Luckily India’s hilly terrain has created stunning hill stations, many of which were used as summer capitals during the British Raj. So come summertime, people escape to these high-altitude havens dotted all over the country, for cooler weather. Here is Skyscanner’s list of the best hill stations in India.
Hill stations in North India
The Himalayan mountain range is home to a lot of hill stations in North India. These mountain ranges and hill stations extend into the north east of India too. They are a welcome refuge from the heat of plateaus and deserts.
1. Shimla: Shimla in Himachal Pradesh is probably the most popular of all hill stations in the north. It has now developed into a little city, but nature’s presence is still largely felt.How to get there: By flight: Shimla airport at Jubarhati is 22 kilometres from Shimla and has regular flights from Chandigarh and Delhi.By train: Kalka is the most convenient railway station that connects Shimla to Chandigarh and Delhi.Things to do: Go river rafting in the Sutlej River, watch wildlife and nature in Kiala Forest and do some historical sightseeing at Kuthar FortBest time to visit: April to August
2. Mount Abu: Mount Abu is a hill station in the Aravalli mountain range. As it is the only hill station in Rajasthan, it is the closest respite from the summer heat for residents in the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat.How to get there: By flight: The closest airports are Dabok in Udaipur (210 km) and Ahmedabad airport in Gujarat (231 kms.), from where you can hail a cab to Mount Abu.By train: Mount Abu railway station is well connected to major cities across the country. From the railway station, you can avail of taxi services to get you to Mount AbuThings to do: Go boating at Nakki Lake, visit Dilwara temple, trek through the Wildlife Sanctuary at Mount AbuBest time to visit: April to September
3. Darjeeling The queen of hill-stations, Darjeeling in West Bengal is famed for its beauty, fresh, cool air, mild temperatures and Darjeeling tea. Lying just east of Nepal and South of Sikkim, it is at the foot of the Kanchenjunga mountain ranges.How to get there: By flight: Bagdogra is the closest airport to Darjeeling (95 km away), from where you can take a pre-paid private taxi to your hotel.By train: The nearest railway station is Jalpaiguri (110 kms away) which is connected to India’s major cities. Once here, you can hail a private taxi, bus or hop aboard the toy train to Darjeeling.Things to do: Visit Mount Kanchenjunga, ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, see the Japanese Peace Pagoda.Best time to visit: March to May or October to November
4. Shillong Shillong is the capital of the state of Meghalaya. Its average temperate in the summer is in the mid-twenties degrees centigrade – a perfect spot for rest and recreation.How to get there: By flight: The closest well-connected airport is in Guwahati, from where you can get a taxi or a bus operated by MTDC to Shillong.
By train: Guwahati also has the nearest railway station to Shillong, which is 110 kms away by road. It is a three and a half hour bus or cab ride to the hill station.Things to do: Visit the Lady Hydari Park, trek the David Scott trail, experience the cleanest village at Mawlynnong
Best time to visit: September to May
5. Gulmarg Gulmarg, meaning meadow of flowers, is in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is located on the LOC that separates Pakistan from India and one has a clear view of the Himalayas from here. It is best known for being a wonderful place to go skiing, as well as the fragrant Kashmiri tea called Kahwa.How to get there: By flight: The closest airport is in Srinagar (56 km away), which is connected to all the major cities. From here you can hire a pre-paid cab or get on to a JKRTC bus.
By train: The nearest railway station is in Jammu (290 km away) and from here, it is well connected via regular and luxury buses, share cabs and regular cabs.Things to do: Take a ride on the Gulmarg Gondola, hike on the Outer Circle Walk and visit Apharwat PeakBest time to visit: April to June
6. Mussoorie Mussoorie is in the state of Uttarakhand. It overlooks the Doon Valley and has a long colonial past. Located at the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan Range, the town has green hills and varied flora and fauna. There are several places of interest here, including Clouds End which is the tip of Mussorie and has 2000 acres of Oak and Deodar forests.How to get there: By flight: The closest airport is at Dehradun (60 kms away) from where it is a one and a half hour long bus ride to 40 minute taxi ride to Mussoorie.By train: Dehradun also has the nearest railway station (34 kms away) and you can continue your journey to Mussoorie by private or shared taxi.Things to do: Take a walk on Camel Back Road, take in the view at Lal Tibba, and visit Happy Valley.Best time to visit: April to June
7. Dalhousie Located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, Dalhousie, established during the British Raj, exists on and around 5 hills. It stands at the foot of the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas and is known for spectacular scenery and untouched landscapes. While it is a major tourist attraction in itself, it is also close other popular spots like McLeodGanj, Dharamsala and Triund.How to get there: One can travel from Delhi to Dalhousie by bus which is a 13 hour overnight journey. Apart from this, you can also travel:By flight: The closest airport is at Pathankot (85 kms away), however in case of fogs, flights from Delhi to Pathankot are likely to be cancelled. From Pathankot, you can hail a cab or hop onboard a bus to Dalhousie.
By train: Pathankot also has the nearest railway station (81 kms away) and you can book one of several cabs or get a bus from here.Things to do: Trek on Daikund Peak, take in the architecture at St. John’s Church, and visit Sach Pass.Best time to visit: March to May
8. Dharamshala This hillside city is located in Himachal Pradesh. Dharamsala has particular significance for Buddhists as it serves as the place of residence for the Dalai Lama. In ancient times, it used to be ruled by the Katoch Dynasty, the oldest surviving royal dynasty in the world. It is also known as Little Lhasa.How to get there: By flight: The closest airport is at Gaggal (15 kms away), and you will find ample taxis here to Dharamshala and Mc LeodGanj that should take you there in 35-40 mins.By train: Pathankot is the nearest railway station (85 kms away) from where you can take a taxi or bus.
Things to do: Look around the Dalai Lama Temple Complex, trek on Triund Hill, visit the Norbulingka Institute.Best time to visit: March to June
9. Nainital: Nainital is a popular hill station in Uttarakhand and one of the best in the Himalayan belt. It is famous for its Mango shaped lake, which is said to be presided over by the Goddess Naina, but as the Lake District, it has many freshwater bodies such as Bhimtal, Sattal and Khuraptal. The Naina Devi Temple here is one of the holiest sites in India.How to get there: It is a 6 hour drive from New Delhi to Nainital, but you can also travel:By flight: The closest well-connected airport is in New Delhi (300 kms away) from which the best way to travel to Nainital is by train. This takes approx 7 hours.By train: The closest railway station is Kathodam (34 kms away) and from here, one can travel to Nainital by taxis or shared taxis. The bus station is a 1.5 km walk away.Things to do: Go boating on Nainital Lake; visit the Mukhteshwar Temple, and the Eco Cave Gardens.Best time to visit: March to June
10. Cherrapunji: Cherrapunji town sits on a plateau in the Khasi hills of Meghalaya. Besides being known as one of the wettest places on Earth, it is also knows for its lush green valleys with diverse vegetation. The Nohsngithiang Falls and Nohkalikai Falls are easily accessible from here.How to get there: By flight: The closest well connected airport is in Guwahati (168 kms away.) You can hire a pre-paid taxi from the airport itself or take a bus from Paltan Bazaar Bus stand.By train: Guwahati also has the closest train station to Cherrapunji (146 kms away), from where bus services and taxis can be availed.Things to do: Climb the Living Root Bridge, see the Seven Sisters Falls, and explore the Arwah Cave.Best time to visit: March to May
11. Kurseong Kurseong, in the state of West Bengal, is full of orchids and tea gardens. It also provides the best view of Mount Kanchenjunga. The place started becoming popular once the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Toy Train service was extended in Kurseong in 1880, and is now on the verge of being a congested town.How to get there: By flight: The closest airport is Bagdogra at Siliguri (47 kms away) and from here, the fastest way to reach your destination is by taxi.By train: New Jalpaiguri is the nearest railway station (46 kms away), from where you can hop aboard the toy train or get a share taxi or bus to your destination.Things to do: Visit the Deer Park, look around the Makaibari Tea Estate and take in the view from Eagle’s Crag.Best time to visit: April to May, August to October
12. Diphu Diphu is a well-known hill station in Assam. It is home to many indigenous communities and tribes of the region. Apart from its plush, rolling green hills and serene surroundings, Diphu has beautiful temples such as the Deopani Durga Mandir, Shiva Mandir and Khanduli. Adventure activities are aplenty too!How to get there: By flight: Dimapur Airport in Nagaland is the closest way to fly in (60 kms away), from where you can hire a taxi.By train: Diphu has a local railway station that connects to Guwahati Railway Station (212 kms away.)Things to do: Take in the lush green Arboretum, visit the District Museum and go rafting in Baranpani RiverBest time to visit: October to January
13. Pelling: Pelling is a hill town in Sikkim, which is growing in popularity among tourists. It has some of the best views of mountain ranges in its vicinity. It is a preferred spot among trekkers thanks to the abundance of hills and rocky terrain.How to get there: By flight: Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri is the closest (143 kms away.) You can conveniently book a cab to Pelling or take a share cab if you’re on a budget.By train: New Jalpaiguri is the nearest railway station (137 kms away.)Taxis are readily available for hire here, and share cabs are available from Siliguri which is 6 kms away. You can also get on a state operated bus.Things to do: Visit the Pemayangste Gompa Buddhist monastery, watch the Kanchenjunga Falls and trek to the Rabdenste Ruins.Best time to visit: March to May
14. Pachmarhi: Pachmarhi is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh and is known as the ‘Queen of the Satpura ranges.’ As it is part of the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve, there is a large variety of animals and vegetation to enjoy. The hill station has a lot of cave paintings in the forests, many of which are estimated to be over 1000 years old!How to get there: By flight: The closest well-connected airport is in Bhopal (223 kms away) from where one has to complete the journey by road – either by taxis or buses.By train: Pipariya is the nearest railway station (51 kms away.) You will find tourist taxis and state-run buses here.Things to do: Visit the wildlife at Satpura National Park, the caves at Jata Shankar, the Bees Falls.Best time to visit: April to June
15. Khajjiar Located in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, Khajjiar is an extremely picturesque hill station, also popularly called ‘Mini Switzerland.’ It is located close to Dalhousie and has breathtaking views of the Western Himalayas in the distance. Having three ecosystems – lake, pasture and forest, Khajjiar will amaze you with its breathtaking landscapes.
How to get there: By flight: The nearest airports are Gaggal Airport in Dalhousie (120 kms away) and Jammu Airport (114 kms away), from where you can easily avail of buses and taxis.By train: Pathankot Railway Station (118 kms away) is the nearest. Here, taxis can be hired to complete the journey to Khajjiar.Things to do: Visit the Khajji Nag Temple, visit small villages like Rota and Ladi, and visit the Kalatop Wildlife SanctuaryBest time to visit: March to July, October to Feb for snow-lovers
Hill stations in South India
Most hill stations in South India are located in the Western Ghats or the Sahyadri Mountain Range which extends from Gujarat to Kerala.
1. Coorg: Located in Karnataka, Coorg is a summer refuge of city dwellers in south India. It has an excellent mix of nature and wildlife for a location so close to metropolitan areas of the south. Coorg is the largest producer of coffee in India, giving the air a delicious aroma. It also produces spices like cardamom, turmeric, pepper and nutmeg and has dense teakwood, sandalwood and rosewood forests spread all over the region.How to get there: Travelers to Coorg usually drive down from Bangalore, however, there are other means to travel there, too.By flight: Bengaluru Airport is the closest to Coorg (287 kms away.) From here you can get a regular or luxury bus to Mysore, which is a 4 hour journey and then get another bus or cab to Coorg. You can also hire a self-drive car.By train: Mysore Railway Station is the closest (106 kms away.) You can get a bus or taxi here to complete your journey.Things to do: Go on a coffee plantations tour; visit the Abbey Falls and the Dubare Elephant Camp.Best time to visit: October to March
2. Munnar: Munnar sits in Ghats of Kerala. Its location is at the confluence of the three rivers of Mudhirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly. Apart from possessing exotic flora and fauna, Munnar also boasts of tea plantations, picturesque towns and it is home to an endangered inhabitant – the Nilgiri Tahr.How to get there: By flight: Kochi Airport (110 kms away) and Madurai Airport (170 kms away.) Hire one-way taxis or board a bus to reach Munnar.By train: Aluva Railway Station is the closest to Munnar (114 kms away). A nearby bus stop has frequent buses to your destination, but you can also hire a taxi here.Things to do: Go trekking on Meesapulimala Mountain, learn the history of Munnar’s tea at the Tata Tea Museum, and go speed boating in Kundala Lake.Best time to visit: April to May
3. Ooty: A frequent honeymoon destination, Ooty or Ootacamund is a hill station in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu. It is famous for its tea and eucalyptus plantations. It was earlier the summer capital of the Madras Presidency, but today, tourism is the chief source of income here, along with the manufacture of medicines and Nilgiri Tea.How to get there: By flight: Coimbatore is a well-connected airport (87 kms away) from where it is a scenic three hour journey by bus or car.By train: Mettupalyam is the closest railway station (52 kms away). The fastest, most convenient way to get to Ooty is to take a taxi but you could also get onboard the toy train that navigates through steep grades to Ooty.Things to do: Visit the Botanical Garden, ride the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, walk around the Pine Forest between Ooty and ThalakundaBest time to visit: March to June
4. Kodaikanal: Kodaikanal is located in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu. Its granite cliffs, lush valleys, lakes, and waterfalls make it a draw for most visitors. Often referred to as the ‘Princess of Hill Stations’ and ‘The gift of the forest,’Kodaikanal is characterized by the large, manmade Kodai Lake. This hill station is also famous for being home to the rare Kurunji flower, that blossoms once in every 12 years.How to get there: By flight: You can get to Kodaikanal via Madurai airport (134 kms away), Trichy airport (255 kms away) or Coimbatore airport (173 kms away.) From all these places, you can get a cab, bus or train to Kodaikanal.By train: The closest railway station is Kodai Road, 80 kms away from the main city centre. Trains from Madurai and Trichy are frequent. You can hail cabs or autos here.Things to do: Take a scenic walk on Coakers Walk, visit the Pillar Rocks and take a ride on Kodaikanal Lake.Best time to visit: April to July
5. Valparai Valparai is located close to Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. As it is surrounded by tiger reserves, a national park, and a forest, Valparai is the ideal hill station for nature lovers. The hill station has a lot of tea and coffee plantations and good infrastructure as well.How to get there: By flight: : Coimbatore airport is the closest way to fly in (124 kms away), from where cabs are easily available. You can also get a bus from Pollachi Bus Terminal (55 kms from the airport), however it may take over 4 hours to reach Valparai using this means.By train: Coimbatore also has the nearest railway station (122 kms away), and you can hire cabs or get on to a bus from here.Things to do: Visit the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, check out Loam’s View Point, and the Velankanni Church.Best time to visit: September to March
6. Yercaud Yercaud is located in the Shevaroy Hills in Tamil Nadu, which are known for their coffee and fruit plantations. It is one of the most picturesque places in the Eastern Ghats and is a trekker’s paradise. The highest point at Yercaud is the Servarayan Temple, located 5,326 feet above sea level.How to get there: By flight: The closest airport is Tiruchillapalli (172 kms away). Several taxi service providers are available outside the airport.By train: The nearest railway station is Salem (31 kms away). You can get buses or cabs to Yercaud from here.Things to do: Take a scenic drive on Loop Road, check out the view at Pagoda Point, and visit the Rose Garden.Best time to visit: March to June
7. Chikmagalur: Chikmagalur is located in the Mullayanagiri mountain range in Karnataka. It is known for its coffee estates. Although it is a largely unexplored destination, travelers love the many waterfalls located here like the Hebbe Falls and Shanti Falls. The panoramic views of the Shola forests and Bababudan Giri Ranges are worth travelling for!How to get there: By flight: You can get there via Mangalore Airport (156 kms away.) Here, you can find reasonably priced cabs here or hire a self-drive car.By train: The closest railway station is in Kadur (41 kms away.) If your train doesn’t stop here, you can alight at the next station, Birur. You will find buses and taxis from both places.Things to do: Go trekking at Mullayanagiri, visit the Jhari Waterfall and check out the view from Kudremukh PeakBest time to visit: September to March
8. Vagamon: Vagamon is located in the Kottayam district of Kerala. It has never-ending meadows, pine forests and tea estates. Three beautiful hills – Thangal, Murugan and Kurismala make it appear even more enchanting and the hill station also offers space for spiritual activities as well as trekking.How to get there: By flight: The closest airport is at Kochi (96 kms away), from where you can avail of a taxi to take you to Vagamon. Local tourist buses and luxury buses are also available.By train: The nearest major railway station is Kottayam (62 kms away). Once here, you can board a taxi to Vagamon.Things to do: Walk through the Vagamon Pine Forest, trek up the Kurisumala, visit Barren Hills.Best time to visit: October to February
9. Coonoor: Coonoor, in Tamil Nadu, is well known for its production of Nilgiri Tea. It is actually one of the stations on the Toy Train route between Mettupalayam and Ooty. Co0noor attracts a huge number of tourists every year – especially trekkers, bird-watchers, nature lovers and honeymooners, who admire the green Nilgiris around it and the tranquil blue sea below.How to get there: By flight: The nearest airport is at Coimbatore (70 kms away), from where you can get to Coonoor by bus or a one-way taxi.By train: Coonoor has its own railway station, and you can get a bus or cab to your hotel from here itself. If you choose to take the toy train from Coimbatore to Ooty, it would take you approximately 3 hours to get there.Things to do: Take in the sights at Dolphin’s Nose, take a walk in Sim’s Park, and visit the Highfield Tea Factory.Best time to visit: December to March
10. Panchgani: Panchgani is located in the Sahyadri mountain range of Maharashtra, a few kilometers away from another breathtaking hill station, Mahabaleshwar. Being located in the centre of the bustling cities of Mumbai and Pune, it makes for an idyllic weekend getaway spot. Table Land, the second largest flat mountain peak in Asia is located here.How to get there: By flight: One can fly in from Mumbai airport (250 kms away) and Pune airport (110 kms away.) You will need to book a special outstation cab from here.By train: Chiplun is the nearest railway station (124 kms away), however, Pune Station has better connectivity to Panchgani and you can book a taxi with ease here.Things to do: Experience the scenic Lingmala Falls, visit the Devrai Art Village, and the Cheese FactoryBest time to visit: September to May
11. Khandala: Khandala is a hill station in the Western Ghats, close to Lonavala. It’s a popular location for trekking and visitors like to stop by some of the forts in the area. Due to the ease of accessibility from Mumbai and Pune, it is a popular weekend getaway. Duke’s nose, a peak in Khandala offers great views of the hill station and Bhor Ghat.How to get there: By flight: The closest airports are at Mumbai (110 kms away) and Pune (64 kms away). Both airports offer transport services to Khandala so you can book a Khandala bound taxi, bus, or private cab from here.By train: The nearest station is Khandala, from where local modes of transport are easily available and you can reach your destination in 15-20 minutes.Things to do: Visit Pavana Lake, Lohagad Fort and the Bhaja CavesBest time to visit: September to February
12. Mahabaleshwar: Mahabaleshwar is located in the Sahyadri Mountain Range in Maharashtra and is famous for its strawberry plantations. Being located 1372 meters above sea level, and due to its height, it has over 30 look-out points that offer panoramic views. In fact, Mahabaleshwar is the source of the Krishna River that flows across the state of Maharastra, Karnataka, Telengana and Andhra Pradesh.How to get there: By flight: Mumbai Airport (270 kms away) and Pune Airport (130 kms away) are the closest to Mahabaleshwar. From both places, you can avail of taxis to get here.By train: Wathar is the nearest railway station to Mahabaleshwar, however Pune station is better connected by cabs. You can take a bus from Wathar Station which is a 1.5 hour journey.
Things to do: Visit Mapro Garden, Pratapgarh Fort and Venna Lake.Best time to visit: October to February
13. Matheran Matheran is located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. One feature of Matheran is that vehicles are not allowed there which adds to the peace and quiet. It is an eco-sensitive region and has dense forest cover as well as over 3 dozen designated look out points. One of the prominent attractions of Matheran is the toy train that runs throughout it.How to get there: By flight: The closest airport to Matheran is Mumbai (87 kms away) and Pune (137 kms away). From here, one can book a taxi to MatheranBy train: Neral is the nearest railway station (8 kms away). Taxis and buses are available here but you can also take the toy train, which takes a 2 hour route to Matheran, offering breath-taking views along the way.Things to do: Take the Toy Train Ride, look over the valley from Louisa Point, and visit Charlotte Lake.Best time to visit: October to May
14. Yelagiri: This hill station is located in Vellore, Tamil Nadu. It is a well-known location for trekking. This rustic hill station is so quiet that sounds from miles away can be heard distinctly all over the land. Lake Punganoor is a centrally-located lake where you can see beautiful landscapes while rowing a boat. Or, you can plan a trip in September, when a paragliding festival will let you admire theYelagiri from above.How to get there: By flight: Bangalore Airport is the closest airport (170 kms away). From here you can take a cab or a bus at the airport’s transport stands. You could also take a cab to the Bangalore Railway Station (35 kms away) and get a train.By train: Jolarpettai station is the closest railway station (24 kms away) from where frequent bus, taxi and autorickshaw services are available.Things to do: Go boating on Nilavoor Lake, visit the Nature Park, and trek up the Swamimalai Hills.Best time to visit: June to February
15. Araku Valley: This lovely hill station is located in Vishakapatnam district in Andhra Pradesh. It has forests known for their biodiversity and is dotted with coffee plantations. Travellers love the drive on Ghat Road to Araku Valley as it is entirely lined with thick foliage and has over 40 tunnels and bridges along the way. The hill station is home to a few tribes and also houses a Museum of Tribal Arts.How to get there: By flight: The closest airport is at Vishakapatnam (107 kms away) and the best way to travel from here is by taxi.By train: Araku railway station is well connected to the rest of the country and the transport facilities outside the station are developed as well.Things to do: Visit the Coffee Museum, experience the Kothapalli Waterfalls, and take in the view at Galikonda View Point.Best time to visit: October to March
