When it comes to spending holidays on hills India should top the list. From the lush green age-old valleys of the south to the snow-capped crowning jewel and the spiritual hub of the Himalayas in the north there is literally no dearth of hill stations. These places are epitomes of ultimate natural beauty, serenity, and unmatched tranquility that pans out across the sub-continent and attracts travelers, explorers, pilgrims, and vacationers from across the globe making a Holiday in India worth every second.

You may have read or heard about the hill stations in abroad and foreign lands which are beautiful in their own way however, these top 12 famous hill stations of India will give tough competition:

01. Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Manali definitely tops the list for being the best hill station in India. Catering to thousands of tourists from different pockets of the world, pristine untouched natural beauty, delicious local cuisines, scenic trekking/hiking trails, and the list is endless. It is undoubtedly the most

preferred holiday destination among the residents of nearby places like Chandigarh, Haryana, New Delhi, etc. people spend their extended weekend, honeymoon, and new years at this quirky place where fun and happiness is just around the corner.

Must Visit Places: Manu Temple, Hadimba Devi Temple, Manali Nature Park, and Shopping In Mall Road.

02. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Replete with a variety of options to stay from luxury resorts and quirky hostels to homestays and lodges it welcomes people from all walks of life. People come here to take some much-needed breather from the busy and chaotic city life. With a huge selection of bountiful natural beauty and often used as a starting point for further expeditions to remote corners of Lahaul and Spiti, this place is extremely promising when it comes to spending some time with your loved ones.

Must Visit Places: Stroll at the pedestrian walkway in mall road, the ridge, Shri Jhakoo Hanuman Mandir, and Christ Church.

03. Mount Abu, Rajasthan

Rajasthan is the last place one would expect to get the best hill station experience but the existence of Mount Abu comes as a surprise. Placed in the lush and the oldest aravalli hill ranges, this place offers scenic views of the expansive desert land which heavily contrasts the whole environment. Dotted with oasis of lakes, greenery and peace, Mount Abu is like the perfect getaway from the harsh and unbearable Rajasthani heat. It also holds a lot of religious significance due to the presence of 11th and 13th century Jain and Hindu temples.

Must Visit Places: Sunset Point, Nakki Lake, Dilwara Temple, and Toad Rock.

04. Munnar, Kerala

Placed on a humble elevation of 1,600 Metres above sea level, one thing that comes to mind when you set foot on this hill station in god’s own country is immense and unmatched greenery. The tea estates dominate the gently rolling hills adding to the beauty and of course, the unparalleled sense of peace you feel here makes you keep coming back for more. Munnar is a much-loved hill destination to beat the heat. Famous for being the fruit basket of Idukki district and lined by gushing rivers, lakes, and national parks, it truly is a dream destination and should be explored at least once in a lifetime.

Must Visit Places: Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Anamudi and Pothamedu View Point.

05. Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir

Popularly named as heaven on earth by early settlers and visitors of the region Gulmarg, till date, this Nickname stands true. Famous for its pristine beauty as far as the eyes can see and a popular destination for skiing and other such adventure sports it is also ideal for people looking to interact with the locals and have a deeply cultural experience. When it comes to sightseeing Gulmarg is perfect especially if you are travelling with your family. One can definitely expect a memorable time here.

Must Visit Places: Alpather Lake, Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, Khilanmarg, Maharani Temple, and Ningle Nallah.

06. Darjeeling, West Bengal

West Bengal is every traveler’s dreamscape, as it is home to one of the most fascinating and quirky hill destination of Darjeeling. It is a pocket friendly destination which is very well connected with a network of modes of transportation. The main attraction of this small, quaint hamlet of a hill station is the panoramic view of the snow clad Himalayan peaks from any corner of this destination. Famous as a top summer getaway especially for the people of west Bengal this place promise memories of a lifetime.

Must Visit Places: Peace Pagoda, Yiga Choeling Monastery, Zoological Park, and Sunrise Point.

07. Gangtok, Sikkim

When it comes to listing down the top hill stations of India then the northeastern part of the sub-continent is not far behind. Normally an underrated region Gangtok gained popularity for its monasteries that the British officers used to visit on a regular basis and find peace and deep serenity. Gangtok is not just the beautiful capital of Sikkim but is also is the largest city here which offers a variety of cultural experiences, all set against one of the most dramatically gorgeous hill stations in India.

Must Visit Places: Tashi View Point, Hanuman Mandir, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, and Enchey Monastery.

08. Nainital, Uttarakhand

This list of famous hill stations in India remains incomplete without mentioning one of the most popular hill town of Nainital located in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. Developed by the British officials as a summer getaway destination from the scorching heat of the plains. Concentrated around the glimmering, almond / eye-shaped Naini Lake, this hill town offers a safe, peaceful, and much needed time off from the chaotic city life. Due to its close proximity to New Delhi, Almora and Jim Corbett National Park Nainital make for the perfect adventure, spiritual as well as a peaceful getaway with family, friends, and loved ones.

Must Visit Places: Naini Lake, Tiffin Top, Pangot, Snow View Point, and Kilbury National Park.

09. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

Mussoorie is another hill station which is a paradise for nature lovers and peace seekers. One can enjoy the scenic views and embrace the tranquility to your Heart’s content in Mussoorie. Famous as one of the top-rated destinations for people of their honeymoon, solo travelers, extended weekend visitors this place has become a local favorite. Lovingly known as the queen of hills one can check out the spectacular snow-clad hill ranges along with the magnificent beauty of the beautiful Doon valley. Filled with quirky cafes, taverns, Victorian estates and fascinating viewpoints Mussoorie should definitely be on your travel list.

Must Visit Places: Lal Tibba, Company Garden, Gun Hill Point, and The Mall Road.

10. Ooty, Tamil Nadu

Lovingly known as the queen of hill stations in India, Ooty is replete with impeccable natural beauty that cannot be compared to anywhere else in India or the world. The lush forests of tall trees, glimmering crystal clear lakes, tea estates perched on the gently rolling hills, and of course the welcoming locals, everything about Ooty is wonderful and fulfilling. Over the years this place has successfully developed into one of the major hubs for tourism and culture in India. If you are looking to spend quality time with your loved ones then Ooty is the place to be.

Must Visit Places: Ooty Boathouse, Government Botanical Garden, Government Rose Garden, Tea Factory, and Museum.

11. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

Literally translating into ‘the gift of the forest’ this place offers fantastic views of the sea of the hill. Lovingly nicknamed as the princess of hill stations this place in Tamil Nadu has always been a famous retreat and a getaway destination for locals and people residing in the nearby regions. Unlike other famous hill stations of India, this place remains as one of the least visited hence retaining the untouched natural beauty. People come here from all walks of life to enjoy the pure unadulterated environment, practice yoga, and meditation activities, and even go on nature walks and hikes through lush forest trails.

Must Visit Places: Coaker’s Walk, Kodaikanal Lake, Bryant Park, and Silver Cascade Waterfall

12. Matheran, Maharashtra

Nestled amongst the natural beauty of the ranges of Sahyadri in the Western Ghats this quaint hamlet is placed on an elevation of 2,600 Metres above sea level. The people of Maharashtra have embraced this place as a much-loved destination to get away from the scorching heat that may get unbearable at times. The beauty here is quite unique and fascinating which will definitely catch you by surprise. If you are a photographer or someone who loves trekking or just love to stay in close proximity to nature then Matheran should be on top of your list especially if you stay in Maharashtra.

Places To Visit: Alexander Point, Louisa Point, Heart Point Charlotte Lake, One Tree Hill Point, and Porcupine Point.