Top 80 Hill Stations In India

1. Ooty

Located in the Indian State of Tamil Nadu, Ooty is one of the best places to visit to beat the summer heat. Sometimes referred to as Udhagamandalam or Ootacamund, Ooty is situated amidst the Nilgiri hills at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level and enjoys a favorable climate all year round. The best time to visit is during the months between October and December.

2. Shimla

The capital city of the state of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is one of the most iconic hill station destinations in India. The city was the former capital of Punjab and was established by the British as their summer capital in the 17th century. The Kalka-Shimla Railways with its 806 bridges and 103 tunnels enchants people even before they reach the montane haven and is also one of the few railways to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. Manali

Sitting at an altitude of 2050 meters above sea level, Manali is located in the Beas River Valley in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Due to its location amidst the Kullu district and the Himalayas the city enjoys one of the most pleasant all year round climate. Trekking, hiking, skiing or simply relaxing, Manali has everything to offer its visitors in the most scenic and breathtaking of locations.

4. Munnar

The name Munnar refers to the confluence of three rivers near which the town is located. This hill station in Kerala is placed at an average elevation of 1700 meters above sea level in the Western Ghats. Munnar is famous for its lush green mountainous surrounding and its vast tea plantations. The climate is pleasant and favorable throughout the year with the months between December and May the best time to visit.

5. Darjeeling

Darjeeling is located amidst the lesser Himalayan range and is known for its famous tea industry across India and the world. The hill station is placed at an average elevation of 2050 meters above sea level in the lesser Himalayas in the Indian state of West Bengal. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Darjeeling offers some of the best climatic conditions for the visitors in India with temperatures never rising beyond 20 degrees Celsius in summers.

6. Nainital

Nainital is located in the Indian state of Uttrakhand and is situated at an average elevation of 2,084 meters above sea level. The most striking feature of the town is the pear shaped lake which is surrounded by lush green hillocks from all sides. The town has been mentioned in the ancient Hindu texts and derives its name from the eyes of the goddess Sati which are said to have fallen in this region and is also worshiped as Naina Devi at the lake’s northern shore.

7. Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is located in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and is located at an average elevation of 2,133 meters above sea level. The town’s main source of economy is its tourism industry making it one of the most welcoming tourist destinations in India. The several waterfalls, lakes, rivers and the other natural attractions in the hill town have made it a popular summer retreat.

8. Mussoorie

Lying at an altitude of 2,050 meters in the Indian state of Uttrakhand, Mussoorie is often referred to as the ‘Queen of the Hills’. The town provides the most picturesque views of the Himalayas and the Doon Valley with a perennially pleasant climate. The best time to visit is between mid-February and November. However one needs to be careful of the heavy rainfall in the monsoons.

9. Srinagar

A beautiful hill station in Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar is located in the heart of the Kashmir Valley in the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir. The town is located by the river Jhelum which is a tributary of the river Jhelum and is placed at an average elevation of 1600 meters above sea level. The town contains a rich historical past and several breathtaking natural attractions that make it one of the most visited hill stations in India.

10. Khandala

Located in Maharashtra, Khandala lies in the Western Ghats at an average elevation of 550 meters above sea level. The hill station is one of the most popular retreats for the people of Maharashtra and especially Mumbai who seek retreat from the warm costal climate. The amazing lakes and peaks in Khandala and the several other natural attraction make it a must visit hill station in Maharashtra.

11. Kasauli

Often termed as a wanderer’s paradise, Kasauli is located in Himachal Pradesh at an average elevation of 1972 meters above sea level. The town has been famous as a sleepy holiday retreat with several picturesque views of the mountains, colonial style town and a tourist friendly environment with several hiking and trekking spots.

12. Dharamshala

Dharamshala is located in the Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh and is located at an elevation of 1460 meters above sea level. The town is famous as being one of the major settlements of the Tibetan refugees in exile. The town enjoys a favorable climate all year round and has several valleys and peaks which attract a large number of tourists each year.

13. Mount Abu

The only hill station in the Indian state of Rajasthan, Mount Abu is located at an elevation of 1,220 meters above sea level. The town has been instrumental at providing refuge from the unforgiving desert heat of Rajasthan and contains several lakes, hillocks, and medieval forts. The town is best visited between October till December when the climate is neither too hot nor too cold.

14. Shillong

Shillong is the capital of the Indian state of Meghalaya and is located at an elevation of 1,525 meters above sea level. It is often referred to as the ‘Scotland of the East’ and enjoys a cool climate throughout the year. The lakes, waterfalls and the numerous other attractions in Shillong have attracted several tourists since ages.

15. Pahalgam

Located in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, Pahalgam is located at an average elevation of 2,740 meters above sea level. The best time to visit the hill station is during the months between April and September when the climate is pleasant and not too chilly. Pahalgam is also associated with the Hindu pilgrimage of the Amarnath Yatra and was one of the most popular shooting locations in Bollywood.

16. Dalhousie

Dalhousie is located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh and is named after Lord Dalhousie, a British governor general who established the place after the second Anglo-Sikh war. The town is located at an average elevation of 1970 meters above sea level and also acts as a gateway to the majestic Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh.

17. Coorg

Also known as Kodagu, Coorg is located in Karnataka and is placed at an elevation of 900 meters above sea level. Along with being a picturesque hill town that allows magnificent views of the Western Ghats, Coorg is rich with both cultural and natural attraction. The best time to visit the town is during the months of December till March when the average temperature doesn’t rise above 20 degrees.

18. Leh/Ladakh

The erstwhile capital of Ladakh, Leh is situated at an elevation of 3500 meters above sea level and is located in the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir. Leh was known as an important trade route during the Kushan Era and is known for its rich culture and magnificent trekking and hiking spots in the mighty Himalayas. Months between May till September are considered best to visit Leh.

19. Lonavala

At an elevation of around 624 meters above sea level, Lonavala is located in the Indian state of Maharashtra and is in close proximity to Mumbai and Pune. The hill station was established in 1871 by the Governor General Lord Elphinstone of the Bombay Presidency. The best time to visit the town is during the months of December till February when the climate is the coolest and the most pleasant.

20. Mahabaleshwar

The summer capital of the Bombay presidency during the British raj, Mahabaleshwar is located in Maharashtra at an elevation of 1,438 meters above sea level. The hill station is a part of the Western Ghats and comprises of evergreen forests. The several lakes and majestic peaks Mahabaleshwar is best visited during the months of October till March.

21. Thekkady

The home of the enchanting Periyar National Park, Thekkady is located in Kerala at an average elevation of 900 meters above sea level. Most of the district’s area is occupied by the Periyar National Park and the Periyar River. Along with the large variety of flora and fauna, the park also allows some of the majestic views of the surrounding hills.

22. Gangtok

The capital of the Indian state of Sikkim, Gangtok is located at an altitude of 1,650 meters above sea level amidst the eastern Himalayan range. Due to the influence of the snow capped peaks of the Himalayas and Kanchenjunga (visible from Gangtok). The city enjoys an all year round temperate climate with temperatures rarely going beyond 23 degrees Celsius.

23. Araku Valley

Located in the Vishakhapatnam district in Andhra Pradesh, Araku Valley lies in the Eastern Ghats. The hill station is one of the least commercialized and the most undermined hill stations famous for its enchanting coffee plantations and majestic views of the Eastern Ghats. Due to the elevation of around 912 meters above sea level, Araku valley enjoys a favorable climate most times of the year.

24. Bomdila

With an average elevation of 2,217 meters above sea level, Bomdila is one of the quaintest but peaceful of all the hill stations you can visit. Located in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, the town is best visited between the months of April and October and offers some majestic views of the snow clad peaks of the Himalayas.

25. Tawang

Tawang is located in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh at an elevation of 3,048 meters above sea level. Tawang is noted to be one of the first resting places of the 14th Dalai Lama when he fled from Tibet and stayed at the Tawang Monastery which is the largest monastery in India. The town enjoys a favorable climate due to its high altitude and the enchanting peaks of the Himalayas.

26. Ziro

Located at an average elevation of 1,700 meters above sea level, Ziro is one of the most picturesque hill towns in Arunachal Pradesh. The best part of Ziro is that the entire town can be covered on foot and is famous for its vast paddy fields, hills, rivers, serene meadows and valleys. The town can be visited all year round but monsoons should be avoided due to heavy rainfall.

27. Haflong

The name ‘Haflong’ translates to ant hill, and is located in the Indian state of Assam and is located at an elevation of 513 meters above sea level. Despite of its not so impressive elevation, Haflong enjoys a perennially temperate climate with temperatures never going beyond 25 degrees Celsius. The town is famous for its lakes, ethnic villages, views of the surrounding hills and the simplicity of people.

28. Saputara

Placed on a plateau in the Sahyadri Range of hills in Gujarat, Saputara is located at an elevation of 1000 meters above sea level. The name literally means ‘Abode of the Serpents’ and is developed as one of the prime hill station resorts in Gujarat. Saputara enjoys a favorable climate all year round and has several attractions like boating in the lakes, ropeways, waterfalls and marvelous views of the entire valley.

29. Morni Hills

The Morni Hills are located in the Shivalik Range of the Himalayas and in the Indian state of Haryana. The average elevation of the picturesque hill town is around 1,220 meters above sea level which allows the town to experience some of the most pleasant climates all year round. The hill station is well connected to Chandigarh and contains several hillocks, lakes and views of the Himalayas.

30. Chamba

Chamba is one of the most picturesque hill towns located in Himachal Pradesh and is placed at the banks of the Ravi River which is a major tributary of the Indus River. Being an ancient town, Chamba is blessed with a culture like no other seen in India along with a plethora of mesmerizing natural attractions. Chamba is also famous for its ancient temples and majestic views of the mountains with the most pleasant of all year round weather in India.

31. Kufri

The name Kufri translates to a ‘Lake’ and is located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh at an average elevation of 2,290 meters above sea level. The region once came under the Kingdom of Nepal and was conquered by the British and was established as a hill town in 1819. Due to the high elevation the summers are pleasant and cool with several peaks and views of the Himalayas.

32. Nahan

The headquarters of the Sirmaur district in Himachal Pradesh, Nahan is located at an altitude of 932 meters above sea level in the Shivalik Ranges of the Himalayas. The city was founded by Raja Karam Prakash a Rajput kind in 1621 and overlooks some majestic green hillocks of the shivaliks. The best times to visit the place is during the winter months when the climate is the most pleasant.

33. Agastya Mala

Located within the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, the mountains are a part of the Agastya Mala biosphere reserve and share its regions with three states in Southern India. The hills are located at an elevation of 1,868 meter tall and are known for their trek routes, abundant natural vegetation, and picturesque hills of the Western Ghats.

34. Malshej Ghat

Malshej Ghat refers to a high mountain pass located in the state of Maharashtra in the Western Ghats. Malshej Ghat is best visited between the months of October till March as the monsoons can experience heavy rains and landslides. The pass offers some of the most picturesque views of the valleys along with several species of fauna, waterfalls and the dense forests.

35. Jowai

Surrounded by the Myndtu River in the state of Meghalaya, Jowai is located at an average elevation of 1380 meters above sea level. The high elevations make the climate in Jowai pleasant all year round with mild summers and chilly winters. The rivers, valleys and peaks in Jowai along with the special monsoon festivals make Jowai a great place to visit and beat the summer heat.

36. Cherrapunjee

With its World Record for the most rainfall in a calendar month, Cherrapunjee is a hill station in Meghalaya. The town is located at an elevation of 1,484 meters above sea level and the temperatures rarely go beyond 23 degrees during daytime. Being one of the wettest places on earth, Cherrapunjee experiences heavy rainfall and should be avoided during monsoons. The green hills and the waterfalls coupled with the pleasant climate makes Cherrapunjee a must visit.

37. Aizawl

Situated at an elevation of 1,132 meters above sea level Aizawl is the state capital of Mizoram. The town enjoys the most pleasant of summers and winters due to its high altitude and is surrounded by the Tlwang and Tuirial river valleys. The traditional villages located amidst the hills and the majestic peaks with several trek routes make Aizawl a great hill station destination.

38. Kohima

Sharing its border with Burma (Myanmar), Kohima is the capital of the Indian state of Nagaland. The town is located at an average elevation of 1,444 meters above sea level and enjoys a cool and temperate climate all year round. The main attraction apart from the views of the hills and the picturesque surroundings is the annual Hornbill Cultural festival held annually in Kohima.

39. Namchi

Located in the Indian state of Sikkim, Namchi is one of the biggest pilgrimages of the Buddhism followers in India and is situated at an average elevation of 1,315 meters above sea level. The climate of the place due to the high altitude stays cool and pleasant in summers and chilly in winters. Namchi is famous for its views of the snow-clad Himalayan peaks, including the mighty Mount Kanchendzonga.

40. Pelling

Pelling is located in the state of Sikkim at an elevation of 2,150 meters above sea level. The town is fast developing into a prime tourist location with several hotels and tourist lodging emerging in the area. Pelling not only provides some great views of the Himalayas and Mount Kanchendzonga but is also a famous setting place for the various Himalayan trek routes. Trekkers usually make Pelling their home base before moving to higher routes.

41. Yumthang Valley

Well, Although Yumthang Valley doesn’t fall in the category of a hill town and is more of a grazing pasture with flowery meadows and surrounding hills of the Himalayas. Yumthang Valley, is also called as the ‘Vally of Flowers’ (Not to be confused with Valley of Flowers in Uttrakhand) and is located in the state of Sikkim. The best time to visit is between the months of April and November, as the region is inaccessible in winters due to heavy rain falls

42. Coonoor

The second largest hill station in India after Ooty, Coonoor is often called ‘the Gateways to the Nilgiris’. It is located in the state of Tamil Nadu at an elevation of 1,850 meters above sea level. The special meter gauge railway that leads into Coonoor is popular among visitors and provides some astonishing views of the coffee and tea plantations. The famous Nilgiri Tea is grown and exported from this region.

43. Yelagiri

Surrounded by spectacular rose gardens, valleys and flowery orchards, Yelagiri is located in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The picturesque hill town is placed at an average elevation of 1,410 meters above sea level with the highest peak standing at 4,338 meters above sea level. The hill station although not as developed and popular is one of the most picturesque and secluded hill towns you can ever visit in Tamil Nadu.

44. Auli

Known as one of the ‘hottest’ new ski locations in India, Auli is situated in Uttarakhand at an average elevation of 3,049 meters above sea level. The hill station is accessible all year round with winter months being more popular due to the possibility of winter sports. The skiing spots, lakes, views of the surrounding peaks, pilgrimage spots, trekking and adventure spots etc. have made Auli grow tenfold in the recent years.

45. Almora

A cantonment town located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, Almora is often considered the cultural crux of the Kumaon region of Uttrakhand. The town is situated at an average elevation of 1,651 meters above sea level and is built around a horse shoe shaped mountain ridge. Almora is known for its distinctive culture and picturesque views of the surrounding mountains.

46. Kausani

Located at an average elevation of 1,890 meters above sea level, Kausani is situated in the Indian state of Uttrakhand. The hill station is known for its panoramic views of the mighty Himalayan peaks like the Nanda Devi, Trishul and Panchkuli etc. Apart from the scenic grandeur, Kausani also houses several other attractions such as Ancient temples, trek spots and Ashrams.

47. Rishikesh

Often termed as the gateway to Garhwal Himalayas, Rishikesh is a widely popular tourist spot in Uttrakhand. The town is located at an average elevation of 372 meters above sea level and is one of the starting points of the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage of the Hindus. The town is also famous for its adventure sports hot spots such as bungee diving and white-water rafting.

48. Valley of Flowers

Located amidst the Western Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand, The Valley of Flowers is a protected area for flowery meadows and several rare and endangered species of fauna. The national park is located at 3,048 meters above sea level. The glacial valley is also a declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is best visited between April and June to enjoy the most picturesque of montane flowery meadows.

49. Kalimpong

Kalimpong is located in the Indian state of West Bengal at an average elevation of 1,247 meters above sea level. The town’s major source of economy comes from its flower exports, Tea and a wide species of Orchids. The town encompasses a rich cultural heritage and some of the most picturesque colonial style architecture and facilitates amazing views of the Himalayas. Kalimgpong is also famous for its rivers, fruit plantations, cuisines, and fauna.

50. Kangra

The seat of the Oldest Surviving Royal Dynasty in the World, Kangra is located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh at an elevation of 733 meters above sea level. The town’s foundations have been said to be laid by Bhima, the younger brother of the Legendary Kuru Emperor Yudhisthira and one of the Pandavas in the Mahabharatha. The town offers majestic views of the Himalayas and Jalandhar Doab and is known for the location of the ancient Kangra Fort.

Other Notable Mentions

51. Loleygaon
52. Lava
53. Kedarnath
54. Nanda Devi
55. Lohaghat
56. Landour
57. Pithoragarh
58. Lansdowne
59. Mukteshwar
60. Haridwar
61. Ranikhet
62. Naukuchiatal
63. Pauri
64. Munsiyari
65. Chikhaldara
66. Panhala
67. Toranmal
68. Vithura
69. Athirapally
70. Malakkappara
71. Vazhachal
72. Vettilappara
73. Sulthan Bathery
74. Tirunelli
75. Vythiri
76. Amarkantak
77. Patnitop
78. Aru
79. Khonsa
80. Barog