10 Best Hill Stations in India in 2024

India is home to many breathtaking hill stations due to its diverse landscapes. These hill stations are visited for thrilling adventures and calming experiences. They are usually found in the peaks of the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, and the Eastern Ghats. From the snow-capped summits of the north to the misty valleys of the south, the hill stations offer a good getaway from the busy city life. Let us look into the top 10 hill stations in India.

Let’s start.

List of Top 10 Hill Stations in India

There are many hill stations spread across the country. These hill stations attract tourists from around the world due to their pleasant weather and various recreational activities. Below is a list of the top 10 hill stations in India:

Serial No.	Hill Station Name	State
1	Shimla	Himachal Pradesh
2	Darjeeling	West Bengal
3	Manali	Himachal Pradesh
4	Ooty	Tamil Nadu
5	Munnar	Kerala
6	Mussoorie	Uttarakhand
7	Nainital	Uttarakhand
8	Gulmarg	Jammu and Kashmir
9	Kodaikanal	Tamil Nadu
10	Coorg	Karnataka

Shimla

• The Jewel of the Himalayas.
• It was once the summer capital of British India.
• Colonial era architecture.
• Temperate climate.
• Viceregal Lodge – summer residence of the British viceroys.
• Christ Church – a neogothic structure.
• Mall Road – lined with shops selling local handicrafts and souvenirs.

Darjeeling

• Renowned worldwide for its tea industry.
• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Mount Kanchenjunga – the world’s third-highest peak.
• Sunrise over the mountains from Tiger Hill is a major attraction.
• Ghum Monastery, Batasia Loop, and Lloyd’s Botanical Garden.
• Adventure activities include trekking, river rafting, paragliding, and mountain biking.

Manali

• Snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, meandering rivers, and dense forests.
• Adventure activities including paragliding, skiing, zorbing, river rafting, trekking, and mountain biking.
• The town has ancient temples, monasteries, and peaceful villages.
• It is the gateway to the regions of Spiti and Leh-Ladakh.
• The Manali-Leh Highway is one of the most motorable roads in the world.
• The Mall Road is lined with shops selling souvenirs, handicrafts, and local delicacies.
• Vashisht Hot Water Springs is known for its therapeutic properties. among other hot springs.
• The region is surrounded by apple orchards.
• The Hadimba Devi Fair, Winter Carnival, and Himachal Day celebration are some notable events.
• Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass famous for Skiing.
• A popular location for film shooting.

Ooty (Ootacamund)

• Located in the Nilgiri Hills.
• Served as the summer headquarters of the Madras Presidency.
• Situated at approximately 2,240 meters above sea level.
• The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The Government Botanical Garden has a vast collection of exotic plants, flowers, and trees.
• Known for its tea plantation.
• Home to the indigenous Toda tribe.
• Adventure activities include trekking, horse riding, boating, and mountain biking.
• Local delicacies include Varkey, homemade chocolates, and Toda dishes like bamboo shoot curry.

Munnar

• Located in the Western Ghats in Kerala.
• Famous for its vast tea plantations.
• The Neelakurinji flowers bloom once every 12 years.
• Known for waterfalls like Attukal Waterfalls, Lakkam Waterfalls, and the Munnar Waterfalls.
• Anamudi Peak is the highest peak in South India (at approx. 2,695m).
• The Nilgiri Tahr can be found at the Eravikulam National Park.
• Adventure Activities include trekking, camping, rock climbing, and mountain biking.
• Echo Point is a popular tourist spot where visitors shout out their names and hear their echoes reverberating.
• Known for ayurvedic treatments and spas.

Mussoorie

• Established by the British in the early 19th century.
• Known for waterfalls like Kempty Falls, Jharipani Falls, and Bhatta Falls.
• Lal Tibba is the highest peak in Mussoorie.
• Gun Hill is the second-highest peak.
• The Mall Road here is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants.
• Many of the Ruskin Bond stories are set in Mussoorie.
• Adventure activities include trekking, paragliding, rock climbing, and camping.
• Prestigious educational institutions here include Woodstock School and Mussoorie International School.

Nainital

• Lake District of India.
• The name derived from Naini Lake.
• The Naini Devi Temple is believed to be one of the 64 Shakti Peethas in India.
• Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Kot are famous viewpoints.
• Naina Peak (China Peak) is the highest peak in Nainital.
• The Pt.G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo is home to animals like the snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, and Tibetan wolf.
• Adventure activities include trekking, horse riding, paragliding, and camping.

Gulmarg

• Gulmarg means “Meadow of Flowers” in Persian.
• Attracts skiing enthusiasts during the colder months.
• The Gulmarg Gondola is one of the highest cable cars in the world.
• The Gulmarg Golf Course is the highest green golf course in the world (at an altitude of 2,650 meters above sea level).
• The shores of Alpather Lake is famous for picnicking.
• Home to a diverse mix of Kashmiri, Gujjar, and Bakarwal communities.
• Visitors can savor Kashmiri cuisine, shop for exquisite handicrafts and textiles.

Kodaikanal

• Famous for its dense pine forests and shola woodlands.
• The Kodai Lake is a man-made lake spanning over 60 acres.
• The Berijam Lake is known for its crystal-clear waters and views of the surrounding hills.
• The Kurinji flower blooms every 12 years.
• The Coaker’s Walk is a scenic promenade that stretches for about a kilometer.
• The Pillar Rocks is a set of 3 massive granite boulders rising to heights over 400 feet.

Coorg (Kodagu)

• Located in the Western Ghats in Karnataka.
• Renowned as “Scotland of India”.
• Famous for its vast coffee plantations.
• Wildlife include elephants, tigers, leopards, and several endemic bird species.
• Popular trekking destinations include Tadiandamol, the highest peak in Coorg, and the route to Abbey Falls.
• Home to the indigenous Kodava community.
• Historical Landmarks include the Madikeri Fort and the Omkareshwara Temple.
• Abbey Falls, Iruppu Falls, and Mallalli Falls are some of the most popular waterfalls in Coorg.
• Adventure activities include river rafting, zip-lining, and camping.

Conclusion

India is home to various hill stations like Munnar, Coorg, Gulmarg, and many others which are well known for their ideal landscapes and views. The people living in the city areas often need places like these for a getaway from their busy lives. These hill stations often house beautiful rivers, waterfalls, and hill ranges. The major reason for the existence of the hill stations is the presence of the Himalayan Range, the Western Ghats, and the Eastern Ghats. Visitors come here to do adventure activities, have fresh air, and also experience the lives of the indigenous communities living in such places.

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FAQs on List of Top 10 Hill Stations in India

Where can the “Toy Train” be found?

The Toy Train (Darjeeling Himalayn Railways) can be found in Darjeeling.

Which hot spring is famous in Manali?

Vashisht Hot Water Spings is famous in Manali.

Which hill station is called the “Lake District of India”?

Nainatal is called the “Lake District of India”.

Against the backdrop of which hill station is Ruskin Bond’s stories set?

Ruskin Bond’s stories are set against the backdrop of Mussoorie.

Which hill station is called “Scotland of India”?

Coorg is renown as “Scotland of India”.