As the summer comes to its full capacity more and more people are pondering which hill stations they can visit for a cooling retreat. With India offering a wide option of hill stations, analyzing which hill station is best suited for your personalized needs is quite a daunting task. Reading about individual towns can take up a lot of your time. Worry not! We have curated a list of the 10 best hill stations in India to visit this summer in 2024 for you. Check it out:

1. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

It was only fair we start this list with one of the most beloved and visited hill stations of India. Shimla was the summer capital of British India, which is the testimony of its claim as being one of the best hill stations in India for a summer retreat. Shimla offers visitors places like Chadwick Falls and Jaku Hills for their breathtaking views. You can also visit the Viceregal Lodge which was once the residence of the British Viceroy of India, to explore the ancient articles, artifacts, and photographs of the British Era. 

2. Darjeeling and Kalimpong , West Bengal

Hidden in the north end of West Bengal, these two Hill stations display the eerie beauty of Himalayan forests. Darjeeling offers a clear view of the majestic Kaliompong Peak and Kalimpong is heaven for nature and photography lovers. Lying at a distance of from each other, these two hill stations serve as a compliment to each other. The colonial schools of these two towns host hundreds of students in their boarding facilities. These towns are best suited for you if you are looking to get away from the hassles of life and enjoy a relaxing vacation with your loved ones. The unique culture of these places offers amazing cuisine for your taste buds.  

3. Ooty, Tamil Nadu

Ooty is situated in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu and has been a sought-after hill station for as long as one can remember. It once served as the summer capital of British Era Madras Presidency. This scenic retreat from southern India is covered in lush greenery, serene lakes, and tea gardens. Ooty holds many stunning colonial architecture on display for its tourists. The perfect retreat to cool off and relax in the sweet tea scent of the town during excruciating summers. There are many things you can do in Ooty. You can go rafting at Avalanche Lake or you can explore the tea gardens. Ooty also offers space for camping and if you are a chocolate enthusiast you can taste hand-made chocolates here. Dolphin’s Nose and Kalhatti Falls are some of the local tourist destinations.  

4. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

Lying at the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan range, Mussorie is a scenic treat displaying the majestic Shivalik Ranges and the Doon Valley. Resting on top of a horseshoe crest, Mussoorie is often referred to as the Queen of the Hills. It was once a popular retreat for the Mughals and British. Despite being one of the most popular hill stations in India, it is also known to be one of the cheapest. If you are an adventure enthusiast, Mussoorie offers trekking, Paragliding, rock climbing, and white-river rafting. Jharipani Falls, Jwala Devi Temple, Cloud’s End, Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, and K Dev Bhumi Wax Museum are the local tourist attraction centers of this town. 

5. Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir

This meadow of flowers is an unmissable contender for the best hill stations in India list. Tucked away in the peaceful terrains of Jammu and Kashmir, this town is known for hosting a range of winter sports. Standing at a height of 2730 meters, Gumarg is covered in snow-capped peaks and deep ravines. This cup-shaped valley of the Pir Panjal Range harbors a range of flowers that bloom in the valley during summers. Gulmarg was rated Asia’s seventh-best ski destination. This town is a must-visit for adventure sports lovers as it hosts a range of winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, and heli-skiing on the slopes of Mount Apharwat.

6. Kasol, Himachal Pradesh

Situated by the Parvati River, Kasol is for all backpackers. The Kasol Music Festival is an annual festival taking place every New Year’s Eve and is quite a tourist attraction with visitors coming from around the world. This town offers activities like Trekking at the Chalal Trekking Trail, a Bath in the Manikaran Hot Water Pool, and much more.

7. Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh

The abode of Dalai Lama- Dharamshala offers scenic landscapes and a holy retreat to visitors. Home to a pronounced Tibetan population, the local lifestyle displays Tibetan influence. Dharamshala welcomes visitors interested in paragliding, trekking, and riverside camping. Triund Hill, Bhagsunag Temple, and Gyuto Monastery are some places you should visit in Dharamshala.

8. Coorg, Karnataka

This serene hill station is covered in coffee and spice gardens. Home to numerous waterfalls, temples, forts, and monasteries, Coorg is a must-visit if you work in metropolitan cities like Bengaluru or Chennai. This would be an easy nearby destination that pulls you away from the loud city life and offers a quiet vacation spot. 

9. Shillong, Meghalaya

The rolling hills of Shillong are covered with sweet-smelling flowers and a shimmering night view. The capital of Meghala has so much to offer its visitors. The picturesque panorama of lush green hills, majestic and dainty waterfalls, and fog-covered viewpoints make you believe you are in the middle of two worlds. The eerie colonial buildings, vibrant local culture, and crystal clear rivers running through the virgin forests make your visit worth every penny. This heavenly destination has many tourist spots to engage its visitors. The elephant falls descending into three successive falls is a sight to behold. Consisting of one of the largest golf courses in Asia, the  Gleneagles of the East is a must-visit for all golf lovers. If you are looking for a scenic and calm picnic spot, Shillong Park is your spot and if you want to enjoy boating, Ward’s Lake should be on your destination list. The state hosts many Museums and galleries for history buffs to enjoy an afternoon stroll through the pages of the past. 

10. Gangtok, Sikkim

The capital of Sikkim is an underrated gem among the hill stations of India. Boasting exciting cuisine and Buddhist monasteries, Gangtok is the perfect place for a laid-back retreat with scenic views. You can go on  Yak Safari or river rafting in its peaceful environment. Jawarharlal Botanical Garden, Ganesh Tok Temple, Sikkim Himalayan Zoological Park, and Seven Sister Waterfalls are some of the tourist spots you should visit.

Also Check:- Best Places to See Snowfall in India

Conclusion

That was our carefully curated list of the 10 best hill stations in India to visit this summer in 2024. We hope it was helpful and wish you a Happy Vacation!