Everybody needs a break once in a while, to not only relax but to also reconnect with themselves. Moreover, the feeling of rejuvenation after a short break is blissful! The best escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life is a nice trip into the woods or the mountains of an enchanting hill station. India is a land where you will find the most picturesque destinations in almost every part of the country. Consequently, the list of scenic Indian hill stations can be endless, which is why we bring you to the top 10 captivating hill stations that you can visit for the coming winter vacations.  

Hill Station With Bewitching Lakes – Nainital, Uttarakhand

Nainital is a small town located in the Kumaon range of Uttarakhand. It is a well-known hill station which is also famous for its countless lakes. This place has something to offer everyone – be it a family trip, your honeymoon, a trip with friends or a solo getaway, you ought to enjoy the scenic beauty of Nainital. Some of the fun activities that await you here include rock climbing, kayaking, parasailing and paragliding. Moreover, while you are here, you can visit some iconic spots such as Naini Lake, Snow View, Naini Park and Tiffin Top.   

The Valley Of Gods – Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Manali is among the most famous hill stations in India. With snow-clad mountains, lush green forests and pure air, this hill station gives you the most mesmerizing views from every nook and corner. In addition to its enchanting views, there is a lot that you can do in Manali like trekking, campaign, rock-climbing, hiking, skiing and more. You can also visit several Tibetan monasteries for relaxation. Don’t forget to make a pit stop at Rohtang Pass, and Solang Valley before leaving Manali. 

The King Of Hill Stations In India – Mussoorie, Uttarakhand 

Nature’s masterpiece in the north, Mussoorie offers stellar views of the Himalayas and the Doon valley. Located at a distance of 34 kilometres from Dehradun, this holiday destination is a major tourist attraction with countless fun activities to do such as cable car ride, walk along Mall Road or simply capture the beauty of the highest point, Lal Tibba, in your memories.    

The Queen Of Hill Stations – Darjeeling, West Bengal 

Darjeeling is world-renowned for its tea but it has way more to offer than just that. This mesmerizing holiday destination located in West Bengal offers a soothing environment for you to relax, and a magnificent view of Kanchenjunga from Nepal. You can also witness some breathing waterfalls in Darjeeling. In addition to all this, some other famous features of this hill station include toy train rides, and attractions such as Observatory Hill, Ghoom Monastery, and Senchal Lake.

Hills In The Abode Of Clouds – Shillong, Meghalaya

Shillong is regarded as the Scotland of the East for all the right reasons. This hill station offers captivating landscapes all through the year, but the best time to visit this place is during the monsoons and winters. You will witness the most alluring waterfalls in Shillong where you can embrace serenity. If you are up for some sports, you can opt for skiing and kayaking. You can also hike up the top of Shillong peak or simply sit by Elephant falls or take a boat ride at Umiam lake. 

Redefining Bliss – Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh 

Home to India’s largest Tibetan monastery and the birthplace of the Sixth Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso – Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh is a refreshing travel destination with amazing mountain views and fresh air that brings you peace with each blow. The majestic mountains call for some memorable trekking and hiking opportunities. Additionally, one of the must-dos at Tawang is visiting the 400-year-old Tawang Gompa to turn the prayer wheels.

Home To Cold Desert Mountains – Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Spiti valley is among the offbeat Indian hill stations that houses scenic cold desert mountains. This travel destination in Himachal Pradesh is known for rough terrains and barren hills that separate Tibet and India. Consequently, Spiti is ideal for adventures such as trekking, hiking, camping, and rappelling.

Land Of Mystic Rivers – Kasol, Himachal Pradesh

Kasol is situated in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh, a refreshing hill station that’s spotted on the way to Manikaran, a pilgrimage spot. It gives you an enchanting view of contrasting hues from lush green mountain forests in the foreground and white, snow-clad mountains in the back with river streams flowing through. Furthermore, you will enjoy river rafting, trekking, hiking and camping here in Kasol.

The Magic In The South – Ponmudi, Kerala 

Another offbeat hill station of India, Ponmundi is situated in the Trivandrum district of Kerala. This tourist destination has smooth roads surrounded by woods and green mountains. Moreover, in the winters, you will witness the bliss of nature as the misty and foggy roads on the mountains are surrounded by clouds that make for the most picturesque ride. Ponmudi also offers fun activities such as jungle safari, hiking, trekking and boating.  

Maharashtra Beyond Mumbai – Jawhar, Maharashtra 

Perhaps the most popular place of Maharashtra would be its capital, but the state has more to offer than that. Don’t worry, we will not talk about hill stations like Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar or Matheran. However, we found an offbeat and mesmerizing spot in the district of Thane – Jawhar. It is surrounded by lush green hills and gushing waterfalls with a stark landscape and minimal crowd. So you can visit this spot for tranquillity and rejuvenation. Moreover, it is a welcome change from the cemented forest of a city.

In India, you will never fall short of places for adventure and bliss. All you need to do is step back from the daily stir and plan a trip to spend time with yourself. However, deciding where to go off on a break can be a task! In conclusion, this list of Indian hill stations could be your starter. So, end the wait and plan your dreamy trip today.

While you’re at it, also check out : 7 ECO-SENSITIVE RESORTS IN INDIA

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