Top 10 Hill Station in India — Ultimate Guide (2025)
Towns in the highlands are called hill stations. In addition to having fresh air, lush forests, and stunning views, they are cooler than the cities. The top 10 hill stations in India are covered in this guide, along with information on how to get there, what to do there, when to go, and where they are. This will help you maximize your vacation time and organize your trip.
Quick Snapshot: Top 10 Hill Station in India
Here’s a quick list of the most popular hill stations in India:
- Manali, Himachal Pradesh
- Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
- Darjeeling, West Bengal
- Ooty, Tamil Nadu
- Munnar, Kerala
- Nainital, Uttarakhand
- Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
- Leh-Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir
- Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir
- Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Each place has something special — snow, tea gardens, lakes, or adventure sports.
How We Picked These Top 10 Hill Station in India
We selected these locations because to
- They enjoy clean air and lovely vistas.
- By plane, train, or car, they are easily accessible.
- Families, coples, and lone tourists can all go there safely.
- They offer enjoyable pursuits including hiking, boating, skiing, and sightseeing.
Comparison Table: Top 10 Hill Station in India
| Hill Station | State | Height Above Sea Level | Best Season to Visit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manali | Himachal Pradesh | 2,050 m | Oct–June | Snow, adventure |
| Shimla | Himachal Pradesh | 2,206 m | March–June, Dec for snow | Colonial charm, shopping |
| Darjeeling | West Bengal | 2,042 m | March–June | Tea gardens, sunrise views |
| Ooty | Tamil Nadu | 2,240 m | Oct–June | Lakes, gardens |
| Munnar | Kerala | 1,600 m | Sept–May | Tea plantations, waterfalls |
| Nainital | Uttarakhand | 2,084 m | March–June, Dec–Jan | Lake views, boating |
| Mussoorie | Uttarakhand | 2,005 m | March–June, Sept–Nov | Waterfalls, viewpoints |
| Leh-Ladakh | Jammu & Kashmir | 3,500+ m | June–Sept | Monasteries, high-altitude lakes |
| Gulmarg | Jammu & Kashmir | 2,650 m | Dec–March (snow), May–Sept | Skiing, cable car |
| Kodaikanal | Tamil Nadu | 2,133 m | Oct–June | Lakes, forests, chocolates |
Details for Each Hill Station
1. Manali — The Snow Paradise
- Manali is well-known for its green valleys, rivers, and snow.
- Activities include visiting Rohtang Pass, paragliding, and skiing.
- October through June is the best time.
- How to get there: Bhuntar, the closest airport, is 50 km away.
- Where to stay: Luxury resorts, homestays, and low-cost hotels.
2. Shimla — The Queen of Hills
- Mall Road shopping and colonial structures are two of Shimla’s most well-known features.
- Activities: Ridge, Jakhoo Temple, and a toy train ride.
- March to June is the best time, with snow in December.
- How to get there: Jubbarhatti, the closest airport, is 23 km away.
Darjeeling, West Bengal — The Tea Garden Beauty
Darjeeling is well-known for the breathtaking view of Mount Kanchenjunga, its tea farms, and its cold climate.
Action items:
- Visit Tiger Hill to witness the sunrise.
- Take a ride on the toy train, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
- Taste fresh tea while touring tea gardens.
- The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: An Overview
- The best months to go are March through June for nice weather and October through December for unobstructed views of the mountains.
- How to get there: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the closest train station, while Bagdogra (70 km) is the closest airport. There are plenty of shared jeeps and taxis.
- Accommodation options include heritage tea estate resorts, mid-range hotels close to Mall Road, and inexpensive guesthouses.
Ooty, Tamil Nadu — The Queen of Nilgiris
The beautiful hill town of Ooty is well-known for its gardens, lakes, and year-round agreeable weather.
Action items:
- Ooty Lake boat ride
- Go to the Botanical Garden
- Travel by train on the Nilgiri Mountains
- Hike through the Nilgiri Mountains
- March through June and September through November are the best times to go.
- How to get there: Mettupalayam (40 km) is the closest train station, while Coimbatore (88 km) is the closest airport. You must take the toy train from Mettupalayam to Ooty.
- Where to stay: Luxurious resorts with valley views, homestays, and inexpensive lodges.
Munnar, Kerala — The Green Paradise
Munnar is well-known for its waterfalls, hazy hills, and unending tea gardens.
Action items:
- See the Nilgiri Tahr at Eravikulam National Park.
- See Echo Point and Mattupetty Dam.
- Entering tea plantations
- Savor waterfalls like Lakkam and Attukal.
- September through May is the ideal time to go. If you dislike a lot of rain, stay away from June through August.
- How to get there: Kochi is the closest airport (110 km). There are buses and taxis from Aluva and Kochi.
- Accommodation options include mid-range hotels in the town, inexpensive homestays, and tea plantation retreats.
Nainital, Uttarakhand — The Lake Town
Nainital is encircled by hills and is centered on a stunning lake.
Action items:
- Naini Lake boating
- Go to the Temple of Naina Devi.
- Investigate Tiffin Top and Snow View Point.
- Shop on Mall Road.
- The best seasons to go are March through June for the summer holidays and December through January for the snow.
- How to get there: Kathgodam is the closest train station (35 km). Taxis and buses travel to Nainital from there.
- Where to stay: Luxurious lakeside resorts, homestays in the hills, and inexpensive hotels close to the lake.
Mussoorie, Uttarakhand — The Gateway to the Garhwal Hills
Nainital is encircled by hills and is centered on a stunning lake.
Action items:
- Naini Lake boating
- Go to the Temple of Naina Devi.
- Investigate Tiffin Top and Snow View Point.
- Shop on Mall Road.
- The best seasons to go are March through June for the summer holidays and December through January for the snow.
- How to get there: Kathgodam is the closest train station (35 km). Taxis and buses travel to Nainital from there.
- Where to stay: Luxurious lakeside resorts, homestays in the hills, and inexpensive hotels close to the lake.
Leh-Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir — The Land of High Passes
The high-altitude desert of Leh-Ladakh is home to monasteries, mountains, and glistening lakes.
Action items:
- See Tso Moriri Lake and Pangong Lake.
- Visit monasteries such as Hemis and Thiksey.
- Travel via one of the highest motorable highways, Khardung La.
- In Zanskar, try river rafting.
- Roads are open from June to September, making this the ideal time to visit; winter is bitterly cold.
- How to get there: Leh Airport is the closest airport. In the summer, you can also drive from Srinagar or Manali.
- Accommodation options include tented camping by lakes, homestays, and guesthouses.
Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir — The Snow Sports Hub
Gulmarg is well-known for its world-high cable car, skiing, and snowboarding.
Action items:
- Take a Gulmarg Gondola Ride
- In the winter, ski or snowboard
- In July, hike to Alpather Lake
- Play golf on the tallest course in the world.
- For snow sports, December to March is the ideal time to visit; for verdant meadows, May to September.
- How to get there: Srinagar (50 km away) has the closest airport. There are plenty of taxis.
- Accommodation options include luxury resorts, low-cost hotels, and ski lodges.
Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu — The Princess of Hill Stations
With its lakes, forests, and temperate climate, Kodaikanal is a tranquil hill town.
Action items:
- Kodaikanal Lake boat ride
- Go to Bryant Park and Coaker’s Walk.
- View Silver Cascade Falls and Pillar Rocks.
- Sample the neighborhood establishments’ handmade chocolates.
- October through June is the ideal time to come.
- How to get there: Kodai Road (80 km) is the closest train station, while Madurai (120 km) is the closest airport. Taxis and buses go to the town.
- Where to stay: Luxury resorts surrounded by nature, mid-range hotels, and inexpensive cottages.
Suggested Mini Itineraries For two to three days in Manali:
Day 1: Touring the area (Mall Road, Hadimba Temple)
Day 2: Adventure activities in the Solang Valley
Day 3: If open, Rohtang Pass
For four to five days in Gangtok and Darjeeling:
Day 1–2: Tiger Hill sunrise, Darjeeling tea gardens
Day 3–5: Tsomgo Lake and Gangtok monasteries
Best Hill Stations for Different Travelers
- Families: Mussoorie, Ooty, and Nainital
- Couples on honeymoon in Munnar, Manali, and Kodaikanal
- Adventurers: Manali, Gulmarg, and Leh-Ladakh
- Low-cost vacationers: Shimla, Nainital, and Mussoorie
Offbeat Alternatives
If you want less crowded places, try:
- Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh)
- Auli (Uttarakhand)
- Chikmagalur (Karnataka)
Travel Tips
- In the highlands, the weather can change quickly, so always pack warm clothing.
- When at high elevations, drink lots of water.
- Steer clear of plastic bottles and only dispose of trash in dustbins.
- Prior to your trip, check the weather and road conditions.
Budget Guide
On average, a hill station trip costs:
- Budget trip: ₹1,500–₹2,500/day (guesthouse, local food)
- Mid-range: ₹3,000–₹6,000/day (hotel, taxis)
- Luxury: ₹7,000+/day (resorts, private guides)
Packing List
A best travel guide by azaadi routes:
- Warm jackets & sweaters
- Comfortable shoes
- Raincoat or umbrella (if visiting in monsoon)
- Power bank & torch
- First aid kit
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