Which Are The Top Hill Stations In India?

There are plenty of hill station options with the highest mountains capped in snow amidst Himalayan ranges, running from the north to east, including Aravalli and others. The top hill stations have something great to offer the travel enthusiasts with their spectacular views and the mesmerizing landscapes in and around the places. From the misty valleys at Coorg to the tea plantations and the mesmerizing views at Nainital, there is a lot to discover in the top hill stations in India.

Coorg

It is spread over the Western Ghats in Karnataka, known as the Scotland of India. Coorg has acres of magnificent coffee estates to offer. The spice and tea plantations add to the vibrant beauty of the place and make it a major spot for coffee and tea production.

Some of the must-visit places are:

1. Abbey Falls
2. Talacauvery
3. Iruppu Falls
4. Burude Falls
5. Nalakunda palace
6. Namdrolling Monastery

Mangalore International airport is the nearest option to Coorg, which is just 160 kilometers away, and you can take flights to and from Mysore, Bengaluru, and other big cities.

Darjeeling

Situated in northern regions of West Bengal, the journey to this well-known Himalayan railway station is mainly popular for its Toy Train. It is a great thing to ride on and explore the magnificent beauties of the place. Bagdogra is the nearest airport that has access to direct flights from Guwahati, Kolkata, New Delhi, and others. Some of the must-visit spots are:

1. Tiger Hill
2. Batasia loop
3. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
4. Observatory Hill
5. Rock Garden
6. Himalayan Zoological Park

Shillong

It is the capital of Shillong which is situated amidst the Khasi Hills. It is one of the charming hill stations that get high rainfall. Guwahati is the nearest railway station and airport which is just 104 kilometers away from Shillong. There is a state bus service that is available from the railway station, which you can take to travel to nearby places. The list of must-visit places include:

• Elephant falls
• Nohkalikai falls
• Spread Eagle Falls
• Lady Hydari Park

Ooty

This excellent summer retreat has been named so for its visual delight coupled with flower gardens and pretty cottages. It is surrounded by greenery on all sides with a huge number of pine trees. In addition, it has churches and botanical gardens that create a wonderful ambiance overall. One has to travel to the following destinations:

1. Pykara Falls and Lake
2. Doddabetta
3. Mudumalai
4. Tea Estate Viewpoint
5. Hidden Valley

Manali

It is one of the beautiful and mesmerizing hill stations in North India for adventure lovers. Backpackers are common here around the village area and you get to know about its culture more. Here, paragliding, rafting, skiing, and trekking are among the common activities of adventure lovers. The breathtaking view of glaciers, valleys, and peaks is at Rohtang Pass, which is 53 kilometers from Manali.

Mcleodganj

It is the home of the Dalai Lama, and travelers come here to visit Dharamshala. The colorful shops along the temple road, spinning the wheels and tasting the delicacies are chief wonders here. Gaggal airport is the nearest option which is just 20 kilometers from Dharamshala. There are other airport options, and you have to go for the one that is convenient for you. Some must visit beautiful places are:

1. Namgyal Monastery
2. Tsuglagkhang
3. Tibetan Museum
4. Bhagsunath Temple
5. Bhagsu Falls
6. Triund, Dal Lake

Munnar

Tea plantations with winding lanes are what make this hill station a perfect one. A thousand shades of greenery around make it a pleasant feeling to visit the place. Its nearest railway station is Aluva which is just 110 kilometers from Munnar. Some of the attractions that one should not miss visiting are:

1. Eravikulam National Park
2. Matupetty Dam
3. Anuamudi, Devikulam
4. Munnar Tea Museum
5. Fun Forest

Nainital

It is another excellent summer retreat in Nainital around Uttarakhand's Kumaon range, and Kathgodam is the nearest railway station which is 34 kilometers from Nainital. One can easily travel to Lucknow, New Delhi, and other big cities from Nainital. Some of the top sightseeing places are:

1. Naini Devi temple
2. Snow viewpoint
3. Naini lake
4. Dorothy's seat

Matheran

The breathtaking look of the place with shady forests and trails is a major plus point at this hill station in Maharashtra. This is one of the best hill stations to explore by road, and opting for the trekking option here would be the best if you are strongly inclined towards the same! You are sure to enjoy a memorable trip here and do not miss visiting top tourist places like the following:

1. Karnala Fort Trek
2. Trek to Chanderi Caves
3. Neral-Matheran Toy Train
4. Louisa Point, Echo Point
5. Charlotte Lake