Panoramic views, natural beauty, snow-laden peaks and lush greenery bless the Hill stations in North India. Tourists throng these destinations in order to enjoy cooling summer as well as exciting winter. Wake up to the mystical view, inhale pure air and connect with yourself, unwinding in the lap of quaint mountains of the Himalayas.

Here are the popular hill stations in North India where you can escape the scorching heat and admire the beauty which these places behold!

1. Manali, Himachal Pradesh

One of the favourite holiday spot for mountain lovers, Manali enjoys the reputation of a popular Himalayan resort town. The scenic place offers romantic moments for a lifetime to the couples seeking for a romantic honeymoon in the hill stations of North India. Also, many adventure enthusiasts find Manali enthralling with its amazing pursuits.

Things to do in Manali

• Trekking, Mountaineering, Skiing
• River rafting in Beas River
• Sightseeing
• Yak riding at Manali wildlife sanctuary
• Ride through the Rohtang Pass

Best time to visit Manali

Summer Season – March to June
Winter Season – October to February

2. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Nestled in Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is indeed one of the most visited hill stations in India. A myriad of sightseeing options, adventure sports and pleasant weather accounts as the reason for the popularity the ‘Queen of Hills’.

Things to do in Shimla

• Skiing at Kufri
• Shopping at Lakkar Bazaar
• Ride on the Kalka-Shimla Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Worship at Jakhoo Temple
• Visit the Ridge
• Ice skating
• Rafting at Tattapani
• Trek to Chadwick waterfall
• Camping at Mashobra

Best time to visit Shimla

Summer Season – March to June
Winter Season – October to February

3. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

Bask in the charming bliss of the misty mountains at Mussoorie as it is one of the scenic hill stations in India. Treat your eyes to the bewitching landscapes, check out the British Raj’s most remarkable structures and get away from the hustle bustle of cities anytime of the year.

Things to do in Mussoorie

• Visit the Lal Tibba
• Enjoy at the Kempty Falls
• Exciting ropeway cable ride
• Enjoy views of the Doon Valley
• Reach Cloud’s End
• Try Trekking and Paragliding

Best time to visit Mussoorie

Summer Season – March to June
Winter Season – October to February

4. Nainital, Uttarakhand

Bejewelling Uttarakhand, the ‘Land of Gods’, Nainital is a beautiful holiday destination. Deriving its identity from an eye-shaped lake, the hill town is named ‘Lake district of India’. Make the most out of your family holidays in India at Nainital. Scenic views, temples, adventure activities and the pure bliss of mountains calls for a visit.

Things to do in Nainital

• Trekking
• Boating
• Cable car ride
• Visit the Nainital Zoo
• Reach Tiffin Top
• Bow down at Naina Devi Temple
• Wildlife Safari at Jim Corbett National Park

Best time to visit Nainital

Summer Season – March to June
Winter Season – October to February

5. Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir

Gulmarg in Kashmir is a popular North-Indian hill station. Tucked amid snow-covered peaks, the place is a haven for skiing lovers. Time flies by while delighting in a fair share of adrenaline-pumping moments. Gulmarg means ‘meadow of flowers’ and looks stunning in summer as well white winters.

Things to do in Gulmarg

• Skiing
• Visit Khilanmarg
• Play Golf
• Enjoy Gulmarg Gondola ride
• Spot animals at the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve
• Admire the Alpather Lake
• Offer prayers at Baba Reshi Shrine & Maharani Temple

Best time to visit Gulmarg

Summer Season – March to June
Winter Season – November to February

6. Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir

Blessed with Jhelum River and the Dal Lake, Srinagar boasts of shikara rides, houseboats, and natural bliss. The capital of Kashmir ‘Paradise on Earth’ enjoys refreshing weather, a number of attractions that lure for romantic holidays as well as family holidays in India. A trip to Srinagar is complete with shopping for Kashmiri woollens, dry fruits and Pashmina Shawls.

Things to do in Srinagar

• Shikara ride at Dal Lake
• Houseboat stay
• Visit Mughal Gardens
• Shopping
• Offer prayers at the Shankaracharya Mandir
• Marvel at tulips in Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden

Best time to visit Srinagar

Summer Season – April to September
Winter Season – October to March

7. Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir

Ladakh, often called as the ‘Land of high passes’ surprises you with adventures at each step. The beautiful remote region, features clear blue skies, snow-laden peaks and the panoramas of barren mountains broken only by blue lakes & rivers. The mystical colourful Buddhist monasteries lure for soul-searching.

Things to do in Ladakh

• White Water Rafting
• Trekking
• Motor biking
• Camel Safaris
• Camping
• Playing Archery and Polo
• Visit Pangong Lake
• Reach Khardung La
• Challenge gravity at Magnetic Hill
• Visit monasteries and attend monastic festivals

Best time to visit Ladakh

Summer Season – April to Mid-May
Winter Season – Mid-September to Mid-October

8. Dhanaulti, Uttarakhand

Dhanaulti is one of the picturesque hill stations in North India. Settled amid alpine forests of Rhododendron, Deodar and Oak, the hill town is and emerging winter destination, with magical snowfall. Far from the madness of the bustling places, Dhanaulti offers a calm vacation.

Things to do in Dhanaulti

• Surkanda Devi temple
• Trekking
• Shopping
• Camping
• Nature Walks
• Visit Deogarh Fort
• Spend some time at the Dhanaulti Adventure Park

Best time to visit Dhanaulti

Summer Season – April to June
Winter Season – September to March

9. Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh

If you are enticed towards snow-covered peaks and astounding views of the Himalayas, then Dharamshala is the place for you! The beautiful hill station in North India is popular as the residence of the 14th Dalai Lama. Positioned in the upper reaches of the Kangra Valley, the amazing destination is called as the ‘Little Lhasa’. Moments you will spend here will be cherished forever.

Things to do in Dharamshala

• Trekking at McLeod Ganj
• Explore Namgyal Monastery
• Visit Tsuglagkhang Complex
• Plan a picnic at the Dal Lake (of Dharamshala)
• Enjoy Photography at Kareri Lake

Best time to visit Dharamshala

Summer Season – March to June
Winter Season – December to February

10. Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh

Dalhousie outstands from rest of the hill stations in North India because of the ‘healing water’ found in the Karelanu region. Beside this, the colonial-era buildings dating back to the period of the British Raj also portray a matchless lure. The high-altitude town presents a visual treat.

Things to do in Dalhousie

• Visit Chamera Lake
• Trek to Dainkund Peak
• Admire beauty of Panchpula
• Wildlife Safari at Kalatop Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Marvel at the views from Ganji Pahari
• Listen to the sound of Satdhara Falls
• River crossing

Best time to visit Dalhousie

Summer Season – March to May
Winter Season – October to February

11. Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh

Royal Victorian buildings constructed by the Britishers in the past speak volumes of the glorious past of Kasauli. Relax in the pleasant environment of the hill town of North India. A hiker’s paradise, the hill town is a perfect place for planning family holidays in India.

Things to do in Kasauli

• Admire views from the Monkey Point
• Follow the Timber Trail
• Visit Kasauli Brewery
• Click photos at Sunset Point
• Shopping at Mall Road
• Bow down at Gurudwara Shri Guru Nanakji
• Pay homage at Shri Baba Balak Nath Temple

Best time to visit Kasauli

Summer Season – April to June
Winter Season – September to November

12. Palampur, Himachal Pradesh

Rich aroma of tea plantations welcomes you at Palampur. The attractive station in northern part of India showcases wonderful confluence of greenery and water. An unexplored destination with English style buildings and scenic backdrops, Palampur is also known as the ‘Tea Capital of North India’, the place helps you to cherish the impeccable natural beauty.

Things to do in Palampur

• Trekking
• Paragliding at Bir and Billing
• Angling
• Visit tea gardens
• Explore Tashi Jong Monastery
• Enjoy Saurabh Van Vihar
• Worship at Baijnath Temple

Best time to visit Palampur

Summer Season – April to October
Winter Season – November to March

13. Chail, Himachal Pradesh

Chail is favourite hotspot of hikers and cricket and polo lovers. The scenic hill station in India is blessed with all natural bounties like beautiful orchards, majestic snow-capped Shivalik peaks and sylvan pine valleys. The place also steals the limelight for housing world’s highest cricket grounds.

Things to do in Chail

• Explore Chail Wildlife Sanctuary
• Visit Palace Hotel
• Worship at Kali Temple
• Go for city Shopping
• Pay a visit to the Cricket Ground
• Enjoy horse riding
• Hangout at Sadhupul Lake

Best time to visit Chail

Summer Season – March to May
Winter Season – October to February

14. Auli, Uttarakhand

Holding the epithet of the ‘Skiing capital of India’, Auli is a must visit hill station in North India for skiing aficionados. From novice to professional, skiing lovers flock here for trying their skills. Longest cable car ride, panoramic views of the glaciers and snow-laden peaks add to the fun quotient.

Things to do in Auli

• Enjoy Skiing in Auli
• Camping
• Visit Gurson Bugyal
• Soak-in the beauty of Chenab Lake
• Trek to Kwani Bugyal
• Enjoy the Ropeway ride

Best time to visit Auli

Summer Season – May to October
Winter Season – November to March

15. Mount Abu, Rajasthan

Believing the fact that there lies a hill station at Rajasthan, ‘land of desert’ is bit difficult. But, when one reaches Mount Abu, all the doubts vanish. The only hill station in Rajasthan is a crowd-puller and provides the desired respite from the heat. Make way through spiral roads and bask-in the natural beauty and spiritual charm of the place.

Things to do in Mount Abu

• Visit Dilwara Jain Temples
• Explore the Gardens
• Pay homage at Adhar Devi Temple
• Pay a visit to Achalgarh
• Boating at Nakki Lake
• Reach Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple
• Enjoy at Sunset point

Best time to visit Mount Abu

Summer Season – April to June
Winter Season – November to February

About Author:

Rekha Bisht is a travel enthusiast who loves to visit the most popular as well as offbeat places of the world. She loves to share her travel experiences with fellow travelers. For planning memorable holidays in India or any world destination, you follow her write-ups.

The post Discover the Charming Beauty of North Indian Hill Station appeared first on World Travel Bound - Top Travel & Destination Tips, Guides, Reviews Blog.