Hill Stations to Visit in India for an Elevated Travel Experience
Being a land of diverse natural heritage, India offers amazing geographic locations to travelers across the globe. While beaches are beautiful, hill stations have a different level of aesthetic appeal to people who want to soak in the serene nature.
If the hills are calling your name, then the solution is simple. Visit the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, or one of the Northeastern hill stations based on the type of hills that you like.
Preparing for Your Hill Station Adventure
Planning a trip can be simple. Arrange funds, pick a time to visit, apply for a visa, and pack your bags.
Why an India Travel Visa is Essential
If you are a foreigner visiting India, only a valid visa will allow entry. To enjoy tourism, you can apply online for an India travel visa or the Tourist eVisa. The options available to tourists are:
- A 30-day Visa: double entry, nonconvertible tourist visa that has a 30-day stay and validity from the date of arrival.
- A 1 year Visa: 90-day stay, multiple entries
- A 5-year Visa: allowable stay of 90 days with multiple entries
To avail of the India travel visa, apply online, fill in the form with the necessary documents, and show your approved visa at the immigration checkpoint.
The Best Time to Visit India's Hill Stations
While Indian summers are associated with high temperatures, heatwaves, and high humidity in certain areas, it is also the best time to visit the hill stations. Being located at high elevations, you can experience a moderate temperature that is just right for the lush mountain greenery to flourish.
However, if you are used to colder temperatures and want to experience snowfall, a winter trip might be just for you. Plan a trip to the northern or northeastern hill stations of Shimla, Manali, Darjeeling, or Tawang from late November to early February.
Top Hill Stations in Northern India
If experiencing the Greater Himalayas is on your bucket list, a trip to Northern Indian Hill Stations is a must.
Shimla: The Queen of Hills
Being the summer capital during the Colonial Regime, Shimla presents the perfect blend of historic architecture with natural beauty. Visit the Jakhu temple to offer your respects to Lord Hanuman or hike to Shaily Peak to soak in some natural beauty.
Manali: The Adventure Capital
From paragliding to river rafting through fast-flowing Himalayan rapids, Manali offers it all. Whether you want to take up adventure sports in Solang Valley like skiing in winter or travel to Rohtang Pass during summer to soak in the beauty of the Himalayan vista, a visit to Manali is a must.
Nainital: The Lake District
Surrounded by seven beautiful Himalayan lakes, Nainital is a beautiful, tranquil town. Visit the Naina Devi Temple, and the Eco Cave Gardens, take a cable car to Snow View Point, or travel to Tiffin Top for a scenic view of the town. Going for a stroll, horse riding, or a shopping trip to the Tibetan Market in Nainital can leave you rejuvenated.
Must-Visit Hill Stations in Southern India
To experience mountain forests with rich biodiversity a trip to the hill stations of the Western Ghats is just what you need. Some of the best travel stops in Southern India are:
Ooty: The Queen of the Nilgiris
No matter the time of the year Ooty remains a beautiful travel destination. From rolling hills to tea and coffee plantations, Ooty welcomes visitors around the year. You can visit Avalanche Lake in summer, the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in winter, and enjoy the beauty of Doddabetta in the monsoon.
Munnar: A Green Wonderland
Located in the Idukki district of Kerala at the confluence of three mountain streams, Munnar lies at an elevation of 1600 m above sea level. Spend time at the beautiful resorts or visit the tea gardens for a great R&R session in Munnar.
Coorg: Scotland of India
With lush landscapes and coffee estates, Coorg is the perfect destination for some winter sightseeing. Visit the Abbey Falls and Iruppu Falls, hike across Mandalpatti, and explore the gardens at Raja’s Seat for a relaxing trip. For adventure sports enthusiasts, Coorg offers ziplining, river rafting, and other fun activities.
Hidden Hill Station Gems in the Northeast
From the cloudy state of Meghalaya to the remote hills of Arunachal, a trip to Northeast India lets you soak in their unique culture along with a unique view of the hills.
Shillong: The Abode of Clouds
Located in the East Khasi Hills, Shillong is absolutely beautiful in summer. With lush greenery and clear skies, Shillong is irresistible to trekkers and mountain bikers. Explore natural sites like Laitlum Canyons and Elephant Falls, as well as the Don Bosco Museum and Lady Hydari Park on your trip to Shillong.
Tawang: A Himalayan Dream
Home to Asia’s largest and oldest monastery, Tawang is in the westernmost part of Arunachal Pradesh. Explore the natural beauty of Sela Pass, Bumla Pass, Madhuri Lake, and Nuranang Falls, and visit historic sites like the Tawang Monastery, the Tawang War Memorial, and Jaswant Garh on your next trip to Tawang.
Gangtok: Gateway to Sikkim
Whether you want to visit the monasteries or have an adventure, Gangtok is a top Himalayan destination. Offering a view of the majestic Kanchenjunga, Gangtok has beautiful natural tourist spots like Ban Jhakri Falls, Tsomgo Lake, Bakthang Falls, and the Seven Sisters Waterfalls. You can also take a ride on the ropeway and experience the city from above, explore the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, and Deorali Orchid Sanctuary, and plan more for your Gangtok trip.
Essential Tips for Visiting Hill Stations in India
Simply picking a hill station out of your bucket list is not all when it comes to planning your trip. You will have to:
- Plan your budget,
- List the places you want to visit,
- Look into how you want to travel to these places,
- Find places where you can stay (homestays or hotels),
- Put in a visa application (if visiting from abroad),
- Pack essentials like clothes suited to the weather and emergency items
- Get set on your trip
Applying for an India Travel Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide
When traveling to India, a few tips can simplify the process of visa application. Whether you can get an eVisa or do not need a visa at all depends on your country of origin.
If you are from Bhutan, Nepal, or the island country of Maldives, you are exempted from applying for a visa for your trip to India. For citizens of over 170 other countries, travelers have the option to apply for an eVisa for their trip.
To apply, you will need the following:
- A passport valid for 6 months from your date of arrival
- 2 blank pages in the passport for stamping
- A recent photo
- A proper travel itinerary
- Proof of funds
- Proof of return
When applying for the India Travel Visa or Tourist eVisa, do the below:
- Go to the site
- Pick the correct visa category
- Fill in the online form
- Upload necessary documents
- Cross-check to root out any mistakes
- Submit and pay the fees
Once you reach India, produce a copy of your India Travel Visa and passport to immigration.
Packing Essentials for a Comfortable Trip
To avoid unnecessary hassles during a trip, one needs to be prepared. This includes having an air-tight itinerary, confirmed hotel bookings, and a properly packed travel bag.
Be sure to carry the above:
- Your approved eVisa (India Travel Visa) and passport
- ID proofs
- Clothes meant for the season (woolens, coats, etc)
- Power bank and phone charger
- Medicines that you have a prescription for
- Camera
- Spare Batteries
- An umbrella
Navigating Hill Stations
If you are a foreigner visiting India, you can get a local guide at most hill stations. However, arrange hotel and transportation bookings well in advance. You can also visit with a tour group if you feel that traveling across multiple hill stations is not something you want to do alone.
Further, it is best to avoid a trip to the Himalayas in monsoon due to the high risk of landslides and flash floods.
Discover the Best of India’s Hill Stations
Whether you are traveling in a group or planning a solo trip to the Indian mountains, apply for the eVisa or India Travel Visa early. While the approval takes 3 - 5 days, it is best to have some time on hand in case of any issues.
Decide on a hill station to visit, apply for a visa, and start packing your bags for a trip to the mountains.
Ensure you have checked your eligibility for Indian e-Visa. Citizens of most countries including Greek citizens, French citizens, Irish citizens, Malaysian citizens and Jamaican citizens are eligible for Indian e-Visa.