Before you plan a trip to a hill station, you might think about finding a nice place, booking a hotel, and arranging transportation.
But some people simply want to explore new places. Today, we’ll introduce you to some of India’s highest hill stations, which are among the most elevated in the country.
Manali: The Highest Hill Station
Manali is one of the highest hill stations, nestled in the Beas River Valley of Himachal Pradesh.
Situated at an elevation of 2,050 meters above sea level, Manali offers pleasant weather throughout the year, except during the monsoon when caution is advised.
This place is a haven for adventure enthusiasts, offering activities like skiing, trekking, and hiking.
How to Reach:
By airplane, train, or bus – Bhuntar Airport (50 km), Jogindernagar Railway Station (120 km), Manali Bus Depot.
Best Time to Visit:
September to January
Nearby Places to Explore:
Bhuntar, Nagar Castle, and Uruswati Himalayan Folk Art Museum
Darjeeling: Another Great Hill Station
Next on the list is Darjeeling, located in West Bengal. It shares its border with Sikkim and is situated at an altitude of around 2,050 meters above sea level.
Famous for its tea industry, Darjeeling attracts not only Indians but also tourists from abroad.
It’s often referred to as the “Mini Switzerland.” Darjeeling’s key attractions include the Toy Train (Darjeeling Himalayan Railway), Tiger Hill, and Peace Pagoda.
You can also enjoy activities like car rides and horseback riding.
How to Reach:
By airplane, train, or bus – Bagdogra Airport (76 km), Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand (77 km)
Best Time to Visit:
May to October
Nearby Places to Explore:
Gangtok and Kalimpong
Mussoorie Hill Station
Mussoorie, located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, stands at an elevation of 2,050 meters above sea level.
Known as the “Queen of the Hills,” it offers stunning views of the Doon Valley and some interesting British-era houses.
Mussoorie’s notable attractions include Kempty Falls, Cloud’s End, and Sir George Everest’s House.
How to Reach: By airplane, train, or bus – Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (30 km), Dehradun Railway Station (36 km), and Mussoorie Bus Stand
Best Time to Visit:
March to June
Nearby Places to Explore:
Dhanaulti, Dehradun, and Chamba
Ooty in Tamil Nadu
Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam, is another popular hill station in Tamil Nadu.
Situated at an altitude of approximately 2,240 meters in the Nilgiri Mountains, it boasts pleasant weather, making it one of the most sought-after destinations in South India.
Ooty offers attractions like Ooty Lake, Stone House, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, and Pykara Falls.
How to Reach:
By airplane, train, or bus – Coimbatore International Airport (57 km), Mettupalayam (47 km), Ooty Bus Stand
Best Time to Visit:
October to December
Nearby Places to Explore:
Coorg, Kannur, and Bangalore
Pahalgam Hill Station
Lastly, in the list of India’s highest hill stations is Pahalgam, located in Jammu and Kashmir at an elevation of around 2,130 meters above sea level.
Known for its Hindi film shootings and the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage, this beautiful hill station experiences cold weather during the summer and gets covered in a blanket of snow during winter.
Key attractions in Pahalgam include Chandanwari, Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, Kolahoi Glacier, and Sheshnag Lake.
How to Reach:
By airplane, train, or bus – Srinagar Airport (95 km), Jammu Tawi Railway Station (253 km), and New Bus Stand Pahalgam
Best Time to Visit:
April to November
Nearby Places to Explore:
Srinagar and Gulmarg
