8 Hill Stations in India to Ditch the Summer Heat at these Winter Wonderlands

You know the relaxing feeling of standing in front of the A.C during summers? Well, instead of doing that, you can plan a trip to these hill stations in India that are the perfect escape from the summer heat. The low temperature, mist-covered hills, verdant greenery, eating Maggi, and simply enjoying the pleasant weather is what you’re missing out on. Therefore, don’t think twice before going to some of the most popular hilly areas in the country to take a breather and to have fun in the snow with your loved ones. It’s up to you now, the scorching heat or the chilly climate?

8 Best Hill Stations in India: Seek Fresh Air, Mountains, and Adventure

It’s a common phenomenon that whenever the temperature rises in the country, people rush to the mountains for relief. These hill stations have always offered refuge to people, and the best part is that it’s affordable to visit these places from anywhere in the country. You’ll get the much-needed vacation you were looking for while beating the heat, so it’s a win-win situation.

Here’s a list of the most beautiful hill stations in India

1. Srinagar
2. Manali
3. Dharamshala
4. Ooty
5. Mussoorie
6. Leh Ladakh
7. Auli
8. Mount Abu

1. Srinagar: Bow to the Evergreen Beauty

Srinagar, or rather “Heaven on Earth” is a hill station in North India, which is nestled in the Kashmir Valley on the banks of River Jhelum. The beauty of this hill station is accentuated by the snow-capped mountains, verdant valleys, meadows, houseboats, mesmerizing lakes, and much more. There’s no dearth of the places to visit in Srinagar. The pleasant and cool climate throughout the year is what drives people to this gorgeous state. What makes it unique is that it’s one of the hill stations with airport in India. The breathtaking attractions here along with the delectable Kashmiri cuisine makes your vacation here a memorable one. If you visit during winters, you’ll also get to experience snowfall, which turns this place into an enchanting land with shimmering white sheet spread everywhere.

Additional Information

• Best time to visit: April to October
• Ideal duration: 4 to 5 days

Attractions in Srinagar

• Dal Lake
• Shalimar Bagh
• Aru Valley
• Pari Mahal

Adventures in Srinagar

• Shop for Kashmiri shawls and other items
• Savor Kashmiri cuisine
• Go for boating in the Dal Lake
• Trek to Hari Parbat

How to reach Srinagar

• Airport – You can take a flight to Srinagar International Airport and take a cab from there to the city, which is approx. 10 km away.
• Rail – Board a train to Udhampur Railway Station (approx. 182 km) and then take a cab to Srinagar.
• Road – You can travel via bus or cab to Srinagar from nearby cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu, Leh, etc.

2. Manali: A Paradise for Snow Lovers

Manali is one of the best hill stations to visit in October in India and the highest one. It’s the ideal place for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts to unite because the diverse landscape of this place suits both. The things to do in Manali are ideal for every traveler. This destination also has its roots in religion and mythology because Manali is located in the Kully Valley, which is known as the Valley of Gods. It’s believed that Sage Manu disembarked from his ark in Manali to revive human life after the flood. Manali is also one of the most romantic honeymoon hill stations in India. The romantic vibe of this place is enhanced by the thick blanket of snow, the picturesque views, and natural beauty.

Additional Information

• Best time to visit: October to February
• Ideal duration: 3 to 4 days

Attractions in Manali

• Rohtang Pass
• Kalath Hot Water Springs
• Solang Valley
• Manu Temple

Adventures in Manali

• River rafting
• Yak ride
• Trekking
• Skiing

How to reach Manali

• Airport – You must take a flight to Chandigarh International Airport and then travel via cab for approximately 276 km.
• Rail – You can board a train to Jogindernagar railway station, which is 161 km away from the city, so you’ll have to travel via cab or taxi from there.
• Road – The Himachal Pradesh State Bus Service is a convenient way to travel via road and you can also rely on private buses.

Suggested Read: Attractions in Nathdwara: The Sacred Temple Town of Rajasthan

3. Dharamshala: The Perfect Weekend Getaway Destination

Every mountain lover plans on visiting Dharamshala at least once in their life because it offers the perfect mountain setting for tourists and locals. However, what makes this an excellent location is the spirituality you sense here. With various monasteries and temples here, you’ll notice a religious hint in the air, which makes everything more serene and pious for the travelers. This hill station offers a chance to indulge in several things to do in India. Dharamshala is an ideal place for solo travelers as well because it’s a safe city and gives you a chance to indulge in several adventure activities. This winter retreat in Himachal Pradesh allows you to spend some time away from the city’s hustle and bustle and is also the home of the great Buddhist leader Dalai Lama.

Additional Information

• Best time to visit: February to June
• Ideal duration: 2 to 3 days

Attractions in Dharamshala

• Gyuto Monastery
• Triund Hill
• Dal Lake
• St. John’s Church

Adventures in Dharamshala

• Trekking
• Camping
• Boating
• Paragliding

How to reach Dharamshala

• Airport – Book a flight to Chandigarh International Airport (approx. 244 km) and then take a cab from there to the hill station.
• Rail – A train to Pathankot Station is ideal as it’s around 85 km away from Dharamshala.
• Road – You can board state or private buses from nearby cities or hire a cab to the hill station.

Suggested Read: Places to Travel in Gangtok, Sikkim to Create Special Memories

4. Ooty: The Perfect Retreat for Everyone

When it comes to hill stations in South India, you can never go wrong with Ooty. This destination is famous for being a quaint and tranquil place for city dwellers to take a breather. From serene lakes to adorable cottages, there’s a lot to look forward to during your stay here. It’s also where you can see the strong colonial influence in the architecture and other aspects of the city because it was once the summer headquarters of the East India Company. The temples in South India are also quite famous, so you can explore those as well. Among the various places to visit in Ooty, one attraction that makes it famous is the Nilgiri Mountain Railways. It was the location of the iconic Bollywood song “Chaiyya Chaiyya” featuring Shahrukh Khan and Malaika Arora. All these reasons are enough to plan a trip to this gorgeous hill station.

Additional Information

• Best time to visit: October to June
• Ideal duration: 2 to 3 days

Attractions in Ooty

• Emerald Lake
• Ooty Rose Garden
• Dolphin’s Nose
• Tea Museum

Adventures in Ooty

• Camping
• Fishing
• River rafting
• Boating

How to reach Ooty

• Airport – Take a flight to Coimbatore International Airport (approx. 87 km) and then take a cab from there to Ooty.
• Rail – Mettupalayam Station is approx. 52 km away from the city, so you can take a taxi from there.
• Road – You can either take the Tamil Nadu State Road Transport Corporation or any private bus to reach.

Suggested Read: Fun Things to Do in Ujjain: Discover this Sacred City and Indulge in its Cultural Beliefs

5. Mussoorie: The Queen of Hills

Mussoorie is a place that is on everyone’s bucket list because of its aesthetic mountain vibes with unadulterated greenery, picturesque views, and the chaos at the mall road. You can consider Mussoorie as one of the cheapest hill stations in India, which makes it even more lucrative to the travelers. You can enjoy the entire experience of being in the mountains, but in a budgeted way. What more could you ask for? There are many more hill stations nearby, such as Landour, Dhanaulti, etc. that would keep you engaged for the whole time you’re there. In addition, the adventure activities in Mussoorie are resplendent with thrill and excitement.

Additional Information

• Best time to visit: April to June
• Ideal duration: 2 to 3 days

Attractions in Mussoorie

• Mall Road
• Gun Hill
• Kempty Falls
• Cloud’s End

Adventures in Mussoorie

• Trekking
• Paragliding
• Ziplining
• Boating

How to reach Mussoorie

• Airport – You can book a flight to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (approx. 61 km). From there you can take a cab to Mussoorie.
• Rail – Board a train to Dehradun Railway Station (around 34 km) and then hire a taxi or cab to the hill station.
• Road – There are several buses operating between Mussoorie and the nearby cities. You can also travel via taxi or drive there on your own.

Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Goa: Explore Pristine Beaches, Historical Sites, and Vibrant Culture

6. Leh Ladakh: Venture to the World’s Coldest Desert

Leh Ladakh is one of the highest hill stations in India at an altitude of 3500 m. The surreal beauty of this place would leave you in awe. With several splendid attractions, such as the one of the highest motorable roads, world’s highest saltwater lake, Pangong Tso Lake and many more, you’ll be enamored by its charm and allure. The dramatic landscape of this hill station is what makes it unique and attractive to the tourists. The cultural richness and religious significance of this place is evident in the monasteries, temples, and prayer flags you’ll come across on your journey. It’s every adventurer and biker’s dream to travel to this place, so you should definitely consider this as one of the best places to visit in India in summer.

Additional Information

• Best time to visit: April to June
• Ideal duration: 5 to 6 days

Attractions in Leh Ladakh

• Nubra Valley
• Pangong Tso Lake
• Chele La Pass
• Thiksey Monastery

Adventures in Leh Ladakh

• Camping
• Camel Safari
• Trekking
• Rafting

How to reach Leh Ladakh

• Airport – You must take a flight to Srinagar International Airport (approx. 441 km), then travel via car or bus to Ladakh. You could also catch another flight from here to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (around 3 km)
• Rail – You must board a train to Jammu Tawi (around 668 km) and then travel via cab or bike.
• Road – You can take the JKSRTC bus or hire a cab to this hill station.

Suggested Read: Adventure Activities in Uttarakhand: Time to Indulge in Adventurous Escapades

7. Auli: The Skiing Capital of India

Auli is the skiing destination of India and one of the places to go in India. The snow-laden mountains along with lush greenery, make it the perfect place for nature lovers and adventure junkies. Imagine the mesmerizing sight of shimmering snow, majestic mountain ranges of Nanda Devi, Mana Parvat and Kamat Kamet, and scenic beauty all around you. It’ll make your holiday here a memorable one, which is why it’s a must-visit hill station. Located at an altitude of around 2,900 m, this is an ideal retreat to the hills, and it’s also believed to be a place blessed by Shankracharya. So, get started on your adventures in Auli right away.

Additional Information

• Best time to visit: November to March
• Ideal duration: 2 to 3 days

Attractions in Auli

• Nandaprayag
• Auli Artificial Lake
• Trishul Peak
• Chenab Lake

Adventures in Auli

• Skiing
• Hiking
• Camping
• Cable Car Ride

How to reach Auli

• Airport – Fly to Jolly Grant Airport (approx. 272 km) in Dehradun and then hire a taxi to Auli
• Rail – Board a train to Rishikesh Railway Station (around 255 km) and then hire a cab.
• Road – You can take a bus to Rishikesh and then hire a taxi to the hill station.

Suggested Read: Adventures in Mcleodganj for a Heart-Pumping Thrilling Holiday

8. Mount Abu: The Only Hill Station in Rajasthan

Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan, so you can see the other side of this state apart from the sea of desert. The verdant greenery of this place is best accentuated during the monsoon season when everything appears washed and clear. It’s quite a surprising destination because a lot of people don’t expect a hilly region in Rajasthan, so it’s an ideal place for exploring the attractions and to step away from the heat for a while. The mist-covered hills, pleasant weather, and scenic views make this an excellent hill station to spend the weekend. There are several attractions in Mount Abu to look forward to as well, so plan a trip to Mount Abu for a fascinating time.

Additional Information

• Best time to visit: November to March
• Ideal duration: 2 to 3 days

Attractions in Mount Abu

• Nakki Lake
• Delwara Temple
• Guru Shikar Peak
• Toad’s Rock

Adventures in Mount Abu

• Boating
• Hiking
• Safari
• Camping

How to reach Mount Abu

• Airport – Take a flight to Dabok Airport in Udaipur (approx. 176 km) and then hire a cab or taxi to the destination.
• Rail – A train to Abu Road Railway Station (approx. 28 km) is a convenient option
• Road – You can board private or state buses to Mount Abu or travel via car.

Suggested Read: Adventures in Munnar: An Exotic Destination for Adventures

When it comes to summer heat, the only solution is to run to the hills, and these 8 hill stations in India would welcome you with open arms. Regardless of whether you wish to travel to North or South India, we’ve a recommendation for all. It’s time to take a break from this humid weather and to enjoy lying in the shimmering snow, to feel the cold creeping in and relaxing you, and to indulge in the joys of mountain life. You can take your pick from the numerous hill stations in this country and escape for a while. So, book our India travel packages for a fun time in winterland.  

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