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Mountain Destinations in India

kolahoi base camp1

India proudly has a number of hill stations in most parts of the country. Indian mountains are widely distributed within the Himalayas, Vindhyas, and Aravallis. Tourists come to these hill stations to get respite from the heat and humidity of the low-lying areas of the country. The hill stations of India are overloaded with natural beauties, wildlife and herbs. Some of the best hill stations include Shimla, Manali, Dalhousie, Nainital, Almora, Kausani, Mussoorie, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Mount Abu.

Nainital, Uttarakhand

Nainital is a small town in the Kumaon range in Uttarakhand. It is also called the ” Lake District ” of India. This is also called the Honeymoon destination, as many honeymooners visit this station all year. It is famous for Paragliding, horse-riding and rock climbing, which attract adventure lovers. The Naini Lake, Tiffin Top, Snow View, and Naini Peak are the most popular tourist spots in town. Cheena Peak, or Naina Peak, has breathtaking views of the Nainital Valley and the snow-capped Himalayas. Hanumangarh temple in Nainital is also very famous.

Nainital, Uttarakhand

Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Manali is surrounded by beautiful hills and woody forests; the charm of Manali is remarkable and can capture the world’s attention It has become one of the most visited tourist destinations in India.

The River “Beas”, with clear and snow-chilled water, flows right through the town.

Along with the one end of the Kul

Lu Valley, Manali, is a popular hill station in nearby areas, like Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley. Rohtang Pass is covered with snow almost all over the year.

On the other side are deodar and pine trees with tiny fields and fruit orchards.

Manali is situated at the end of the National Highway leading to leh.

Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

Mussoorie is a hill station situated in the district of Dehradun in the Northern state of Uttarakhand. This hill station is located around 34 kilometres from Dehradun and is developed especially for tourism. Mussoorie gives a view of the Doon Valley to the south and in the north of the Himalayas. The green hills with a blooming diversity of flora and fauna is one of India's most charming pictorial tourist spots. The Mall in the centre point of Mussoorie is covered with two ends – the Library and Picture Palace spread some distance away. In Mussoorie, you will find beautiful natural waterfalls, sceneries, and architectural marvels of colonial structures.

Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir

Gulmarg is a town/hill station and popular skiing destination with a notified area committee in the Baramulla district of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.

  • Gulmarg is situated in the Pir Panjal Range in the western Himalayas.
  • The very first ski resort was established in 1927 in Gulmarg and has been the epitome of skiing in the country.
  • It connects Gulmarg with Apharwat Mountain, from where one can ski down on long snow trails.
  • Gulmarg also has the longest Golf Course in India. Set against a beautiful backdrop, it attracts a large number of visitors.
Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir

Darjeeling, West Bengal

Famous for its large tea estates.

  • The location is (an altitude of 6,710ft in the northeast) India and is part of the state of West Bengal.
  • The nearest airport is Bagdogra, and the nearest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri.
  • Darjeeling has tremendous views of Mount Kanchenjunga, waterfalls, and several hills.
  • The historic Toy Train makes for a memorable ride and the Senchal Lake, Ghoom Monastery, and Observatory Hill are Darjeeling's most popular tourist attractions.
Darjeeling, West Bengal

FAQ

Many hill stations are accessible by train, offering scenic journeys. Buses and taxis are also readily available. For remote Himalayan locations, you should fly to the nearest major city and then take a connecting taxi or jeep.

Yes, most mountain destinations in India offer a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets, including hotels, resorts, guesthouses, and homestays. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Attractions vary depending on the destination, but some common ones include Mall Road in Shimla, Rohtang Pass near Manali, Tiger Hill in Darjeeling, Pangong Lake in Leh-Ladakh, and the tea gardens in Munnar, among others.

Here are some activities you can enjoy in the mountains of India:

  • Trekking, camping, mountaineering (in the Himalayas)
  • Wildlife spotting (especially in Kerala and Western Ghats)
  • Adventure sports like paragliding and rafting (depending on the location)
  • Experiencing local culture and visiting historical sites

The best time to visit mountain destinations in India depends on the region. Generally, the summer months (April to June) are ideal for most destinations, while some, like Leh-Ladakh, are best visited during the summer months due to harsh winters. However, hill stations like Manali and Shimla are also popular during the winter months for snow activities.