Top 25 Hill Stations in North India

India is blessed with many natural wonders and attractions such as hills, lush greenery forests, beautiful lakes and rivers, mountain ranges, etc. When it comes to discussing tranquil hill stations in India means the first option sparkle in our mind is North India. Because it is home to the mighty Himalayas which makes to spread many mountain ranges.

The environment and atmosphere around these Hill Stations are chilling and freezing with cold breezes. Hill Stations in North India are the de fined place for the summer retreat that’s why a large number of tourists will be received every year to these Top 10 hill stations in North India.

1. Nainital

Nainital is a famous Hill Station in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. This beautiful Hill Station is very famous due to the volcanic lake of Naini and this lake is the key attraction of Nainital. Atmosphere and climate around this Hill Station are so peaceful and heart cease with full of greenery around us.

Tourist Attractions

This beautiful Hill Station is the right destination for family trips, honeymoon tours, and mainly for adventure seekers with different types of treks. Tourist attractions of Nainital are Tiffin Top, Snow View Point, Gurney House, Nainital Mountaineering club and boating on Naini Lake. So, never miss the place in your list of Hill Stations to visit.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Nainital is during summers from March to June due to the pleasant atmosphere.

Also Read : 10 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Uttarakhand

Suggested Tour :

2. Manali

Manali is a beautiful honeymoon destination in India and well-known as “Prime Honeymoon destination”. It is the best summer retreat in Himachal Pradesh and popular for numerous pumping activities. Manali is a freezing place with snow-covered mountains and different attractions. You can enjoy a very pleasant and tranquil weather in Manali.

Tourist Attractions

In Manali, you can experience many adventurous acts like Heli-skiing. Manali is a beautiful Hill Station with various tourist spots and also famous for starting point of India’s most enthralling highways. Places can be visited here are Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Hadimba Temple, Bhrigu Lake, and Tibetan Monasteries etc.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Manali is during the winter season from October to February and if you want to experience fresh snowfall you have to visit in January.

Also Read : Top 15 Offbeat Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh

Suggested Tour : 6 Days - Shimla Manali Tour Packages

3. Shimla

Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and as well as famous Hill Station in Northern states. It is also a popular summer retreat in India and it was once summer capital of the British also. Many attractions and beauty of Shimla hold a huge number of visitors from all over the world.

Tourist Attractions

The main attractions of Shimla are the Jakhoo Hill, Summer Hill, Tara Devi Temple, Christ Church, and Shimla State Museum etc. Shimla is also well-known for its colonial architectural styles. However, Shimla is like a heaven with fully snow-covered places and chilling weather.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Shimla is during summers from March to June because of the weather of Shimla comfortable during this time.

Also Read : Top 20 Things to do in Shimla

Suggested Tour :

4. Mussoorie

Mussoorie is another famous Hill Station in Uttarakhand and also well-known as “Queen of Hills”. It is a very peaceful place with beautiful attractions and greenery around us. The environment and atmosphere of Mussoorie are so pleasant and calm with cool breezes. The scenic view of Mussoorie Hill Station perched with thick greenery looks very attractive.

Tourist Attractions

Another side of tourist attractions, Mussoorie is an educational hub in Uttarakhand with many top boarding schools. This beautiful hill station will make you collect some memorable moments in Mussoorie. Famous tourist attractions of Mussoorie are the Kempty Falls, Company Garden, Mussoorie Lake, Happy Valley, and Jwala Devi Temple etc.

Best Time To Visit

However, Mussoorie is also a captive hill station in North India for a summer retreat. The best time to visit Mussoorie from April to June with a pleasant climate.

Suggested Tour :

5. Badrinath

Badrinath is the most famous pilgrimage center in North India with many spiritual attractions. It is also one of the places of “Chardham Yatra” and in a word, Badrinath is the holiest place. Weather and climate of Badrinath are so pleasant which is so rejuvenating mind and soul.

Tourist Attractions

Badrinath is a beautiful Hill Station with tourist attractions and besides spirituality. It is the best place for trekking and mountaineering in North India. Popular and visit-able places in Badrinath are the famous Badrinath Temple, Vasudhara Falls, Brahma Kapal, and Surya Kund etc. It will be more interesting to visit Badrinath to enjoy the two shades of tourism and spirituality.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit this place is in the summers between May to June and from September to October.

Suggested Tour : 12 Days - Chardham Tour Package

6. Gulmarg

Gulmarg is a glorious Hill Station well-known as “Meadow of Flowers” and most eminent tourist spot for a summer retreat. This beautiful Hill Station is very popular for flowers of different kinds like blueberries, daisies etc. Here you can sense the blossoms of flowers which make you take into Trans.

Tourist Attractions

This Valley Hill Station is also popular for prime skiing and golf resort. Gulmarg is an ideal tourist spot with multiple attractions and scenery. Topmost tourist attractions of Gulmarg are Gulmarg Gondola, Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, Baba Reshi Shrine, Golf Course, and Shark Fin etc.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Gulmarg is in summers from April to June but for skiing means you have to visit from December to mid-March.

Also Read : 20 Best Places to visit in Gulmarg

Suggested Tour :

7. Dalhousie

Dalhousie is a British General name Lord Dalhousie and it was once the summer retreat of the British. That’s why it was named after British General. But Dalhousie is a spectacular Hill Station in North India with a varied climate and atmosphere. This Hill Station is located at a height of 2,700mts and outspread on five hills. You can catch up a picturesque view of Dhauladhar mountain range from this Dalhousie.

Tourist Attractions

A not only tourist attraction, Dalhousie is also a religious spot in favor of many Hindu cultures. Here you can see many temples and the preserves of arts and handicraft of mid 6th century AD. The major tourist attractions in Dalhousie are Alla, Dainkund Peak, Bakrota Hills, Tibetan Market, Khajjiar, and Panchpula etc.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Dalhousie is during summers from March to May. At this time the weather is so comfortable for different activities like trekking.

North India Travel Guide

Suggested Tour : 5 Days - Dalhousie Khajjiar Tour from Mumbai

8. Auli

Auli is a magnificent Hill Station in Uttarakhand surrounded with majestic mountain ranges and very cool atmosphere. It is very popular for many adventurous activities mostly snow skiing. This gorgeous Hill Station is situated at an altitude of 2500mts and a perfect destination for summers and winters. It will be more enthusiastic and thrilling if we visit during winters full of snow-covered places.

Tourist Attractions

In this Hill Station, you can feel spiritual vibrations with the majestic peaks of Nanda Devi and Neelkanth and some stories say that Lord Hanuman visited this place. Interesting places to be visited are Vishnu Prayag, Gurso Bugyal, Joshimath, and cable ride activity etc.

Best Time To Visit

Throughout the year you can visit Auli but if you want to take a snow skiing you have to come from November to March. At this time Auli is so cool and freezing.

Suggested Tour : 6 Days - Rishikesh Auli Tour from Delhi

9. Dharamshala

Dharamshala is one of the most famous Hill Station in all over India located at an altitude of 1487mts in the Kangra Valley. It is a beautiful Hill Station surrounded with the thick forest of Deodar and Cedar and sky-scraping mountains. Dharamshala is also a religious site and it is home to the holy Dalai Lama. You can enjoy the pleasantness and sweetness of Dharamshala with its attractions.

Tourist Attractions

The environment around this Hill Station is so tranquil and peaceful which attracts tourist to visit from all over the world. Here you can see and experience many natural attractions. The major attractions of Dharamshala are Naam Art Gallery, Monolithic Rock Temples, Bhagsu waterfall, Dal Lake, and the Dharamshala Cricket Stadium etc.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit this Hill Station is during Summers from March to June but if you want to enjoy the snowfall you have to come during the winters from December to February.

Suggested Tour :

10. Ranikhet

Last but not least, Ranikhet is also a beautiful Hill Station with a very pleasant and tranquil atmosphere. Even the Britishers shifted their summer capital from Shimla due to its pleasantness. You can be caught up with a beautiful glimpse of Himalayan ranges and the fauna in Ranikhet.

Tourist Attractions

It will lay back in this place and not interested to leave because of the lush greenery and pleasant atmosphere. Here you can see the Jhula Devi Temple, Sunset Points, Chaubatia Orchard, and Ashsiyana Park etc.

Best Time To Visit

The favorable time to visit this place is during summers and winters from April to June and September to November.

Suggested Tours:

11. Leh – Ladakh

The desolated regions of valleys and peaks of Leh Ladakh are famous among adventure lovers and nature lovers. Leh holds numerous Stupas, monasteries, and other structures. The Old Town region is famous for Tibetan styled lifestyle and architecture. The mountain passes, secluded villages, and Buddhist culture of the region make it more beautiful and diverse.

Tourist Attractions

Top attractions to enjoy here are Nubra Valley, Thiksay Monastery, Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Magnetic Hill, Spituk Monastery, Phyang Monstery, Pangong Lake, and others.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit is from April to Mid-May. This is the time for outdoor activities like camping, trekking, picnicking and others. This is also the time to catch many local festivals

Also, read: Top 10 Most Popular Buddhist Monasteries in India

Leh Ladakh Travel Guide

12. Spiti

Spiti is located in the rain-shadow region of Himalayas. Thus, the place is quite beautiful and lush, even during the harsh winter season. This cold desert is famous for its colorful Buddhist culture. This is the place to enjoy adventure and cultural destinations. Apart from trekking, camping, and sightseeing, Spiti is famous for its Himalayan cuisine. Do not miss to try the pink butter tea and local beer, Chhang.

Tourist Attractions

Top places to visit in Spiti are Chandratal Lake, Tantric Gompa, Bara Shigri Glacier, Old Nyingmapa temples, Hangrang Valley, Nako Lake, Tabo Gompa Dhankar Gompa, Pin Valley, Kaza, Key Monastery, Kunzum Pass, and others.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Spiti is from mid-May to August. The place will be lush with foliage and pleasing to cover. This is also the right time to enjoy festivals like Ladarcha fair, Nyingmapa Monastery fair, and other. September to mid of October is also a comparatively pleasing time.

Also Read: Why India is the Ultimate Destination for Culture Holiday

13. Chamba

Chamba is an untouched serene hill region famous for the scenic beauty of Himalaya and the lush Ravi River, which flourishes the land. This is both a winter and summer destination famous for its raw beauty of nature and rejuvenating culture. The town is famous for ancient temples, viewpoints focusing on Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar regions, serene villages, and others. Beyond all, Chamba is famous among adventure lovers as a trekking destination.

Tourist Attractions

Top destinations to visit are Chamera Lake, Himachal Emporium, Manimahesh Lake, Chaugan, Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Hariraya Temple, Bhuri Singh Museum, Church of Scotland, Akhand Chandi Palace, Champavati Temple, Chamunda Devi Temple, and others.

Best Time To Visit

October to June is the peak tourism season. This is the right time to enjoy all outdoor activities and easily access all tourist destinations in the land. The climate is also pleasing and comfortable.

Chamera Lake, ?Chamba — **Chamera Lake, ?Chamb**a

Also Read: 8 Unbelievable Exotic Wonders in India!

Himachal Pradesh Travel Guide

14. Kufri

Due to its proximity to Shimla, Himachal Pradesh Kufri is a hidden beauty. Thus, people looking for a secluded destination with beauty similar to Shimla will always choose Kufri. Thanks to its high altitude location, Kufri holds numerous snow and ice activities during peak season. Top activities to enjoy in Kufri are tobogganing, yak riding, horse riding, birdwatching, trekking, jungle trekking, skiing, hiking, and others.

Tourist Attractions

Top destinations to visit are Kufri Himalayan Nature park, Mahasu Peak, Indira Tourist Park, and others.

Best Time To Visit

Best time to visit Kufri is from November to March. If you are not interested in snow activities, you can choose to visit during summer, which starts in April and ends in June. It is best to avoid monsoon season.

Suggested Tour :

15. Kasauli

Located on the route from Chandigarh to Shimla, this is a small hill town, which is a famous getaway spot, especially during summer. It has all cliché hill station elements. Kasauli was an important summer destination during British rule and the place still holds its Colonial charm. The place is covered with pine and oak forests and meadows. During summer, the place will be lush with fragrant wildflowers and beautiful sceneries.

Tourist Attractions

Top places to visit in Kasauli are Tiber trail, Monkey Point, Mall Road, Lover’s Lane, Sunset Point, Gurudwara Shri Guru Nankji, Baptist Church of Kasauli, Baba Balak Nath temple, Anglican Christ Church, and others.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Kasauli is from September to end of November. This pre-winter time is the best season to enjoy many adventure activities like hiking, trekking, camping, and others. The natural scenic spots of the place will be at prime beauty during this season.

Also Read: 30 Best Hill Stations In India

16. Srinagar

During winter, Srinagar gets a snow Narnia look opening its land for all kinds of winter adventure activities. During the pleasing summer, the valleys of Srinagar will be green and flourishing with wild flowers. The River of Jhelum running closer to Srinagar will be flowing with water, allowing tourists to enjoy numerous activities. Srinagar in winter is considered as an adventure destination and in summer, it is an important honeymoon spot.

Tourist Attractions

Top attractions to visit in Srinagar are Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, Shri Pratap Singh Museum, Pari Mahal, Jama Masjid, Indira Gandhi Memorial, Jhelum riverbank, and others.

Best Time To Visit

Srinagar is at prime beauty throughout the year. However, it is best to avoid monsoon, which starts in August and ends in September.

Suggested Tour :

17. Pahalgam

Pahalgam gets its natural beauty and lush foliage due to the Himalayan landscape. This hill town is filled with saffron fields, green farms, small houses, trekking trail, fishing streams, and much more. This is one of the secluded romantic destinations. However, due to the other important hill destinations of Jammu and Kashmir, Phalgam is often overlooked. Top activities to enjoy here are trekking, hiking, water rafting, golfing, skiing, and others.

Tourist Attractions

Top tourist destinations to visit in Phalgam are Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, Lidder River, Kolahoi Glacier, Chandanwari, Mamaleshwar Temple, Lolab Valley, Tulian Lake, and others.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Pahalgam is from March to November. This is the green season of the region, which allows tourists to enjoy as many outdoor activities as possible. However, winter is also charming, if you do not mind everything covered in snow. If you are into adventure activities, July and September are the right months.

Also Read : 20 Places to visit in Pahalgam

Suggested Tour:

18. Patnitop

Patnitop is a lush hill region of Jammu and Kashmir. It is quite famous as the paradise for trekking and skiing. If you are into adventure vacation, Patnitop provides golfing, paragliding, skiing, trekking, nature trails, and others. Thanks to the serene climate, Patnitop has a postcard-perfect beauty.

Tourist Attractions

Top destinations of Patnitop are Nathatop, Naag Mandir, Dawaiyai Town, Kud Park, Madhatop, Sudh Mahadev Temple, and others.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Patnitop is during summer and autumn. Summer starts in May and ends in June. Autumn starts in September and ends in October. If you wish to enjoy snow activities, visit during winter (December – March).

Jammu Kashmir Travel Guide

Suggested Tour:

19. Chail

Chail is famous for holding the world’s highest cricket ground. This hill station is covered with deodar trees and pine forests. Chail is a famous hiking destination and it holds numerous resorts and a heritage hotel, allowing tourists to enjoy a luxury vacation too. Do you know that Chail was built by the King of Shimla as his second home after he was exiled from his own kingdom? No wonder Chail resembles Shimla in many elements.

Tourist Attractions

Top places to visit in Chail are Chail wildlife sanctuary, Palace Hotel, Chail cricket ground, Kali temple, Sidh Baba ka Mandir, Gurudwara Sahib, Sadhupul village, and others.

Best Time To Visit

Chail is beautiful throughout the year. April to June is the right time for adventure activities and sightseeing. July to September (monsoon) is a beautiful time, but the heavy rains and the landslides make it hard to explore the region. December to January is the time to enjoy a snow-filled honeymoon here. March to April is the blooming season when Chail will be vibrant with wild flowers everywhere.

Suggested Tour : 7 Days - Shimla Manali Tour from Mumbai

20. Lansdowne

Lansdowne is located in the Garhwal Hill regions of Uttarakhand. This is a small hill town famous for pristine settlements, colonial buildings, green forests, snow mountain backdrop, and most importantly, a serene climate. Top activities to enjoy in Lansdowne are trekking, hiking, camping, picnicking, nature trail, tiger safari, and others.

Tourist Attractions

Top places to visit in Lansdowne are Bhulla Lake, Tip N Top, Church of St. John, Darwan Singh Museum, Bhim Pakora, Temple of Tarkeshwar Mahadev, and others.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit is from April to June (summer). During this season, the place will be lush and the trails will be open for adventure activities. Monsoon starts in July and ends in September. It is the worst time to visit the destination.

Uttarakhand Travel Guide

21. Kausani

Kausani is the hill destination for backpackers and solitude lovers. This is a quaint high altitude village in Uttarkhand and it is famous for dark green shaded hills, viewpoints, dreamy climate, and so on. This is the place for enjoying village trails, photography, birdwatching, hiking, and others. It is a lesser known honeymoon destination in Uttarkhand.

Tourist Attractions

Top tourist destinations of this hill village are Sumitra Nandan Pant Museum, Ananshakti Ashram, Bageshwar Temple, Bijnath Temple, Kausani tea estates, Sarla Ashram, Stargate observatory, Ranikhet, and others.

Best Time To Visit

Best time to visit Kausani is during summer season. Summer starts in April and ends in June. This is the right time for sightseeing, adventure activities, and romantic activities.

Also Read:

Suggested Tour : 9 Days - Uttarakhand Tour from Mumbai

22. Dhanaulti

Located a little away from Mussoorie, the hilly region of Dhanaulti is famous for its quaint ambiance. With just 2200 m above sea level, the place is pleasingly cool and charming. If you are looking for romantic vacation, Dhanaulti is the best spot with its lush apple orchards, eco parks, dam regions for picnic, and so on.

Tourist Attractions

Places to visit in Dhanaulti are Camp Thangdhar, Deogarh Fort, Dashavatar Temple, Surkhanda Devi Temple, farm regions, Adventure Park, Eco Park, and others.

Best Time To Visit

Best time to visit Dhanaulti is from September to June. The temperature will be cool and pleasing during this period. Winters will be harsh and monsoon should be avoided for safety reasons.

Also Read: 10 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Uttarakhand

Get Complete Info: Char Dham Yatra of 2020 – A Spiritual Getaway to Salvation, Nature & Almighty

23. Binsar

Geographically, Binsar is a small hill town. Thanks to the beauty of snow peaks of Himalayas, Binsar is the destination with wildlife beauty, lush meadows, viewpoints for peaks, adventure activities, temples, and so on. Binsar is also an important destination among trekkers.

Tourist Attractions

Top places to visit in Binsar are Zero Point, Bineshwar Temple, Golu Devata Temple, Binar wildlife sanctuary, and others.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Binsar is from October to March. If you love adventure activities, you can choose to travel during summers too. Summer starts in April and ends in June.

Suggested Tour : 9 Days - Uttarakhand Tour from Delhi

24. Bir

Geographically speaking, Bir and its sister region, Billing are often considered as one destination. These small regions hold numerous valleys bordered by lush forests. This landscape allows the region to be the place for both adventure activities and meditation. Bir Billing is famous for paragliding, hand gliding, plantation strolling, camping, and other adventure activities.

Tourist Attractions

Top destinations to visit in Bir are Bir Road, Dharmalaya Institute, Tibetan Colony, Sherab Ling Monastery, Deer Park, Bir Tea Factory, Gunehar waterfall, Chokling Monastery, and others.

Best Time To Visit

If you are visiting for adventure activities and sightseeing, summer is the right time to visit. Summer starts in April and ends in June. Monsoon and winter are quite harsh.

Also read: Family Friendly Tourist Magnets In India

Suggested Tour:

25. Narkanda

Narkanda is a quaint hill town located closer to Shimla. This region is filled with woodlands and forests. In summer, Narkanda is a nature’s paradise and in winter, it is a snow destination for skiing. Located at 9000 feet above sea level, Narkanda is a famous romantic destination thanks to the tropical forest areas, apple orchards, and lake regions. The hilly terrain of the land provides numerous adventure activities including skiing in winter.

Tourist Attractions

Top attractions to visit in Narkanda are Hatu Peak, Stokes Farm, Tannu Jubbar Lake, Mahamaya Temple, and others.

Best Time To Visit

The most delightful time to visit Narkanda is the summer season. The temperature is warm and pleasing. However, if you are into skiing and other snow activities, the best time to visit is from December to March.

Conclusion

Here, you can understand the attractions and glory of Hill Stations in North India. They will entertain us with different outdoor activities, attractions, and the beautiful natural wonders etc and more. So, plan a trip with your family or friends to these Hill Stations and fill up unforgettable moments in your life.

Also Read :

Popular Hill Stations Packages in India :

Top 25 Hill Stations in North India

1. Nainital

2. Manali

3. Shimla

4. Mussoorie

5. Badrinath

6. Gulmarg

7. Dalhousie

8. Auli

9. Dharamshala

10. Ranikhet

11. Leh – Ladakh

12. Spiti

13. Chamba

14. Kufri

15. Kasauli

16. Srinagar

17. Pahalgam

18. Patnitop

19. Chail

20. Lansdowne

21. Kausani

22. Dhanaulti

23. Binsar

24. Bir

25. Narkanda

Conclusion

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Top 25 Hill Stations in North India

1. Nainital

2. Manali

3. Shimla

4. Mussoorie

5. Badrinath

6. Gulmarg

7. Dalhousie

8. Auli

9. Dharamshala

10. Ranikhet

11. Leh – Ladakh

12. Spiti

13. Chamba

14. Kufri

15. Kasauli

16. Srinagar

17. Pahalgam

18. Patnitop

19. Chail

20. Lansdowne

21. Kausani

22. Dhanaulti

23. Binsar

24. Bir

25. Narkanda

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