India is a country with varied diversity, where over 1.2 billion people speak more than 700 languages; India is a melting pot of cultures and diversity, that’s why tourist and travellers find India very fascinating. India has several tourist destinations to visit, where you can experience the culture and diversity of the ‘Incredible India’. If you move from north to south or east to west, you’ll find the cultural diversity, as well as geographical diversity and the most alluring thing for the tourist in India, are the hill stations of India.
India is dotted with exquisite hill all over the country begin right up from the beautiful Jammu and Kashmir to incredible Tamil Nadu, enclosed with over 20 mountain ranges. So what you’re waiting for, pack your bag and tag along with me on the thrilling and chilling journey of the hill stations of India.
Table of Contents
The Mighty Himalayas One of the Highest Hills of India
The northern part of India is dominated by the mighty Himalayas. The magnificent peaks and enchanting landscapes attract the tourist most and the major tourism of north India is driven by the mighty the alluring and mesmerizing hill stations. Here some exquisite hill station of India you can explore in the mighty Himalayas.
Gulmarg and Sonmarg: “The Heaven on Earth”
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This heaven on Earth located in the heart of the mighty Himalayas, you can’t resist the beauty of the Gulmarg and Sonmarg , the mesmerizing and spellbinding valley and lakes makes these places very surreal and fascinating , here you can visit Nilagard river , the water of Nilgard river has healing power, because the water of the river is high on nature and medicinal benefits.
From here you can visit Zoji–La Pass the beautiful and thrilling highway which connects the Srinagar and Leh together. If you’re an adventurer and explorer you can go hiking and trekking at this place. This is one of the spellbinding and exquisite hill stations in India you can visit.
Ladakh: ‘The Desert in the Sky’
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Ladakh (“land of high passes”) is located in Karakoram Range in the state of Jammu Kashmir and currently extends to the Siachen Glacier. Ladakh is very famous among bikers and if you love touring on a bike, this is one of the best places to satisfy your wanderlust, the long stretched empty roads, gorgeous shining lakes and sheer cliffs will definitely make your heart pound fast. You can do trekking and camping, in the heart of mesmerizing Nubra valley, this is the must-visit places in the summer if you are planning to go Ladakh.
From here you can also visit Kargil, one of the remotest places, is so scenic and beautiful. If you are going Ladakh and you haven’t visited Khardung –la top, which is famously known as the highest motorable road in the world, then your trip is in Vain. Ladakh is also famous for monasteries, Shey, Namgal, Alchi monasteries etc, are among other
major attraction of the Ladakh.
Nainital: ‘Lake District’ of India
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Nainital is a perfect romantic getaway for honeymoon couple, the splendid beauty and the scenic landscape make this place very famous among lovers, this exquisite city located in the Kumaon region of the Uttrakhand, Places like Naina Devi temple, Mall road, Tiffin top, Raj Bhawan are some of the major tourist attraction of Nainital.
Naini Lake makes Nainital so scenic and enchanting, if you are planning to go hill station this summer then Nainital is the perfect destination for a family vacation or couple vacation.
Shimla: ‘The Summer Capital’
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The flaunting band retreat, the orange sky in the evening and sun setting low at the horizon gives the breathtaking view at mall road; you’ll surely fall in the love with the sheer beauty of this summer capital, which is now the capital of the Himachal Pradesh.
The colonial architect can be seen in the most building of this splendid hilltop, Tara Devi temple, Christ church, Viceregal lodge and The Ridge are some major attraction of this beautiful, ‘hill stations of India’.
Manali: ‘Honeymoon Paradise’ One of The Most Visited Hill Stations of India
Manali is one of the most sought honeymoon destinations in India, the weather and sheer beauty of the Manali attracts so many couples throughout the year. Manali is also known for the adrenaline rushing Heli-Skiing, the snow-covered landscape are astonishingly beautiful, some major attraction of Manali are Tibetan monasteries, Vashist Hot water spring, Mall Road, Clubhouse and Nehru Kund.
Manali is also the starting point of most adventurous and enchanting Leh – Manali Highway. You can also visit Solang Valley which is 13 Km away from Manali, if you love adventure sports you can also do paragliding, and can see the panoramic view of this alluring valley.
Kullu: ‘The Valley of God’
Kullu and Manali are twin hill station, very famous among the tourist, this beautiful hill station is so mystical, flooded by the tourist throughout the year, and this magnificent hilltop surely makes you fall in love with surreal beauty. So many mystical stories attached with this enchanting ‘hill stations of India’.
Dharamsala: ‘The little Lhasa’
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Dharamsala literally means “a spiritual dwelling” situated in the beautiful valley of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh. The peaceful and scenic hill station at an average altitude of 1475 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the dense cedar trees, exotic culture and tradition, beautiful and spiritual monasteries. Home to great Buddhist leader Dalai Lama along with Buddhist monk and several old rustic monasteries has made Dharamshala one of the most visited and popular places among the tourist.
The experience of sheer natural beauty and scenic landscape will definitely give a sense of calm and peace to your body and soul; don’t miss the glory of Tibetan culture and scenic landscape of Dharamshala. Your trip to Dharamshala will be incomplete if you don’t visit Macleodganj, a small mesmerizing village, located in same beautiful vicinity as Dharamshala. This Hill station is small yet it’s so beautiful with amazing views of stunning Dhauladhar range and certainly, a must visit place in Dharamshala.
Mussoorie: ‘The Queen of Hills’
This charming hill station is popularly known as the queen of hills; only 34 Km from Dehradun is situated at an altitude of 2003 meter from the sea level in the Garhwal hills.
The most visited and admired ‘hill stations of India’. Imbibe the fresh cool breeze of lal Tibba & fun of the Kempty fall, you can visit antique shops, handicrafts shops and the stunning and mesmerizing Gun hills, Mussoorie is a perfect summer destination for you and your family.
Hill stations in South India
Ooty, Tamil Nadu: “Queen of the Nilgiris”
Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam is a beautiful town in the Western Ghats of southern India’s Tamil Nadu state. For any mountain or hills lover, the idea of travelling to the ‘queen of hills’ must be fascinating. It offers mesmerising meadows, serene environment, cool weather and a wide range of sightseeing places to visit and admire for a getaway. Ooty has a favourable climate all around the year and is situated at an altitude of 2240 meters above sea level amidst the Nilgiris.
Coorg, Karnataka: “Scotland of India”
Coorg, also known as Kodagu is a hill station in Karnataka famous for its coffee production, green woody slopes, misty landscapes, cascading falls, dense tropical forest, and spice plantations is a paradise for all nature lovers. The culture, people and the warm hospitality of the Kodavas ( a local clan skilled in martial arts) makes this an attractive tourist destination.
Munnar, Kerala: “Kashmir of South India”
Munnar is a hill station situated at an altitude of 1600 meters above sea level in the state of Kerala. It is vastly famous for its tea plantations and an important commercial centre of some of the world’s largest tea estates. Apart from tea, Munnar also offers luscious greenery, misty landscapes and its rocky slopes. Situated on the banks of three rivers- Madupetti, Nallathanni and Periavaru, forests of Munnar are home to some to endemic and highly endangered species like the Nilgiri Thar and the Neelakurinji.
Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu: “Princess of hill stations”
Kodaikanal is situated at an altitude of 700 feet above sea level in the state of Tamil Nadu. It has a pleasant climate all around the year. The name Kodaikanal means ‘gift of forests’. Kodaikanal with its mist covered slopes, soothing atmosphere and scenic waterfalls is one of the best honeymoon destinations. Its beautiful lakes and the cloud capped mountains makes it ideal for a get away from the city chaos and dust.
Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
Only 19 kms away from Ooty and at an altitude of 1930 meters above sea level is this gorgeous hill station Coonoor. It is the second largest hill station in the Nilgiris of Western Ghats. It is rich with nature and lush greenery.
So, we have come to an end of this beautiful journey of ‘Hill Stations of India’ we shall meet again on some another exciting voyage…!!! Till then en voyagent.