India is blessed with some of the most magnificent landscapes, lush, verdant valleys and picturesque locations in the world. No wonder our hill stations in india remain the most sought-after choice of vacation for those who seek ant escape. Imagine being surrounded by the crisp mountain air, snow-peaked hills with gorgeous views and a sense of tranquillity that makes you feel more alive than ever. Wouldn’t you want to wake up to this every single day?
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Sadly, with the increasing commercialisation and popularity of hill stations like Shimla, Mussoorie and Manali, some destinations have become more crowded than peaceful. If it’s a break from the city blues that you seek, we have found some hidden gems in our country for you that’ll be just perfect. Take the road less travelled and head to these 15 quaint, lesser-known hill stations for an enchanting experience.
Hill Stations In North India
Enveloped by the timeless beauty of the majestic Himalayas, the northern part of India has more than just a few well-known hill stations to leave you in awe. Check them out here for a magical experience that’s bound to stay with you forever.
Kausani, Uttarakhand
This captivating little hill station in Uttarakhand is known to offer some of the most spectacular views of the Himalayas from every nook and cranny. Its valleys are deemed so charming that they resemble the ones in Europe! Not only do you get to witness wide expanses of flora and fauna but the panoramic views of the Trishul, Nanda Devi and Panchachuli mountain peaks are bound to leave you mesmerised. You can also visit places like Baijnath Temple, Shawl Factory and Girihas Tea Factory to enjoy the culture of this small town.
Best Time To Visit – March to June
Also Read: Hiking Quotes
Chopta, Uttarakhand
Nestled deep within the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, this hill station is a paradise for every trekking enthusiast and adrenaline junkie. Surrounded by gorgeous meadows and lush forests of pine, deodar and rhododendron trees, you can easily spot the magnificent snow-clad peaks of Chaukhamba from this unspoiled beaut and end up wanting to lose yourself in the serenity.
Best Time To Visit – April to November
Kanatal, Uttarakhand
Located 38 km from the quintessential town of Mussoorie, this beautiful heaven deserves to be experienced by all those who wish to unplug and unwind, and re-connect with their higher self. No matter where you go, you would always be surrounded by the lush greenery of pine forests, apple orchards, flower gardens and magical waterfalls that’ll compel you to stay longer. Make sure you visit some of its hidden gems like the Surkanda Devi Temple and Chamba, too!
Best Time To Visit – March to August
Dhanaulti, Uttarakhand
Whether you wish to trek in the chilly mountain air amidst breathtaking views or watch gorgeous sunsets above the snow-clad peaks with a hot cup of tea between your palms, this little town is an ideal choice for every traveller who seeks some solitude and space. Located 28 km from Mussoorie, it promises to leave you more peaceful and blissful than ever.
Best Season To Visit – April to June and September to November
Hill Stations In South India
Contrary to popular belief, hill stations in South India are not only surreal but since most of them remain untouched by commercial tourism, they boast of an irrevocable beauty and a sense of calmness. So, are you ready to be surprised by the southern charm?
Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
Known to be the second-largest and the quietest of all the three hill stations in the Nilgiri Hills, Coonoor happens to be one of the most beautiful destinations of southern India. Being lesser-known than others, it offers a peaceful escape from the crowded rush of the city and serves as a perfect getaway for all nature lovers and adrenaline junkies. The two most famous attractions here include the Nilgiri Tea Production and Botanical Garden.
Best Time To Visit – October to March
Ponmudi, Kerala
Home to abounding acres of tea gardens, national parks and rivers, this hill station is located around 62 km north-east of Thiruvananthapuram. With mesmerizing sites of Kallar Waterfalls, Golden Valley and Meenmutty Falls, and other fascinating attractions like Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Agasthiya Biological Park and Lion and Deer Park, this beautiful town is a haven for trekkers, nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and even solo backpackers seeking tranquillity.
Best Time To Visit – November to March
Yercaud, Tamil Nadu
Boasting of an irrevocable charm and seamless natural beauty, this hill station is more commonly known as the ‘Jewel of The South’ for its spellbinding views. Not only does it offer an adventurous trail for all trekking enthusiasts but even a leisurely stroll across its dense forests, rock formations and beautiful gardens deems rewarding. Make sure you visit its highest point i.e. the Servarayan Temple at 5,326 feet and witness the most gorgeous sunset of your life whilst being enveloped by that cold pahaadi breeze.
Best Time To Visit – July to September
Shimoga, Karnataka
Want to lose yourself amidst the scenic views of the hills surrounded by crystal clear waterfalls? Shimoga is going to be your go-to escape from the chaos of city life. Not only is it home to some of the most breathtaking viewpoints and waterfalls in the south but also boasts of a variety of wildlife. So much so, that it’s often called a ‘Photographer’s Paradise.’ The Jog Falls, Shivappanayaka’s Fort, Kodachadri Hills and Ikkeri Temple are some of its most loved tourist attractions.
Best Time To Visit – October to March
Yelagiri, Tamil Nadu
Comprising of 14 tiny villages amidst four magnificent mountains, this hill station offers the kind of peace and unaffected beauty that most places in the country fail to deliver. It doesn’t usually fall under a typical tourist’s radar and is left unexplored most of the year, but anyone who wishes to travel to a unique natural setting is welcomed here with arms wide open. Places like Swami Malai, Jalagamparai Waterfalls and Punganur Lake should not be missed. Apart from sightseeing, you can either choose to indulge in adventure sports like waterfall trekking and paragliding or spend a leisurely day boating in the lake.
Best Time To Visit – November to February
Idukki, Kerala
Idukki is the kind of hill station that one cannot not keep going back to. From beautiful lakes, dams and densely covered hills in lush greenery to breathtaking tea plantations and wildlife sanctuaries, each nook and cranny of this hidden gem is a sight to behold. Among its most fascinating places of interest lie the Kalvari Mount, Thrissanku Hills, Meesapulimala, Idukki Dam and Urumbikkara, to name a few.
Best Time To Visit – June to September, and November to February
Hill Stations In East India
With crystal clear waterfalls and densely forested hills, spread across the foothills of the Himalayas, the hill stations in East India are a haven for wildlife lovers and adventure seekers. Head to these eastern beauties for a truly memorable hillside vacation.
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Located at an altitude of over 10,000 feet, this mesmerising town is home to the second-largest Buddhist monastery in the world and offers a mix of Buddhist and northeastern culture. Here, you could go for adventure sports like trekking, paragliding and rock-climbing; a stroll around the glacier lakes; pray at the 400-year-old Tawang Gompa, or just enjoy the scenic beauty while devouring authentic Tibetan delicacies.
Best Time To Visit – March to October
Mirik, West Bengal
Located in Darjeeling, this charming hill station offers all the precious little joys that one expects from a peaceful getaway. Surrounded by the dense Dhupi forest, pretty lakes, endless tea and flower plantations and the spellbinding beauty of Mt. Kangchenjunga, you can never get enough of this town. Apart from activities like horse riding, boating and fish feeding, spots like Kawley Dara, Rameetay Dara, Orange Orchards and Bokar Monastery are totally worth visiting.
Best Time To Visit – March-April and October-November
Haflong, Assam
Known as the ‘Land of Blue Hills’, this one-of-a-kind hill station in the Dima Hasao district of Assam beams with beautiful panoramic views, unexpected streams of water, waterfalls and more than 2 lakh varieties of exotic flowers. Some of its most eye-catching attractions are Haflong Lake, Maibong and Jatinga Village. All this combined with the Assamese culture, delicious delicacies and warm hospitality of the locals will make you want to stay here forever.
Best Time To Visit – October to February
Hill Stations In West India
Amidst beautiful waterfalls, exotic farms, and a fascinating array of flora and fauna, Indian hill stations in the west are full of experiences that make you feel absolutely zen. So, head to these lesser-known western gems of India to create some of the best memories.
Chikhaldara, Maharashtra
You may have never heard of this hill station before but once explored, this hidden gem will become your favourite amongst all. Enthralling waterfalls, lakes, valleys and ceaseless greenery, this hill station has everything for every kind of traveller. Some of the best places to explore here are Hurricane Point, Kitchakdari and Shakkar Lakes, Gawilghur and Narnala Fort, The Tribal Museum and Pandit Nehru Botanical Gardens.
Best Time To Visit – March to June
Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
Known commonly as ‘The Land of Strawberries’ due to its many strawberry farms, this picturesque little town situated in the Western Ghats also brims with breathtaking viewpoints, ancient temples, lush green forests, lakes and waterfalls. If you’re a nature lover, head to this hill station – alone or with your loved ones – during monsoon for a truly enchanting experience.
Best Time To Visit – July to September
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your next trip to one of these hill stations in India already!
Featured Image: Instagram
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