enjoy a picnic beside, boating on the lake, and plenty of walking trails. Herbs and aromatherapy oils are some of the more interesting things to buy in Kodaikanal, with the eucalyptus oils being particularly popular.

8-  Mount Abu



Apart from being the only hill station in Rajasthan, it is also the summer capital of the state. Mount Abu is renowned worldwide for the Dilwara Jain Temples. It offers many breath-taking sunsets points, from where you could cement the bond of love with your loved ones. Being close to Gujarat, it offers a good variety of Rajasthani and Gujarati handlooms, textiles, artefacts and the list goes on.

 9- Gulmarg

Gulmarg or “Meadow of Flowers” is nothing less than a fantasy place coming straight out of your dreams. The valley is 3km long and a kilometre wide. It is filled with beautiful blueberries, daisies and many other flowers that lighten up your mood. It also has a popular golf resort and renowned as a prime skiing destination.

10- Gangtok

It is the capital of Sikkim. Gangtok is one of most serene and captivating cities in the world. Gangtok offers a lot of adventure thrilled activities. The scenic view of the five peaks of Kanchenjunga makes its topography really breath-taking.


Truly a visit to all these hill stations of India will certainly refresh your mind and provide unforgettable memories.   The country is flooded with innumerable tourist places and hill stations; this will give you a golden opportunity to discover the places that you have only seen in your dreams or on the television sets.