Hill stations in India are as vivid and lush as the rest of the country, and most of them have a British touch as they used to have their summer residences in the hills. Whether it be the majestic beauty of the Himalayas or the rolling Nilgiris, India is truly blessed with a number of beautiful hill stations.
Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Located in the Nilgiris (literally, the Blue Mountains), the Queen of the Hills is an alluring location. Once the summer headquarters of the East India company, Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam, is a hill station in Tamil Nadu. You can go to the highest point in South India – Dodabetta, visit the tea factories there and even visit the Ooty Botanical Gardens that boasts a wide variety of flora. Located at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level, Ooty enjoys a favourable climate all year round.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Nestled between the Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges, Manali is one of the most popular hill stations in the country. Manali is a tourist hotspot, gaining prominence in recent years especially among the youth. Whether it be the local markets with a distinct indie appeal or the beautiful cafes that serve amazing food, Manali should definitely find a place in your list.
Best Time: October to June
Munnar, Kerala
The idyllic hill station is famous for its tea estates and rolling green hills, and is located in the Western Ghats, Kerala. This hill station is also of commercial importance as it is home to many tea factories. Munnar also has many protected areas which are home to endemic and highly endangered species like the Nilgiri Thar and the Neelakurinji, which blooms once every 12 years and transforms the hills into carpets of blue-violet blossoms.
Best Time: September to May
Leh Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir
Leh- Ladakh is located in Jammu and Kashmir, which is itself world famous for its scenic splendour, it’s beautiful snow-laden mountains, exquisite monuments and pilgrimage sites.
Leh-Ladakh is a land of extremes. It is often said that only in Ladakh can a man sitting in the sun with his feet in the shade suffer from sunstroke and frostbite at the same time. With it’s mystical aura, and with boundaries punctuated by the Great Himalaya and the Karakoram mountain ranges, the cultural diversity and unique landscapes make this place an ethereal attraction.
Best Time: June to September
Coorg, Karnataka
Nestled in the Kodagu district is Coorg, the popular coffee producing hill station. It is popular for its beautiful green hills and the streams cutting right through them – not to mention great quality coffee and chocolates available at great prices. While here you can also pay a visit to the Golden Temple – the Namdroling Monastery at Byalkuppe, that features the art and culture of Tibet. You can also buy trinkets from the market nearby. Talacauvery, the source of the river Kaveri, is also a popular destination.
Best Time: October to March
