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Hill Stations in North India: 16 Top North India Hill Station List

Anshulika

August 16, 2018

Do you wish to visit a place that is so serene that the lingering silence is broken by the twittering of the birds and by the gurgling sound of waters flowing in the backdrop?

North India is surrounded by the Indo-Gangetic plains and the Himalayas that offer enthralling hill stations. There are popular getaways that offer the much-needed peace and pleasant climate. The hill stations of North India offer respite from the sweltering heat during the summer months as well as offer adventure activities during the cold winter months. The proximity of these hill stations to the Himalayas makes them even more alluring. You can spend a great time by indulging in many fun activities like hiking, paragliding, trekking and much more at these hill stations.

10 Amazing Hill Stations In & Near North India – 2019 List

Hill Stations North India: Complete Guide for Best Hill Stations In & Near North India

1. Manali – Best Hill Station in North India

Nestled in the Kullu valley and surrounded by towering peaks, Manali is an ideal hill station aptly known as the ‘Valley of God’. Set on the banks of river Beas and perched at a height of 6260 feet above sea level, Manali is replete with snow-clad Himalayan peaks, verdant greenery and surreal ambience.

Distance from Delhi: 540 km

Why Visit:  Rohtang Pass | Solang Valley | Winter Adventure activities | Colonial Architecture

Best Way To Get There:

By Road: Manali has good connectivity by road to major cities of North India. Travel via NH 44 through Chandigarh from Delhi to reach Manali.

Average Cab Fare: Rs 6161 – Rs 8769 (One way)

You can also self-drive to Manali from Delhi by the NH 44 route.

Cost of Driving to Manali: Rs 5360 – Rs 6,000 (roundtrip)

By Flight – The nearest airport to Manali is Chandigarh located at a distance of 178 km from Manali. Flights from Spicejet, Air India, Indigo, Jet Airways, Vistara and Go Air fly to Chandigarh from Delhi.

Fares: Rs.3,000 – Rs. 10,000 (Return)

Trains: Ambala Cantt or Chandigarh is the nearest railhead located at a distance of 337 km from Manali. Book your tickets on the following trains to reach Ambala Cantt from Delhi.

• Jabalpur – Atari Special Fare Special
• New Delhi – Kurushektra MEMU
• Indore – Chandigarh Weekly Express
• Amrapali Express (PT)
• Hazrat Nizamuddin – Ambala Cantt

Things To Do in Manali

• Trekking and Camping at Chandrakhani Pass
• Rafting and Paragliding
• Kayaking and mountain biking
• Skiing

Places To Visit in Manali

• Tibetan monasteries
• Naggar Castle
• Roerich Museum
• Arjun Gufa
• Jagatsukh
• Solang Valley

Best Hotels in Manali

Treebo Celebrity | Rock Manali Hotel & Spa | Apple Country Resort

2. Shimla – Popular Hill Station in North India

The capital of Himachal Pradesh is the most popular hill station of North India. The scenic landscape of Shimla is dotted with colonial style structures and other heritage monuments. The erstwhile summer capital of Britishers, Shimla is dotted with beautiful hills and valleys. Shimla’s famed mall road has appeared in several Bollywood movies.

Distance from Delhi: 343 Km

Why Visit: Tudorbethan and neo-Gothic architecture buildings | Kalka- Shimla railway line| Natural beauty

Best Way To Get There:

By Road: Travel through NH 44 and NH 5 route via Karnal and Chandigarh to reach Shimla.

Average Cab Fare: Rs.4013 – Rs.5600 (one way)

Alternatively, you can self-drive to Shimla from Delhi. Enjoy the scenic beauty along the route and eat delectable food at dhabas along the highway.

Cost of Driving down to Shimla: Rs 3,500 – Rs 4,500 (Roundtrip)

By Flight- Chandigarh airport at a distance of 113 km from Shimla is the nearest airport.

Airlines like SpiceJet, Air India, Vistara, Jet Airways, Indigo and GoAir fly to Chandigarh from Delhi.

Fares: Rs 2000 – Rs 14,000 (roundtrip)

By Train: Kalka is the nearest railhead located at a distance of 88 km from Shimla. Book your tickets on the following trains to reach Kalka from Delhi.

• Kalka Shatabdi
• UHL Janshatabdi
• Kerala Sampark Kranti Express
• Delhi- Kalka Passenger
• Himalayan Queen

Things To Do in Shimla

• Travel in Toy Train
• Shop at Lakkar Bazar
• Ice -skating
• Rafting at Tattapani
• Witness sunrise at the Chadwick waterfall

Places To Visit in Shimla

• Christ Church
• St Michael’s Cathedral
• Churdhar Sanctuary
• Kufri, Gurkha Castles
• Jakhu Hill

Best Hotels in Shimla

Fairmount Shimla | Honeymoon Inn Shimla | Hotel Landmark Shimla

3. Mussoorie – Queen of Hills in India

The pristine hill station of Mussoorie lies in proximity to the Delhi-NCR region. Nestled in the Himalayan range and perched at a height of about 2500 m above sea level, Mussoorie acts as a perfect hill station with a number of attractions and plethora of activities to keep travellers engaged.

This ‘Queen of hills’, located in the Garhwal region is bound by the picturesque Doon valley and the Shivalik hills.

Distance from Delhi: 290 Km

Why Visit: Yamunotri and Gangotri shrines | Kempty falls | Shopping for Garhwali dresses and traditional Ladakhi shawls

Best Way To Get There:

By Road – Travel to Mussoorie from Delhi via the Saharanpur road.

Average Cab Fare: Rs 3,000 – Rs 6,000 (roundtrip)

Alternatively, self-drive is an option that you can explore. Take halts at will and enjoy the scenic beauty of the mountainous region.

Cost of Driving down to Mussoorie: Rs 3,000 – Rs 5,000 (Round Trip)

By Flight – Dehradun’s Jolly Grant airport located at a distance of 34 km is the nearest airport. Flights like Spicejet, Indigo, Air India and Jet Airways fly between Delhi and Dehradun.

Fares: Rs 4,330 – Rs 7,000 (Return)

By Train – Dehradun railway station is the nearest railway station to Mussoorie. Book your tickets on the following trains that connect Delhi to Dehradun.

• Shatabdi Express
• Jan Shatabdi Express
• The Mussoorie Express
• Nizamuddin AC Special
• Udaipur Haridwar Express

Things To Do In Mussoorie:

• Visit Kempty Falls
• Go Hiking to the Clouds End
• Take an evening stroll on the mall road
• Have a picnic at the Jharipani falls

Places to Visit in Mussoorie

• Gun Hill
• Kempty Falls
• Lal Tibba
• Lake Mist

Best Hotels in Mussoorie

Treebo Nand Residency | Fortune Resort Grace | Jaypee Residency Manor

4. Nainital – Commercial North Indian Hill

Popularly known as the ‘Lake District’ of India, Nainital is located at the foothills of Kumaon range of mountains. This scenic hill station is located at a height of 2000 m in Uttarakhand’s Kumauni region. The pear-shaped Naini lake and the surrounding mountains are a major highlight of Nainital.

Distance from Delhi: 334 Km

Why Visit: Nandadevi Peak | Naini Lake | Moderate Climate

Best Way To Get There:

By Road: Nainital is well connected to major cities of North India. Travel from Delhi via the NH 9 route through Moradabad to reach Nainital. Alternatively, you can also take the Hodal-Hassanpur road to reach Nainital from Delhi.

Average Cab Fare: Rs.3329 – Rs.4925 (one way)

Self-drive is another option that you can explore to reach Nainital from Delhi.

Cost of Driving down to Nainital: Rs 3,500 – Rs 4,500 (Roundtrip)

By Train: Kathgodam railway station is the nearest railway station located at a distance of 34 km from Nainital.

Following trains can be boarded to reach Kathgodam from Delhi.

• Ranikhet Express
• Uttar Sampark
• Kranti Express
• Bagh Express
• Dehradun Kathgodam Express
• Anvt Kgm Shatabdi Express

Things to Do in Nainital

• Go boating at Nainital Lake
• Indulge in horse trekking
• Get spellbinding views from Tiffin top
• Shop at the Tibetan market
• Visit Hanuman Garhi for viewing the sunrise

Places To Visit In Nainital

• Tiffin Top
• Naini Lake
• Naina Peak
• Land’s End

Best Hotels in Nainital

Hotel Chevron Fairheavens | The Naini Retreat | Sterling Nainital

5. Kashmir – Beautiful Hill Station in North India

Kashmir valley is a popular hill station in North India. Get mesmerized by the white snow-capped hills, quaint shikaras and apple orchards. Rightfully called as the ‘paradise on earth’ Kashmir offers amazing natural views and a serene environment.

Distance from Delhi: 566 Km

Why Visit:  Shalimar Gardens | Shikaras | Snow-capped mountains

Best Way To Get There:

Flight – Take a flight from Delhi to Srinagar airport. Flights like Go Air, Indigo, Air India, Spicejet, Jet Airways, Air Asia and Vistara fly to and out of Srinagar.

Fares: Rs 3,147 – Rs 8,500 (Delhi – Srinagar Return)

By Train – Jammu Tawi is the nearest railway station to Srinagar. Take the following trains to Jammu from Delhi.

• Sarvodaya SF Express
• Swaraj Express
• Indore – Jammu Tawi Weekly SF Express
• Jammu Mail
• New Delhi Jammu Tawi Rajdhani Express

Average Cab Fare: Rs 6,543 – Rs  8,430 (Jammu Railway Station – Srinagar one way)

Things to Do in Kashmir

• Enjoy a Shikara boat ride
• Take a stroll at Shalimar gardens
• Stay at a houseboat
• Walk through the bylanes of Old Srinagar

Places to Visit in Kashmir

• Ranbireshwar Temple
• Lakshmi Narayan temple
• Peer Baba Shrine at Satwari
• Gulmarg
• Pahalgam
• Sonamarg

Best Hotels in Kashmir

Vivanta Dal View | The Lalit Grand Palace | Hotel Kashmir Inn

6. Almora – Scenic Hill Station in North India

Almora, the cultural capital of Kumaon region is perched at a height of 1651 m above sea level. This scenic hill station is known for its handicrafts, delectable cuisine and biodiversity. The rivers Koshi and Suyal flow through this town. Almora was discovered by the Chand dynasty rulers. However, it was the Britishers who developed this scenic place. People like Mahatma Gandhi and Swami Vivekananda were connoisseurs of Almora. Bright End Corner, Martola, Kasar Devi Temple, Chitai Golu Devta are some places that you should visit on a trip to Almora.

Distance from Delhi: 363 km

7. Thanedar – Unexplored Hill Station in North India

Thanedar is an unexplored hill station known for its nature walks, evening strolls in the verdant green forests and picnic spots near the lake. The neo-classical form of architecture of the temples and churches makes the place an architectural marvel. You can take a stroll in the apple orchids and enjoy the best view of the snow-clad mountains from various viewpoints in Thanedar.

Distance from Delhi: 423 km

Places To Visit and Things To do in Thanedar

• Marvel at St. Mary’s Church architecture
• Read the inscriptions embellished in the temple of Vedas and Upanishads
• Take an evening stroll near Tani-Jubber Lake

8. Bir – Famous Hill Station in North India

Bir is located on the west of Joginder Nagar Valley in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is mostly referred to as ‘Paragliding Capital of India’ as it is famous for paragliding points. If you are looking for an adventurous trip, this is the place for you. The natural beauty of this place mesmerizes you and Tibetan influence offers a mix of cultural heritage.

Distance from the city: 516.2 km

Places to Visit and Things To Do In Bir

• If you wish to spend some peaceful time, visit Sherab Ling Monastery
• Indulge in Hand gliding and paragliding at Bir Billing
• For a shopaholic in you, visit Bir Road

Check out latest offers on Make My Trip to save money when you travel to Bir.

9. Kasol – Scenic Hill Station in North India

Kasol is referred to as the ‘Amsterdam of India’ as it is one of the few places which is resplendent in natural scenic beauty all around. It is perched at a height of 6100 feet above mean sea level from where you can have a nostalgic glimpse of Victorian age due to the British Raj in India. If you want to sit back and chill in the laps of nature, this is the place for you. Smooth boulders and clean white sand separate the green grass from frothing sea waters of the river is a beautiful sight to witness in Kasol.

Distance from the city: 300 km

Places to Visit and Things to Do in Kasol

• Trek at Kheerganga Trek
• Spend a great time with Parvati River
• Visit Tosh for calming views and tedious trekking
• Indulge in some sightseeing in Malana

10. McLeod Ganj – Cultural Hill Station in North India

McLeod Ganj is a suburb of Dharamshala in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. This hill station has a Tibetan influence and is also known as ‘The Land of Holiness, Dalai Lama’. The mesmerizing landscape of the place engulfs you entirely and makes you feel refreshed. You can visit the scenic Dal Lake or have a picnic in Triund with your friends and family. The majestic hills offer beautiful sunset points in the evening.

Distance from the city: 477.6 km

Places to Visit and Things To Do In McLeod Ganj

• Triund
• Bhagsu Falls
• Visit Namgyal Monastery
• Visit Bhagsunath Temple
• Pay your tributes in Tsuglagkhang, the house of Dalai Lama

11. Lansdowne – Beautiful Hill Station in North India

Lansdowne is a hill station in Uttarakhand which is situated at 5670 feet above mean sea level. It is a hill station away from hustle and bustle of the city. Travellers can visit several temples, can indulge in jungle safari as well as enjoy bird watching in the tranquil ambience of this hill station. Lansdowne gets its name from the then Viceroy of India, Lord Lansdowne. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and has a pristine ambience that lures tourists from all over.

Distance from Delhi: 258 km

Places To Visit and Things To Do in Lansdowne

• Bhulla Lake
• Jungle Safari
• Bhim Pakora
• Visit Tarkareshwar Temple

12. Kanatal – Charming Hill Station in North India

A small village located in the state of Uttarakhand, Kanatal is a charming hill station, that has a laid-back aura. An ideal holiday destination during the winters, this place offers scenic views of the beautiful peaks and the verdant greenery that encircles this place.

Distance from Delhi: 318 km

Places to Visit and Things to do in Kanatal

• Visiting Religious and Natural Attractions
• Trekking and Nature Walks
• Camping
• Valley Crossing
• Rappelling & Rock Climbing

Have had enough choices? Well, here are 4 more places that will make your trip to the hills worthwhile.

13. Leh – Ladakh – Spellbinding Hill Station in North India

The ethereal beauty of Leh – Ladakh is simply spellbinding. This place is flanked by the majestic Himalayas and the Karakoram range. Located at very high altitudes ranging from 9000 feet to 25170 feet, Ladakh is a destination where you would like to get lost in the beauty of the wilderness. Studded with valleys, glaciers, lakes visiting Leh- Ladakh can be a memorable experience. Zanskar, Sankar Gompa, Alchi, Baltoro Glacier, Lamayuru Gompa, Pangong Tso Pangong Lake and Tso Moriri Lake Moriri are must visit places where you can experience surreal beauty.

Distance from Delhi to Leh: 1,010 km

14. Chail – Well Known Hill Station in North India

Chail hill station lies in proximity to Shimla. Located at a distance of 44 km from Shimla and 45 km from Solan, Chail is famous for the majestic Chail Palace known for its architecture. This palace was used as a summer home by the Maharaja of Patiala during the colonial era. Chail boasts of being a home to the world’s highest cricket ground which is located at a height of 2,250 m. Chail is known for its tranquil atmosphere and wilderness.

Distance from Delhi: 336 km

15. Dalhousie – Scenic Hill Station in North India

Dalhousie is a hill station in the Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh. Located at an altitude of 1970 m above sea level, this scenic hill station is dotted with Pine, Deodar and Oak forests giving it a storybook-like ambience especially during the winter months. Tosh valley, Beas Kund and Roopkund, Kalatop Wildlife Reserve, Panchpula and Satdhara falls are some of the places that you should visit on a trip to Dalhousie.

Distance from Delhi: 560 km

16. Parwanoo – Industrial Hill Station in North India

Parwanoo is an industrial town located in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. Known as Himachal’s largest wholesale market, Parwanoo can be visited to get a break from the hectic and chaotic city life. Once regarded as a sleepy town, Parwanoo today is buzzing with industrial activities.

Parwanoo is snow clad for the most part of the year. The varied orchards and fruit farms are major attractions of Parwanoo.

Distance from Delhi: 265 km

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