Hill Stations In North India To Escape The Summer Heat

Known For : Hidimba Temple Solang Valley Manu Temple

Nestled in between the snow-capped slopes of the Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges, Manali is one of the most popular hill stations in North India. With jaw-dropping views, lush green forests, sprawling meadows carpeted with flowers, gushing blue streams, a perpetual fairy-tale like mist lingering in the air, and a persistent fragrance of pines and freshness -  Manali has been blessed with extraordinary scenic beauty. From museums to temples, from quaint little hippie villages to bustling upscale streets, river adventures to trekking trails, Manali has ever a reason to be the tourist magnet it is, all year round.

Best Time: October to June

51 Manali Attractions

Known For : Pangong Lake Khardung La Magnetic Hill

A land like no other with a superabundance of attractions to visit and fabulous landscapes, amazing people and culture, Ladakh is truly a heaven on Earth. Bounded by two of the world's mightiest mountain ranges, the Great Himalaya and the Karakoram, it lies athwart two other, the Ladakh range and the Zanskar range. Ladakh is mystical in all the spheres it covers, from nature, geography, sceneries to the modest cultures that it fosters making it a great hill station in North India to visit.

Best Time: April - Mid-July

70 Ladakh Attractions

Known For : Key Monastery Chandratal Lake Kunzum Pass

Long winding roads and picturesque valleys presenting glimpses of cold deserts and snow-crowned mountains, with intermittent greenery and picture-perfect villages welcome you when you set foot into Spiti Valley. Bordered on all sides by the Himalayas, Spiti Valley, located in Himachal Pradesh, has an altitude of 12,500 feet above sea level, and gets around 250 days of sunshine in the year, making this hill station in North India one of the coldest places in the country. With the thick Himalayan snow cutting Spiti off from the rest of the country for around 6 months a year, the summer months are the only time Spiti is directly accessible via motorway.

Best Time: Mid May to Mid Oct

37 Spiti Attractions

Known For : Mall Road, Shimla The Ridge Jakhu Temple

Probably the most popular hill station in North India, Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh famous for its Mall road, the Ridge, toy train etc. among honeymooners and families alike.

Best Time: October to June

63 Shimla Attractions

Known For : Dalai Lama Temple St. John in the Wilderness Church Dharamshala Cricket Stadium

Dharamsala is famed as the holy residence of the Dalai Lama and houses the Tibetan monk in exile. Dharamsala is located in Kangra district at a distance of 18km fro Kangra City. The city is distinctively separated as upper and lower divisions with different altitudes. The lower division is the Dharamsala town itself whereas the upper division is popularly known as Mcleodganj. Dharamsala is one of the offbeat hill stations in North India to visit.

Best Time: October to June

38 Dharamsala Attractions

Known For : Panchpula Khajjiar Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary

The tiny tinsel town Dalhousie tucked away in the lap of Himachal Pradesh is a piece of paradise for all the travellers. It boasts of old-world charm, mesmerising natural landscape, pine-clad valleys, flower-bedecked meadows, fast-flowing rivers, magnificent misty mountains and some of the most spectacular views in the world. The air at this hill station in North India smells of the Scottish and Victorian architecture and the ambience reminds you of the pristine British flavours.

Best Time: Throughout the year

28 Dalhousie Attractions

Known For : Mussoorie Mall Road Kempty Falls Camel's Back Road

If your idea of the perfect holiday involves tranquil hills, untouched nature and a holiday experience that is unadulterated in the truest sense of the term, Mussoorie is the place you should be heading to. Nestled amidst the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges, Mussoorie, also known as Queen of The Hills, stands at an altitude of 7000 feet above sea level, and has a cool, pleasant climate throughout the year. If you want to enjoy the beautiful sight of the rolling green slopes juxtaposed with the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, Mussoorie is the hill station in North India for you to visit.

Best Time: September to June

36 Mussoorie Attractions

Known For : Chamera Lake Manimahesh Lake Church of Scotland

Chamba is that one getaway you've always dreamed off. Minimal human alteration in the topography and environment and the balanced temperatures of the area make it the perfect destination all year round. The river Ravi cuts across town and adds to the scenery. This hill station in North India is present at the confluence if Ravi river with Chal river.

Best Time: October to June

18 Chamba Attractions

Known For : Chail Palace Hotel Chail Cricket Ground Chail wildlife sanctuary

Chail is a quiet hill station close to Shimla, known for the world's highest cricket ground and the heritage hotel, Chail Palace, in the midst of pine and deodar trees. Surrounded by lush greenery and mesmerizing views and known as a hiker's paradise, Chail is bound to give a tourist a memorable travelling experience. This hill station in North India is famous for having the world's highest cricket and polo grounds and has a luxurious resort situated on three hilltops.

Best Time: Throughout the year

11 Chail Attractions

Known For : Skiing in Kufri Horse Ride to the Mahasu Peak Mahasu Peak

Kufri in Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh is one of the most sought after holiday destinations, and more so for couples, because of its proximity to Shimla and relatively higher altitude which makes it a place with snow all through the winters.

Best Time: November to March

13 Kufri Attractions

Known For : Skiing in Narkanda Hatu Peak Hatu Mata Temple

Surrounded by forests and woodlands, Narkanda is a quaint little hill station in North India in Shimla district which is popular for skiing in winters. Situated at a height of 9000 feet, this town attracts tourists for its ethereal natural beauty and its beautiful apple orchards. Surrounded by tropical forests, this hill station is one place that tourists should not miss. Narkanda also has a lake called the Tannu Jabar Lake which is one of the most important tourist attraction here.

Best Time: Throughout the year

11 Narkanda Attractions

Known For : Monkey Point Toy Train Ride Timber Trail

Located on the way from Chandigarh to Shimla, Kasauli is a hilly cantonment town which makes for an ideal peaceful holiday location, away from the rush.

Best Time: March - June; September - November

12 Kasauli Attractions

Known For : Dal Lake Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden Shankaracharya Temple

Famously known as ‘Heaven on Earth’, Srinagar is every bit the epitome of paradise on earth. As picturesque as the most stunning painting to ever be painted, Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, lies on the banks of the Jhelum river. Surrounded in a cool and pleasant climate throughout the year, this hill station in North India contributes to the perpetual influx of tourists visiting this city which offers a plethora of gorgeous scenic vistas.

Best Time: April to October

56 Srinagar Attractions

Known For : Zero Point Jageshwar Kasar Devi

Cradled in the wilderness of Himalayan ranges, the sprawling town of Almora shaped like a horse-shoe is a hill station that boasts of a pre-British heritage and an idyllic vibe. Famous for its rich cultural heritage, unique handicrafts, sumptuous cuisine and magnificent wildlife, coupled with easy accessibility, this hill station in North India promises its tourists a visit full of fun and unforgettable moments.

Best Time: Throughout the year

16 Almora Attractions

Known For : Gulmarg Gondola Kongdori Phase 1 Apharwat Peak

Situated at an altitude of 2730 m above sea level, Gulmarg is surrounded by snow-covered mountains, lush green meadows, deep ravines, evergreen forested hills and valleys. Known for its scenic beauty, Gulmarg has also been a popular destination for shooting of various Bollywood films. Among one of the top hill stations in North India, Gulmarg boasts of being a beautiful town without the crowd like Manali and Shimla.

Best Time: October to June

30 Gulmarg Attractions

Known For : Aru Valley Chandanwari Baisaran

With untouched and gorgeous natural beauty, Pahalgam is a feast to the eyes and senses. Submerged in lush greenery and alluring Himalayan ranges, it calls for some moments of quiescence at nature's own home. You will be wonderstruck by the sumptuousness of Pahalgam the moment you arrive at this pristine land. Little houses, green fields and farms of saffron, the valleys are green and very beautiful. You can go on fishing trips or trek on one of the plenty mountains that cover this place.

Best Time: Throughout the year

19 Pahalgam Attractions

Known For : Paragliding in Bir Billing Chokling Monastery Gunehar Waterfall

Bir is a small town located in the state of Himachal Pradesh in northern India. Bir Billing is a popular destination for adventures sports such as paragliding, treks and also as the town for meditation.

Best Time: March - May; September - November

29 Bir Attractions

Known For : Nathatop Skiing in Patnitop Naag Mandir

With endless meadows and panoramic views of the snow capped peaks of the Himalayas, Patnitop is a perfect place to experience nature at its picturesque best and widest.

Best Time: Throughout the year

13 Patnitop Attractions

Known For : Naini Lake Snow View Point Mall Road Nainital

One of the most beautiful hill station in North India, Nainital, which is nestled amidst the Kumaon Hills, is a quaint hill station built around a uniquely shaped lake known as the 'Naini Lake' (thus contributing to its name Nainital). Also famously known as 'City of Lakes,' Nainital abounds in natural beauty, with its snow-capped hills and tranquil lakes lending it a nostalgic charm of its own. Situated at an altitude of 1938 km above sea level, Nainital has a pleasant climate all year round, and can rightfully be called a picturesque paradise for all travel lovers.

Best Time: Throughout the year

33 Nainital Attractions

Known For : Bhimtal Lake Aquarium Island Cafe Hanuman Garhi

Rested at a height of 1370m above the sea level, Bhimtal is spotted with temples lying amid the verdant mountains and a pristine blue lake. The ancient town of Bhimtal is a place to lie down under the shade of nature, close your eyes and experience serenity.

Best Time: March to June, September to December

11 Bhimtal Attractions

Known For : Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary Bineshwar Temple Zero Point

A small town set in the midst of lush green forests covered with oak, pine, deodar trees, Binsar has plenty of tourist attractions including green meadows, temples and the Binsar wildlife sanctuary. The Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary at an altitude of 900 meters to 2500 meters makes Binsar town a popular tourist destination. Located just 33 km north of Almora, this hill station in North India is also famous as a pilgrimage spot.

Best Time: Throughout the year

4 Binsar Attractions

Known For : Skiing in Auli Trishul Peak Auli Ropeway

Dotted with the apple orchards, old oaks and pine trees there is no dearth of natural beauty in this hill station in North India. Apart from skiing you can also go for numerous treks in the hills of Garhwal Himalayas and enjoy the spellbinding views of the snow-draped mountains. Auli is a popular hill resort in the Himalayan range dating back to 8th Century AD.

Best Time: Throughout the year

12 Auli Attractions

Known For : Bhulla Lake Tip N Top Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple

Perched amidst the Garhwal Hills of Uttarakhand, Lansdowne is a quaint little hill town that not many tourists know of. Off the beaten tourist trail, Lansdowne is an untouched, pristine town, miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Situated at 5670 feet above sea level, Lansdowne is more famously known for being home to the Garhwal Rifle regiment of the Indian Army. This hill station is neither commercialised nor heavily urbanised, making this hill station in North India the perfect getaway for anyone looking to take a break amidst peace and solitude.

Best Time: Throughout the year

14 Lansdowne Attractions

Known For : Rudradhari Falls and Caves Gwaldam Trek to Pinnath

Embellished with all the right ingredients including lush green valley, verdant pine tree forests, meandering creeks, tranquility and majestic Himalayan peaks, Kausani is one of the most spellbinding hill stations in Uttarakhand.

Best Time: April to June, September to December

11 Kausani Attractions

Known For : Dhanaulti Adventure Park Eco Park, Dhanaulti Apple Orchard Resort

With minimal human intrusion, without overloading or overwhelming your senses or expectations, Dhanaulti slowly seeps into your conscience like a long lost pleasant dream, bringing with it comfort and quiet, and giving you the much needed break from your humdrum routine life.

Best Time: September to June

10 Dhanaulti Attractions

Known For : Chaubatia Orchards Majhkhali Golf Course

Ranikhet meaning Queen's farm, is a hill station in North India developed by the Britishers around ancient temples, undulating Himalayan hills and forests. Ranikhet with its cool climate and simple natural beauty can freshen up your senses to the very core. It is also popular as the Headquarters of the Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army and has the Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum.

Best Time: Throughout the year

22 Ranikhet Attractions