Are you the one who is looking for a break and chill with the surroundings of mountains and valleys? Then you have lots of options in almost every part of India. India has Kullu and Manali in the Northern side and Coorg and Munnar, whereas Gangtok in Eastern India and Mount Abu in Rajasthan. We will be checking out the best hill station in India in this blog post.
From the number of hill stations, we have handpicked the 5 best hill stations of India which will give you the mesmerizing experience and make you fall in love with nature. Below are the list of hill stations in India.
- Gulmarg
- Pahalgam
- Shimla and Kullu
- Manali
- Mount Abu
We have plenty of options all over India to roam around and make your trip a memorable one. Let’s check out the best hill stations in India.
1. Gulmarg
A popular skiing destination in Baramulla District of Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory. Located at 2730 meters above sea level in the Pir Panjal range of Western Himalaya. A well known snowy mountain attracts people not only for skiing but it is also the first choice for honeymooners. The splendid beauty of snowy mountains is the best picnic spot for families, couples and adventure lovers.
The main attraction of Gulmarg is Gondola. Gondola means none other than a Cable Car. It is also Asia’s highest Cable Car. It will take you up to 3995 meters, which is quite a memorable experience. The sightseeing trip by gondola will cost you around Rs. 1000/-.
Best Time To Visit:
October To May
How To Reach:
Via Train:
Jammu Tawi is the nearest Railway station. Jammu Tawi is 290km away from Gulmarg. You can book a cab straight to the Gulmarg.
Via Air:
The nearest airport is Srinagar. Gulmarg is a one and half hour drive from Srinagar.
Via Road:
Gulmarg has great connectivity from Srinagar, Sonmarg and Jammu. You can book a cab or take state transport or private to reach the Gulmarg.
2. Pahalgam
A scenic beauty, green meadows, picturesque valleys are waiting to welcome you at Pahalgam. An ideal place for trekking and hiking, river rafting. Located at an altitude of 2130 meters from sea level in the western part of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Pahalgam is also the starting point of the well known Amarnath Pilgrimage, the Pahalgam-Chandanwati-Amarnath route. The main attractions in Pahalgam apart from trekking, hiking and river rafting are Chandanwari, Betaab Valley (so-called as the Bollywood movies was shot there) and Aru Valley.
Best Time To Visit:
March To November
How To Reach:
Via Train:
Jammu and Udhampur are nearest railway stations from Pahalgam. While Jammu is 285Km away and Udhampur is 217Km away.
Via Air:
Srinagar International Airport is the nearest airport from Pahalgam. Pahalgam is 96Km away from Srinagar.
Via Road:
Pahalgam is well connected with Jammu, Srinagar through road. You can take a State Transport Bus or can hire a taxi.
Must Read: Hill Stations In Maharashtra
3. Shimla
A dream destination for all the hill station lovers. Shimla also called Simla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh is the first choice of all Indians when it comes to visiting a hill station. Shimla was the summer capital of India when Britishers were ruling India.
Situated at an altitude of 2200 meters from sea level, Shimla is also well known for a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is Shimla-Kalka mountain train, the picturesque view while traveling through Shimla-Kalka train is amazing. Apart from Shimla-Kalka train, Shimla has other attractions like Mall Road, Jaku Temple and Kufri- the nearest hill station which is covered with snow almost throughout the year.
Best Time To Visit:
If you want to experience the snowfall then you must visit Shimla during November To February. You can visit one of the best hill stations in India from March to June.
How To Reach:
Via Train:
Shimla has its own railway station, but you can board a train for Shimla only from Kalka as it is a narrow-gauge train route. You need to reach the Kalka first only then you can travel through the train.
Via Air:
Shimla has its own airport, which is around 22Km away from the city.
Via Road:
Shimla is well connected with Chandigarh and Delhi. You can book a taxi to lessen the drive hours.
4. Manali
A Himalayan town, known for its snowy mountains is the best opt for all the honeymooners and family outings. Located at an elevation of 2050 meter in Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges, Manali offers a mesmerizing beauty of nature that you will cherish throughout your life.
Manali offers you the range of attractions which include world-famous Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Hadimba Temple, Nature Park, Himalayan Nyinmapa Buddhist Temple and you can enjoy paragliding as well.
Best Time To Visit:
February To June
How To Reach:
Via Train:
The closest railway station is Chandigarh and Pathankot. WHile Chandigarh is 315Km away and Pathankot is 290Km away.
Via Air:
Manali has its own Airport named as Bhuntar Airport, which is 10Km away from Manali.
Via Road:
The northern hill station in India is well connected through the road. The picturesque beauty of nature will make you awestruck. If you have enough time then you must opt-in for a road trip. It could be the best road trip of your life.
Must Read: Honeymoon Places In India
5. Mount Abu
The one and only hill station in the state of Rajasthan. Located at an altitude of 1220 meters above sea level at Aravali Mountain Range, its lush greenery will make you fall in love with this place.
Mount Abu is the best escape destination from Rajasthan scorching heat. The only hill station in Rajasthan, has a lot to offer to its visitors which includes Dilwara Jain Temples, Guru Shikhar, Achalgarh, Nakki Lake, Sunset Point and Wildlife Sanctuary.
Best Time To Visit:
October To May
How To Reach:
Via Train:
Abu Road is the nearest railway station which is connected to all the major cities of India like Jaipur, Mumbai, Delhi and Ahmedabad.
Via Air:
The nearest airport is Udaipur, but it has less frequency instead you must opt for Ahmedabad. You can hire a taxi from there. Ahmedabad is around 228Km away from Mount Abu.
Via Road:
Mount Abu is well connected through road, take National Highway 14 which will take you to the Mount Abu.
These are some must visit hill stations in India.
So, what are you waiting for?
Checkout the dates and visit some of the awesome hill stations in India.