Exploring Serenity:Top 10 Hill Stations with Airport in India

Table of Contents

• Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

• Darjeeling, West Bengal

• Munnar, Kerala

• Ooty, Tamil Nadu

• Manali, Himachal Pradesh

• Leh-Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir

• Gangtok, Sikkim

• Nainital, Uttarakhand

• Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

• Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir

Top 10 Must Visit Hill Stations in India
 

For years, hill stations have acted as a respite for people frustrated with the hustle and bustle of city life. These serene locations have often invited travellers yearning for a breath of fresh air and have captivated them with stunning natural vistas and if this sounds familiar to you, now is the perfect time to plan a getaway from your busy life and find peace and solace amidst majestic mountains.

One of the easiest ways to travel and reach these paradises on Earth is through flights and if you are planning to book your flight tickets, don’t forget to avail discounts and offers on EaseMyTrip. Apply coupon code TRIPEMT to save huge on your domestic and international flight ticket booking.

Now that we have got you in the mood, let’s have a look at the top 10 hill stations in India that you must visit.
 

1. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India

Nestled in the Himalayas, Shimla offers a captivating blend of colonial history and natural beauty. The Mall Road bustles with shops and eateries, while the Viceregal Lodge showcases historical grandeur. Beyond the main attractions, Shimla also boasts the serene beauty of Kufri, a small hill station located nearby, known for its ski slopes and Yak rides. The Summer Hill area offers tranquil walking trails, ideal for a peaceful retreat. Additionally, the Himachal State Museum provides insights into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Things to Do in Shimla:

  - Explore the historic Viceregal Lodge

  - Take a leisurely stroll along the Mall Road

  - Visit Jakhoo Temple for panoramic views

Suggested Read: Facts About Shimla Noone Told You Before

2. Darjeeling

 Famous for its tea gardens and stunning vistas of the Kanchenjunga range, Darjeeling invites travelers to embrace a serene ambiance. The Toy Train, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, winds through the town's narrow streets. Darjeeling is also home to the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, which specialises in breeding programs for endangered species like the Red Panda. Don’t miss a visit to the Darjeeling Observatory Hill, where you can witness mesmerising sunrise views over the snow-capped peaks. For the spiritually inclined, the Japanese Peace Pagoda offers a tranquil environment for meditation.

Things to Do in Darjeeling:

  - Experience a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)

  - Visit the Happy Valley Tea Estate for a tea tour

  - Witness the sunrise at Tiger Hill

Suggested Read: Complete Information About Darjeeling Toy Train Ride

3. Munnar, Kerala, India

With its sprawling tea estates and biodiversity, Munnar, is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Eravikulam National Park is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and offers breathtaking landscapes. Munnar also houses the picturesque Attukal Waterfalls, which can be accessed through a scenic trek. The Chinnakanal Waterfalls, another natural marvel, offers a peaceful retreat. For those interested in botany, the Blossom Park near the town centre is a must-visit, where you can find a wide variety of exotic flora and fauna.

Things to Do in Munnar:

  - Explore Eravikulam National Park for wildlife and breathtaking scenery

  - Visit Tata Tea Museum to learn about tea processing

  - Take a scenic boat ride at Mattupetty Dam

 Suggested Read: Top 10 Activities Everyone Will Love in Munnar

4. Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India

Known as the 'Queen of Hill Stations,' Ooty captivates with its botanical gardens and charming landscapes. The Government Rose Garden displays over 20,000 varieties of roses. For adventure seekers, Ooty also offers trekking opportunities to the Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiri Mountains. A visit to the Ooty Tribal Research Center will give you insights into the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous tribes of the region. Additionally, the St. Stephen’s Church, dating back to the early 19th century, is a notable architectural landmark.

Things to Do in Ooty:

  - Explore the Government Rose Garden

  - Enjoy boating at Ooty Lake

  - Visit the picturesque Botanical Gardens

Suggested Read: Top 5 Hotels in Ooty

5. Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India

Nestled in the Beas River Valley, Manali is a haven for adventure seekers. Solang Valley offers thrilling activities like skiing and paragliding, while the Hadimba Devi Temple exhibits unique architecture. Manali is also the gateway to the enchanting Rohtang Pass, which offers stunning views of the snow-covered peaks and glaciers. The town is famous for its vibrant markets, where you can shop for woollen clothes, local handicrafts, and Tibetan jewellery. The Manali Sanctuary, located just 2 km from the town, provides a lush green environment for nature lovers.

Things to Do in Manali:

  - Indulge in adventure sports at Solang Valley

  - Visit the Hadimba Devi Temple

  - Soak in the therapeutic waters of Vashisht Hot Water Springs

Suggested Read: Manali Musts: Top Go-To Attractions for Your Mountain Getaway!

6. Leh-Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, India

Leh-Ladakh boasts stark yet mesmerising landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The Shanti Stupa offers panoramic views of the region, and Pangong Lake's pristine blue waters leave visitors spellbound. The region is also known for its ancient monasteries, such as Hemis and Thiksey, which provide insights into Tibetan Buddhism. A visit to the Nubra Valley offers a unique experience with its sand dunes and Bactrian camels. The challenging yet rewarding trek to the Zanskar Valley is another highlight for adventure enthusiasts.

Things to Do in Leh-Ladakh:

  - Visit the Shanti Stupa for panoramic views

  - Explore the surreal beauty of Pangong Lake

  - Experience the magnetic phenomenon at Magnetic Hill

 Suggested Read:  10 Things We Bet You Don’t Know about Ladakh

7. Gangtok, Sikkim, India

The capital of Sikkim, Gangtok, charms visitors with its cultural richness and serene landscapes. Enchey Monastery showcases intricate architecture, while the Tsomgo Lake offers tranquillity. Gangtok also offers a panoramic view of the mighty Kanchenjunga from Tashi Viewpoint. The city is known for its vibrant markets such as MG Road, where you can shop for traditional Sikkimese handicrafts. The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is a treasure trove for those interested in Tibetan culture, housing a vast collection of rare artefacts, manuscripts, and thangkas.

Things to Do in Gangtok:

  - Visit the Enchey Monastery

  - Experience tranquility at Tsomgo Lake

  - Enjoy breathtaking views from Tashi Viewpoint

8. Nainital, Uttarakhand, India

 Nainital, nestled around Naini Lake, offers a peaceful retreat amidst the Himalayan ranges. Naina Devi Temple stands as a revered religious site, and the Snow View Point presents panoramic vistas. In addition to these attractions, Nainital is also home to the Tiffin Top, a popular vantage point offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Eco Cave Gardens provide a unique experience with its interconnected caves and hanging gardens. The Governor’s House, also known as Raj Bhavan, is an architectural marvel with sprawling gardens, adding to the town’s colonial charm.

Things to Do in Nainital:

  - Seek blessings at Naina Devi Temple

  - Boating and exploration of caves at Naini Lake

  - Enjoy panoramic views from Snow View Point

Suggested Read: 3 Day Nainital Itinerary

Suggested Read: 3 Day Nainital Itinerary: Experience the Best of Nainital

9. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, India

Kodaikanal, known for its scenic beauty, star-shaped lake, and serene forests, is a treat for nature lovers. Coaker's Walk offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. The town is also famous for its unique flower, the Kurinji, which blooms once every 12 years. The Pillar Rocks are another iconic feature, offering majestic views of the surrounding hills. The Bryant Park, located close to the Kodaikanal Lake, is a botanical garden that houses a wide variety of flowers and plants, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Things to Do in Kodaikanal:

  - Explore the star-shaped Kodaikanal Lake

  - Trek along Coaker's Walk for panoramic views

  - Visit the serene Berijam Lake
 

10. Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir, India

Gulmarg is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts, offering skiing opportunities and stunning landscapes. The Gulmarg Gondola ride presents breathtaking aerial views of the region. In addition to its winter sports, Gulmarg is also home to one of the world’s highest golf courses, providing a unique experience for golf enthusiasts. The town is surrounded by dense forests of pine and fir, making it an ideal destination for trekking. The Baba Reshi Shrine, a revered Sufi shrine located on the outskirts, adds to the spiritual allure of this picturesque hill station.

Things to Do in Gulmarg:

  - Experience skiing adventures in winter

  - Take the Gulmarg Gondola ride for breathtaking views

  - Trek through the stunning Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve

 Suggested Read: Gulmarg: The Winter Wonderland for Adventurous couples

The Bottom Line

To sum it up, these hill stations offer respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. With their stunning vistas and marvels, each destination presents their unique charm and from cultural exploration to adventure and relaxation, travelers can immerse themselves in diverse experiences while visiting these places.

So pack your bags and get ready to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Make hotel booking online to find best deals and discounts and Plan a trip to these amazing hill stations solo or with your friends with ease via EaseMyTrip.

Happy Traveling!