Cities, towns, hamlets, and villages that are surrounded by towering hills, mountains, and snowclad peaks are known as hill stations. If you were to ask a common man, a hill station for him would be a place that remains cool throughout the year. But is that the same definition for travellers?
Certainly not, it’s so much more than just being a place where they go to cool off the summer or enjoy the snow. Hill station is like emotion to the travellers where they can enjoy a plethora of activities that cannot be seen or done anywhere else.
And that is the reason why thousands of Indians and foreigners visit hill stations in India. So we have a compact list of amazing hill stations in the country where you can visit and have a good time. You can plan the trip alone, with friends, with families, or with your partner; that completely depends on you.
1. Chail
In India, we have a lot of diversity in everything and the same goes with hill stations too. Chail is a very beautiful and laid-back type of hill town situated in Himachal Pradesh. It is one of those places where people usually visit during the winters to have a great time but over time it has also become a summer destination for families.
Apart from offering wonderful weather this petty town in the hills also offers a retreating vacation. So if you are looking for a vacation where you are able to go away from the chaos of cities then Chail can be the perfect destination for you.
Location | Himachal Pradesh |
How to reach | Nearest Airport: Jubbarhatti Airport |
Nearest Railway Station: Kalka Railway Station |
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2. Kufri
Just like Chail, Kufri is another secluded or offbeat hill station in Himachal Pradesh. It is quite recent that people have started visiting here for vacations and enjoying the thrilling activities offered here. The reason why tourism has flourished so much in so little time at Kufri is due to its nearness to Shimla. Both these destinations are just 20 km apart, and that’s the reason why people visiting Shimla also include Kufri in their itinerary.
A single day trip to this destination is enough for people but if you are an adventure junkie and want to stay at the hill station you can spend a few more days.
Location | Himachal Pradesh |
How to reach | Nearest Airport: Jubbarhatti Airport |
Nearest Railway Station: Shimla Railway Station |
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3. Ponmudi
This is still an offbeat hill village which is situated in Kerala. People do know about the backwaters, kannur, and Wayanad- but not Ponmudi. Though when it comes to natural beauty and activities to enjoy- there is an extensive list of both these.
Next time when you search for a place ideal for travelling in Kerala; you should not forget the name- Ponmudi.
Location | Kerala |
How to reach | Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport |
Nearest Railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station |
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4. Wilson Hills
If you live anywhere in Gujarat or in states nearby- don’t worry, Wilson Hills is there for your rescue. Yes, you heard that right! Gujarat does have a hill station of its own which is quite an interesting one. You can have a great time here with your friends and family.
With an extensive list of activities to perform and attractions to visit- there is no denying or excluding this amazing hill town of Gujarat. So, if you are hearing about this place for the first time; just take a trip to enjoy what’s on offer.
Location | Gujarat |
How to reach | Nearest Airport: Surat Airport |
Nearest Railway Station: Valsad Railway Station |
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5. Khajjiar
Khajjiar is a place that’s well known and a lot of people might have already been here for a trip. In the state of Himachal Pradesh, this is a true gem that has got a lot of traction lately. People have started visiting here for amusement. And depending on your time of visit; you might see a lot of vacationers, families, and solo travellers.
Khajjiar was initially an adventurer’s hub but has now become a wonderful place with a tag of “For All.” Nonetheless, there are multiple attractions in Khajjiar where you can spend an amazing time too.
Location | Himachal Pradesh |
How to reach | Nearest Airport: Gaggal Airport |
Nearest Railway Station: Pathankot Railway Station |
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6. Ranipuram
This one is especially for the city dwellers who wish to enjoy some time with their loved ones at a place that takes them away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Ranipuram is a small hill town in the Kasargod District of Kerala. It is one of those places where any kind of traveller can visit and have a great time.
Irrespective of the fact that you are an adventure junkie, a nature lover, or someone who is in the hunt of serene places. Come here and have a great time!
Location | Kasargod, Kerala |
How to reach | Nearest Airport: Mangalore Airport |
Nearest Railway Station: Kasargod Railway Station |
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7. Paithalmala
Paithalmala is a small hill station in Kannur District but towards its eastern end. That’s where you have the western ghats. Kannur is known for a lot of things like the beaches, wildlife sanctuary, flora and fauna collection, and hill stations like Paithalmala. This is a very calming, peaceful, and quiet place where you won’t find a lot of people visiting too often.
So if you want a rejuvenating trip to a hill station in India, then you can pack your bags and visit Paithalmala.
Location | Kannur, Kerala |
How to reach | Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport |
Nearest Railway Station: Kannur Railway Station |
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8. Jogimatti
If you are bored of already commercialised hill stations in India, then wait a moment because we have another place where you can go. Jogimatti is a bit secluded and offbeat. This can be an ideal destination for you if you are looking for a similar place. Also, the forest reserve of this hill station is a cherry on the top for wildlife lovers.
Location | Chitradurga, Karnataka |
How to reach | Nearest Airport: Bengaluru Airport |
Nearest Railway Station: Chitradurga Railway Station |
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9. Doodhpathri
You might not have heard about the magnificent hill station in Jammu and Kashmir named Doodhpathri. It is another offbeat hill station in India that receives only the passers or avid adventure lovers. It is a peaceful place where you will feel calm in the hands of nature.
Location | Jammu, Jammu, And Kashmir |
How to reach | Nearest Airport: |
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Conclusion
When it comes to listing down the hill stations in India there are a lot of them. And with travellers being crazy about hills and mountains they have been exploring newer places. This is why when you create a list of hill stations or hill towns in India you get a lot of names in front of you.
But one thing that remains constant is that people who visit hill stations any time in the year love to be at that place. Apart from amusing weather throughout the year there are a lot of good things to do in hill stations. And every hill station has its USP or we can say something that it differs from others.
See Also: Hill stations in North India | Hill stations in South India
Hill stations in Sikkim | Hill stations in Uttarakhand
Hill station near Delhi | Hill station near Pathankot
Hill Stations near Belgaum | Hill Stations around Bangalore