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Owing to the majestic Himalayan ranges that fall in the northern region of India, the area is abundantly endowed with some of the most pristine and jaw-dropping hill stations that you can find in the world. From broad patches of cold deserts to magnificent valleys, the hill stations of northern India are worth visiting once in your lifetime. And during this prickling heat, these hill stations can be an excellent place for solace.
Here are 10 of the best hill places in India where you can go to beat this scorching heat.
Endowed with impressive mountains clad with a pristine coat of snow, Manali is one of the most popular and best hill stations to visit in Himachal Pradesh. Also known as the Lover’s Paradise, the city is enclosed by the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges which provide some awe-inspiring and breathtaking sceneries that have attracted romantics from across the globe. Manali is also a major spot for reaching the more secluded parts of the Himalayan ranges, falling under Himachal Pradesh.
Manali has a dedicated airport and railway station, making it accessible from all major parts of the country. However, the airport does not offer international flights. The nearest international airport is in Chandigarh, 300 km away from Manali. Manali also offers some of the best hill resorts in north India.
Providing a serene experience of the Shivalik ranges in Uttarakhand, Mussoorie is a great hill station for people looking to have a more secluded and tranquil time. Popularly known as the ‘Queen of the Hills, Mussoorie is situated at an elevation of 7000 ft above sea level amidst the foothills of the Himalayas. There are also British remnants across the city, like archaic monuments and churches of Victorian style. These factors have made Mussoorie a popular hill station in Uttarakhand.
While Mussorie does not have a dedicated airport or railway station, the only way to reach it is by road. However, you can take a flight or train to Dehradun, which is only 35 km away from Mussorie.
Also known as the glittering jewel of the lower Himalayan ranges, Dehradun is a spectacular hill station famous for its vibrance and enchanting feel. Under British rule, Dehradun flourished as an elite town, where people went to rejuvenate and live a luxurious life amongst the hills. As a result, it is one of the most visited tourist destinations in northern India and guarantees all tourists an exquisite experience.
Dehradun has a dedicated airport and railway station, which allows you to connect with all major destinations in the country.
Offering you the most beautiful and serenading experience of the Meghalaya, Shillong is an awe-inspiring hill station with abundant waterfalls. Standing at 1500m above sea level, Shillong is crowded with dense and vibrant forests, which add to the place’s natural beauty. The ambience of Shillong is quite westernised, as you will see beautiful cafes, golf courses, and museums across the city.
Being quite secluded, Shillong does not have a dedicated airport or railway station. The nearest airport is in Barapani, which is 25 km away from Shillong, and the nearest railway station is in Guwahati, which is 99 km away. There are roads connecting the nearby cities with Shillong from where you can take a cab or bus. Do check out offers on Flight to Shillong here!
Popularly known as the ‘Heaven on Earth’, Srinagar is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir and one of the top beautiful hill stations in India. This vast and mesmerising hill station has some breathtaking mountains and valleys that make the city seem heavenly. Situated at the river banks of Jhelum, Srinagar has attracted tourists from across the globe with its amazing tourism industry and the backdrop of huge Himalayan mountains. Srinagar is majorly closed to travellers from December to February as the city receives heavy snowfall during these months.
Srinagar has an airport and railway station, making it extremely convenient to reach any major destination.
Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and one of the most beautiful hill stations in northern India, which is popular amongst honeymooners. Situated at an elevation of 2200 m, Shimla provides you with a hustle-bustle city life amidst the high-rising Himalayan Mountains and magnificent colonial architecture. These factors have also made Shimla one of the most visited hill stations in India.
The city has dedicated railway stations and an airport of its own, which makes it incredibly easy for tourists to visit any major destination in the country.
Located in the magnificent valleys of Uttarakhand, Nainital is a breathtaking hill station which has wooed people from across the globe. Situated at around 2084 m above sea level, the city is also known as the ‘City of Lakes’ owing to the abundant lakes in the city. Each lake is amazing and worthy of being a picnic spot. From luxuries to natural beauty, Nainital packs a wide range of experiences for travellers to have an enjoyable and relaxing time.
As Nainital doesn’t have a dedicated railway station and airport of its own, you need to take a flight or train to nearby cities. The nearest airport is in New Delhi, which is 400 km away, and the nearest railway station is in Kathgodam, which is 34 km away.
Located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala is a low-key hill town that promises travellers a laid-back experience. The city is rich with beautifully constructed colonial-era buildings turned into luxurious hotels and resorts. As the city houses various Tibetan refugees, you will find some amazing Buddhist monasteries in the city as well.
The city is well connected via road, which allows you to travel from any major destination in the country. However, the city doesn’t have an airport or railway station. To reach the city by air, you need to take a flight to Kangra Airport, which is only 13 km away from the city centre. If you are travelling by train, you need to go to Pathankot railway station, 85 km away from Dharamshala.
Leh Ladakh is a place which will be found on any nature lover or trekker’s wishlist. The city is endowed with amazing natural beauty, which attracts people from across the globe. You’ve got the magnificent mountain ranges of Zanskar and Karakoram that elicit the bravado of the Himalayan range. The breathtaking lakes of Pangyong, Tso Moriri and Tso Kar will make you want to leave your bustled lifestyle and become a sanyasi. And not to forget the gravity-defying magnetic hill.
Leh has a dedicated railway and airport. You can take a flight or train to Leh Ladakh from any major destination in the country. Also, do check out Flights offers to Leh Ladakh here!
Kangojodi is one of the best offbeat hill stations in India, which is situated near the beautiful hills and ravines of Nahan. With a comparatively lesser tourist crowd, Kangojodi provides you with the liberty and freedom to do whatever you want without constantly bumping into people. You can go sightseeing without a queue, camp wherever you desire, and trudge down the hills in tranquillity.
While the town of Nahan is quite secluded, away from the hustle-bustle of the city, there are no direct flights or railway lines. You need to take a flight to New Delhi or take a train to Solan, from where you can reach Kangojodi via road.
Sprawling around the Himalayan ranges, these are some of the most unique and worth-visiting hill stations in North India that can provide you solace in this time of excruciating heat. Furthermore, as most of these hill stations are situated alongside, with a bit of pre-planning, you can cover multiple hill stations and have a more elevated experience.
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Ideally, you should reserve around 4–5 days to experience the town properly.
As winters can get extremely cold, the best time to visit is during Spring and Summer, which spans from February to June.
You can see the Dhauladhar range from Dharamshala. It is one of the middle Himalayan mountain ranges that span from Dalhousie in northwest Himachal Pradesh and travels through the state to the Beas River’s bank in the Kullu district.
Popularly, Manali and Shimla have been the first choice for honeymooners looking for a beautiful landscape and romantic ambience.
As Srinagar provides the most incredible atmosphere and heavy snowfall during winter, it can be an ideal hill station to visit in August.
