Top Hill Stations in India
When the summer tries to burn everything down its path, hill stations are an attractive escape. And we are spoiled for choices for hill stations in India. Any list of top hill stations is going to be a bit subjective but here is ours.
Manali (Himachal Pradesh): With the soothing weather and the majestic Himalayan peaks in plain view Manali is the perfect spot to escape the summer heat. There is plenty to do in Manali, from a stroll down the Mall Road to visits to the temples (Hadimba, Manu, Vashishta to name a few), adventure sports nearby (Solang Valley), numerous trekking options, a visit to Rohtang Pass or simply enjoying the cool weather, good food and shopping. If you ever feel that Manali is getting too crowded, venture towards Prini (3km) or Jagatsukh (6km) and you get the magnificent view minus the crowds.
Hotels in Manali: There are plenty to choose from in the main area and if you want a little solitude move away from the main city. Manali hotels will cater to every budget range so it is important to know what you are looking for.
Darjeeling (West Bengal): Authors and poets have waxed lyrical about Darjeeling. After all, the magnificent Kanchanjunga backdrop is something to be experienced in this lifetime and if waking is your forte then from the Tiger Hill at sunrise. But there are plenty of other things to do, like a boat ride on the Mirik Lake, visiting a tea estate or the famous temples and monasteries. And above all there is UNESCO World Heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railways to be enjoyed.
Hotels in Darjeeling: You would get a range of hotels in Darjeeling with prices in 5 digits to a few hundred rupees. Apart from the budget it is also important to know the location, some of us enjoy staying in the market where everything is close by, while for others the vacation is ruined if they get hear a single car honk.
Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir): What do you think first when you think of Srinagar- the old Hindi movie songs or the lakes, mountains and the shikaras? Whatever it is I am sure it is a beautiful picture. A visit to Srinagar would be incomplete without a visit to Gulmarg, the lakes, Dal with its houseboats and the Nagin Lake. Also the famous Shalimar, Nishat and Naseem Gardens are not to be missed. In season Tulip Garden is a sensation.
Hotels in Srinagar: Whether you are looking for luxury or something clean and functional because you anyway never stay in your hotel room, hotels in Srinagar have it all. Not to be missed is the experience of staying in a Shikara.
Ooty (Tamil Nadu): Nilgiris or the Blue Hills have their own charm and Ooty is one of the best places to experience them. There is so much to do in Ooty and the first on the list could be the Ooty Mountain Railways, after all who doesn’t love toy trains? Then there are gardens, Government Rose Garden and Botanical gardens to be explored. There is a golf course in Ooty too. Ooty Lake is worth a visit and so are the Wax World, the St. Stephen’s Church and much more.
Hotels in Ooty: Once again there are plenty of hotels to choose from at Ooty so do your research and have your pick. Do remember to book your hotels in Ooty in advance in the season.
Mahabaleshwar (Maharashtra): The Western Ghats with their stark rocks formations are a phenomenon in themselves. Couple it with a famous temple and the place becomes a temptation. Apart from the religious significance Mahabaleshwar offers vistas of Venna Lake and the experience of visiting strawberry/mulberry farms. If you are visiting Mahabaleshwar, consider the neighboring Panchgani too.
Hotels at Mahabaleshwar: Mahabaleshwar offers everything by the way of hotels from luxury to homestays and everything in between. If you wish have any special needs we recommend that you communicate them before booking to have a pleasant stay.
