From lush green hills and waterfalls to lovely lakes and beautiful architectural gems, the hill stations in India have it all.  Our country boasts plenty of beautiful hill stations that can give you the perfect getaway from your daily life. Not only can you enjoy the pleasantly cool climate in these places, but also soak in nature’s beauty, get your adrenaline rushing with some adventure activities, flaunt your stylish winterwear, and dig into yummy cuisines. This article describes in detail 20 hill stations in India in 2024 with location, images, how to reach & best time to go info.

1. Darjeeling, West Bengal-

Surrounded by infinite slopes of emerald-green tea plantations and set against a backdrop of jagged white Himalayan peaks, Darjeeling is nestled away in the northern regions of West Bengal. A journey on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway fondly known as the ‘Toy train’ is a great way to explore and soak in the magnificent surroundings of this hill station.

Top sightseeing spots: Tiger Hill, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Batasia Loop, Japanese Peace Pagoda, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Observatory Hill, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park and Rock Garden.

For how long: Explore Darjeeling in 3-4 days.

How to reach: Bagdogra is the nearest airport to Darjeeling. It is located about 95 kilometres away from the city. Direct flights from the cities like Kolkata, New Delhi and Guwahati operate to and fro Darjeeling. Taxis are easily available outside the airport to reach Darjeeling, and it normally takes 3 hours to reach the destination.

2. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh-

Snow-capped Himalayan peaks and green pastures surround Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Spectacular hills blend with structures from the colonial era and the town’s lower bazaars flow with local life and shops selling souvenirs, fabrics and spices.

Top sightseeing spots: The Ridge, Rashtrapati Niwas, The Mall Road, Christ Church, Gordon Castle, Himachal State Museum and Sankat Mochan Temple

For how long: Visit Shimla for 2-3 days for the best experience.

How to reach: Shimla has its own airport called Jubbarhatti, situated 23 kilometres from the heart of town. Flights such as Jagson Airlines from New Delhi, Chandigarh and Kullu operate on a daily basis. Kalka is the nearest railhead. By road, Shimla can be reached from Delhi in duration of 8 hours by bus or car. The national highways are well-kept.

3. Manali, Himachal Pradesh-

With mountain adventures beckoning from all directions, Manali is one of the best hill stations in North India for those looking to unwind. Backpackers come to hang around in the villages near the main town and adventure tourists come for trekking, paragliding, rafting and skiing. About 53 km away from Manali is the famous Rohtang Pass which offers breathtaking sights of glaciers, peaks and valleys.

4. Munnar, Kerala-

Sprawling tea plantations, picture-perfect vistas and winding lanes make Munnar a favourite amongst Indian hill stations. Although the town itself is forever alive with activity, wander a few kilometres out and you’ll be engulfed in a thousand shades of green.

Top sightseeing spots: Eravikulam National Park, Matupetty Dam, Anuamudi, Devikulam, Munnar Tea Museum and Fun Forest.

For how long: A minimum of 3 days are required to explore Munnar.

How to reach: By Train. The nearest railway station from Munnar is at Aluva, which is at a distance of 110 kilometres from Munnar. The Ernakulam Railway Station is 130 kilometres away while the Madurai Railway Station is at a distance of 135 kilometres.

5. Ooty, Tamil Nadu-

Established as a summer retreat by the British and nicknamed ‘Snooty Ooty’,Ooty is a visual delight filled with pretty cottages, fenced flower gardens, thatched-roof churches and terraced botanical gardens. Venture a few kilometres out and you’ll find yourself surrounded by greener, quieter areas dotted with an abundance of pine trees.

Top sightseeing spots: Pykara Falls and Lake, Mudumalai, Doddabetta, Tea Estate Viewpoint, Wax Museum, Hidden Valley, Echo Rock and Emerald Dam.

For how long: Visit Ooty for a period of 3-4 days.

How to reach: Coimbatore is the nearest domestic airport from Ooty located 88 kilometres away from the latter. It is well-connected with most of the Indian cities. The nearest railhead is Mettupalyam situated 40 kilometres from Ooty.