Five Hill Stations Worth Travelling To In North India

When North India faces soaring high temperatures, upwards of 40 degrees, locals tend to flee to one of the many hill stations the region has to offer. Hill stations are typically referred to as towns located at an elevation higher than the nearby plain or valley, within the mountains in the Indian subcontinent.

A magnet for tourists as well, here are just five of the many spots that are way up in the mountains and offer spectacular views of the majestic Himalayas. These are views worth making the trip for.

Shimla - Himachal Pardesh

As one of the more populated hill stations – when you drive upwards you’ll see the entire area heavily dotted with pastel-colored homes and buildings – Shimla offers quite the vantage point for a scenic view of the Himalayas. Start your trip by venturing straight to Kufri, where you’ll then have to hike on horses to reach a panoramic spot. Get this, there’s even a theme park once you reach the spot, filled with multiple rides and cafes. Then head off to the highest peak of Shimla, Jakhu Hill at 2,455 metres, and stand next to one of the tallest single statue of a Hindu deity, Lord Hanuman.

Where to stay: The Oberoi Cecil (they once hosted members of the British Indian empire)

Dalhousie - Himachal Pardesh

Instead of making the long trip all the way to Switzerland, have a mini taste of it at Dalhousie. After all, the Vice Counselor and Head of Chancery of Switzerland did declare Khajjiar, 24km from Dalhousie, the Mini Switzerland of India back in 1992. Simply imagine yourself surrounded by a lush verdant forest, sheep grazing the meadows and a lake right smack in the middle of the plateau. Also head to Panchpula and trek around the area to witness a series of waterfalls and streams, which all form the main water supply for Dalhousie.

Where to stay: Grand View Hotel, Dalhousie

Ranikhet - Uttarakhand

So enthralled by the sheer serenity and beauty of this hill station, the British wanted to name Ranikhet (known as the "Queen's Meadow" in Hindi) the summer capital instead of Shimla. From the vast flora and fauna, especially in the Chaubatia Gardens, to feast your eyes upon to the picturesque sight of the snowy Himalayas, Ranikhet is essentially a tranquil retreat to calm your mind. However, don’t forget to throw in a picnic session with the Himalayas as your backdrop at Bhalu Dam, which is a small artificial lake with an enchanting garden.

Where to stay: Hotel Chevron Rosemount

Nanital - Uttarakhand 

Set in a valley and surrounded by mountains, the popular hill station is quite possibly the ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, and is the best maintained. Beyond the spectacular pear-shaped lake for boating activities and the cable car ride to the Snow View peak for brilliant sights of the snow-capped mountains, don’t forget to visit the Eco Cave Gardens. The natural garden boasts of six caves and a musical fountain that’ll no doubt transport you to a whole other world altogether, quite a feat considering where you will be.

Where to stay: Shervani Hilltop Nanital

Manali - Himachal Pardesh

Nestled between mountains, near the Kullu valley, at 2,050 metres above sea level, lies the indescribable beauty that is Manali. One of the major attractions in the area is the Rohtang Pass, which is an old trade route that connects India to the upper region of the Himalayas, and typically where you would indulge in skiing activities.

Additionally, about two hours away from Manali is Manikaran, well known for its natural hot springs. While there are different Hindu and Sikh beliefs as to how the hot springs came to be, they are nonetheless known to have curative powers.

Where to stay: The Himalayan